Solar investment advisory

News

January 2010

STMicroelectronics, a semi-conductor manufacturer, Sharp and Enel Green Power have signed an agreement to equally share the ownership of triple junction thin layer photovoltaic panels manufacture in Italy.

This type of panels is suitable for large surfaces seeking an average production of electricity. Compared to ordinary silicon solar panels, this type of panels maintains very high energy conversion efficiency even in very hot climates.

The initial production capacity will be 160 MW per year, the aim being to achieve progressively close to 500 MW. Production is expected to begin early 2011. The total cost of the project is estimated at EUR 320 million and will be financed by equity, grants and loans. Some of the contributions will be made in- kind. The plant is located in Catania, Sicily, on an existing site offered by STM.

Resulting production will meet the needs of the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) regions and the Mediterranean basin in particular.

At the same time Sharp and Enel Green agreed to develop solar farms located in the Mediterranean area, the objective being to install 500MW by end 2016.

This type of agreement, which follows other recent announcements, confirms the strong rise in the photovoltaic sector and should contribute to the continuing decrease in the price trend and strengthen investors interest in a context of recovery of energy price.

 

For more information, click on the following link : http://www.st.com/stonline/