CENTROSOLAR Group AG realises the large-roof solar energy systems

Order volume for CENTROSOLAR in excess of 8 MWp in 2009. Following the successful closing of the first solar fund launched by DCM in 2007, CENTROSOLAR Group AG has once again become project partner for the “DCM Solarfonds 3”. The special feature of this solar fund is that investors are investing not in a single solar park, but in a risk-diversified portfolio of facilities at various locations. The “DCM Solarfonds 3” is designed to finance nine selected large-scale solar energy systems for ALDI logistics centres in Germany, with a total capacity of around 8 MWp and scheduled to go on-grid in the course of this year.

As well as DCM, CENTROSOLAR and Pohlen Bedachungen GmbH, the CENTROSOLAR/Pohlen joint venture Centroplan GmbH and the Fraunhofer Institute will be involved in this major project. CENTROSOLAR will be taking charge of selecting and supplying the solar modules as well as other components such as converters and substructures. CENTROPLAN is responsible for project planning and administrative matters, and the Pohlen Group for the installation of the systems. DCM Deutsche Capital Management AG is managing the investment fund and taking charge of its marketing in its capacity as a reputable investment bank. The internationally prominent Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE will be in charge of quality assurance of the facilities.

The same team already collaborated successfully on the “DCM Solarfonds 1” and constructed large-roof solar energy systems in Germany whose feed-in rates are ahead of scheduled results. The nine flat roofs, selected according to effectiveness criteria and measuring around 250,000 sqm in total, are on logistics centres taken on lease from Aldi Süd and Aldi Nord. Pohlen Bedachungen will take charge of maintaining the roofs for the next 20 and 25 years respectively, thus likewise providing the lessor with the assurance that the systems remain fully operational. The revival of this successful partnership reflects both renewed interest in externally financed large-scale photovoltaic projects and the considerable expertise of the partners in this venture.

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 around EUR 333 million in 2008. It generates more than half its revenue internationally. The company has its own sales offices in Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Switzerland and the USA.