Italian PV equipment manufacturer Ecoprogetti has upgraded an existing PV module manufacturing line in South Africa.
The company explained its upgrade follows an initial installation carried out by a different supplier which had left the production line with integration challenges and unable to reach expected output levels.
A spokesperson for Ecoprogetti told pv magazine the upgraded manufacturing facility has an increased nominal annual production capacity reaching approximately 200 MW.
“The line is designed to manufacture different module formats depending on the intended application,” the spokesperson said. “This includes high-power PV modules of up to 650 W, mainly for larger-scale installations and solar parks, as well as modules of around 500 W for off-grid and stand-alone applications.”
Ecoprogetti says it delivered the upgrade through key phases including a detailed technical assessment and identification of critical issues.
It supplied advanced testing equipment, including the latest-generation Ecosun Nova solar simulator and Ecolab EL electroluminescence testers for in-line module testing and quality control, as well as an automatic interconnection machine, Ecobussing, for automatic cell interconnection soldering. The company then offered IEC certification support and on-site services during installation and restart phases.
The production line is now fully installed and operational. Ecoprogetti’s spokesperson also told pv magazine production is primarily intended for the South African local market, with target applications including solar parks, agriculture, rural electrification and off-grid installations.
“In particular, the smaller modules are suitable for stand-alone systems serving local homes and agricultural applications, including solar-powered water pumping,” the spokesperson added. “The facility is therefore positioned to support both larger solar projects and decentralized energy solutions for local communities and the agricultural sector.”
Ecoprogetti CEO Laura Sartore commented that a project rescue is not simply about fixing a problem but stepping into a critical situation, restoring control and performance, and delivering tangible value back to the client and investors.
“What truly matters is ensuring continuous output of high-quality PV modules, and this is what we consistently guarantee as a turnkey line provider and PV process expert,” Sartore said.
Ecoprogetti added that Africa represents a key strategic market. The company has also been expanding in the Middle East, most recently with Iraq’s first solar module production line and previously with production lines in Oman.
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