Solar Power for the United Nations
NAIROBI, Kenya, February 23, 2011/PRNewswire via African Press Organization (APO) / — Renewable Energy in Africa
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Energiebau Solarstromsysteme GmbH has installed the largest on-roof
solar-power system in Africa for the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP). The 515 kWp solar-power system on the roof of the
headquarters in Nairobi was connected to the grid on Monday during
the UN Global Ministerial Environment Forum. With this project, Energiebau
has created the first climate-neutral office building in Africa.
Working with a team of Germans and Africans, Energiebau planned and
installed the 515 kWp solar-power system for UNEP’s new office
building, in close co-operation with and incorporating
German solar technology from SCHOTT Solar and SMA Solar Technology AG, as
well as modules from the Japanese firm Kaneka. Following a three-month
installation phase, the system consisting of 4,000 modules was ready to go
live. In this sunny location, the system will produce 750,000 kilowatt hours
of clean solar energy each year, providing more electric energy than will
likely be consumed by the building with its 1,200 employees. This achievement
points the way towards a green future for the continent through de-central
production of renewable energy directly at the place of consumption.
“Photovoltaics is developing into an important factor for the climate-neutral
architecture of the future,” the Managing Director of Energiebau Michael
Sch?fer explained. The importance of the developing east African market is
reflected by the level of commitment to this flagship project, highlighting
solar energy’s potential and performance capacity in Africa.
“Local installers are being trained by Energiebau as part of its
development partnership with the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation
and Development (BMZ),” explains Hendrik Linneweber, GIZ Kenya Country
Director. In the future, Kenyan installers will be trained in their own
solar academy in cooperation with local training institutions and the
companies SCHOTT Solar and SMA.
Energiebau Solarstromsysteme GmbH has been
operating in Africa as an international leading provider and project
developer of grid-connected and off-grid solar-power systems since 1994.
A documentary film entitled Nairobi 515,
detailing the initial creation and development of the project, will be
available on our website http://www.energiebau.com/film from April 2011.
About Energiebau Solarstromsysteme GmbH:
Founded in 1983, Energiebau is a pioneer in the field of
photovoltaics in Europe. Michael Sch?fer and five other engineers originally
established the business as an installation company and consultancy for
energy efficiency. Since 2001, the company’s focus has been on the
distribution of solar systems for off-grid and grid-connected plants.
Since its establishment, Energiebau has become a leading supplier of
solar systems in Europe.
The core activities of the company are based on three business areas.
– Project planning and financing of photovoltaic systems: Energiebau,
in its role as a systems house, brings comprehensive and proven
experience to every project.
– Wholesale distribution to professional installers: Energiebau is the
interface between the solar industry and small tradesmen.
– Manufacturing: Energiebau produces professional and durable PV mounting
systems for pitched and flat roofs under the LORENZ(R) brand.
Facts and Figures:
Company headquarters: Cologne, Germany
Managing Directors: Michael Sch?fer, Klaus Leyendecker, Ren? M?dawar
Employees: 350 (as of 01.01.2011)
Subsidiaries: France, Italy, Benelux countries, Ghana
Sales agents: Turkey, Israel
For enquiries please contact:
Timo Glatz, Press Relations Officer
Energiebau Solarstromsysteme GmbH
Tel.: +49-221-989661530
Fax: +49-221-98966199
E-mail: presse@energiebau.de
For more press releases and royalty-free images please visit:
http://www.energiebau.de/presse
Source: Energiebau Solarstromsysteme GmbH
For enquiries please contact: Timo Glatz, Press Relations Officer, Energiebau Solarstromsysteme GmbH, Tel.: +49-221-989661530, Fax: +49-221-98966199, E-mail: presse@energiebau.de
SOURCE
Energiebau Solarstromsysteme GmbH
