Suntech to Supply One of the World’s Largest BIPV Solar Systems to Farm in Alsace, France
San Francisco, CA and Münich, Germany, May 7, 2008
Source: Sun-Tech Power Holdings, press release
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=192654&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1141221
Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. one of the world’s leading manufacturers of photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules, today announced it has signed an agreement with Hanau Energies SAS to supply a 4.5MW building integrated PV system (BIPV) to a farm located in Alsace, France. The project will be one of the largest BIPV installations ever built and will employ Suntech’s ‘Just Roof’ modules to form complete weatherproof roofs on five agricultural warehouses on a farm in the Alsace region of France. The 4.5MW installation is anticipated to be completed by January 2009 with an additional 1MW already being planned.
The ‘Just Roof’ system was initially released in 1994 and has already been installed on more than 4,000 homes and commercial buildings worldwide. It features interlocking panels mounted on specially designed rails to give a highly aesthetic, weatherproof building skin that can be installed quickly and easily.
Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech’s Chairman and CEO, stated, ”This project is a very significant milestone in the development of the French solar market and for BIPV in particular. We are extremely pleased that Suntech’s market leading ‘Just Roof’ system has been selected. We are experiencing great demand for our high quality MSK Solar Design Line(TM: 100.56, -4.20, -4.00%) of BIPV products all around the world as architects, homeowners and commercial end-users increasingly recognize the aesthetic and power generation benefits of integrating solar into buildings.”
Mr. Westphal, Hanau Energies Chairman, stated, ”I am delighted to be working with Suntech on this 4.5MW BIPV project. We examined many possible solutions and decided that Suntech’s ‘Just Roof’ system was the best BIPV solution available from both a technical and commercial perspective. We are looking forward to working closely with Suntech on this and future projects.”
With a progressive solar policy, demand for solar products in France is growing rapidly and, due to enhanced incentives for BIPV, French demand for integrated solar systems is particularly healthy. Suntech has one of the industry’s broadest solar product portfolios and, as a result of its acquisition of Japan’s MSK in 2006, also has an impressive range of BIPV products and solutions. Suntech has collaborations with several companies to jointly develop BIPV products and plans to continue to expand partnerships in this area.