aleo presents new premium in-roof panels
PRESS RELEASE – 04.10.2023:
Aleo launches the new LEO Sol 385-400 W halfcut-cell panels. //
The high-performance panel can be integrated into the roof surface with the Solrif photovoltaic in-roof system from Ernst Schweizer AG. In this process, the conventional roof tile is replaced by the solar roof tile, creating a high-quality and homogeneous look on the roof. The glass-foil panel with black backsheet consists of 108 halfcut-cells and achieves a peak power of 400 W. The new size variant can be combined with the other panel of the series and thus enables better utilization of the roof area.
Press images for download: https://sunbeam-communications.com/en/press-pictures-aleo-presents-new-premium-in-roof-panels/
Combinable and suitable for partial and full roof coverings
The new monocrystalline premium panel LEO Sol is 1,795 mm wide and thus complements the proven 96-halfcut-cell premium in-roof panels LEO Sol 340-355W, which has a width of 1,607 mm. Both LEO Sol panels can be connected to each other in a string.
In addition to partial roofs, full roof coverings are also possible: Solrif blind panels offer design options for homogeneously integrating corners and edges around chimneys, skylights or dormers into the roof. Due to the free lower edge of the frameless panels, the Solrif system is self-cleaning and requires virtually no maintenance.
Resistant to high compressive loads and radiant heat
Just like its smaller sister product, the new LEO Sol is also certified according to the latest IEC standards 61215 and 61730. In the comprehensive tests, both product sizes were successfully certified for a compressive load of 8100 Pa (test load), so they can withstand particularly heavy snow and wind loads.
In addition, LEO Sol is tested and certified as resistant to flying fire and radiant heat (hard roofing), in addition, the panel remains free of snailtrails and can withstand hailstones of up to 25 mm in diameter.
Quality from Germany
Quality and sustainability go hand in hand in the production of all aleo panels: The premium LEO Sol is produced in Prenzlau with 100 % renewable energy and comes with a product and performance guarantee of 25 years.
about aleo solar
aleo solar GmbH develops and produces high-performance panels at its site in Prenzlau (Brandenburg) and is a system provider for the global photovoltaic market. With around 180 employees and manufacturing experience since 2001, the company has excellent know-how in production.
Contact for enquiries
Sabine Grote
Sabine.grote@aleo-solar.de
aleo presents new premium panel for Swiss Solrif solar roof tiles
PRESS RELEASE – Prenzlau/Hedingen, 2.8.2022:
The premium panels in aleo’s new LEO series are also available as solar roof tiles. With LEO Sol, aleo is launching a high-performance half-cell panel. LEO Sol can be integrated into the roof surface using the Solrif in-roof photovoltaic mounting system from Ernst Schweizer AG. The glass-foil panel with black back sheet is larger and higher-yielding than its predecessors. When mounting with Solrif, the classic roof tile is replaced by the solar roof tile, creating a high-quality and homogenous appearance on the roof.
You can find a press image here: www.aleo-solar.com/newsitem/aleo-presents-new-premium-panel-for-swiss-solrif-solar-roof-tiles/
New efficiency class for proven system
The new monocrystalline premium panel LEO Sol with a size of 1,169 mm x 1,607 mm x 17 mm and a peak output of 345 W consists of 96 half cells. By using half-cells with 10 busbars, aleo minimises the series resistance and thus maximises the efficiency of its LEO premium panel. Instead of flat wire, thin, round wires are used so that more light hits the cells. The division of the cells and the closely spaced busbars also ensure that the panles last longer, as additional current paths are created.
With the Solrif in-roof PV mounting system from Ernst Schweizer, which has been tried and tested for over 20 years, LEO Sol is laid overlapping and tension-free on the pitched roof instead of being clamped. The solar roof tile is laid directly on the supporting battens just like conventional clay roof tiles. In addition to partial roofs, full roof coverings are also possible: Solrif blind modules offer design options for integrating corners and edges around chimneys, skylights or dormers homogeneously into the roof. Due to the free lower edge of the panels, the Solrif system is self-cleaning and requires virtually no maintenance.
Simple planning, comprehensive testing
The planning software Solar.Pro.Tool from Schweizer allows the system configuration with LEO Sol to be planned easily and, taking into account statics and electrics, safely. LEO Sol has been tested and certified as a hard roofing system for fire protection, is free of snail tracks and can withstand hailstones of up to 40 mm.
Solar aesthetics Made in Europe
With its uniform appearance, the solar roof tile Solrif is also suitable for use on listed buildings and for aesthetically demanding new construction and renovation projects. “As the global market leader in in-roof photovoltaic installation, we have particularly high demands on the performance and aesthetics of our solar roof tiles. Together with aleo and LEO Sol, we offer an in-roof PV solution that combines the latest technology with a chic look,” says Helge Hartwig, Sales Manager Solrif at Ernst Schweizer.
Quality as well as sustainability go hand in hand in the production of both system components: The premium panel LEO Sol is produced at aleo in Prenzlau using 100 percent renewable energy and comes with a product and performance guarantee of 25 years. Ernst Schweizer produces the Solrif mounting system with durable aluminium directly in Switzerland. Since the solar roof tile replaces the classic roof tile, both materials and work steps are saved during installation. And thanks to short transport routes within Europe, the LEO Sol-Solrif system combination causes fewer greenhouse emissions during delivery.
William Chen, CEO at aleo: “Our new LEO series is the most powerful that aleo has produced to date. The LEO Sol panel meets the high quality standards of the new series. The black back sheet completes the elegant look of the panel. Together with the Swiss mounting system Solrif, we are bringing a high-quality and sustainable in-roof photovoltaic solution `Made in Europe` to the market that is something to be proud of.”
Press contact
Miriam Machnik
aleo-Pressesprecherin
miriam.machnik@aleo-solar.de
Helge Hartwig
Verkaufsleiter Solrif
Mobil: +49 172 343 66 03
Helge.Hartwig@ernstschweizer.solar
KATEK presents new three-phase Steca hybrid inverter at the Intersolar
PRESS RELEASE – Memmingen, 4. Mai 2022:
Relaunch of monitoring portal rounds off range of devices on display //
For the first time, KATEK Memmingen GmbH will show the new three-phase Steca hybrid inverter, the StecaGrid Hybrid 10023_3, with 10 kW inverter power, which can also be achieved in battery mode, at the 2022 Intersolar. At the same time, KATEK has also completely redesigned its Steca sunCloud monitoring portal. The portal now has a new interface and also supports hybrid systems. The StecaGrid Hybrid 10023_3 is the first product from a new product and development division for Steca hybrid inverters, which was created by KATEK last year.
You can find press photos here: Pictures for press release „KATEK presents new three-phase Steca hybrid inverter at the Intersolar“
High efficiency and standby power compatibility
The new Steca hybrid inverter has a maximum efficiency of over 98 percent and outstanding partial load operation capability. Two MPP trackers enable flexible system design.
In combination with the optional StecaGrid switch, the device can shut off a home from the grid if there is a power failure and convert to standby power mode. This system solution ensures that the hybrid inverter supplies all three phases in the home grid, making it possible to continue to use all end devices without any problem.
Clever overall concept
With its passive cooling, the StecaGrid Hybrid 10023_3 is designed for particularly low-maintenance, low-noise operation: thanks to the ventilator-free design, the hybrid inverter is functional without any moving parts. As a result, defects are avoided, and no cleaning work is required. There is also no noise from fans. The integrated grid and system protection simplifies installation and reduces installation costs.
„With our new hybrid inverter, we are delivering the right device for modern, energy-independent homes. With its high efficiency, ability to operate using standby power and simple installation, it is a typical example of the high quality of KATEK power electronics, with which we achieved an annual turnover growth of over 30 percent last year“, Klauspeter Bader, Managing Director of KATEK Memmingen, explains.
About KATEK
The KATEK Group, which operates internationally, is one of the leading electronics service providers in Europe. The range of services covers the entire life cycle of electronic assemblies and devices, from development to material and project management, to production, test technology and logistics and after-sales service. The company currently employs around 2,800 staff at over 15 locations.
The “Steca – A KATEK Brand” has been a KATEK brand since 2019. The division develops and produces high-end power electronics for grid inverters and energy storage devices, as well as regulation technology for photovoltaic systems and fuel cell systems.
With a history going back 45 years, the company is one of the pioneers of the renewable energy industry in Germany.
Press contact
Olga Drichel
Tel. +49 8331 8558580
Mobil +49 172 4009303
olga.drichel@katek-group.com
Largest Israeli EPC El-Mor Renewable Energy and DHYBRID launch strategic partnership
PRESS RELEASE – Ashkelon (Israel)/Munich (Germany), April 28, 2022:
Israel’s largest EPC El-Mor Electric Installation & Services Ltd and German microgrid specialists DHYBRID are launching a strategic partnership. This will allow investors and operators in Israel to benefit from El-Mor’s engineering expertise and 25 years of experience while accessing DHYBRID’s UPP: a state of the art energy management system tailored specifically for demanding grid applications.
Press image available for download: https://www.dhybrid.de/de/presse-artikel/groesster-israelischer-epc-el-mor-und-dhybrid-starten-strategische-partnerschaft
El-Mor provides the engineering, construction, procurement and servicing of PV and battery plants. DHYBRID’s UPP technology-agnostic solution already controls and monitors over 80 microgrids worldwide and focuses on medium and large-scale energy storage applications.
Growing demand for utility scale solutions combined with growing complexity of control requirements
Israel is experiencing a growing demand for large-scale solar power plants and battery storage. Last year, the Israel Public Utility Authority for Electricity invited tenders for power plants and battery storage with capacities of over 100 MWh. Scalable and powerful energy management and SCADA solutions are needed for their operation and monitoring.
Avi Elkayam, chairman of El-Mor Renewables: “The cooperation of El-Mor and DHYBRID is creating a unique synergy effect. Through the cooperation with DHYBRID on utility scale SCADA solutions, El-Mor is able to extend its service portfolio, monitoring and operating energy storage and PV plants with a high level of flexibility and data depth down to the cell level in high resolution. The future-oriented control features of DHYBRID’s Energy Management System such as energy forecasting, battery state of charge optimization and advanced charge and discharge strategies ensure maximum system lifetime and economic viabiliy of our projects.“
“0 to 80 percent renewable energy in the grid is a common order of magnitude in our projects with storage connection. Utilities in transition to high shares of renewables in the electricity grid will face similar challenges as our microgrids, where high Renewable Energy penetration is common. DHYBRID has gained broad experience in this area in the past 10 years, and we have the right technology to meet this challenge”, says Tom Fricke, Head of Storage at DHYBRID.
About DHYBRID
DHYBRID is a specialized international solutions provider of renewable and hybrid energy systems for islands, industry and utilities with headquarters in Munich, Germany. The company offers turnkey solutions and individualized control systems for hybrid energy projects. DHYBRID combines conventional energy supplies such as diesel generators or utility grids with renewable energy systems and storage technology – perfectly controlled and comprehensively visualized.
Pressekontakt
Marja Anacker
TEL +49 89 899 481-112
MAIL m.anacker@dhybrid.de
Intersolar: aleo presents new premium solar panels from the LEO series
PRESS RELEASE – Prenzlau, Germany, 22 April 2022:
leo solar is presenting its new LEO premium panel series at Intersolar. The solar panels will be available as glass-foil panels for on-roof and in-roof installation. The roof-mounted panels feature one model which is one half-cell string shorter. Both panel sizes can be interconnected. Thanks to the flexible range of sizes, it is possible to optimise the use of space on almost any roof.
You can find press images here: https://www.aleo-solar.de/pressrelease/intersolar-aleo-zeigt-neue-premium-solarmodule-der-leo-serie/
The LEO family has a suitable panel for practically every application. The full-size flagship LEO panel (1,752 x 1,144 x 40 mm) with 108 half-cells made of monocrystalline silicon with a white back sheet delivers a peak output of 405 watts. The short model with 96 half-cells delivers 360 watts. The LEO black model with a black back sheet and identical dimensions is available for operators who require a consistent and elegant look for their solar plant.
High efficiency for the entire service life
aleo minimises series resistance by using silicon half-cells with ten busbars, thus maximising the efficiency of its premium panels. Instead of flat wires, thin, round wires are used, so that more light enters the cells.
The closely arranged busbars not only increase the efficiency, but also the durability of the panels by providing alternative current paths. aleo thus prevents a major cause of the diminishing output of solar panels over their service life. In addition, the tried-and-tested upright packaging method of the panels prevents damage and defects from occurring during transport.
Maximum solar power harvest with minimum ecological impact
aleo photovoltaic panels incorporate consistent climate protection right from the manufacturing stage. aleo produces its LEO solar panels in Germany. This ensures short transport distances. In addition, 100 percent of the electricity used for panel production comes from renewable energies. „For climate and environmental protection, it is important to achieve the highest possible solar power harvest over the years, whilst using as few resources as possible. That’s why we not only attach great importance to maximum efficiency, but also to the long service life of our panels“, says William Chen, CEO of aleo.
The LEO panels are also larger than their predecessors. This means that more solar power can be installed in less time. Nevertheless, they can withstand high snow loads (up to 8,100 Pa pressure) and storms (3,600 Pa suction). They are also certified for extreme conditions such as salt mist in coastal regions, desert regions or ammonia from animal sheds.
The principle of longevity also applies to the details. For example, aleo uses original MC4 connectors with MULTILAM technology. The spring-loaded contact fins ensure that the losses on the connectors remain low over the entire service life.
The 25-year product and performance guarantee underpins the long service life of LEO panels. In the event of a warranty claim, the company bears the whole cost of replacing the panels.
Diverse options for roof- and building integration
The LEO Sol in-roof variant also comes in all black, with a peak output of 330 watts and a size of 1,169 x 1,607 x 17 mm.
About aleo
aleo solar GmbH develops and produces high-performance modules at its site in Prenzlau (Germany) and is a system provider for the global photovoltaic market. With around 180 employees and manufacturing experience since 2001, the company has excellent know-how in module production.
Press contact
Miriam Machnik
aleo-Pressesprecherin
miriam.machnik@aleo-solar.de
Zimbabwe's Largest Tea Producer Implements Microgrid from DHYBRID and Blockpower
PRESS RELEASE
Zimbabwe’s Largest Tea Producer Implements Microgrid from DHYBRID and Blockpower
Project to be showcased at EM-Power in Munich, Germany, October 6-8, 2021
Harare (Zimbabwe)/Munich (Germany), September 30, 2021. Tanganda Tea Company Limited, Zimbabwe’s largest tea producer and one of the largest on the African continent, uses its own microgrids at Tingamira and Jersey sites for secure and environmentally friendly energy supply since July 2021. The system consists of a megawatt-class solar plant, a lithium-ion energy storage system, and three diesel generators. It was implemented by DHYBRID and its partner, South African renewable energy specialists Blockpower. In addition to tea and coffee, avocados, and macadamia nuts are grown on site.
You can find press images here: https://www.dhybrid.de/en/press-article/zimbabwes-largest-tea-producer-implements-microgrid-from-dhybrid-and-blockpower-30
“Sustainable production across the value chain is becoming increasingly important for companies like Tanganda. This includes a climate-friendly and reliable energy supply. Solar hybrid systems are an ideal solution for this: They minimise CO2 emissions and reduce operating costs at the same time,” says Tom Fricke, Head of Energy Storage at DHYBRID.
Payback Time Is Three to Four Years
The region in eastern Zimbabwe is remote and difficult to reach. By reducing diesel consumption and high transport costs, the investment in the new technology will pay for itself within three to four years. Compared to the previous energy supply, which relied on diesel generators and the unstable public power grid, CO2 emissions are reduced up to 6,000 tons per year.
DHYBRID’s energy management system, the Universal Power Platform (UPP) controls all major components: the 2.6 MWp PV system, a lithium-ion storage system with 980 kWh capacity and an output of 1,000 kW as well as several diesel generators used for back-up supply.
The system is designed to be scalable and can be expanded at any time to include additional energy generators and storage. The integrated SCADA solution allows the overall microgrid to be monitored and controlled, further consumption levels are displayed in real time.
“Here in Africa, we often have to deal with very heterogeneous energy systems that are moreover growing gradually. For this, we need a technology-open and very flexible energy management system,” says Kyle Bohnsack, Director of Blockpower. “DHYBRID’s UPP is an ideal solution that we can leverage through our regional expertise.“
DHYBRID will showcase the project from October 6-8, 2021, at EM-Power in Munich, Germany, booth B5 552.
About DHYBRID
DHYBRID is a specialized international solutions provider of renewable and hybrid energy systems for islands, industry and utilities with headquarters in Munich, Germany. The company offers turnkey solutions and individualized control systems for hybrid energy projects. DHYBRID combines conventional energy supplies such as diesel generators or utility grids with renewable energy systems and storage technology – perfectly controlled and comprehensively visualized.
https://www.dhybrid.de/en/home
Press Contact
Marja Anacker
TEL +49 89 899 481-112
MAIL m.anacker@dhybrid.de
KATEK increases market share for home storage inverters
PRESS RELEASE
KATEK increases market share for home storage inverters
Memmingen/Germany, 18 May 2021 – Leading electronics service provider KATEK has increased its market share for home storage inverters. Around 30 percent of all energy storage systems with a power output of up to 10 kW sold in Germany in 2020 were fitted with a KATEK inverter.
“With this market share, we are one of Germany’s leading inverter suppliers for the home storage segment. This success also stands for the performance and competitiveness of our development and manufacturing efforts in the Allgäu region”, says Werner Gut, director of the solar and energy division.
The company supplies various leading storage systems providers with single-phase and three-phase inverters for high and low voltage systems. At its Memmingen location, KATEK not only develops and manufactures OEM components, but also inverters that form part of the “Steca –A KATEK Brand.”
Technology platform enables flexible design
“One of the main driving forces behind the success of our inverters is the central technology platform used in all devices,” explains Werner Gut. This platform’s specific topology enables fully housing-independent cooling and thus particularly flexible product design. In addition, the Steca coolcept technology enables inverters to consistently yield highest peak efficiencies over the entire temperature range.
An additional advantage is the use of common, tried-and-tested assemblies for different inverters. This makes for a particularly advantageous price-performance ratio for users, as production and quality control can be optimised specifically for these assemblies. Whenever there are enhancements to one assembly, all devices benefit from these improvements. The platform design also allows for new functionality to be added particularly easily when needed.
New products planned for this year
KATEK launched a new development department for hybrid inverters back in January of this year. The team’s development efforts include energy management functionality, high voltage battery storage solutions and next-generation technology for residential buildings. “Our new development team will launch additional new solutions and products this year and help us strengthen our leadership position,” adds Werner Gut.
About KATEK
The KATEK Group is one of the leading electronics service providers in Europe and delivers solutions worldwide. Around 2,400 employees in Germany and Eastern Europe generate a turnover of about 350 million euros. The range of services encompasses the entire electronics assembly and product lifecycle – from development, material management and project management, production and testing through to logistics and after-sales.
Steca has been part of the KATEK brand portfolio since 2019. The division develops and manufactures high-end power electronics for inverters and energy storage systems as well as control systems for photovoltaic installations and fuel cell systems. It can look back on a 40-year history and was one of the pioneers of renewable energy solutions in Germany. Long-standing manufacturing and engineering expertise is at the heart of products that stand out for their high quality and excellent price-performance ratio. Production facilities are located in Memmingen (headquarters), Düsseldorf and Saedinenie, Bulgaria.
Press contact
German Lewizki
Tel. +49 30 – 221 83 82 50
german.lewizki@sunbeam-communications.com
Production starts in Europe’s first gigafactory for energy storage systems
Press Release
PI Berlin introduces deep dive quality assessment for lithium-ion battery production
Reducing risk for solar power plant operators and investors
Berlin/Germany, Marlborough/USA, June 16, 2020 – PI Berlin has developed a unique process that for the first time allows a deep dive assessment of the production quality of lithium-ion batteries used for solar energy storage. Since an energy storage system is only as good as the batteries which are used, the demand for reliable quality assessments has increased as the number of energy storage projects grows. Evaluating a complete energy storage system without an in-depth review of battery quality is often not sufficient to detect battery-related risks. Not only can battery performance sometimes lag far behind expectations, but poorly produced batteries can cause safety hazards in the field. PI Berlin’s new assessment process reveals weaknesses in battery production and provides specific risk mitigation advice for owners and investors.
Press images are available here www.pi-berlin.com/battery-diligence/
Global boom in the number of solar power storage projects
The number of solar energy storage projects is rising rapidly around the world, with international growth rates for photovoltaic storage reaching between 70 and 150 percent in recent years, according to BloombergNEF. Lithium-ion batteries have been the dominant technology to date. The number of battery manufacturers is also growing quickly, with many new suppliers based in Asia.
Risks resulting from battery production
“Batteries are the greatest performance risk in any energy storage system. Recent cases of system under-performance have highlighted this risk,” explains Ian Gregory, Managing Director of PI Berlin North America. Batteries are complex systems. The chemical electrolytes must be sufficiently pure, electrode coatings must be very uniform and all raw materials must be stored, processed and assembled at the right temperature and humidity.
Only if all manufacturing steps are carried out correctly will the battery be safe and provide reliable long-term performance. This in turn requires both highly specialized manufacturing processes and comprehensive quality control. “There is a lot of room for error on the path to the finished battery. Our assessment process is designed to identify these weaknesses.”
Factory audits examine 170 processes and materials
“International quality standards for battery manufacturing aren’t well developed, nor are they applied uniformly by the different manufacturers. Our factory audits check and benchmark over 170 processes and materials used in battery production,” explains Shaun Montminy, Technical Manager at PI Berlin. “We spent over 18 months developing this assessment process together with experts in battery chemistry and engineering. We have also incorporated our experience conducting more than 300 factory audits on other solar components.”
PI Berlin is offering the new service to all those who may be impacted by poorly-performing batteries, including the investors and owners of large solar power plants. This helps customers choose the right battery manufacturer while also ensuring they are able to proactively identify and manage risks in the batteries being purchased.
Independent quality audits
With its new production assessment, PI Berlin aims to support operators and investors of large solar plants around the world to systematically compare and benchmark battery manufacturers. To ensure independence, battery manufacturers cannot contract for audits with PI Berlin. They must be contracted by buyers or investors in order to avoid any conflict of interest. “However, a battery manufacturer can suggest an independent audit to its customers as a way of protecting their customers’ interests. It can also help convince banks and investors that a planned storage project will be safe and effective,” reports Gregory.
About PI Berlin
PI Berlin provides independent technical diligence and quality assurance services for
PV equipment and power plants. With an international team of over 60 engineers and scientists, the company offers a broad range of planning, inspection and evaluation services. Its focus is on risk management and quality assurance for complex solar systems.
PI Berlin has offices in Europe, the USA and China. To date, it has carried out more than 300 factory audits on over 125 manufacturers around the world with a total output of 90 gigawatts of solar power per year.
SolarBuyer, a leading provider of factory audits, merged with PI Berlin in 2018. PI Berlin was founded 14 years ago by the PV experts Prof. Dr. Stefan Krauter, Sven Lehmann and Dr. Paul Grunow, one of the founders of Solon and Q CELLS.
press contact
Benjamin Lippke
PI Berlin
Office.: +49 30 814 52 64 -117
Cell: +49 151 428 787 09
E-Mail: lippke@pi-berlin.com
Africa GreenTec launches corporate bond issue
news release | 6. Dezember 2017
Africa GreenTec issues corporate bond
10 million euros to finance solar containers in Mali
Hainburg, 6. Dezember 2017 – The start-up Africa GreenTec is issuing a corporate bond in the amount of 10 million euros. AHP Capital Management GmbH, Frankfurt am Main, has been tasked with placing the bond and will primarily target professional and institutional investors. Africa GreenTec will use the proceeds to finance the delivery and installation of mobile solar containers in Mali, thereby providing as many as 250,000 people with access to clean, cheap and reliable energy. The company is thus the only German private investor currently active in Mali, as it develops the first flexibly expandable network of mobile photovoltaic installations in the south of the country. It is also the first start-up to be rated by the Institute for Market, Environment and Society (imug) with regard to its positive contributions to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
The company’s vision for Africa is available at:
https://youtu.be/4vUWmAy2xdg
6.5% return on investment targeted
The bond will be issued by Africa GreenTec Asset GmbH and is available now. The power generated by the mobile power plants in Mali will be sold to local villagers at fair prices, with the proceeds being used to cover the costs of operating and maintaining the containers as well as for debt service. Africa GreenTec is the first start-up to receive both a TÜV Rheinland (German Technical Inspection Agency) certificate and an imug rating. The company also won the support of Heinz-Werner Binzel, former Chairman of the Board of RWE Solutions AG and current CEO of Africa GreenTec Asset GmbH, which is issuing the bond. “With our mobile, turnkey solar power plants, we offer an affordable, scalable and sustainable solution for energy problems outside of Africa’s larger cities”, said Binzel.
Despite the prevailing low interest rates, the bond offers 6.5% interest per annum, which is a comparatively high rate of return for Germany. Different benchmarks apply to projects in Africa, however. In Mali, for example, entrepreneurs often earn interest at rates of more than 20%, meaning that the expected rate of return on the bond is very conservative by African standards.
A pioneer in development cooperation
The solar containers were initially crowdfunded. As a co-founder of the green crowdfunding platform bettervest, Torsten Schreiber, Founder and CEO of Africa GreenTec, has access to a strong network in Germany in this area. “However, crowdfunding investors expect short project terms of around five years and higher interest rates than are offered by our current project. Infrastructure projects such as this one, which must be scalable, are therefore better aimed at institutional investors or family offices”, Schreiber explained.
As many refugee routes to Europe pass through Mali, the country is a key element of the German federal government’s strategy to address the causes of the refugee crisis where they occur. While political measures have not yet advanced past the planning stages, Torsten Schreiber sees opportunities for a completely new form of development cooperation: “The German armed forces are sending soldiers to Mali – Africa GreenTec is sending electricity and clean water.” Africa GreenTec is planning a comprehensive network of mobile solar containers, known as solartainers, which will be financed by the bond. “We aim to become Africa’s largest supplier of decentralised energy and water,” says Schreiber. The project in Mali will lay the foundation for achieving this goal.
Africa GreenTec was one of the first companies to see development cooperation as a process in which local residents participate as equals, and to use private funds to address the causes of the refugee crisis. Now an entire industry is taking this approach, and it is no longer uncommon for private investors to turn to crowdfunding campaigns for development cooperation.
Solar power for remote locations
12,000 villages in Mali alone have no access to electricity. The 40-foot containers from Africa GreenTec are equipped with a mobile 41 kilowatt-peak (kWp) photovoltaic installation and a 60 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery storage system, which lets residents store solar power for use after dark.
With temperatures as high as 45°C making it nearly impossible to work during the day, the solar container and storage system allow villagers to move their activities to the evening hours, when temperatures are cooler. Residents use the electricity to power small electrical devices and lights. This gives schoolchildren the opportunity to learn even after dark, while small businesses and tradespeople can take advantage of sewing machines or refrigerators to offer better products.
In contrast to diesel engines, renewable energy provides residents with a cheaper, cleaner and quieter source of power. While diesel-generated electricity can cost as much as 1 euro per kWh, the solartainer provides villagers with power for around 22 cents per kWh, thereby freeing them from reliance on diesel deliveries, which are often affected by delays or retroactive price increases.
About Africa GreenTec
The mission of the social enterprise founded by Aida and Torsten Schreiber is to drive an effective energy transition in Africa using innovative technology and ideas. The company has won various awards, including the Climate-KIC award, the Handelsblatt Energy Award in the category Start-up, and the pv magazine award. Over their lifetime, the couple hopes to provide at least three million people with electricity and clean water.
www.africagreentec.com
Press contact
Caroline Post
Tel. +49 30 221 83 82 83
Mobil: +49 0176 87 55 93 80
caroline.post@sunbeam-communications.com
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Forum Neue Energiewelt: Success through sector coupling
news release | 24. Oktober 2017
New conference formats promote exchange
Berlin, 24. Oktober 2017 – This year’s Forum Neue Energiewelt is focused on opportunities to effectively connect energy production, energy distribution, heating and mobility. Accordingly, the 18th edition of the leading conference for renewable energies is once again introducing new formats in order to bring together stakeholders from the old and new energy worlds. The conference is organized by Solarpraxis Neue Energiewelt AG and will take place on November 16 and 17 at the Maritim proArte Hotel in Berlin.
The programme and further information can be found at https://www.neue-energiewelt.de
This year’s forum is centered on promoting exchange between decision-makers from all sectors of the energy industry in order to drive forward the current key issue of sector coupling while also identifying new business areas and sustainable business models. To do this, more direct contact among industry stakeholders is needed: “Again and again we see that many people in the industry continue to think only in terms of friends or foes,” says Karl-Heinz Remmers, Chairman of the Board of the organizer Solarpraxis Neue Energiewelt AG. “But if the energy transition is to be successful, we must talk to one another far more often and overcome the barriers in our heads.”
The marketplace of the energy industry
With its new formats, the Forum Neue Energiewelt continues to encourage marketplace-style exchange, where players from different sectors come together and provide one another with new impulses. The highlights of the current program include panel discussions with CEOs and politicians as well as a pitch round featuring the start-ups that won over the public at the Digital Energy World Conference and now have the opportunity to present their ideas.
Countless so-called satellite slots offer participants the option to further explore some of the individual topics of the new energy world with experts from renowned companies and also take a look at the big picture. There will be plenty of time between the panels for participants to network and exchange information and ideas.
The Forum Neue Energiewelt 2017 will take place on November 16 and 17 at the Maritim proArte Hotel (Friedrichstraße 151, 10117 Berlin).
Event partner Vattenfall is holding a prize draw for five tickets for energy start-ups. To enter, send an application with a brief description and logo to: falkschneider@neue-energiewelt.de
The Solarpraxis Neue Energiewelt AG
Solarpraxis Neue Energiewelt AG is a shaper of the Energiewende and a pioneer for the solar branch. With the continual merge of the conventional and new energy worlds, we, as knowledge service providers and a contact platform, seek to motivate, inspire and disseminate market knowledge to everyone involved. We busy ourselves with the markets, the business models and the political frameworks. Our core competence is the organization of popular branch get-togethers, like the “Forum Neue Energiewelt”, Europe’s biggest business-oriented conference for renewable energies. As the technical developments proceed forth dynamically, we are rethinking the systems approach in a new manner daily and give the impulse for change.
Information under www.neue-energiewelt.de
Contact:
Falk Schneider
Solarpraxis Neue Energiewelt AG
Tel: +49 (0)30 72 62 96-315,
E-Mail: falk.schneider@neue-energiewelt.de