First Solar, an American solar PV module manufacturer, has announced that it will supply solar modules for a 40-megawatt solar power plant that will be constructed in Germany. The facility, which will be developed by juwi solar GmbH, will become one of the world's largest.
The construction will kickstart during the second quarter of 2007, and is expected to last for two and a half years. Saxon LB will finance the 130 m euro plant, which will utilize more than half a million modules and will produce around 40 million kWh, preventing 25,000 tons of carbon from being emitted into the atmosphere annually.
"We are very pleased to participate with juwi solar in the development of one of the largest solar power plants in the world," said Mr Michael Ahearn, president and CEO of First Solar. "Our collaboration with leading project developers on large scale solar power plants is enabling us to reduce solar module and system costs, and thereby expand the market for solar electricity."
"Our positive experience with the energy generation performance and reliability of First Solar modules and their ability to supply modules for the project under a long term supply agreement enabled us to realize this important project," said Mr Matthias Willenbacher, Head of the international juwi group.
This type of large-scale solar PV facility is becoming increasingly popular in the last years. More cases like these are expected in the future, as they present clear advantages over small projects, including lower prices through economies of scale or less bureaucratic trouble with licenses (compared with the same capacity completed through several projects).
For additional information: www.firstsolar.com
