More than 200,000 CIS thin-film modules installed in a 28.8 MW project in Bochow

Wednesday, 23 May 2012

Kolitzheim / Munich: Solar Frontier, the world's largest manufacturer of CIS thin-film modules, and BELECTRIC, the world's leading solar system integrator of photovoltaic power plants in 2010 and 2011, announced today the completion and grid connection of the world's largest CIS thin-film solar power plant in Bochow, Brandenburg, Germany. The project's investor is CommerzReal and the financing is provided by HypoVereinsbank (HBV) /UniCredit. The CIS thin-film power plant shows the increasing significance of CIS technology in the project business and the confidence major banks have in Solar Frontier and its products. The world's largest CIS thin-film power plant also underlines the deep working relationship between Solar Frontier and BELECTRIC in the project segment, which was further strengthened in March 2012 through the creation of a new joint venture company, PV CIStems GmbH.

Approximately 205,000 Solar Frontier CIS thin-film modules have been installed in Bochow, Brandenburg. Solar Frontier modules are valued for their high efficiency and excellent performance even under conditions that are considered to be less than optimal, such as low light, delivering more kilowatt hours and enhancing project economics. Their uniformly black finish also offers aesthetic integration into landscapes. "This collaboration with Solar Frontier is another milestone in our partnership. We decided to realize this project with Solar Frontier due to the efficiency and reliability of their CIS modules. Moreover, Solar Frontier's long-term strategy and manufacturing expertise of CIS thin-film modules were additional key decision-making criteria for us," said Bernhard Beck, CEO BELECTRIC Solarkraftwerke GmbH.

"This project not only shows the confidence BELECTRIC has in the performance and reliability of our CIS modules, but also the trust that financial institutions like HypoVereinsbank and CommerzReal are placing in our technology," said Wolfgang Lange, Managing Director, Solar Frontier Europe. "The joint project with BELECTRIC once again emphasizes the strength of our collaboration in the effort to install the best solar solutions in Germany and beyond."

The Solar Frontier CIS thin-film modules used for this project were produced at Solar Frontier's gigawatt-scale Kunitomi plant in Miyazaki, Japan, the world's largest CIS production plant. Certifications issued by TUV Rheinland Japan (in accordance with IEC), Underwriters Laboratories, and BRE Global (in accordance with Microgeneration Certification Scheme MCS) underline Solar Frontier's high quality standard for world-wide distribution. Certifications for salt and ammonia resistance confirm the modules' suitability for installation in coastal and agricultural areas.

"The commissioning of this CIS thin-film solar power plant is an important step in the transition to renewable energy and highlights the achievements of the Brandenburg region," said Martin Zembsch, CSO BELECTRIC Solarkraftwerke GmbH. "Special thanks go also to the administrative and municipal elected officials, who promoted and supported the project."

About Solar Frontier K.K.: Solar Frontier, a 100% subsidiary of Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K., established the world's first gigawatt-scale CIS module factory in 2011 with a mission to create the most economical, ecological solar energy solutions in the world, on the world's largest scale. Solar Frontier's proprietary CIS technology, denoting key ingredients copper, indium, and selenium (in addition to gallium and sulfur), has the best overall potential to set the world's most enduring standard for solar energy. This is based on our legacy of work in solar technology since the 1970s, the priority focus our laboratories have given to CIS since 1993, and our success in large scale CIS commercialization since 2007. The critical factors that combine to make CIS the overall economical and ecological leader include high efficiency modules and production processes as well as superior reliability, stability, sustainability, non-toxicity, and lower overall energy consumption in manufacturing to yield a faster energy payback time. These factors at gigawatt scale enable Solar Frontier to meet worldwide demand for the new standard in affordable solar panel performance. Visit www.solar-frontier.com for more information.

About Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K.: Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K. is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and has roots dating back more than 100 years in the downstream energy business.

About BELECTRIC®: BELECTRIC is the global market leader for the development and implementation of ground-mounted solar power plants and roof-mounted photovoltaic systems (EPC). At BELECTRIC, engineers and project developers conduct interdisciplinary research in all areas of solar technology and develop innovative technology that forms the basis for the environmentally friendly power supply of the future. The photovoltaic systems are realized in-house – from planning and construction through to operation. Alongside solar power generation, Drive® concentrates on the combination of photovoltaics and e-mobility. Further information can be found at www.belectric.com.