China Sunergy sets up new solar PV factory in Istanbul

China Sunergy Company Ltd. (Nanjing, China) has established a new solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing facility in Istanbul, Turkey with Seul Energy Investment Corp (Istanbul, Turkey).

The factory's first 150 MW line will begin producing PV modules in January 2013, while another 100 MW PV cell line is currently being installed and is expected to start production in March 2013.

"We are delighted to see our facilities in Turkey established and ready for production," China Sunergy CEO Stephen Cai.

"Solar projects in Turkey enjoy higher feed-in tariffs when adopting locally manufactured cells and modules. Therefore, we believe our cooperation with the strong local partner SEUL Energy will help us capture substantial market share in the region."


Factory to add another 200 MW of manufacturing capacity

The facility will supply modules for the European and US markets. China Sunergy also plans to move 200 MW of equipment to Turkey from Shanghai in the first quarter of 2013, and then gradually ramp up production.

The ompany also noted that while investment negotiations with Akfel Group (Istanbul, Turkey) towards establishing PV manufacturing in Turkey have been suspended, the two companies are still exploring regional downstream project opportunities.