Capacity of up to 1 GW annually, automated production, up to 200 new jobs, and a new perspective for the high-tech industry in the region.
On October 1, 2026, VESS Modules officially opened its new production facility for photovoltaic modules in Kardzhali. The event brought together representatives of state and local authorities, partners, investors, business guests, media, and members of the local community.
The new plant is a high-tech, automated production facility with a capacity of up to 1 GW of photovoltaic modules per year. Operating at full capacity, the production line can produce a new solar panel approximately every 18 seconds, without manual intervention throughout the entire manufacturing process.
The investment is a significant step toward the development of a modern PV industry in Bulgaria and toward stronger European production of clean energy technologies.
“We are not just opening a factory – we are opening the future”
The official ceremony was opened by Tsvetelina Borislavova, CEO of CSIF JSC and the primary investor in the project.
“With this investment, we are not just opening a factory — we are opening the future,” she told the guests. According to her, VESS Modules is the result of years of work, negotiations, engineering expertise, and a consistent belief that Bulgaria can be a place for high-value-added production.
“This project required determination and faith — not to invest where it is easiest, but where it is most needed. This is also a personal cause for me,” noted Tsvetelina Borislavova.
She emphasized the plant’s role not only as a production site but also as a place for developing new knowledge and professional skills. The automated line will create opportunities for employment and qualification in fields such as programming, industrial automation, robotics, quality control, and the management of modern production systems.
“The workforce is not disappearing — it is evolving and acquiring knowledge that creates high added value,” she added.
In her speech, Tsvetelina Borislavova emphasized that Bulgaria has every reason to be among the leading European industrial nations. “With our history, intelligence, and labor, we can stand in the front ranks of European industry. This plant is our contribution to Europe’s energy independence and the green transition — clean energy should not be produced solely in Asia and overseas, but also here, on Bulgarian soil, with European and Bulgarian labor.”
Support from State and Local Authorities
The event was attended by the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Ayten Sabri, who congratulated the investors on the project’s realization. She noted that such investments allow Bulgaria to take a more visible place on the map of the green industry and create jobs with long-term prospects.
Krasimir Yakimov, Deputy Minister of Energy, emphasized the importance of the investment for the region and the country.
“Today we are not talking about intentions, we are not talking about future projects. Today we see a concrete result — a multi-million investment, up to 200 jobs, and 1 GW of annual production capacity here in Kardzhali,” he stated.
According to him, this is the model of economic development that Bulgaria should strive for — investments in high technology, the real economy, industry, and sustainable jobs. He noted that up to 200 new jobs in Kardzhali mean more opportunities for professional development, higher incomes, and prospects for young people in the region.
The Governor of Kardzhali District, Biser Nikolov, congratulated the team and investors of VESS Modules, highlighting the education, qualification, and new skills that the plant’s employees will develop.
The Mayor of Kardzhali Municipality, Erol Mümün, described the investment as a new chapter for the city and the region.
“I am happy that Kardzhali is becoming a municipality of modern technologies,” he said. According to him, local authorities play an important role in attracting and retaining investments, and working in harmony between the state, the municipality, and business is key to sustainable development.
The mayor also emphasized the social impact of the investment — modern working conditions, qualification opportunities, and a reason for more young people to choose to stay and develop their careers in Bulgaria.
TÜV SÜD Certificate for VESS Modules
A special moment in the official program was the presentation of the TÜV SÜD certificate to VESS Modules.
Ms. Xinmei Zhao, Director for the China Region at TÜV SÜD, presented the certificate to the CEO of VESS Modules, Akser Shakir. She congratulated the company’s team on successfully passing all stages of certification.
Akser Shakir pointed out that the certificate represents the work of the entire team and the high requirements set during the construction of the production facility. TÜV SÜD certification is an important sign of quality, technological reliability, and compliance with international standards for the manufactured photovoltaic modules.
Blessing Ceremony, Symbolic Opening, and First Production Tours
Following the official speeches and the presentation of the certificate, a religious blessing ceremony was held for health, success, and the prosperity of the production. The symbolic ribbon-cutting marked the beginning of a new stage for VESS Modules.
After the ceremony, official guests, partners, and media representatives had the opportunity to visit the automated production line. The tours revealed the technological processes behind the creation of modern photovoltaic modules — from automated processing and assembly to quality control and the finished product.
A Celebration with Music, a Cause, and a Message for the Community
The opening of VESS Modules continued in a festive atmosphere. During the lunch program, the legendary Bulgarian rock group Signal, with frontman Dancho Karadzhov, lifted the spirits of those present.
The event also had a strong social aspect. The ‘Life with Down Syndrome’ Foundation participated with its own stand under the ‘Buy with a Cause’ initiative. Guests supported the cause with donations totaling over €1,000, which will support the foundation’s work in awareness, acceptance, and support for people with Down syndrome and their families.
Later in the day, an evergreen magnolia was planted at the VESS Modules site — a symbol of sustainability, growth, and long-term commitment to Kardzhali. The celebration concluded with bagpipe performances and a traditional Bulgarian horo dance, joined by guests, partners, and team members.
Long-term Vision for an Energy Ecosystem
VESS Modules is part of a broader long-term vision to build an integrated energy ecosystem in Bulgaria. It combines the production of photovoltaic modules, energy storage solutions, including vanadium redox-flow batteries, technological expertise, logistics, and financing.
The new production facility in Kardzhali is an investment in clean energy, in people, and in the future of Bulgarian industry.
