Hanwha Q Cells, a Germany-based solar power business unit of Hanwha Group, is seeking to reinforce market expansion in Malaysia by introducing a module equipped with solar technology.

Hanwha Q Cells has released its new high-performance solar module Q.PLUS at the International Greentech & Eco Products exhibition and conference, which kicked off in Malaysia on Wednesday.

IGEM is one of Asia’s largest environmental exhibitions hosted by the Malaysian government, promoting green technology and eco-friendly products.

Hanwha Q Cell Asia-Pacific director Kim Jong-seo said Malaysia’s importance as the firm’s production base is increasing and that he sees high growth potential in it to turn into a “premium market.”

“We’ll focus on enhancing the brand value than seeking immediate profits,” Kim said in a statement.

Hanwha already has a considerable market share in Malaysia with about 10 percent of the nation’s solar energy products.

Currently, it owns a 1.6-gigawatt production line for high performance solar cells in Malaysia. The company finished building four module production lines this year, totaling a capacity of 1.5 gigawatts.

Earlier this year, Hanwha Q Cells decided to end production operations in Germany and relocate them to Malaysia, due to weakening demand in Europe and high laboratory costs. Only its solar photovoltaic-maker maintained its research and development operations in Germany.

Despite the partial pullout from Europe, the firm has recently shown signs of strong growth potential, with Hanwha SolarOne taking over Hanwha Q Cells to become the world’s largest solar cells company owning 3.28 gigawatts of PV cell production capacity.

By Suk Gee-hyun (monicasuk@heraldcorp.com)