Within 6 months of announcing its plans to expand its manufacturing footprint to Europe, Chinese solar PV manufacturer DAS Solar has launched the construction of a 3 GW solar module production facility in France. 

The 3 GW fab, the company’s maiden overseas manufacturing facility, is coming up in Mandeure, located in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. It will comprise 3 lines with 1 GW capacity each for €109 million (see China’s DAS Solar To Build 3 GW Solar Module Factory In France).

DAS Solar says it chose this location for its convenient transportation access and strong local infrastructure.

“The factory will harness regional advantages to build a localized, intelligent manufacturing system capable of serving the diverse needs of the European market,” stated DAS Solar.

It is renovating an existing industrial facility for the factory that will be equipped with fully automated production lines and advanced digital management systems. The plant will use solar power from rooftop solar panels for on-site energy generation.   

At the construction launch ceremony, DAS Solar also announced a partnership with French automotive group Nedey to explore new opportunities in renewable energy deployment, and equip the latter’s facilities with high-efficiency PV systems from the company.  

“By integrating solar energy into automotive operations, the partnership not only contributes to lower carbon emissions but also sets a new benchmark for corporate responsibility and ecological transition in France,” stated the manufacturer. 

DAS Solar is an established name in the n-type TOPCon technology space. The company recently reported achieving over 27% n-type TOPCon cell efficiency under its proprietary TOPCon 5.0 technology. It has also started pilot deployment for its 4-terminal tandem module with 25.4% efficiency, developed in partnership with China Three Gorges Group (see DAS Solar Unveils TOPCon 5.0 Technology With 27% Cell Efficiency). 

The Chinese manufacturer says it has plans to establish a comprehensive ‘Made in France’ solar supply chain, expanding its local presence with additional facilities for ingot and wafer production. It also plans to localize production of key solar materials and components, including EVA/POE, cables, junction boxes, aluminum frames, and silver paste in partnership. 

As the US political scenario shuts the country from Chinese solar PV manufacturers and India adopts protectionist measures for its domestic industry – both leading global solar markets – Europe is an attractive destination for the Chinese companies with its rising demand for electricity. DAS says it picked France, Europe’s third-largest PV market, for its first overseas factory, thanks to the country’s supportive policy environment and robust industrial foundation. 

According to DAS Solar, its French factory has received strong backing from French authorities at all levels, calling it a ‘symbol’ and a ‘model of synergy between Chinese innovation and European manufacturing.’ 

DAS Solar is one among the several GW-scale PV production plans that the French government is encouraging, including a 5 GW TOPCon solar cell and module factory by Holosolis and CARBON’s 3.5 GW annual solar module and 5 GW cell capacity plans.