PowerLight Undertakes 10 MW German Solar Project

Germany’s feed-in tariffs for solar energy have propelled many new solar developments — none as big however, as a current project with California-based PowerLight company. In a joint venture with K&S Consulting Group, and Deutsche Structured Finance (DSF), PowerLight is a third of the way through construction of a 10 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant.

Bavaria, Germany – August 18, 2004 [SolarAccess.com] Once fully operational in December, this would be the largest PV project anywhere in the world. The “Bavaria Solarpark” as it will be called, uses 57,600 PV panels, and consists of three systems: Solarpark Muehlhausen 6.3 MW, Solarpark Guenching 1.9 MW, and Solarpark Minihof 1.9 MW. Together with Siemens AG, interconnection to the electrical grid is underway at each site by the regional German utility E.ON, with a 20-year power purchase guaranteed under the German Renewable Energy Law (EEG). “Solar electricity is a highly reliable source of power,” said DSF Managing Director Paul Steinhardt. “Bavaria’s commitment to providing clean air for the community, protecting the environment, and securing our energy future has been a decisive factor for the development of this historic project.” Critical to project viability is the German Renewable Energy Law, landmark legislation that promotes the most advanced renewable energy policies in the world. This legislation, newly expanded to include ground-mounted systems such as the Bavaria Solarpark, is expected to drive further growth of the German PV market. “The world’s largest photovoltaic project further validates Germany’s renewable energy policy,” said Howard Wenger, PowerLight’s Executive Vice President. For the Bavaria Solarpark project, PowerLight Corporation is the turnkey system provider, delivering system engineering and design, PV modules, and its patented PowerTracker technology that yields more power than conventional fixed solar electric systems by tracking the sun throughout the day. Siemens AG is providing all electrical construction and components, including transformers, switchgears and inverters. German civil engineering firms, Max Býgl Group and Klebl are responsible for the civil and mechanical project construction. DSF structured and arranged the project based financing; K&S Consulting secured the land rights and permits. “The Solarpark is not only vital for our region, but exemplifies how solar PV can generate reliable electricity around the globe,’ said Jochen Kleimaier, Managing Director of K & S Consulting.