Solar SOLAR Edi Editiontion

THE MAGAZINE for Renewable Energies ISSN - www.sunwindenergy.com € . • International issue / TheTHE solar SOLAR edi EDITIONTion

SOLAR STATIONS A question of the pump

CROWDFUNDING FOR PV Chasing the

unicorn

Preview: Preview:

Intersolar Europe & North America pages Intersolar Preparing for the Trade Shows

Titel_vb.indd 4 17.05.2016 10:59:37 TRIO-50.0-TL. You won’t believe it’s a string inverter.

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Titel_vb.indd 6 17.05.2016 10:59:37 Editorial

A grid for Europe

ll in all, Europe’s electricity grids still The explanation for seeing negative elec have plenty of room for renewable tricity prices of this magnitude is that the energy. But in some places things are flexibility of electricity generation of brown tight.A On the one hand this is due to an in coal power plants is not measured at the crease in (decentralised) infeed of electricity scale of seconds, but of days. Negative elec from solar and wind power, which our electri tricity prices on the spot market are no long city grids were not historically designed for er isolated incidents, but are becoming more structurally. On the other hand, conventional common. In 2014 there were 64 hours of Dr. Volker Buddensiek power plant technology – especially coal and these, split over 9 days. In 2015 this number Editorinchief nuclear power – cannot be run flexibly can be expected to have almost doubled. For [email protected] enough to adjust to the fluctuating genera 2016 a further increase is expected, as elec tion. Furthermore, a balancing through elec tricity generation from renewable power tricity transportation across national borders plants is growing. is not satisfactorily possible in Europe. For large electricity consumers buying on The smaller the considered resolution of the spot market, negative electricity prices demand and generation, the more difficult it are a lucrative business. But we mustn’t for is to implement sensible technical and eco get that the costs of “disposing” of the un nomic solutions. The European Union wishes needed brown coal electricity are passed on to solve this problem by creating a joint in to the general consumer. The German gov ternal market for electricity. The proposed ernment solution to this dilemma is to European Energy Union aims to provide safe, strongly restrict the further expansion of cheap and climatefriendly energy in Europe. solar and wind power and to take wind and Right now we are still in a transition solar farms off the grid when there is over phase, however. The old concept of national capacity. But this simultaneously reduces electricity markets no longer runs smoothly the pressure on the players to speedily bring whenever appreciable amounts of renewable about the transition of national electricity energy feed electricity into the grid. A current markets with their centralised generation to example from Germany illustrates this: the a European Energy Union with a maximum 8th May, a Sunday, was sunny right across share of renewable electricity generation. Germany with temperatures of around 25 °C. Even though it is not often being felt at At the same time there were strong winds. the moment: where national governments no Solar plants and wind turbines supplied longer have the strength to make designs, a so much electricity that the share of renew united Europe at least has the potential to able energy rose to the record level of move the transition forward through suitable approx. 90 %. rules and crossborder structures. But for As a result the European electricity ex this it needs a strengthened Europe, not one change EPEX had negative prices on the in which its members serve their own nation spot market in Germany. The operators of al interests with increased vigour. brown coal power plants paid (!) a peak of And thus the dirty brown coal power 24 €ct/kWh of electricity to get rid of it on plants will continue to emit their CO2 into the the grid. This was not some kind of emergen atmosphere and generate electricity, the dis cy procedure because they had been sur posal of which will even cost the power plant prised by a low electricity demand or by the operators money. Could things get any weather. An extremely sunny but also windy crazier? day had been forecast. That electricity con sumption is lower at weekends is also ele mentary knowledge for power plant operators.

003_Editorial.indd 3 17.05.2016 12:04:15 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Service companies: Keeping PV plants under control

Even relatively small technical problems can put the proﬁ tability of PV plants in danger if these problems go unnoticed. To avoid any unnecessary downtime, service contracts have become commonplace for big projects. S&WE presents inter national players in the ﬁ eld of photovoltaics O&M. Page 66

Market overview solar stations: A question of the pump

Solar stations bring together all the necessary valves and ﬁ ttings of the solar loop in one unit. For products with an integrated controller the controls are set up optimally for the pump. Bidirectional pumps make new functions possible. Page 76 Photo: Vaillant Photo: Photo: Sybac THE MAGAZINE for Renewable Energies ISSN ��-�� www.sunwindenergy.com

€ ��.�� • International issue

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TheTHE solarSOLAR edi EDITIONTion

SOLAR STATIONS Intersolar Europe & North America: A question Growth through battery storage of the pump

For its 25-year anniversary the Intersolar Europe is CROWDFUNDING FOR PV recording stable exhibitor ﬁ gures and visitors from Chasing the unicorn 165 countries. The storage sector is growing and wind power technology has been invited along.

Storage and smart renewable energy technologies

Preview: hold a prominent position in this year’s Intersolar Preview: North America in San Francisco, too. For the ﬁ rst Intersolar Europe & North America time ever, ees North America will bundle innovations �� pages Intersolar and applications for stationary and electricity storage systems as an independent exhibition and Preparing for the conference. Pages 32 - 65 Trade Shows

Photo: dpa picutre alliance

Titel_vb.indd 4

4 Sun & Wind17.05.2016 Energy 10:59:37 3/2016

004-005_Inhalt_sf.indd 4 18.05.2016 10:43:26

Succesful European companies

The European solar market and its diﬃ cult conditions are forcing companies to rethink their business models. Solar entrepreneurs are having to deal with the challenges of decreasing solar subsidies. So which businesses will thrive in the new solar era? We have explored some options in France, Spain, Germany, UK, Italy and the Benelux.

Pages 16 - 31 Photo: Bath & West Community Energy (BWCE) Energy Community West & Bath Photo:

Mostra Convegno Expocomfort: Convergence of electricity and heat

The international heating technology trade fair in Milan, MCE, showcased a huge array of innovations for the whole house. Alongside the classic heating systems were photo voltaics and e-mobility.

Page 84 Photo: Jens-Peter Meyer Jens-Peter Photo: Photo: Vaillant Photo:

REVIEW PHOTOVOLTAICS Crowdfunding: 6 Pictorial: 58 Intersolar & EU PVSEC: Chasing the Unicorn No resemblance whatsoever PV mega event in Munich 8 Facts & Figures 62 Intersolar North America: Start-up companies are booming. 10 PV market Japan: A strong focus on storage They stand for innovation in many Funding is followed by the market 64 Interview: Deep tensions with utilities sectors, including renewable en- 14 Interview: Dominican Republic – 66 Service companies: ergies. Yet, not all new companies 58 MW are “ready to build” Keeping PV plants under control are successful and investors are 71 Research: A new generation of semi- always hoping to ﬁ nd the rare FOCUS PV IN EUROPE transparent organic PV buildings and valuable “unicorn” among 16 UK and Italy: Business models 72 Crowdfunding: Chasing the Unicorn them. for the post-subsidy era Page 72 20 France: Gigawatt à la française SOLAR THERMAL 22 Spain: Hoping for the sun 76 Market overview solar stations: to rise again A question of the pump 26 Benelux: Small but nice 84 Mostra Convegno Expocomfort: 30 Germany: “In ten years the A convergence of electricity and heat cheapest form of energy” 90 District heating: Graz will heat with the sun INTERSOLAR EUROPE 32 • Growth through battery storage DEPARTMENT 38 • Interview Solar Promotion: 92 International events Worldwide radiance 94 Directory 40 • Product preview: New “Sun Systems” 98 Preview and imprint Graphic: Pixabay/GDJ Graphic:

Solar Edition 5

004-005_Inhalt_sf.indd 5 18.05.2016 10:43:32 REVIEW PICTORIAL PIC torial

No resemblance whatsoever Germany’s Minister for Economic Aﬀ airs and Energy Sigmar Gabriel may be of similar stature to SolarWorld founder Frank Asbeck – but that’s where resemblance ends. A visit of the Minister to Inter solar Europe 2015, at least, did not result in a deeper understanding of Gabriel to the needs of the solar industry. Photo: dpa picture alliance

6 Sun & Wind Energy 3/2016

06-07_pictorial_vb.indd 6 15.05.2016 15:05:17 No resemblance whatsoever

Solar Edition 7

06-07_pictorial_vb.indd 7 15.05.2016 15:05:19 REVIEW FACTS & FIGURES

Analysts and market researchers produce a vast number of studies on how the The new PIKO MP – diff erent sectors of renewable energies have developed both globally or in selected countries. They send out their own projections on how markets for all kinds of facts& renewable energies are set to develop. Facts and fi gures come into our mailbox, in the mini stars of the an endless stream, diffi cult to overview. SUN & WIND ENERGY has selected several figures interesting ones and presents you our new Facts & Figures section. KOSTAL cosmos Lithium consumption: from smartphones and tablets to electric vehicles Rechargeable batteries were the leading As a consequence, supply of technical- Identifi ed lithium resources use for lithium in 2015, accounting for grade hydroxide and lithium carbonate Resources Country 37 % of total global consumption at has tightened. Contract prices for [million tons] around 66,000 t of lithium carbonate hydroxide jumped by around 20 % in 2015 Bolivia 9.0 equivalent (LCE). In the past growth in and carbonate consumers are warned to lithium consumption was dominated by expect similar rises in 2016, with non- Chile 7.5 smartphones and tablets, but since 2013 contracted (spot) material increasingly Argentina 6.5 the market for electric vehicles (EVs) has expensive to source. USA 5.5 started to have a much larger impact. While demand from the battery indus- China 5.4 Australia 1.7 Today EVs account for 30 % of the lithium try is forecast to almost triple by 2025, Canada, Congo, 1.0 each ion battery market. The Chinese EV and weighing down lithium’s future growth are Russia, Serbia e-bus market surged in 2015, adding to other industries such as ceramics, glass, the 25 % share of the EV battery market grease, metallurgical powders and poly- Data refer to known resources in 2015. built up by Tesla. These data have mers. Roskill’s overall base-case growth Source: US Geologial Survey been provided in the 13th report on the forecast is 6.4 %/a through 2025, but this global lithium market published by could rise to 9.3 % if lithium requirements ilar large-scale battery plants planned or Roskill. for EV and energy storage system batteries underway elsewhere, meaning Asia will Battery-grade lithium hydroxide is the increase. remain the growth engine for lithium fastest growing lithium product. Lithium The upstream and downstream battery demand going forward. China, Japan and producers in China and the USA chase this supply chain will remain a largely Asian Korea could account for 70 % of consump- higher priced and higher margin market. business, despite the Gigafactory and sim- tion by 2025.

GTM: global PV solar Solar thermal: 14 % China’s new 5-year-plan: installations up 66 GW down in 2015 CO2 down, RE up The global market for photovotaics is expect- The global market for solar thermal collectors With the 13th 5-year-plan, covering the ed to keep growing at a steady pace (+21 % in declined in 2015 at a rate of 14 % compared to period of 2016 to 2020, the Chinese 2016), reaching 66 GW of newly installed ca- 2014. Calculated on the basis of 18 countries government has released overall goals of pacity by the end of this year and – after a (equivalent to 95 to 97 % of the world market) the national development. Despite the fact small dip in 2017 caused by policy changes in 37.2 GWth of glazed and unglazed collectors that Chinas economy failed to reach latest China (FiT pullback of 11 to 5 % drop in de- were installed (2014: 43.4 GW ). Last year’s aims, GDP is expected to grow by 6.5 % th mand), Japan (12 % drop in demand), and the slowdown was the result of diminishing col- each year until 2020 while infl ation shall be UK (FiT pullback of 65 to 64 % drop of demand lector area fi gures in China (-17 %), and in kept below a level of 3 %. in 2016) – rising to 95 GW annual installations Europe (nine biggest nations: -5 %). The In parallel to the targeted economic in 2020 according to data published by GTM countries with the highest growth rates were values the 13th 5-year-plan sets objectives Scan for more information: Research. Denmark (+55 %), Turkey (+10 %), Israel for measures to increase energy effi ciency Europe, once the stronghold of the global (+9 %), and Mexico (+8 %) according to data and to fi ght air pollution: Until 2020 CO2 market, will see its top PV markets continue to compiled by www.solarthermalworld.org. emissions per unit of gross domenstic fall down the rankings in the short term. How- The Compound Annual Growth Rate product (GDP) are expected to decline at a ever, GTM Research expects a turnaround: ( CAGR) between 2010 and 2015 was highest in rate of 18 %. To this end, for the fi rst time Europe’s share of installations will slowly Denmark (+34 %) because of its rising de- ever, the Chinese government introduced a  grow from 10 % in 2016 to 13 % by 2020. mand for solar district heating. Except for cap of 5 billion t on the consumption of  Analysts of GTM Research expect India to Denmark and Poland (+14 %), the key Europe- standard hard coal.  establish itself as one of the major PV mar- an countries performed weak with an overall It is worth stressing that the consump- kets, growing from 4 % of the global installa- negative CAGR 2010-2015, especially across tion of energy per unit of GDP is expected tions in 2020 to 13 % by 2020. That means the Mediterranean countries of France (-17 % to decrease at a slower rate of only 16 %. India will install just as much solar in 2020 as CAGR) and Italy (-14 % CAGR). Germany had This indicates that the production of energy all of Europe. Latin America’s Compound its long-term CAGR rate down to -7 % as a re- from renewable sources (and nuclear) is Annual Growth Rate (CGAR) 2016-2020 is sult of a disappointing -10 % installations gaining further importance compared to seen to reach 28 %. from 2014 to 2015. the previous 5-year-plan.

8 Sun & Wind Energy 3/2016

008_review_facts_figures_vb.indd 8 17.05.2016 12:00:49 The new PIKO MP – the mini stars of the KOSTAL cosmos Visit us at Intersolar Europe hall B3 – stand 130

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Solar Edition

008_review_facts_figures_vb.indd 9 17.05.2016 12:00:51 REVIEW JAPAN

Innovative solar products as well as market developments in the second Funding is followed largest photovoltaics market in the world were hot topics at the PV Expo by the market in Japan. Photo: Europressedienst The Japanese photovoltaics market can look back on However, according to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), funding needs to be four successful years, thanks to generous government distributed diff erently. “Ninety percent of the FIT is basically industrial and commercial PV, so we need funding that primarily drove new installations in the to get a better balance whenever PV is installed,” industrial and commercial sectors. Market participants said Nobuhiro Watanabe, METI Renewable Energy Promotion Offi ce Head. On April 1, the Japanese gov- now see changes on the horizon. Nevertheless, the ernment lowered PV feed-in tariff s by 11 %. The com- pensation for small systems up to 10 kW power will approaching changes do not make them feel insecure. decrease from 27 to 24 Japanese Yen (approximately 19 €-ct) per kWh, METI stated. The funding for sys- fter the Fukushima nuclear disaster, the tems with capacities over 10 kW is 18 JPY. In the fol- Japanese government introduced a new law lowing years, funding will be reduced annually by 2 to with feed-in tariff s for renewable energies in 3 JPY/kWh. This reduction is the government’s JulyA 2012. The Japanese solar market has been response to declining PV system costs. At the same grow ing continuously since then. According to the time, the government approved a bill that provides market research fi rm Bloomberg New Energy Finance, for the introduction of tenders for PV projects. In ad- systems with a total capacity of 7.1 GW were installed dition, the government wants to promote homes that in 2013, 10.3 GW in 2014, and 12.3 GW in 2015. generate power and are able to sell surplus energy. Analysts are expecting a newly installed photovoltaic capacity between 9.8 and 12.4 GW for the current Zero-energy homes year. Japan has become the second-largest market for solar installations in the world. The land of the Many market participants agree that they need to rising sun has no cause for concern. prepare for a post-FIT market. This is also the opinion

10 Sun & Wind Energy 3/2016

010-013_Review_PV_Expo_Japan_ro.indd 10 15.05.2016 15:10:15 of the market research firm Lux Research. And this out using the FIT. The Mibugawa Power Company, a The first solar park belonging will lead to the market being divided into segments subsidiary of Marubeni Corporation from Tokyo, re- to Hep Capital’s new invest- for large systems through tenders and residential cently put a PV power plant in the city of Itako in the ment fund ‘HEP – Solar Japan 1’ rooftop systems in combination with own consump- Ibaraki Prefecture into operation. It has a nominal has gone into operation. It is tion. The industry seems to be prepared for this. At output of 2.4 MW, and Mibugawa will be operating the solar park Arida, one of the PV Expo in Tokyo, Hina Morioka, Communication the power plant in the long term. The company has four power plants near the Manager at Kyocera, explained: “For the industrial- many years of experience with renewable energy Japanese city of Osaka with a use market with systems of 10 kW or more, the gov- power plants and the development and operation of total peak power of 6 MW. ernment lowered the tariff from 27 yen to 24 yen, and photovoltaic systems. This is the company’s tenth Photo: Hep Capital it is becoming difficult to ensure feasibility from megawatt-sized solar project, bringing it up to a to- utility- scale solar power plant projects. On the other tal installed capacity of approximately 203 MW. hand, in the residential market, the government is This is just one example. Large companies are al- promoting zero-energy-homes, and so we believe so already planning for a post-subsidies market. The there is potential in the market for combining solar Japanese conglomerate Mitsui & Co., for example, power generation, battery storage, HEMS (home has entered into a strategic partnership with the energy management systems), high thermal insula- storage company Sunverge Energy from the United tion performance of homes, and energy-saving States. The cooperation will focus on Japan. “Japan equipment, etc. Furthermore, in the future we expect is the second largest market for solar PV growth, that the market will develop from zero-energy homes which in turn is driving demand for intelligent dis- to a market characterised by own consumption of tributed energy storage solutions,” stated Ken power with energy self-sufficiency, and believe that Munson, Sunverge co-founder and CEO. “Mitsui has solar energy should continually play an important been a pioneer in renewable energy and has made role in this development.” early strategic investments in energy storage, and we look forward to working with them to bring the Working towards a benefits of Sunverge’s advanced technology to more post-funding market utilities and energy users throughout Japan.” The goal is to establish so-called Virtual Power The market is still being driven by FIT and megawatt- Plants. “Sunverge designs and manufactures ad- scale projects are still being calculated and carried vanced, intelligent energy storage systems that

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Solar Edition 11

010-013_Review_PV_Expo_Japan_ro.indd 11 15.05.2016 15:10:15 REVIEW JAPAN

ASIA POWER WEEK 3 DAYS 3 SHOWS 1 VENUE 2016

Solar panels ﬂ oating on water like these, which have an output of 1.7 MW, are already an BE PART OF ASIA’S PREMIER established solution in Japan. Suitable sites on land are POWER INDUSTRY scarcer in this country than elsewhere. Photo: Kyocera CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION

allow electric utilities to automatically execute de- eff ort into promoting Zero-Energy Homes, and this is WWW.ASIAPOWERWEEK.COM mand response programs for individual customers a great opportunity for Canadian Solar to off er more or to meet peak energy demand for an entire com- products to Japanese property developers.” munity or service area by linking them into ‘Virtual The Taiwanese manufacturing company JOIN THE LARGEST POWER INDUSTRY PLAYERS - PLAN YOUR PARTICIPATION TODAY Power Plants’. The future of energy depends on the Foxconn, which acquired the entire Japanese elec- deployment of technologies that support intelligent tronics company Sharp for about € 3 billion, is also management of distributed resources, and provides entering the Japanese market. The future of Sharp’s 24 the ability to aggregate those resources into virtual photovoltaics business initially looked uncertain power plants in Japan and across our worldwide net- after the acquisition by Foxconn. However, the cor- work,” said Tomonori Suzuki, General Manager of poration promised in advance to try to preserve New Business Development Department, Infrastruc- jobs at Sharp. Representatives from Sharp at the ture Projects Development Division Mitsui & Co. Japanese solar trade fair declined to comment. , th During recent years, Sharp had shut down more 8000 250 130 50 7 24 Japan attracts foreign companies and more of its production capacity, relying instead on OEM production from China. At the trade fair, Foreign companies are showing continued interest many people voiced the suspicion that Foxconn has SAVE in the attractive Japanese market. The Thai company a strong interest in Sharp’s expertise in the fi eld of Global Power Synergy Pcl (GPSC) is currently search- photovoltaics. 10% WITH THE ing for investment opportunities. It has also already EARLY BIRD found a suitable project: funding the construction of A view towards foreign markets OFFER a solar park in northern Japan. A 20.8 MW park with a total investment volume of US$ 89 million is being However, Japanese market participants do not want built near the city of Ichinoseki. In return, the Thai to rely solely on their home market, so they are in- company has signed a 20-year PPA agreement with creasingly looking to foreign markets. Hina Morioka the Japanese power company Japan’s Tohoku Electric from Kyocera explained: “Many Japanese companies Power. are strengthening business outside Japan. Kyocera Canadian Solar also sees Japan as an attractive is especially focusing on the United States and market. “Japan is like a home market. Since 2013, Southeast Asian markets. In the United States, we Canadian Solar has been the largest non-Japanese are strengthening residential sales and are expect- brand in this market. For three years we have been ing total sales – including industrial sales – in the strong here, particularly in the residential market, of- current fi scal year from April 2015 to March 2016 to DISCOVER THE LATEST SOLUTIONS AND TECHNOLOGIES ALL IN ONE PLACE fering total solutions for rooftops and EPC for small double compared to the last fi scal year.” commercial installations,” reported Shawn Qu, The situation is similar at Solar Frontier. The Canadian Solar CEO. “We shipped close to 100 MW company recently agreed to supply 150 MW worth of into Japan last year. That’s quite signifi cant. Change modules to the EPC Cypress Creek Renewables in the happens to any market, especially in solar. I’m not USA. “Cypress Creek Renewables, a company recog- surprised by Japan’s policy changes, and we have al- nised for its commitment to sustainable practices in ways been prepared for this. For the large projects local solar development, has become a bellwether LEARN HOW TO PARTICIPATE AT THIS PREMIER EVENT: WWW.ASIAPOWERWEEK.COM we are continuing to introduce high effi ciency and relationship for Solar Frontier,” so Charles Pimentel, lower cost panels, and even with the lower FIT we are COO of Solar Frontier Americas. still competitive. Japan has also started to put more Markus Grunwald Owned and Produced by: Official Publications: Supporting Publications:

® www.asiapowerweek.com 12 Sun & Wind Energy 3/2016

010-013_Review_PV_Expo_Japan_ro.indd 12 15.05.2016 15:10:16 ASIA POWER WEEK 3 DAYS 3 SHOWS 1 VENUE 20-22 SEPTEMBER 2016 KINTEX, SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA

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010-013_Review_PV_Expo_Japan_ro.indd 13 15.05.2016 15:10:17 REVIEW DOMINICAN REPUBLIC MW “ready to build” The German solar project developer F&S Solar has identifi ed the Dominican Republic as a particularly attractive PV market. Planning is complete for an initial MW utility-scale project. Construction is set to begin on the fi rst half of the power plant. The electricity will be marketed in a PPA. In an interview with S&WE, the company’s Managing Director Georg Schmiedel confi rmed that F&S Solar has further plans for the Caribbean market.

utility once complete and we consider this to be a solid foundation for future business.

S&WE: But you also founded a subsidiary ... Schmiedel: Yes, we ﬁ rst looked for local strategic partners, as we do in every country, and we found them. We can’t do anything without a local network. That led to the establishment of a joint venture company, F&S Solar Caribe Holding. F&S Solar Concept and AAC Global are equal partners in this company. Our partner, AAC Global, handles project development and permit planning, but is also supported locally by employees from Germany. Our project manager is currently preparing to move to the Dominican Republic.

S&WE: What does the electricity market in this Caribbean country look like? Schmiedel: First of all, it’s important to remember that it is an island. Almost half of the electricity is produced in an oil-fi red power plant, which is not very effi cient, ecologically unsound and expensive. Solar, wind and biomass are poised for serious expansion – the Dominican Republic doesn’t want to Georg Schmiedel is CEO S&WE: Mr. Schmiedel, the Dominican Republic is rely on deliveries of raw materials. But the island’s of F&S Solar. the only market outside of Europe, with the excep- network also shows that there is a decent power Photo: F&S Solar tion of Turkey, where your company is active. How grid, which will also be expanded because of tour- did this come about? ism. This sector requires a continuous, adequate Georg Schmiedel: We made the decision to interna- power supply; some hotels still use their own auxil- tionalise in and chose to start with a focus on iary diesel generators to ensure their power supply. Europe and Turkey. We entered the UK market, with all the associated ups and downs, three years ago. S&WE: That means that a large solar farm with MW It became clear as a second step that we would of capacity would be a good fi t for this market. have to go beyond Europe into international mar- Schmiedel: Yes, without a doubt. We will feed in at kets. There are important criteria in addition to the highest voltage so that the energy can be well solar potential: we want to avoid political risks, risk distributed across the entire island. The locations of war and any health risks for our employees. The were chosen so that a substation can be built di- Caribbean is thus generally of interest and the rectly on site. The fi rst half of our MW project Dominican Republic in particular. currently has “ready to build” status. We are in the process of wrapping up the fi nal fi nancing matters S&WE: In your opinion, what distinguishes the with the investors and banks. Under the applicable country? laws, the permit for the second half of the project Schmiedel: The system there has a very sustain- will be issued when construction begins. In addi- able fundamental structure. We found structures tion to this fi rst power plant, we have another comparable with those in Germany: clear, struc- MW project that is currently in development. tured processes with typical permits, including environmental assessments and construction S&WE: The installation of hybrid power plants permits. Our MW project has been off ered a would certainly be another potential fi eld. Is that power purchase agreement with a public electricity something you would get involved in?

Sun & Wind Energy /

014-015_Review_F&S_ro.indd 14 17.05.2016 13:29:40 Schmiedel: We’ve found that the construc- struction management, and partner com- to keep the responsibility for this task here tion of this large solar farm is the fi rst step panies from Germany are leading the in- in Germany. in a new market. But there are also regions stallation. Between and local with a very poor power supply, or without workers, who can apply on site, will be S&WE: The Dominican Republic appears any power supply, and hybrid power employed in the project. to be a very attractive market. Do you have plants would be suitable there – the expansion plans for other countries in the potential is truly enormous! However, the S&WE: Will you continue as the operations Caribbean? fi rst step together with the electric utility is manager? Schmiedel: We see very promising oppor- to support the network with solar farms, Schmiedel: Yes, we are prepared to stay tunities in other countries, although the also in respect to reactive power. We are on site and manage the farm over the long general conditions will always have to be a also thinking about storage solutions to term. A service building with a spare parts good fi t. At the moment, the conditions in smooth the peaks. The climate on the is- warehouse which the security service can the Dominican Republic are ideal for us. It land is also quite varied. There are areas use as its base and where camera moni- is important for our investors that the feed- that are steppe-like, while others are very toring can be done will be built on site. in tariff be paid in US dollars, not in the na- green because of regular rainfall. This is The monitoring of the plant itself will con- tional currency. Currency fl uctuation why it is important to choose regions with tinue to be done in Germany. We can mon- presents too great a risk. We are currently constant solar radiation for solar farms. itor the farm in real time from our head- planning to remain active throughout the quarters. However, with six hours’ time dif- Caribbean and expand our business from S&WE: Are there any particular challenges ference, monitoring of the facility will be- our headquarters in the Dominican in this country for solar projects in terms gin at midnight in Germany – so we will Republic. But the growth should be healthy of logistics, installation or the availability have to organise a shift system. and sustainable. Our fi rst solar farm, of well-trained installers? Montecristi, which has a capacity of Schmiedel: There really aren’t many prob- S&WE: Wouldn’t it make more sense to do MW, will be an important reference for lems. Our partner SMA is already on the is- the monitoring locally? interested parties from other countries land and can off er the necessary support. Schmiedel: We want to use the headquar- who would like to get a sense of the scale: The substructure will be completed with ters here in Germany for all our inter- MW on over hectares of land – one of the global players, but we have not national projects. We have developed our that’s quite a lot. We will be happy to show yet reached a fi nal decision. The modules own software for our monitoring system it and provide information on the transmis- must be suitable for high temperatures, of and can use this software to manage all sion network operator’s experiences. course. We are responsible for the confi rst level support from here. We would like The interview was conducted by Ralf Ossenbrink.

Solar Edition

014-015_Review_F&S_ro.indd 15 17.05.2016 13:29:41 Review euRope/SolaR StaRt-upS Which business model for the post-subsidy era? Gone are the days when solar companies could rely on subsidies to grow their business. the technology is maturing, prices are lowering and in many countries the support to start oﬀ the market is coming to an end. So which businesses will thrive in the new solar era? we have explored some options in italy and the united Kingdom.

Mongoose Energy works with community groups, commercial project developers and investors to develop, ﬁ nance, build and manage community-owned renewable energy installations like this rooftop array in Bath, South West England. photos (2): BwCe

16 Sun & Wind Energy 3/2016

016-019_Review_Solar_Start_ups_sf.indd 16 15.05.2016 15:12:07 f you want to know in which direction the sector is moving, look at the history of FIAMM (Fabbrica Italiana Accumulatori Motocarri Montecchio – IItalian Manufacturer of Motorvehicle Batteries Montecchio). Based near Vicenza, the company has been producing batteries for automobiles since 1942. Among others, they supplied sport cars through an alliance with Ferrari. Building on this technological expertise, in 2011 the group set up FIAMMSoNick, a new division that specialises in the production of sodiumnickel chloride batteries for electric vehicles, backup power and energy storage systems. The products range from 4 kWh to 1.2 MWh and can be combined in containers. The batteries are 100 % recyclable and ecocompatible (32 % is salt) and resist temperatures from 40 °C to +60 °C. This makes them particularly suitable for areas where conditions are harsh. The main markets are small and mediumsized enterprises and installa tions in remote locations. Examples include the pro vision of an off grid system to an alpine refuge in Courmayeur, Italy, at an altitude of 2,800 m; the sup ply of microgrids to luxury resorts in the Maldives and the Mauritius, as well as to a military settlement in Foz de Iguaçu, Brazil. “More than 50 % of the pro duction is exported, especially to Latin America, the

Solar Edition

016-019_Review_Solar_Start_ups_sf.indd 17 15.05.2016 15:12:10 Review euRope/SolaR StaRt-upS

Pacific and North Africa given the interest in sustain Smart energy demand able tourism,” explains Marco Pigni, Regulatory Affairs Advisor. The company will soon launch an It is not just about the “hardware”. Tempus Energy, energy storage system for residential use too. “The a startup in London, developed a technology to sector is promising, systems’ efficiency keeps im trade electricity and manage energy demand so that proving and prices are decreasing by 20 % every two customers can connect to the cheapest electricity years. We expect a real boom between 2018 and available at any given time (“demand flexibility”). 2020,” he says. The platform works with any type of energy but re newables make electricity particularly cheap at cer Second life batteries with tain times of the day, e.g. when generation of solar cloud-connected control system power is at its maximum. The principles inspiring the company are that current energy consumption pat Powervault, a startup founded in 2012 in London, terns are not as intelligent as they should be and offers a home energy storage appliance that includes that air conditioning, heating systems and electric an integrated battery and a control system connected vehicles do not need to run at the most expensive to the Cloud. In this way, the electricity generated from time. Tempus is a utility that buys and sells power solar panels during the day can be stored and released using an algorithm to match customers to the cheap in the evening, but the system can also operate inde est market price. They work with customers to devel pendently of solar PV as part of a cloudconnected op the savings plan on the basis of their needs, then smart grid. The device is estimated to lower electricity monitor usage to optimise the system. Tempus calls bills by up to 20 %. The product is compatible with all this technology a “market based solution to climate smart tariffs and with all PV systems, which makes it change”, as it reduces energy bills and network costs suitable for retrofitting. “It has been designed consid helping renewable generators to operate without ering the size of homes in the UK and the installation public subsidies. Founded by CEO Sara Bell, in a year is easy,” says Managing Director Joe Warren. The tar Tempus has gained 100 customers (mainly business get market are homes with solar PV (currently 800,000 es) and employed 40 people, according to a compa in the UK) and homes with smart meters (a million to ny spokesperson. “The internet and smartphones day, with the forecast to reach 20 million by 2020 have transformed the way we communicate, shop thanks to a government programme). As solar PV and and travel. Demand flexibility technology will energy storage can create difficulties to grid stability, transform the way we use energy,” they say on the Powervault plans to work with electricity network oper website. ators too. Powervault’s capacity ranges from 2 to 6 kWh with prices going from £ 2,500 to 5,000. The Free solar panels for small and A 4 MW ground array at Port- company is looking at ways to reduce the price giving medium-sized enterprises worthy, Devon, owned by Bath a second life to batteries previously used for electric & West Community Energy vehicles. A cooperation programme has been estab SunCity was founded in Pescara, Italy, in 2012 by a (BWCE). Its spin-off Mongoose lished for this purpose with Nissan and Oxford team of energy experts with a history at Enel. The Energy plans to supply energy University. “Our ambition is to launch the world’s company installs solar panels for free, selling the to customers in the UK before greenest and cheapest closedloop lithium ion product electricity they generate to the user on site without the end of the year. later this year,” says Warren. having to go through the network. The company

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016-019_Review_Solar_Start_ups_sf.indd 18 15.05.2016 15:12:11 maintains the ownership of PV and gets a higher energy groups and profits from energy generation electricity price than supplying the grid, while the fi are used to fund initiative projects locally, for exam nal consumer avoids the system charges. One of the ple fighting energy poverty or increasing homes’ en projects, for example, consisted in the replacement ergy efficiency. “As a cooperative, individual share of the asbestos roofing with solar PV at an industrial holders can participate in the general assembly and plant, with significant savings for the owners of the decide where the profits will be reinvested,” ex building. “SunCity’s main objectives are to optimise plains Angela Terry, Head of Climate Change and consumption, to encourage selfproduction from re Energy Communications. Mongoose has announced newable energy sources and to promote efficiency,” that it will start supplying energy to customers be says CEO Massimo Cavaliere. “The main market are fore the end of the year, becoming the first supply small and mediumsized enterprises, which bear company in the UK that is communityowned. After high energy costs but are not in a position to negoti the closure on 31st March of the Renewables ate better prices with traditional utilities.” Produc Obligation – the support scheme for major solar tion and consumption are monitored and quarterly projects – a growing number of companies in the UK reports are issued to customers to optimise the per are planning to move to the supply business. Some formance. The group employs 30 people operating eye in particular power purchase agreements (PPAs) through four different companies: SunCity for solar with large users. Energy supply, together with stor installations, Netcity to market of energy products, age and demand management, seem to define the Solmac for consulting services and Enercity for ener most promising models for the future of solar. gy trading. The latter was created to manage the Claudia Delpero energy supply on site and only operates with SunCity customers.

From generation to supply Pilot project to change electricity consumption patterns Mongoose Energy is a cooperative established near Bath, England. It is a spinoff of Bath & West Wadebridge, a town of 8,000 people in Cornwall, UK, is testing Community Energy (BWCE), which was created in new electricity tariffs to encourage consumption during 2010 to develop and manage locallyowned commu daytime, when solar power generation drives down energy nity energy companies. In 5 years, BWCE developed wholesale costs. more than 12 MW, until Mongoose Energy took over in April 2015. Chaired by Ed Davey, the former Energy As part of the pilot project how to change electricity consumption Secretary, Mongoose Energy helps communities set patterns, a “Sunshine Tariff” will apply from st1 April to 30th Sep up and fund renewable energy projects (until the re tember 2016. During this period, customers who signed up to the cent policy changes, mostly solar). Bristol Energy programme pay 5p per unit of energy between 10am and 4pm and Cooperative, for example, has raised since Novem 18p for the rest of the day. Smart meters have been installed in all ber £ 9 million for solar generation in partnership properties taking part in the initiative to monitor consumption with Mongoose and other crowd funding platforms. patterns. Mongoose builds and manages the projects. The It is the first time such trial takes place in Great Britain, say the majority of the company is owned by community organisers. The “Sunshine Tariff” is a collaboration of community energy group Wadebridge Renewable Energy Network (WREN), local network operator Western Power Distribution, electricity supplier Tempus Energy and sustainable energy nonprofit Regen SW. “On the basis of customers who have signed up so far, we have found estimated savings on average of around 20 % are possible,” said WREN Chair Stephen Frankel. In a recent report the Green Alliance, an environmental think tank, has ranked Cornwall the top county in England and Wales for installed solar power. Western Power Distribution, the distribution network operator (DNO) for the area, has seen the amount of re newable electricity generated in the south west of England in crease enormously in the last few years, to the point of not being able to cope with new projects. Last year the DNO closed the grid to new large renewable projects in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset. The Solar Trade Association called on the government to invest in the modernization of the electricity grid, as the system risks hampering renewable energy development. Initiatives to match demand and generation locally and to utilise the network more efficiently should allow the connection of more projects in the future. Claudia Delpero

Solar Edition 19

016-019_Review_Solar_Start_ups_sf.indd 19 15.05.2016 15:12:12 Review euRope/fRance

Gigawatt à la franÇaise france’s plan to develop renewable energy is nies have to quote a price and specify technical de tails. The proposals that score best against a special working. photovoltaics will soon take the place scoring system are awarded contracts. The process has seen a continuous decline in prices for solar of a portion of nuclear power. power. In the last round of bidding in December 2015, the Ministry of Environment said that average rance is serious about the energy transition tariffs per MWh for plants larger than 250 kW fell and photovoltaics. Nearly 1 GW of new solar compared to the previous year as follows: for large power generation capacity has been installed rooftop systems by 18 % to € 129, in covered car Fannually over the past two years. This level should at parks by 15 % to € 124, and in groundmounted sys least remain constant if the government manages to tems by 23 % to € 82. The rates were significantly implement its French energy transition law. The law lower than expected by the government, which is mandates that 40 % of domestic electricity genera why instead of a volume of 400 MW, contracts were tion come from renewable sources by 2030 (current awarded for projects totalling 800 MW. ly the figure is around 20 %). Concrete planning calls “The government can now get 1 GW per year for for at least a doubling of solar power volume com the same price as 300 MW in 2013”, says Xavier pared with 2014. That means an addition of at least Barbaro, CEO of the project developer Neoen from 6 GW over the next six years. Environment Minister Paris. “Given that today solar power can be compet Ségolène Royal wants to achieve this target with a itive at 70 €/MW, the government has to pay a pre variety of applications. In addition to largescale mium of only € 10 to € 15 on top of the regular elec plants, she will place special emphasis on bolster tricity price. Three years ago they had to pay three ing the middle segment. One of her proposals is a times as much.” solar route. Along highways and roads, as well as at parking lots, a thousand kilometres of PV arrays Rooftop systems also attractive could be built throughout the country. The industry is pleased. “If the government does Groundmounted is not the only segment cashing in not change its plans, those are good prospects,” on significantly lower prices. “Residential could be says Henri Brugues, a representative of the system becoming very interesting. It is not the booming seg provider Cap Energie from the southern French city ment right now but that might change due to the de of La Boissière near Montpellier. The French solar crease in system prices,” says Barbaro. scene cannot be totally confident in its good fortune, Cap Energie representative Brugues confirms however, as President François Hollande faces re that. “We’re seeing huge demand for selfconsump election in 2017. A change of government could also tion and offgrid systems.” The company supplies slow the transition in the energy system. kits, mainly for these applications. “The reason is because solar power is getting cheaper all the time, Subsidies up to 100 kW, while the cost of household power keeps going up. and then tenders In a year and a half, we’ll have prices for solar power in France at the level of those for nuclear power.” If Président Hollande is toppled, the future of the Many consumers would see PV systems amortising country’s solar policy may be oriented on the pillars faster, he said, adding that a welldesigned system One prominent French solar the government has already set up. Building without storage in southern France can help reduce project is the 300 MW array integrated systems and arrays up to 100 kW receive gridsupplied power demand by 80 %. “That can re in Cestas near the city of a fixed subsidy that is adjusted quarterly. All sys duce consumers’ electricity bills by € 1,000 a year,” Bordeaux in the country’s tems with capacities from 100 kW to 12 MW are sub Brugues says. In France, the solar boom is just southwest. photos (2): neoen sidised through a tender process. Bidding compa getting started. Oliver Ristau

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020-025_Review_FRA_ESP_ro.indd 20 18.05.2016 10:50:36 “Our target is to expand by 100 MW per year further on” Reliably The 40-year-old engineer Xavier Barbaro has studied in paris and Harvard and has been ceo of neoen since the constitution of the company in 2008. Today neoen is the third largest producer of green electricity in france and the country’s biggest efficient. independent green power producer. Since 2011, the company develops solar power plants internationally. currently it has 450 Mw pv under operation in france, mainly ground-mounted systems. More than 100 people are working for the company, among which two thirds in france. according to Barbaro, the company works proﬁ tably since 2011.

Gigawatt à la franÇaise S&WE: What exactly is Neoen doing? Barbaro: The 100 MW are divided in 13 Measuring Xavier Barbaro: We develop renewable projects, all of them located in southern energy projects, invest in them and oper France due to the higher radiation, which ate them, internationally. That means allows us to off er a competitive price. surveillance and selling the electricity – The winning prices were between 70 and in France to Électricité de France. We 95 €/MWh. have a strong focus on solar, and also work with S&WE: How does the wind and biomass. tender process in France work? S&WE: How much solar Barbaro: Until today capacity do you have un- there have been three Controlling der operation in France tender rounds and a and what is your expan- fourth is soon coming sion plan? up. Rules have changed Barbaro: We have a over time but generally 300 MW solar power spoken you have to plant near Bordeaux, which is operation come up with a price, a detailed specifi ally working since 2015 and another cation of your projects containing ex 150 MW of mediumsized projects and a plicit details of the chosen technology small amount of rooftop systems. We and the suppliers. And the tender is have all kinds of technology: trackers, limited to a size of 12 MW per project. Monitoring fi xed systems, thin fi lm and crystalline Due to what the government is planning modules. We have secured 100 MW in a there should be tenders more frequently, governmental tender for 2017. Our target once per year and bigger volumes. We is to expand by 100 MW per year further are about to have 1 GW per year awarded on. For that purpose one means was the via tenders. acquisition of the French subsidiary of Juwi last year, because of a quite inter S&WE: How was the MW project esting portfolio of projects. near Bordeaux ﬁ nanced? Barbaro: Bordeaux wasn’t realized by a S&WE: Do you own the plants you tender. Until last year the French govern develop and how do you secure your ment off ered a feedintariff for big capital needs? projects. When we built it we could enjoy Solutions for Barbaro: We always remain the main a FIT of roughly 100 €/MWh. Now feed shareholder of the power plants, often intariff s are limited to residential and Building Technology 100 %. We don’t have access to the capi small industrial rooftops. Another cost tal markets, because we are not a listed advantage was the low rate of ground Efficient systems require reliable technolo- company, what might change in the fu utilisation. We needed only 250 ha for gies. Don‘t accept any compromises when it ture. Now we have three shareholders the 300 MW. The classical utilisation rate comes to precise as well as safe measurement which have invested signifi cantly in the at comparable solar farms is 2 ha/MW. and control technology for building-services company and they support our further We achieved that by using east and west engineering. Count on 60 years of quality, a growth. facing modules instead of south facing high level of commitment, and outstanding units. That allowed a quite dense industry expertise: S&WE: Tell us some details about the construction. Welcome to JUMO. MW you secured by the latest governmental tender in December . The interview was conducted by Oliver Ristau.

www.industry.jumo.info 00022 Solar Edition

020-025_Review_FRA_ESP_ro.indd 21 18.05.2016 10:50:38 Review euRope/Spain Hoping for the sun to rise again

Solar power is produced for Thanks to the copious amounts of sunshine and the multitude of self-consumption at the port of Tarragona. The system pre- seasoned companies based there, Spain may once again become a vents any energy from being fed into the grid. However, solar growth market in the medium term. Spanish policymakers have levied a tax for lost consump- pain has been a popular travel destination The International Energy Agency also has en tion against this business for decades. The state benefi ts from the reve couraging words: Spain has “a great opportunity to model. photos (2): Sun Systems nue generated by tourism. Both of these once again become one of the leading countries in Sthings are guaranteed now and in the future by the photovoltaics”, the agency recently stated in Madrid. sun. But when it comes to generating electricity, The industry has been eagerly waiting for this to hap Spanish policymakers are completely ignoring the pen: it has seen nothing but lean years since 2011. star our planet revolves around. In 2012, the ruling Companies such as the module manufacturer Solaria people’s party PP ruled in favour of a moratorium and the project developers TSolar and Fotowatio that suspended all fi nancial support for new renew survived thanks to exports and external fi nanciers. able energy power plants, including photovoltaics. Small and mediumsized companies such as the Hardly any projects were carried out between 2012 wholesaler Albasolar (see interview on page 24) or and 2015. This was a bitter setback: In 2008, Spain project developer Sun Systems from Tarragona de was the largest PV market in the world, with approxi pend on the domestic market. mately 3,000 MW. After years of frustration, numerous bankruptcies Direct consumption with and fi vedigit job losses in the industry, there is hope obstacles that the solar hiatus in Spain is now coming to an end. The majority of the parties represented in the Sun Systems specialises in rooftop systems. During Madrid parliament are looking to reboot the funding the economic crisis, Company Founder Jordi Vidal for solar and wind power. In the last elections, the caused a stir with his idea to fi t all greenhouse roofs ruling party lost its majority, and Energy Minister in Spain with PV systems and export the solar power. Soria, who was anything but solarfriendly, resigned This plan has not been implemented yet due to the because of his involvement in the ‘Panama Papers’. lack of political support and insuﬃ cient grid capaci The technology itself has now become so competi ty, so the company from Catalonia is focusing on tive that at least openarea power plants can be selfconsumption. One example is the port of planned without subsidies. One example is the Extre Tarragona, where Vidal installed several PV units madura region bordering on Portugal, where the re with a total output of 60 kW. The port uses this power gional government is supporting local and interna for its operations. According to the company, the tional companies such as SAG Solarstrom, part of the system is equipped with units that prevent the sys Shunfeng Group from China, which are planning tem from feeding power into the grid. These units openarea systems with a total power of 400 MW. communicate with the inverter to let it know the

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020-025_Review_FRA_ESP_ro.indd 22 18.05.2016 10:50:38 cLiMaLife GRoupe DeHon Advertorial What is in your pipes? when you think about solar thermal systems, you think about harnessing the energy from the sun and not using petroleum based energy resources. However, in order to make solar thermal systems eff ective they need a fl uid to transport the sun’s energy from the roof top collectors to the heat exchangers where the thermal heat is needed. These fl uids may need to stand up to temperatures exceeding 150 °c without phase changes for optimal performance so glycol based heat transfer fl uids are commonly used. The problem with most of these glycol fl uids is that they are based on petroleum chemistry which means your environmentally friendly solar thermal system is not as “green” as you might have hoped.

Climalife has recently introduced an improved heat the lifetime of the installation as it maintains its transfer fl uid. Greenway® Neo Solar heat transfer efficiency. With less decomposition and sludge fl uid provides excellent performance under high formation it significantly reduces the need for temperature conditions and avoids using fossil de maintenance and therefore may generate operat rived, petroleum based resources. Its unique com ing savings while preventing corrosion in the position is based on a high performing glycol, system. Susterra® 1.3 propanediol by DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio This heat transfer fl uid is approved by ANSES Products Company, and a new generation of organic (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupa dehon service SA inhibitive products to deliver a stable, 100 % bio tional Health & Safety), and Belgaqua (the Belgian Climalife based and Boraxfree fl uid. federation of the water sector). It is approved by 26, Avenue du Petit Parc Greenway® Neo Solar fluid testing indicates ISO 11930 standard on its ability to prevent bacte rial Vincennes Cedex 94683 Paris, France that under solar stagnation conditions and high growth in a circuit. It also meets the OECD standard Phone : +33 / 1 43 98 75 00 pressures it does not decompose as rapidly as 302 B intrinsic primary biodegradability of 90 % to E-Mail: [email protected] other fluids. In fact, it has the potential to increase 100 % in 28 days. Website: www.climalife.dehon.com

maximum amount of power it can produce. This important business area. The company recently makes it possible to avoid complicated grid coupling equipped a wine bodega in the hinterland with a PV processes with grid operators. system to replace a diesel generator. But in the long This form of solar energy generation has also run, projects such as these are not enough to survive been hindered by the socalled solar tax since on, and Vidal knows this. “We are waiting for a new autumn 2015. All solar energy systems that consume government to abolish the laws against renewable the electricity themselves must pay a fee for lost energy.” The next elections in June could pave the consumption. The situation is only diff erent for off way for this to happen. grid systems. For Sun Systems, this is therefore an Oliver Ristau

This bodega in the hinterland now uses solar power so it does not need to rely on a diesel generator anymore. The oﬀ -grid solution is not subject to any fees.

LIQUID CRYSTALS Thermometers and Foils www.spirig.com Free samples on request [email protected]

Solar Edition 23

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TI2LC_mini_4532_2014.pdf 45x32mm ISGlobal2016_BVA SWE und PV Mag_210x297.qxp_Layout 1 05.04.16 08:34 Seite 1

Review euRope/Spain

“I have complete INTERSOLAR – POWERFUL PIONEERS FOR 25 YEARS! conﬁ dence in PV as a

source of energy” albasolar photo:

alberto Medrano (53) has been working in the pv industry since 1987. in country with many buildings that are located far 1993, he founded the company albasolar, a wholesaler for solar energy from the power grid. The second is self systems in Madrid. in 2000, the electrical engineer sold his company to consumption, despite all of the incidents and the obstacles that the government puts in our way conergy from Germany. albasolar became conergy Spain. when the again and again. In addition to singlefamily Hamburg-based company ran into ﬁ nancial problems, Medrano once again homes, we implement small systems on factory founded a company in 2008 that he named albasolar and that again rooftops for industrial selfconsumption. operates as a wholesale outlet. in 2011, it had sixteen employees. it now only has four. Medrano speaks about the future in an interview with S&we. S&WE: So there is a market that survives without subsidies? S&WE: Mr Medrano, in , Spain completely Medrano: There have been neither grants nor sub froze funding for renewable energy with a morato- sidies in Spain since 2012. This means that every rium. Have you ever considered throwing in the thing we sell has to be economically viable for our towel? customers. There is no better proof of the competi Alberto Medrano: Giving up never crossed my tiveness of a PV project than the private money that mind. I have complete confi dence in PV as a source is in it. of energy. When I was young, my fi rst job was in this industry, and I have no doubt that I will retire in S&WE: Which sectors do your clients come from? it. But in addition to this feeling in my heart, my Medrano: Albasolar has around 400 customers, and head also tells me that photovoltaics is the energy all of them are installers from Spain and Portugal. source that makes the most sense in a country with Our sales volume has decreased with the decline of as much solar radiation as Spain. I believed this in the market, but we have a stable number of custom the 1980s, and I do so even more today, now that ers compared to the time before the beginning of PV has exceeded grid parity. the crisis. We take that as a declaration of loyalty and as a sign that we are doing things right. S&WE: What is your political opinion on Spain’s discontinuation of solar subsidisation? S&WE: What future opportunities do you see for Medrano: Spain spends € 50 billion annually on PV in Spain? energy imports. This is equivalent to the revenue Medrano: I am very confi dent. It is a mature and Intersolar Europe | Munich | June 22–24, 2016 generated by the tourism sector, the main engine viable technology in a country with high levels of Intersolar North America | San Francisco | July 12–14, 2016 of our economy. It is totally anachronistic that solar radiation. Combining these ingredients will Spain installed just 50 MW of PV capacity in 2015. certainly result in a good mixture. The only ingredi Intersolar South America | São Paulo | August 23–25, 2016 ent that currently makes the mixture bitter and Intersolar Middle East | Dubai | September 19–21, 2016 S&WE: How did you survive the situation needs to be changed is the Minister of Energy him economically? self, who is a personal enemy of solar energy. Intersolar India | Mumbai | October 19–21, 2016 Medrano: We reduced the size of our workforce by 80 % to just four people. We also invested a lot of S&WE: And what are the prospects for Albasolar? private money in the company to cover the losses Medrano: Our prospects are closely connected to between 2012 and 2014 when the market slumped Spain. Commercial PV got started in Spain in the dramatically. 1980s, and between that time and the year 2012, Spain was always among the top countries. Our S&WE: In which segments is PV commercially vi- goal is to return to that. Currently, PV accounts for Discover the World’s Leading able in the current economic environment in Spain? three percent of electricity production in Spain. It Exhibition Series for the Solar Industry Medrano: We have two markets. The fi rst one is the would be easy to achieve between twenty and thirty www.intersolarglobal.com off grid market, which has remained more or less percent. stable over the years because Spain is a large The interview was conducted by Oliver Ristau.

24 Sun & Wind Energy 3/2016

020-025_Review_FRA_ESP_ro.indd 24 18.05.2016 10:50:43 ISGlobal2016_BVA SWE und PV Mag_210x297.qxp_Layout 1 05.04.16 08:34 Seite 1

INTERSOLAR – POWERFUL PIONEERS FOR 25 YEARS! lbasolar photo: a photo:

Discover the World’s Leading Exhibition Series for the Solar Industry www.intersolarglobal.com

Solar Edition

020-025_Review_FRA_ESP_ro.indd 25 18.05.2016 10:50:43 REVIEW EUROPE/BENELUX

Small but nice . MW installation on a store of a large Swedish global furniture supplier in Zwolle, The Netherlands Photos (): Ikaros Solar

If you were to make a list of factors contributing to the success of the companies Solarclarity, ESTG and Ikaros Solar, then lean, service-oriented structures, focusing on roof-mounted systems and maximising ﬂ exibility would no doubt top that list. EuPD Research recently awarded the two Dutch In conjunction with companies the title “Top PV Supplier ”’ in the wholesale category. The Belgian EPC company Ikaros beneﬁ ts from its many years of experience with industrial roof-mounted systems. Bologna 19 - 22 October 2016

he Netherlands in particular is regarded as an fi ve European companies with the award ‘Top PV interesting photovoltaic market in Europe. In Supplier in ’ in the category ‘Wholesale’. This is December, the country surpassed the .-GW based on popularity among installers and the suc- Tmark in cumulative installed PV capacity. This year, cessful brand launch in terms of competitive diff er- an additional installed capacity of approximately entiation and a broad product and service portfolio. MW is expected, primarily on residential and Solarclarity’s CEO Peter Desmet declined to give pre- commercial rooftops. With more than GW of PV, cise details of turnover or sales, but with a market Belgium has systems with twice the power already share of nearly % in the Netherlands, it is the installed, even though the expansion expected for largest distribution company in the country. The this year will be rather low at approximately MW. company focuses on the installation of domestic Despite the still comparatively minor importance of roof-mounted and small commercial PV systems. photovoltaics in the two countries, several compa- The Dutch market currently dominates sales, with a nies are operating successfully on the market, main- proportion of % of the business, but the company 90.000 1.400 1.000 500 ly in the distribution and EPC fi elds, and have also is on its way to more internationalisation, Desmet opened up international markets. stresses. In addition to the branch in Belgium, a Professional Exhibitors International Conferences subsidiary in the Caribbean has been developing visitors B2B and Seminars Solarclarity: “Top PV supplier” the business in that region over the last two years. It was launched in the Netherlands Antilles, “but we SAIE 2016 THE ITALIAN MAJOR CONSTRUCTION EXHIBITION THAT An example is distributor Solarclarity BV, based in soon realised that there is signifi cant interest in PV GIVE YOU ACCESS TO THE ENTIRE BUILT ENVIRONMENT SUPPLY CHAIN. Weesp in the province of North Holland. Solarclarity on neighbouring islands such as Jamaica and the was recently recognised by EuPD Research as one of Dominican Republic because of the high electricity

Viale della Fiera, 20 - 40127 Bologna | Tel. +39 051 282111 - Fax +39 051 6374013 Sun & Wind Energy / [email protected] - [email protected] www.saie.bolognafiere.it

026-029_Review_Benelux_ro.indd 26 15.05.2016 15:14:59 prices there”, Desmet said. Part of the business model there is to help the customer directly in solv- ing logistical problems, while installers in Benelux are supplied and supported with various other services. Storage systems are off ered in the Caribbean too, although these are adapted to local requirements. These are mostly lead-acid batteries for hybrid systems, which are often locally sourced. According to Desmet, the company is currently in the process of developing a product and service range for storage, including digital connectivity, for the Netherlands and Belgium as well. Net metering, however, currently dominates the market and will continue to run until at least , so self-consumption is still not very widespread, but the company is preparing for the future market well in advance. On- Netherlands”, he reported. The name of this distri- Warehouse of Solarclarity line training courses are also planned. Training bution activity is BNRG Distribution. headquarters in Weesp, The courses are already included in Solarclarity’s range “I like entering markets that are considered to be Netherlands. of services. Demand for training has declined during diffi cult and are still rather empty of competitors”, Photos (): Solarclarity the past three or four years, but with the launch of Desmet described his strategy. “When I started the the new technologies, Desmet expects it to increase business in here in the Netherlands, many once again. The head of Solarclarity also intends to people shook their heads”, he said. The head of expand the online off ering for system confi guration Solarclarity is also looking to expand into countries and performance forecasting. As a further step, they such as Sweden and parts of Africa, where experi- are also preparing a fi nancing package together with ence from the Caribbean business could be useful. their partner BuyRely that installers will be able to “Further internationalisation has a very high priority off er their customers. for us”, he stressed. The idea is to give customers, Desmet now has a promising new market in his who are principally installers, a range of products sights: Ireland. “We have formed a joint venture with and services that will help them to stand out on the the local company BNRG Renewables to distribute market. For example, the company was the fi rst PV in Ireland like Solarclarity does in the distributor to introduce thin-fi lm modules from

In conjunction with

Bologna 19 - 22 October 2016

90.000 1.400 1.000 500 Professional Exhibitors International Conferences visitors B2B and Seminars

SAIE 2016 THE ITALIAN MAJOR CONSTRUCTION EXHIBITION THAT GIVE YOU ACCESS TO THE ENTIRE BUILT ENVIRONMENT SUPPLY CHAIN.

Viale della Fiera, 20 - 40127 Bologna | Tel. +39 051 282111 - Fax +39 051 6374013

Solar Edition [email protected] - [email protected] www.saie.bolognafiere.it

026-029_Review_Benelux_ro.indd 27 15.05.2016 15:15:03 REVIEW EUROPE/BENELUX

Solarclarity BV Earlier this year, subsidiaries were established under the name ProPV GmbH in Germany, France Location: Weesp, The Netherlands Type: Distributor and Italy together with a joint venture partner. The Founded: company is currently in the process of establishing Staff : locations and logistics centres in order to success- Sales share in the Netherlands: % Country offi ces: Netherlands, Belgium, fully position itself on the market. Caribbean, Ireland This year, he is aiming to double the company’s Clients: installers total turnover and to expand its international busi- Applications: residential and commercial rooftop installations ness through ProPV GmbH outside of Benelux to Sales : – (no indication) % of total turnover. “Our expanded international Total market share in Netherlands: business has been very successful so far”, Galama almost % USP: fi rst mover for new products and said. In his view, one of the success factors is the markets mainly for rooftop instal- Best Price Guarantee that the company can off er lations, broad portfolio, additional thanks to the online-based, effi cient order process- services. www.solarclarity.nl ing as well as the volume eff ects in procurement. Procurement planning for this year includes MW of inverter capacity and MW of modules. Another Solarclarity’s CEO Peter Solar Frontier to the Dutch market and modules important factor is the quick and easy online order Desmet is aiming for further manufactured by LG Electronics. The same applies to placement around the clock. In Galama’s view, the internationalisation. Fronius inverters which are now being strongly mar- good availability of the products and the fast and re- keted in the Caribbean. Desmet now wants to expand liable delivery within hours round off the off er. this ‘fi rst mover’ strategy. This sets the company apart from its competitors. In foreign markets such as Germany and Italy, a wide ESTG: awarded wholesaler range of products is available in the storage fi eld, including Fronius, SolarEdge, ABB and Enphase. In ESTG, which has its headquarters in Elst in the Dutch Benelux, where storage is currently only a niche mar- province of Gelderland, also received an award from ket, the company is planning to off er these products EuPD as a Top PV Supplier in the Wholesale cat- starting this year. “Net metering is an obsolete egory. In , the online wholesale company’s rev- model. Self-consumption and storage will take over enue was approximately € million, according to everywhere”, Galama said confi dently. Managing Director Klaas Galama, which is an increase of % over the previous year. It also special- Ikaros Solar: specialist for roofs ises in PV equipment for domestic and small commercial rooftop systems. The company delivers to in- Ikaros Solar, headquartered in Schoten near stallers. % of the company’s turnover was gener- Antwerp, Belgium, specialises in commercial rooftop ated in the Netherlands last year, approximately systems. According to Tom Pollyn, Head of Inter- The world‘s leading expo % in Belgium and the rest in other countries. But national Business Development, the EPC group com- the company, which has a very lean structure with pany achieved average annual sales of € to for wind energy only twelve employees, is also currently expanding million during the last three years. The business its successful online activities into other important is mainly international. Only approximately % of PV markets. turnover is currently generated in the Benelux coun- 27 – 30 SEPTEMBEr 2016 tries. With employees, the company has branch- es in Portugal, Mexico, India, Singapore and the ESTG United Kingdom, near Newport in South Wales. Since the establishment of Ikaros Solar in , a total of Headquarters: Elst, Netherlands Teaming up with Type: E-wholesaler about MW has been installed, of which initially Founded: many installations were house rooftop systems in Staff : Belgium. Due to changing market conditions in Country offi ces: Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Italy Belgium, there has been an increasing focus on com- Sales share home market: % mercial roof-mounted installations since as Clients: installers well as strengthened internationalisation, Pollyn Applications: residential and small commercial rooftop installations said. The company currently installs approximately Sales: € million ( ) MW annually for BB customers and investors. USP: fast delivery ( hours), minimum The main focus is on roof-mounted systems with ca- order of quantity ( piece), broad portfolio of quality brands, best price pacities between and MW. Reference projects in- warranty clude several well-known names, such as a . MW WindEnergy Hamburg is the global meeting point for onshore and https://en.estg-zonnepanelen.nl system at the Brussels airport, a . MW system for offshore experts. The combination of the world’s leading expo for ThyssenKrupp in Veghel / Zwĳ ndrecht, a MW slop- ESTG CEO Klaas Galama sees ing roof system for Sipani Fibres in Kolar, India, and wind energy in conjunction with WindEurope‘s leading industry the fl exibility of the lean a . MW ground-mounted system at Andover conference represents a one-stop shop for business, networking, company as a competitive Airfi eld, UK. But the roof-mounted systems for a glo- policymakers and the scientific community. Save the date! advantage. Photo: ESTG bal Swedish furniture supplier are the most

in co-operation with Sun & Wind Energy /

026-029_Review_Benelux_ro.indd 28 15.05.2016 15:15:05 Ikaros Solar

Location: Schoten, Belgium Type: EPC (incl. operation & maintenance and distribution out of Belgium) Founded: Staff : Benelux sales share: % Country offi ces: Netherlands, United Kingdom, Portugal, Mexico, India, Singapore Main clients: businesses, investors Applications: commercial roof installations kW – MW Total installed capacity: MW Turnover: € - million (yearly average - ) USP: broad experience with industrial fl at roofs, fl exibility through international technical service centers www.ikaros-solar.eu

signifi cant. “We are installing rooftop systems on all government-subsidised projects”, Pollyn explains. Ikaros Solar will be present of their stores in France and Portugal, a total of over In addition to the company’s broad expertise in the at the Intersolar in Munich ”, Pollyn said. He is quite happy about the current area of industrial fl at roofs, he also views the inter- again this year. order backlog. The focus here is on self-consump- national service centres that Ikaros operates at its tion, using the grid for storage. locations in foreign countries as success factors. The step into the French market was very impor- “This make us fl exible as well as reliable”, he em- tant, Pollyn stresses. However, the company is now phasised. Despite the increasing internationalisa- increasingly looking at new markets such as tion of the business, there are no plans to relocate Argentina or Africa, where mine operators, for exam- the company’s headquarters away from Belgium. ple, are regarded as an interesting customer group. Another benefi t for Ikaros is that in a country with “We rely primarily on close cooperation with compa- three offi cial languages, it is very easy to fi nd multi- nies and a market-based approach, rather than on lingual employees. Hans-Christoph Neidlein

The world‘s leading expo for wind energy

27 – 30 SEPTEMBEr 2016

Teaming up with

WindEnergy Hamburg is the global meeting point for onshore and offshore experts. The combination of the world’s leading expo for wind energy in conjunction with WindEurope‘s leading industry conference represents a one-stop shop for business, networking, policymakers and the scientific community. Save the date!

in co-operation with Solar Edition

026-029_Review_Benelux_ro.indd 29 15.05.2016 15:15:09 Review euRope/GeRmany “In ten years the cheapest form of energy”

dynamic expansion of PV, e.g. how cheap solar electricity has meanwhile become. New solar farms generate it for just 7 to 8 ct/kWh. PV has thus long since stopped being a driver of costs! And of course there are also facts on grid convenience, industrial relevance and climate protection potential.

S&WE: This seems paradoxical: although PV has now become really inexpensive, there are almost no supporters in parliament anymore. Körnig: Exactly this price drop is a thorn in the side for some. It was this which made us a serious alternative and competitor. Ten years ago we were just a “green playing field” for many politicians. We were massively underestimated, which was a good thing. Meanwhile we have clawed our way to become a main pillar of our energy supplies. Solar and wind power have turned the world of energy on its head. Those who slaughter the cash-cows of the old energy economy obviously do not only make friends. As a result, interested circles invested vast amounts of money in campaigns with only one aim: slowing down and taking over the energy transition.

Carsten Körnig is Head of the photovoltaics in Germany have S&WE: There had basically been support since German Solar Association 1998 across all coalition governments, even in 2011 (BSW-Solar). photo: BSw-Solar largely lost their political support as the infeed wasn’t touched for the whole year. And it was the second year in a row with 7 GW of ex- and have been put on the pansion. It was only in the following year that the defensive. S&we spoke to Carsten brakes were fully applied. What happened in 2012? Körnig: There had always been a fight to achieve Körnig, Head of the German Solar majorities, but yes, the consensus was there. The turnaround was marked by the sudden solar boom: association (BSw-Solar). 20 GW in just three years. This surprised and un- settled large groups of politicians back then. They S&WE: PV now has hardly any supporters in the stepped hard on the brakes almost as a reflex ac- German parliament and certainly not in the tion. Some were now more open to dubious whis- governing coalition. What can BSW-Solar do in perings from the coal lobby. The fear of costs order to regain more support? turned every committee session in parliament into Carsten Körnig: The political mentality does not in- a rearguard action. The paradox was that precisely deed correspond to the expectations of the people the previously aspired drop in prices, plus a rush in our country. A current survey by the Federal Press caused by fears of political cutbacks, led to the Office shows that 85 % of massive overshooting of the politi- the population wants solar “Solar and wind power have cal target corridor for the years power to become the most turned the world of energy 2010 to 2012. A disempowering of important source of energy environmental politics, a lack of in our country. These are the on its head.” assertive energy transition sup- highest values of support for porters in parliament, the absolutely any energy technology. Apart from the comfortable majority of the grand coalition and an building up of public pressure we will have to con- industrially weakened solar sector in the country tinue to perseveringly present to politicians the unfortunately make it very difficult to envisage a many good arguments for a considerably more turnaround in the short term.

30 Sun & Wind Energy 3/2016

030-031_review_Deutschland_ro.indd 30 17.05.2016 14:41:51 S&WE: The political situation has become so mud- S&WE: Import levies are a controversial subject. died that you ask yourself how things can continue. The sector is not in agreement: some are for, many Where do we want to be in ten years’ time? are against. Does it really make any sense to fight “In ten years the Körnig: Naturally, we hope that before then it will for this? Wouldn’t it be better to do away with im- have become consensus that there is no way other port levies, as the modules would then become than with a considerably stronger expansion of solar cheaper? power, and that this won’t fall into our laps on its Körnig: BSW-Solar represents the whole solar value cheapest form of energy” own. We have no time to lose; the open window of chain, from the supplier to the operator, from the opportunity for damping climate change is closing solar module to the storage. It is well-known that we fast. Given that Germany financed the cost drop in PV take a neutral position on this as we have a diverg- almost on its own, we cannot now let everyone else ing set of opinions within our membership. What we harvest the fruits of this without us. see as one is that we need as few market hurdles as possible. At the same time, the market should oper- S&WE: Meanwhile, medium-sized businesses are al- ate as fairly as can be. It is not really fair when large so interested in reducing grid electricity by producing consumers of energy can largely avoid financing the electricity themselves on their own roofs. Surely energy transition, while operators of solar systems these are possible partners who are moving towards and tenant electricity concepts are expected to have expansion their own way. to foot the costs themselves. Körnig: More and more companies are meanwhile re- The latest wave of political attacks is also unfair. ducing their energy costs If there really is a through own-generated solar “More and more companies are change to the support power. Unfortunately, a mul- meanwhile reducing their energy costs mechanism to tendering titude of hurdles make the as of 2017, then solar economic case unnecessarily through own-generated solar power.” investors from the com- complicated and in need of munity or medium-sized explanation. Together with chambers of industry and businesses will have almost no chance at all. These commerce, innovative communal energy boards and are the big fields of change which we must concen- the housing sector, we are systematically working on trate on as an association. overcoming these hurdles. The harassing pressure The interview was conducted by Detlef Koenemann. put on solar self-providers and on tenant electricity concepts by the EEG levy has caused a lot of damage.

S&WE: There are no sensible political grounds for this hindrance. Does the Federal Ministry of Economic Enecsys Monitoring Solution Affairs and Energy simply want to keep control of everything and is thus applying the brakes? Developed by Duramotion Körnig: The desire to have control is indeed not only common amongst energy transition opponents. Are you using Enecsys module inverters and you are no longer able to retrieve operating data due to the insolvency of the manufacturer? Energy policy is strongly dominated by two equally dangerous poles. On the one side there is a centralis- Duramotion has the monitoring solution for you! Our package consists of: Raspberry Pi �B, �GB SD-Card, casing, �m network cable tic planned economy approach that massively and an installation manual. underestimates the necessity and advantages of All data from the gateway will decentralised and smarter approaches. On the other be visualized as usual and now there is the mistaken belief that renewable energy saved locally. The operating data and necessary accompanying flexibility technologies can be analyzed and processed could somehow win out by themselves under conven- for separate hours, days, weeks, years or for the complete ope- tional or only minimally changed energy market rating history. Duramotion mo- conditions. nitors eﬀ eciency, temperature and weather conditions and will S&WE: A political measure such as the EEG levy on in case of an incident issue a warning message by email. own consumption must be justifiable, except that it isn’t. After all, you don’t have to pay a levy on toma- toes which you grow in your own garden. Körnig: Yes, the EEG levy on own consumption and the curt argument of “breaching solidarity” is absurd Your inverter is broken or damaged and needs to be replaced? and an excuse, but has unfortunately entangled itself Not a problem: The monitoring solution is also compatible with APS inverters. in the political debate. Using the same senseless logic, people who save energy would also have to be Installing our solution is very easy and can usually be done by the user. The Duramonitor only costs € ��,- * made to pay. Each kilowatt hour saved does after all * Price is included technical support and excl. VAT and shipping costs. mean that the costs of the energy transition have to be shifted onto the remaining kilowatt hours and Duramotion BV Industriestraat ��-�� NL-��JW Hoensbroek electricity consumers. T. �� (�)�� [email protected] www.duramotion.nl

Solar Edition 31

030-031_review_Deutschland_ro.indd 31 17.05.2016 14:41:51 INTERSOLAR EUROPE

Intersolar : Growth through battery storage For its -year anniversary the Intersolar Europe is recording stable exhibitor ﬁ gures and visitors from countries. The storage sector is growing and wind power technology has been invited along.

32 Sun & Wind Energy 3/2016

032-039_InterSolar_Intro_ro.indd 32 15.05.2016 15:16:56 Solar Edition 33

032-039_InterSolar_Intro_ro.indd 33 15.05.2016 15:16:57 INTERSOLAR EUROPE

lready in the run-up to the 25th anniversary of expert exhibition, which has been taking place within the Intersolar the organisers have been send- the framework of the Intersolar Europe since 2013, ing out “positive signals”. All the exhibition took up one hall. Full aisles, bunched up visitors at spaceA for the Intersolar Europe and the battery stor- the stands and highly satisfi ed exhibitors: those vis- age exhibition EES has been fully booked. This news, iting the EES were reminded of the Inter solar in its PV two months before the start of the Intersolar Europe boom years. And the storage exhibition is making an- on 22nd June, got people’s attention. After all, the PV other big leap. It is getting an additional half a hall, so market in Germany is continuing to shrink year after that it now has 18 % of the overall booked exhibition year, and in many other European countries things space. Over 200 companies are exhibiting on the EES are only moving forward slowly. So, the Intersolar is area. According to the exhibitor list, 351 fi rms and as- growing against the trend? Markus Elsässer, Head of sociations are presenting products and services the organiser Solar Promotion, says this is down to across the spectrum of energy storage in Munich (as the “radiant eﬀ ect” that the Intersolar Europe has on of the end of April). “The international nature has al- the global PV sector, plus the growth in the market so grown at the EES,” notes Elsässer. Approximately for battery storage systems. 60 % are international exhibitors and there are also If you compare the fi gures for 2016 with the pre- more international joint stands. vious year, then this positive interpretation is initially surprising. In 2015 the Intersolar and the Electrical Cooperation with the EU PVSEC Energy Storage (EES), a parallel expert exhibition for batteries and energy storage systems, fi lled seven A further piece of news will also have played a part halls totalling 72,000 m². For this year, six halls with in the positive trend for the Intersolar Europe. This 66,000 m² have been booked. Elsässer explains his year, the PV conference EU PVSEC is taking place positive conclusion as follows: “We are growing even from 20th to 24th June at the International Congress though we have less gross area.” Last year one hall Centre Munich (ICM), i.e. in the same week and right was only half full and some visitors will recall the next to the Intersolar. The organisers had agreed on generous stand space in other halls. “This year there the “co-location” last year, in order to be able to of- are no free areas,” says Elsässer, and additionally fer the expert visitors a conference and expert exhi- the number of exhibitors has risen. By the end of bition covering the entire value chain. April, 1,046 exhibitors had booked into the Interso- While the Intersolar exhibition (22nd to 24th June) lar and the EES. He expects that more will join them. will still be accompanied by a conference (21st/22nd No Boundaries On the joint stands there are normally still registra- June), the EU PVSEC will not have its exhibition this tions until shortly before the exhibition starts. The year. The companies will be exhibiting in their own Intersolar Europe has become established as a area at the Intersolar (hall A2). The Intersolar visitors When it comes to deep-cycle batteries, no one goes meeting point for the global solar sector, he happily will thus once again be able see oﬀ ers from the fi eld to the extremes of performance like Trojan Battery concludes (see interview on page 38). of production technology this year. There are also Company. Our full line of deep-cycle flooded, AGM consequences for the Intersolar conference. “Cell The storage sector is growing and module technologies are no longer covered by and GEL batteries are ideal for all of your energy our conference,” says Elsässer: “They can be found storage needs. At the EES the growth is clear. Its exhibition space has at the EU PVSEC.” At the Intersolar conference it will grown by over 40 %, to over 12,000 m². Last year this be more a question of consumer topics such as We’ll keep breaking the boundaries. Where you go after that is up to you.

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34 Sun & Wind Energy 3/2016

032-039_InterSolar_Intro_ro.indd 34 15.05.2016 15:16:59 No Boundaries

When it comes to deep-cycle batteries, no one goes to the extremes of performance like Trojan Battery Company. Our full line of deep-cycle flooded, AGM and GEL batteries are ideal for all of your energy storage needs. We’ll keep breaking the boundaries. Where you go after that is up to you.

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Solar Edition

032-039_InterSolar_Intro_ro.indd 35 15.05.2016 15:17:00 INTERSOLAR EUROPE REAL

Through the “co-location” with the EU PVSEC, production VALUE technology is becoming more THE NEW POWER PACK FOR MORE visible again. ENERGY: SUNMODULE BISUN fi nancing, markets and project development. The completely on photovoltaics. Attempts to establish scientifi c part is being covered by the EU PVSEC. the exhibition fi eld of renewable heat have not borne fruit. Last year, suppliers of products across The novelty of the spectrum of solar thermal and biomass exhibit- Smart Renewable Energy ed in half a hall. Free space was fi lled up with PV exhibitors. This year just 106 exhibitors have signed New to the Intersolar this time is the subject of up for the renewable heating fi eld. They are now in “Smart Renewable Energy”. “It is becoming more hall A3 together with PV wholesalers and system and more important to use the energy generated suppliers, plus suppliers of mounting and tracking Visit us at sensibly, to manage it well and intelligently direct its systems. distribution,” says Elsässer on the newcomer. The Thus, renewable heat is not going to be a focus INTERSOLAR addition of the word “Renewable” aims to make it for Markus Elsässer in the further development of clear that the energy here is from renewable sources the Intersolar. Since he brought Florian Wessendorf Hall A1 | Booth 180–182 – which thus makes the connection to the into his company as the second director, Elsässer Intersolar. can focus on the Intersolar Europe and strategic de- In Hall B2 exhibition visitors will fi nd the “Smart velopment. The direction things should take is al- Renewable Energy Forum”. In the presentations, ready clear to him. This year already Solar Promotion The new Sunmodule Bisun generates up to 25 % more topics such as the optimisation of own-consumption wants to introduce the storage exhibition EES to the electricity. Thanks to its active rear side, light is cap- and energy management in buildings will be dis- USA. It will have its premiere in July at the Intersolar tured not just from above, but from all directions, and cussed, as well as digitalisation in the energy sector North America. “We already have more of a response and the so-called Smart Meter Rollout, i.e. the start than we initially had in Munich,” says Elsässer. This converted into electrical energy. The Sunmodule Bisun of measurement unit installation, which is to begin development can also be seen in the choice of nam- is suitable for commercial roof and ground-mounted in 2017. Listeners at the presentations “Wind meets ing. The EES now carries the addition “Europe”, just systems. And it is extremely durable thanks to its use Solar and Storage: Integration Strategies” and “Wind like the Intersolar in Munich. He also wishes to ex- of the latest glass technology. meets Solar and Storage: Virtual & Combined Power pand the areas of “Smart Renewable Energy” and OVER 40 YEARS OF SOLAR EXPERIENCE: As a PV pioneer, we Plants” will have to be up to speed on their English energy storage at the Intersolar events. have more than 40 years of technology experience. skills, as these will only be held in English. But fi rst Elsässer and his team can celebrate For the fi rst time there is to be a special exhibi- their 25-year anniversary this year. At a one-day so- We turn this potential into top quality and future- tion on wind and solar electricity technology. The lar event “Solar ’91” back in 1991 in Pforzheim fi ve oriented solutions for our customers. partner for this event is the Karlsruhe Institute of companies exhibited, while today the exhibitor fi g- WWW.SOLARWORLD.COM Technology (KIT). “We don’t wish to become a wind ures at the Intersolar Europe alone have balanced power exhibition, but we will be keeping a focus on out at around 1,000. Additionally, the Intersolar is this for a while yet,” explains Elsässer: “The link present on four continents with exhibitions, confer- SOLARWORLD QUALITY � between wind power and PV is important for intelli- ences and the one-day sector meetings “Intersolar- VALUE YOU CAN COUNT ON gent solutions and combined power plants.” Summit”. There will not be a celebration in Munich, Electric mobility, which was already a visitor at- however. “The week is already full enough,” says traction last year with vehicles from Tesla and Elsässer. Whether visitors from Berlin will honour Mercedes, for example, once again has a space this the occasion is still undecided. year at the special exhibition E-Mobility & Renewable Ina Röpcke Energy (hall B1).

It is impossible to overlook that the main focus Further information of the Intersolar has meanwhile become almost Intersolar Europe: www.intersolar.de

36 Sun & Wind Energy 3/2016

032-039_InterSolar_Intro_ro.indd 36 15.05.2016 15:17:01 REAL VALUE THE NEW POWER PACK FOR MORE ENERGY: SUNMODULE BISUN

Visit us at INTERSOLAR Hall A1 | Booth 180–182

The new Sunmodule Bisun generates up to 25 % more electricity. Thanks to its active rear side, light is captured not just from above, but from all directions, and converted into electrical energy. The Sunmodule Bisun is suitable for commercial roof and ground-mounted systems. And it is extremely durable thanks to its use of the latest glass technology. OVER 40 YEARS OF SOLAR EXPERIENCE: As a PV pioneer, we have more than 40 years of technology experience. We turn this potential into top quality and future- oriented solutions for our customers. WWW.SOLARWORLD.COM

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Solar Edition

032-039_InterSolar_Intro_ro.indd 37 15.05.2016 15:17:01 INTERSOLAR EUROPE

The visit of the Indian Minister of Renewable Energy, Shri Vilas Muttemwar, at the Intersolar 2007 in Freiburg, Worldwide radiance was a great moment for Markus Elsässer is founder and head of the Intersolar organiser Solar Markus Elsässer and his team. Promotion. In discussion with S&WE he takes the opportunity of the -year anniversary of the leading exhibition for solar technology to look both at the past and to the future.

S&WE: Mr. Elsässer, 25 years ago you organised a big step forwards. We were being recognised the exhibition “Solar ’91” in Pforzheim, out of internationally. which the Intersolar later grew. When you look back, are there moments or events which stand out S&WE: The halls in Freiburg quickly overfl owed and for you? you had to resort to lightweight halls. Thus came Markus Elsässer: Yes, but I have to explain a little the move in 2008 to Munich. fi rst. When we started in 1991 we had a vision. We Elsässer: Yes, and here we have been able to were convinced that a complete supply of energy record considerably more international exhibitors from renewable sources had to be possible. But and visitors. Last year we had visitors from 165 there was no market and no industry for solar tech- countries! This development from a regional exhibi- nology, and we were thus not taken seriously. We tion in Pforzheim to a worldwide leading exhibition had to persevere for quite some time. It was only in for solar technology – we hadn’t dared dream of 1999 with the 100,000 roofs programme and one that. year later with the renewable energy act (EEG) that the market got moving. When we moved to Freiburg S&WE: Which situations do you remember as in the year 2000, an internationalisation was our having been particularly diffi cult? aim right from the start. This is why we changed our Elsässer: Naturally there are regularly organisation- name to “Intersolar”. When, in 2007, the Indian al issues, but these can be solved. It is more diffi - Minister for Renewable Energy Shri Vilas Muttemwar cult when politics unsettles the markets. And this visited the Intersolar with a large delegation, that has happened again and again. There are always was a big moment for us. It was clear; we had made questions such as: how does the government stand

38 Sun & Wind Energy 3/2016

032-039_InterSolar_Intro_ro.indd 38 15.05.2016 15:17:02 on renewable energy? What will the next S&WE: At the end of 2015 you strength- EEG amendment look like? Which ened the management of your company announcements, which removals of Solar Promotion. Florian Wessendorf is support are there? This has time and now the second director. Are you think- time again been a great challenge for us ing of stepping down? and the sector. This is why we wish for Elsässer: No, maybe for the next jubi- clear political targets and long-term lee (laughs). With the five Intersolar stable frameworks. events which we meanwhile have on four continents, it would simply be too S&WE: The PV boom also took the Inter- much for me to look after them all and solar at the Munich exhibition centre to visit the partners and customers on its limits. In 2011 space was once again site several times a year. Additionally too limited. there are also the Intersolar Summits, Elsässer: Yes, but then in the 2012 which have already taken place in worldwide wave of consolidation things Istanbul, Brooklyn, Riyadh and Sao came back down again. But after the Paulo. Florian Wessendorf has taken high peak this was something we could up the USA, India and South America. deal with. In 2013 and 2014 things went I am responsible for the Intersolar and strongly downhill as well, but since this EES events in Europe and strategic de- year things have been looking up again. velopment. One main focus will be the expansion of the fields of batteries and S&WE: The sector focus lies on the energy storage and Smart Renewable global market, but still the number of Energy. exhibitors in Munich is rising again. How do you explain this? S&WE: The Intersolar has played a big Elsässer: The Intersolar Europe has a role in the development of the solar worldwide radiance and has become a market. Will Chancellor Merkel make the meeting point of the sector. Here you honour of a visit this year? can discuss worldwide projects. This is Elsässer: During the Intersolar week par- our big advantage, for which we have liament is in session in Berlin. The sus- worked hard over a long time. We also pense of which politician will come to gain from Europe playing a leading role visit us will remain right until the last in renewable energy. We can do a lot for moment. global market growth. The interview was conducted by Ina Röpcke.

In 2015 the Intersolar Europe registered visitors from 165 countries, according to Markus Elsässer.

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Solar Edition 39

032-039_InterSolar_Intro_ro.indd 39 15.05.2016 15:17:04 INTERSOLAR PREVIEW

At Intersolar, Fronius will be presenting solutions for intelligent and eﬃ cient energy systems. All photos and graphics: exhibitors “SunNew Systems” The intelligent management of energy fl ows Prior to Intersolar Europe in Munich many exhibitors off ers customers a whole host of benefi ts. Multi Flow Technology from Fronius has been specially devel- already have announced innovative products and services oped for this purpose: it controls an extremely wide range of storage system energy fl ows at the same for the generation and usage of solar power. System time and in all directions. This results in a number of solutions for an eﬃ cient self consumption are in focus practical application options. For example, all the functions are built into the Fronius Symo Hybrid so as well as technology for the monitoring and controlling that it can be upgraded into a comprehensive storage solution at any time. of electricity consumption. S&WE has compiled a range Not only can a Fronius storage system be easily of novelties. integrated into an existing PV system, but it can also be seamlessly retrofi tted into wind turbines or CHP his year, Fronius International will be present- plants. Sometimes it may be necessary to replace a ing solutions for making energy systems more faulty inverter in an existing photovoltaic installa- intelligent and more effi cient – from a local tion – a process which the Fronius Symo Hybrid Tnetwork for family homes to national grids. Fronius makes unbelievably easy. The system owner can de- will be showcasing products, technologies, technical cide whether they want a storage unit installed now support options and services. In addition, these or at a later date, depending on their individual A new generation of solutions will help grid operators to easily integrate needs and circumstances. The Fronius system is also more renewable energy into their grids. equipped for applications that are yet to come such An increasing number of grid operators in vari- as fl exible energy tariff s. Booth: B3.310 semi-transparent Organic PV ous countries are stipulating a PV power feed-in limit as a precondition before a system may be connect- Not only is Intersolar Europe celebrating a jubilee for buildings ed to the grid. In many cases, this can even mean year this year with its 25 years of existence, but zero feed-in. With dynamic power reduction, Fronius Kostal Solar Electric also has reasons for celebra- is off ering a solution for optimum feed-in manage- tion. In December this year, the youngster in the ment. The Inverter 1 supplies the household con- Kostal Group will reach ten years of age. Between sumers with energy fi rst and then reduces the system 22nd and 24th June 2016, Kostal will be presenting a Partners: output to the maximum energy feed-in permitted by multitude of product innovations as well as events the grid operator. In extreme cases, zero feed-in is under the jubilee motto of “Connections”. also a possibility, meaning that no PV power is fed This year too, one main focus is on the Piko BA into the grid. The relevant requirements of the grid System Li and its possible applications. Together operator can be fulfi lled by simply applying a setting with Schneider Electric an example application visu- on the inverter’s web interface. alises how new trends in the smart home fi eld can Supported by:

40 Sun & Wind Energy 3/2016

040-057_Intersolar_Produkte_ro.indd 40 19.05.2016 09:22:44 A new generation of semi-transparent Organic PV for buildings

Partners:

Supported by:

Solar Edition

040-057_Intersolar_Produkte_ro.indd 41 19.05.2016 09:22:44 INTERSOLAR PREVIEW

SMA Solar Technology AG (SMA) will present new system solutions for all areas of photovoltaics at this year’s Intersolar Europe in Munich. The focus of this year’s trade fair appearance will be the reduction of MINIMUM REFLECTION, energy costs for all users — from residential systems and commercial PV systems up to large-scale PV power plants. In addition to intelligent energy management and storage solutions for optimising self- consumption of electricity, SMA will also present MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY trend-setting data services for the energy supply industry. The new Sunny Boy Storage will be one of the WITH ANTI REFLECTIVE COATED SOLAR GLASS main attractions at the SMA booth. This innovative battery inverter allows high-voltage storage systems, such as the Tesla Powerwall, to be incorporated into new and existing PV systems easily and effi ciently for the fi rst time. In addition, SMA will be the fi rst One main focus for manufacturer in the large-scale PV power plant sec- Kostal at Intersolar already be lived out today with the Piko BA System. tor to present a turnkey medium-voltage solution Europe is on the Piko Convenient control options that can be integrated with 5 MW inverter power for 1,500V PV power BA System Li and its into home life are the main focus here. plants. possible applications. Kostal Solar Electric is naturally not only present “The reconstruction of the supply structures into at Intersolar with its storage system product range, the decentralised and renewable energy supply of but is also presenting the performance spectrum of the future is currently in full swing worldwide. Photo- Piko inverters. In three product landscapes visitors voltaics plays an important role here with its may experience the “all-in-one” concept of the continuously falling costs. SMA supports its custom- inverters. The advantage of product fl exibility is ers in this area in all power classes and fi elds of presented in the smart optimisation area. The application with holistic system solutions for an in- comprehensive details of the communication telligent and cost-eff ective use of solar energy. We abilities of the Piko may be experienced in the smart will also present our new SMA Energy Services at interaction landscape and the handiness of the Intersolar. In the scope of these new services, SMA inverters may be discovered under the keyword of provides precise generation and consumption data smart design. for optimum grid integration of photovoltaic power. Through smart optimisation, almost any PV sys- This means, transmission grid operators and other tem may be fi tted with a Piko inverter; with their actors in the energy industry can thus considerably wide input voltage and current ranges they provide save costs of providing reserve power and market the highest degrees of fl exibility. It is now also pos- electricity more eff ectively,” explained Jürgen sible to use external module controllers, which can Reinert, SMA Board Member for Operations und run and optimise each module individually. Technology. Booth: B3.210 As in previous years, the subject of smart interaction – the communication between the Steca will present its extensive product portfolio for inverter and the end consumer as well as household the 17th time, impressing visitors with innovations in appliances – is becoming very important. The the fi elds of off -grid and grid-feed systems. This comprehensive communication package of the Piko year, the Steca inverters excel through optimised ensures that no further components are required for performance: For instance, a special smart meter monitoring. Thanks to the free Kostal tools Piko Solar which allows for intelligent control of the feeding Portal and Piko Solar App, the end consumer can get power can be connected to a new interface. This new to know the energy fl ows within the home, adjust feature is a crucial requirement for integration into his/her electricity consumption accordingly and smart grids on international markets. thus maximise own consumption and lower the elec- Another novelty is the completely revised inte- tricity bills. This is independently possible with Piko grated web server that allows end customers to ana- inverters as well as with household appliances lyse inverter data in a cost effi cient, user-friendly which have joined EEBus. Visitors may naturally also and even more graphic way. Furthermore, Steca has inform themselves on this initiative at the Kostal introduced optimised error detection via a generator exhibition stand. characteristic curve that can be called up on the The Piko inverter family has also received a new inverter’s display. The Global MPP Tracking function, member, which will be displayed by Kostal Solar which has also been enhanced, ensures optimum Electric at the Intersolar. The little brother Piko MP shade management for signifi cantly higher yields. has been on sale since the start of the year. The Coolcept inverters are easy to use and reduce the Thanks to its Anti-Reflective coating, Şişecam Glass for single-phase units optimally enhance the portfolio. costs of the overall system while boosting yields. Photovoltaics with AR coating reduces the reflection of In this way, small photovoltaics systems may also be Communication is key, which is why Intersolar sunrays and improves solar panel transmittance. fi tted with a fl exible, communicative and handy Piko visitors will be positively surprised by this year’s inverter. Booth: B3.130 innovative integrated RS-485 communication sisecamflatglass.com

42 Sun & Wind Energy 3/2016

040-057_Intersolar_Produkte_ro.indd 42 19.05.2016 09:22:46 MINIMUM REFLECTION, MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY WITH ANTI REFLECTIVE COATED SOLAR GLASS

Thanks to its Anti-Reﬂective coating, Şişecam Glass for Photovoltaics with AR coating reduces the reﬂection of sunrays and improves solar panel transmittance.

sisecamﬂatglass.com

Solar Edition

040-057_Intersolar_Produkte_ro.indd 43 19.05.2016 09:22:46 INTERSOLAR PREVIEW

Directive remains a controversial subject with un- controlled pumps having been prohibited since August 2015. Since all Steca controllers have com- plied with the current Directive since last year, the • ON-GRID, OFF-GRID, electronics enterprise is holding all the cards. BACK-UP ALL IN ONE Join us @ Intersolar Booth: B3.410 inter June 22-24, 2016

WSTECH will present the modular outdoor solution, • SMART STORAGE solarc o n n e c t i n g s o l a r b u s i n e s s the APS product range. WSTECH has designed a MANAGEMENT Hall B1, Booth # B1EUROPE - 350 modular multi-function platform with a power ranging from 650 kW up to 4,5 MW for 1,000 and 1,500 DC system voltages. The product specifi cally targets • PLUG-&-PLAY large commercial and utility-scale PV market INSTALLATION segments. Smart Grid Inverter The APS provides a hybrid solution by combining between PV inverter, energy storage/battery inverter • LO C A L & R E M O T E Produce and Use Your Own Energy ! Steca’s integrated as well as STATCOM function. The APS-series is a MONITORING RS-485 communication interface, the so-called StecaLink bus. In off -grid “plug-and-play product”, designed and certifi ed for interface, the so-called systems, this interface allows the charge controller IP65. It is 100 % hermetically closed for the usage in StecaLink bus to act as communications master and exchange extreme weather conditions such as snow, rain, trop- measurements and setting information with other ical storms, or even desert conditions. The innova- devices. This makes for a complex system that tive and unique combination of both air-to-air and collects and records all information in a central water-to-air cooling systems enable WSTECH to place. achieve this high protection class. The APS-series Optionally, it can also calculate the battery’s can operate at altitudes up to 3,000 m and in state of charge as a percentage (SOC). These high- am bient temperatures up to 60 °C. The modular lights also help to reduce costs by saving on addi- outdoor solution keeps on working even in the most tional components as well as ensuring application challenging environmental conditions. fl exibility and raising the system’s service life thanks The APS product range is equipped with two to optimised battery maintenance. StecaLink bus: independent and redundant cooling systems. A It’s ability to link multiple devices and their data water-to-air cooling system reduces the temperature creates a connected system which collects and of the IGBTs, power-stacks and inductors. The pump records all information in a central place. of this system is placed within the cabinet and the One of Steca Elektronik’s core competencies is water-to-air heat exchanger is mounted on top of the the use of power electronics in battery systems. At cabinet. Additionally, the second system combines Intersolar, the electronics specialist will present two independent airfl ow circuits. The internal airfl ow both a complete storage system based on Coolcept evacuates the heat losses from inside the cabinet to devices and the various application options for the external air-to-air heat exchanger. This is where electronic components in various storage systems. an external air stream absorbs, and removes the WSTECH’s APS-series Solar thermal applications – adapted for the heat. The heat exchange process is a through thin is a “plug-and-play future: In 2016, solar industry experts may once aluminum plates, allowing no dust or dirt into the product”, designed and again assure themselves of the user friendliness of cabinet under normal operating conditions. certiﬁ ed for IP65. Steca’s solar thermal controllers. The current ErP The APS-line can contain up to six power-stacks, IMEON 3.6 IMEON 9.12

each pair working with their independent MPP- Tracker. The DC-distribution of the APS-series provides up to 48 inputs with an optional current monitoring system. The APS product line administers several user interfaces. The external touchscreen allows local service easy system monitoring and access to diff erent operating parameters. A graphical user-interface off ers the option for a complete system analysis as well as fi rmware updates via a All the Smart Grid in one inverter remote connection. The APS-series provides a high Find out more, or contact your speed, real time communication interface for time IMEON Smart Grid inverter technology is the all-in-one answer for true multi-energy sources sensitive requirements with a communication inter- nearest IMEON distributor management. Consuming one’s own solar production directly, storing in batteries for later val of up to 10 ms. Booth: B2.370 www.imeon-energy.com use or in case of power cuts, and also injecting to - or consuming from - the grid only when KACO new energy shows its extended product range needed, is now all possible. Cutting-edge French research and innovation helped develop this for world markets at Intersolar Europe. The blueplanet 8.6 TL3, which was especially designed for the IMEON ENERGY built-in intelligence and energy management to finally enable real control over one’s power. French market, joins the range. Building-integrated 300 Rue Pierre Rivoalon photovoltaics (BIPV) are still considered highly 29200 Brest - FRANCE +33 1 84 17 51 15 44 Sun & Wind Energy 3/2016 [email protected]

040-057_Intersolar_Produkte_ro.indd 44 19.05.2016 09:22:49 THE SELF-CONSUMPTION SMART INVERTER

• ON-GRID, OFF-GRID, BACK-UP ALL IN ONE Join us @ Intersolar inter June 22-24, 2016

• SMART STORAGE solarc o n n e c t i n g s o l a r b u s i n e s s MANAGEMENT Hall B1, Booth # B1EUROPE - 350

• PLUG-&-PLAY INSTALLATION Smart Grid Inverter • LO C A L & R E M O T E Produce and Use Your Own Energy ! MONITORING

IMEON 3.6 IMEON 9.12 Up to 4kWp Monophase Up to 12kWp Triphase

All the Smart Grid in one inverter Find out more, or contact your IMEON Smart Grid inverter technology is the all-in-one answer for true multi-energy sources nearest IMEON distributor management. Consuming one’s own solar production directly, storing in batteries for later www.imeon-energy.com use or in case of power cuts, and also injecting to - or consuming from - the grid only when needed, is now all possible. Cutting-edge French research and innovation helped develop this IMEON ENERGY built-in intelligence and energy management to finally enable real control over one’s power. 300 Rue Pierre Rivoalon 29200 Brest - FRANCE +33 1 84 17 51 15 NRS [email protected] Edition

040-057_Intersolar_Produkte_ro.indd 45 19.05.2016 09:22:57 INTERSOLAR PREVIEW

attractive in France and this inverter is tailored to simplifying fi eld retrofi tting installation. The Trio-50.0 comply with BIPV subsidy thresholds. KACO new is supported by a limited stock of parts common to energy is also off ering more fl exibility in the all product versions allowing for easy and cost- medium-output range: The Blueplanet 10.0 TL3 and eff ective maintenance and serviceability. the Blueplanet 20.0 TL3 INT both open access to new ABB’s new high power outdoor central inverter, output ranges. Whereas the new 10 kVA device the PVS980, provides customers with the next gen- closes the “small” Blueplanet range and marks the eration of central inverters, developed on the basis transition between the tried-and-tested Powador of decades of experience in power converter and in- range and the new blueplanet era, the next wall- verter technology. The PVS980 inverter has a power mounted devices are already being launched. The rating up to 2,000 kVA, high effi ciency, increased DC Blueplanet 20.0 TL3 INT follows the Blueplanet 50.0 input voltage up to 1,500 VDC, a robust enclosure TL3 INT, both inverters operating on the threshold with IP65 rating and a patented self-contained cool- between commercial and utility applications. ing system to ensure outstanding endurance for out- Building on the successful technology of the door use in the toughest environments. The PVS980 Blueplanet 1000 TL3, the Blueplanet 2200 TL3 is can operate from below freezing to extreme heat in breaking realms in new output dimensions. This 100 % relative humidity without jeopardizing func- power house is perfectly prepared for the most tionality. With the simplicity of air cooling and the varied of applications and comes as indoor or power density of a liquid cooled inverter, the PVS980 outdoor version, or upon request, in a container as a is able to provide a compact, modular, low- 2.2 MVA or even a 4.4 MVA station. Finally, a further maintenance and easy-to-commission design. Com- highlight is the new Blueplanet Gridsave 1000 TL3, a bined with a host of life cycle services, the PVS980 storage solution in the megawatt class. KACO new inverter provides an attractive and sustainable energy will disclose details prior to the fair. return on investment. Booth: B2.310 Booth: B3.230 Delios srl is a start-up focused on the design, devel- ABB Automation Products will display its complete opment and production of photovoltaic inverters portfolio of solar technologies at Intersolar in with storage system and integrated management of Munich, including two highly innovative solar invert- energy from the sun. Delios systems are designed to ers designed for the commercial and large-scale remarkably increase the amount of solar energy markets: ABB Trio-50.0 and the outdoor central produced and self-consumed by storing it in batter- 160510_WS_AD_HALF-PAGE_210x144_AF.pdf 5 10/5/16 12:14 inverter PVS980. ies and secondary systems. They are suitable for The ABB Trio-50.0 transformerless inverter domestic installations and can minimise the with- combines the performance and price advantage of a drawal of energy from the public electrical network, central inverter with the fl exibility and ease of instal- drastically reducing costs for family energy needs. lation of a string inverter. Off ering increased power Thanks to the integrated management device, density to leverage the benefi ts of a decentralised Delios systems are able to control home appliances system layout in industrial plants, the Trio-50.0 and privileged loads maximising the self- features a modular design with detachable AC and consumption of the produced energy at zero cost, DC compartments and fl exible confi guration with a directly from the photovoltaic fi eld to the storage combination of building block options. The Trio-50.0 and to secondary systems available at any time of features forced air cooling with a fi eld removable the day, even at the end of the day during evening ABB’s PVS980 inverter fan. As an additional benefi t, the 50 kW inverter can and night. Booth: B2.351 has a power rating up be mounted vertically as well as horizontally which to 2,000 kVA. allows the unit to be placed under the PV panels, Studer Innotec completes its range of remote moni-

toring devices for Xtender, VarioTrack and VarioString C

systems. The manufacturer of inverters and MPPT M solar charge controllers for remote areas off ers Y various solutions for internet-based monitoring of installations, either via GSM or via the local network CM

(LAN) if present. The web portal, available free of MY

charge, allows for 24/7 control of the systems and CY access to the datalogs as well as to remotely inter- CMY vene in order to fi ne-tune the system performance. It enables also to activate notifi cation by e-mail or K SMS if certain events occur. The recent launch of the Xcom-SMS completes Studer Innotec’s off er. A simple prepaid SIM card and basic GSM coverage are suffi cient to totally control an installation with the Xcom-SMS. An android app facilitates monitoring and control of the system via a smartphone. The Xcom-SMS is available at [email protected]. Booth: B2.440

46 Sun & Wind Energy 3/2016

040-057_Intersolar_Produkte_ro.indd 46 19.05.2016 09:22:57 Modules efficiency of the panel. Thanks to the transparent film used within the design, the LG LG Electronics has announced its first bifacial mod- NeON 2 BiFacial modules weigh only 17 kg. ule: the LG NeON 2 BiFacial. The new model has This weight reduction decreases the possi- been designed to utilise both sides of the module to bilities of fracture (compared with compo- absorb more light and ultimately generate more nents made of glass), reducing risks for electricity. Under optimum conditions, the energy installation technicians whilst also making yield of the module has increased by up to 25 % the module suitable for many flat and compared to standard modules. pitched roofs. Booth: A2.170 The LG NeON 2 BiFacial model is based on the high-performance LG NeON 2 module. The new Panasonic will showcase their full high- release focuses on delivering optimum efficiency by efficiency HIT module lineup in Munich, allowing incident light to be captured on the back of including their most recent addition, the HIT the module through the use of translucent foil. N325/N330. N330/325 features an expand- Bifacial technology adds to the already high efficien- ed 96-cell design, returning approximately cy of the NeON series. By combining the 60 highly 27 % more peak-power compared to main- efficient monocrystalline cells with the transparent stream 260-W multicrystalline modules, back sheet, under optimum conditions, a single LG according to the manufacturer. The product NeON 2 BiFacial module can output up to 375 W. The also supplies significantly higher energy Panasonic module with innovative design means the new modules perform density per square meter by achieving 19.7 % HIT-technology better on sunny days thanks to improved tempera- module-level efficiency and nominala output of ture coefficiency, as well as on cloudy days due to 330/325 W, decreasing balance of systems costs for low energy reduction in weak sunlight. EU installers on residential and commercial installa- The module utilises LG’s Cello technology which tions. Panasonic is also entering Intersolar EU having replaces three busbars with twelve thin wires to en- announced a world record module conversion effi- hance power output and reliability. With reinforced ciency achievement of 23.8 % at research level for a frame design, the modules are ideally equipped for crystalline silicone based PV module. In addition to adverse weather conditions – they are able to with- their HIT module line up, Panasonic will also be stand a front load up to 6,000 Pa and a rear load up show casing their energy storage system, heat pumps to 5,400 Pa. The silver anodised aluminum frame and other products from their Eco Solutions business. 160510_WS_AD_HALF-PAGE_210x144_AF.pdf 5 10/5/16 12:14 also reflects incident light, adding to the overall Booth: A2.170

CMY

Solar Edition 47

040-057_Intersolar_Produkte_ro.indd 47 19.05.2016 09:22:58 The translucent Solarnova modules plant in which the modules are used. At at HS Hotsson Hotel in Léon, Mexico the same time, price competition in the international solar market often leads to the use of substandard EVA fi lm. At Intersolar Europe, Solarnova will Photovoltaik-Institut Berlin (PI Berlin) present the innovative PV modules has developed a polymer analysis pro- from the SOL_GT Translucent series. cess for inspecting the quality of EVA The modules combine individuality fi lm. The institute will introduce the new with standard modules. Its translucent EVA test to the public at Intersolar back sheet off ers an extraordinary look Europe in Munich. and new design options. This allows PI Berlin has joined forces with its installers to win over customers that Japanese partner, Mitsui Chemicals, to place great demands on a PV system’s develop an EVA test method. The test aesthetics. begins by verifying whether the fi lm The variant with 60 monocrystal- includes all the chemical components line cells has 11 % translucency. Its per- required for a high-quality product, for formance is equal to that of standard example certain additives such as UV modules with its 284 W. The 45-cell absorbers and antioxidants. The next module stands out thanks to its 33 % step is an investigation to fi nd out Steca coolcept family translucency and an output of 213 W. whether the fi lm contains the correct Solar grid inverter, 1-phase, 3-phase Both modules are available with black concentration of each of these addi- 1.5 - 5.5 kW or silver anodized aluminum frames. tives. Finally, the results are compiled The modules can be used in many in a test report. Booth: A1.533 ways: in South and Central America, THE BEST SMALL ONES they can be used in overhead glazings In Munich, Şişecam Flat Glass will and façades. These modules not only present a new product to the industry: produce power in a sustainable man- solar glass with special method Maximum efficiency at all input ner, but also provide shade as well. In anti-refl ective coating. The new product voltages Germany, the translucent modules are reduces refl ection of the sunrays hitting Perfect fit for residential systems: mainly of interest for roof systems used the solar panel, thus ensuring maxi- applicable from 3 modules to preserve monuments, since they do mum penetration into the module. This not aff ect a building’s appearance as in turn maximises the yield of solar Lightweight at only 8 kg much as conventional PV systems. energy systems. Suitable for use in indoor and Solarnova can adapt the cell’s color to In an eff ort to address panel manu- outdoor areas (IP 21 and IP 65) the customer’s wishes for even more facturers’ need to capture maximum individuality. The color palette ranges sunlight, Şişecam Flat Glass has now in- from pink, green and red to gold. troduced its new method anti- refl ective i Booth: B2.350M (AR) coating, the result of intense R&D Munich, Germany eff orts and a major investment. June 22 -24, 2016 Booth B3.410 The choice of EVA fi lm used in the pro- Having a structure that minimizes duction of solar modules signifi cantly the refl ection of the sunlight that reaches the module, “Solar Glass with PV Grid Connected infl uences the end product’s lifespan PV Off Grid and susceptibility to defects – and, ulti- AR Coating” increases the performance Solar Thermal mately, the yield of the entire PV power of solar panels by allowing the rays to Battery Charging Systems EMS-Provider www.stecasolar.com Cable Technology Steca Elektronik GmbH Sun & Wind Energy 3/2016

040-057_Intersolar_Produkte_ro.indd 48 19.05.2016 09:22:59 penetrate into the module. Featuring two patterns named “Sandy” and “Prism” the low-iron patterned glasses render a more elegant appearance to the modules thanks to their visual features. Providing maximum yield from daylight with an additional light permeability, this new product increases sunlight penetration to 94 to 95 %, helping the panels generate more power. In other words, the panels perform better and provide maximum effi ciency. Şişecam Flat Glass has introduced this new product with a view to raise awareness about solar energy and contributing to the development of the industry in accordance with its principles of social and environmental responsibility. The new product promotes module installations, an eco-friendly alternative for the entire industry by reducing the consumption of fossil fuels. Booth: A2.218

Mounting Systems loads) and Eurocode 9 (aluminium structures),” the The new ﬂ at glass from developer said. Şişecam increases the Alumero Systematic Solutions GmbH from Austria is The screw connection of the pre-assembled performance of solar introducing a new Universal edge clamp that covers edge clamp consists of an Allen screw and threaded panels. all module frame heights between 33 and 50 mm. plate. A click element, which is available from The new design consists of two L-shaped parts that Alumero for the middle clamp, is not included: “The interlock with each other, and a plastic ring that pro- click element requires suffi cient height and we vides height adjustment. “Keeping large numbers of would have had to implement it at the expense of Alumero’s new edge clamp specifi c end clamps for every frame height in stock is the low frame height,” Elsner said. The engineers in combines ﬂ exible frame not something our wholesale customers want to Seeham, Austria, preferred a ”one-size-fi ts-all” heights with high stability. do,” product developer Tilman Elsner said. A universal edge clamp for all framed modules signifi cantly reduces the necessary number of parts. Even though height-adjustable clamps are not a novelty these days, many of the adjustable edge clamps available on the market sacrifi ce stability for versatility. “Our goal was to provide a stable solution that prevents the parts from slipping or tilting,” the engineer said. Developing a product to meet these high demands took approximately one year. Elsner explains the fi xation principle of the universal clamp as follows: “When the screw is tightened, pressure is applied to the teeth and this causes the two parts to interlock.” The universal edge clamps are equipped with potential equalisa- tion pins. These pins also provide additional fi xation. “Our calculations show that our product fulfi ls the requirements of Eurocode 1 (snow and wind

IntersolarOur Stand- B1.551Visit At

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Solar Edition 49

040-057_Intersolar_Produkte_ro.indd 49 19.05.2016 09:23:02 INTERSOLAR PREVIEW

Since this year, when fastening the plant to the coverage is mandatory, or required for high wind loads and by anti-seismic regulations, the new Sun Ballast system provides the possibility of securing the structure to the roof surface or the possible parapet, always in a simple and fast way by using appropriate screws. The second innovation of 2016 is a unique sailing system up to six panels designed to reduce shadowing and which allows to earn up to 25 % more space. Sun Ballast off ers a free consulting service for the calculation of wind loads for each project and deliveries with very low times and costs. Booth: A3.232

Software & Monitoring

Sun Ballast is designed philosophy instead. To make assembly even easier The software company Valentin Software from Berlin to reduce the installation and safer, the Allen screws are coated with precote has adjusted and reworked its planning and simula- time up to 70 % in com- thread locker. “The adhesive coating causes the tion programs T*Sol and PV*Sol to suit current parison with traditional threaded plate to rotate, which ensures the correct technical developments. Both will be presented at solutions. position of the plate in the screw channel. When the Intersolar in Munich. screw is tightened, the adhesive is activated and With the new versions, planners and operators reliably secures the threaded connection.” will be able to design their solar systems even faster, Booth: A3.338 simulate precise yield calculations and thus also carry out exact economic calculations while taking In 2013, Basic srl launched the mounting system for state support mechanisms into account. fl at roof Sun Ballast. It is a system patented as utility The version PV*Sol premium 2016 off ers the abili- model, TUV certifi ed and tested in the wind tunnel. ty to read in layouts, fl oor plans and screenshots from The mounting systems Sun Ballast, which perform web-based satellite maps (e.g. Google Earth) directly both the function of support and ballast for the into the 3D visualisation and thus integrate them into photovoltaic module, allow nine inclinations from 0° a project at the right scale. The dimensions, orienta- to 30° for vertical, horizontal and east/west laying. tion and distances of 3D objects between one another The speed of installation with Sun Ballast is due to (buildings, trees) can thus be easily determined with- its being a system ready-to-use: it is a ballast made out an on-site visit. By redrawing a layout, the program of concrete, already perforated where needed and it can automatically recognise and set up standard 3D does not require any pre-processing before the objects. It then adjusts most of the dimensions, orien- assembly itself. According to Basic srl, Sun Ballast tations and position of an object to this layout. reduces the installation time up to 70 % in compari- “By implementing this innovation we have been able son with traditional solutions. to give our customers a considerable saving of time

June 22-24, 2016 Booth No. A2.654 Beijing Sunda Solar Energy Technology Co., Ltd. Tel:+86-10-57930205/57930251 Fax:+86-10-57930220 www.sundasolar.com [email protected]

040-057_Intersolar_Produkte_ro.indd 50 19.05.2016 09:23:03 3-phase map imports in the new PV*SOL premium 2016

when planning a PV system,” says Company Head manufacturers, traders and craftsmen. T*SOL simu- Steffen Lindemann. lates the energy efficiency of solar thermally assist- The more the feed-in tariff drops, the more im- ed heating systems and creates the combi-system portant it is to take the own consumption of PV elec- label for direct output to a printer. Thus, every tricity into account when looking at the viability of a heating installer is able to create such a label for photovoltaics system. As own consumption may each individual system built. The comprehensive also be increased by the storage of PV electricity in component database has been updated by Valentin battery systems, the scaling of the battery system Software in the new version. Valentin Software will also plays an important role. PV*SOL provides a be presenting its new products from 22nd to 24th June valuable tool here, both for the right scaling and the 2016 at the Intersolar Europe in Munich at stand determination of viability. All PV*SOL variants are A3.395. There will be live planning presentations at available in the languages German, English, Italian, the stand several times a day, using the current Polish and Spanish. Project reports may additional- program versions. Booth: A3.395 ly also be created in many other languages. A new feature of T*SOL 2016 is the output of an With DDS-CAD 11 the Softwarehouse Data Design energy label. Since 26th September 2015 the System (DDS) provides a comprehensive and energetic labelling of heating units for room heating efficient planning tool for solar systems and their and hot water systems has been obligatory for all thorough documentation. At the Intersolar, the DDS

June 22-24, 2016 Booth No. A2.654 Beijing Sunda Solar Energy Technology Co., Ltd. Tel:+86-10-57930205/57930251 Fax:+86-10-57930220 www.sundasolar.com [email protected]

Solar Edition 51

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report manager and the new viewer give a clearer and more fl exible overview of all information. Booth: B3.555

At the Intersolar 2016, Solare Datensysteme GmbH (SDS) will be presenting a wide range of possibilities for optimizing the consumption of self-produced power with the Solar-Log energy management system. Firstly, SDS will be releasing a new fi rmware version. In addition to the intuitive user interface for the Smart Energy functions, the new fi rmware version off ers fl exible confi guration of the integrated components – for example, heat pumps, heating rods and power generators (CHP) – even based on measurement readings. With the surplus management function of the Solar-Log, plant operators can feed a percentage of the generated PV power output DDS-CAD supports all exhibition team will present their software as well into a public grid and use the rest of the energy for solar energy specia- as off er a sneak peak of optimised functions of the self-consumption. This allows operators, for exam- lists and engineers upcoming version 12. DDS-CAD PV allows for design- ple, who have a 70 % feed-in restriction to fully use as a comprehensive ing roof based or ground mounted photovoltaic their generated PV power. planning tool for solar systems in 2D and 3D. Moreover, the functions of This can be fl exibly deployed thanks to the free- system projects. the plug-in “Polysun Inside” include yield calcula- ly defi nable surplus prioritisation. The plant operations and automatic mapping of inverters – also for tor determines the order in which the integrated east-west orientation. Realistic visualisation possi- electrical appliances and generators will be turned bilities and shading analysis add to the package. on. For example, it can be setup that surplus PV Integrated diagrams and reports are strong pillars of power is fi rst used to produce warm water or is pri- exact documentation: DDS-CAD PV delivers detailed marily used to operator an air conditioner. The prior- assembly plans, string plans or cost calculations of itisation settings for the appliances can be adjusted used materials amongst other things, which can be to the current needs at any time via the Solar-Log easily updated if revisions occur. user interface. The new fi rmware version of the The dynamic placement of objects is also in line Solar-Log system provides the option to simulate the with the current motto of the exhibition: solar and individual Smart Energy settings. With the simula- smart! In version 12, which is expected to be tion, one can check when a particular appliance or released by late summer 2016, solar panels are not generator is turned on or off when presented with a only being placed in correct distance to a point of particular set of conditions. Booth: B2.330 reference. They also intelligently modify their position on the plans if their associated reference Solarfox presents its display systems for the changes its position. Additionally, the enhanced photovoltaic industry. The SF-100 series had its

52 Sun & Wind Energy 3/2016

040-057_Intersolar_Produkte_ro.indd 52 19.05.2016 09:23:11 successful market release in spring 2016 and is new within the Solarfox product portfolio. This series targets customers who are looking for an aff ordable entry for solar displays. Solarfox multi- media displays visualise the current yield and CO2 avoidance of PV systems as well as the consumption data, usually in public and commercial buildings. The display system can be connected to almost any monitoring system available on the market (f.i. Solar-Log, Meteocontrol, SMA, Fronius, SolarEdge, Danfoss, Kostal, ABB, PowerDog, etc.). In addition, Solarfox shows a variety of new features for various PV business areas. Solarfox Kipp & Zonen, a Dutch specialist for solar radiation The new MS-80 is a fo cuses on the visualisation of storage systems measurement solutions, has announced the launch combination of EKO’s and charging stations. Booth: B3.371 of new developed RaZON+ at the Intersolar Europe in isolated detector Munich. RaZON+ is an all-in-one system that accu- architecture and novel EKO Instruments unveils a new generation of high- rately measures both direct normal irradiance (DNI) optical design. end ISO 9060 secondary standard pyranometers. and diff use horizontal irradiance (DHI) from the sun According to EKO, this generation sensor broke with and sky, enabling it to provide very reliable values of the traditional pyranometer architecture. In order to global horizontal solar irradiance (GHI) and sun- assure well-founded decisions in designing and shine duration. This new and aff ordable system operating profi table solar power plants, the solar helps solar energy projects to prospect for new loca- irradiance should be continuously and accurately tions, calculate performance ratios, maximise oper- measured. ating effi ciency, schedule maintenance and monitor The new MS-80 is a combination of EKO’s plant performance; all with a minimal soiling eff ect. Kipp & Zonen's isolated detector architecture and novel optical RaZON+ uses a new and unique design of integrated RaZON+ supports the design. It pushed the limits of traditional pyranom- Smart pyrheliometer to measure the direct normal data evaluation via PC, eter characteristics to become a new reference in irradiance. Its innovative features minimise the tablet or smartphone. its class. The compact sensor with single dome is eff ects of soiling when immune to off sets and easily integrates all value operated unattended in added features such as a ventilator, heater and remote locations, with- diff erent communication interfaces. Providing the out compromising the lowest measurement uncertainties under all high accuracy of the in- atmospheric conditions, the MS-80 is made for strument. RaZON+ meas- long-term unattended operation. It comes with 5 ures the diff use horizon- years warranty and has 5 years recommended re- tal solar irradiance with a calibration interval, making this sensor a perfect shaded smart pyranome- tool for both solar energy research and PV power ter mounted on top of the plant operation. The MS-80 will be available from housing. Kipp & Zonen May 2016 onwards. Booth: B3.250 chooses to measure DNI is yours! The choice

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Solar Edition 53

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and DHI and calculate GHI, as this minimises the that the distance between the modules and the eff ect of thermal off sets in the pyranometer and pro- cleaning system always remains constant, automati- vides an accurate and reliable measurement with a cally compensating for irregularities on the ground much lower uncertainty. RaZON+ capabilities can while the vehicle is in motion. The hydraulically con- easily be extended with the connection of a compact trolled telescopic arms are also cleverly designed. weather station or other Modbus® sensors. RaZON+ They can clean from a distance of up to 9 m between off ers a complete web interface with data, graphs the vehicle and the module and an articulated arm and status information, which can also be checked lets the cleaning systems move freely to the left or the on the spot with a smartphone, tablet or laptop via right. Booth: B3.390 its integrated WiFi connection. Booth: B3.370 Solar charging station for The Italian company Messersi will showcase the electric vehicles special vehicle Roboklin 25 at Intersolar Europe, a solution for the automated and time-eff ective cleaning The Schmid Energy Systems GmbH operates within of large PV farms. The company’s main business is a joint research project, funded by the German actually constructing special vehicles for construction Federal Ministry for Economic Aff airs and Energy, on and agriculture. For the cleaning of solar modules, the implementation of a charging station for electric Messersi developed the Roboklin 25, of which 20 units vehicles with self-suffi cient energy supply. The have been sold worldwide so far. The tracked vehicle charging station comprises a carport, the roof of is powered by a diesel engine from Kubota and has a which is equipped with a photovoltaic system, and maximum cleaning capacity of 1 MW in fi ve hours. The a Vanadium Redox Flow energy storage system. The telescopic arms have maximum lengths of 4 and Vanadium Redox Flow Battery buff ers the solar The Roboklin 25 6.5 m. Two washing systems can be mounted on them, energy and makes it available again for the charging tracked vehicle either a sprinkler system with a maximum pressure of station. The project partners are, in addition to the achieves a maximum 40 bar or a rotating brush. Both systems are supplied Schmid Energy Systems GmbH, the IZES GmbH of cleaning rate of 1 MW by a tank with a capacity of 2400 litres. The cleaning is Saarbrücken as coordinator, the Saarland University in ﬁ ve hours. controlled through ultrasound sensors. These ensure and the Technical University of Kaiserslautern. In the joint project the Schmid Energy Systems GmbH brings to use its redesigned container-based energy storage system, here with 30 kW of power and 120 kWh (SoC 5 - 95 %) capacity. The modular design of this container allows the independent gradation of power and storable energy quantity. Due to this fl exibility, customised solutions can be implemented easily. Charging stations for electric vehicles are a fi eld of application for which the Vanadium Redox Flow energy storage off ers numerous advantages: Thanks to the high number of charge cycles several electric cars can be charged per day. There is also the possibility of a 100 % deep discharge. For this the full capacity of the system is used, thereby avoiding an oversizing of the storage systems. Even changes in load direction at full power are possible at any time. Such a situation happens several times a day. It typically occurs when the electric vehicles are + EFFICIENT “refuelled” and the photovoltaic system is at full AS 2.1 power at the same time. The neither fl ammable nor INNOVATIVE PITCHED ROOF SYSTEM + PROFESSIONAL explosive electrolyte ensures a high intrinsic safety ALUMERO‘s most economical pv mounting system for + FAST of the storage system. Booth: A2.160 pitched roofs is quick and easy to install. The system AS 2.1 Storage & PV Heating scores with structurally optimized profiles and pre-mounted components. The ALUMERO SOLAR.PRO.TOOL supports you LLC Bukovina Solar 1 western part of Ukraine is This Intersolar edition will be the 6th participation of in the technical layout of the pv mounting system. It generates looking for CREDIT FUND or FINANCIAL PARTNER Battery Supplies. The company from Belgium off ers the project report, a material list and a verifiable structural for implementing first stage a wide and complete range of battery technologies, calculation for your pv system. (3.5 MWp FVE) in total capacity 18 MWp FVE each of them with their specifi c advantages. As a sole distribution point in the EMEA area for the high Learn more about AS 2.1 at: www.alumero.com plant. All documents are ready to start. quality US deepcycle brand Crown, Battery Supplies phone +420 775 279 861 • [email protected] provides service in the whole world. Apart from ALUMERO Systematic Solutions GmbH these US deepcycle batteries, they also off er com- Sonnenweg 1-2 . 5164 Seeham . Austria plete ranges in AGM and gel technology. T +43 6217 6841-0 . [email protected]

MADE IN EUROPE Sun & Wind Energy 3/2016 54 WWW.ALUMERO.COM

040-057_Intersolar_Produkte_ro.indd 54 19.05.2016 09:23:25 The company operates as a one-stop-supplier anti-hail module surface available, for a worldwide dealer network. Being a fl exible heavy snow load up to 5920 Pa, Salt company also requires investing research in new mist, ammonia and blown sand re- developments and technologies. Battery Supplies sistance for seaside and desert en- has been successful in off ering and implementing vironment. diff erent Li-ion solutions for both small applica- Booth: A1.350A tions like household systems and for larger off grid back-up battery banks. Also in the lead technology The French company Socomec has some new product ranges will be presented: The developed the modular power con- Pure Lead battery range, manufactured in the version system Sunsys PCS². As United States, is a range of maintenance-free front heart of an energy storage system, terminal batteries. The Super Heavy Duty AGM it charges/ discharges the batteries battery range off ers a longer service life in compar- and manages the exchange of ener- ison to other lead battery technologies. As Battery gy with the electrical grid. The pow- Supplies emphasises, these additional ranges er of the system from 33 to 100 kW provide an answer to the most challenging issues has been chosen to target the appli- in the off -grid solar market. Booth: B1.560 ees cations in LV grid. Each Sunsys PCS² cabinet is Sunerg from Italy has announced a new storage composed by one to three 33 kW system which will be presented at Intersolar Europe power brick. It can be parallelised to in June. Sunerg will supply the storage system in ad- increase the power up to several MW while keep- dition to its range of PV modules. The system is de- ing the advantage of the modularity for an easy signed to store energy from PV systems effi ciently, maintenance and scalability. The new Sunerg storage whenever the energy produced by a system exceeds The real innovation is the Islanding Mode of the system “Power Pack the users needs, and discharge when the PV system Sunsys PCS² IM and its innovative control system. Litio Storage” is no longer suffi cient allowing autonomy even up to The Islanding is defi ned as a consecutive sequence 80 %. In addition to this, the system guarantees the to the disconnection from the main electrical grid of user more power available anytime of the day. a part of a grid or of a building creating a microgrid. The system allows to have less cut off for power This disconnection can be scheduled or unexpected exceeded or to lower the power input. “Power Pack after the detection of an upstream grid failure. Litio” with 10 years warranty can be installed any- Once disconnected, the energy storage system where monitoring included. is able to supply the microgrid with the support of The high effi ciency photovoltaic module X-Max is the local renewable energies. The duration of the one of a wide range of products made in Italy by Islanding depends on the state of charge of the bat- Sunerg Solar. It is manufactured according to IEC teries and the local energy production such as pho- 61215, IEC 61730 standards and CE. The main high- tovoltaics. This sequence ends with synchronisation lights are: cells with 4 busbars, a 25 year linear and reconnection of the microgrid to the upstream power output warranty, a 10 year product warranty, main grid without interruption for the consumers anti-refl ective coating glass, fi re reaction class 1, and energy producers. Booth: A2.352

AS 2.1 + EFFICIENT INNOVATIVE PITCHED ROOF SYSTEM + PROFESSIONAL

ALUMERO‘s most economical pv mounting system for + FAST pitched roofs is quick and easy to install. The system AS 2.1 scores with structurally optimized profiles and pre-mounted components. The ALUMERO SOLAR.PRO.TOOL supports you in the technical layout of the pv mounting system. It generates the project report, a material list and a verifiable structural calculation for your pv system.

Learn more about AS 2.1 at: www.alumero.com

ALUMERO Systematic Solutions GmbH Sonnenweg 1-2 . 5164 Seeham . Austria T +43 6217 6841-0 . [email protected]

MADE IN EUROPE Solar Edition WWW.ALUMERO.COM55

040-057_Intersolar_Produkte_ro.indd 55 19.05.2016 09:23:26 INTERSOLAR PREVIEW

and developing economies in Africa and South East Asia where unstable grid supply and the high price of fossil fuels are factors behind the search of reliable renewable energy solutions. The Imeon Energy Self Use Solution is designed to effi ciently maximise solar power consumption, while minimising consumption from the grid. In response to high peak of solar production during midday and the traditional resale to the grid, Imeon Energy’s concept is to shave the midday peak of solar production through direct consumption, storage for later use during the evening and feeding energy surplus to the grid. This technique allows increased energy yields and effi ciency as well as 30 % reduction of the price of W/h compared to current off erings. When taking into consideration Imeon’s storage management system to preserve and to drastically improvement battery life and cycles, the savings are further increased. Smart monitoring of Imeon’s energy enables end users to be aware and The Imeon Energy Imeon Energy from France designs and creates intel- in charge of their consumption habits during the Self Use Solution is ligent smart grid inverters in the French market with day, to further enhance their green participation. designed to eﬃ ciently three integrated systems: grid-tie, off -grid and ener- Booth: B1.350 ees maximise solar power gy storage all in one inverter. This move is in line with consumption. the current economic and political debate over the Garamanta, a subsidiary of the Gernot Langes energy transition of France towards more sustainable Swarovski Group, presents new developed power energy solutions. The concept of energy self-use or storage devices at Intersolar. For Garabat, the com- self-consumption is quickly gaining ground in France pany claims a very high level of safety. The monitor- as well as other leading markets in Europe, Australia, ing and control system is redundantly protected. The possible depth of discharge (DoD) is 95 %, the system effi ciency 96 % and the self-discharge is less than 0.3 % per month. Garabat storage systems function at temperatures ranging from -20 ˚C to + 65 ˚C and are therefore also appropriate in regions with extreme climate. In collaboration with the partners Victron Energy B.V. and the pewa-energy GmbH Luzern, an integrated solution which allows for the Garabat storage unit to be connected to any existing photovoltaic system has been developed. Currently, a technology to control battery systems in balancing energy pools is being tested in Switzerland. Booth: A3.380

Rolls Battery is specialised in the production of deep cycle batteries for many market sectors in particular renewable energy and remote stand-by power operations. Rolls has an extensive product portfolio with both fl ooded and AGM deep cycle battery ranges. LIVE DESIGN SESSIONS According to Rolls, the dual container construction, Intersolar Europe Munich high-density polyethylene materials and unique June 22–24, 2016, Booth A3.395 “resitox” plate design provide a life expectancy that is The next generation among the longest in the battery industry. The company works closely with distributors and system integra- of design software! tors to ensure perfect product synergy with all leading inverter/charger manufacturers including SMA, T*SOL 2016 Outback, Studer, Victron and Mastervolt. Projects SOFTWARE have ranged from remote village electrifi cation in > Energy label calculation + parameter variation ENGINEERED PV*SOL premium 2016 IN GERMANY Africa and South America to large community Island > Import of satellite maps in the 3D visualization systems in Scotland and the South Atlantic. Renew- able energy and standby power systems installed in Free 30-day trial versions and webinars now on: www.valentin-software.com the Middle East and for telecoms in Scandinavia. Booth: B1.551 ees

MIX_90x125-SWE052016_Engl-RZ.indd 1 13.04.16 09:12 56 Sun & Wind Energy 3/2016

040-057_Intersolar_Produkte_ro.indd 56 19.05.2016 09:23:27 The Austrian company my-PV presents a “water battery” named AC ELWA-E, an innovative energy storage system, which optimises the captive use of renewable surplus energy from photovoltaic systems. It recognises the energy needs of energy storage units within the household. By doing so, the new system distributes surplus energy to hot water and helps saving costs and reducing CO2 emissions. “Our new product is an innovative hybrid-extension for common residential energy storage systems. The surplus energy that is not needed for household electricity or storage units is used to heat the water in a hot water tank”, explains Gerhard Rimpler, CEO of my-PV and inventor of the AC ELWA-E. The “water battery” is compatible with various energy storage units, inverters and home systems such as Varta Storage, SMA, Fronius etc. The open and independent AC ELWA-E communicates with common battery-management-systems through an innovative communication-interface. Furthermore, it The Resol FlowSol is possible to connect it to smart home systems. E becomes the Booth: B1.634 missing link between the photovoltaic The Resol FlowSol E has been especially designed system and the heat for using excess current produced by a photovolta- generator. ic system. The station contains all the vital hydraulic components, is particularly easy to install and can be retrofitted into all heating and DHW systems. excess power can be reliably converted into heat “The measuring device reliably detects excess and power fluctuations can be balanced out,” current and the integrated controller redirects it to a relates Gerald Neuse and concludes: “The Resol steplessly variable electric heater for heating a wa- FlowSol E becomes the missing link between the ter store,” explains Gerald Neuse, Resol Head of photovoltaic system and the heat generator – for Sales, and adds: “Thus, excess power can be stored more independence, decreased heating costs and as regenerative heat, internal consumption can be less CO2 emissions.” The new product will be increased while decreasing conventional heating presented at Intersolar Europe in Munich. costs.” All the while, of course, household power Booth: A3.720 has absolute priority and grid compliance is main- tained. “The intelligent control ensures an optimum Source: exhibitors; store stratification so that even small amounts of compiled by Ralf Ossenbrink and Tanja Peschel

Solar Edition 57

040-057_Intersolar_Produkte_ro.indd 57 19.05.2016 09:23:30 Photovoltaics intersolar & eU Pvsec

Photovoltaics mega event in Munich

2,500 PV specialists intersolar europe and the eU Pvsec are taking place in Munich in the from 77 countries atten- ded the EU PVSEC 2015 same week in June. together, these two major events will illustrate the in Hamburg. Photos (2): eU Pvsec photovoltaic added-value chain from the initial science through the application all the way to connection into the energy supply systems.

n the week commencing June 20, Munich will be Main focus on research and the magnet to attract photovoltaics experts from development all over the world. Intersolar Europe, the leading Itrade fair for solar technology, which has taken place According to Peter Helm, Managing Director of the in the Bavarian capital every year since 2008, is not EU PVSEC organiser WIP, the “European PV Solar the only attraction. The EU PVSEC, the world’s lead- Energy Conference and Exhibition” is the “world’s ing scientifi c conference for photovoltaics, will be biggest conference in the fi eld of photovoltaics”. held there in the same week. The organisers an- According to WIP, it combines scientifi c, techno- nounced the co-location in July 2015, and this caused logical and industrial and application aspects from the industry to sit up and take notice. Two major research, industrial and political standpoints. photovoltaic events at the same time in the same However, the main focus is on research and devel- place? Can that work, or will they just poach each opment. The EU PVSEC has been held since 1977, other’s visitors? Especially since both the Intersolar and until 2015 it was the usual practice to hold it in Europe and the EU PVSEC traditionally have both a diff erent European countries. Following Hamburg Solutions for the precise measurement of solar radiation trade fair and a conference in their programmes? last year, this year’s venue for the EU PVSEC is In the organisers’ view, the advantages outweigh Munich, where it is hosted from June 20 to 24, 2016, In solar energy, accurately measuring the sun’s radiation is key to finding optimal locations, helping investment decisions, maximising operating efficiency, the disadvantages, so they were willing to work to- in the Munich International Congress Centre (ICM). scheduling maintenance, monitoring performance and improving technology; in PV, CPV and CSP. gether to arrive at a solution. Together, they want to That alone indicates a signifi cant change of As the experts, we develop high quality instruments for the measurement of global, direct, diffuse and plane of array solar radiation. off er the visitors the best possible benefi ts. Both direction. from a scientifi c point of view and from that of in- Following a number of years in Freiburg, For each model in our well-known CMP series of pyranometers there is now a Smart SMP series equivalent, with internal digital signal processing that enhances stallers, at the Munich exhibition, visitors should be Munich has established itself as the regular venue performance. RS-485 communication with MODBUS® protocol and an amplified analogue output enable flexible, simple interfacing to data acquisition systems. presented with the whole of the PV value-added for the Intersolar Europe. The Intersolar Together with a SHP1 pyrheliometer and SOLYS2 sun tracker you can build a complete Smarter solar monitoring station. chain, including political framework conditions and Conference takes place in the ICM on June 21 and the integration of photovoltaics both in virtual power 22; the exhibition in the neighbouring exhibition When accuracy matters, measure with Kipp & Zonen. stations and in smart grids. halls from June 22 to 24. www.kippzonen.com

Visit us at Intersolar Europe, booth B3.370, to be one of the first to see our new all-in-one solar monitoring system in real life. 58 Sun & Wind Energy 3/2016

058-061_PV_Intersolar_EUPVSEC_ro.indd 58 17.05.2016 13:23:54 Both the EU PVSEC and the Intersolar have been has withdrawn the cell and modular technologies severely affected by the collapse of the photovoltaic from the Intersolar conference programme. These market in Germany since 2012 and the reduced rate are found in the EU PVSEC”, Elsässer added. The EU of expansion throughout Europe. With the EU PVSEC, PVSEC for its part has no exhibition of its own this this was mainly noticeable in the exhibition area. At year. The potential EU PVSEC exhibitors, above all of the large EU PVSEC trade fair in 2011, almost 1,000 production technologies, are in any case exhibiting exhibitors presented their products and services. in the Intersolar exhibition. For the EU PVSEC, this Last year in Hamburg, the numbers had shrunk to has the advantage that they can concentrate entire- only about 100. ly on the conference whilst still be able to offer the At Intersolar Europe, the number of exhibitors visitors a PV exhibition such as is expressed in the shrank from almost 2,300 in the PV boom year of brand of the event “European PV Solar Energy 2011 to scarcely more than 1,000 last year. The or- Conference and Exhibition“. ganisers made a smart move in 2013. They succeed- ed in combining the Electrical Energy Storage (EES) Over 1,100 presentations trade fair with the Intersolar Europe. Since the bat- at EU PVSEC tery-storage market is currently experiencing rapid development, this field is contributing to the hoped- Participants at the EU PVSEC will once again be of- for turnaround at the Intersolar Europe. The area oc- fered a comprehensive programme. The conference, cupied by the EES has grown by 40 % this year, and which will take place over a period of five days, will the number of exhibitors at Intersolar Europe/EES, include 1,145 keynote, plenary and specialist pre- standing at 1,050 at the beginning of May, is again sentations. These will be supplemented by further showing a positive trend. presentations in various workshops, podium discussions and industrial forums. All this involved plenty Thematic demarcation of preparatory work. A total of 6,482 authors and co- authors from 88 countries submitted 1,278 propos- And now the two conferences are being co-located. als for conference contributions. Then a scientific “The Intersolar Conference has more to do with ap- committee of 180 PV experts appraised all the pro- plication subjects such as financing, markets and posals and made their selection. Peter Helm empha- project development“, said Markus Elsässer, CEO of sises: “All this lends the EU PVSEC the status of an Intersolar organiser Solar Promotion. “Scientific as- outstanding science-to-science and science-to-in- pects are covered by the EU PVSEC. Solar Promotion dustry platform in which themes such as development

Solutions for the precise measurement of solar radiation

In solar energy, accurately measuring the sun’s radiation is key to finding optimal locations, helping investment decisions, maximising operating efficiency, scheduling maintenance, monitoring performance and improving technology; in PV, CPV and CSP.

As the experts, we develop high quality instruments for the measurement of global, direct, diffuse and plane of array solar radiation.

For each model in our well-known CMP series of pyranometers there is now a Smart SMP series equivalent, with internal digital signal processing that enhances performance. RS-485 communication with MODBUS® protocol and an amplified analogue output enable flexible, simple interfacing to data acquisition systems.

Together with a SHP1 pyrheliometer and SOLYS2 sun tracker you can build a complete Smarter solar monitoring station.

When accuracy matters, measure with Kipp & Zonen.

www.kippzonen.com

Visit us at Intersolar Europe, booth B3.370, to be one of the first to see our new all-in-one solar monitoring system in real life. Solar Edition 59

058-061_PV_Intersolar_EUPVSEC_ro.indd 59 17.05.2016 13:23:55 Photovoltaics intersolar & eU Pvsec

that the Asiatic PV sector has a need for innovative research findings. But perhaps even here we can see an influence of Intersolar Europe. The Chinese have always been very strongly represented here. Many more German market players, however, amounting to 31 % of early registrations, have taken advantage of the ‘early bird’ cut-off date for the EU PVSEC.

Overall value-added chain

The EU PVSEC will include sessions on new materials and concepts for crystalline cells and modules, and new records for efficiency levels will be discussed. One double session will be devoted to thin-film, concentrator and space travel applications. There will also be sessions concentrating on company management and building-integrated PV (BIPV). The poster exhibition is and use of nano-materials and components in PV There will also be discussions on markets and an important part of the through to the integration of solar energy in the grid general political conditions, financing and the scientific exchange at are dealt with”. synergies of PV and wind energy. This block of sub- the EU PVSEC. By the end of April, the shut-off date for ‘early jects will also consider the competitiveness of the bird’ registrations a month and a half before the European PV market. start of the conference, participants from 62 In the case of the last-mentioned subjects, there countries had already registered to attend the may well be some overlap with the Intersolar EU PVSEC. Of these, 22 % were participants from Conference. Here the major themes will be the devel- China, Japan, Korea, India, and Taiwan. According to opment of the solar market globally, smart renew- WIP, up to the shut-off date, registration figures are able energy, service and maintenance, financing of higher than previously, with many more registrations solar projects and new business and financing from Asia. The conclusion WIP draws from this fact is models. Visitors will find a careful study of the programme of meetings and what the exhibition has to offer well worthwhile.

Europe retains important role

The organisers view the large number of applications to give presentations and the positive developments in exhibitor and visitor numbers as evidence that Europe retains its leading role in the further development of the global PV market. This is despite the fact that other markets, above all China and the USA, are gaining in significance compared to Europe. Markus Elsässer stresses that Intersolar Europe has established itself as the meeting point for the international solar industry. Peter Helm adds that for PV research, people come to Europe. Europe continues to be one of the leading partners in photovoltaic research. A possible solution is long-term amalgamation of these strengths. However, no decision has yet been made. Whether there will again be a co-location of Intersolar Europe and EU PVSEC next year has so far not been decided. Both organisers are playing their cards close to their chests. It makes sense to wait and see how well the idea is accepted. Tradi- tionally, the EU PVSEC organisers announce on the last day of the event where the conference will be held the following year. Ina Röpcke

Further information: EU PVSEC: www.photovoltaic-conference.com Intersolar Europe: www.intersolar.de

60 Sun & Wind Energy 3/2016

058-061_PV_Intersolar_EUPVSEC_ro.indd 60 17.05.2016 13:23:56 See you at Intersolar When the solar sector meets at Intersolar North America and Intersolar Europe SUN & WIND ENERGY will have some special offers for you!

While visiting Intersolar Europe Visitors to Intersolar North in Munich, save the date for the America in San Francisco celebration of 40 years of should drop in at our SONNE WIND & WÄRME on Booth 7615 Thursday, June 23, 6:00 p.m. to pick up a free copy of our in Hall A3, Booth 230. World Map of the PV Industry.

061_Eigenanzeige Intersolar (VB).indd 20 17.05.2016 13:33:07 Photovoltaics intersolar north america

A strong focus on storage

Intersolar North America 2016 storage and smart renewable energy technologies hold a prominent will have a strong focus on storage with a dedicated ees position in this year’s intersolar north america in san Francisco. For the North America exhibition. ﬁ rst time ever, ees north america will bundle innovations and Photos (3): solar Promotion int. The worldwide solar systems full range applications for stationary and electricity storage systems as an independent exhibition and conference. Sunerg Solar is a manufacturer of photovoltaic modules and - Dynamic the thermodynamic Made in Italy ome 18,000 industry visitors and 550 exhibi- US$ 3.1 billion valuation. In California, the market solar thermal collectors based in Italy since 1978. Today - H1T high efficiency solar thermal collector with 10 years Sunerg Solar, ranking at the top of European companies, warranty; tors, 100 of which will be at ees are expected will reach 422 MW, and account for 54 % of the total reachs an annual manufacturing output of 100 Mwp. Our full - glazed tanks like VX series with fitted condenser coils for to converge on San Francisco from 12th to 14th U.S. market. Energy storage balance of systems range product systems include also: domestic hot water. Visit us - Pv high efficiency modules mono & poly crystalline 4 bu- SJuly. As in previous years, the exhibition will be held in (BOS) costs for grid-scale storage will fall 41 % by Booth A1.350A sbar (from 150 to 360 Wp); www.sunergsolar.com downtown San Francisco at Moscone Center West as 2020, GTM Research forecasts. “The goal of ees Hall A1 - Power Pack Litio the new energy storage with 10 years an extension of Semicon West. A special exhibition on North America is to help companies identify new warranty, 1000 cycles and plug&play installation; - TWIN hybrid module photovoltaic & solar thermal togheter e-mobility will be integrated into ees, showcasing elec- market opportunities in the energy storage industry (250-300 Wp); tric vehicles, charging solutions and carports. Also at and spur overall market success”, Elsässer states. the conference, held in the nearby Intercontinental Hotel from 11th to 13th July, there will be a dedicated fo- Change of sentiment cus on storage and smart renewable technologies. about storage “Solar plus storage is a powerful combination,” says Markus Elsässer, CEO of the organiser Solar Promotion Obviously, an impetus is needed in the rapidly ex- International. As in previous years, the California Solar panding U.S. photovoltaics market. Two-thirds of Energy Industries Association (CALSEIA) will act as a photovoltaics installers in the U.S. do not off er ener- strong co-organiser of the event. gy storage solutions. This was one of the results of a According to GTM Research, the U.S. is set to be survey among 302 PV installers in 42 states conduct- the largest storage market worldwide, with California ed by market analyst EuPD Research. The main rea- as the new global hub of energy storage innovation sons for not off ering storage options cited by the and progressive policies. The annual U.S. solar-plus- participants of the PV Installer Survey USA 2015/2016 storage market will reach 769 MW by 2020, with a were the price of batteries for PV systems and the

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062-065_PV_Intersolar_NA_ro.indd 62 17.05.2016 12:05:45 resulting low profi t margins. Additionally, participants criticised the insuﬃ cient technological matu- rity of storage systems. But the mood appears to be shifting in favour of storage, with 26 % of survey re- spondents saying they hope to add storage products to their portfolios some time in 2016. If they make good on their intentions, the percentage of PV installers off ering storage solutions could rise to 60 % in 2016, according to EuPD Research. Battery specialist Tesla achieved the highest score for unaided brand awareness in the survey. Trojan is the most widely used energy storage brand in the U.S. The most important features U.S. installers look for when choosing an energy storage brand are guarantee conditions and ease of installation.

More PV installations expected employed 208,859 workers as of November 2015, The exhibition will be held in representing an addition of 35,052 jobs, and a downtown San Francisco at In view of the fi ve-year extension to the Investment 20.2 % increase in employment in the sector over Moscone Center West as an Tax Credit (ITC) and a projected PV expansion vol- November 2014. With more than 76,000 jobs in so- extension of Semicon West. ume of nearly ten GW this year, the industry in the lar, California has a large share of that. More than U.S. is generally optimistic. Some 58 % of the partic- half a million people in California work in the ad- ipants of the recent PV Installer Monitor survey advanced energy industry, data from trade association ministered by EuPD Research claim they will install Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) reveals. The sector more than they did in 2015. A mere 17 % of the sur- includes energy eﬃ ciency, advanced electricity gen- veyed installers believe that 2016 will off er them less eration, advanced grid technology, advanced vehi- business than last year, while 41 % plan on hiring ad- cles and biofuels. According to AEE, the sector’s ditional staff , and only 16 % will probably have to let growth rate of 18 % last year was six times that of some of their employees go. A recent National Solar California’s average employment rate of 3 %. Jobs Census found that the U.S solar industry Hans-Christoph Neidlein

The worldwide solar systems full range

Sunerg Solar is a manufacturer of photovoltaic modules and - Dynamic the thermodynamic Made in Italy solar thermal collectors based in Italy since 1978. Today - H1T high efficiency solar thermal collector with 10 years Sunerg Solar, ranking at the top of European companies, warranty; reachs an annual manufacturing output of 100 Mwp. Our full - glazed tanks like VX series with fitted condenser coils for range product systems include also: domestic hot water. Visit us - Pv high efficiency modules mono & poly crystalline 4 bu- Booth A1.350A sbar (from 150 to 360 Wp); www.sunergsolar.com Hall A1 - Power Pack Litio the new energy storage with 10 years warranty, 1000 cycles and plug&play installation; - TWIN hybrid module photovoltaic & solar thermal togheter (250-300 Wp);

My Sunerg App

Solar Edition

062-065_PV_Intersolar_NA_ro.indd 63 17.05.2016 12:05:48 Photovoltaics intersolar north america

This year Berna- dette Del Chiaro will be one of the top key note speakers at Intersolar North America. Deep tensions with utilities

Bernadette Del chiaro, executive Director of the Commission (CPUC) this past January, additional changes threaten the industry in just a few short california solar energy industries association years. Further, California has more than three dozen (calseia) is talking about progress and challenges in municipal utilities that service 20 % of the state and over 3 million people. Major cities like Los Angeles, solar policies in the west coast state. Sacramento, Pasadena, Anaheim, and many more are not regulated by the CPUC and therefore S&WE: Bernadette, when we met at last year’s January’s NEM 2.0 decision does not extend to Intersolar North America you were campaigning for these millions of consumers. We are backing a bill an extension of the Solar Investment Tax Credit in the state legislature that would protect NEM in (ITC). At the end of last year U.S. Senate and these cities but it will be an uphill battle to get it to Congress approved the extension. Can you already the governor’s desk. Protecting solar-friendly rates see positive market effects? are also a major regulatory challenge this year. Bernadette Del Chiaro: Yes. The most notable is the effect you don’t see: chaos. The boom-bust cycle S&WE: So what is your main campaigning topic as created by poorly managed government incentive CALSEIA for the next months? programs, those that start and stop on a dime and Del Chiaro: Despite the NEM 2.0 and ITC victories, haphazardly, wreak havoc on markets. Stability and things have not slowed down. Our top three priori- certainty is the elixir of steady, healthy growth. The ties are protecting solar-friendly rate structures, pro- five-year extension of the ITC, along with a gradual tecting NEM in municipal utilities and also ensuring ramp-down of the incentives, gives the industry a smooth transition to NEM 2.0 in PG&E (Pacific Gas clear rules and a long-enough horizon to plan by. & Electric) and SDG&E (San Diego Gas & Electric) Extending the ITC was a group effort, led by our al- areas. Also, we are working to extend the state’s lies in Washington D.C., but CALSEIA had a great rebate program for rooftop solar thermal technolo- time working with our member companies to secure gies. All of these priorities fit neatly into another the support of our sizable and influential congres- major story unfolding in California. Last November, sional delegation. It is a great example of what bi- the largest natural gas “leak” at Aliso Canyon coastal collaboration and good organising can wreaked havoc on Southern California communities accomplish. and threatened to erase all of California’s greenhouse gas reduction accomplishments in just a few S&WE: Where do you still see major regulatory short weeks. Looking ahead, regulators are fearing challenges like Net Metering 2.0 or Renewable blackouts this summer as natural gas supplies are Portfolio Standards 2.0? constrained due to the accidental leak. CALSEIA is Del Chiaro: By far the biggest challenge facing the working with regulators to ramp up incentives and California solar market is the ongoing attacks on Net remove barriers to rooftop solar, especially in the Energy Metering (NEM). While we won a strong NEM Los Angeles region. CALSEIA estimates that if we 2.0 decision by the California Public Utilities were to install solar hot water systems on just 7 %

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062-065_PV_Intersolar_NA_ro.indd 64 17.05.2016 12:05:50 of the multi-family housing buildings in Los Ange- “community solar”. New York is doing interesting les, we could off set 50 % of the natural gas coming things with integrating distributed generation into from Aliso Canyon. In addition, if we put solar pho- the grid that puts California in the backseat. I wel- tovoltaic systems on just 1 % of the roofs in Los come this race to the top between states. Only good Angles, we could off set another 25 % of the Aliso can come from it. Canyon natural gas deliveries. While these systems can’t be installed overnight, or all of them in time S&WE: How crucial is the further implementation of for this summer’s anticipated blackouts, they un- the Clean Power Plan for renewables, that was derscore the incredible opportunity we miss when stopped in February by the Supreme Court? we aren’t prioritizing and incentivizing rooftop solar Del Chiaro: It is huge. While California has its own power in California. even more aggressive clean energy mandates that are not aff ected by this decision, we need the rest of S&WE: Is there progress in lowering permitting and the country to get in the game if we hope to keep interconnection costs? lowering costs not to mention achieve our climate Del Chiaro: You’ve heard of Sisyphus? No, I’m kid- change goals. ding. Yes, we are making progress, although these two issues, in particular, fall prey to the “whack-a- S&WE: What role do utilities play? Are they more or mole” game where progress in one area is replaced less all seeing renewables and solar as a new with problems in another. On the permitting front, business case? many cities are realising that streamlined permitting Del Chiaro: California utilities realise that renewable is as much in their best interest as it is for solar con- energy is here to stay and that they are going to fall tractors. We are seeing a lot of new collaboration behind if they don’t embrace it once and for all. between the industry and building offi cials down in However, who controls those renewable electrons? Los Angeles, for example, through the Solar Energy On which side of the meter are they generated? Who Action Committee (SEAC). But, still, many cities benefi ts fi nancially? Who makes purchasing deci- have actually regressed, making permitting more sions? These are the key questions and the battle diffi cult, not less, in the past year. So, it is a work in that is being waged with California as ground zero. progress. Interconnection is a similar story. While the basic process has improved in the residential S&WE: Does CALSEIA have a strong collaboration sector, for commercial, especially those systems with utilities? using aggregate NEM tariff s, like farms, things have Del Chiaro: We strive to work with our utilities as gotten markedly worse. We are constantly interfer- best we can. However, the utilities’ near unilateral ing on behalf of our member companies with the unwillingness to embrace the fact that their custom- utilities on a seemingly endless parade of inter- ers, our customers like homeowners, renters, busi- connection issues. ness owners, farmers, want to put solar up on their own roofs and control their own energy future cre- S&WE: Is California still the leading state in solar ates deep tensions and bright line policy disagree- policy in the U.S.? ments that make collaboration on the issues that Del Chiaro: On the whole and on the average, yes, matter the most very diffi cult at this point in time. although we still lag behind in issues like true The interview was conducted by Hans-Christoph Neidlein. producer for ground mount solar mounting systems We produced over 2 GWp!

Solar park Vinefarm, 45 MWp, England

Solar Edition 65

062-065_PV_Intersolar_NA_ro.indd 65 17.05.2016 12:05:50 Photovoltaics service Keeping PV plants under control

A Sybac engineer is checking even relatively small technical problems can put the profitability of Pv the substation of a 12 MW utility-scale project. plants in danger if these problems go unnoticed. to avoid any Photo: sybac unnecessary downtime, service contracts have become commonplace for big projects. offered services entail everything from remote monitoring to full service agreements over the entire lifetime of a plant. s&We presents international players in the field of photovoltaics o&M.

n contrast to a conventional power plant, the PV advantages, the monitoring systems and the data version is said to have high initial costs, but low transfer itself are considered by most companies to operational expenses. But just because it seems be among the most frequent sources of errors. Ito require relatively little effort to maintain a PV unit “ Depending on the monitoring process of the plant, in comparison to a thermal power plant, it does not a common problem can be too many as well as false mean that the former is off the hook when it comes alarms,” says Mischa Paterna, Managing Director of to regular maintenance and monitoring. Suncycle. Despite the advances in PV technology, the typi- “Inverter issues and monitoring issues rank at cal problems with which plant operators must cope the top. We do recognise an increase in grid issues have remained largely unchanged, as service provid- as well,” reports Thomas Nolden, Technical Director er Raising Power points out. The typical weak spot at Sybac Service. among components is the inverter. Module damage is another typical defect, often Virtually all service companies use remote originating from PID or hot spots. “Common monitoring systems to detect problems quickly and problems are ageing PV modules, defective commu- efficiently. But although this method offers great nication boards and, overall, the availability of spare

66 Sun & Wind Energy 3/2016

066-070_PV_Monitoring_ro.indd 66 17.05.2016 12:05:16 parts. With the general ageing of the components and the simultaneous discontinuation of product lines, the situation will worsen,” says Klaus Krüder, Your Managing Director of Juwi O&M. “In certain areas, an added problem is theft,” says Burkhard Söhngen, Managing Director of ENcome Energy Performance. ambitions. Many of the defects are not inevitable, but are caused by mistakes during installation or even during construction planning. “First of all, it’s about insuffi cient – often badly done – electrical installa- our tions, causing the insulation of string cables to become defective. The most frequent technical issue we encounter is incorrect wiring. Secondly, many motivation. parks are not delivering the expected economic saving because of insuffi cient planning,” says André Kremer, Managing Director of Gildemeister Energy Solutions. When choosing a service company, track records and reference projects give hints as to the experience of an enterprise. Several service providers emphasise their independence from project developers and EPC businesses. Because many operational issues are caused by errors in planning and construction, it is an argument in favour of independent service providers. However, even “ independent” companies are usually subsidiaries of project developers. Other companies have become a one-stop shop, supporting customers in everything from planning and fi nancing to construction, operation and maintenance.

ENcome Energy Performance GmbH, headquartered Professional monitoring in Klagenfurt, Austria, is by its own account one of the largest independent technical service providers for innovative solar projects for PV power plants in Europe. ENcome is responsible for more than 700 PV power plants with a total Whatever you plan, our monitoring solutions will capacity of 500 MW. Services include operations and offer a great contribution to make your project maintenance, technical asset management, technical projects and advisory. The company has successful. More than 11 GWp monitored solar subsidiaries and offi ces in Denmark, France, power and 40 years experience lead to thoughtful Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK. It mostly relies on solutions to maximize your yields and secure your its own staff , but collaborates with selected regional investment. partners where needed. ENcome emphasises its status as an independent planning and construction company. The company engages TÜV-certifi ed experts and licenced electricians. Employees also receive special training on all major inverter brands. VCOM – your remote monitoring portal ENcome is certifi ed according to ISO 9001:2008. SCADA Center – your onsite monitoring solution “We off er only services such as operations and blue'Log – the modular data logger maintenance, technical asset management and monitoring, in order to avoid conﬂ icts of interest with project development and EPC projects,” says the company’s Managing Director, Burkhard Söhngen. See how we can support your ambitions: www.meteocontrol.com Gildemeister Energy Solutions GmbH from Würz- burg, Germany, operates in Germany, France, Italy, Romania, Portugal, the UK, Egypt and the Dominican Republic and off ers its services to customers from around the globe. The company is responsible for more than 150 PV parks with a total capacity of 350 MW. Besides operations and maintenance

Solar Edition 67

066-070_PV_Monitoring_ro.indd 67 17.05.2016 12:05:17 Photovoltaics service

services, the core competency of Gildemeister ample supply of spare parts. GP Joule has subsidiar- Energy Solutions is turnkey EPC services combined ies at diff erent locations across the three countries with project development and fi nancing, where the and operates a 24/7 monitoring centre. Services are company relies on a global network of investors. provided by in-house staff or partners around During their ten-year history, Gildemeister has in- Europe. stalled more than 8,000 systems. Projects range from small rooftop systems to large PV parks. Service Juwi Operations & Maintenance GmbH from packages can entail the maintenance of green Wörr stadt, Germany, off ers 24/7 remote monitoring spaces, module cleaning, safety checks, refi tting, including a customer web portal and extensive system monitoring, extensive analyses, revision and reporting. Across Germany, juwi O&M also provides technical consultation as well as commercial and in- inspections, maintenance and repairs at fi xed surance management. Gildemeister Energy Solutions response times on site as well as retrofi ts and secu- is a certifi ed partner of many inverter manufacturers rity systems. Basic on-site services are supplied by and holds a TÜV certifi cate as a “professional com- subcontractors. All other services, such as repair pany for the maintenance of photovoltaic plants”. work on inverters, communication systems, “When choosing a service company, it is very im- medium-voltage units or thermography, are provided portant to ensure the company is a certifi ed and by in-house specialists. “A yield-related or security- bankable specialist,” says André Kremer, the com- related error can only be detected and eliminated pany’s Managing Director. early on with the help of continuous remote monitoring by a professional technical management GP Joule GmbH based in Reußenköge in the north of company in conjunction with competent service on Germany off ers its services domestically as well as in site. Quick repairs are essential for safe and yield- France and Italy. The product and service portfolio optimised plant operation,” says Klaus Krüder, GP Joule operates a 24/7 consists of comprehensive service agreements, ex- Managing Director of Juwi O&M. monitoring centre to ensure pert reports, monitoring and module cleaning. Helge Juwi manages 330 PV projects with a total capac- a fast response to any arising Feddersen, Head of the Plant Management Depart- ity of 640 MW. Juwi O&M is owned by holding com- diﬃ culty. ment at GP Joule, points to the company’s long- pany Juwi AG. Photo: GP Joule standing experience with Refu AEI inverters and its The headquarters of KRD Global Group Sp. z o.o. are located in Warsaw, Poland. The group provides a wide variety of consulting and other services in the fi eld of renewable energies. In the large-scale PV plant segment, it designs and sets up systems as an EPC or turnkey contractor or procures PV-related products and components. If needed, KRD will also win over investors and handle the capital investment process for the plant. Further up the value chain, the company off ers services for manufacturers of cells and modules, such as factory design, ramp-up, the recruiting of key employees and module certifi cation. The company operates in Poland, Italy, Lithuania, Portugal, Spain and the UK, but off ers its services on the global stage. It is

At the 6.5 MW PV plant in the Italian region of Apulia, Gildemeister Energy Solutions is in charge of the entire technical management. Photo: Gildemeister

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S.p.A. 68 Sun & Wind Energy 3/2016 Italy��Tel.�+39�071.688771�r.a.�-�Fax+39 071.688586��Web:�www.roboklin.com��E-mail:�[email protected]

066-070_PV_Monitoring_ro.indd 68 17.05.2016 12:05:19 responsible for 20 PV projects with a total of 80 MW. In 2015, KRD built the largest PV plant in Poland on behalf of a major Polish energy supplier. Two prominent customers of KRD are AEG and RWE.

Raising Power GmbH from Augsburg, Germany, manages 850 PV projects with a total capacity of 500 MW. The company specialises in operations and maintenance and the repowering of existing PV plants. The planning and installation business is left to its parent company, Meteocontrol. Regular customers include investors and plant owners, but Raising Power also offers its services to other O&M providers as an OEM solution. Most of technical operations management is carried out by in-house staff, whereas on-site services are mainly provided by certified partners.

Suncycle GmbH, headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, offers its services in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and the US. The list of customers Polish KRD designed and mounted this 107 kW rooftop installation in Burgos, includes not only PV plant owners and operators, but Spain. The company is also responsible for monitoring and maintenance – as the also insurance companies for PV systems and man- first Polish business to install a PV installation in Spain, according to KRD. ufacturers of PV components, making for a diverse Photo: KrD Global product portfolio. To test modules, Suncycle operates its own engi- technician teams, supported by more than 200 ser- neering and testing centre, where it has examined vice partners across Europe. “The price per kilowatt and repaired more than 2 million PV modules to should not be the make-or-break scenario for a date. In addition, the company owns mobile labora- service company – a fully independent service tories. To service PV parks, Suncycle has in-house provider with all necessary resources from one single

S.p.A. Italy��Tel.�+39�071.688771�r.a.�-�FaxSolar Edition +39 071.688586��Web:�www.roboklin.com��E-mail:�[email protected]

066-070_PV_Monitoring_ro.indd 69 17.05.2016 12:05:22 Photovoltaics service

Juwi has in-house staff carry provider is worth a lot more,” says Mischa Paterna, tenance system has been certified by German TÜV out all complex tasks such Managing Director of Suncycle. Suncycle manages Rheinland. as repair work on inverters or more than 70 projects of altogether more than In other countries, Sybac establishes both col- thermographic surveys. 60 MW of capacity. laborations and in-house teams. For example, in Photo: Juwi o&M Japan Sybac relies on in-house staff trained by the Sybac Service GmbH is based in Kehrig, Germany, German parent company. A similar approach is and offers the full package in Germany, including PV planned for Turkey. In the UK, Sybac employs a sub- system service, maintenance and management, contractor that is supervised by the German Sybac remote support, insurance management, software team. Sybac is involved in 120 projects with a total data management, green waste administration and capacity of 260 MW, of which around 220 MW are lab tests for components. Sybac’s service and main- free-field installations. Eva Augsten

Service companies

No. of PV Total capac- Company name Headquarters Markets Services projects ity [MW] Website ENcome Energy Klagenfurt, Operations & maintenance; technical asset Performance Europe > 700 > 500 www.en-come.com Austria management; technical projects; advisory GmbH Project development; turnkey EPC solutions; Global (e.g., Ger- project financing; monitoring & control; Gildemeister many, France, Italy, Würzburg, maintenance; annual inspections; cleaning; Energy Solutions Portugal, Romania, > 150 350 http://energy.gildemeister.com/en Germany technical management; retrofitting & optimisation; GmbH Spain, UK, Egypt, repair & spare parts management; thermography; Dominican Republic) commercial and insurance management Reußenköge, Germany, France, Full service; expert reports; monitoring; GP Joule GmbH 91 438 http://www.gp-joule.eu Germany Italy module cleaning Germany: all pro- Juwi Operations Technical and commercial management Wörrstadt, ducts and services; www.juwi.com/services/operations- & Maintenance (incl. 24/7 remote monitoring); ~ 330 ~ 640 Germany abroad: remote maintenance GmbH customer web portal; extensive reporting monitoring only Poland, Italy, Spain, KRD Global Group Warsaw, Design; procurement; installation; monitoring; Lithuania, Portugal ; 20 80 www.krdglobalgroup.com Sp. z o.o. Poland on-site inspections; production and certification worldwide Operations & maintenance; test and repair; recall Hamburg, Suncycle GmbH Europe, MENA, USA management; engineering & certification; after-sales > 70 > 60 www.suncycle.de/en Germany services; supply chain solutions; PV logistics Service and maintenance of PV systems; remote sup- Germany: port and troubleshooting; regular maintenance; do- 260 Sybac Service Kehrig, in-house services, cumentation and reports; operational management; 120 (around 220 www.sybac-service.de GmbH Germany other countries: laboratory (sun simulator, electroluminescence free-field) knowledge transfer chamber, etc.); insurance management; software data management; green waste management; etc. Raising Power Augsburg, E.g., remote monitoring, on-site inspection, Global 850 500 www.raising-power.de/en GmbH Germany repair service

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066-070_PV_Monitoring_ro.indd 70 17.05.2016 12:05:22 research Photovoltaics SOLPROCEL: A new generation of semi-transparent organic PV buildings the buildings sector accounts for 40 % of europe’s energy requirements and for 36 % of greenhouse gas emissions. For this reason, the reduction of the energy consumption and the increase of the use of renewable energy technologies will constitute a significant improvement to reduce the energy dependency of the eU and to reduce co2 emissions.

he adopted measures to reduce energy con- efficiency of semi-transparent (30 % luminosity) OPV sumption in the building sector have been de- cells from 5.6 % to 9 %. In order to achieve the ob- fined in a set of requirements and directives. jectives of the project, the SOLPROCEL consortium, TIn order to increase the number of energy efficient has worked in the following activities: buildings, the Energy Performance of Buildings • Development of new PV and nano-materials Directive (EPBD, 2010/31/EC) introduced the defini- to be incorporated in the different layers of tion of nZEB as a building with very high energy per- the cell architecture. formance where the nearly zero or very low amount • Synthesis of new active polymers to en- of energy required should be extensively covered by hance light harvesting in the infrared region renewable sources produced on-site or nearby. The in order to increase the efficiency and trans- EPBD establishes that after 31 December 2020, all parency of the cell in the visible spectrum new buildings will be nZEBs, while for public build- • Study of the architecture of the active part ings the deadline is set for 31 December 2018. of the device, investigating alternatives to With these concepts clear it is possible to high- the single junction cell, such as in series of light the importance of renewable energy technolo- parallel tandems, to obtain an optimal effi- gies to achieve the targeted levels of efficiency in ciency versus transparency in the visible The W Hotel in Barcelona as buildings. ratio. an example for BIPV; • Synthesis and preparation of nano- bottom left: semi-transparent The SOLPROCEL project materials to be included in the electrodes, OPV-cell Photos (2): solProcel buffer layers or photonic crystal layers for The present SOLPROCEL project has considered the the SOLPROCEL semi-transparent cells. improvement of a new technology based in organic • Analysis of the fabrication of fully solution- materials that will allow to generate electric energy processed OPV modules, incorporating all through semi-transparent solar modules. These new materials that have been developed in modules will be feasible in tertiary buildings in the project, while analysing the up-scaling which glass surface (glass façades, windows, brise- of the different processes to ensure the via- soleis, balconies, etc.) constitute a high percentage bility of industrial fabrication of the of the total surface of the building. SOLPROCEL semi-transparent OPV cells. The SOLPROCEL project under the FP7 call of the European Commission established a strong consor- Conclusion tium consisting of three academic and four industrial partners (The Institute of Photonic Sciences, The The consortium of the SOLPROCEL project has done Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research, a step forward in the design of a technology that The Friederich-Alexander University of Erlangen- should, in the following years, make semi-transpar- Nuremberg, COMSA Corporación, Specific Polymers, ent photovoltaic elements available for Near Zero Nanograde Ltd. and Rent-a-Scientist), from four Energy Buildings. Ruth Duarte countries (Spain, France, Switzerland and Germany). The author is Energy & Systems R&D Project Manager of COMSA Each of the partners of the project, with very comple- Corporación & Technical Collaborator in the SOLPROCEL project. mentary backgrounds, have put together their exper- tises to demonstrate that commercially viable, high performance and stable transparent organic solar cells can be fabricated using only solution processing (blade, spray, slot-die coating, etc.) excluding costly vacuum processes. The SOLPROCEL project has focused on the development of new nano and organic materials necessary for fully solution-processed high performance semi-transparent solar cells. These materials have been used to obtain stable devices that raise the

Solar Edition

071_PV_Solprocel_ro.indd 71 17.05.2016 12:04:44 Photovoltaics crowdfunding Chasing the Unicorn Photo: Pixabay/gdJ Photo:

start-up companies are booming. they stand for innovation in many sectors, including renewable energies. Yet, not all new companies are successful and investors are always hoping to ﬁ nd the rare and valuable “unicorn” among them.

n area of converted textile factories in According to London’s East-End is now known as Tech City Roland Berger, a Ger- and is the largest concentration of technolo- man consultancy, in the fi rst 6 months gyA start-ups in Europe. Despite its prohibitive prices, of 2015 start-ups in Europe have raised the equiva- the British capital has managed to become a favour- lent of US$ 6.9 billion, an increase of 86 % com- able environment for young businesses. Setting up pared to the same period in 2014. London and Berlin a company is easy, investors benefi t of generous tax lead the way. Amsterdam, Stockholm, Barcelona, reliefs and innovation is bolstered by universities Paris, Brussels, Copenhagen, Dublin, Helsinki, like the Imperial College. Plus, the fi nancial centre Madrid, Milan, Rome, Tallinn and Warsaw are all hosts most European venture capital fi rms. runners-up. If London stands out, entrepreneurship is blos- For entrepreneurs, start-ups are often synony- soming in the rest of Europe too. “In Portugal the mous for cutting-edge technology, disruption of mar- start-up scene is taking off , perhaps because in a kets and aspiration to do good. For investors, they country with few employment opportunities, creat- mean risking on new ventures in the hope to fi nd the ing is better than waiting,” says Carlos Espinal, part- unicorn, the label given to companies valued more ner at Seedcamp, a fund in London that supports than US$ 1 billion. As the name suggests, the crea- businesses early growth. “In Eastern Europe it is so- ture is rare but there are well-known examples: Uber cially less appealing to work in a small and new com- and Airbnb in the US, Spotify in Sweden, Blablacar pany than in a large corporation. But every country is in France and SoundCloud in Germany. Just not one waking up at the opportunity,” he adds. in the renewable energy sector yet.

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072-075_Crowdfunding_tp.indd 72 15.05.2016 15:20:38 When it was consulted for this article, the database of Start Up Europe, an initiative by the European Commission to connect technology entrepreneurs and investors, displayed more than 294,000 businesses, of which 626 in clean tech and 65 specifically in the energy category. These include Otovo in Norway, which installs solar panels for free and helps PV owners to sell the excess power they generate. There are also Sonnenrepublik in Germany, which supplies solar devices like battery chargers, or Tespack in Finland, which provides backpacks and solar kits for extreme outdoor sports. “Innovation these days comes from small firms. People are passionate about changing the world and digital does not require big structures,” continues Espinal. “Energy generation, conservation and management are huge issues. We have seen a lot of renewable energy companies focusing on the hard- “Through start-ups we seek ware so far. In the future we would love to see more to develop products that can applications using open data to encourage consum- open new markets or improve ers make choices and be more aware of their con- our operational performance,“ sumption.” Will the mix of information technology, says Luciano Tommasi, Head data and solar power produce the next unicorn? of Enel’s start-up initiatives and business incubator. How to get started areas of the economy” and PV company Solartechno Turning an idea into a successful business is never is among the participants in the current programme straightforward. Inventors, however, can increasingly in the Netherlands. find support in “incubators” and “accelerators”. These The Italian utility Enel has also recently launched are programmes sponsored by research centres, local its start-up initiative with energy storage, data ana- authorities or corporations to help start-ups test, cre- lytics and energy management as priorities. “Coop- ate and bring their product to the market. Roland eration with smaller enterprises is a necessary com- Berger says that there are 400 % more accelerators plement to what we do. They are agile, they can take and incubators in Europe today than in 2007. Some of risks and deliver results at a speed that is not pos- them focus on specifically on the energy sector. sible for our structure,” says Luciano Tommasi, Some technology accelerators, like Rockstart Head of Enel start-up initiatives and business incu- and Startupbootcamp, run programmes on smart en- bator. “Through start-ups we seek to develop prod- ergy. The European Space Agency has incubation ucts that can open new markets or improve our op- centres to “transfer technologies from space to other erational performance, for example in the manage-

The start-up vocabulary

Start-up: A company less than 10 years old that among the entrepreneur’s circle of family and strives for a scalable business model. friends who injects seed capital or provides ongoing support to the company. Incubator: A programme to help develop a business idea and get started with a company. Typ- Syndicate: A collection of investors to secure a ically it offers technology support, business larger injection of money in the company. mentors and connections at various levels. Incubators are often set up as non-profits by Venture capital: Capital invested in new universities or local authorities. projects, typically new businesses at high risks but with high growth potential. Accelerator: Similar to incubator, but often sponsored by corporates or investors taking an Unicorn: A start-up company valued more than equity stake in the company they host. US$ 1 billion.

Seed fund: The initial capital used to start a Internet of Things: Development of the Internet business. whereby everyday objects are connected to a network allowing them to send and receive Angel investor: An investor usually found data.

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Funds raised for start-ups in Europe

2.5

1.8

1.0 1.0 1.0

0.8

0.6 0.6

Scandinavia Germany UK France Austria Switzerland

Value [US$ bn] First half of 2014 First half of 2015

A year-over year comparison of the money European start-ups raised: In the first half of 2015 European start-ups raised US$ 6.9 billion – 86 % more than in the same period in 2014. Most successful were technology companies like OneWeb (UK), which raised US$ 500 million, or Swedish Spotify, which raised US$ 526 million and German food delivery start-up Lieferheld (“Delivery Hero”), which raised US$ 730 million. source: les Echos/whogotfunded/clipperton analysis

ment of photovoltaic systems.” In 2015, Enel chose Angels and seed funds usually ensure the first 30 start-ups out of 1,200 applications. There wasn’t bulk of finance for new businesses. Seedcamp, for however a pre-definded number. The selected ones instance, provides up to € 200,000, as well as are given access to a 6-month accelerator pro- access to mentors and investors in return for 7 % grammes around the world in exchange for royal- equity. The process is competitive: every year, says ties, exclusives or equity. When the product is ready Espinal, Seedcamp receives about 2,000 applica- for the market, funding is facilitated through venture tions and selects only 30 companies. As they grow, capital partners. start-ups go through several rounds of fundings, which are likely to involve at a certain point venture How to get funded capital firms. These provide larger amounts and also expect the business to scale up significantly to When it comes to funding a new company, the Euro- obtain higher returns. pean Start-Up Monitor 2015 reveals that, across sec- Some investors operate across sectors, others tors, the major sources of capital are founders’ sav- focus on specific industries. True North Venture Part- ings (69 %), friends and family (25 %), governmental ners in the US, which was founded by Mike Ahearn grants and subsidies (22 %) followed by business of First Solar, has energy among its priorities. Aster angels and founder’s business activities (21 %). Capital, which is sponsored by Schneider Electric, Crowdfunding is another avenue. Powervault, a Alstom, Solvay and the European Investment Fund, British start-up supplying energy storage system for invests in energy, advanced materials and transpor- homes, has recently offered 20 % of equity via tation. Green Angel Syndicate in the UK specialises Crowdcube. “For a consumer product, crowdfunding in the green economy and Capital Nature in Israel in generates publicity and it is a way to connect with in- renewable energy. Also from Israel, Carmel Ventures vestors that small businesses would not find other- supported Yeloha, a digital subscription service in wise, including angel investors,” explains Managing the US where “hosts” of solar panels can share elec- Director Joe Warren. tricity with people looking to buy clean energy.

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072-075_Crowdfunding_tp.indd 74 15.05.2016 15:20:38 10 steps to build your digital start-up

1. The building blocks. The team is built with two 6. Building the company. The team works to find or more co-founders who have complementary one key performance indicator, the single metric skills. Each of them gets the same share in the that best defines the business, and works towards company. The team defines “the new thing” and that number. The same number will guide commu- what the company wants to achieve. nications with investors.

2. Product inception. The team creates the first 7. Customer engagement. Once the company knows version of the product. It can be rough, but it is what to do to get new customers, it will optimise en- useful to understand what to improve and what gagement to keep them on board. The focus at this people like about it. There are usually a lot of stage is the product, acquiring customers and run- attempts before finding what reverberates with ning everything as efficiently as possible. people. A prototype is then built. 8. New round of funds. With the metric in check, 3. Preparation for the start-up game. Co-founders the aim is to raise a larger amount of funds with in- get information on all aspects of creating a start- vestment firms and a syndicate of angel investors up. They read all the books and blogs, go to valua- to scale up the business. ble events, dig into their network to get in touch with angel investors, ask advice, help and more 9. Made it? Not yet. Now the company can get contacts. equipment and hire more people. It is time to sharpen the business model and grow significant- 4. Angel funding. Time for the first round of fund- ly. Marketing will be in focus. ing. This is usually from private individuals who will get a portion of the company. Accelerator 10. Back to basic. Never forget the business over programmes with a strong fit are a good option. fundraising. Always be the best in class. Venture capital is not necessarily suitable at this stage, as the company needs investors who don’t Excerpts adapted with permission from the blog of Philipp Moehring, Startup Investor, All Things Europe at AngelList and skew the conversations on funds. Venture Partner at 500 Startups. https://medium.com/@pmoe

5. Incorporation. The company is formally consti- Further information: Can European start-ups crack the code? bit.ly/1YhFHe5 tuted. Startup Europe: bit.ly/1Ok9CwmEuropean start-up monitor 2015: bit.ly/1WVjpQt

The market test 50 out of 206) is due to misalignment in vision among co-founders and issues within the team. The ultimate test for a company is finding and retain- ing customers and things here often do not go as The new entrepreneur planned. A case in point is Tempus Energy, which developed a technology to switch electricity consump- So how to identify the excellence of the future? With tion when prices are lower. Initially the aim was to the hurdles a new company has to face, a key test for sell the product to the UK energy companies. But investors is the motivation of the founders, which they were not interested, so the target became busi- ensures commitment and resilience. Another essen- nesses and domestic users. tial feature is technological expertise. Tommasi adds To optimise engagement and offer “excellent that Enel looks for risk takers who can “contami- customer experience” (a mantra for start-ups) the nate” the company’s culture. Drive, competence and product may go through several iterations. “At risk appetite are common traits of entrepreneurship Yeloha, we believed it should be simple for people and have guided the previous waves of IT pioneers. to go solar,” says Co-Founder Amit Rosner. So they The first, in the 1970s, saw the development of com- developed the first web platform, Generaytor.com, puter hardware. The second, in the 1990s, was about which they kept reviewing as the company grew and computer software, Internet and networks. Today, complexities emerged. says the report by Roland Berger, we are in the third Only few start-ups really make it. Although di- wave, “in which IT has become an integral part of the gital companies usually do not require managing product.” This is also called the Internet of Things. complex manufacturing processes or supply chains, As technology keeps evolving, Massimo Cavaliere, there are plenty of risks along their way. The market CEO of the Italian start-up SunCity, anticipates that in is competitive, the timing of returns is unclear and the future “the energy market will be made of distribut- both technology and regulation can change quickly. ed production and consumption systems connected to In addition, there may be weaknesses in the organi- each other by a network”. But he says, “there is still a sation. Espinal from Seedcamp explains that most of long way to go before realising the Internet of Energy.” the failures in the companies they invested in (about Claudia Delpero

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072-075_Crowdfunding_tp.indd 75 15.05.2016 15:20:38 Solar thermal market overview Solar StationS

a question of the pump

The solar system supplier Vaillant is now manufacturing its solar stations itself. Photo: vaillant

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076-083_Thermie_Solarstationen_sf.indd 76 17.05.2016 12:03:38 he latest generation of circulation pumps for heating technology communicate with the control system. Until now the controller has MORE ENERGY Tmerely set what the pump should do. Bidirectional pumps now also inform the controller on their ope- absorptive and reflective solar surfaces: ration status. This principle had already entered the mirotherm®| mirosol® TS | eta plus® | MIRO-SUN® solar technology field a year ago. The fittings specialist Watts Industries Deutschland presented a project study of a solar station with a bidirectional pump at the ISH in Frankfurt, Germany. Resol even brought out a version of its solar station Flowsol B HE, fitted out with the bidirectional Resol controller Deltasol CS and the bidirectional Wilo pump Yonos Para ST 15/7.0 iPWM2 (see S&WE 3/2015, page 48). Meanwhile a solar systems supplier is also using a bidirectional pump in its solar station. Vaillant had for years sourced an OEM station from a fittings specialist, just like most system suppliers. The new solar station Auroflow VMS 70 is now being made by the heating technology specialist itself. Compared to the previous model the station is considerably smaller. Previously the safety valve protruded sideways through the insulation. Now the safety group has been completely integrated into the solar station. This should make the installation easier and additionally makes the unit visually appealing. A circuit control valve, as built into most solar stations, is not required with the Auroflow VMS 70 as the controller automatically sets the optimum flow. The solar station can thus easily adjust to any setting. Vaillant does not, however, do away with the inspection glass which is normally built into the circuit control valve, and the installer can see at a glance from a yellow mark whether the system is function- ing correctly. By using a bidirectional pump, the controller can calculate the solar yield without requiring an expensive flow volume sensor. Additionally, a newly patented microbubble air separator has been built into the unit. As in other solar stations the Auroflow VMS 70 contains a filling and emptying device as well as a thermometer and a manometer. Thanks to its strong pump the solar station can be used for collector areas of up to 70 m². It is disputed in the sector just how accurate heat quantity measurements with a bidirectional Intersolar | Munich | Germany pump can be. However, as it is mainly about control- June 22 – 24, 2016 ling operation and not making heat quantity meas- Hall/ booth: A3/ 320 urements, the accuracy should not play much of a role for most users. Other suppliers, such as Resol, still prefer to integrate a volume flow sensor, though. In the FlowSol B HE WMZ, the Grundfos Direct Sensor VFS ensures a precise heat quantity metering.

A high-efficiency pump is a must

Choosing a pump has always been a very conscious decision. While solar technology had to make do with normal heating loop pumps in its early days, which were not designed for high temperatures and glycol additives, there are now specialised solar pumps these days. Meanwhile, solar stations in the EU may only use high-efficiency pumps. Ivar from www.alanod-solar.com

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Solar stations without a heat exchanger

Number Nominal Max. flow rate Max. collector Max. admissible Safety valve Max. temperature Max. temperature Closing pressure Manufacturer Model of strings size DN [litre/min] area [m2] pressure [bar] [bar] [°C] shorttime [°C] Sensors Air stop Check valve check valve [mmWS] Pump type Solar controller List price [€] Afriso Primosol 130-2 2 n/a 38 50 6 6 120 160 conventional optional brass n/a Grundfos Solar optional SR1 n/a BRV S2SOLAR30L 2 20/25 38 40 10 n/a 100 120 Vortex yes n/a 102 Yonos Para ST25/7.0 MODVSOL L (L3S) 641 Ivar GP 8000E 2 32 40 70 6 6 95 110 conventional 11 yes plastics and stainless steel n/a Stratos Para 25/1-11 180 (T11) optional MTDC 2,191 Solar S 2 20 13 24 6 6 110 130 conventional yes brass 300 UPM 3 Hybrid 15-70 PWM 6 optional Basic Pro 439 Meibes Solaventec II 2 20 30 75 6 6 110 110 conventional yes none 10 n/a Stratos Para 25 1-11 PWM 9 no 820 Regusol LH-130 2 25 15 25 10 6 120 160 conventional yes plastics n/a Yonos Para ST 25/7 PWM no n/a Oventrop Regusol ELH-130-RC-P 2 25 15 25 6 6 120 160 Vortex yes plastics n/a Yonos Para 25/7 PWM Regtronic RC-P n/a SolarBloc midi Premium 2 20 30 60 10 6 120 160 Flow Rotor yes brass 2 x 200 UPM3 Solar 15-75 SC3.6 802 PAW SolarBloc midi Basic 2 20 20 60 10 6 120 160 conventional yes brass 2 x 200 Yonos Para ST 15/7.0 no 408 Prozeda HydroCon Sol 250 2 20 10 10 10 6 120 130 conventional yes plastics n/a UPM3 Primos 250 SR n/a FlowSol S HE 1 20 13 43 6 6 120 n/a conventional no brass 400 Yonos Para ST15/7.0-PWM2 4 optional 2 starting from 604 Resol FlowSol B HE 2 20 13 43 6 6 120 n/a conventional yes brass 200 Yonos Para ST15/7.0-PWM 4 optional 1 starting from 681 Sferatec 96500 2 20 23 20 10 6 120 150 conventional yes plastics n/a UPM3 Solar optional 430 up to 1,800 Solarhot SV-GSP 1 20 22 20 5 5.5 120 150 conventional yes Noryl 140 Grundfos Steca 0301 666 12 STI Solbox 13 2 20 40 35 6 6 55 110 conventional no not required - HE-pump MTDC n/a GPSN PWM 2 20 12 26 6 6 110 140 conventional yes brass n/a Yonos Para PWM optional n/a Sunex GPSN PWM Grundfos 2 20 12 26 6 6 110 130 conventional yes brass n/a UPM3 Solar 15-75 optional n/a Tacosol CIRC ER HE 5 1 25 28 25 6 6 110 110 conventional no brass and stainless steel n/a PM2 15-105/130 optional 3 267 up to 295 Taconova Tacosol CIRC ZR HE 5 2 25 28 25 6 6 110 160 conventional yes brass and stainless steel n/a PM2 15-105/130 optional 3 330 Tuxhorn Tubra-PGS-C multi 2 20 13 43 10 6 120 140 conventional 8 yes metal 200 Yonos Para 15/7.0 Deltasol Csplus 7 710 Vaillant Auroflow VMS 70 2 20 25 70 6 6 95 130 bidirectional yes PPS n/a HE-pump no 506 optional current Watts FBS8180-HE 2 20 16 25 10 6 120 160 conventional yes metal 200 HE-pump n/a types

Footnotes: HE pump = high-efficiency pump; conventional = thermometer, manometer, mechanical flow meter; Vortex = thermometer, manometer, Vortex flowmeter; Flow Rotor = thermometer, manometer, Flow Rotor; bidirectional = thermometer, manometer, bidirectional pump Source: manufacturers’ specifications

Italy has thus equipped its GP 8000E with a high- operation and may be monitored by the user via a efficiency pump. This solar station is designed for smartphone app. collector fields of up to 50 m2 of collector area. For larger fields, several units of the GP 8000EK may be New solar station from a connected in parallel. Ivar provides a suitable con- controller specialist nection set for this. Meibes has taken up new high-efficiency pumps A new supplier of solar stations is Prozeda. The com- in its range this year. As an OEM supplier the compa- pany, previously known as a manufacturer of control ny flexibly supplies its stations with the pumps units, has now taken up the Hydrocon Sol 250 in its which the customer desires. Additionally, Meibes range. The pre-wired two-string pump group con- has improved the solar controller Energy Pro. Instead tains the Regula Primos 250 SR solar controller. Here of four fixed inputs there are now six, and up to three too, the manufacturer has paid attention to a com- HE pumps can be controlled. Previously it was just pact design. The pipe separation between the flow one. Sunex from Poland has also integrated new and the return lines is 125 mm; the whole station is high-efficiency pumps into the solar stations GPS 245 mm wide and 445 mm high, with a depth of PWM, GPS PWM Grundfos and GPS RKC. The GPS 130 mm. PWM contains a Wilo Yonos Para PWM, the GPS PWM The Hydrocon Sol 250 is equipped with a class A Grundfos a UPM3 Solar 15-75 from Grundfos, and the high-efficiency pump, which is controlled via a PWM GPS RKC a Wilo Yonos Para RKC. signal. The head of the unit is 7 m. As with other so- STI Solar has developed the Solbox, a complete- lar stations, the flow and return ball valves are each ly pre-assembled compact unit for drainback sys- equipped with a thermometer which covers from 0 to tems. The head of the high-efficiency pump is 11 m, 160 °C. The return ball valve is additionally equipped which can be extended to 22 m if required. Com- with an adjustable gravity brake. There is an auto- pared to a conventional pressure system the Solbox matic permanent degasser on the solar flow side. aims to save up to four hours of installation time. For Just as with the lockable filling and flushing tap and up to 35 m² of collector area the manufacturer claims the circuit control valve on the return, this comes as that no adjustments need to be made to the system. standard. The solar station is also Internet-enabled The Solbox additionally enables a simple start of via the solar controller and a web module.

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076-083_Thermie_Solarstationen_sf.indd 78 17.05.2016 12:03:39 Number Nominal Max. flow rate Max. collector Max. admissible Safety valve Max. temperature Max. temperature Closing pressure Manufacturer Model of strings size DN [litre/min] area [m2] pressure [bar] [bar] [°C] shorttime [°C] Sensors Air stop Check valve check valve [mmWS] Pump type Solar controller List price [€] Afriso Primosol 130-2 2 n/a 38 50 6 6 120 160 conventional optional brass n/a Grundfos Solar optional SR1 n/a BRV S2SOLAR30L 2 20/25 38 40 10 n/a 100 120 Vortex yes n/a 102 Yonos Para ST25/7.0 MODVSOL L (L3S) 641 Ivar GP 8000E 2 32 40 70 6 6 95 110 conventional 11 yes plastics and stainless steel n/a Stratos Para 25/1-11 180 (T11) optional MTDC 2,191 Solar S 2 20 13 24 6 6 110 130 conventional yes brass 300 UPM 3 Hybrid 15-70 PWM 6 optional Basic Pro 439 Meibes Solaventec II 2 20 30 75 6 6 110 110 conventional yes none 10 n/a Stratos Para 25 1-11 PWM 9 no 820 Regusol LH-130 2 25 15 25 10 6 120 160 conventional yes plastics n/a Yonos Para ST 25/7 PWM no n/a Oventrop Regusol ELH-130-RC-P 2 25 15 25 6 6 120 160 Vortex yes plastics n/a Yonos Para 25/7 PWM Regtronic RC-P n/a SolarBloc midi Premium 2 20 30 60 10 6 120 160 Flow Rotor yes brass 2 x 200 UPM3 Solar 15-75 SC3.6 802 PAW SolarBloc midi Basic 2 20 20 60 10 6 120 160 conventional yes brass 2 x 200 Yonos Para ST 15/7.0 no 408 Prozeda HydroCon Sol 250 2 20 10 10 10 6 120 130 conventional yes plastics n/a UPM3 Primos 250 SR n/a FlowSol S HE 1 20 13 43 6 6 120 n/a conventional no brass 400 Yonos Para ST15/7.0-PWM2 4 optional 2 starting from 604 Resol FlowSol B HE 2 20 13 43 6 6 120 n/a conventional yes brass 200 Yonos Para ST15/7.0-PWM 4 optional 1 starting from 681 Sferatec 96500 2 20 23 20 10 6 120 150 conventional yes plastics n/a UPM3 Solar optional 430 up to 1,800 Solarhot SV-GSP 1 20 22 20 5 5.5 120 150 conventional yes Noryl 140 Grundfos Steca 0301 666 12 STI Solbox 13 2 20 40 35 6 6 55 110 conventional no not required - HE-pump MTDC n/a GPSN PWM 2 20 12 26 6 6 110 140 conventional yes brass n/a Yonos Para PWM optional n/a Sunex GPSN PWM Grundfos 2 20 12 26 6 6 110 130 conventional yes brass n/a UPM3 Solar 15-75 optional n/a Tacosol CIRC ER HE 5 1 25 28 25 6 6 110 110 conventional no brass and stainless steel n/a PM2 15-105/130 optional 3 267 up to 295 Taconova Tacosol CIRC ZR HE 5 2 25 28 25 6 6 110 160 conventional yes brass and stainless steel n/a PM2 15-105/130 optional 3 330 Tuxhorn Tubra-PGS-C multi 2 20 13 43 10 6 120 140 conventional 8 yes metal 200 Yonos Para 15/7.0 Deltasol Csplus 7 710 Vaillant Auroflow VMS 70 2 20 25 70 6 6 95 130 bidirectional yes PPS n/a HE-pump no 506 optional current Watts FBS8180-HE 2 20 16 25 10 6 120 160 conventional yes metal 200 HE-pump n/a types

1 Deltasol SLL, SL, SLT, BX, BX L, BX Plus, CS/2, CS/4 or CS Plus; 2 Deltasol CS/2, CS/4 or CS Plus; 3 TDC4 or Deltasol BS Pro; 4 also with Grundfos pump available; 5 expansion vessel on suction side of the pump; 6 also with Yonos Para ST 15/7 PWM; 7 also with other current controllers; 8 Vortex flowmeter optional;9 also with Yonos Para ST 25/1-7 PWM; 10 siphon in flow delivery and electric stop valve in return flow;11 types GP 8000FE und GP8000FKE with flowmeter; 12 converted from US$; 13 system for drainback

Apart from the solar station, Prozeda has also directly. The Regula Grandis 650 HK controller built launched two transfer stations: the Hydrocon Solt into the transfer station has a speed controller which 15-650 and the Hydrocon Solt 25-650. Transfer sta- enables maximum flow temperatures to always be tions contain a plate heat exchanger to separate the obtained. Prozeda says the “optimum fine-tuning of solar loop and the storage water. They are designed the controller with the pumps used” is one of the to charge up storage which does not contain its own special features of its solar and transfer stations. The internal solar heat exchanger. While storage with just Grandis 650 HK can control more than just one solar one solar heat exchanger in the lower area must be system. It can also control the heating loops. Up to heated up from below until a useable temperature is four heating loop groups may be connected via a bus available for hot water provision in the upper area, connector. As with the solar stations, the Prozeda transfer stations can feed into the upper storage layer transfer stations are also Internet-enabled.

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Solar transfer stations (with plate heat exchanger)

Name of the pumping Nominal Max. collec- Max. heat Max. fl ow rate Max. pressure Safety valve Max. temperature Check valve Check valve Closing pressure Pump type primary Pump type Switching Solar Manufacturer Sensors Air stop List price [€] station model size DN tor area [m2] transfer [kW] [litre/min] [bar] 1 [bar] [°C] 2 primary circuit secondary circuit check valve [mmWs] circuit secondary circuit valve controller Heat transfer stations for small and medium solar systems Stratos Para BRV Modvsol Solo 20 70 35 40 10/3 6 120 (160) / 110 Vortex n/a n/a none 102 Stratos Para 25/1-8 yes Sorel n/a 25/1-7 plastics and plastics and Stratos Para 25/1- Stratos Para 25/ optional Ivar GP 9000HXE 32 65 80 30 6/3 6 95 (110) / 100 conventional yes n/a yes 5,310 stainless steel stainless steel 11-180 T11 1-8-180 T10 LTDC Stratos Para Novatec Solar Kamo Solar X Perfekt 45 25 45 22.5 13 6/6 6 95 (110) / 95 conventional optional brass brass n/a Stratos Para 15 1-11 optional 2,167 15 1-11 MD Yonos Para ST 15/7 Yonos Para ST Meibes Solar XL 25 45 27 30 6/3 6 110 (110) / 110 conventional yes none brass 200 no Energy Pro 2,072 PWM 15/7 PWM Yonos RS PWM Regtronix Oventrop Regusol X-Duo 25-B 25 55 25 40 6/10 6 120 (160) / 120 Vortex no plastics none n/a Yonos ST PWM 15/7 yes n/a 15/7 RX-B PAW SolexMini HZ 15 36 18 20 10/6 6 120 (160)/95 Flow Rotor yes brass brass 2 x 200 UPM3 Solar 15-145 UPM3 Solar 15-75 optional SC5.14 1,753 Yonos Para HU Yonos Para HU Grandis 650 Prozeda HydroCon SOLT 15-650 25 25 n/a 8.5 6/3 6 90 (90 )/ n/a Vortex no plastics plastics n/a no n/a 25/7.0 25/7.0 HK 430 up to Sferatec 98100 20 20 16 23 10/10 6 120 (150) / 110 conventional yes plastics n/a n/a UPM3 Solar UPM3 optional optional 1,800 Solarhot Solvelox Glycol 20 40 20 22 5/10 5.5 120 (150) / 95 n/a yes n/a n/a 140 Grundfos Grundfos no Steca 0301 1,065 5 brass and brass and Yonos Para 15/7.5 Taconova Tacosol Load Tera L 3 25 60 30 35 6/3 6 110 (140) / 110 Vortex yes n/a Stratos Para 15/1-7 yes TSL Tera 2,294 stainless steel stainless steel PWM DeltaSol Tuxhorn tubra-ÜSTA-mat 30 20 52 26 16 10/3 6 120 (140) / 110 conventional no metal none 200 Yonos Para 15/7.0 Yonos Para 15/7.0 yes 2,400 BXplus various manufac- various manufac- Watts SU8040 20 50 25 20 10/3 6 120 (160) / 110 Vortex optional metal plastics 200 optional LCD Plus n/a turers turers Heat transfer stations for large solar systems Novatec Solar Kamo Solar X Maxi 2-250 40 250 125 52 6/6 6 95 (110) / 95 conventional optional brass brass n/a Stratos 1-12 Stratos 1-12 optional 11,200 MD Stratos Para LME LME-500M2 50 750 300 200 6/3 10 95 (170) / 95 conventional optional stainless steel stainless steel 200 Stratos 40/1-12 yes UVR1611 15,780 30/1-12 Stratos Para Stratos Para Meibes Solar XXL 32 150 110 50 6/3 6 110 (110) / 110 conventional yes brass plastics 200 optional no 6,253 30 / 1-12 30 / 1-12 PAW SolexMega-Kaskade HZ 4 50 400 200 160 10/3 6 120 (160) / 95 Flow Rotor yes brass brass 8 x 200 UPM XL 25-125 UPML 25-105 optional SC5.14 15,054 brass and brass and Stratos Para 10,537 up to Taconova Taocosol Load Exa L 3 50 160 120 120 8/3 8 110 (140) / 110 Vortex yes n/a Stratos Para 30/1-12 yes TSL Exa stainless steel stainless steel 30/1-12 11,304 DeltaSol Tuxhorn Tubra-ÜSTA-mat XL 100 K2 25 230 116 70 10/3 6 120 (140) / 110 conventional yes metal metal 200 Yonos Para 15/7.5 Yonos Para 15/7.0 optional 8,940 BXplus

Footnotes: HE pump = high-effi ciency pump; conventional = thermometer, manometer, mechanical fl ow meter; Vortex= thermometer, manometer, Vortex fl owmeter; Flow Rotor = thermometer, manometer, Flow Rotor Source: manufacturers’ specifi cations

With the Hydrocon Sol 250, Proze- The cascadable da has added a solar station to its Solex Mega is the product range. Photo: Prozeda largest transfer station by PAW. The integrated solar controller SC5.14 is new. Photo: Paw

A transfer station with a plate heat exchanger is another new addition by Prozeda – shown here is the smaller Hydrocon Solt 15-650. Photo: Prozeda

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076-083_Thermie_Solarstationen_sf.indd 80 17.05.2016 12:03:42 Name of the pumping Nominal Max. collec- Max. heat Max. flow rate Max. pressure Safety valve Max. temperature Check valve Check valve Closing pressure Pump type primary Pump type Switching Solar Manufacturer Sensors Air stop List price [€] station model size DN tor area [m2] transfer [kW] [litre/min] [bar] 1 [bar] [°C] 2 primary circuit secondary circuit check valve [mmWs] circuit secondary circuit valve controller Heat transfer stations for small and medium solar systems Stratos Para BRV Modvsol Solo 20 70 35 40 10/3 6 120 (160) / 110 Vortex n/a n/a none 102 Stratos Para 25/1-8 yes Sorel n/a 25/1-7 plastics and plastics and Stratos Para 25/1- Stratos Para 25/ optional Ivar GP 9000HXE 32 65 80 30 6/3 6 95 (110) / 100 conventional yes n/a yes 5,310 stainless steel stainless steel 11-180 T11 1-8-180 T10 LTDC Stratos Para Novatec Solar Kamo Solar X Perfekt 45 25 45 22.5 13 6/6 6 95 (110) / 95 conventional optional brass brass n/a Stratos Para 15 1-11 optional 2,167 15 1-11 MD Yonos Para ST 15/7 Yonos Para ST Meibes Solar XL 25 45 27 30 6/3 6 110 (110) / 110 conventional yes none brass 200 no Energy Pro 2,072 PWM 15/7 PWM Yonos RS PWM Regtronix Oventrop Regusol X-Duo 25-B 25 55 25 40 6/10 6 120 (160) / 120 Vortex no plastics none n/a Yonos ST PWM 15/7 yes n/a 15/7 RX-B PAW SolexMini HZ 15 36 18 20 10/6 6 120 (160)/95 Flow Rotor yes brass brass 2 x 200 UPM3 Solar 15-145 UPM3 Solar 15-75 optional SC5.14 1,753 Yonos Para HU Yonos Para HU Grandis 650 Prozeda HydroCon SOLT 15-650 25 25 n/a 8.5 6/3 6 90 (90 )/ n/a Vortex no plastics plastics n/a no n/a 25/7.0 25/7.0 HK 430 up to Sferatec 98100 20 20 16 23 10/10 6 120 (150) / 110 conventional yes plastics n/a n/a UPM3 Solar UPM3 optional optional 1,800 Solarhot Solvelox Glycol 20 40 20 22 5/10 5.5 120 (150) / 95 n/a yes n/a n/a 140 Grundfos Grundfos no Steca 0301 1,065 5 brass and brass and Yonos Para 15/7.5 Taconova Tacosol Load Tera L 3 25 60 30 35 6/3 6 110 (140) / 110 Vortex yes n/a Stratos Para 15/1-7 yes TSL Tera 2,294 stainless steel stainless steel PWM DeltaSol Tuxhorn tubra-ÜSTA-mat 30 20 52 26 16 10/3 6 120 (140) / 110 conventional no metal none 200 Yonos Para 15/7.0 Yonos Para 15/7.0 yes 2,400 BXplus various manufac- various manufac- Watts SU8040 20 50 25 20 10/3 6 120 (160) / 110 Vortex optional metal plastics 200 optional LCD Plus n/a turers turers Heat transfer stations for large solar systems Novatec Solar Kamo Solar X Maxi 2-250 40 250 125 52 6/6 6 95 (110) / 95 conventional optional brass brass n/a Stratos 1-12 Stratos 1-12 optional 11,200 MD Stratos Para LME LME-500M2 50 750 300 200 6/3 10 95 (170) / 95 conventional optional stainless steel stainless steel 200 Stratos 40/1-12 yes UVR1611 15,780 30/1-12 Stratos Para Stratos Para Meibes Solar XXL 32 150 110 50 6/3 6 110 (110) / 110 conventional yes brass plastics 200 optional no 6,253 30 / 1-12 30 / 1-12 PAW SolexMega-Kaskade HZ 4 50 400 200 160 10/3 6 120 (160) / 95 Flow Rotor yes brass brass 8 x 200 UPM XL 25-125 UPML 25-105 optional SC5.14 15,054 brass and brass and Stratos Para 10,537 up to Taconova Taocosol Load Exa L 3 50 160 120 120 8/3 8 110 (140) / 110 Vortex yes n/a Stratos Para 30/1-12 yes TSL Exa stainless steel stainless steel 30/1-12 11,304 DeltaSol Tuxhorn Tubra-ÜSTA-mat XL 100 K2 25 230 116 70 10/3 6 120 (140) / 110 conventional yes metal metal 200 Yonos Para 15/7.5 Yonos Para 15/7.0 optional 8,940 BXplus

1 primary circuit / secondary circuit; 2 primary circuit / secondary circuit (short-term load in brackets); 3 expansion vessel on suction side of the pump; 4 cascade of two stations; 5 converted from US$

The Hydrocon Solt 15-650 is equipped with a 15 kW temperatures, but can also determine heat plate heat exchanger and can be used with systems quantities. having up to 25 m2 of collector area. The Hydrocon Solarhot from the USA also transfers solar heat Solt 25-650 has a 25 kW plate heat exchanger which to hot tap water with its Solvelox Glycol transfer sta- can manage up to 50 m2 of collector area. tion. The station is the connection required to combine a conventional electric or gas-heated hot water Integrated controller optimised system with solar collectors. With electrically heated for hydraulics storage the cold water infeed is diverted through the Solvelox when there is a solar yield. The tap water is PAW has developed a wide range of transfer stations heated in the station and then fed into the upper in the last few years. This starts with the Solex Mini area of the storage. The pump speed controller (up to 36 m2 of collector area) and goes up to the makes sure that the layering in the storage is not af- Solex Mega Kaskade (up to 400 m2). The company fected by this. With a conventional gas water heater also offers two versions of each model. The HZ model the transfer station is connected to a pre-heating is designed for storage water and the TW model can storage. A particle filter prevents impurities from transfer the solar heat directly to hot tap water. What clogging up the plate heat exchanger in the station. is new is that the stations in the Solex HZ range are New on the Solvelox is now a storage side flow check now fitted with the SC5.14 controller. The controller valve to provide additional protection against ther- has pre-programmed systems available and is suit- mo-siphoning. With the Solvelox Drainback, Solarhot able for solar systems with up to two storage tanks. additionally has a version available for drainback At PAW, the preset control systems have also been systems. optimised for the accompanying PAW hydraulics. Ivar also has transfer stations on offer. Their GP The Solex transfer stations can not only measure 9000HXE model is new, and here the company has

Solar Edition 81

076-083_Thermie_Solarstationen_sf.indd 81 17.05.2016 12:03:42 One for all! The whole world of solar thermal in one book

The SOLAR THERMAL WORLD ADDRESS BOOK 2016 brings the world of solar thermal energy together in a single book. With approximately 440 company registrations, it provides an overview of the products that companies are offering and where they are offered, ranging from suppliers of individual components to manufacturers of complete collectors. In addition, the SOLAR THERMAL WORLD ADDRESS BOOK summarises the most important market overviews for solar heat generation that have been published in SUN & WIND ENERGY. This makes the SOLAR THERMAL WORLD ADDRESS BOOK an indispensable compendium for anyone who needs to stay well-informed about the solar thermal industry.

for just € 14.80

Order your copy of the Solar Thermal World Address Book 2016 per coupon or easily at www.sunwindenergy.com/addressbook-order ✁ Sectors of the renewable energy Please send me the SUN & WIND ENERGY Solar Thermal World Address Book 2016 for just industry you are employed in: 14.80 € plus shipping costs (2 € within Germany, 4 € outside Germany). ❏ Photovoltaics ❏ Solar thermal systems BVA Bielefelder Verlag GmbH & Co. KG Your order will ❏ Wind energy Customer service Sun & Wind Energy | Friesenplatz 16 be delivered in ❏ Biomass/Biogas 50672 Köln, Germany march 2016 - Ecological Solar Thermal & PV Solutions - ❏ Cogeneration plants phone: +49 (0)221 2587-248 | fax: +49 (0)221 2587-249 15 years concentration on ❏ Other (please specify) Name: Best description of your distributed Solar energy applications company/organisation: Job Title: Department: ❏ Local/central government ❏ Manufacturer/Industry Company: Branch: ❏ Research Establishment ❏ Retail/Installation Address: ❏ Wholesale ❏ Consultant in renewable energy City/state/zip code: Country: ❏ Architecture/Construction ❏ Engineering Phone: Fax: ❏ Financing institution ❏ Private E-Mail: Web site: ❏ Other (please specify) I will pay after receiving the invoice by: ❏ Euro/Mastercard ❏ VISA ❏ bank transfer Your position in the company: Name on Card: ❏ Proprietor/Managing Director ❏ Department Manager ❏ Assistant Number: Security Code Expiration Date ❏ Other Please make sure that your credit card details are complete. Information for internal use only, Sun & Wind Energy 3/2016 it will not be sold or shared with other companies. Date/Signature: www.linuo-ritter-international.com [email protected] TEL:+86 531 8872 9917 >076-083_Thermie_Solarstationen_sf.indd 82 17.05.2016 12:03:44 One for all! Meibes manufactures individually conﬁ gured modular solar stations for each project. Photo: meibes

For larger solar collector ﬁ elds, several GP 8000EK units from Ivar may be linked in parallel. for just Photo: Jens-Peter meyer € 14.80 replaced the conventional solar pump on the pri- switch cabinet and the customer receives an electri- mary side with a PWM-controlled high-effi ciency cal connection plan for this. The solar station is pump. checked at the factory to ensure all electrical compo- Meibes has newly implemented a speed control nents are working and that the sealing is sound. For of the secondary pump in its transfer stations. For insulation the customer can choose between soft very large solar systems of up to approx. 25,000 m2 EPDM insulation which can withstand permanent of collector area with a specifi c fl ow of 20 l/m2h, temperatures of up to 150 °C, and EPP hard insula- Meibes manufactures individual products for each tion which can withstand 250 °C. project according to customers’ wishes. All sensors and actuators are wired up on terminal strips in a Jens-Peter Meyer www.sunwindenergy.com/addressbook-order

Your order will be delivered in - Ecological Solar Thermal & PV Solutions - march 2016 15 years concentration on distributed Solar energy applications

www.linuo-ritter-international.comSolar Edition [email protected] TEL:+86 531 8872 9917

076-083_Thermie_Solarstationen_sf.indd 83 17.05.2016 12:03:48 Solar thermal moStra Convegno expoComfort

A convergence of electricity and heat Traditional solar water the international heating technology trade fair in milan, mCe, heaters, such as the one shown here at showcased a huge array of innovations for the whole house. alongside Nobel’s stand, is seeing competition both from the classic heating systems were photovoltaics and e-mobility. tank collectors and from DHW heat pumps and PV heating systems. he more plus-energy houses catch on and (see also the Intersolar preview on page 40). ABB al- photos (6): Jens-peter meyer smart-home systems become ubiquitous, the so off ers a smart home controller, which it calls less heating systems can be viewed as inde- Mylos free@home. The solution off ers users the con- Tpendent from the rest of home systems. This was venience of controlling their complete heating and nowhere more evident than at Mostra Convegno other home utility systems via smart phone. Expocomfort (MCE) held in Milan in mid-March. In With battery storage systems, PV plant owners addition to heating equipment providers, increasing can signifi cantly increase their own consumption of numbers of companies from the photovoltaics and the power they generate. But they can also help by e-mobility segments presented their wares. The cen- switching on electric consumers, such as air condi- tral news pavilion presented innovations for the tioners and washing machines in a targeted way whole house. Among them was a new product called when the sun is shining, and then convert excess PV REACT from the Swiss inverter manufacturer ABB, power to heat with an immersion heating element or which is a combination of single phase PV inverter heat pump. These options are precisely the ones on and battery-based storage system. The basic version off er from the energy manager Elios4you Pro Smart of the lithium-ion system can store 2 kWh of PV by 4-noks. The ZigBee standard can control up to power. The storage capacity can be boosted to four wireless power outlets and smart switches. 6 kWh by adding two additional battery modules Users can constantly monitor and control energy

84 Sun & Wind Energy 3/2016

084-089_Thermie_Mostra_MCE_sf.indd 84 18.05.2016 16:47:37 flows in their homes with the Elios4you app. 4-noks Marketing Manager Claudio Danelutto of Astrel is a brand of the Italian Astrel Group. The group also Group shows how easy it is to operate the offers traditional heating applications. The Hottoh Elios4you Pro Smart energy manager with the brand is specialised in controllers for pellet and accompanying app. other biomass boilers. Here too an application, AppFire, lets users keep constant tabs on their boilers. The app lets you know when your pellets are running low, for instance. The Astrel Group manufactures app-controlled room thermostats under its Rialto brand. The GWC energy manager by Higeco, an Italian firm, can also monitor PV plants and energy flows. While the Elios4you Pro Smart is designed for small systems with up to 50 kW of capacity, the GWC can The indispensable tool for monitor systems with several hundred kW of output. craftsmen and technicians! It displays the amount of energy consumed and the amount produced. The re-phasing section contains data on the relation between active and reactive power. This information helps minimise energy With the HE-Check, the function losses and reduces maintenance costs. of the pump and the signals of the controller can be checked quickly Riello is re-launching and easily. solar thermal PWM signal  0-10 V signal 

Solar thermal was presented in a variety of ways at the trade show stands of the big Italian heating equipment companies. At Ferrule, visitors had to search for a long time to find a collector. Riello, on the other hand, prominently displayed its new collector series right in the centre of things. The new solar collectors will be available in the 1.8, 2.2 and 2.6 m2 sizes. The height is identical in all three models, so that they can be installed next to each other booth A3.720 www.resol.com in any configuration. The harp absorbers allow for parallel connection of fields up to 15 m long. Riello

Solar Edition 85

084-089_Thermie_Mostra_MCE_sf.indd 85 18.05.2016 16:47:38 Solar thermal moStra Convegno expoComfort

Sunerg has launched new PV modules featuring cells with four bus bars.

bonds copper pipes to aluminium absorbers ultra- spaces. In the master-slave system, the master sys- sonically. The collector features glass with an anti- tem is equipped with the controller. During installa- reflective coating. At just 60 mm, the collectors have tion, the installer simply enters the temperature dif- a very slender profile. To achieve low thermal losses ference (ΔT), explains Product Manager Gianluca despite the thin rear-wall insulation, Riello uses con- Donini. The flow rate is then self-regulating. vection limiters spaced about 40 cm apart along the Ariston Thermo has also launched a new collec- collector’s length of about two metres. tor. The Kairos CF 2.0 RF harp collector, equipped Riello’s solar water tanks are also new. Their with anti-reflective coated glass, complements the special feature is that two solar tanks with sizes of firm’s existing meander collector. Lower pressure between 220 and 550 litres can be connected in par- losses make it easier to adjust flow in harp collec- allel with a connection set. That makes it easy to fit tors. Ariston Thermo sees this as a key advantage of 1,100 litres of tank volume even in tight, narrow this design.

084-089_Thermie_Mostra_MCE_sf.indd 86 18.05.2016 16:47:39 As announced last year, the German heating equipment company Viessmann now off ers a collector with an switching absorber coating. If the absorber temperature increases above 80 °C the micro- structure of the coating changes. As a a result, emis- sion is increased and the stagnation temperature is limited.

Rising popularity of tank collectors

As an alternative to traditional solar water heaters, ever more tank collectors are coming onto the market. The Italian company Sunerg presented a new tank collector this year. Ati di Mariani, also from Italy, off ers two variants of these compact solar thermal systems, which have a combined tank and collector. The Totem model is pillar-shaped. In the Discoterm model, the tank is housed in a tub-like structure with a transparent plastic cover. The current Discoterm holds 135 litres. A 200-litre version, which will not be any larger than the original will be launched next year. Nobel, a Greek company, presented a prototype of a tank collector in Milan. In the Filios, absorbers and tanks are separated. A PV powered pump circu- lates the heat medium in the solar circuit, transport- ing heat from the absorber to a heat exchanger in the tank developed specifi cally for this product. Like nearly everywhere else in Europe, the market situation for solar-thermal is anything but rosy in Italy. Just a few years ago, for instance, demand for large-scale systems for hotels was far greater than it is today – that is how Ariston Thermo, at any rate. Domestic hot water heat pumps are increasingly giving smaller solar-thermal systems a run for their money. A new series of DHW heat pumps comes from the Italian storage tank specialist Boilernova. The HPV version has no heat exchanger, while the HPM variant features a bottom-mounted heat exchanger for a solar thermal connection, and the HPD version has an additional upper top-up heat exchanger. All three models are available in 220 and 280 litre versions. The tanks have a COP of 3.7 at an air temperature of 20 °C. The controller can be activated externally to use surplus from a PV array. Boilernova also has a new tank for air-to-water heat pumps. The WBD-EBD is a combination of an 80-litre buff er tank and a domestic hot water tank with either 270 or 460 litre capacity. Calor Max90 is the new DHW heat pump from Sunerg. It can hold up to 90 litres of hot water. Sunerg is one of the few solar energy pioneers that still manufactures both photovoltaic and solar thermal systems. The company has extended the spectrum of its line of PV modules this year. The X-Style modules hold cells with 4 bus bars. Customers can choose between mono- and polycrystalline cells. The cells of these bifacial PV modules are active on both sides and can also convert light falling on the back of the cells into electricity. The bifacial cells also have four bus bars.

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084-089_Thermie_Mostra_MCE_sf.indd 87 18.05.2016 16:47:40 Solar thermal moStra Convegno expoComfort

manufacturer of solar thermal controllers. The heating element is located in an external pump assembly. This has the advantage that the PV heating system can be fitted to practically any storage tank, even those not equipped with a flange for the heating element. Thanks to the pump’s speed controller, a spec- ified target temperature can always be charged to the tank to ensure that the layering is not lost in the storage tank. The heating element can thus make use of any excess PV power from 0 to 3 kW. The FlowSol E is available in a domestic hot water version and in another version for heating system buffer water. Pump assemblies are a speciality of Lovato from Italy. The T-Box is a heating circuit distributor with and integrated hydraulic separator. The new T-Box is some 50 % smaller than the company’s previous device, says CEO Michele Lovato. It can distribute up to 80 kW of heating output over a maximum of three separate heating circuits. The thermostat-controlled T-Fast mini water station, which delivers up to 16 l/min to the tap is also new. It can be installed either on or inside a wall and contains a heat meter and a circulation unit. The SAT Dual water station for flats made by the Italian firm Ivar, contains two heat meters, one for domestic hot water and the other for heating-system water. The station draws heat from a district or central heating line, and then distributes it to a heating circuit and produces hot water. An expansion tank is also already integrated into the compact unit. Italy’s Seitron has launched a new infrared CO2 sensor. The device measures the CO2 content of indoor air from 0 to 2000 ppm with an accuracy of ± 30 ppm. The manufacturer specifies a ten-year average service life for the device. Currently, the sensor can only operate independently. It cannot be integrated into a smart-home system yet.

The DHW heat pump New pump assemblies generate A new generation of heat-transfer from Boilernova can or distribute heat fluids for heat pumps make use of excess PV power. In addition to the DHW heat pump, PV heating sys- Until now, most antifreeze fluids used in ground- tems with electrical heating elements are becoming source heat pumps and geothermal probes for ever more popular. One such product is the FlowSol E heat-pump systems have had an ethylene or poly- by German company Resol, previously known as a propylene glycol base. Ethylene glycol has the dis- advantage of being toxic. Propylene glycol is far less dangerous to the environment but it has a much higher viscosity. Kilfrost, a British manufacturer of heat-transfer fluids, took advantage of MCE Milan to present a new generation of products that 44 2015 are non-toxic and have an even lower viscosity Rusted up? Prevent it! than ethylene glycol. Particularly at temperatures WITH ANTIFROGEN® of -10 °C and lower, the new fluid is significantly HEAT TRANSFER FLUIDS. less viscous. That results in far less pressure loss in the system and saves electricity costs for driving pumps. The heat-transfer fluid Kilfrost Geo is made en- tirely from renewable raw materials. Even the additives used to prevent the corrosion of pipes are non- toxic. Kilfrost has completely eliminated the use of nitrates, nitrites, borates and heavy metals. Accord- WWW.ANTIFROGEN.COM ing to Phil Gray, the Technical Head of the company’s

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084-089_Thermie_Mostra_MCE_sf.indd 88 18.05.2016 16:47:42 INSTALL HEAT RESISTANCE

Resol’s Head of Marketing, Julia Pfeil, presents the new FlowSol E PV heating system.

Special Fluids Division, Kilfrost Geo instead contains inhibitors also used in the cosmetics and food industries. Another new product is Kilfrost ALV, a heat- transfer medium used in industrial cooling circuits, such as those found in breweries. This is also a low- viscosity fl uid. In a medium-sized brewery, energy consumption for driving pumps was reduced by 38 % after the plant switched over to Kilfrost ALV, according to the manufacturer. Phil Gray believes that the savings could be as much as 50 % in larger facilities. Gray is tight-lipped about exactly which chemical substance is used in the new heat-transfer fl uid. He will only say that it is a mixture of a number of different substances. Jens-Peter Meyer

The flexible solution for temperatures up to 220 °C. Feed and return pipes with an integrated sensor cable form a perfect unit which is pre-insulated with a high- tech polyester insulation material and fast to assemble with quick-fitting couplings. DuoSolar 220 is the natural choice for professional installers. Performance, availability, ease of installation – Install it. Trust it.

Exhibitors from the e-mobility and photovoltaics sectors came out in surprising Tel.: +49 25 17 60 30 · [email protected] · www.armacell.com numbers in Milan.

Solar Edition

084-089_Thermie_Mostra_MCE_sf.indd 89 18.05.2016 16:47:44 SOLAR THERMAL DISTRICT HEATING

Graz will heat with the sun

The largest solar thermal plant in the world is going Danish systems it is modelled after by far. The largest underground heat storage system built to date, to be built in Graz. The project, which is called which has a water capacity of , m, was completed in in the Danish town of Vojens. ‘Big Solar’, will contribute one fi fth of district heating The contracts for the project named ‘Big Solar in the city from . Graz’ have not been fi nalised yet. The energy provider Energie Steiermark, however, published the re- his will even amaze the Danes: Austria is plan- sults of a feasibility study, which was carried out by ning to build the largest solar thermal plant in Solid-Gesellschaft für Solarinstallation und Design the world by a few kilometres south of mbH, in the province’s largest daily newspaper TGraz. Solar collectors with a total surface area of ‘Kleine Zeitung’ in late February. , m will be installed near the Mellach gas This is a clear indicator that the company is very and steam power plant, which currently produces serious about the plans. Solid and Energie Steiermark heat for the capital of Styria. This is exactly three have calculated that the solar heat will cost approxi- times the size of the largest planned facility in mately €/MWh. “This includes everything needed Denmark, which is to be completed in Silkeborg by to generate solar heat and deliver it to the connection the end of . Other record-setting systems, such point: the plot of land, construction work for as the one installed at the Princess Nourah University the storage system and the piping”, said Solid’s in Saudi Arabia (, m ) or the one at the Gaby Managing Director Christian Holter. For this price, copper mine in Chile (, m ), seem almost tiny Holter expects that the project will receive a govern- by comparison. Compared to the area that the city of ment subsidy of %. He bases this fi gure on similar Graz currently covers, the solar system takes up less projects because there is currently no subsidy pro- than half of one percent of it. gramme into which the mammoth plant would fi t. The heat will be stored in a seasonal storage sys- By comparison, heat from a gas boiler in Austria tem set into the ground, and its water capacity of costs between and €/MWh when network . million m will also exceed the capacity of the charges and fees are factored in. Heat sources and

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090-091_Thermie_Fernwärme _Graz_sf.indd 90 17.05.2016 10:57:01 The ‘Big Solar’concept: Approximately one quarter of the solar heat is to ﬂ ow directly into the district heating network, particularly in the summer. The rest will be stored in a ground basin and tapped into as necessary. Graphic: Solid

In addition to the Graz power (see illustration). The bulk of the heat fl ows into the station, Solid is currently ground basin storage system, which the collectors measuring the yields of seven can stratify heat into during the winter starting at diff erent types of collectors. temperatures of °C. A heat pump then brings the It is still not clear where ‘Big water from the storage system up to the desired tem- Solar’ can actually be built. It perature. “We will be using a thermally driven heat should be on an area as close pump because electric operation cannot be covered as possible to the supply by renewable energy in Austria during the winter. line leading from the Mellach Electricity must be imported for this”, Christian power station complex to Graz. Holter explained. In December alone, Austria Photo: Solid imported around , GWh more than it exported. This is equivalent to % of the domestic electricity demand. It is still not clear how the thermal heat prices are the subjects of heated debate in Graz. The pump will be fi red. old coal power plant has frequent outages. The ener- The combination of direct injection and stratifi - gy provider’s gas and steam power plant, which was cation of heat into the storage system ensures that built just a few years ago, is operating in the red be- the collectors can operate at diff erent temperatures, cause even though electricity prices continue to fall depending on the amount of available sunlight and for operators, the heat price in the old supply con- the season. This improves the yield. According to tracts is still at € .. Nevertheless, the plant must simulation calculations performed by Solid, the an- continue to operate because the heat supply of the nual yield will be about kWh/m of collector city depends on it. The parties involved have been area. arguing over the costs for this in court for years. The complete installation that Solid is planning to build, including solar collectors, thermal heat A heat pump brings stored water pumps and direct secondary heating, will feed ap- up to fl ow temperature proximately GWh of heat into the network. This is % of the annual heat demand of Graz district Graz has already had good experiences with solar heating customers. Approximately GWh will ac- heating. Around , m of solar collectors are al- tually be generated by the solar installation, which is ready feeding heat into the network of district heat- about % of the demand. ing company Energie Graz, which in turn largely Such a high proportion of solar heat is quite draws its heat from Energie Steiermark. The Graz spectacular for a network of this size. However, the network temperatures are quite a challenge for a so- Danish -inhabitant town of Vojens draws % lar installation. Currently, the Graz district heating of its district heating from the sun, and Gram with its network operates at fl ow temperatures between , inhabitants achieves as much as %. This and °C. The return temperature varies between means that the Danes will be able to keep their top and °C. For this reason, just a quarter of the so- position when it comes to the proportion of solar lar heat will fl ow directly into the network, particular- energy, at least for the time being. ly during the summer and the transition period Eva Augsten

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090-091_Thermie_Fernwärme _Graz_sf.indd 91 17.05.2016 10:57:03 REVIEW INTERNATIONAL EVENTS

together key utilities, technology provid ers, government energy offi cials and International many more to help drive down costs and increase your project pipeline to secure a csP toDaY south aFrIca greater stake in the U.S. energy storage EVENTS June 8-9, 2016 market. With an expected turnout of 100+ cape town, south africa delegates, 30+ speakers, and a number One of South Africa’s leading CSP devel of new technology providers, this event opment forums returns for its strongest promises to be number one commercial year yet. Filled with workshops, site visits, energy storage meeting in North America. 250+ attendees, and 30 speakers, this Contact: Energy Storage Update, Iulia-Lorena Rus, australIan enerGY storaGe event will help you navigate the market Phone: 0044/2073757564, [email protected], conFerence anD eXhIBItIon and achieve technical excellence to opti www.energystorageupdate.com/usa June 1-2, 2016 mise project development and operation. sydney, australia Co located with events focused on the Australia’s dedicated energy storage event two other dominant renewable energy will take place at Australian Technology technologies (wind power and photo Park, Sydney, Australia. The conference voltaic power) this event will be the one will feature over 45 international and local stop shop for anyone in the clean energy industry speakers, and with the theme of game in Sub Saharan Africa. eu PVsec “Thinking Smart about Energy Storage”, Contact: CSP Today, Amy Allebone-Salt, June 20-24, 2016 the conference will engage discussion and Phone: 0044/207 422 4374, munich, Germany [email protected], debate and will investigate the challenges www.csptoday.com The EU PVSEC is the world’s largest and opportunities that energy storage Conference in the fi eld of photovoltaics off ers for electricity generators, network and uniquely combines scientifi c, techno operators and electricity retailers in logical, industrial and applicationrelated Australia. In addition, there will be focus issues from the perspective of research on customer sited solar plus energy stor and development, industry, fi nance and age systems, and on smart management of politics. With around 1,200 keynote, plena the energy produced. The exhibition is free ry, oral and visual presentations from more to attend, and is the most comprehensive PV InsIDer south aFrIca than 80 countries, several workshops, ex display of energy storage solutions in June 8-9, 2016 pert panels, and specifi c industry fora, the Australia. cape town, south africa EU PVSEC counts as the most outstanding Contact: Australian Energy Storage Conference and PV Insider South Africa will be taking place sciencetoscience and sciencetoindustry E xhibition, Phone: 0061/295568847, at the Century City Conference Centre in platform. The conference program is coor [email protected], www.australianenergystorage.com.au Cape Town, as part of the New Energy dinated by the European Commission, DG Update South Africa series, which also Joint Research Centre. features CSP Today South Africa and Wind Contact: WIP, Phone: 0049/8972012735, Energy Update South Africa. The event is [email protected], www.photovoltaic-conference.com one of the primary meeting points for the solar PV traDe mIssIon industry, and attracts highlevel represen June 6-10, 2016 tation from governments, municipalities, Buenos aires/montevideo, investment bodies and international de argentina & uruguay velopment funds, local and international Solarplaza’s proven 5day trade mission developers, key academic departments model is the perfect turnkey solution for and nonprofi t organisations, and companies eager to expand their solar suppliers and technology developers Power-Gen euroPe businesses in emerging markets. The trade from throughout the value chain. June 21-23, 2016 missions bring together diverse highlevel Contact: PV Insider, Amy Allebone-Salt, milan, Italy delegations of stakeholders from around Phone: 0044/2074224374, The PowerGen Europe and Renewable [email protected], the world into emerging markets to jointly www.pv-insider.com/africa Energy World Europe exhibition and explore and create business development conference enables the power industry opportunities. As part of this exclusive to meet and share information on the delegation you will have the opportunity challenges facing the energy sector and to gain indepth knowledge about the poli discuss solutions for advancing Europe’s cies and regulations, market trends and energy future. PowerGen Europe and forecasts, project fi nance mechanisms as Renewable Energy World Europe span the well as meet the key players in the market. enerGY storaGe uPDate usa entire power generation value chain with Contact: Solarplaza, Borja Gutierrez, June 15-16, 2016 two full days of incisive and authoritative Phone: 0031/102809198, san Diego, usa conference session, open keynote, plenary [email protected], rd www.pvtrademissionargentina.com For the 3 year running, Energy Storage and sideevent sessions including fi nance Update returns to California, bringing and hydropower, open presentation

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092-93_Events_DS.indd 92 18.05.2016 10:46:37 theatre, technical tours, networking oppor platform for manufacturers, suppliers, continues to return to San Francisco’s tunities on the busy exhibition floor, and distributors, service providers and Moscone Center – right in the heart of much more. The conference and exhibition partners in the global solar industry. technology innovation and groundbreak prides itself on bringing together many Contact: Solar Promotion, Horst Dufner, ing energy policy work – to provide nearly essential elements of power generation Phone: 0049/7231585980, 18,000 attendees access to the industry’s [email protected], www.intersolar.de/en strategy and technology under one roof. largest network of innovators and thought Contact: PennWell Corporation, Emily Pryor, leaders. Phone: 0044/1992656614, Contact: Solar Promotion, Diana Döppe, [email protected], Phone: 0049/72315859822, www.powergeneurope.com [email protected], www.intersolar.us

BrazIl solar Power June 30-July 1, 2016 Intersolar south amerIca ees euroPe rio de Janeiro, Brazil august 23-25, 2016 June 21-24, 2016 Registrations are now open for Brazil são Paulo, Brazil munich, Germany Solar Power – Conference & Exhibition. The international exhibition and The global ees exhibition series is the The official Brazilian PV event, organised conference for the South American solar industry meeting point, bringing together by the PV market official association and industry takes place at the Expo Center manufacturers, distributors, users and by the main content provider of the Norte in São Paulo, Brazil from August 23 suppliers of stationary and mobile electric Brazilian electrical sector, will be held in to 25, 2016 and has a focus on the areas ity storage systems. The ees exhibitions Rio de Janeiro, on June 30 and July 1st. The of photovoltaics, PV production technolo are coorganised with Intersolar, the lead conference will address highly relevant gies, energy storage and solar thermal ing exhibition series for the solar industry. issues, both on largescale generation and technologies. Since being founded, The ees exhibitions and accompanying ees rooftop generation. The trade show will Intersolar has become the most important conferences are dedicated to renewable gather dozens of national and internatio industry platform for manufacturers, energy storage solutions, from residential nal players, offering great opportunities suppliers, distributors, service providers and commercial applications to largescale for this potential market, which is growing and partners of the solar industry. With storage systems for stabilising the grid. very fast in Brazil 9,000 visitors from 34 countries and over Other focal points are products and Contact: CanalEnergia, Luiz Renato Lemos, 800 conference attendees at São Paulo’s solutions for smart renewable energy, Phone: 0055/2197435-3199, Expo Center Norte, Intersolar South [email protected], energy management, emobility and www.brazilsolarpower.com America 2015 attracted more than double uninterruptible power supply (UPS). its expected attendance, making it South Contact: Solar Promotion, Banu Bektas, America’s largest solar exhibition and Phone: 0049/7231 58598-211, conference. [email protected], www.ees-europe.com Contact: Solar Promotion, Tina Engelhard, Phone: 0049/723158598207, [email protected], www.intersolar.net.br Intersolar north amerIca July 12-14, 2016 san Francisco, usa Intersolar North America is the most at tended and first major solar industry event Intersolar euroPe of the year. It brings together thousands June 21-24, 2016 of solar professionals, industry leaders, munich, Germany press and key influencers to recharge and Intersolar Europe is the world’s leading accelerate business goals through the end Announce your events exhibition for the solar industry and its of the year and beyond. It unites people partners. It takes place annually at Messe and companies from around the world with SUN & WIND ENERGY offers you the München exhibition center in Munich, the aim of increasing the share of solar announcement of your fairs and Germany and focuses on the areas of pho power in our energy supply. Registration conferences – up to date and free of tovoltaics, energy storage and renewable information is available online. charge. Just feel free to send us your heating as well as on products and solu Now in its 9th year, Intersolar North conference information regularly. In tions for smart renewable energy. The ac America is where industry decisionmakers return we would appreciate to provide companying Intersolar Europe Conference come to connect, share insights and show you with free copies of our inter na consolidates selected exhibition topics off their latest innovations. The show tional magazine for distribution at and showcases international markets, focuses on photovoltaics, energy storage your event. financing and pioneering technologies. systems, smart renewable energy, solar Please contact: Daniela Struck Since being founded, Intersolar Europe manufacturing and solar heating and cool e-mail: [email protected] has become the most important industry ing technologies. Intersolar North America

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092-93_Events_DS.indd 93 18.05.2016 10:46:38 Directory > Directory biomass / biogas mounting Systems GmbH Solarc Innovative Solarprodukte GmbH Manufacturer of mounting systems and components for Customized solar systems from very small up to large PV DirectoPhotovoltaic and SolarThermal power, including electronics development aUSTrIa D-15834 Rangsdorf, Mittenwalder Str. 9a Phone: +49/33708/529-0, Fax: 529-199 D-10999 Berlin, Glogauer Str. 21 SOLarFOcUS GmbH www.mounting-systems.de Phone: +49/30/3198554-00, Fax: 3198554-99 Research, development, production and distribution www.solarc.de, [email protected] Phaesun GmbH of high quality solar thermal collectors (sealed CPC), The Off -Grid Experts biomass boilers, storage technology and fresh water GErmany technology Phaesun is the leading system integrator for Off -Grid solar systems A-4451 St. Ulrich/Steyr, Werkstr. 1 D-87700 Memmingen, Brühlweg 9 Steca Electronik GmbH Phone: +43/7252/50002-0 Phone: +49/8331/990420, Fax: 9904212 German manufacturer of controllers and inverters; www.solarfocus.eu, offi [email protected] www.phaesun.com, [email protected] sectors: PV- On- and Off -Grid, Solar thermal renusol GmbH D-87700 Memmingen, Mammostr. 1 PelletS – Heating SySteMS Phone: +49/8331/8558-100, Fax +49/8331/8558-132 Solar Mounting Systems www.stecasolar.com, [email protected] aUSTrIa D-51063 Köln, Piccoloministrasse 2 Phone: +49/221/788707-0, Fax: 788707-99 Talesun Solar Germany GmbH www.renusol.com, [email protected] Biotech Energietechnik GmBH 80339 Mü nchen, Landsberger Str. 110 Pellet and wood chips heating facilities, ScHmID Group|Gebr. ScHmID GmbH Phone: +49/89/1891770, Fax: +49/89/189177499 feeding systems and autom. feeding systems Process equipment and turnkey lines www.talesun-eu.com, [email protected] for pellet stoves For the production of wafer, cells, Universal Energy Engineering GmbH A-5101 Bergheim, Furtmühlstr. 32 modules and thin fi lm application. Phone: +43/662/454072-0, Fax: 454072-50 D-72250 Freudenstadt, Robert-Bosch-Str. 32-36 Modules, Inverters, Customized Packages, Phone: +49/7441/538-0, Fax: 538-121 www.pelletsword.com, offi [email protected] Development Roof and Greenland www.schmid-group.com, [email protected] D-09119 Chemnitz, Neefestr. 82 Phone: +49/371/9098590, Fax: +49/371/90985919 skytron® energy GmbH www.universal-energy.de, [email protected] Measurement technology Complete Monitoring, Control and Supervision System ZImmErmann PV-Stahlbau GmbH&co.KG for utility-scale photovoltaic installations D-12489 Berlin, Ernst-Augustin-Straße 12 producer for open area solar mounting frames GErmany Phone: +49/30/6883159-0, Fax: +49/30/6883159-99 88436 Oberessendorf, Petrusstr. 1 www.skytron-energy.com, [email protected] Phone: +49/7355 9330 0, www.pv-stahlbau.de ammonit measurement GmbH Data loggers, measurement systems for wind and solar resource assessment, online monitoring software D-10997 Berlin, Wrangelstrasse 100 Phone: + 49/30/6003188-0, Fax: -10 www.ammonit.com, [email protected]

Photovoltaics

GErmany

aXITEc GmbH High quality german solar company. In the market since 2001. Pioneer in 10 years product warranty and plus tolerances. D-71034 Böblingen, Otto-Lilienthal-Straße 5 Phone: +49/7031/6288-5186, Fax: +49/7031/6289-5187 www.axitecsolar.com, [email protected] Heraeus materials Technology Thin Film Materials Division Heraeus TMD supplies the complete package of sputtering targets for various types of solar cells. D-63450 Hanau, Wilhelm-Rohn-Str. 25 Phone: +49/6181/35-2229, Fax: +49/6181/35-2220 www.heraeus-targets.com, [email protected] IBc SOLar aG A leading international energy company, which provides high-performance system solutions in every size and for every application with intelligent photovoltaic systems. 96231 Bad Staff elstein, Am Hochgericht 10 Phone: +49/9573-9224-0 www.ibc-solar.com, [email protected]

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94-97_Directory_3-2016.indd 94 18.05.2016 12:56:24 GrEaT BrITaIn GErmany Talesun Solar Germany GmbH 80339 Mü nchen, Landsberger Str. 110 Hi-Bond Tapes Ltd. Delta Energy Systems (Germany) GmbH Phone: +49/89/1891770, Fax: +49/89/189177499 High Performance Tapes for frame Delta Energy Systems has been investing in the www.talesun-eu.com, [email protected] bonding, junction box mounting cell research and development of solar inverter products at its German location since 1999. fi xing and conductive tapes JOrDan UK-NN17 5TS, Corby, Northamptonshire The result of this is something to be proud of - reliable solar inverters with high effi ciencies 1, Crucible Road Phoenix Parkway HananIa Energy and state-of-the-art high-frequency topology. Phone: +44/1536/260022, Fax: +44/1536/260044 D-79331 Teningen, Tscheulinstr. 21 Manufacturer of Solar Thermal Systems and Solar PV www.hi-bondtapes.com, [email protected] Phone: +49/7641 455 0, Fax: +49/7641 455 318 165, King Abdullah II Street www.solar-inverter.com, P.O. Box 2858 Amman 11181 Jordan [email protected] Phone: +962/6 533 3003 ITaLy Fax: +962/6 533 3178 www.hanania.jo SUnErG SOLar Srl ITaLy [email protected] Producer PV MODULES / SOLAR THERMAL COLLECTORS and complete systems SielSpa Philadelphia Solar distribution from 1978. SIEL is one of the world leaders in the production Clean Renewable Energy Solution I-06012, Cittá di Castello (PG), via D.Donini 51 and maintenance of PV solar inverters. The FIRST Photovoltaic Modules Phone: +39/075/8540018, Fax: +39/075/8648105 I-20060 TREZZANO, VIA 1° MAGGIO, 25 Producer in JORDAN www.sunergsolar.com, [email protected] Phone: +39/02/909861, Fax: +39/02/90968490 JO-11814, Amman, Airport St.-Al Qastal Industr.Area www.sielups.com, [email protected] Phone: +962/6/471/6601, Fax: +962/6/471/6602 TaIWan www.philadelphia-solar.com, Bonﬁ glioli riduttori S.p.a. [email protected] rITEK Solar Specialists in large and utility scale PV power plants An expert manufacturer of PV-Modules from Polycrystal- Via Giovanni XXIII, 7/A PV – cryStalline MoDuleS line, Mono-crystalline, to BIPV certifi cated by TÜV, UL, 40012 Lippo di Calderara (Italy) CEC, and MCS. Phone: +39 051 647311 No 42, Kuan-Fu N. Rd., Hsin Chu Industrial Park, 30351, www.bonfi glioli.com GErmany Hsinchu, Taiwan Phone: +886/03/598-7298 #4013 Talesun Solar Germany GmbH Fax +886/03/599-8449 PV – laMination 80339 Mü nchen, Landsberger Str. 110 www.riteksolar.com, [email protected] Phone: +49/89/1891770, Fax: +49/89/189177499 GrEaT BrITaIn www.talesun-eu.com, [email protected] USa J-Flex rubber Products InDIa morningstar corporation Established for over 30 years The World’s Leading Solar Controllers and Inverters J-Flex off er high-performance membranes Evergreen Solar Systems India Pvt Ltd 8 Pheasant Run for Solar/PV module lamination machines. Manufacturer of high effi ciency Solar Photovoltaic Newtown, PA 18940 Unit 1&2, London Rd Business Park, UK- DN22 6HG Retford Modules and EPC contractor of Solar Power Projects Phone: +1/215/321-4457, Fax: 321-4458 Phone: +44/1777 712400, Fax: +44/1777 712409 IND-641017 Coimbatore www.morningstarcorp.com www.j-fl ex.co.uk, lance@j-fl ex.co.uk Sulochana Mills Campus, [email protected] Mettupalayam Road, Vadamadurai, Phone: +91422/2642564, Fax: +91422/2642830 PV – MoDuleS www.evergreensolar.in PV – connector SySteMS GErmany PV – Monitoring SWITZErLanD BayWa r.e. Solar Energy Systems GmbH BELGIUm multi-contact aG Provider of high quality photovoltaic components from sales to service including modules, inverters, pv-storage 3E (SynaptiQ) PV connector systems manufacturer: solutions and mounting systems SynaptiQ is a universal PV monitoring and reporting connectors MC3 & MC4, cables, junction boxes, custom D-72072 Tübingen, Eisenbahnstr. 150 solutions software platform, developed by the technical Phone: +49/7071/98987-0, Fax: +49/7071/98987-10 consultancy: 3E CH-4123 Allschwil, Stockbrunnenrain 8 [email protected] Phone: +41/61/306 55 55, Fax: +41/61/306 55 56 Offi ces in Belgium, France, UK, Italy, www.baywa-re.com www.multi-contact.com, [email protected] South Africa and China http://solarenergysystems.baywa-re.com Phone: +32 2 217 58 68, www.3E.eu/synaptiq

PV – inVerterS aUSTraLIa

Selectronic australia Pty Ltd Designer and manufacturer of high quality interactive inverter chargers Off Grid, Grid Support, Grid Backup 3kW-54kW Chirnside Park VIC 3116, Suite 5, 20 Fletcher Rd Phone: +61/3/9727/6600, Fax: +61/3/9727/6601 www.selectronic.com.au, [email protected] aUSTrIa Fronius International GmbH International quality leader and manufacturer of grid-connected inverters for PV-Systems. A-4600 Wels, Froniusplatz 1 Phone: +43/7242/241-0 www.fronius.com, [email protected]

DEnmarK

Danfoss Solar Inverters a/S DK-6300, Graasten, Ulsnaes 1 Phone: +45/7488/1300, Fax: +45/7488/1301 www.danfoss.com/solar, [email protected]

Solar Edition 95

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FrancE PV – wire + cable clariant Produkte (Deutschland) GmbH QOS Energy GErmany Antifrogen-Heat Transfer Fluids for Solar Thermal Systems QOS Energy is a leading renewable energy performance D-84504 Burgkirchen, Werk Gendorf management solution. 100 % Hardware independent HELUKaBEL GmbH Phone: +49/8679/7-2272, Fax: +49/8679/7-5085 and flexible. Cable & Accessories for photovoltaic www.antifrogen.com 16 rue de Bretagne installations and for Wind Turbines F 44240 LA CHAPELLE SUR ERDRE D-71282 Hemmingen, Dieselstr. 8-12 consolar GmbH & Gebäude 4 office 356 Landshuterstrasse 26 Phone: +49/7150/9209-0, Fax: +49/7150/81786 Hocheffiziente Solaranlagen, Solare Wärmepumpen, Röh- D 85716 Unterschleißheim www.helukabel.de, [email protected] Phone France: +33/2 51 89 46 00 renkollektoren, Kombisysteme, Internet-Systemregler Phone Germany: + 49/8136-4077785 D-79539 Lörrach, Gewerbestrasse 7 www.qosenergy.com Phone: +49/7621/42228-30, Fax: 42228-31 Solar thermal systems www.consolar.de, [email protected] GErmany KBB Kollektorbau GmbH aUSTrIa Solare Datensysteme GmbH Flat plate collectors and full surface absorbers (copper and aluminium) SOLarFOcUS GmbH Monitoring, Feed-in Management, Smart Energy D-12439 Berlin, Bruno-Bürgel-Weg 142-144 D-72351 Geislingen-Binsdorf, Fuhrmannstraße 9 Research, development, production and distribution Phone: +49/30/6781789-10, Fax: 6781789-55 Phone: +49/7428/9418-200, Fax: +49/7428/9418-280 of high quality solar thermal collectors (sealed CPC), www.kbb-solar.com, [email protected] www.solar-log.com, [email protected] biomass boilers, storage technology and fresh water technology A-4451 St. Ulrich/Steyr, Werkstr. 1 OVEnTrOP GmbH & co. KG PV – Mounting SySteMS Phone: +43/7252/50002-0 Valves, controls and systems www.solarfocus.eu, [email protected] Solar Thermal Energy BELGIUm D-59939 Olsberg, Paul-Oventrop-Straße 1 Technische alternative Phone: +49/2962/82-0, Fax: 82-400 voestalpine Sadef nv Elektron. Steuerungsgeräte GmbH www.oventrop.de, [email protected] Design and manufacturing of steel structures for PV Solar-, Heizungs- und Wintergartenregler Bruggesteenweg 200 A-3872 Amaliendorf, Langestr. 124 proKühlsole GmbH 8830 Gits, Belgium Phone: +43/2862/53635, Fax: 536357 Solar Thermal Systems, Solarfluids, Liquid Heat Carrier, Phone: +32/51/261 211, Fax: +32/51/261 301 www.ta.co.at, [email protected] D-52353 Düren, Am Langen Graben 37 [email protected], www.voestalpine.com/sadef Phone: +49/2421/59196-0, Fax: +49/2421/59196-10 TiSUn® www.pekasolar.de, [email protected] GrEaT BrITaIn Development + production of solar-collectors (in-roof, on-roof, facade-integrated, free-setting up), PrOZEDa GmbH storage tanks, solar-boiler, solar fittings Hi-Bond Tapes Ltd. A-6306 Söll Manufacturer of controllers for solar thermal, freshwater, heating, heating pumps and air handling systems High Performance Tapes for frame Phone: +43/5333/201-0, Fax: 201-100 91330 Eggolsheim, In der Büg 5 bonding, junction box mounting cell www.tisun.com, [email protected] Phone: +49/9191/6166-0, Fax: 6166-22 fixing and conductive tapes www.prozeda.de, [email protected] UK-NN17 5TS, Corby, Northamptonshire GErmany 1, Crucible Road Phoenix Parkway ritter Energie und Umwelttechnik Phone: +44/1536/260022, Fax: +44/1536/260044 aLanOD GmbH & co. KG GmbH & co. KG www.hi-bondtapes.com, [email protected] eta plus® (copper/ aluminium) and mirotherm® Development, production and distributing of (aluminium) with a selective PVD absorptive layer. ecological energy systems mirosol® TS with a selective absorptive lacquer. D-72135 Dettenhausen, Kuchenäcker 2 USa MIRO-SUN® for weatherproof solar applications. Phone: +49/7157/5359-1200, Fax: 5359-1209 Johnson Bros. metal Forming co. D-58256 Ennepetal, Egerstr. 12 Phone: +49/2333/986-500, Fax: 986-525 www.ritter-gruppe.com, [email protected] Custom shapes for Solar Panels www.alanod-solar.com, [email protected] USA-60163 Berkeley IL, 5520 McDermott Drive SOrEL GmbH mikroelektronik Phone: +1/708/449-7050, Fax: +1/708/449-0042 almeco GmbH Manufacturer of Solar and Heating Controllers www.JohnsonRollForming.com, [email protected] TiNOX energy® Selective absorber surfaces – and Pump Groups with integrated TDC-Controller vega energy® Reflective surfaces for solar energy con- D-45549 Sprockhövel, Jahnstr. 36 PV – SuPPlierS centration systems Phone: +49/2339/6024, Fax: 6025 D-06406 Bernburg, Claude Breda Strasse 3 www.sorel.de, [email protected] GErmany Phone: +49/3471/34655 00, Fax: +49/3471/34655 09 www.almecosolar.com, [email protected] KrEmPEL-GrOUP Steca Electronik GmbH AKASOL® Weather-resistant backsheet German manufacturer of controllers and inverters; for PV modules. With fluoropolymer films citrinSolar GmbH sectors: PV- On- and Off-Grid, Solar thermal KYNAR® or TEDLAR® Energie- und Umwelttechnik D-87700 Memmingen, Mammostr. 1 D-71665 Vaihingen/Enz, Papierfabrikstr. 4 D-85368 Moosburg, Böhmerwaldstr. 32 Phone: +49-(0)8331-8558-100, Fax: +49-(0)8331-8558-132 Phone: +49/7042/915-0, Fax: +49/7042/15985 Phone: +49/8761/3340-0, Fax: 3340-40 www.stecasolar.com, [email protected] www.krempel-group.com, [email protected] www.citrinsolar.com, [email protected] TyFOrOP chemie GmbH Heat-Transfer Fluids D-20537 Hamburg, Anton-Rée-Weg 7 Phone: +49/40/209497-0, Fax: +49/40/209497-20 www.tyfo.de, [email protected]

WaTEr Way Engineering GmbH Pipework systems for solar installations with flexible stainless steel or copper tubes / collector connectors D-47441 Moers, Baerler Str. 100 Phone: +49/2481/88320-0, Fax: 88320-20 www.waterwaygmbh.de, [email protected]

GrEEcE

nOBEL XILInaKIS V. & co. Solar & electric water heating systems industry 23, Nerantzoulas Str., 13677, Acharnes, Athens- Greece Phone: +30/210/2478677;Fax: +30/210/2407185 [email protected]

96 Sun & Wind Energy 3/2016

94-97_Directory_3-2016.indd 96 18.05.2016 12:56:46 SOLE S.a. SPaIn StS – Pool Heating Solar Water Heaters and Collectors Manufacturers GR-13671 Acharnai - Athens SOnDEr rEGULacIÓn S.a. Lefktron Str. and Laikon Agonon Str. E-08191 Rubi, Avda. La Llana, 93; P.I. La Llana JOrDan Phone: +30/210/2389500, Fax: 2389502 Phone: +34/93588-4211, Fax: 93588-4994 www.eurostar-solar.com, [email protected] www.sonder.es HananIa Energy ISraEL SWITZErLanD Manufacturer of Solar Thermal Systems and Solar PV DaGan macHInE EnGInEErInG 165, King Abdullah II Street TacOnOVa GrOUP aG P.O. Box 2858 Amman 11181 Jordan Manufacture of machines for complete absorber production line. TACONOVA GROUP AG produces quality valves and Phone: +962/6 533-3003, Fax: +962/6 533-3178 Tube punching and customized machines systems for balancing, regulating, mixing, venting, www.hanania.jo, [email protected] IL-53211 Givatayim, 20, K.Joseph st. underfl oor and solar heating systems Phone: +972/544/324418 CH-8902 Urdorf, Steinackerstr. 6 USa www.dagan-machine.com Phone: +41/4473555-55, Fax: +44/73555-02 www.taconova.com, [email protected] aquatherm Industries, Inc. ITaLy Manufacturer of polymer unglazed fl at plate solar cmG Solari Srl StS – Flat Plate collectorS thermal collectors for low-temperature solar water PATENTED special solar thermal system heating applications (swimming pool, industrial with condensation heat transfering. TUrKEy process). Registered ISO 9001, certifi ed IAPMO USEC. Manufacturer of absorbers, fl at plate 1940 Rutgers University Blvd. Baymak BDr Thermea collectors and complete systems. USA, 08701, Lakewood, New Jersey I-73040 Melissano (LE), C. da Vore – Zona Ind.le Manufacturer of laser welded solar thermal forced darf Phone: +39/0833581428, Fax: +39/0833581428 systems, Solar thermo-siphon water heaters, Storage Phone: +1/7329059-002, Fax: +1/7329059-899 www.cmgsolari.it, [email protected] tanks, Biomass/Oil/Gas Boilers and Expansion tanks. www.aquathermsolar.com, [email protected] Exporting over 50 countries. JOrDan Tepeoren Mevkii Orhanli Beldesi, Akdeniz Sokak No 8 TR-34989 Istanbul StS – VacuuM tube HananIa Energy Phone: +90/216/5816500, Fax: 90/216/3041964 collectorS Manufacturer of Solar Thermal Systems and Solar PV www.baymak.com, [email protected] 165, King Abdullah II Street P.O. Box 2858 Amman 11181 Jordan USa Phone: +962/6 533 3003 USa Fax: +962/6 533 3178 apricus Inc. www.hanania.jo apricus Inc. Apricus is a global company focused on providing [email protected] Apricus is a global company focused on providing simple and eff ective solar hot water solutions for simple and eff ective solar hot water solutions for POLanD families and businesses. All Apricus products are desig- families and businesses. All Apricus products are designed and manufactured in compliance with HEWaLEX ned and manufactured in compliance with IS09001:2008 management and international ISO9001:2008 management and international produc- Flat plate, vacuum tube collectors tion standards. and solar systems production production standards. PL-43-502 Czechowice-Dziedzice, Slowackiego 33 USA-06405 Branford CT, 6 Sycamore Way, Unit 2, USA-06405 Branford CT, 6 Sycamore Way, Unit 2, Phone: +48/32/214-1710, Fax: +48/32/214-5004 Phone: +1/203 488-8215, Fax: +1/203 488-8572 Phone: +1/203/488 8215, Fax: +1/203/488 8572 www.hewalex.pl, [email protected] www.apricus.com, [email protected] www.apricus.com, [email protected]

cOmPany DIrEcTOry Sun & winD energy ✃ I would like you to enter our company in the directory of Sun online entry included & winD energy. I will get the entry in one category for only € My entry: www.sunwindenergy.com . It includes eight lines with each characters: one line Company name: ______for the company name, up to three lines for the company description Description: ______and four lines for the address. Each additional line costs € . If the entry is to be highlighted ______with a coloured background, this costs an additional € . For another € you can also publish your logo online. The order is valid for six issues of Sun & winD energy - The Solar Edition ______If I order supplementary entries, e.g. for international subsidiaries or different categories, I will Address get the following discounts: 2 to 5 entries: 10% discount, 6 or more entries: 20% discount (Country, Zip-Code ______All orders are invoiced in Euros. The order is automatically extended for further six issues if no City, State, Street): ______written cancellation is received by BVA – Bielefelder Verlag. Phone, Fax: ______❑ I would like my entry to be highlighted with a coloured background. E-mail, Web: ______❑ I would like to subscribe Sun & winD energy - the Solar edition with % discount for directory-clients (€ instead of € including shipping costs).

our company should be listed in the ❑ Mounting systems ❑ Solar tanks and boilers following categories: ❑ Process & Quality ❑ Thermosiphon ❑ Biomass/Biogas ❑ Silicon, ingots, wafers and cells ❑ Vacuum tubes ❑ Biofuels ❑ Solar glass ❑ Vacuum tube collectors ❑ Biogas ❑ Suppliers ❑ Wholesalers ❑ Pellets ❑ Tracking systems ❑ Wind Energy ❑ Production ❑ Wholesalers ❑ Banks & Insurance companies ❑ Heating systems ❑ Wire + cable ❑ Engineering offices ❑ Co-generation Plants ❑ Solar Thermal Systems ❑ International project developers ❑ Financing Institutions ❑ Absorbers ❑ Measurement technology ❑ Photovoltaics ❑ Coatings ❑ Offshore ❑ BIPV ❑ Control units ❑ Operation management ❑ Connector systems ❑ Flat plate collectors ❑ Research & Development ❑ International project developers ❑ International project developers ❑ Service & Maintenance ❑ Inverters ❑ Pool heating ❑ Suppliers ❑ Modules ❑ Pre-insulated pipe systems ❑ Turbine manufacturers ❑ Crystalline modules ❑ Solar cooling ❑ General ❑ Thin-film modules ❑ Solar glass ❑ Manufacturing Equipment ❑ Solar liquids Date: ______Please send your order to: BVA – Bielefelder Verlag GmbH & Co. KG, SUN & WIND ENERGY, Signature: ______Kerstin Haase-Darlath, Advertising Department, Niederwall 53, 33602 Bielefeld, Germany, phone +49/521/595591, fax +49/521/595556, VAT ID number: ______(for EU-companies) [email protected], www.sunwindenergy.com Solar Edition

94-97_Directory_3-2016.indd 97 18.05.2016 12:56:47 PREVIEW

S&WE Solar Edition / will be published on August st

The solar ediTion IMPRINT The upcoming S&WE – The Solar Edition will be focusing on photovoltaic Publishing company: solar energy in the U.S., especially on community solar and business BVA Bielefelder Verlag GmbH & Co. KG models for residential PV. For the solar thermal sector, S&WE will review Richard Kaselowsky Niederwall 53, 33602 Bielefeld, Germany the latest developments in absorber coatings. Publisher: Prof. Dr. Bernhard von Schubert Editors: Dr. Volker Buddensiek (responsible), Inverters, transformers E-mail: [email protected] Silke Funke, Phone: +49/521/59 55 69, and substations E-mail: [email protected] Ralf Ossenbrink, Phone: +49/521/59 55 13, Central inverters, low and medium- E-mail: [email protected] voltage substations, and transformers Tanja Peschel, Phone: +49/521/59 55 02, E-mail: [email protected] have taken moderate steps towards innovative components and concepts. Freelance authors: But it does not have to remain this way. Eva Augsten, Joachim Berner, Elizabeth Block, Germana Canzi, Christian Dany, Claudia Delpero, New materials have made their way Martin Frey, Jörn Iken, Anja Limperis, Jaideep into the market – and there are indi- N. Malaviya, Chris Meehan, Jens-Peter Meyer, cations that advances in concept might Hans-Christoph Neidlein, Ina Röpcke, Alejandro

PHOTOVOLTAICS Diego Rosell, Torsten Thomas

speed up progress. Kaco Photo: Advertising: International contact: Stefanie Schwarz, Phone: +49/5 21/59 55 75 Preview: Solar Power E-mail: [email protected] Yvonne Fedeler, Phone: +49/5 21/59 55 90 International E-mail: [email protected] German contact: Solar Power International , in- Christine Michalsky, Phone: +49/5 21/59 55 25 E-mail: [email protected] viting the solar industry to come to Christiane Diekmann, Phone: +49/5 21/59 55 47 Las Vegas, thrieves from a bloom- E-mail: [email protected] ing market for both domestic and Kerstin Haase-Darlath, Phone: +49/521/59 55 91 E-mail: [email protected] utility scale installations. Some- Fax: +49/5 21/59 55 56 what intermediate are community Advertising sales Italy: scale projects. S&WE will have a Quaini Pubblicità, Graziella Quaini Phone: +39/02/39216180; Fax: + 39/02/39217082 closer look at their potential to E-mail: [email protected] PHOTOVOLTAICS Photo: Solar Power International Power Solar Photo: further speed up the market. Advertising sales USA: Avani Media, Inc., Leslie Hallanan Phone: +1/415/3312150 ; Fax: + 1/415/3312151 E-mail: [email protected] Solar process heat Customer Service: Phone: +49/221/25 87 173, Fax: +49/221/25 87 249 Many processes in industry and trade re- E-mail: [email protected] quire signiﬁ cant amounts of heat, in- Layout: Bernd Schulte zur Wißen, Virginie Béclu, cluding areas such as food, laundry and DSV Deutscher Sportverlag GmbH, Cologne, Germany pharmaceuticals. A solar collector ﬁ eld Print: Dierichs Druck + Media GmbH & Co. KG, Frankfurter Str. 168, 34121 Kassel, Germany is often the perfect solution. One exam- SUN & WIND ENERGY The Solar Edition is an ple from Italy demonstrates how vacuum independent journal published six times a year. tubes are utilised in the production of Subscription costs for printed edition € 84 per year SOLAR THERMAL SOLAR (incl. postage), e-paper edition € 31.90.

polyurethane components. Pleion Photo: Period of cancellation: six weeks before the end of the respective subscription period. Otherwise the subscription will automatically be extended by another year. Material in this publication may not Market overview heat be reproduced, reprinted or stored in any form without the publisher’s written permission. transfer ﬂ uids Websites: www.sunwindenergy.com For solar energy systems, the most important characteristic of a heat transfer ﬂ uid is temperature stability; for heat pumps, the biggest challenge is low viscosity. S&WE introduces products and their properties. SOLAR THERMAL SOLAR Photo: Climalife Photo:

Sun & Wind Energy /

098_Vorschau_Impressum_sf.indd 98 17.05.2016 13:51:22 Titel_vb.indd 6 17.05.2016 10:59:37 / Perfect Welding / Solar Energy / Perfect Charging

THE FUTURE LIES NOT IN OUR STARS, BUT IN OUR SUN. WE ARE DEVELOPING THE SOLAR TECHNOLOGIES OF THE FUTURE.

/ We believe in a future where humankind covers 100% of our energy requirements from renewa- 24HRS ble sources: a world of 24 hours of sun. Solar energy plays a key role in this world - both day and SUN night, summer and winter. This future is already fast approaching as more and more people are converting to solar. To drive this major change forward we are developing technologies that help www.24hoursofsun.com make solar the cornerstone of our future energy systems. Visit www.fronius.com

Titel_vb.inddSE_AD_Stars_Solar_Technologies_EN_72220_1.indd 8 1 17.05.201609.05.2016 14:58:10 10:59:37