15 MW Solar Module Production Line (Refurbished) – Plant Setup & Investment Guide
Executive Overview
Venturing into solar manufacturing is a significant undertaking. For entrepreneurs, investors, and national programs focused on local content, the initial capital expenditure (CAPEX) can be a major barrier. A 15 MW refurbished solar module production line offers a strategic, cost-effective solution for launching your venture.
This type of plant is ideal for launching a new business, creating a pilot factory to test market demand, or establishing local production capabilities. The key advantages are straightforward:
- Lower Initial Investment: Significantly reduces the upfront capital required compared to a new line.
- Fast Delivery & Setup: With core machines already in stock, your time-to-production is drastically shortened.
- Proven, Reliable Technology: The equipment has been tested and reconditioned by our engineers for dependable performance.
- Future-Proof Upgrade Path: The line is designed to scale as your business grows, allowing for future expansion.
The specifications below are not theoretical estimates—they are based on data from our official offers to give you concrete information for your business planning.
Technical Specifications
This entry-level production line is engineered for reliability and ease of operation. While it begins with manual layup processes to minimize initial investment, it produces high-quality modules compliant with international standards.
- Cell Throughput: 500 cells per hour
- Lamination Capacity: 1 module per lamination cycle
- Typical Yearly Capacity: ~12 MW
- Maximum Yearly Capacity: ≥ 15 MW
- Maximum Panel Size: 2,100 × 1,050 mm
- Supported Cell Types: M2, M3, M4, M5, M6
- Busbars: 6 BB
- Automation Level: Manual layup (entry-level)
- Delivery Time: 12–16 weeks (core machines in stock)
- Payment Terms (Refurbished): 50% TT in advance, 50% after successful acceptance at our facility before packing.
What’s Included in the 15 MW Line
A turnkey production line is more than just a collection of machines; it is a complete system where each component is designed to work in harmony. Your 15 MW refurbished line includes the following core equipment:
- Refurbished Stringer (400–500 cph): This machine automatically solders solar cells together into ‘strings’, which form the electrical foundation of the solar module.
- Manual Foil Cutter & Foil Placing Station: An operator prepares and places the layers of EVA and backsheet, which encapsulate and protect the solar cells.
- Manual Bussing Station: The cell strings are interconnected here, preparing the complete solar cell matrix for lamination.
- Refurbished Laminator (1 panel/cycle): This is the heart of the factory. It uses heat and vacuum to bond all layers of the module into a single, durable, weatherproof unit.
- Trim Station: After lamination, excess material is trimmed from the edges of the module for a clean, precise finish.
- Semi-automatic Frame Station: The aluminum frame is applied here, providing structural integrity and a mounting point for the finished module.
- Manual J-Box Station: The junction box, which houses the diodes and output cables, is attached to the back of the module.
- LED Flasher (Sun Simulator): Each module is tested under simulated sunlight to measure its exact power output (e.g., 450 Wp) and electrical characteristics.
- Hi-Pot Test: This safety test ensures the module’s electrical insulation is robust and meets international standards.
Note: All components are modular and chosen for easy serviceability. Your investment includes a starter package of spare parts and comprehensive training for your operators and technicians.
Line Layout & Operations
The production process follows a logical, linear flow designed for efficiency and quality control. The main stages are:
Stringing → Layup → Lamination → Framing → Testing → Packing
A typical shift for a semi-manual operation of this scale requires 15–20 trained personnel, including machine operators, quality control inspectors, and material handling staff.
Material handling is managed with trolleys and buffer stations placed between key processes to ensure a smooth workflow and prevent bottlenecks. Quality control checkpoints are integrated after each major step—from stringing to final testing—to guarantee that every module meets your quality standards.
Investment, Operating Costs, and ROI
The total investment and operating expenditure (OPEX) for a solar module factory depend on several key factors: the level of automation, material costs, energy consumption, and staffing. The refurbished 15 MW line is specifically designed to minimize the initial CAPEX.
Your return on investment is driven by your ability to produce consistently. It is important to distinguish between typical and maximum output. While the line has a maximum capacity of over 15 MW, your actual production will depend on factors like operational efficiency (uptime), material supply, and yield.
A significant financial advantage of this line is its fast time-to-production. With a delivery and installation timeline of just 12–16 weeks, you can begin generating revenue far sooner than with a line built from scratch.
For a detailed financial projection tailored to your specific project, location, and business goals, we recommend a direct consultation.
Request a Tailored Offer
Use Cases & Ideal Buyers
This 15 MW refurbished line is an ideal starting point for a range of ventures. It is perfectly suited for:
- Market Entrants and Startups: Entrepreneurs who want to enter the solar industry with a manageable investment and a proven business model.
- Local Distributors Expanding into Manufacturing: Established solar product distributors looking to move up the value chain by producing their own branded modules.
- Government and Local-Content Pilot Projects: Public or private initiatives aimed at building domestic manufacturing capacity and reducing reliance on imports.
- Training and Educational Facilities: Universities and technical centers that need a fully functional production line for hands-on research and workforce development.
Why J.v.G. Is Your Partner for Solar Manufacturing
Choosing your technology supplier is the most critical decision you will make. You are not just buying machines; you are selecting a long-term partner essential to your success.
At J.v.G., our entire business is built on trust and engineering integrity. We are a founder-led, family-run company with over 25 years of hands-on experience building solar factories around the world. This history is the foundation of our philosophy and the expertise our founders bring to every project.
We provide tailored technology, not one-size-fits-all solutions. Your 15 MW line is modular and designed to fit your specific market needs and budget. The components are chosen for reliability and performance, ensuring you have a robust production system from day one. For projects in challenging climates, we integrate our specialized DESERT & TROPIC Technology, engineered to withstand extreme heat, dust, and humidity.
Most importantly, we mitigate your risk through a proven 6-phase process that guides you from the first idea to a fully operational factory. We manage the complexity so you can focus on your business. You bring the vision; we provide the engineering, execution, and long-term support to make it a reality.
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Your Upgrade Path: From 15 MW to 50 MW
Your initial investment in a 15 MW line lays the foundation for future growth. As your market share and demand increase, the line can be systematically upgraded to expand capacity with minimal disruption to your operations.
The first step is typically scaling to a 25 MW solar module production line by adding a second stringer and introducing semi-automated layup equipment. A further upgrade to a 50 MW solar module production line involves adding more automation and a larger, multi-stack laminator.
This phased approach allows your factory’s output to grow in step with your business.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the required factory footprint and building height?
A 15 MW line typically requires a production area of around 1,000–1,500 square meters, plus additional space for warehousing raw materials and finished goods. A minimum ceiling height of 5–6 meters is recommended to accommodate equipment and material flow.
How many staff are needed per shift, and what skills are required?
A typical shift requires 15–20 people. Most roles are for operators who can be trained on-site. You will also need a few technicians with basic electrical and mechanical skills for maintenance, as well as quality control personnel. We provide comprehensive training for your core team.
What are the main utility requirements?
The main utilities needed are electricity and compressed air. The laminator is the largest consumer of electricity due to its heating systems. A stable power supply is crucial for consistent production quality.
What is included with the warranty, spare parts, and training?
Refurbished equipment comes with a limited warranty on reconditioned parts. The package includes a starter kit of essential spare parts for common maintenance tasks. Our service includes on-site installation, commissioning, and a complete training program for your operators and maintenance staff.
What does the delivery and acceptance process involve?
After reconditioning, the complete line is assembled at our facility in Germany for a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT). You are invited to attend this test to see your line in full operation before it is packed and shipped. This ensures full transparency and verifies performance before final payment.
How are upgrades performed with minimal downtime?
Upgrades are planned carefully with your production schedule in mind. New equipment, like an additional stringer or automated layup station, is installed parallel to the existing line. The final integration is scheduled during planned maintenance or a short, dedicated shutdown period to minimize lost production time.