AU Optronics Corp (AUO, 友達光電), the nation’s second-biggest LCD panel maker, yesterday said it had completed a 2-megawatt ground-mounted solar panel project in Viglas, Slovakia, using its latest environmentally friendly solar modules.
The project is the latest example of AU Optronics’ aggressive diversification into the solar business by targeting the world’s biggest green energy market, Europe. AU Optronics aims to make solar business its main future growth driver after LCD panels.
The company said it expected to expand into more markets — including the Middle East and Asia — after completing more than 20 projects in different countries, including its biggest one in Germany.
“With a solar module plant in the Czech Republic, AU Optronics is able to provide made-in-Europe products, on-time delivery and stable products to European customers. We look forward to working with our European partners to offer clients high-value and reliable service,” James Chen (陳建斌), vice president of AU Optronics’ Solar Business Group, said in a statement.
The company started operating the Czech solar module plant in October 2008.
AU Optronics has ventured into ground-mounted PV system and rooftop solar system projects in Germany, Italy, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and the UK by working closely with its partners, the Hsinchu-based company said in a statement.
It has built a good presence in the solar industry food chain with its ownership of a polysilicon supplier in Japan called -M.Setek and strategic partnership with SunPower, a solar cell make and solar panel installation service provider.
AU Optronics added that it would showcase its new solar module — the first one to have passed a carbon footprint verification by the SGS Solar Test House — during the solar trade show, Intersolar Europe, in Munich from today through Friday.
With an eye on the high-end market segment, AU Optronics is developing a new solar module, which would have the ability to boost system performance by up to 25 percent compared with conventional systems, the statement said.
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