Chinese company Astronergy has announced a $700 million investment to establish a solar cell manufacturing facility in Balikesir, western Turkey. The factory, which is expected to have an annual production capacity of 5 gigawatts (GW) by 2028, will utilize advanced TOPCon 4.0 technology to produce high-efficiency solar cells.
Construction of the facility is set to begin by the end of this year, with plans to develop the site in two phases. In the initial phase, the factory will focus on producing 3 GW of wafers and cells, which will increase to 5 GW in the subsequent phase. Ercument Kaya, chairman of Astronergy, confirmed that land acquisitions in the Balıkesir Organized Industrial Zone have been completed, facilitating the project’s timeline.
Astronergy, a subsidiary of China’s Chint Group, already operates a 1 GW solar panel facility in Adana, Turkey. The new Balikesir facility aims to manufacture solar panel cells locally, with approximately 80% of its output earmarked for export to significant markets including the United States and Southern Europe.
Kaya noted that the investment aligns with Turkey’s HIT-30 high-tech investment initiative, reflecting a strategic shift in manufacturing practices post-COVID-19. He explained that the pandemic highlighted the risks associated with centralized production, prompting companies to diversify their manufacturing locations.
Astronergy is also adapting its production strategy to remain competitive. The company’s chairman remarked on the rapid evolution of solar technology, stating, „When we began producing solar panels, PERC technology was dominant. Now, TOPCon is the standard. By the time we reach Phase 2, we may adopt even newer technologies based on industry trends.” This adaptability will be supported by a hybrid investment model.
As one of the world’s largest solar energy investors, with over 12 GW of global capacity, Astronergy plans to continue participating in Turkey’s renewable energy tenders in the coming years. This investment not only strengthens Astronergy’s position in the solar market but also contributes to Turkey’s growing role in the global renewable energy landscape.
