Dresden, 16 April 2024 – Sunmaxx PVT, a leading developer and manufacturer of photovoltaic-thermal solar modules (PVT), has officially opened the world’s largest production site for PVT modules, located near Dresden. The production facility currently has a capacity of 50 MW, or 120,000 PVT modules per year. Michael Kellner, Parliamentary Secretary of State in the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), and Martin Dulig, Minister in Saxony’s State Ministry for Economics, Labor, and Transportation, officiated the opening ceremony. The module production, which started in December of last year, is intended to provide joint incentives for local value creation in pursuit of a green future and strategic and technological sovereignty.
With their PVT modules, the Dresden cleantech firm aims to completely decarbonize the electricity and heat supply of buildings, districts, and industrial sites. Sunmaxx PVT is the only manufacturer in the world combining thermal management technology from the MAHLE group’s automotive division with state-of-the-art solar technology. On the basis of this combination, it was possible to develop PVT modules with the highest level of efficiency and performance. With a certified total efficiency of 80%, this technology represents the next generation of high-efficiency solar modules. Its unique operation differentiates the Sunmaxx module from classic solar-thermal technologies.
“It’s good news that new and innovative solar production, which combines heat and electricity generation together, is emerging in Germany. Our goal is to build up a strong and innovative cleantech industry, ideally along the entire value chain. We do not need to be completely self-sufficient, but we need stable industrial production. Companies like Sunmaxx PVT are innovative forerunners, helping to close the gap in the area of green technology,” said Michael Kellner, Parliamentary Secretary of State in the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).
Martin Dulig, Minister in Saxony’s State Ministry for Economics, Labor, and Transportation, had a very positive view of the opening: “The PVT modules from Sunmaxx represent hope for the success of the energy transition. They create prospects of success for Saxony’s economy. Only with innovation can we establish a competitive industry in Germany.”
“Our lead in technological development over the international competition is still several years. We need a functioning European ecosystem to maintain this lead and to be able to offer a 100% European product. Europe’s chance lies in innovation and the rapid scaling of next-generation technologies. The focus should therefore be on the development and support of technologies that can demonstrate an innovative edge and ensure regional value creation,” said Dr. Wilhelm Stein, CEO of Sunmaxx.
The high demand for Sunmaxx’s PVT modules is also reflected in the continous expansion and growth of the specialist partner network. The modules are already available throughout Germany. In total, the company plans a production capacity of up to 3 gigawatts. Sunmaxx investors include MAHLE New Ventures as well as TGFS- Technologiegründerfonds Sachsen.