News | Energy Efficiency

http://www.newenergyworldnetwork.com/renewable-energy-news/by-technology/solar-by-technology-renewable-energy-news/vacon-aims-for-global-solar-business-by-2011.html

Global AC drive manufacturer Vacon aims to establish a global solar business by the end of the year, having already strengthened its foothold in the sector with a number of significant orders, largely from Europe.

In the Czech Republic alone, Vacon has received orders for installations on solar projects totalling over 100MW, in addition to purchases from Italy and Belgium.
‘Vacon’s business is clean technology, distinguished by two growth areas. One is the long-established field of controlling electric motors with AC drives, and the other one is our product offering for harnessing renewable energy. Vacon offers new and exciting solutions for this growing business area,’ said marketing director for Vacon Renewable Energy Applications, Olli Tevä.
‘Towards the year-end, Vacon will establish its presence in the solar energy business in various parts of the world.’
Earlier this year, Vacon acquired a small Spanish company that specialises in the design of solar energy inverters. As a result, it has designed the flagship Vacon 8000 Solar product especially for solar energy applications ranging from between 10kW and 1MW.
Vacon has also expanded its product portfolio with the introduction of the Vacon 8000 Wind product, which is currently available for installations of up to 2MW but will be deployed for higher capacity projects in the future, the company said.
Its technology can be used in both full-power converter solutions and double-fed induction generator technology.
‘The growth in the wind power markets in Europe and US has been steady. In China, however, the demand is stronger,’ said Tevä.
Vacon’s research and development and production units are located around the globe in Finland, the US, China and Italy. The company posted revenues of €272m in 2009 and its shares are quoted on the main platform of the Helsinki stock exchange.