Apr 3 2008
MALIBU, a joint venture of Schuco International KG and German energy giant E.ON, is building a $135 million production facility for manufacturing large-scale photovoltaic modules based on state-of-the-art thin film technology. This project promises to be highly significant for the future of environmentally friendly solar power. The foundation stone laying ceremony took place in Magdeburg, Germany, on February 7, 2008.
Starting in fall 2008, the plant is to begin producing photovoltaic modules measuring 5.7 square meters (over 61 square feet), in formats of up to 2.20 x 2.60 square meters, with an output of up to 460 watts. The annual output of these systems amounts to 40 megawatts. The centerpiece of the plant is a machine made by the US company Applied Materials, the world's leading manufacturer of products based on this technology.
Thanks to the size of these modules - the largest ever built - photovoltaic technology now becomes a particularly attractive alternative for the metal and glass facades of large corporate and government office buildings. Generated without negative impact on the environment, electricity produced in this way for cooling, ventilation, shade, and heating is also extremely economical. Furthermore, the new modules can be perfectly integrated into the glass elements of the facade, thus opening up entirely new possibilities for architects.