Technology company OPES Solar Mobility has opened a production facility in Zwenkau, Saxony, Germany, marking Europe’s inaugural factory for flexible solar modules designed for vehicle integration.

The site occupies about 12,000m² area for production and is expected to generate 120 jobs.

The panels are targeted at commercial and leisure vehicles and are built to provide power for onboard electrical systems in diesel and electric models alike.

They are intended to help extend driving range and to increase battery lifespan.

Saxony Minister President Michael Kretschmer said: “The opening of this facility in Zwenkau provides another example of Saxony’s strength as a hub for industry and technology.

“Technology ventures like OPES Solar Mobility are essential for creating jobs, retaining value in the region, and providing answers to the global challenges of our time.”

Once production has been scaled up, shipments are expected to be made to more than 15 partners and customers across Europe, Africa and South America.

Planned integrations include camper vans, refrigerated trailers, city buses and truck cabins. Further partnerships were nearing completion.

Research partners on the development of the modules encompass the Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE.

The company uses proprietary patents and a custom-built machinery setup for production.

OPES Solar Mobility CEO Robert Händel said: “Our innovative, robust Matrix architecture for vehicle-based solar modules ensures reliable performance in real-world conditions and generates significantly more electricity than conventional technologies.”

A special interconnection of solar cells connected in a brick-like pattern keeps many cells operational when sections of a module are obscured by roof fittings, shadows or dirt, reducing the energy losses typical of partial shading in conventional systems.