“We expect the area of solar consumer electronics and off-grid applications to develop at a fast pace. Thanks to our new logistics and sorting centre in Hong Kong and the office in China, we are closer to the market and our customers,” Händel said.
“In the medium-term, we will sell both grid-connected solar modules and turn-key solar projects in Asia, because we can contribute our extensive know-how from Europe to these areas,” he added.
Innotech Solar’s current success in Asia is based on its unique business model.
The company has set itself the goal of optimising all types of solar cells from industrial production. In China, Innotech Solar is not only purchasing large quantities of non-prime solar cells to be optimised at its European production sites in Narvik, Halle and Glava, but is also processing and selling customized cells, which are not suitable for grid-connected solar modules because of their properties.
These cells are then either processed at the European sites with a laser procedure and then used in modules for off-grid solar power supply, or they are sold to customers in Asia to be used in solar consumer applications. These include small applications such as cell phone chargers, solar toys, solar street lights and garden lights.
“If all manufactured solar cells were actually put into use, the entire manufacturing process would not only become more economical but also more environmentally sound,” Händel said. “This is what Innotech Solar is working towards by analysing, repairing and sorting a large number of rejected solar cells. Subsequently, they can be used in the applications for which they are best suited.”
