http://www.newenergyworldnetwork.com/renewable-energy-news/by-technology/solar-by-technology-renewable-energy-news/france%e2%80%99s-tenesol-creates-joint-venture-with-agc-in-solar-glass-production.html

France’s Tenesol, a global solar power provider, has engaged in a joint venture with AGC Vertal Sud-Est in Lyon, with an agreement to produce BIPV crystalline SI modules, starting in 2011. AGC, an established glass maker will produce customised laminated glass modules from specifications provided by Tenesol.

Tenesol’s business is reliant on matching the different types of photovoltaic glass to the customers requirements, in the application to building design. Both companies are experienced in meeting the needs of the custom build solar market, as it has become a requirement to stay competitive in one of the highly pluralistic European solar market.
Solar companies are pushing the innovative boundaries in order to remain ahead of the curve. Hence tie ups like this make sense for the two companies explains Benoit Rolland, managing director, Tenesol.
‘To remain competitive in the crowded solar market, we continually improve our products and services through innovation and development. Joining with AGC increases our product offering and shows our commitment to delivering flexible PV solutions that answer specific client needs,’ said Rolland.
The market for energy efficiency in buildings, and alternative building designs is one of the most important areas in which to tackle energy use. According to last October’s Committee on Climate Change report in the UK , 40 per cent of carbon emissions can be tackled through more efficient building design. Bespoke solar design will no doubt play a significant part in this as panels can be fitted to produce shade lowering building cooling needs whilst at the same time generating electricity.
According to recent research undertaken by Newnet, nearly 38 per cent of respondents from the private equity industry believed that Europe represented the best returns for energy efficiency and storage.