Ettlingen, February 2011

Parity Solar achieves MCS accreditation for thin film photovoltaic modules

Following a rigorous review of the company’s manufacturing processes, materials, procedures and products carried out in China by the British Board of Agrément, Parity Solar is delighted to confirm that it will be one of the first manufacturers able to supply high quality thin film solar modules with MCS certification as well as the TüV accreditation achieved in 2010.

Global manufacturer of crystalline and thin film solar panels and experienced system house, Parity Solar has a solid track record of successful PV installations across other parts of Europe and Asia and is now looking forward to introducing its certified panels to the UK.  With a number of thin film projects already under discussion in England and Wales, the company is gearing up for rapid growth over the coming months.

Alexander Gramm, President of Parity Solar GmbH, the Group’s European headquarters in Germany, explains why the UK market is so important. “Not only is the UK one of the fastest growing solar markets in Europe at present, but the climate is ideally suited to the use of thin film rather than conventional crystalline modules. Using the extensive experience we have gained working with thin film in Germany, we are very optimistic about the prospects for our technology in the UK.”

The benefit of thin film is that it continues to generate electricity even when conditions are less than optimal: on cloudy days, on rooftops that are not South-facing and when temperatures are considerably higher or lower than those considered ideal for crystalline modules. Although not as efficient per m2, thin film technology is considerably cheaper per kWh of electricity generated. With careful design, Parity Solar has even demonstrated that it is possible to combine the two technologies for the best of both worlds.

Parity Solar has recently announced plans to increase capacity at its module manufacturing site in Zhenjiang, China, to 500MW p.a. This is made up of amorphous silicon thin film and poly-crystalline panels with a range of performance characteristics. The company is recognized as a global technology leader, particularly in the field of thin film, and is confident that it has a strong roadmap of new products and an extensive pipeline of projects for the foreseeable future.

 

Ettlingen, January 2011

Parity Solar and China National Building Materials (CNBM) form Joint Venture

Under a broad cooperation agreement, the companies will expand Parity’s existing PV module manufacturing facility in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu to 500MW of annual production, including thin film and poly crystalline products. The joint venture will also expand upon Parity Solar’s global pipeline development efforts by securing new projects in China, Middle East, Africa and South America, where CNBM has a strong presence in glass and concrete manufacturing and engineering.

“CNBM is an ideal partner with its materials businesses and global EPC capabilities. Together, we can access new markets rapidly. There are also tremendous synergies in applying CNBM’s solar glass, building material and raw materials strengths to create cost advantages both at the product, and system level” commented Scott Burton, Parity’s CEO. He added that “Parity’s production base in Zhenjiang is world class, but PV requires big investment and global market access over the long term. CNBM and Parity together have unlimited options and we will be aggressive in becoming a leader in several key areas such as large scale, low cost power stations, BIPV materials and global EPC and project development services”.

Commenting on CNBM’s behalf, CNBM Chairman Song Zhiping stated “CNBM has already invested in critical solar raw materials and other PV technology areas. Now, with Parity we have the capability to expand rapidly and apply our capabilities. We will be the leader in China and we will also pursue this goal on a global scale”.

The companies completed the formal merger as of December 1, 2010 following several months of due diligence and government approvals.

Founded in 1953, CNBM is a China state owned industrial group with a broad range of business areas including cement, glass, related production equipment, mining, solar raw materials, carbon fiber and composite materials, other construction materials, and global EPC services related to the implementation of cement and glass production facilities. CNBM also operates several national level R&D centers for the development of basic technologies and commercialization.

Founded in 2008, Parity Solar is a global PV system solution company with regional design centers in Europe, Asia and America, and has designed, built and commissioned over 30 systems to date, and has an active development pipeline of over 500MWs. Parity operates manufacturing and supply chain activities in China and has approximately 400 employees worldwide.

Ettlingen, September 2010

Parity Solar GmbH completes 500 kW solar photovoltaic installation on the rooftop of an 8,500m2 distribution centre in Stuttgart

Parity Solar GmbH of Ettlingen, Germany, has completed a 500 kW solar PV installation for the international transport company, Erka Internationale Spedition GmbH, at their main German distribution hub in Stuttgart.

The Klaschka family has been running a successful freight forwarding business for 30 years, delivering products to destinations throughout Europe. Managing Director Wolfgang Klaschka is not only committed to reducing CO2 emissions but also sees an exciting future in the generation of renewable energy.

Parity Solar was the turnkey EPC provider. Erka’s warehouses were already energy efficient, using heavy foam insulation over the roofing materials. But this presented a challenge to installing a PV roof system. Parity’s designers, having deployed more than 30 rooftop projects, were familiar with all types of installation methods, and chose a non-penetrating, low pressure ballast system. This design provided ample stability while not affecting the existing roof. The hardware was carefully selected to optimize overall system performance and to provide the best return on investment. Taking into account local solar radiation levels, Parity was able to estimate the output of the system over a 20 year period and what income this would generate for the Erka through the German feed-in tariff.

The system uses high quality multi-crystalline modules, from Parity Solar and from Parity’s partner, Goosun, in Portugal. Inverters were supplied by the US company, Advanced Energy, ensuring maximum uptime and power generation.

Through the positive experience and perfect result, Erka is working with Parity GmbH on additional installations to be completed in 2010.

 

Ettlingen, July 2010

Parity Solar GmbH completes 162 kW solar photovoltaic installation on a rooftop on a historic industrial building

Just 5 weeks from receipt of the order from ETTLIN Immobilien, Parity Solar has successfully commissioned a state-of-the-art 162 kW solar system in the historical Albtal industrial park in Ettlingen, Germany.

Building owners, ETTLIN Immobilien GmbH & Co KG, are intent on developing a commercial environment that respects the rural surroundings. The generation of electricity using natural sunlight seemed an obvious step. This latest Parity Solar installation alone will save around 150 tonnes of CO2 from entering the earth’s atmosphere each year.

Covering a flat rooftop of 1150 m2, the so-called “Envelope Hall” development comprises 900 modules from Parity Solar, mounted on a ballast system to avoid impact to the roof. The electricity generated is converted from DC to AC by four central inverters manufactured by the German company, REFU Elektronik GmbH.

Parity Solar has long term supply agreements with a variety of component manufacturers. President, Alexander Gramm, explains how important it is to have this flexibility. “With access to a wide variety of world class inverters, mounting systems and other components, we are able to optimise every system we design, ensuring maximum output and the best possible financial returns.” Facilities Manager with ETTLIN Immobilien, Norbert Ochs, was clearly happy with the way the proj