German solar developer Conergy has been contracted by Italian fair trade company Fierce de Parma to install a 5MW photovoltaic (PV) array on the roofs of an exhibition centre in Parma.
Around 22,000 PowerPlus modules will be implemented on the 44,000 square metre area and are expected to produce more electricity than the buildings require. It will also benefit from a ten per cent higher feed-in tariff rate under the Quarto Conto Energia scheme that rewards projects using equipment manufactured in Europe.
This is the second time Conergy has worked for Fierce de Parma, the first development being a 1.7MW rooftop system completed in 2009.
Franco Boni, president of the Parma Exhibition Centre, said, 'Our first Conergy plant has already far exceeded our expectations. It was therefore clear to us that we would also go for quality with our second plant and continue our successful partnership with Conergy. The new plant is part of our comprehensive modernisation programme for the halls and at the same time an ecological showcase in exhibition construction, of which we are very proud.'
Giuseppe Sofia, manager of Conergy in Italy, added, 'We are pleased that the Parma Exhibition Centre and the financing bank Cariparma Credit Agricole continue to put their faith in us - both in our extensive Conergy expertise in the planning and realisation of solar plants as well as in the high quality of our premium components. This showcase is one of the largest industrial rooftop plants in the country - and that is also where we see a great deal of potential here in Italy for the future. Besides the topic of sustainability, companies are increasingly trying to tackle the rising energy prices in the country. And in that context, a rooftop plant kills two birds with one stone: it helps with the green image and also saves the company real money.'