Sep 14 2010
Soitec (Euronext Paris), the world’s leading supplier of silicon-on-insulator (SOI) and advanced solutions for the electronics and energy industries, announced today that its Concentrix Solar division focusing on concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) systems, has joined the Transgreen Initiative.
Transgreen was recently created within the context of the Mediterranean Solar Plan to stimulate the development of a Trans-Mediterranean electric power transmission network to respond to the significant expected needs for electricity exchange between the two sides of the Mediterranean. Concentrix Solar’s CPV technology is designed for use by large-scale solar power plants in hot and arid regions. The systems are extremely efficient, modular, flexible and very well-suited to the needs and challenges of the Mediterranean region to produce low cost electricity.
“Transgreen is a perfect vector to support our activities in the Mediterranean area. We are looking forward to working with this ecosystem of companies and the countries of the Mediterranean region to demonstrate the value of CPV,” said Concentrix Solar CEO, Hansjörg Lerchenmüller. “We have an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the region's energy needs for renewable energy sources and to export energy to European countries.”
With 25 percent AC system efficiency, Concentrix Solar’s CPV systems provide the highest efficiency of all solar technologies available. Especially at locations with extremely hot ambient temperatures, CPV systems perform better than conventional solar systems and therefore guarantee a high and constant power production throughout the day. Because they do not need cooling water, Concentrix Solar’s systems are perfectly suited for power plant installations in arid areas like in the Mediterranean region.
Due to the technology’s high scalability, it is possible to commission CPV power plants in different phases. This means a shorter time to operation. After connecting the first units to the grid, the systems start to produce energy while the installation of the power plant is still in progress.
Concentrix Solar will exhibit in booth number 77 at the SolarMed trade show, September 15-17 in Paris, France.