On November 18, 2024, DAS Solar acquired the production site from the French government for €1.4 million. Previously abandoned since 2020 by automotive company Faurecia, the site underwent asbestos removal starting December 16, 2024. The main building, which will house the photovoltaic module assembly lines, has been prepared. Barbier stated: “We are therefore meeting our deadlines for the three planned 1 GW lines. We plan to commission the first two by the end of 2025 and the third by 2026.”
The facility will produce modules using n-type tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) technology, already implemented in DAS Solar’s Asian plants. These modules are designed for floating, rooftop, and carport solar applications. The company will import solar cells from its facilities in China for assembly in Mandeure.
DAS Solar also plans to construct a 5-gigawatt cell manufacturing plant adjacent to the module assembly facility, utilizing the same TOPCon technology. This expansion, estimated at €650 million, is expected to create 2,500 jobs. The company intends to apply for a building permit in May 2025, start construction in October 2025, and begin operations in 2026.
On April 11, DAS Solar announced two agreements in France: one with Suez for recycling end-of-life solar panels and another with the Île-de-France Photovoltaic Institute to advance technological development. The company aims to establish a regional hub for the solar industry, collaborating with Chinese and European subcontractors for other panel components.
With 14 factories worldwide and a combined panel and cell capacity of 55 gigawatts, DAS Solar exports to 73 countries, generating $3.71 billion in revenue in 2023. The Mandeure project reflects its commitment to expanding its global presence while contributing to sustainable energy solutions in Europe.
