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SCHOTT Solar AG has reiterated plans to continue aggressively expanding its solar module manufacturing capacity in 2009, after doubling production in 2008 to 205MW, compared to 98MW in 2007. The company said that capacity at its ‘Photovoltaics’ arm, which includes c-Si and thin film modules is scheduled to reach a total of 360MW by the end of 2009. Its ‘Concentrated Solar Power’ arm would expand to 1GWel, this year.

“We are highly satisfied with the past fiscal year, as we have reached important milestones of our ambitious expansion plans in both segments, while at the same time achieving a sustainable increase in profitability,” said Chief Executive Officer Dr. Martin Heming.

The company has also announced record sales in 2008, growing 70% to €482 million, compared to sales of €283 million in 2007. The company said it had invested €141 million in property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, compared to €88 million in 2007.

However, the company noted that although it received strong orders in Q1, the industry environment was challenging and difficult to currently project solar demand in 2009, due to the economic crisis.