SunWize Technologies, Inc. is working with three other organizations as members of a North American Consortium to develop two major solar photovoltaic projects in the Republic of Ecuador.
These projects will help Ecuador diversify its renewable energy resources and promote energy efficiency among its people. In addition to SunWize, the consortium includes Solexica Energy Corporation, JCM Capital, and Radical Energy Inc.
“Photovoltaic solar energy doesn’t pollute air, soil or water, making it a sustainable and environmentally-friendly choice for energy production worldwide. As members of the North American Consortium, we look forward to providing the people of Ecuador with an energy resource that will serve them well in the years ahead.” said Scott Tonn, CEO of SunWize.
The two photovoltaic projects—known as Condor Solar and Solarconnection represent 30 MW(AC) and 20 MW(AC) respectively. Combined, these installations will have an estimated peak capacity of 62.5 MW(DC) and will feature approximately 234,000 solar panels, multiple inverters and a substation to process and distribute energy to over 100,000 households in northern Ecuador. The Condor Solar and Solarconnection projects will generate 200-400 temporary jobs during their construction phase and 10-15 permanent jobs. In addition to providing local jobs and clean energy, the two projects will also reduce Ecuador’s carbon footprint by eliminating the production of approximately 47,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year, equivalent to removing 8,697 midsize cars from Ecuadorian roadways.
Both the Condor Solar and Solarconnection projects will be constructed in a region of the Andes Mountains called Canton Pedro Moncayo. The area’s average temperature allows solar panels to operate at optimum efficiency, while its altitude and location near the equator offer abundant sunshine with few impediments. In addition to its climate, there are other factors which make Pedro Moncayo an ideal location for solar projects.
“Pedro Moncayo’s geographic location will help these projects be both economical and efficient,” explains SunWize President and Chief Operating Officer David Kaltsas. “However, the area is also surrounded by a number of tourist attractions, including the Mojanda stratovolcano. As a result, Pedro Moncayo is uniquely positioned to serve as a model of sustainable energy use that thousands of tourists will have the opportunity to discover and appreciate in the years ahead.”
During the development of both solar projects, surrounding communities will host activities to promote and ensure sustainable development throughout the region. These activities will include training programs focused on renewable energy, health, sustainable agriculture, and arts and culture.
“The Condor Solar and Solarconnection projects are prime examples of how positive things can happen when likeminded organizations join forces,” Tonn says. “Both as a member of the North American Consortium and as an individual company, SunWize remains dedicated to helping businesses, organizations and people worldwide discover the many benefits of renewable energy.”
SunWize is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsui & Co. (USA). Mitsui, a global Fortune 150 and $66B organization, is listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. Delivering sustainable energy solutions to leading public and private organizations for over twenty years, SunWize is a global Engineering, Procurement, and Construction company, a premier Distributor of sustainable energy products, and a Developer of engineered solutions for mission-critical projects. By leveraging Mitsui’s global network both upstream and downstream, SunWize provides Businesses, Government Agencies and Dealers with the resources they need to execute sustainable energy projects on time and within budget. For more information, visit www.sunwize.com.
