Total declared the construction of a photovoltaic panel production and assembly unit at Composite Park in France's north-eastern region of Moselle.

With a surface area of 2,800 square metres, the plant will house two production lines for a total capacity of 50 megawatt peak (MWp)* representing about 220,000 photovoltaic panels per year.

Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2011 and the first line (25 MWp) is expected to come on stream towards the end of the year.

In the long run, the new unit will create around 80 jobs in the region.

'This project adheres to Total's strategy of positioning itself within the entire photovoltaic solar chain. The production unit, situated near our French, German and Northern European customers, allows us to strengthen our market capabilities', stated Philippe Boisseau, President of Total Gas & Power. 'By launching this project, initially announced in 2009, Total also reaffirms its commitment to supporting socio-economic development in Moselle.'

Tags: Total