Solon Acquires Stake in Silicon Producer

Berlin-based Solon AG (SOO1.DE), one of Europe’s biggest manufacturers of solar modules and photovoltaic systems for the construction of large-scale solar power plants, has acquired a 19.5% stake in the Italian start-up company Estelux s.r.l. for approximately EUR 360 million.  

Estelux intends to produce solar-grade silicon using the Siemens process at a site in the north Italian town of Ferrara. Production is scheduled to begin at the end of 2010 with an annual production capacity of 4,000 tons

Solon’s investment will broaden the company’s supply of raw material and secure the company’s long-term access to additional volumes of solar silicon and solar cells.