The first flexible solar module plant in Russia has been launched in Mordovia
On April 15, as part of the extended meeting of the Presidium of the State Council "On the development of infrastructure for life", which was chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the production of flexible solar modules was launched in Mordovia. The Head of Mordovia Artyom Zdunov took part in the meeting via videoconference.
The project is being implemented by RUSNANO jointly with the regional Government. Currently, the plant already produces flexible modules from crystalline cells, the new robotic enterprise will produce photovoltaic panels using advanced technology of vacuum deposition of Copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS).
Presenting the project to the head of state, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Marat Khusnullin noted that such advanced thin-film technology allows installing modules on the surfaces of buildings with minimal load-bearing capacity without violating the integrity of roofs and the architectural appearance of buildings.
The launch of production will allow realizing the serious potential of solar energy in housing and utilities and many other sectors - industry, agriculture, transport, construction and tourism. Flexible solar modules under the brand name "SteelSun", produced using a unique vacuum deposition technology, are several times lighter and thinner than traditional ones using glass.
"The capacity of the first plant is 10 MW per year - this is 100,000 square meters of panels and about 1000 roofs and facades of apartment buildings and individual houses annually. The supply chains of materials and components for the operation and further development of production have been established and are being mastered in the Russian Federation. The production of compact solar panels is an affordable solution for microgeneration, especially for energy-deficient regions, housing and utilities, network infrastructure and the end consumer. It reduces the burden on tariffs, stimulates local investment, - noted Sergey Kulikov. - I thank the team of the Head of Mordovia for cooperation - this is already the third facility on the Mordovian land. Congratulations to our highly qualified specialists on the launch!"
The President of the country asked the CEO of the enterprise Dmitry Krakhin about the advantages of the technology. "Flexible solar modules allow generating electricity at the point of its direct consumption," he emphasized.
"I am sure that colleagues in many regions will hear about the project that is being implemented in Mordovia and will pay attention to it. I wish you success!" said Vladimir Putin.
The Head of Mordovia Artyom Zdunov and the Chairman of the Board of Management Company RUSNANO Sergey Kulikov inspected the production site. It was noted that in the housing and utilities sector, the installation of solar generation will ensure a stable energy supply and reduce electricity costs. It is important that most of these systems have no analogues in Russia and the CIS. Moreover, domestic modules surpass many imported models in performance characteristics. The total investment in the project exceeded 620 million rubles. When the project is fully loaded, 40 new jobs will be created.
"Mordovia successfully cooperates with RUSNANO in developing and promoting many technological projects for import substitution and strengthening the country's technological sovereignity," the head of the republic emphasized. "New innovative production is a relevant, growing segment that will help strengthen Russia's position in this area. We work together with the company, relying on the developments of Mordovian scientists and the base for training highly qualified personnel."
Source: Press Service of the Head of the Republic of Mordovia