Jul 25 2011
Upsolar, a leading international solar module supplier, today announced the company’s solar photovoltaic (PV) modules power a 190 kW PV system at La Serra Golf Club in Valenza (AL), Italy, the largest PV project installed at a golf club in Italy. Upsolar’s modules meets all onsite energy needs, helping La Serra to achieve its renewable energy goals in concert with the Italian Golf Federation’s “Commitment to Green” sustainability initiative.
Upsolar’s solar module solution provides enough clean energy to operate all club activities, including standard clubhouse operations, facility and hot water heating, golf course irrigation and electric charging for the club’s fleet of golf carts and transportation vehicles. To celebrate this achievement as well as other golf clubs’ enthusiasm for producing their own energy, Upsolar is sponsoring golf events in Treviso, Florence and Rome.
“We selected Upsolar based on the company’s track record of quality, the reassurance provided by its warranty and insurance, and its commitment to an environmentally-friendly product lifecycle,” said Gianpaolo Grecu, general manager of La Serra. “Upsolar modules are produced in factories that meet ISO 14001 international environmental quality standards, and the company is an active member of the EU PV module recycling organization PV Cycle. This dedication to cradle-to-grave sustainability aligns with our Commitment to Green goals.”
Upsolar, one of only four global companies to receive a “very good” rating through the independently operated German Öko-Test in 2010, continues to be recognized as a leader in production quality. The company also strives to become more environmentally sustainable and is currently conducting an internal audit to identify opportunities to lessen its environmental impact.
“We are honored to work with La Serra to contribute to its clean energy goals,” said Giuseppe D'Elia, Country Manager of Upsolar Italia. “As a member of the Italian Photovoltaic Industry Association (GIFI), the company is committed to contributing to clean energy in Italy, and we look forward to growing our presence in the region in the coming years.”
Upsolar’s “Excellence at Each Step” production process is based on an extensive network of partnerships with respected system component manufacturers. Rigorous lab and real-life rooftop testing ensures optimal performance for each module component throughout its lifecyle. After standard production testing, Upsolar completes a second round of testing: the company performs more than 30,000 random verification tests on completed modules per year, ensuring that all modules meet quality performance standards before reaching the market. After installation, annual onsite inspections are routinely conducted for customers with PV projects greater than 500 kW.
The La Serra golf club marks one of numerous Upsolar projects in place in Italy, including a RAL Srl 7.3 MW PV park in Alessandria. The company established its Italian subsidiary in Treviso in 2010.