Kolitzheim: BELECTRIC has signed a comprehensive new funding structure with its existing banking consortium lead by UniCredit Bank AG. Despite the challenging economic climate within the industry, BELECTRIC was able to increase its funding framework by 30 percent. In addition to the currently financing UniCredit Bank AG and Commerzbank AG new banks like HSH Nordbank AG, IKB Deutsche Industriebank AG and Bayerische Landesbank have agreed to join the consortium, thus spreading the funding over a broader base. Crucial to the successful outcome of the negotiations were the extremely positive business development and the company's market position. The new agreement gives BELECTRIC the sound financial footing it requires to continue pursuing its sustainable and efficient strategy for growth.

"The new credit facility means we have not only improved our funding structure, but have also adapted it to provide the perfect solution for our business model," explained Michael Belschak, Chief Financial Officer of BELECTRIC Holding GmbH, on signing the new agreement. He continued:"It strengthens the global competitiveness of BELECTRIC and allows us to respond even more quickly and flexibly to new growth markets." BELECTRIC is one of the most successful international enterprises in the development and construction of utilityscale ground-mounted solar power plants and roof-mounted photovoltaic systems. As an international company, BELECTRIC is represented in more than 20 countries. Its position as technology leader is a result of the high degree of vertical integration in the development and manufacturing processes. The combination of economical and ecological interests has always been the basis for the sustainable success of our nearly 1,750 employees. BELECTRIC demonstrates its great innovative spirit, with over 100 active patents

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Munich/Kolitzheim: Highly efficient, standardized and grid-integrated. BELECTRIC underlines its position as a global technology and innovation leader in ground-mounted solar power plant construction with the unveiling of the 3.0 MegaWattBlock. For the first time this new type of solar power plant produces electricity to the same level of cost and functionality as large conventional power plants. The 3.0 MegaWattBlock uses a maximum voltage of 1500 Volt. Developed in co-operation with GE and PADCON, the 1500 V inverter system reduces system and maintenance costs. A material-saving design, highest levels of quality and exceptional surface area efficiency make the new 3.0 MegaWattBlock a global benchmark in the generation of solar power. The refined modular design is the result of many years of experience in the construction of ground-mounted solar power plants as well as intensive research into the components and the system design. BELECTRIC recently completed the first 3.0 MegaWattBlock Standard solar power plant. "The most modern and efficient ground-mounted solar power plant in the world was built in Bavaria. This is where the evolution in design meets the revolution in power plant technology. However, even during the planning stage nothing less than the global market was in our sights: the block design is suitable for every country and every energy market. Once again BELECTRIC has proven its technological leadership and has developed a solution to meet the needs and requirements of power supply companies around the world," is how BELECTRIC CEO Bernhard Beck explains the intelligent power plant technology. The new power plant unit generates electricity for the lowest levelized cost of energy (LCOE) based on currently available materials and technology. In developing the new system technology, the power plant designers had a clear focus: on system efficiency, quick realization and reliability. A reliable, cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy supply has been raised to the next level by the new 3.0 MegaWattBlock Standard from BELECTRIC.

About BELECTRIC®: BELECTRIC is one of the most successful international enterprises in the development and construction of utility-scale ground-mounted solar power plants and roof-mounted photovoltaic systems. As an international company, BELECTRIC is represented in 20 countries. Its position as technology leader is a result of the high degree of vertical integration in the development and manufacturing processes. The combination of economical and ecological interests has always been the basis for the sustainable success of our 1,750 employees. BELECTRIC demonstrates its great innovative spirit, with over 100 active patents. Alongside solar power generation, BELECTRIC Drive® concentrates on the combination of photovoltaics and e-mobility. Further information can be found at www.belectric.com.

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Kolitzheim/Templin: BELECTRIC has successfully connected the largest and most state-of-the-art Thin-Film ground-mounted solar power plant in Europe to the energy grid in Templin, Brandenburg. With an installed nominal power of 128 MWp, the power plant on the largest former Russian military airfield, Gross Dölln, will play an important role in supplying greater Berlin with renewable energy. Thanks to integrated dynamic reactive power control, the latest generation of solar power plants can considerably improve the stability of the power grids. This means that more energy can be transported in the existing grids, the need for grid expansion is reduced, and consumers can benefit from a significant reduction in their energy bills. "Decentralized solar power plants will play a decisive role in the future structure of the power market in Germany. Power from plants like this is the most economical method of generating power from solar energy. At present, we have almost reached the power production cost level of onshore wind," explained Bernhard Beck, Chief Executive Officer of BELECTRIC Solarkraftwerke GmbH.

In total, over 1.5 million thin-film modules from the manufacturer First Solar and 114 central inverters from the manufacturer SMA were installed in Templin. In a single year, the solar power plant generates more than 120 million kilowatt hours of power, which corresponds to the annual consumption of almost 36,000 households. This saves around 90,000 tons of the climate-damaging greenhouse gas CO2 every year.

"I am extremely pleased that the Templin solar power plant has now been connected to the grid. Thanks to the excellent cooperation with our long-standing partners First Solar and SMA and the tremendous support from the town of Templin and the Uckermark administrative district, we were able to construct the power plant in just four months," said Martin Zembsch, Chief Sales Officer of BELECTRIC Solarkraftwerke GmbH. "Special recognition should also be given to the over 400 BELECTRIC employees who carried out construction of the plant professionally and within the set budget and time schedule. Our thanks also go to the involved authorities and to the network operator EON EDIS, who gave us their absolute support from the very first day of planning." For this solar power plant, BELECTRIC once again worked together with Dusseldorf-based COMMERZREAL: "This project is a further milestone in the long-term partnership that includes almost 50 joint projects over the past five years," explained Martin Zembsch. The mandated lead arrangers for the long-term debt financing are Bayerische Landesbank and UniCredit, which in the past have structured other major BELECTRIC projects in Germany and abroad together with the respective investor.

Stefan Degener, Head of Business Development Europe at First Solar, added: "As the leading global manufacturer of thin-film solar modules, we are pleased that First Solar modules form a significant part of this successful and important project. The project underscores our technology's power to compete in solar power plants. Large ground-mounted photovoltaic plants not only contribute to stable power supply, they also ensure power supply at stable prices over the long term."

About BELECTRIC®: BELECTRIC is one of the most successful international enterprises in the development and construction of ground-mounted solar power plants and roof-mounted photovoltaic systems. As an international company, BELECTRIC is represented in 18 countries. Its position as technology leader is a result of the high degree of vertical integration in the development and manufacturing processes. The combination of economical and ecological interests has always been the basis for the sustainable success of our nearly 2,000 employees. BELECTRIC demonstrates its great innovative spirit, with over 100 patents filed every year. Alongside solar power generation, BELECTRIC Drive® concentrates on the combination of photovoltaics and e-mobility. Further information can be found at www.belectric.com.

About First Solar: First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) manufactures solar modules using an advanced semiconductor coating process that significantly reduces the cost of solar power. Thanks to the ability to produce affordable, clean, renewable energy, First Solar offers an economical alternative to conventionally produced power and the associated dependence on fossil fuels, the emission of greenhouse gases, and network requirements based on peak times. You can find further information about First Solar at www.firstsolar.com.

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Kolitzheim: BELECTRIC Solarkraftwerke GmbH has become a member of the Verband der Bayerischen Energie- und Wasserwirtschaft e.V. (VBEW; Bavarian Energy and Water Association) and the Bundesverband der Energie- und Wasserwirtschaft (BDEW; German Association of Energy and Water Industries). Through its membership, BELECTRIC seeks to encourage dialog on important aspects regarding the economical and sustainable realization of the energy turnaround between all the parties involved. "Lowering the cost of solar power generation through continuous innovation is the foundation of our company's long-term development strategy," said Bernhard Beck, CEO of BELECTRIC Solar Kraftwerke GmbH, explaining the company's philosophy. "With the development of grid-stabilizing solar power plants, we are showing that solar power is on a par in terms of system responsibility with the functionality of conventional large power plants and that renewable energy sources can therefore be intelligently integrated in the existing power grids."

"I am very pleased that BELECTRIC decided to become a member. The BDEW considers itself to be an integrative point of contact in the energy supply industry for politics, the general public, and companies, covering all sectors, value-added steps, and organizational forms. In future, the focus will be on the increased integration of companies from the renewable energy sources sector to get them involved in comprehensive solutions for important issues relating to the future of energy provision. In this regard, BELECTRIC has been a role model for a considerable length of time," explained Hildegard Müller, Chairwoman of the General Executive Management Board of BDEW. She also explained that, thanks to the expertise in the various areas covered by the BDEW, it was possible to utilize the learning effects between the sectors and value-added steps. "This allows us to offer companies in the renewable energy sources sector real added value in comparison to an association that deals with just one sector. The BDEW recently established an administrative department for renewable energy sources to allow for the increasing importance of regenerative companies," said Hildegard Müller.

As the state association of the BDEW, the VBEW represents the interests of over 360 member companies in Bavaria from the power, gas, district heating, water, and sewage management sectors. Its members include municipal companies and medium-sized enterprises as well as larger group companies. The overarching aim of the VBEW is to create the optimum framework conditions for economical, future-oriented, sustainable, and consumer-friendly power and water supply in Bavaria. The German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW), Berlin, represents around 1,800 companies across sectors and value-added steps. Its members range from local and municipal companies through to regional and cross-regional companies. It represents around 90 percent of the sales volume for power, just over 60 percent of the sales volume for local and district heating, 90 percent of the sales volume for natural gas, 80 percent of drinking water production, and around one third of sewage disposal in Germany.

About BELECTRIC®: BELECTRIC is one of the most successful international enterprises in the development and construction of ground-mounted solar power plants and roof-mounted photovoltaic systems. As an international company, BELECTRIC is represented in 18 countries. Its position as technology leader is a result of the high degree of vertical integration in the development and manufacturing processes. The combination of economical and ecological interests has always been the basis for the sustainable success of our over 2,000 employees. BELECTRIC demonstrates its great innovative spirit, with over 100 patents filed every year. Alongside solar power generation, BELECTRIC Drive® concentrates on the combination of photovoltaics and e-mobility.
Visit www.belectric.com for further information.

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Kolitzheim: Günther Oettinger, European Commissioner for Energy in the European Commission, and Dr. Anja Weisgerber, spokesperson on environmental policy for the Christian Social Union (CSU) party in the European Parliament, met with Bernhard Beck, Chief Executive Officer of BELECTRIC Solarkraftwerke GmbH, to find out about the latest developments in solar power plant technology.

"In the expansion of renewable energy sources at European level, it is absolutely essential to take the transportation costs to the consumers into consideration in addition to how much it costs to produce," said Bernhard Beck, explaining BELECTRIC's point of view. "Selecting the right site for a solar power plant can drastically reduce production and transportation costs – as well as the need for grid expansion. However, politics must create the right framework conditions for this, especially with regard to making area coverage more flexible. This would put municipalities in a position to once again allocate areas for solar power plants and allow them to be operated by regional energy cooperatives, for example."

After the meeting, Dr. Anja Weisgerber emphasized the importance of guaranteeing the supply of efficient and environmentally friendly power: "When it comes to realizing the energy turnaround, Bavaria has taken on a pioneering role. We aim to double the proportion of energy from renewable sources in the next ten years. In Bavaria today, 30 percent of the energy requirement is already met by energy from climate-friendly sources, whereas the figure for Germany as a whole is just 23 percent. Our local companies make a decisive contribution to ensuring that the provision of power in Bavaria will remain secure, affordable, and environmentally friendly in the future. I am very pleased that BELECTRIC is actively implementing these targets through innovative photovoltaic solutions. The company also impressively demonstrates that ecology and economics do not have to be a contradiction in terms."

About BELECTRIC®: BELECTRIC is one of the leading international enterprises in the development and construction of ground-mounted solar power plants and roof-mounted photovoltaic systems. BELECTRIC’s market position is a result of the high degree of vertical integration in the development and manufacturing processes. The company employs over 2,000 people across the globe in areas such as research, plant construction, and maintenance. The majority of BoS components – such as cabling and energy distribution systems, inverter technology, control systems, and substructures – are manufactured in house. This unique selling point means that BELECTRIC is able to adapt the individual components perfectly to their application, reducing the costs per kWh generated (LCOE) over the long term and ensuring the provision of reliable and efficient plant technology. Engineers and technicians conduct interdisciplinary research in all areas of photovoltaics and develop innovative technology that forms the basis for the environmentally friendly power supply of the future. Among other things, state-of-the-art power plant technology supports our existing network infrastructure through the provision of grid services and thereby contributes to financial relief in the energy sector. BELECTRIC demonstrates its great innovative spirit, with over 100 patents filed every year. Alongside solar power generation, BELECTRIC Drive® concentrates on the combination of photovoltaics and e-mobility. Further information can be found at www.belectric.com.

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Kolitzheim/Würzburg: For the third time, the “Deutschland Stipendium” (Germany Scholarship) was awarded by the University of Würzburg to gifted and high-achieving students from all parts of society. In his opening speech, the President of the University of Würzburg, Prof. Alfred Forchel, praised the commitment and ability of the young scholarship holders. He considers the scholarship to be an important contribution to the promotion of emerging academics and consequently for the promotion of future specialists and executives for the “Mainfranken” region. Forchel also expressed his gratitude for the commitment of the companies that made possible the annual scholarship of €3,600 per student. For BELECTRIC Solarkraftwerke GmbH, participation in this Federal Ministry programme for education and research goes without saying. “The topic of education, and in particular the promotion of young talent in the “Mainfranken” region, is of the utmost importance to BELECTRIC. In addition to their high motivation and eagerness to learn, it is also important that they take on responsibility for themselves and others in the social and socio-political sphere. The “Deutschland Stipendium” offers students the opportunity to remain active in these areas, in addition to concentrating on their studies,” explains Bernhard Beck, CEO, BELECTRIC Solarkraftwerke GmbH.

The students sponsored by BELECTRIC are Pascal Nigge, studying Nanostructure Technology, and Heinrich Leicht, studying Technology of Functional Materials. During his research year at the University of California, Berkeley, Mr Nigge dealt intensively with the development of innovative materials. These can be applied in practice in the fields of energy storage, photovoltaics and e-mobility, among others. Mr Leicht, who already successfully took part as a school pupil in “Jugend forscht” (a German youth science competition) with the project “Solarzellen aus Tee” (Solar cells made from tea), also has a connection to the topic of renewable energy.

“It is encouraging to know that globally active companies like BELECTRIC are also regionally rooted and active at this level” highlighted both students at the award ceremony.

Über BELECTRIC®: BELECTRIC is one of the market leading companies in the development and construction of ground-mounted solar power plants and roof-mounted photovoltaic systems. BELECTRIC’s position as market leader is due to the high degree of vertical integration in the development and manufacturing processes. The company employs over 2,000 people across the globe in areas such as research, plant construction, and maintenance. The majority of BoS components – such as cabling and energy distribution systems, inverter technology, control systems, and substructures – are manufactured in house. This unique selling point means that BELECTRIC is able to adapt the individual components perfectly to their application, reducing the costs per kWh generated (LCOE) over the long term and ensuring the provision of reliable and efficient plant technology. Engineers and technicians conduct interdisciplinary research in all areas of photovoltaics and develop innovative technology that forms the basis for the environmentally friendly power supply of the future. Among other things, state-of-the-art power plant technology supports our existing network infrastructure through the provision of grid services and thereby contributes to financial relief in the energy sector. BELECTRIC demonstrates its great innovative spirit, with over 100 patents filed every year. Alongside solar power generation, BELECTRIC Drive® concentrates on the combination of photovoltaics and e-mobility. Further information can be found at www.belectric.com.

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Kolitzheim: BELECTRIC Solarkraftwerke GmbH, together with the association partners consisting of E-Werk Mainbernheim, Fraunhofer ISE, Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz, Kisters AG, Lemonage GmbH and BELECTRIC Drive, has launched the INTELLAN project. The primary objective of this development and research project is cost-effective and network-friendly charging from renewable energy sources. It is sponsored by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. BELECTRIC Solarkraftwerke GmbH is taking responsibility for this as the consortium leader. The extensive further development of the previous “charging points” into an intelligent charging infrastructure within a networked system is the focus of the development. In concrete terms, this means the electronics of the charging infrastructure will be further developed to make e-mobility as part of the energy turnover possible in a cost-efficient manner. By means of local load management (LLM), the intelligent charging infrastructure allows the distribution network to be significantly relieved. Interfaces to “Smart Home” and “Smart Grid” structures should be possible thanks to the integration of the charging infrastructure into the existing concepts for invoicing, peak load avoidance and load profile management. Electric vehicles will consequently become an important component in terms of network stabilization and integration, as well as energy storage.

“The INTELLAN project represents a decisive step ahead for the topic of e-mobility. The appointment of BELECTRIC as the consortium leader by the Federal Ministry of the Environment is confirmation of our successful work in all areas of the renewable energy market. Together with the experienced and technically highly innovative partners from the economic sphere and the field of research and development, we are in an excellent position”, says Bernhard Beck, CEO, BELECTRIC, explaining the significance of the research project. Since the company was founded in 2009, BELECTRIC Drive has been an active pioneer in the development and production of the intelligent charging infrastructure, combining photovoltaics and e-mobility. This should make an environmentally friendly form of mobility a possibility. Over 100 charging points have already been installed for our customers. The further development of the charging box is aimed at reducing the costs per charging point. A host of technical innovations have already been implemented to this purpose. Maintenance costs are reduced by the Plug & Play mechanism and self-resetting fuses. The BELECTRIC web portal provides the user with a cost-effective management and invoicing option. The modular design of the hardware and software creates a platform for upgrades and new developments.

You can find up-to-date information on the INTELLAN project (in German) at: www.intellan.de 

About BELECTRIC®:BELECTRIC is one of the market leading companies in the development and construction of ground-mounted solar power plants and roof-mounted photovoltaic systems. BELECTRIC’s position as market leader is due to the high degree of vertical integration in the development and manufacturing processes. The company employs over 2,000 people across the globe in areas such as research, plant construction, and maintenance. The majority of BoS components – such as cabling and energy distribution systems, inverter technology, control systems, and substructures – are manufactured in house. This unique selling point means that BELECTRIC is able to adapt the individual components perfectly to their application, reducing the costs per kWh generated (LCOE) over the long term and ensuring the provision of reliable and efficient plant technology. Engineers and technicians conduct interdisciplinary research in all areas of photovoltaics and develop innovative technology that forms the basis for the environmentally friendly power supply of the future. Among other things, state-of-the-art power plant technology supports our existing network infrastructure through the provision of grid services and thereby contributes to financial relief in the energy sector. BELECTRIC demonstrates its great innovative spirit, with over 100 patents filed every year. Further information can be found at www.belectric.com.

About BELECTRIC Drive: BELECTRIC Drive is part of the international BELECTRIC Group and based in the Innovation Centre Kitzingen. The objective of BELECTRIC Drive is to combine photovoltaics with e-mobility – thus making environmentally friendly mobility possible. BELECTRIC Drive designs and manufactures the intelligent charging infrastructure that is necessary to achieve this aim. Further information can be found at www.belectric-drive.com.

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Kolitzheim: On October 27, the German Solar Prize 2012 was awarded to BELECTRIC Solarkraftwerke GmbH at an award ceremony held in Wuppertal’s historic Stadthalle town hall. The prize has been awarded by Eurosolar since 1994 to municipalities, companies, local organizations, associations, and individuals in recognition of innovative projects and dedicated pioneers in the field of renewable energy sources. The panel of judges selected a winner for each of the five categories from a total of 120 applications and recommendations. “The prizewinners are important, hands-on role models on the path to full supply from renewable sources,” said Prof. Peter Droege, President of Eurosolar e.V., highlighting the significance of the award.
BELECTRIC received the German Solar Prize in the category “Industrial, commercial, or agricultural businesses/companies” for the innovative technology behind the “sustainable stabilization of power grids through the dynamic provision of reactive power”. “With its innovative concept, BELECTRIC is setting an example by showing that the technology of today’s ground-mounted solar power plants is already in a position to provide reactive power around the clock and to stabilize voltage. This is an indispensable component for system stability in a grid with a high number of regenerative energy sources. Especially in light of the current debate on the cost, it is an exemplary way of reducing the estimated grid expansion and therefore reducing the cost of the energy turnaround by a considerable margin,” reasoned the judges.

“From the very beginning, BELECTRIC focused on how best to integrate solar power in the power grids. With the development of grid-stabilizing solar power plants, we are showing that solar power is on a par in terms of system responsibility with the functionality of conventional large power plants and thereby integrates renewable energy sources intelligently in the existing power grids,” said Bernhard Beck, Chief Executive Officer of BELECTRIC Solarkraftwerke GmbH, explaining the company philosophy. “The award is proof that our company and all our employees are on the right path; investment in research and development has always formed the basis of our dealings. BELECTRIC will continue to assume an innovative pioneering role in the sector to establish solar power as a cheap and effective alternative to fossil fuels.”

Johannes Remmel, North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister for Climate Protection, the Environment, Agriculture, Nature Conservation, and Consumer Protection, encouraged BELECTRIC on this path: “We need good examples for the energy turnaround. Nothing is more motivating than actually putting a theory into practice. That’s why the Solar Prize is so important for the success of this project to convert power supply to regenerative energy sources, a project that concerns each and every one of us.”

About BELECTRIC®: BELECTRIC is the global market leader (2010 & 2011) in the development and construction of ground-mounted solar power plants and roof-mounted photovoltaic systems. BELECTRIC’s position as market leader is due to the high degree of vertical integration in the development and manufacturing processes. The company employs over 2,000 people across the globe in areas such as research, plant construction, and maintenance. The majority of BoS components – such as cabling and energy distribution systems, inverter technology, control systems, and substructures – are manufactured in house. This unique selling point means that BELECTRIC is able to adapt the individual components perfectly to their application, reducing the costs per kWh generated (LCOE) over the long term and ensuring the provision of reliable and efficient plant technology. Engineers and technicians conduct interdisciplinary research in all areas of photovoltaics and develop innovative technology that forms the basis for the environmentally friendly power supply of the future. Among other things, state-of-the-art power plant technology supports our existing network infrastructure through the provision of grid services and thereby contributes to financial relief in the energy sector. BELECTRIC demonstrates its great innovative spirit, with over 100 patents filed every year. Alongside solar power generation, BELECTRIC Drive® concentrates on the combination of photovoltaics and e-mobility. Further information can be found at www.belectric.com.

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Kolitzheim/Nürnberg: BELECTRIC, the global market leader (2010 & 2011) in the development and construction of ground-mounted solar power plants and roof-mounted photovoltaic systems, has taken over Konarka Technologies GmbH. The group was the leading manufacturer of “Power Plastic,” a thin, film-like organic photovoltaic material with a low weight and a wide range of uses. The German subsidiary of the US company Konarka Technologies Inc. applied for insolvency shortly after its parent company around the mid-point of the year and opened negotiations with several investors. An agreement has now been reached with the leading systems integrator BELECTRIC, which is based in Kolitzheim (Bavaria). Alexander Kubusch, preliminary insolvency administrator from Curator AG, was pleased with how the sale of Konarka Technologies GmbH progressed: “Right from the start, our negotiations with BELECTRIC were highly constructive and focused on finding a solution. As a result, our talks have now reached a successful conclusion. Of the many interested parties, we ultimately opted for BELECTRIC Holding GmbH, because this company not only offered an ideal solution to the issue of business operations but also went a long way toward upholding the interests of creditors. We have therefore managed to secure excellent future prospects both for the employees that had been affected by the insolvency and for the company’s clients and partners.”

As BELECTRIC OPV GmbH, the whole team headed by former Director of European Operations and current CEO Dr. Ralph Pätzold will work closely with headquarters in Kolitzheim to build further on its successful work on innovative photovoltaic technology at the Nürnberg site; this will include research, development and production as well as international distribution of the printed photovoltaic cells. Michael Belschak, CFO of BELECTRIC Holding GmbH, explained how the company’s product range will be an excellent addition to BELECTRIC Holding’s own portfolio. “We will use Power Plastic wherever conventional modules aren’t a suitable solution. Particularly in facade construction and in the automotive sector, the highly flexible and pliable material can be used in a variety of ways to save energy cost-effectively. And we have already received some inquiries from the consumer segment, where there is also great interest in the product.” BELECTRIC OPV will continue to enhance the product over the coming year. The first phase will see the increase of the service life of the organic solar cells and various tests will be performed. Michael Belschak is expecting the first revenue to be generated as early as the second half of 2013. Commenting on the successful transaction, the CEO of BELECTRIC Holding said, “The smooth, rapid way in which the takeover progressed – which was due in no small part to the fruitful collaboration with the preliminary insolvency administrator Mr. Kubusch – enabled us to maintain all our existing business relationships without any restrictions and start working together immediately.”

About BELECTRIC®: BELECTRIC is the global market leader (2010 & 2011) in the development and construction of ground-mounted solar power plants and roof-mounted photovoltaic systems. BELECTRIC’s position as market leader is due to the high degree of vertical integration in the development and manufacturing processes. The company employs over 2,000 people across the globe in areas such as research, plant construction, and maintenance. The majority of BoS components – such as cabling and energy distribution systems, inverter technology, control systems, and substructures – are manufactured in house. This unique selling point means that BELECTRIC is able to adapt the individual components perfectly to their application, reducing the costs per kWh generated (LCOE) over the long term and ensuring the provision of reliable and efficient plant technology. Engineers and technicians conduct interdisciplinary research in all areas of photovoltaics and develop innovative technology that forms the basis for the environmentally friendly power supply of the future. Among other things, state-of-the-art power plant technology supports our existing network infrastructure through the provision of grid services and thus helps cut costs in the energy sector. BELECTRIC demonstrates its great innovative spirit by filing over 100 patents every year. Alongside solar power generation, BELECTRIC Drive® works to consolidate the links between photovoltaics and e-mobility. More information at www.belectric.com.

About BELECTRIC OPV: Headquartered in Nürnberg, BELECTRIC OPV GmbH develops and manufactures organic solar cells and focuses on the commercialization of these solutions. Organic solar cells are flexible, pliable and transparent and are manufactured from recyclable materials. Their efficiency levels of over 9 percent have been verified by independent laboratories and they are characterized by an excellent low-light performance compared with alternative technologies. Power is generated via organic carbon-based semiconductors, which produce energy in printed OPV modules under the influence of light. The solar cells are printed in different formats and designs using the cost-efficient roll-to-roll method. BELECTRIC OPV’s research and development also focuses on cell development, printing-related implementation and product development, including the integration of OPV cells into existing products. OPV technology owes its origins to Nobel Prize winner Dr. Alan Heeger and his discoveries.

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Valderoure/Kolitzheim: On August 21 in the commune of Valderoure, the French subsidiary of the global market leader in photovoltaic system integration, BELECTRIC, officially inaugurated the region's first ground-mounted solar power plant. In the presence of the mayor and several regional politicians, BELECTRIC employees – who were involved in the design and implementation of the power plant – gave the guests a guided tour of the solar power plant as well as information about the performance of the plant and general information on BELECTRIC as a company. The solar power plant with an installed output of 1.86 MWp was erected on an area covering 5.5 ha and is a prime example of the Franco-German cooperation. The 24,000 First Solar modules installed generate an annual power production of approximately 2.8 million kWh, which corresponds to the average annual power consumption of around 600 households, saving the environment almost 2,500 tons of CO₂ per year.

The integration of the solar power plant in the landscape was given top priority. A standing committee with representatives from all the responsible environmental agencies accompanied the project in every construction phase. The open and honest cooperation proved successful in particular during the preparation of the site, which is a sensitive phase in terms of flora and fauna. The positive cooperation will also be an advantage in terms of the educational nature trail that is still to be constructed. Jochen Meyer, Managing Director of BELECTRIC France, summarized his enthusiasm in one sentence: "This project is an excellent example of the positive cooperation between BELECTRIC's excellent technical, personal, and financial competences and the pronounced desire of the local representatives of the commune to set up an environmentally friendly and sustainable power supply in this region."

About BELECTRIC^®: BELECTRIC is the global market leader (2010 & 2011) in the development and construction of ground-mounted solar power plants and roof-mounted photovoltaic systems. BELECTRIC's position as market leader is due to the high degree of vertical integration in the development and manufacturing processes. The company employs over 2,000 people across the globe in areas such as research, plant construction and maintenance. The majority of BoS components – such as cabling and energy distribution systems, inverter technology, control systems and substructures – are manufactured in house. This unique selling point means that BELECTRIC is able to adapt the individual components perfectly to their application, reducing the costs per kWh generated (LCOE) over the long term and ensuring the provision of reliable and efficient plant technology. Engineers and technicians conduct interdisciplinary research in all areas of photovoltaics and develop innovative technology that forms the basis for the environmentally friendly power supply of the future. Among other things, state-of-the-art power plant technology supports our existing network infrastructure through the provision of grid services and thereby contributes to financial relief in the energy sector. With an average of over 25 patents filed every year, BELECTRIC continuously puts its great innovative spirit to the test. Alongside solar power generation, BELECTRIC Drive® concentrates on the combination of photovoltaics and e-mobility. Further information can be found at www.belectric.com.

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Kolitzheim: BELECTRIC, the global market leader in photovoltaic system integration, connected the world's first solar power plant with 1500 volt operation to the grid at the end of June. This achievement represents a technological quantum leap in solar power plant technology. The ground-mounted solar power plant was developed and constructed over the past months. The project was financed by Deutsche Kreditbank AG. The 1500 volt inverter station was provided by PADCON GmbH, a company specializing in state-of-the-art energy distribution systems and plant monitoring. The liquid-cooled outdoor central inverters were manufactured by Power Conversion, a Berlin-based division of GE Energy, and work with a maximum DC input voltage of 1500 volts. Power Conversion and PADCON worked together to integrate the inverters into the system.

For over ten years, BELECTRIC has developed and constructed solar power plants that have proven themselves the world over to be highly economical and efficient. BELECTRIC's market launch of the 1500 volt technology once again proves the company's position as market leader and reinforces its technological leadership in the solar power plant arena. The new type of power plant developed by BELECTRIC is the first in the history of the photovoltaic industry to make use of the full voltage range specified in the low voltage directive, thereby setting the new standard in solar power plant technology. The realization of the 1500 volt technology proved to be particularly demanding in terms of compliance with guidelines and regulations. It offers the customer the latest generation of solar power plant technology as well as a significant reduction in costs. The deployment of the 1500 volt mode of operation in solar power plants saves a considerable amount of money when it comes to the cable system and the power electronics. "The company's expertise in lowering the cost of solar power generation through continuous innovation is the foundation of our company's long-term development strategy," said Bernhard Beck, CEO of BELECTRIC Solarkraftwerke GmbH, emphasizing the importance of the new generation of power plant.

It is through such technological innovations that BELECTRIC makes a lasting contribution to cost-effective power generation from solar power plants – one of the best types of power generation for the climate and the environment. With the integration of the 1500 volt technology and integrated dynamic reactive power control, the company provides its customers with solutions for sustainable and cost-effective power generation that can be easily integrated in power grids around the world. Today's ground-mounted solar power plants – just like conventional large-scale power plants – are therefore already in a position to provide reactive power around the clock and to stabilize the voltage. They support the required transportation of power and, as a result, represent an indispensable component for system stability in a grid with a high number of regenerative energy sources. Deploying these technologies means that today's consumers can already benefit from massive financial relief, for example through a reduction in grid expansion costs. As a result, solar power will become an economical alternative to reinvestment in power generation from fossil fuels or power generation sites from renewable energy sources located at a great distance from where the power is actually needed.

About BELECTRIC®: BELECTRIC is the global market leader (2010 & 2011) in the development and construction of ground-mounted solar power plants and roof-mounted photovoltaic systems. BELECTRIC's position as market leader is due to the high degree of vertical integration in the development and manufacturing processes. The company employs over 2,000 people across the globe in areas such as research, plant construction, and maintenance. The majority of BoS components – such as cabling and energy distribution systems, inverter technology, control systems, and substructures – are manufactured in house. This unique selling point means that BELECTRIC is able to adapt the individual components perfectly to their application, reducing the costs per kWh generated (LCOE) over the long term and ensuring the provision of reliable and efficient plant technology. Engineers and technicians conduct interdisciplinary research in all areas of photovoltaics and develop innovative technology that forms the basis for the environmentally friendly power supply of the future. Among other things, state-of-the-art power plant technology supports our existing network infrastructure through the provision of grid services and thereby contributes to financial relief in the energy sector. BELECTRIC demonstrates its great innovative spirit, with over 100 patents filed every year. Alongside solar power generation, BELECTRIC Drive® concentrates on the combination of photovoltaics and e-mobility. Further information can be found at www.belectric.com.

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Kolitzheim/Munich: Solar Frontier, the world's largest manufacturer of CIS thin-film modules, and BELECTRIC, the world’s leading solar system integrator of photovoltaic power plants in 2010 and 2011, announced today the completion and grid connection of the world's largest CIS thin-film solar power plant in Bochow, Brandenburg, Germany. The project’s investor is CommerzReal and the financing is provided by HypoVereinsbank (HBV) /UniCredit. The CIS thin-film power plant shows the increasing significance of CIS technology in the project business and the confidence major banks have in Solar Frontier and its products. The world’s largest CIS thin-film power plant also underlines the deep working relationship between Solar Frontier and BELECTRIC in the project segment, which was further strengthened in March 2012 through the creation of a new joint venture company, PV CIStems GmbH.

Approximately 205,000 Solar Frontier CIS thin-film modules have been installed in Bochow, Brandenburg. Solar Frontier modules are valued for their high efficiency and excellent performance even under conditions that are considered to be less than optimal, such as low light, delivering more kilowatt hours and enhancing project economics. Their uniformly black finish also offers aesthetic integration into landscapes. “This collaboration with Solar Frontier is another milestone in our partnership. We decided to realize this project with Solar Frontier due to the efficiency and reliability of their CIS modules. Moreover, Solar Frontier’s long-term strategy and manufacturing expertise of CIS thin-film modules were additional key decision-making criteria for us,” said Bernhard Beck, CEO BELECTRIC Solarkraftwerke GmbH.

“This project not only shows the confidence BELECTRIC has in the performance and reliability of our CIS modules, but also the trust that financial institutions like HypoVereinsbank and CommerzReal are placing in our technology,” said Wolfgang Lange, Managing Director, Solar Frontier Europe. “The joint project with BELECTRIC once again emphasizes the strength of our collaboration in the effort to install the best solar solutions in Germany and beyond.”

The Solar Frontier CIS thin-film modules used for this project were produced at Solar Frontier’s gigawatt-scale Kunitomi plant in Miyazaki, Japan, the world’s largest CIS production plant.  Certifications issued by TUV Rheinland Japan (in accordance with IEC), Underwriters Laboratories, and BRE Global (in accordance with Microgeneration Certification Scheme MCS) underline Solar Frontier’s high quality standard for world-wide distribution. Certifications for salt and ammonia resistance confirm the modules’ suitability for installation in coastal and agricultural areas.
 
“The commissioning of this CIS thin-film solar power plant is an important step in the transition to renewable energy and highlights the achievements of the Brandenburg region," said Martin Zembsch, CSO BELECTRIC Solarkraftwerke GmbH. “Special thanks go also to the administrative and municipal elected officials, who promoted and supported the project."


About Solar Frontier K.K.: Solar Frontier, a 100% subsidiary of Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K., established the world’s first gigawatt-scale CIS module factory in 2011 with a mission to create the most economical, ecological solar energy solutions in the world, on the world's largest scale. Solar Frontier’s proprietary CIS technology, denoting key ingredients copper, indium, and selenium (in addition to gallium and sulfur), has the best overall potential to set the world’s most enduring standard for solar energy. This is based on our legacy of work in solar technology since the 1970s, the priority focus our laboratories have given to CIS since 1993, and our success in large scale CIS commercialization since 2007. The critical factors that combine to make CIS the overall economical and ecological leader include high efficiency modules and production processes as well as superior reliability, stability, sustainability, non-toxicity, and lower overall energy consumption in manufacturing to yield a faster energy payback time. These factors at gigawatt scale enable Solar Frontier to meet worldwide demand for the new standard in affordable solar panel performance. Visit www.solar-frontier.com for more information.

About Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K.: Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K. is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and has roots dating back more than 100 years in the downstream energy business.


About BELECTRIC®: BELECTRIC is the global market leader for the development and implementation of ground-mounted solar power plants and roof-mounted photovoltaic systems (EPC). At BELECTRIC, engineers and project developers conduct interdisciplinary research in all areas of solar technology and develop innovative technology that forms the basis for the environmentally friendly power supply of the future. The photovoltaic systems are realized in-house – from planning and construction through to operation. Alongside solar power generation, Drive® concentrates on the combination of photovoltaics and e-mobility. Further information can be found at www.belectric.com.


SOLAR FRONTIER MEDIA CONTACTS
Germany and Europe Inquiries:
Regina Kirchmann, Edelman (Munich)
Tel: +49 89 41 301 823
Email: regina.kirchmann@spam protectedelman.com


Global Inquiries:
Daniel Lochmann, Edelman (Tokyo)
Tel: +81 3 6858 7721
Email: SolarFrontier@spam protectedelman.com

Kolitzheim: The global market leader BELECTRIC has achieved a historic milestone for the solar industry. With the commissioning of multiple photovoltaic systems at the beginning of this week, BELECTRIC has become the first company in the world to install more than 1 gigawatt of photovoltaic power, which corresponds to the system output of a large conventional power plant. “This is an outstanding event for BELECTRIC and the photovoltaics industry in general. My special thanks go to all the employees who have driven forward the development of the company in all parts of the world in the past 10 years,” stated Bernhard Beck, CEO of BELECTRIC, with no small measure of pride at this shared achievement. “At BELECTRIC, we employ over 2,000 people across the globe in areas such as research, plant construction and maintenance. Our machine park, the development and production of system components in our production areas and the in-house construction of power plants are the unique selling points of our company.”

The breaking of the 1 gigawatt barrier and the company’s tenth anniversary, which was celebrated this month, both give us occasion to reflect on the success story of our company. BELECTRIC’s ascent to the position of global market leader has been continual and based on substance, with the company never resting on its successes or simply banking on state subsidies. Research, innovation and quality are the key terms for the dynamic and sustainable history of the company: “Much of that which is today seen as standard in the photovoltaics industry was researched, developed and brought to market readiness by BELECTRIC,” stated Chief Sales Officer Martin Zembsch, with regard to the most important success factors. The partners BELECTRIC works with in project business are another important success factor. When it comes to modules, BELECTRIC relies on the expertise and years of experience of First Solar and Solar Frontier. Both module manufacturers are financially stable and long term orientated.

BELECTRIC has long been the innovation leader in the industry. From the start, the focus has been on making solar power generation competitive with fossil fuels. The development of grid-stabilizing solar power plants makes the functionality of solar power generation equal to that of large conventional power plants and enables the intelligent integration of renewable energy sources in existing electricity networks. BELECTRIC will continue to use its innovative strength for establishing solar power worldwide. New technologies, as implemented by BELECTRIC, make it possible to develop this switch to alternative energy sources in a cheaper and more effective manner all around the world and are the keys to the integration of renewable energy sources in the network – another area in which BELECTRIC aspires to assume a pioneering role in the future.

About BELECTRIC®: BELECTRIC is the global market leader (2010 & 2011) in the development and construction of ground-mounted solar power plants and roof-mounted photovoltaic systems. BELECTRIC's position as market leader is due to the high degree of vertical integration in the development and manufacturing processes. The company employs over 2,000 people across the globe in areas such as research, plant construction and maintenance. The majority of BoS components – such as cabling and energy distribution systems, inverter technology, control systems, and substructures – are manufactured in house. This unique selling point means that BELECTRIC is able to adapt the individual components perfectly to their application, reducing the costs per kWh generated (LCOE) over the long term and ensuring the provision of reliable and efficient plant technology. Engineers and technicians conduct interdisciplinary research in all areas of photovoltaics and develop innovative technology that forms the basis for the environmentally friendly power supply of the future. Among other things, state-of-the-art power plant technology supports our existing network infrastructure through the provision of grid services and thereby contributes to financial relief in the energy sector. BELECTRIC demonstrates its great innovative spirit, with over 100 patents filed every year. Alongside solar power generation, BELECTRIC Drive® concentrates on the combination of photovoltaics and e-mobility. Further information can be found at www.belectric.com.

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Alt Daber/Kolitzheim: On the 12th March 2012, the 2010 and 2011 global EPC leader BELECTRIC officially inaugurated one of the largest thin-film solar power plants in Europe located in Alt Daber near the city of Wittstock. Guests included Katherina Reiche, Parliamentary State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, and Jörg Gehrmann, mayor of the city of Wittstock (Dosse). Martin Zembsch, Chief Sales Officer of BELECTRIC Solarkraftwerke GmbH, highlighted the short construction period of just seven months and expressed his gratitude to the employees for their above-average commitment: "We installed up to 80,000 modules of the leading manufacturer First Solar a week. Without our BELECTRIC employees, who worked in the pouring rain and in the burning sun, we would never have been able to complete the power plant in record time."

Martin Zembsch also underscored the excellent cooperation between the city of Wittstock, the district, the authorities and the investor: "Not half a year passed between the decision to develop on 16 December 2010 and the issue of the planning permission on 12 May 2011. I've never known it to be processed so quickly." The plant covers 133 hectares and, since the end of 2011, has produced over 71,000 MWh of environmentally friendly power which can be used to decentrally supply almost 19,000 four-person households in Wittstock and the surrounding area. The superior energy yield of the First Solar modules and the modern inverter and power plant technologies (SMA SC 800CP Outdoor) of SMA Solar Technology AG and PADCON GmbH ensure a reliable and economical operation over the next decades.

Prior to the construction, BELECTRIC invested several million euros in complex substrate checks and the removal of warfare material. According to Jörg Gehrmann, that's not the only reason why the trust placed in BELECTRIC paid off. If the project had not been constructed, the general public would have had to bear the costs. Martin Zembsch took the opportunity to mention one point as a political statement directed at the national government in Berlin on the system relevance of ground-mounted solar power plants: "We all agree that the subsidies must be reduced in order to drive market integration forward. However, it is not clear as to why the expansion of ground-mounted solar power plants – which in fact stabilize the network – should be restricted by a 10 megawatt limit. This affects the most economical segment that has made the largest contribution to limiting the EEG surcharge thus far. Thanks to modern inverter technology, ground-mounted solar power plants are able to provide reactive power control and compensate for voltage fluctuations in the network. This allows for a significant increase in the capacity of the existing networks, resulting in considerable savings in the predicted grid development that is necessary for the integration of renewable energy into the grid. This would lead to a significant consumer cost reduction, if it has political support. Furthermore, reasonable and constitutional transfer deadlines are required for projects that are currently being developed or under construction. The solar power plant in Alt Daber is a good example that the current deadline of 30 June 2012 is unacceptable. It can only conform to the constitution if we also have the technology at our disposal to implement the projects. The planned transfer deadline conflicts with the provisions of building legislation, meaning that this must be extended to 31 December 2012 at the very earliest."

Katherina Reiche, Parliamentary State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, travelled from Berlin to attend the ceremony and was very pleased to be given the honour of inaugurating yet another solar power plant in Brandenburg. She alluded to the State's trendsetting role: over the past few years, great progress has been made in Brandenburg when it comes to renewable energy. Ms Reiche expressed her certainty that further power plants – especially similar plants with modern inverter and storage technology – would follow in the future, in spite of reduced subsidies.
 
About BELECTRIC®: BELECTRIC is the global market leader (2010 & 2011) in the development and construction of ground-mounted solar power plants and roof-mounted photovoltaic systems (EPC). BELECTRIC's position as market leader is due to the high degree of vertical integration in the development and manufacturing processes. The company employs over 2,000 people across the globe in areas such as research, plant construction and maintenance. The majority of BoS components – such as cabling and energy distribution systems, inverter technology, control systems and substructures – are manufactured in house. This unique selling point means that BELECTRIC is able to adapt the individual components perfectly to their application, reducing the costs per kWh generated (LCOE) over the long term and ensuring the provision of reliable and efficient plant technology. Engineers and technicians conduct interdisciplinary research in all areas of photovoltaics and develop innovative technology that forms the basis for the environmentally friendly power supply of the future. Among other things, state-of-the-art power plant technology supports our existing network infrastructure through the provision of grid services and thereby contributes to financial relief in the energy sector. With an average of over 25 patents filed every year, BELECTRIC continuously puts its great innovative spirit to the test. Alongside solar power generation, BELECTRIC Drive® concentrates on the combination of photovoltaics and e-mobility. Further information can be found at www.belectric.com.

Kolitzheim/Germany: BELECTRIC has installed Europe's largest roof-mounted CIS system on the roof of the main warehouse of the Reifen Müller KG in Hammelburg, Lower Franconia. BELECTRIC engineers fitted 6,168 SF 140 thin-film modules from leading manufacturer Solar Frontier and 50 inverters from SMA over an area covering 7,800m². Thanks to a in-house developed substructure and an innovative wiring harness assembled in advance in its main factory, the system was manufactured and connected to the grid in mid-November in a record time of just four weeks. Boasting a nominal power of 864 kWp, the system produces 834,160 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year, enough to supply 208 four-person households.

Carsten Köhler, CEO of BELECTRIC PV-Dachsysteme, highlighted the excellent cooperation of everyone involved in the project:"We are delighted that Mr. Klaus Müller, as the owner of an SME, had the courage to implement this major, large-scale project and to make such a climate-friendly investment for the future. This project once again demonstrates the tremendous potential that the roofs of commercial and industrial premises have for the generation of solar energy. We have installed Europe's largest CIS system, which will produce savings of 560 tonnes of CO2 a year, on what was previously an unused roof. We will be implementing more projects of a similar scale again next year."

About BELECTRIC®: BELECTRIC is the global market leader for the development and implementation of ground-mounted solar power plants and roof-mounted photovoltaic systems (EPC). At BELECTRIC, engineers and project developers conduct interdisciplinary research in all areas of solar technology and develop innovative technology that forms the basis for the environmentally friendly power supply of the future. The photovoltaic systems are realized in-house – from planning and construction through to operation. Alongside solar power generation BELECTRIC Drive® concentrates on the combination of photovoltaics and e-mobility. Further information can be found at www.belectric.com.

About Solar Frontier: Solar Frontier K.K., a 100% subsidiary of Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K. (TYO:5002) (“Solar Frontier”), has a mission to create the most economical, ecological solar energy solutions on Earth. Building on a legacy of work in solar energy since the 1970s, Solar Frontier today develops and manufactures CIS (denoting copper, indium, selenium) thin-film solar modules for customers in all sectors around the world. Solar Frontier’s gigawatt-scale production facilities in Miyazaki, Japan, integrate compelling economical and ecological advantages into every module: from lower energy requirements in manufacturing to the higher overall output (kWh) of CIS in real operating conditions. Solar Frontier is headquartered in Tokyo, with offices in Europe, the U.S.A., and the Middle East. Visit www.solar-frontier.com for more information.

Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K.: Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K. is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and has roots dating back more than 100 years in the downstream energy business.

Kolitzheim: In 2011, BELECTRIC is once again the global market leader in the development and construction (EPC) of ground-mounted solar power plants and roof-mounted photovoltaic systems. For the second year in a row, BELECTRIC has installed more photovoltaic power around the world than any other company in the industry. Across all continents, 62 solar power plants were constructed in addition to a multiplicity of large-scale roof-mounted photovoltaic systems, photovoltaic greenhouse systems and photovoltaic car park systems with a total output of 391 MW. This is the result of an analysis of the photovoltaics market conducted by Solarpraxis AG in collaboration with the iSuppli market research institute ("photovoltaik" magazine 12/2011). BELECTRIC pursues a sustainable and innovative strategy. The development of the company and its products focuses on the customers and their satisfaction in every stage of project planning and realization.

With 2,000 employees in 15 countries, BELECTRIC's leading position on the market is primarily due to full integration and in-house project planning. Nearly all system components (BOS), such as substructures and cable systems, are manufactured in house, enabling perfect adaptation of the system design and construction processes, which in turn results in reduced costs per generated kWh (LCOE) in the long run and high-quality results. The high degree of flexibility in all working procedures allows BELECTRIC to construct all ground-mounted solar power plants within the specified time frame.

Another aspect that ensures the company's success is its exceptionally strong financial position. With an equity ratio of 60% and a high credit limit, BELECTRIC is viewed as one of the most reliable partners by investors and banks responsible for project financing. At an index of 122, the independent rating from Creditreform is further proof of BELECTRIC's market leadership. “Thanks to its reliability and quality, BELECTRIC has enjoyed a cooperative partnership with all its investors, banks and land owners for many years.” emphasises Martin Zembsch, Chief Sales Officer of BELECTRIC Solarkraftwerke GmbH, the success and strength of BELECTRIC.

A documented example of this strength is the 100 million euro project financing of Europe's largest thin-film ground-mounted solar power plant located in Alt Daber, Brandenburg. The plant boasts an output of almost 70 MW. Investor is CommerzReal from Düsseldorf, a company of the Commerzbank AG. The project financing was operated in cooperation with the Bavarian State Bank. The CFB 179 Fund, prize winner of the Scope Awards 2011, has owned 9 power plants from BELECTRIC with an output of almost 122 MW.

When it comes to modules, BELECTRIC relies on the expertise and years of experience of First Solar and Solar Frontier. Both companies are financially stable and produce modules on the basis of long-term planning.

In 2012, BELECTRIC will use its innovative force to anchor solar power more firmly across the globe. With entry into further international markets, the company is represented in all global growth regions. Bernhard Beck, Chief Executive Officer of BELECTRIC Solarkraftwerke GmbH, also places the focus on the decisive role played by the German market: "We are confident that new technologies such as the integrated grid stability of the 2.0 MegaWattBlock and energy storage solutions will help to reduce the costs of the energy turnaround, make it more effective and render part of the grid extension obsolete. Germany and its companies must assume the role of trendsetters for the worldwide transformation of energy production." That's why BELECTRIC will continue to implement its projects on the German market in 2012 with a focus on efficiency.

About BELECTRIC®: BELECTRIC is the global market leader in the development and construction of ground-mounted solar power plants and photovoltaic rooftop installations (EPC). At BELECTRIC, engineers and project developers conduct interdisciplinary research in all areas of solar technology and develop innovative technology that forms a basis for the environmentally friendly energy supply of the future. With more than 25 patents granted every year, BELECTRIC is continuously proving its innovative spirit. BELECTRIC handles all aspects of the realization process - from the planning stage, through construction, and to the operation of photovoltaic systems. This ensures highly efficient decades-long performance. Alongside solar power generation, BELECTRIC Drive® concentrates on the combination of photovoltaics and electric vehicle systems.

More information at www.belectric.com.

Munich/Kolitzheim: The sun was shining brightly the day that Horst Seehofer, Minister-President of Bavaria, visited BELECTRIC in Kolitzheim. Together with District Administrator Harald Leitherer, Secretary of State Gerhard Eck and further members of parliament from the region, Horst Seehofer found out about specific advancements in research and development in photovoltaic technology and their significance for the energy turnaround.

The Minister-President of Bavaria sees BELECTRIC as an "exemplary enterprise in Bavaria" in this undertaking. "BELECTRIC will play a defining role in implementing the energy turnaround because the company is at home in the global markets," explained the Bavarian Minister-President to the press at the event. The participation of economically strong and experienced companies in particular will be an important part of implementing the actual turnaround.

In their discussions, Bavarian Minister-President Horst Seehofer and Martin Zembsch, Managing Director at BELECTRIC Solarkraftwerke GmbH, focused on current developments. The Minister-President was very enthusiastic about innovations in the area of storage technologies and network stabilisation; both fields are seen as the key to successfully transforming how power is supplied in Germany. "With regard to doubling the proportion of renewable energy sources in Bavaria by 2020, it is important that companies like BELECTRIC play a significant role and assume responsibility," said Horst Seehofer, stressing the urgency of the challenges to come. "The Minister-President's visit to BELECTRIC is important for both parties and demonstrates the high regard for our achievements," said Martin Zembsch, drawing a positive conclusion from the discussions.

About BELECTRIC®: BELECTRIC is the global market leader in the development and construction of ground-mounted solar power plants and photovoltaic rooftop installations (EPC). At BELECTRIC, engineers and project developers conduct interdisciplinary research in all areas of solar technology and develop innovative technology that forms a basis for the environmentally friendly energy supply of the future. With more than 25 patents granted every year, BELECTRIC is continuously proving its innovative spirit. BELECTRIC handles all aspects of the realization process - from the planning stage, through construction, and to the operation of photovoltaic systems. This ensures highly efficient decades-long performance. Alongside solar power generation, the subsidiary BELECTRIC Drive® concentrates on the combination of photovoltaics and electric vehicle systems.

More information at www.belectric.com.

Kolitzheim/Winterkasten: In what was a significant event for the joinery Ideen-Schreinerei Schmidt in Winterkasten (district of Bergstraße) in the Odenwald mountain range, BELECTRIC installed a roof-mounted photovoltaic system with new Solar Frontier CIS thin-film technology on the roof of the family firm, which has been in existence for over 100 years. CIS thin-film technology combines stable module efficiency levels with minimum raw material consumption in PV module production. The system delivered very good results in the first few months of operation. "Within just six months of operation, we reached an energy yield of 7,500 kWh," reported the delighted company owner Georg Schmidt. "The system is running very well and shows excellent results," added Carsten Köhler, who appraised it in an equally positive way.

For Carsten Köhler, Managing Director of BELECTRIC PV-Dachsysteme GmbH, the Ideen-Schreinerei Schmidt joinery located in the small Hessian village of Winterkasten is a role model when it comes to energy production. "The owner Georg Schmidt made a deliberate decision to install a photovoltaic system on the roof of his shop." Sustainability and regional production have been perfectly combined here.

And the installation of a system from the global market leader in the realization of photovoltaic systems was an equally deliberate decision by the master joiner. The craftsman appreciates the reliable and on-schedule processing of the order as well as its execution by specialists. "It was clear in every stage – from the offer, consulting and planning phases through to the installation – that the BELECTRIC employees have a wealth of experience when it comes to roof-mounted photovoltaic systems," explained Georg Schmidt. The system's high-quality and innovative technology as well as the components used played an important role in the decision in favor of BELECTRIC.

The 8 kWp roof-mounted photovoltaic system means that Ideen-Schreinerei-Schmidt has become a self-supporter when it comes to electricity: it produces enough electricity to almost completely cover the workshop's own energy needs. Ideen-Schreinerei Schmidt is therefore making its own contribution to the energy turnaround and to a future of regenerative energy sources. "What Georg Schmidt has achieved in Winterkasten is exemplary and is exactly the right way to quickly make regenerative energy sources fit for the future," said Carsten Köhler, hoping that many others will follow his example. In addition, the decision to produce energy through photovoltaics means that Georg Schmidt can reduce his energy costs over the long term and thereby secure the future of his joinery business, which has been in existence for over a century.

About BELECTRIC®: BELECTRIC is the global market leader in the development and construction of ground-mounted solar power plants and photovoltaic rooftop installations (EPC). At BELECTRIC, engineers and project developers conduct interdisciplinary research in all areas of solar technology and develop innovative technology that forms a basis for the environmentally friendly energy supply of the future. With more than 25 patents granted every year, BELECTRIC is continuously proving its innovative spirit. BELECTRIC handles all aspects of the realization process - from the planning stage, through construction, and to the operation of photovoltaic systems. This ensures highly efficient decades-long performance. Alongside solar power generation, the subsidiary BELECTRIC Drive® concentrates on the combination of photovoltaics and electric vehicle systems.

More information at www.belectric.com.

Kolitzheim/Munich: Today Solar Frontier and BELECTRIC announced that they have completed a 4.2 MWp solar power plant in Bessan, France, further strengthening their joint collaboration. The project is the first in France to use Solar Frontier’s thin-film CIS modules and marks Solar Frontier’s entry into the French solar project market.
    
BELECTRIC installed 29,931 thin-film CIS modules at the site with an expected output of 4.2 MWp. The whole process from planning through construction to grid connection took only six weeks. This was the latest in a series of recent joint projects between BELECTRIC and Solar Frontier.

“Our plan was based on a reliable installation concept used for several German projects in the past, each with excellent results,” said Jochen Meyer, General Manager, BELECTRIC France. “By lowering the inclination of the solar power plant’s modules, we were able to lower the profile of the power plant itself leading to better integration in the surrounding landscape. Solar Frontier was the right choice for us because their modules perform extremely well even under these conditions.”

The all-black modules were installed at an incline of 15 degrees – lower than the more usual 25 degrees. The design and performance advantages of Solar Frontier’s modules ensure continued high output even at this lower tilt angle. By combining this installation concept with environmentally-friendly CIS modules that have higher output in real conditions, BELECTRIC and Solar Frontier deliver superior performance with lower impact on the environment.

“This is our first project with BELECTRIC in France, and it certainly won’t be our last,” said Wolfgang Lange, Managing Director, Solar Frontier Europe. “It is very satisfying to be able to connect such a high-efficiency solar power plant to the grid. Solar Frontier’s CIS modules offer a winning combination of performance and cost, which will benefit the French market.”

The Bessan power plant uses Solar Frontier’s 140Wp modules, which are not only highly efficient and ecological, but also fit well into the landscape with their all-black finish. The modules are produced at Solar Frontier’s new gigawatt-scale Kunitomi plant in Miyazaki, Japan, the world’s largest CIS manufacturing facility.

About BELECTRIC®: BELECTRIC is the global market leader in the development and construction of ground-mounted solar power plants and photovoltaic rooftop installations (EPC). At BELECTRIC, engineers and project developers conduct interdisciplinary research in all areas of solar technology and develop innovative technology that forms a basis for the environmentally friendly energy supply of the future. With more than 25 patents granted every year, BELECTRIC is continuously proving its innovative spirit. BELECTRIC handles all aspects of the realization process - from the planning stage, through construction, and to the operation of photovoltaic systems. This ensures highly efficient decades-long performance. Alongside solar power generation, the subsidiary BELECTRIC Drive® concentrates on the combination of photovoltaics and electric vehicle systems.

More information at www.belectric.com.

About Solar Frontier: Solar Frontier K.K., a 100% subsidiary of Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K. (TYO:5002) (“Solar Frontier”), has a mission to create the most economical, ecological solar energy solutions on Earth. Building on a legacy of work in solar energy since the 1970s, Solar Frontier today develops and manufactures CIS (denoting copper, indium, selenium) thin-film solar modules for customers in all sectors around the world. Solar Frontier’s gigawatt-scale production facilities in Miyazaki, Japan, integrate compelling economical and ecological advantages into every module: from lower energy requirements in manufacturing to the higher overall output (kWh) of CIS in real operating conditions. Solar Frontier is headquartered in Tokyo, with offices in Europe, the U.S.A., and the Middle East. Visit www.solar-frontier.com for more information.

Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K.:

Sri City (India)/Kolitzheim (Germany): BELECTRIC Photovoltaic India, a subsidiary of the global market leader BELECTRIC, connected India's first solar power plant in Sri City (Andhra Pradesh province) with First Solar thin-film technology to the grid. The project has been realized in close cooperation with the investor Sri Power and First Solar, the leading thin-film module manufacturer. Since the end of February 2011 – following a four-month construction period – the solar power plant, which is part of the CO2-free city project, has been generating an annual total of 1,660,000 kWh of clean energy that could supply around 7,000 indian households per year. This corresponds to CO2 savings of approximately 1,100 tons every year.

Over an area of 2.14 hectares, 14,000 First Solar modules (type FS 272 and FS 277) were installed for the first time in India. Until now most investors in India have relied on traditional silicon module technologies. "The advantage of modern thin-film technology is that the modules deliver an above-average output, even at high temperatures. The frameless design makes the modules insusceptible to dirt. And by continuously reducing manufacturing costs over the past years the modules became more cost-effective than other types.", explains Yogesh Dabhade, CEO of BELECTRIC Photovoltaic India.

Another challenge of this project was the rocky ground. To overcome this, BELECTRIC developed a special substructure to ensure that the power plant is securely anchored. "BELECTRIC performed pioneer work here. Thanks to our years of experience in the realization of ground-mounted solar power plants and the productive cooperation of Indian and German BELECTRIC engineers, we were able to complete the project on this highly demanding ground," said Marjus Geßner, Key Account Manager BELECTRIC.

First Solar also welcomed the joint project. “We are very pleased to extend our long-term collaboration with BELECTRIC to this important new market, continuing our joint efforts to deploy First Solar’s leading thin-film modules worldwide.”, said Jim Brown, senior vice president for First Solar. “Together, we can help India meet its clean-energy objectives under the National Solar Mission and deliver clean, renewable solar energy in a region with growing electricity demand and vast solar potential.”

About BELECTRIC®: BELECTRIC is the global market leader for the development and construction of ground-mounted solar power plants and photovoltaic rooftop installations (EPC). At BELECTRIC, engineers and project developers conduct interdisciplinary research in all areas of solar technology and develop innovative technology that forms the basis for the environmentally friendly energy supply of the future. The company offers photovoltaic systems from a single source. The plants are realized – from planning and construction through to operation – without sub-contractors. Alongside solar power generation, the subsidiary BELECTRIC Drive® concentrates on the combination of photovoltaics and e-mobility.

More information at www.belectric.com.


About First Solar: First Solar manufactures solar modules with an advanced semiconductor technology, and is a premier provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) system solutions. The company is delivering an economically viable alternative to fossil-fuel generation today. From raw material sourcing through end-of-life collection and recycling, First Solar is focused on creating value-driven renewable energy solutions that protect and enhance the environment. For more information about First Solar, please visit www.firstsolar.com.

Kolitzheim/Munich: Solar Frontier and BELECTRIC announced today that they have installed over 2,500 thin-film CIS modules on the roof of the EDEKA Krawczyk supermarket parking lot in Schwabach, Germany. Leveraging Solar Frontier’s eco-friendly, RoHS compliant CIS modules, the city of Schwabach has nominated the project for its biennial environmental award.

With an overall capacity of 340 kWp, the installation was connected to the grid in July, 2011, and is the first plant of its kind to use Solar Frontier’s thin-film modules. “Our first pilot installation of this kind with Solar Frontier CIS technology has a forecast output of 340,000 kWh and an expected reduction of 230 tons of CO2 emissions per year,” said Martin Zembsch, Chief Sales Officer of BELECTRIC. The new CIS installation provides the additional benefits of Solar Frontier’s solar panel technology, including an all-black finish that fits better into the overall landscape and high durability to withstand harsh weather conditions.

“This first parking lot roof project collaboration between Solar Frontier and BELECTRIC offers supermarkets the compelling economical and ecological benefits of CIS solar power,” said Wolfgang Lange, Managing Director, Solar Frontier Europe. “The installation’s nomination for Schwabach’s environmental award provides increasing evidence that our CIS solar modules are the most eco-friendly currently on the market. We have taken another step together with our trusted partner BELECTRIC to further position Solar Frontier as the technology leader in the market”.

An existing solar installation at an EDEKA supermarket in Gochsheim, Germany, has proven the benefits of using more ecological ways to power commercial facilities. Last year the parking lot was upgraded to an innovative photovoltaic car park, on one hand enabling protection from rain and snow and on the other hand the generation of environmentally friendly electricity. The results were increased revenues thanks to higher customer satisfaction and an overall more positive public image for the supermarket.

An additional feature of the EDEKA Krawczyk supermarket is the installation of an electric vehicle charging point by BELECTRIC Drive. Customers will be able to charge their electrical cars while they’re shopping. “The combination of the photovoltaic car park installation and an electrical charging box for electric vehicles offers our customers the opportunity to make a contribution to CO2 reduction while they are shopping,” said Roland Krawczyk, Manager of the EDEKA supermarket in Schwabach.

Since 1992 the biennial environmental award of the city of Schwabach has been given to an organization or a project which is committed to improving environmental conditions, protecting natural resources or improving the living environment.

Solar Frontier’s CIS thin-film modules are produced at its new gigawatt-scale Kunitomi plant in Miyazaki, Japan. This state of the art facility produces the company’s high performance CIS thin-film modules currently rated up to 155W, which have already been certified by TÜV Rheinland Japan (IEC), Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and BRE Global (Microgeneration Certification Scheme, MCS) allowing a global installation all over the world. The recently obtained salt and ammonium resistance certificates also highlight the suitability of the modules in agricultural and seaside areas.

About BELECTRIC®: BELECTRIC is the global market leader in the development and construction of ground-mounted solar power plants and photovoltaic rooftop installations (EPC). At BELECTRIC, engineers and project developers conduct interdisciplinary research in all areas of solar technology and develop innovative technology that forms a basis for the environmentally friendly energy supply of the future. With more than 25 patents granted every year, BELECTRIC is continuously proving its innovative spirit. BELECTRIC handles all aspects of the realization process - from the planning stage, through construction, and to the operation of photovoltaic systems. This ensures highly efficient decades-long performance. Alongside solar power generation, the subsidiary BELECTRIC Drive® concentrates on the combination of photovoltaics and electric vehicle systems. More information at www.belectric.com.

About Solar Frontier: Solar Frontier K.K., a 100% subsidiary of Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K. (TYO:5002) (“Solar Frontier”), has a mission to create the most economical, ecological solar energy solutions on Earth. Building on a legacy of work in solar energy since the 1970s, Solar Frontier today develops and manufactures CIS (denoting copper, indium, selenium) thin-film solar modules for customers in all sectors around the world. Solar Frontier’s gigawatt-scale production facilities in Miyazaki, Japan, integrate compelling economical and ecological advantages into every module: from lower energy requirements in manufacturing to the higher overall output (kWh) of CIS in real operating conditions. Solar Frontier is headquartered in Tokyo, with offices in Europe, the U.S.A., and the Middle East. Visit www.solar-frontier.com for more information.

Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K.: Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K. is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and has roots dating back more than 100 years in the downstream energy business.

Munich/Kolitzheim: The "Bayern's Best 50“ Award was presented to Bavaria's most dynamic companies for the tenth time. Recipients of the award stand out with an above-average increase in sales and employment figures. BELECTRIC is one of the companies to show particularly strong economic growth.

At the award ceremony held in the Emperor's Hall of the Munich Residenz, Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs Martin Zeil emphasized the "effort, commitment and creativity of Bavarian family businesses". The aim of the award is to bring the economic and social importance of these companies into the limelight. "These companies demonstrate entrepreneurial foresight and simultaneously take social responsibility," said Mr Zeil. BELECTRIC outstandingly exceeded the criteria of competition; sales and employment figures show a significant average increase over the past five years. However, more than ten years of development and implementation experience in the construction of ground-mounted solar power plants did not automatically lead to the title of global market leader (EPC) in 2010. Bernhard Beck, managing director of BELECTRIC, described the company's successful concept in more detail: "The quality and reliability that we offer our customers combined with intensive commitment to research and development put BELECTRIC in the position to use the most innovative and efficient technology for solar power generation."

"The company's history of growth will be consistently continued in the future," said Martin Zembsch, defining the company's future course. Alongside his duties as Chief Sales Officer, Mr. Zembsch also occupied the position of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Michael Belschak, who holds a diploma in business administration and gathered years of international experience in commercial business management at Fischerwerke GmbH & Co.KG and Alno AG, will now be entrusted with the function of the Chief Financial Officer for the BELECTRIC corporate group. With this measure in place, Martin Zembsch can concentrate on his tasks as global managing director for sales and continue to drive the company's global expansion forward.

Kolitzheim/Moers: On 30 June 2011, BELECTRIC Drive GmbH and Schleupen AG jointly hosted an information and experience exchange workshop under the title "We live E-mobility" for representatives from the sector of public utilities, local authorities and industry at the Photovoltaics Centre of Excellence Kolitzheim. Alongside speakers from the Verband kommunaler Unternehmen e.V. and smartlab Innovationsgesellschaft mbH, intrigued guests and experts met to exchange their opinions and experiences.

Bruno Altrichter, mayor of the Bavarian pilot town of Bad Neustadt an der Saale, opened the event. He reported on how E-mobility is being tested in rural regions and expressed his support for innovation and environmental protection aspects, citing the strong alliance between local authorities and industrial partners in Bad Neustadt. According to mayor Altrichter, E-mobility – in conjunction with photovoltaic energy production – stands for independence from critical energy supply structures and for the protection of the local climate.

Gunnar Braun, head of the Bavarian committee in the Verband kommunaler Unternehmen e.V. (VKU) referred to the key role local authorities and municipal energy suppliers play in the pursuit of sustainable and innovative mobility. Their structures and local procurement are, according to the VKU, a key foundation for the successful introduction of E-mobility in Germany.
 
"With E-mobility, we are starting a new chapter in the history of electrification, which has been driven forward by municipal energy suppliers for over a hundred years," says Gunnar Braun. Municipal companies are paving the way for E-mobility: they are setting up charging stations, establishing the first fleets and are also involved in pilot regions. For the time being it seems clear that for the most part, no energy grids need to be expanded for the German government's plan to get one million vehicles on the road by 2020. Over the next years we will find out more about the impact of a greater number of e-vehicles and the potential benefits of the frequently discussed storage solution of energy in vehicles for the general power supply in smart grids. With this, we will create the foundation for the development of this new branch of the automotive industry, a perfect task for municipal energy suppliers that have always created the basis for future-proof economic development."

Sebastian Bachmann, CEO of BELECTRIC Drive GmbH, explained the concepts and fields of activity of his company, which is a subsidiary of the Kolitzheim-based global market leader in the development and implementation of photovoltaic systems with 1,600 employees around the world. By combining solar power and the operation of a fleet with over 60 e-vehicles, BELECTRIC shows that E-mobility is already working today. BELECTRIC Drive's key features are patented charging boxes and innovative local load management solutions using solar carports and battery storage. BELECTRIC Drive already offers deployable complete solutions for E-mobility. Sebastian Bachmann describes their distinct feature as follows: "The intelligent charging infrastructure from BELECTRIC maximizes the proportion of solar power in the e-vehicle and relieves the local power grid."

In his talk, Bernd Mildebrath, product marketing team leader at Schleupen AG, also focused on E-mobility solutions that are already available today. With complete offerings including vehicles, charging stations and software solutions, Schleupen already presented its customers capable solutions back in 2010 for testing E-mobility in day-to-day operation. Today, the software manufacturer's solution focuses on functions for customer service and invoicing of the energy supply in E-mobility. It is based on a flexible (role-specific) market model that takes current legal limitations into consideration and efficiently supports the contract-based billing of the electricity supply as the preferred business model of the public utilities sector. Positive feedback from experts in the audience confirmed this approach.

Ms. Meinel, CEO of smartlab Innovationsgesellschaft mbH, presented her company, which was founded by the Aachen, Duisburg and Osnabrück municipal energy suppliers and develops and implements innovative services, products and business models for E-mobility and smart grids. The smartlab products are primarily geared towards local municipal energy suppliers that wish to profit from research and development projects as well as from existing infrastructures. smartlab has launched the ladenetz.de initiative, a network of municipal energy suppliers for E-mobility. Through the constructive collaboration of municipal energy suppliers throughout Germany, charging stations have been installed nationwide. BELECTRIC and Schleupen are cooperating with ladenetz.de and offer their expertise and services on their website. In the meantime, a great number of primarily medium-sized energy providers are involved in ladenetz.de so as to make e-roaming possible for their customers. Electro-mobile end consumers can use their charging cards at any station in the charging network to receive electricity, while their central point of contact remains their local municipal energy supplier. "This makes mobility from the power outlet as easy as using a mobile phone," comments Meinel.

About Schleupen: Schleupen AG was founded in 1970 and, in 2010, generated sales of over 55 million euros with around 430 employees. The largest business area is aimed at the utilities industry and has over 300 customers from the power and water supply industry. In the energy supply industry, Schleupen is one of the few providers to offer an integrated complete solution that covers billing, market communication and power logistics, as well as financial management and economic planning of all network operation resources. Over 15,500 users are working with this solution. Furthermore, with risk to chance, Schleupen offers a risk management system that is used today not only by medium-sized companies but also by listed, international corporate groups. In the Enterprise Content Management (ECM) market segment, Schleupen has established itself as one of the most important distributors of the DMS solutions from EASY. Schleupen AG's fourth area of expertise is IT infrastructure, in which Schleupen covers the spectrum from high-performance computing and highly available IT architectures through to communication solutions for decentralized organizations.

Wildflecken: BELECTRIC Solarkraftwerke GmbH is ensuring sustainable development of conversion real estate with the official commissioning of the Wildflecken solar power plant on 24 June 2011. "This brings the grounds' military history – the army was present here until 1998 – to a close. The site is now designated for sustainable and innovative use," said Alfred Schrenk, mayor of Wildflecken. BELECTRIC can provide 158 four-person households per year with solar energy from the first ground-mounted solar power plant fitted with Solar Frontier CIS (copper, indium, selenium) thin-film modules. This corresponds to savings of 413 tons of CO2 per year.

One particular achievement was the integration into the delicate landscape of the Hohen Rhön region. From the very start, this was an important aspect in the planning and implementation of the 551kW power plant. Located in the heart of the Rhön Nature Reserve, the plant is excellently integrated into the terrain and virtually invisible. The project manager, Günther Blank, emphasized that: "The solar power plant is an outstanding example for the compatibility of sustainable and environmentally friendly energy supply as well as the preservation of the traditional landscape of a region."
To meet these requirements, BELECTRIC chose thin-film technology from Solar Frontier. The most convincing aspects of the 4,240 photovoltaic modules manufactured in Solar Frontier's new 900 MW plant are their economic viability and high efficiency. Wolfgang Lange, CEO of Solar Frontier Europe, said: "The plant not only shows how environmentally friendly solar energy can supply households with electricity, but also demonstrates the power and efficiency of Solar Frontier CIS modules. At the same time we're proving, in co-operation with BELECTRIC, that conversion real estate is outstandingly suited to energy production – and to the advantage of all those involved. The uniformly black appearance of the modules' surface integrates very well into the existing landscape. This is what the future of energy supply looks like."

About Solar Frontier: Solar Frontier K.K., a 100% subsidiary of Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K. (TYO:5002) (“Solar Frontier”), has a mission to create the most economical, ecological solar energy solutions on Earth. Building on a legacy of work in solar energy since the 1970s, Solar Frontier today develops and manufactures CIS (denoting copper, indium, selenium) thin-film solar modules for customers in all sectors around the world. Solar Frontier’s gigawatt-scale production facilities in Miyazaki, Japan, integrate compelling economical and ecological advantages into every module: from lower energy requirements in manufacturing to the higher overall output (kWh) of CIS in real operating conditions. Solar Frontier is headquartered in Tokyo, with offices in Europe, the U.S.A., and the Middle East. Visit www.solar-frontier.com for more information.

Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K.: Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K. is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and has roots dating back more than 100 years in the downstream energy business.

Munich/Kolitzheim: BELECTRIC Drive has been awarded the coveted Intersolar Award for its intelligent charging infrastructure. The three awards in the categories of photovoltaics, PV production technology and solar thermal technology were presented for the fourth time. The winners were chosen by a jury of experts from research, science, industry and specialist media from a total of 128 international applicants. In their evaluation, the jury paid particular attention to the technological degree of innovation, the benefits for industry, environment and society as well as the economic viability of the products. "The global market leader in the realisation of photovoltaic systems presents the most coherent solution for linking photovoltaics and e-mobility. A development worthy of an award," said Dr Michael Fuhs (chief editor of photovoltaik magazine) in his laudatory speech, explaining the reason behind the decision. The jury was particularly impressed that the system is convincingly well-thought-out from the first through to the last step. With its flexible, modular design, the BELECTRIC charging box combines photovoltaics and e-mobility.

Additionally, the company has also developed a charging system to connect a regeneratively fed energy grid with e-mobility. The local load management co-ordinates the charging times of the e-vehicles with the energy generation. "The BELECTRIC charging box maximises the proportion of solar power in the e-vehicles and relieves the local energy grids," explains Sebastian Bachmann, Chief Excecutive Officer of BELECTRIC Drive. "We are very pleased to have received this innovation award and will concentrate our efforts in the further development of the technology so that e-mobility becomes part of daily life within just a few years."

Munich: On the first day of Intersolar in Munich (8 June 2011), BELECTRIC presented the new 2.0 MegaWattBlock®. The 2.0 MegaWattBlock® is a standardised plant unit with nominal power of 2,000 kWp, any number of which can be combined to create larger ground-mounted solar power plants. The standardised system design, intelligent grid stabilisation technology and BELECTRIC’s many years of experience in plant engineering and construction make solar power generation more cost efficient and reliable than ever before.
 

From the very start, the aim of the BELECTRIC development team was to further decrease the average electricity production costs. Bernhard Beck, CEO of BELECTRIC Solarkraftwerke GmbH, comments: "For us, the LCOE (Levelised Costs Of Electricity) are one of the most important factors on the energy market. A significant reduction in these costs opens up new opportunities and paves the way for the next generation of solar power plants. And that's exactly what our new 2.0 MegaWattBlock stands for." This cost efficiency is achieved thanks to the highly standardised BELECTRIC system design with perfectly co-ordinated power plant components, which are produced for the most part in house. The special power plant inverter with direct 20 kV medium voltage feed-in is tailored to application with thin-film modules. The dynamic reactive power control enables a significant increase in network stability. The entire design thereby explains the above-average system efficiency of the new BELECTRIC solar power plants. "Power generation at these power plants can compete with offshore wind power," declares Bernhard Beck. Our modular 2.0 MegaWattBlock®  enables us to customise the solution to match the customers power requirements. As the new power plant has been designed to be installed and operated in extreme environmental conditions, it can be deployed in any region of the world.

 

Wittstock: With the turning of the first sod on 25 May in Alt Daber near Wittstock, the starting signal for the largest thin-film solar power plant in Germany was given. The 133 hectare plant of BELECTRIC Solarkraftwerke GmbH, the international market leader in Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) of ground-mounted solar power plants 2010, is being constructed on the former Russian army grounds.

"Wittstock and the entire state of Brandenburg have recognised the sign of the times." Martin Zembsch, CFO of BELECTRIC Solarkraftwerke GmbH, highlighted the positive collaboration with the responsible parties in the town with 15,000 inhabitants in north-west Brandenburg. According to Mr Zembsch, the town relies consistently on regenerative energy. After completion of the solar power plant, more than 71,400,000 kilowatt hours of electricity a year will be fed into the grid from the sun. This corresponds to annual CO2 savings of over 50,000 tons. "We shouldn't forget that we are at the start of a great development. What we achieve in small, laborious steps drives renewable energy and the energy revolution forward every day. It's a true success story. It doesn't happen overnight, but instead through the hard work of all those people who see the future ahead of them and want to make a change," emphasises Stephan Hansen, managing director of First Solar.

The work in Alt Daber is scheduled for completion in December 2011 at the latest. In total, over 850,000 modules from the manufacturer First Solar will be installed on the former military grounds. The investment will not only secure the energy supply of approximately 18,000 households, but also the jobs of over 600 employees in the Frankfurt (Oder) region. "The co-operation with the local council and authorities could not have been better," says a pleased Martin Zembsch – a view that Jörg Gehrmann, mayor of Wittstock, could only confirm. He also emphasised the constructive co-operation with the BELECTRIC engineers and the responsible parties, which ensured that the planning phase ran smoothly. Ground was broken just four months after the town of Wittstock signed the contract with BELECTRIC Solarkraftwerke GmbH. "Everyone involved worked very efficiently," commented Martin Zembsch.

Prior to the project, BELECTRIC invested a sum in the low one-digit million range in complex substrate checks, the removal of warfare material and contaminated soils and in the demolition of obsolete buildings. This constituted a significant ecological improvement to the 133-hectare site. Safety and scheduled contract completion were always the top priority and now the renaturalisation and simultaneous commercial use of the conversion real estate can begin. The protected premises offer rare species of animal and plants a new habitat.

Kolitzheim: Great achievement for BELECTRIC Drive. The innovative company based in Lower Franconia has been nominated for the Intersolar Award 2011 for its combination of e-mobility and photovoltaics. The award is presented as part of the Intersolar trade fair in Munich. The BELECTRIC charging box provides an intelligent charging infrastructure that maximises the proportion of solar power in electric vehicles. "The nomination for the Intersolar Award 2011 is a great recognition of our work and shows that we are on the right path with our ideas and innovations," says a pleased Sebastian Bachmann, CEO of BELECTRIC Drive. Over the past years, the Franconian company has made a name for itself as a pioneer in e-mobility. One of the largest fleets of electric vehicles was set up in the "Mainfranken" pilot region. Currently, over 60 electric vehicles are used every day by private individuals, companies and local authorities.

An integral part of BELECTRIC Drive's philosophy is the combination of e-mobility with photovoltaics and using the storage capacity of vehicle batteries to relieve the power grid. "Thanks to innovative charging management, our vehicles run with a maximum proportion of solar electricity," reports the CEO. The BELECTRIC charging box represents the link between the intelligent charging infrastructure and e-mobility. It is fitted with a patented "Plug&Play" mechanism that allows for high-speed exchange. Through the exchange mechanism and location-independent mobile data exchange, technical developments are easy to implement. One trend-setting feature for the future is the connection of the BELECTRIC charging box with a Web portal that is used for system maintenance and control. The local load management system co-ordinates the charging times of the e-vehicles with solar energy generation, which maximises the proportion of solar power in the vehicle batteries and avoids the procurement of expensive peak load power.

The Intersolar Award 2011 is presented by the organisers of Intersolar Europe in co-operation with the Bundesverband Solarwirtschaft (German Federal Solar Industry Association) and with the support of the SEMI PV Group. The prize is awarded in the categories "Photovoltaics", "Solar heat" and "PV production technology" and addresses around 3,000 companies and institutions around the world. The award ceremony will take place in Munich on 8 July 2011 as part of the official Intersolar Europe celebration. For further information, please visit www.belectric-drive.com 

Kolitzheim: BELECTRIC is the global market leader for planning and construction (EPC) of ground-mounted power plants and photovoltaic rooftop installations. In 2010, BELECTRIC (formerly Beck Energy) installed more solar power worldwide than any other company in the industry. This is the result of an analysis of the photovoltaic market recently published by the market research institute IMS Research. Last year, the Bavaria-based company constructed 45 solar power plants and 185 roof-mounted installations with a total output of 313 megawatts. In comparison to 2009, this represents an increase of almost 200 percent in the ground-mounted solar power plant area. To achieve this, over 2,000 kilometres of cable, 3.5 million photovoltaic modules and almost 300 inverter stations were installed in Europe, Asia and the US. On average, the company installed over 1.2 MW of solar power each day across the globe.

"Our great strength is the reliability and quality that we offer our customers," explains Bernhard Beck, CEO of BELECTRIC, naming one of the decisive factors for success. Unlike most competitors, the company offers solutions from a single source. The solar power plants are realised – from planning and construction through to operation – without subcontractors.A further aspect is the use of innovative technologies. "Through intensive research and development, we are in a position to offer our customers the latest and most efficient technology at all times," says Bernhard Beck. "We are already constructing the next generation of solar power plants." The CEO is primarily referring to state-of-the-art thin-film technologies and improved integration into the public power supply grid. Through a modular system design and in-house production expertise, BELECTRIC is able to optimally align all the system components.

The largest solar power plant projects realised by BELECTRIC in Germany in 2010 are located in Reckahn, Herzberg and Rentweinsdorf. Alongside 25 solar power plants in Germany, systems were also constructed in Italy, France, Spain, the Czech Republic, Greece, the Middle East and the US. Furthermore, one of the largest photovoltaic greenhouses in Europe with 2.6 megawatts was commissioned in Italy. In 2011, BELECTRIC will further increase its international commitment. Up to 60 percent of the annual contract volume could be realised outside Germany. "Today we already have the possibility of establishing solar power as a competitive alternative to conventional power generation in numerous countries. Together with other regenerative energy sources, solar power generation will already be able to cover the increasing energy demand in just a few years," says Bernhard Beck, looking to the future with confidence.