With an investment of EUR 15 million, the plant has created 200 jobs and features an initial annual capacity of 1 GW, with plans to scale to 3 GW in the coming years, according to Deputy Minister of Economy, Investments and Industry Krasimir Yakimov.
The project aligns with broader European ambitions to develop domestic manufacturing for strategic, high-tech products vital to the continent’s future, he added.
Yakimov pointed out that the facility transforms Bulgaria from a tech importer into an active producer of green technologies.
Borislavova: The first fully automated plant for PV panels in the EU
The Kardzhali plant will supply both European markets and third countries, according to BTA.
This is the first fully automated photovoltaic module plant of 1 GW in annual capacity in the European Union, investor from VESS Modules Tsvetelina Borislavova stressed.
She revealed that the company has already attracted strong interest from Turkish firms, top-level clients from African nations, and buyers from the United States.
Lyubomir Gradev, Chairman of the Board of Directors of VESS Modules, said that the facility was designed after examining best practices from top global manufacturers. He added that the plant achieved a production cycle of under 18 seconds per solar panel, allowing high competitiveness against leading Chinese producers.
At the opening ceremony, Akser Shakir, CEO of VESS Modules EAD, received a TÜV SÜD quality certificate from Xinmei Zhao, Director of TÜV SÜD for the China region.
In addition to manufacturing, the Kardzhali plant will serve as an educational hub offering practical training in electronics and robotics for young professionals, according to the Ministry of Economy, Investments and Industry.
Of note, Bulgaria’s total installed solar power capacity is 4.7 GW. By May 2026, installed battery energy storage systems (BESS) capacity in the country reached 8.6 GWh.
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