NAIROBI, Kenya, February 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --
- 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 Schäfer 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 Schäfer 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 Schäfer, Klaus Leyendecker, René Médawar
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
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