Largest First Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant In Spain

www.i-newswire.com
30/03/10

The Spanish system integrator, Assyce Fotovoltaica, is constructing the largest FirstSolar free-field solar power plant in Extremadura, with a capacity of more than 26 MW. The power plant with a land area of 69 hectares should be completed by the end of the year and will generate more than 42 million kW-hours of electricity per year.

"The area offers very good conditions for photovoltaics," explains Luis Garrido, managing director of Assyce Fotovoltaica. "Due to the high level of solar radiation in the south of Spain, we can expect a very good yield of electricity." The electricity yield will also benefit from the implementation of a new transformer technology. "In contrast to traditional power plants, electricity loss is considerably reduced," says Luis Garrido. Assyce is also implementing in this project the worldwide established inverter system technology from market-leader SMA Technology AG, based in Kassel, Germany. 36 transformer stations will be built up on the 69-hectare site.

With more than 337,000 modules capturing solar radiation, Assyce Fotovoltaica, currently the only FirstSolar system integrator in Spain, is putting its trust in FirstSolar's thin film technology which has already proven its worth in many other solar power plants. "The modules are very effective and durable and they are perfect for use in hot climate regions," explains Luis Garrido. The FirstSolar modules offer a high level of operating reliability for the project. Assyce Fotovoltaica has been working together with FirstSolar with excellent success for years. Basically this partnership makes the realisation of this remarkable large-scale project possible.

The construction of the free-field solar power plant began at the end of January. The whole power plant should be completed by the end of the year at the latest. With the eco-friendly solar electricity over 30 tonnes of CO2 could be saved every year and the electricity yield is enough to energize more than 14,000 four-person households for a whole year. "We are making an important contribution to the climate protection and to the expansion of renewable energy resources," explains Luis Garrido. "Power from the sun always has a future and will remain an important pillar of renewable energy."

Due to the limitation of 200 MWs per year for new free-field solar power plants (since the end of 2008), Assyce is particularly excited about being able to construct a power plant with a dimension of 10% of the total annual volume together with FirstSolar. Assyce Fotovoltaica is one of the pioneers in the Spanish free-field solar power plant market. The company, based in Padul (Granada), has already constructed more than 12 solar power plants all over Spain over the last few years.