Midsummer Moves Ahead With 200 MW Factory For Thin Film Cells In Sweden

The municipality of Flen in central Sweden has been chosen by Swedish manufacturer of thin-film solar cells Midsummer as the location for its new 200 MW mega factory for the production of thin film solar cells for the European market.

The factory, which is partially funded by the EU Innovation Fund, will have a maximum annual production capacity of 200 MW of CIGS (Copper Indium Gallic Selenide Solar cell)  thin film solar cells – thin, light, flexible and with an extremely low climate footprint. It is expected to commence production in 2026 and, when fully operational, will employ around 200 people.

“We feel that we have received and will receive strong support from the Flen municipality for our investment. Flen is also geographically well located for the transport of input materials and finished products across Sweden and all of Europe,” said Eric Jaremalm, CEO, Midsummer.

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A flexible thin film panel

Midsummer will take over the premises in September this year, given that the EU approves the start of the project called DAWN with the location of the factory in these premises. Midsummer then begins to adapt the premises and install machinery for an expected start of production in 2026. It is expected to reach maximum production capacity in 2028.

Midsummer will focus on light and environmentally sustainable solar panels for primarily low load-bearing commercial and industrial roofs that cannot withstand the weight of traditional silicon panels.

The premises in central Flen have hosted industrial activity since the 1860s. Bolinder-Munktell manufactured combine harvesters there before it became Volvo’s global center for the repair of heavy engines. The property is owned by the municipality of Flen. The premises are well adapted for Midsummer’s operations and the location in the municipality of Flen with the region’s industrial history offers good conditions for the recruitment of staff.

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European manufacturers have been facing the heat from Chinese imports, with many estimates putting existing solar inventory levels in the continent at almost 15 months. However, thin film solar cells, with their lower carbon footprint, thanks to avoiding use of silicon, and use of CIGS, offer a way to compete for specific applications.