The plant, which is expected to enter into operation in 2009, will be one of the world's largest, just behind Acciona's Moura plant, at an impressive 62 MW and currently under development. However, this new plant will be the world's largest using thin film technology.

The facility will be located in Waldpolenz, Brandis, and will feature 555,000 modules. According to First Solar, the plant will require an area in excess of 1 m square meters (greater than 200 soccer pitches!) that was a military base years ago, and an investment of 130 m euros, which is fairly low for a facility of such a huge size.

Mr Michael Ahearn, First Solar's CEO, has recently said that such low costs for modules and solar systems can be achieved through collaborations with leader promoters of big facilities. Likewise, Mr Matthias Willenbacher, CEO of the Juwi group said that no plant in the world can compete today with the cost efficiency of this project, with an estimated cost of 3,250 euros per kW installed, it seems around 20-40% lower than average costs in Germany.

The plant will be financed by closed funds, typical of renewable energy projects in Germany. The fund will be handled by the Sacasen Group. Invertors will be offered shares by the end of this year.

For additional information:
www.juwi.de
www.firstsolar.com