15 October 2014

Soitec and partners inaugurate 1.29MWp CPV power plant in Portugal

Concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) solar module maker Soitec of Bernin, France says that, in an opening ceremony on 7 October, the Alcoutim CPV power plant was inaugurated by the Portuguese government’s Secretary of State for Energy, Artur Trindade, in the presence of Luxembourg-based energy supplier Enovos and the three Portuguese project partners: the Calouste Gulbenkian private foundation, electrical contracting firm EIP (Electricidade Industrial Portugesa) and project developer Luz.On.

Located at a site in Alcoutim near the Vale do Guadiana National Park in southern Portugal, the plant consists of 82 CPV systems supplied by Soitec with combined capacity of 1.29MWp. Construction of the facility was announced in December 2013. Operation began in spring 2014.

Soitec says that, in the sun-rich region of Portugal, its CPV technology has demonstrated the full extent of its efficiency, with modules delivering a yield of over 30%. With annual generation of 1900MWh, the plant provides sufficient electricity to meet the needs of several hundred homes in Portugal.

Despite being one of the major European energy suppliers (already well established in Germany, Belgium, France and Italy), the project is Enovos’ first in Portugal, notes José Bériot, head of project development for Soitec’s Solar Energy Division in southern Europe and Africa. “This power plant demonstrates the full potential of CPV, and has opened the way for other similar projects in southern Europe,” he adds.

“This success also was made possible by the involvement of EIP and Luz.On,” continues Bériot, who also thanks the Calouste Gulbenkian foundation (whose philanthropic commitment supports the arts, education and science). “Since 2003, it has expanded its activities to include the environment and sustainable development,” he adds.

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Soitec announces financing and construction of CPV plant in Portugal

Tags: Soitec CPV

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