Bosch Solar Energy AG will close its 30-megawatt (MW) silicon thin-film module plant in Erfurt, Germany.

It is estimated that 130 employees will be affected by the decision.

In attempt to avoid redundancies, the company will try to either relocate the employees internally or help them find new employers in the region.

In the future, Bosch has said it will concentrate on crystalline photovoltaics (PV) in Arnstadt and CIGS development in Brandenburg. The company said these business areas offer the greatest potential for the group.

The reasons attributed to the Erfurt closure are the current PV price pressures and global overcapacity. The company also referred to the PV tariff cuts recently applied to large solar parks in Germany.