By Isabella Kaminski
Solyndra International, a subsidiary of cylindrical solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturer Solyndra, completed the 3 MW solar system on the roof of one of international supermarket chain Delhaize’s distribution centres in Zellik, a suburb of Brussels. Rooftop solar is part of Delhaize's committment to reduce its CO2 emissions by 20% by 2020.
The system, which was completed by German solar integrator company USE with its Belgium subsidiary Enerdeal, uses over 17,000 Solyndra solar modules covering 34,000 m² of roof space and generates an annual yield of approximately 2.4 GWh.
Solyndra’s solar module design allows the panels to be oriented in any direction with minimal effect on the levels of generated energy, according to the company. Using copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) and thin-film technology, the modules generate electricity from direct, diffuse and reflected sunlight.
Clemens Jargon, Solyndra’s President of EMEA, says: “We are very happy to be able to help Delhaize to realise the economic and environmental potential of their rooftops. This installation bears testimony to our desire and ability to engage with large-scale distributed energy projects at a time when more and more corporations are seeing the hidden value in their fixed rooftop assets.”
USE added a white Sure-Weld thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roof membrane from Carlisle SynTec to maximise reflected light capture on the roof and to further reduce costs through building cooling.
Arnold Berens, CEO of USE, says: “Their simple, non-penetrating, flat-mounting system allows for the maximum level of roof coverage. This helps companies like ours carry out quick and simple installations, reducing costs while maximising yields per square meter – a solution that keeps both building owners and their insurers happy.”
Solyndra has also announced that its Solyndra 200 Series products are now eligible for the French simplified building integrated solar photovoltaic (BIPV) feed-in tariff.