D¨¹sseldorf-based Systaic AG, which specialises in integrated solar solutions, is purchasing the business operations of Solarwatt Cells GmbH, Heilbronn. The company has a production capacity of 25 megawatts and employs a workforce of 54.
Systaic will thereby profit from more than 50 years of experience in the manufacture of high-tech solar cells and exceptional know-how for highly efficient mono- and multicrystalline cells. Solarwatt Cells is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Solarwatt AG in Dresden.
With this acquisition Systaic is securing itself a substantial cost-reduction potential in the Automotive and Energy Roof Systems sectors, together with reliability of supply and delivery of high-quality German-made solar cells.
According to the calculations of systaic AG the purchase price ¨C in the medium single-digit range of € million ¨C for cell production will be amortised within little over a year.
It was clearly demonstrated by the International Automobile Exhibition IAA in Frankfurt 2009: The automotive market is currently experiencing a paradigm shift to alternative, emission-free drive technologies accompanied by a strong increase in electricity requirements. The company is convinced that photovoltaic sliding roofs and complete solar roof solutions will soon become standard equipment. They are also well-suited to retrofitting. To satisfy the resulting high demand it will be crucial to secure supplies.
¡°In its solar system products systaic AG is not focusing on standard modules and cells. It is a developer and manufacturer of specialised integration solutions for photovoltaic products in buildings and vehicles,¡± explains Michael Pack, CEO of systaic AG. ¡°For these applications we need solar cells with very special qualities and the highest level of efficiency. Photovoltaic cells with these specifications are not yet available on the market at a reasonable price. Solarwatt cells is one of the few manufacturers worldwide to offer just the cell characteristics we need in suitable formats.¡±
¡°Furthermore, the acquisition of the plant will enable Systaic to cut its own annual production costs by several million euros. We will thus be making a major contribution to our profit situation. With a view to the market environment, in-house production of these highly specific products for dynamic growth markets is a wise step for systaic AG from a technological and economic perspective,¡± says Michael Pack in conclusion.