Meyer Burger Technology AG is building a production site for high-performance solar modules in the USA This investment is in line with Meyer Burger's commitment to produce modules close to the end customer, purchase material from regional suppliers and overall sustainability by reducing transport emissions and optimizing CO2 -Balance of the company's solar modules. This approach also reduces delays in the supply chain and offers Meyer Burger customers flexibility and resilience.
The company is currently in talks with several US states to determine the final location. A decision is expected by the end of 2021. The initial production capacity will be 400 MW with potential for further expansion to several GW capacity. It will include capabilities to manufacture solar panels for residential, commercial / industrial rooftop, and utility scale applications. Production is scheduled to go live by the end of 2022, and at full capacity, the new facility is expected to employ hundreds of skilled manufacturing workers.
"Meyer Burger is very pleased to expand our production presence to the USA," says CEO Gunter Erfurt. “The United States has a rich history in the solar industry. The world's first photovoltaic production plant was built in California in the 1970s – well ahead of Europe and Asia. Now is the time to get back to the roots of the industry and end reliance on offshore imports. Our proprietary heterojunction cell technology and the patented SmartWire module technology enable us to manufacture products of the highest quality and performance for economically competitive solar energy for our customers. "
Meyer Burger is considering shortlisting several US states to invest in the company. The most important criteria for the selection of a location include existing facilities, regulatory and tax framework conditions, state and local economic development programs, available specialist capacities, proximity to transport infrastructure, renewable energy supply and local commitment to the community.
"With this strategic expansion, Meyer Burger will produce the world's leading solar modules right here in the US and provide access to the clean energy consumers crave," added Ardes Johnson, President of Meyer Burger Americas. “We are encouraged by bipartisan support for domestic solar infrastructure manufacturing to ensure true energy independence and control over our future. It is vital for the US to develop its domestic supply chain and break free of its heavy reliance on Asia. We are excited to contribute to this important goal and are ready to meet the rapidly increasing demand for clean energy. "