CENTROSOLAR expands highly promising business area of off-grid solar systems

Centrosolar AG, a subsidiary of CENTROSOLAR Group AG, is further expanding its off-grid activities (solar modules and systems that provide an independent power supply). In 2008, the company has already sold around 15.000 off-grid modules. Meanwhile a new manufacturing facility in Wismar has been launched which will have a capacity of at least 24.000 off-grid modules. Centrosolar is the market leader for off-grid solar systems and is making this move with a view to extending its international market presence beyond the core sales area of grid-connected photovoltaic systems. The most spectular reference for off-grid modules is the recently commissioned tsunami early warning system in Indonesia, whose buoys are equipped with modules made in Wismar.

The off-grid solar modules and systems sold by Centrosolar AG under the SOLARA brand have hitherto mainly been used to generate power for off-shore applications. SOLARA´s highly resistant, energy efficient off-grid special modules and systems for boats, platforms and buoys have been the market leader for over a decade. Other non-maritime uses of SOLARA off-grid solutions are mobile homes, telematics installations and solar home systems for the electrification of smaller residential properties and facilities.

Centrosolar AG is consequently moving into a highly promising market of the future, because around 2 billion people worldwide do not have access to mains electricity. In light of the economic boom in very populous countries such as India and China, this opens up attractive growth prospects. In established industrial nations, too, there is a huge but as yet untapped market for photovoltaic systems for isolated houses that are currently still dependent on generators for their power supply. In Europe alone, there are some 300,000 houses not connected to the grid, in addition to the millions of traffic installations, street lights, mobile homes, buoys and boats worldwide that are ideal candidates for an independent power supply.

About CENTROSOLAR Group AG
CENTROSOLAR Group AG is among Europe´s leading suppliers of photovoltaic (PV) systems for roofs and related components, with currently more than 800 employees and revenue of EUR 220 million in 2007 (2008e: more than EUR 310 million). Its product range comprises solar integrated systems, modules, mounting systems and solar glass. CENTROSOLAR has PV module production plants in Wismar, Germany (2008e: 70 MWp and 2010e: 150 MWp) and Doesburg, the Netherlands (2008e: 45 MWp) as well as a solar glass plant in Fürth, Germany (2008e: 5 million m2). Together with Qimonda AG, it is currently erecting a solar cell plant in Porto, Portugal (2010e: 110 MWp). The company has its own sales offices in Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the USA. It generates more than half its revenue internationally.