The manufacturer of solar modules for vehicle integration Opes Solar Mobility will open a new factory in Zwenkau, Saxony, from the end of 2024. The company will produce solar modules for trucks, motorhomes and buses in the 12,000 square metre factory. The solar modules, which were developed in collaboration with various research institutes, will be installed over a large area and thus ensure lower costs and longer ranges for electric vehicles. With the production capacity to be achieved in Zwenkau, Opes Solar Mobility will be able to equip hundreds of thousands of vehicles every year.
Conveniently located
The management of Opes Solar Mobility had been looking for a suitable location for some time. In the end, the choice fell on Zwenkau. This is because the site on which the factory is being built is conveniently located and close to Opes' European customers. "Vehicle manufacturers today also select their suppliers based on the security of the supply chain," says Robert Händel, Managing Director of Opes Solar Mobility, explaining the choice of location.
See also: Opes Solar Mobility to manufacture solar modules for vehicle integration in Germany
"Production outside the EU would entail significantly more risks. We are also pleased to be making a contribution to the reconstruction of the photovoltaic industry in Germany," emphasises Händel, also in view of the fact that Opes has been operating a module factory in China since 2015.
Proximity to research
The new factory can also be set up immediately. Production starts as soon as the building is handed over. Händel cites another reason that spoke in favour of Zwenkau: "Solar modules for vehicles are particularly light and robust special developments that we are constantly researching and developing to optimise. The proximity to the Fraunhofer CSP in Halle and the University of Leipzig is worth its weight in gold," he says.
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120 new staff wanted
The new production facility will create 120 jobs over the next two years. However, these will not only be created in production. Engineers, logistics and software experts, production managers and purchasers are also needed. "Anyone who is interested in technology and wants to work in an industry of the future is cordially invited to apply. Zwenkau is also very easy to reach from Halle and Leipzig," Robert Händel advertises. (su/mfo)
