Suntech will supply 280 Wp polycrystalline silicon modules for projects that will be designed, installed and commissioned by SunBorne Energy. The agreement includes an initial order for 10MW of solar panels for a project in Gujarat, India. Through this partnership, SunBorne will deploy proven, world-class solar technology and build local solar expertise to deliver affordable solar power throughout the country.
"We chose Suntech because of their clear technology leadership and long-term commitment to India. We are proud to support the Gujarat government in their endeavour to bring clean power to India and attain energy security. This partnership reiterates our action plan of providing cost-effective utility scale solar solutions and targeting grid parity by 2017," said James Abraham, Managing Director & CEO, SunBorne Energy.
"We’re excited to partner with SunBorne Energy to drive solar industry growth in India," said Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech’s Chairman and CEO. "Currently, one in three people in India lack reliable access to electricity, and the rapid deployment of solar energy has the potential to help close this gap. This project will provide thousands of people in India with clean and affordable power."
The solar industry in India has been growing rapidly, backed by government support at both the federal and state level. India has a target to reach a cumulative installation of 2GW of off-grid and 20GW of on-grid PV installations by 2022 to help meet the country’s burgeoning energy demands.
Solar technology is particularly well suited to address booming energy consumption across India, as total primary energy demand is expected to increase by 3.1% annually from 2008 to 2035, according to the IEA’s 2010 World Energy Outlook. The country’s average annual solar insolation is one of the best in the world reaching 2000 sun hours per year in some locations. Solar technology also helps to address peak power shortages, which can be particularly severe during summer months. The power production of solar panels roughly coincides with peak demand hours, as electricity is consumed during daylight for commercial and industrial activities.
SunBorne Energy is a leading specialist in Utility Scale Solutions (50MW+) in the solar power sector. SunBorne will deploy proven technologies and indigenize the entire value chain to drive affordable solar power. Its scope of functions includes localizing capabilities in design, manufacturing, engineering, construction, distribution and operations. SunBorne is developing Utility Scale Solution Plants in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh with other States in the pipeline. It aims to deploy 20 percent of the Solar Mission target in the next decade. SunBorne will make solar power an attractive investment option creating sustainable, clean and green energy. SunBorne has been established by internationally recognized experts in solar thermal power generation. Our investors include large Private Equity firms, like General Catalyst and Khosla Ventures. The company is headquartered in Gurgaon (Haryana).
Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP) produces industry-leading solar products for residential, commercial, industrial, and utility applications. With regional headquarters in China, Switzerland, and the United States, and gigawatt-scale manufacturing worldwide, Suntech has delivered more than 15,000,000 photovoltaic panels to over a thousand customers in more than 80 countries. Suntech’s pioneering R&D creates customer-centric innovations that are driving solar to grid parity against fossil fuels. Suntech’s mission is to provide everyone with reliable access to nature’s cleanest and most abundant energy source.
