Suniva solar cells power solar project in India

NORCROSS, USA: Suniva Inc., a US manufacturer of high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon solar cells and modules, announced the commissioning of its largest solar power installation with Titan Energy Systems Ltd, located in Karnataka, India.

The 3MW, ground-mounted system is the largest grid-connected solar field in India, covering more than 12 acres. The system was designed and deployed by Titan and is owned and operated by Karnataka Power Corp. Ltd, one of India’s largest power providers. Karnataka Power will distribute power generated by the system to local farmers for irrigation purposes.

Founded in the year 1800, Karnataka Power is one of the most established power providers in India. In addition to this solar project, Karnataka Power owns a number of renewable power plants, including the country’s first hydroelectric power station (opened in 1902) and one of India’s first wind power projects.

Titan designed the 3MW solar project incorporating Suniva’s high-efficiency ARTisun series solar cells while providing engineering, procurement and construction services.

“This project exemplifies Titan’s ability to execute large scale solar projects quickly and cost-effectively, which are key measures of success in rapidly growing solar markets like India,” said John Baumstark, CEO of Suniva. “As we continue to increase solar cell and module efficiency and reduce costs, our customers will benefit from higher performance in large-scale applications.”

“Suniva’s high-efficiency cell technology enables our solar modules and solar projects to exceed their performance targets,” said Sankar Chodagam, Managing Director of Titan Energy Systems Ltd. “As India prepares for sustained growth in its solar market, our partnership with Suniva greatly strengthens our position as a manufacturer and system integrator.”

In November 2009, the Indian government approved a National Solar Mission, which aims to deploy at least 20GW of solar projects by 2020. This strategic initiative is part of the country’s plan to provide power to millions of citizens lacking access to energy sources, as well as to combat climate change. Over the next five years, Titan plans to develop a series of large-scale projects and installations in Andhra Pradesh, India, using Suniva’s technology.