News

29 July 2008

 

Phoenix extends to CIGS PVs with module maker Solyndra

Photovoltaic systems integrator Phoenix Solar AG of Sulzemoos near Munich, Germany has signed a framework supply contract (worth about €450m between 2008 and 2012) with copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) thin-film solar module maker Solyndra Inc of Fremont, CA, USA. Yearly increasing delivery volumes along with simultaneous price decreases per watt of peak output were also agreed.

CIGS photovoltaic (PV) technology extends Phoenix’s existing solar product portfolio, opening up a new market segment. The firm comments that CIGS solar systems can be quickly installed on a wide range of rooftops, including those that until now were unsuitable for conventional solar systems.

Phoenix takes over Italian systems integrator RED 2002

Phoenix has taken over the remaining 51% of systems integrator RED 2002 Srl of Rome, Italy. Since January 2006, Phoenix has held 49% of RED 2002, as well as an option to raise its stake.

Domenico Inglieri, who is also on the board of the Italian Photovoltaic Industry Association (GIFI), will remain managing director. RED 2002’s former shareholders and managers Piero Rossetti and Antonio Ruta will continue to work for the firm: Piero Rossetti as consultant and Antonio Ruta as technical director.

To date, the largest photovoltaic power plant built by RED 2002 was a 112kW peak system on the roofs of a residential building complex in Rome. The firm is profitable and has grown much faster than the Italian photovoltaic market over the past two years, Phoenix says. Along with the acquisition of large photovoltaic projects, RED 2002’s task will be to continue to build up the pan-Italian network of sales partners and installers, contributing to reinforcing the Components & Systems segment.

The Italian photovoltaics market is considered to be one of the most promising growth markets in Europe. GIFI estimates that the market volume will likely rise from 60MWp in 2007 to about 150 megawatt peak (MWp) in 2008, then double to more than 300MWp in 2009.

Phoenix had already signed a framework agreement in mid-July for the planning and turn-key construction of PV power plants in Sicily with a peak output of around 14MW. A few days ago, the Phoenix Group also acquired the rights to a 1MW project near Rome’s Fiumicino Airport with the support of RED 2002.

“Italy will be the growth market in Europe in the years ahead,” says Phoenix’s CEO Dr Andreas Hänel. “Electricity prices are high, which means that Italy has the potential to reach grid parity as one of the first markets in Europe,” he adds.

“Our knowledge of the Italian market, my activities for GIFI and the competence and experience of Phoenix Solar, one of the largest installers of turn-key photovoltaic power plants in Europe, are an ideal combination,” says Inglieri.

See related items:

Thin film to take 28% of PV market by 2012

Thin-film solar market to reach 9GW in 2012

Search: CIGS thin-film solar module

Visit: www.phoenixsolar.com

Visit: www.solyndra.com

Visit: www.red2002.it