By Andrea Hargraves 
Mora receives in Beja the new factory for flexible photovoltaic solar panels and high temperature lithium batteries. In fact, it will be the first in the world to combine the two technologies.
The novelty is developed by the responsible group that intends to sell in the national and international market.
A combination of technologies that first appeared in Portugal
In the presence of the Minister of Environment and Climate Action, João Pedro Mattos Fernández, the Portuguese Lux group took place Energy Optimeyes Signed with Camara de Mora a lease agreement for the previous company, Mora Fabrica Solar (MFS) and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to implement the project. This, which has been closed since 2019, will be the new manufacturer of flexible PV panels and high temperature lithium batteries.
According to one of the promoters, Miguel Matias, the goal of this group is to create "new hybrid products", to be sold "in many places", from the national market, to abroad. In turn, the co-founder and one of Lux Optimeyes Energy's CEO emphasized that the production mix of the two technologies was innovative and the way forward.
We think it's the right way to use renewable energy sources.
"The solar panel equipped with the battery allows you to greatly expand its use," said the co-founder.
A "special technique" for non-traditional panels
"The unit will produce flexible photovoltaic panels and high-temperature lithium batteries, with an initial investment of around five million euros, with humanitarian assistance," Lusa said. According to Miguel Matias, the production is not targeting the conventional panels, but the assembly line in the flexible solar area, through "proprietary technology".
In other words, "a flexible board that allows applications in many places that a traditional board does not reach". More than that, it is lighter, more efficient, and allows for different configurations and applications. The latter is still being studied, but can be used, for example, to cover buses, mobile homes, golf carts, or much simpler things, such as a park bench with a "miniature lamp".
Minister of Environment and Climate Action visits the plant of the Portuguese group Lux Optimeyes Energy | Luca
In perspective, the promoter expects the unit's first products to appear within about one year. Although lithium cells for batteries must be purchased abroad, the company intends to eventually be able to produce this component.
Another assembly line in the plant will be devoted to high-temperature lithium batteries “those of large size that are adapted to countries with warmer climates,” according to Lusa.
Projections indicate that initially, "about 40 to 50" jobs will be created. Although it will be a more automated unit, Lux Optimeyes Energy intends to rescue many workers who were in the previous unit and who already have the knowledge and training in the area.