Germany-based PV module manufacturer Heckert Solar said was expanding production capacity to around 300MW to improve cost competitiveness.

Heckert Solar said the capacity expansion was expected to be complete by the end of the first quarter 2016, providing around 60MW of new capacity. Details on capital expenditure requirements were not disclosed.

However, the company noted that the with the capacity expansion it was also migrating module production from 4 to 5 busbar technology, providing an increase in module efficiencies, as part of its strategy to remain competitive and response to the possible expiration of the minimum import pricing (MIP) of Chinese produced modules.

Michael Bönisch, sales manager of Heckert Solar GmbH said, "We have fewer concerns about the unfair competition from some Chinese manufacturers, as compared to the legal and political uncertainties. Should the latter be dispelled, we are ready to quickly invest in the further expansion of our production capacity. "

Recently, German-based PV module assembler, aleo solar said it was adding 200MW of solar cell production to its previously dedicated module manufacturing facility via its parent (Sino-American Silicon) subsidiary Sunrise Global Solar.