News Article
Solyndra installs its largest ever installation for Delhaize
The 3MW system for the supermarket based in Belgium consists of over 17,000 copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) solar modules covering 34,000 square metres of roof space.
Solyndra International AG, a manufacturer of CIGS cylindrical photovoltaic (PV) systems for commercial rooftops, has completed a 3MW rooftop solar system of a Delhaize distribution centre in Zellik, a Belgian suburb.
World's largest Solyndra installation to-date, a 3MW Delhaize warehouse rooftop in Belgium. More than 17,000 Solyndra panels were used in the installation
The project was completed by solar integrator U|S|E AG, a Solyndra Platinum Solution Provider based in Reutlingen, Germany, with its Belgium subsidiary Enerdeal. Delhaize, an international supermarket chain with over 2,800 stores worldwide, and 805 stores in Belgium and Luxembourg, is a winner of the Platinum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The Belgian multi-national has committed to reducing its CO2 emissions by 20% by 2020, and rooftop solar is a part of its strategy.
“Having worked with Solyndra on previous installations, the choice of supplier was an easy one,” said Denis Knoops, Senior Vice President Business & Concept Development & New Business Opportunities of Delhaize Belgium. “The innovative panel design allows us to maximise the installed capacity, reducing our CO2 emissions by 600 tons annually on these distribution centre roofs alone. We have a strong commitment to achieving environmental goals, and Solyndra ensures those goals become a reality.”
Non-recourse financing included assistance from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) and KBC Bank NV. KBC provided lower-cost, non-recourse project financing with the loan guaranteed by Ex-Im Bank under its Renewable Express program. Ex-Im’s streamlined Renewable Express process for rooftop PV financings resulted in approval for the Delhaize project in just a few weeks.
The Zellik installation consists of more than 17,000 Solyndra CIGS solar modules covering 34,000 square metres of roof space and generates an annual yield of approximately 2,400 MWh, enough to power more than 700 households.
“We are very happy with the outcome of this project that was completed hand-in-hand with Solyndra,” said Arnold Berens, CEO of U|S|E. “Their simple, non-penetrating, flat-mounting system allows for the maximum level of roof coverage. This helps companies like ours carry out quick and simple installations, reducing costs while maximising yields per square metre - a solution that keeps both building owners and their insurers happy.”
Timothy Kim, in the Renewable Energy and Environmental Finance group of Ex-Im Bank said, "The Delhaize project represents a significant milestone for Ex-Im Bank and its Renewable Express Program. Ultimately, this deal demonstrates Ex-Im Bank's commitment to U.S. exporters such as Solyndra, as well as to foreign companies that wish to purchase high quality U.S. goods. Ex-Im Bank thanks Solyndra and KBC Bank for their dedication and support, a strong collaborative effort which drove this deal to the finish line."
“I want to thank the Export-Import Bank of the U.S. for its constructive role in delivering the guarantees for this transaction,” said Dirk Mampaey, senior general manager, KBC Corporate Banking. “I am confident that our 'KBC Renewable Energy Team' will be able to leverage the additional acquired know-how and experience from this particular project in future renewable energy investment projects to the benefit of Solyndra and other U.S. exporters.”
Supermarkets and distribution centres are typically some of today’s largest flat-roofed commercial buildings, making them ideal for the installation of solar panels. Solyndra’s innovative solar module design allows the panels to be oriented in any direction with minimal effect on the levels of generated energy.
Using CIGS and thin film technology, the modules generate electricity from direct, diffuse and reflected sunlight. USE added a white Sure-Weld thermoplastic polyolefin roof membrane from Carlisle SynTec to simultaneously maximise reflected light capture and further reduce costs through building cooling.
“We are very happy to be able to help Delhaize to realise the economic and environmental potential of their rooftops,” comments Clemens Jargon, Solyndra’s president of EMEA. “This installation bears testimony to our desire and ability to engage with large scale distributed energy projects at a time when more and more corporations are seeing the hidden value in their fixed rooftop assets. Solyndra technology allows them to meet their environmental goals and delivers great results to their bottom line.”
