First Solar to Supply Modules for Australia's Largest Solar PV Installation
Source/Type: News - Staff reports

Author: CompoundSemi News Staff

April 29, 2009... First Solar, a maker of CdTe solar cells based in Tempe, Arizona USA, reports that it will supply photovoltaic (PV) modules to Solar Shop Australia, Pty Ltd. (Solar Shop), for a 1 megawatt (MW) DC rooftop project. The solar power system will be installed on six separate buildings at the Adelaide Showground in South Australia. According to First Solar, the installation will be the largest PV installation in the country. The Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society of South Australia commissioned the rooftop system.

Solar Shop, is an alliance partnership with building and engineering company Build Environs Pty Ltd., will design and construct the 1 MW installation. Construction is anticipated to begin immediately and is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2009. The electricity from the installation will be used predominantly at the Adelaide Showground site, displacing power generated from conventional sources.

First Solar boasts that it has produced 1 gigawatt of its PV modules since beginning commercial production. In addition, First Solar says it has the lowest manufacturing cost in the industry. According to the company, it has reduced its manufacturing costs to a mere 98 cents. John Carrington, First Solar executive vice president of marketing and business development said, "This project will take one of Australia’s most abundant resources, sunlight, and convert it into clean, affordable electricity." Carrington added, "Australia’s policy initiatives have set the stage for the growth of affordable renewable energy, and First Solar’s advanced, cost-effective solar technology is a perfect fit." First Solar News Release

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