At the recent Intersolar Europe 2014 trade show in Munich, Tokyo-based Showa Shell Sekiyu subsidiary Solar Frontier – the largest manufacturer of CIS (copper indium selenium) thin-film photovoltaic (PV) solar modules – signed a contract to work with renewable energy system constructor New Energy for the World GmbH (NEW) of Regensburg, Germany on an 8.1MWp solar power plant in Banwell, UK. Solar Frontier will provide a complete package of electronic components, including CIS solar modules, cabling and inverters. The CIS modules are expected to deliver 9.1GWh of electricity per year. Construction is scheduled to start in September.
Solar Frontier says that its -black CIS modules suit the UK’s climate due to their low-light behavior and resistance to partial shading. In addition, the modules are MCS-certified (Microgeneration Certification Scheme), making them eligible for the UK’s feed-in-tariff schemes for free-field PV power plants and rooftop installations below 50kWp capacity. Solar Frontier’s modules are also certified as RoHs-compliant.
“It’s good to tie new bonds with capable partners that show commitment to the UK, one of the most promising regions in Europe for our business,” says Wolfgang Lange, managing director, Solar Frontier Europe.
“We are aware of the competitive pressure affecting PV manufacturers around the world,” notes Jochen Kleimaier, shareholder & general manager of NEW. “Continuously building strong partnerships with companies that ensure high quality through the value chain is key to continuous improvement,” he adds.
