SOLON to build the world's biggest roof-mounted photovoltaic system in Padua, Italy

The Italian photovoltaic company SOLON S.p.A and the logistics firm Interporto di Padova today signed an agreement to erect the world's largest photovoltaic roof-mounted system in Padua, Italy. According to the agreement, Interporto di Padova will provide 250,000 m² of space on the rooftop of its logistics center for the construction of this power station. With a nominal capacity of 15 MWp, the PV system will generate 17 million kWh of power per year. Construction is to begin in September of this year. SOLON S.p.A. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Berlin-based SOLON SE.

Domenico Sartore, CEO of SOLON S.p.A., drew attention to the regional roots of the project partners: "We are pooling our energies together to help promote environmental protection and increase job security in the region of Veneto through the production and use of clean photovoltaic power." The project will employ up to 450 people. Approximately 67,500 modules will be manufactured locally by SOLON S.p.A. and then installed on 250,000 m² of rooftop space. Upon completion the power station is expected to generate enough energy for 5,000 households, which will result in emissions savings of 9,000 metric tons of CO2 or about 3,200 metric tons of crude oil.

This subsidiary of SOLON SE has over 15 years of experience in the Italian photovoltaic market and generated sales of 162 million euros in 2008. It employs 160 people and operates automated production lines with the total capacity of 100 MW. As the market leader in Italy, SOLON S.p.A. serves as a solar power plant provider and manufactures its own solar modules in Carmigiano di Brenta.