Canadian Solar powers city of Cavriglia with PV energy

MILAN, ITALY: Canadian Solar, one of the world's largest solar companies, has announced the provision of 12,465 high-performing photovoltaic modules for a ground-mount solar power plant installed on a former mining site in the Italian city of Cavriglia (Arezzo).

The 10 MW plant, which has been operational since October contains over 40,000 modules including Canadian Solar's CS6P-P series, will reduce CO2 emissions by 5,531,000 kg. Constructed by Canadian Solar partner Coop Cellini Impianti Tecnologici, a highly competitive company known for their expertise and reliability in the renewable energy sector, installed the solar farm in the area of a former mining depot in the Tuscan province. It is connected to the local power grid and will be able to provide enough clean energy to serve the needs of some 7,000 homes.

In order to minimize its environmental impact, the plant's design includes a number of features that enable the plant to blend in with its surroundings, such as a natural hedge all around the plant and trees that act as a natural screen. The project also includes some 1,122 meters of bike trails adjacent to the photovoltaic plant as an extension to the existing system of trails available both to the public and for organized sporting events. With the construction of this "green" plant, many issues related to water run-off have also been resolved, thereby contributing to the safety of the main escarpment.

In terms of safety, the photovoltaic plant is equipped with a remote monitoring system in order to measure and display the key operational data and to respond to any alarms or malfunctions in a timely manner.

"We are truly proud to be working with Canadian Solar because they are a reliable partner that provides high-performance products suited to large-scale installations such as this," said Paolo Tita, project manager for Coop Cellini Impianti Tecnologici. "Moreover, Canadian Solar has an excellent reputation worldwide, and this certainly contributes to the success of our projects."

"The installation of a solar plant such as this, one which is able to meet the energy needs of an entire town, is a clear example of how the power industry is going to evolve in the years to come. The system being used in Cavriglia is a model that can be followed in other Italian towns, so as to achieve the same levels of efficiency seen elsewhere in Europe, where at least 30% of the power generated comes from renewable sources," said Dr. Shawn Qu, chairman and CEO of Canadian Solar.

CS6P: efficiency, reliability and security
The CS6P standard module, a robust solar module with 60 monocrystalline or polycrystalline cells. These modules can be used for on-grid solar applications. Theirs meticulous design and production techniques ensure a high-yield, long-term performance for every module produced. Also the rigorous quality control and in-house testing facilities guarantee Canadian Solar's modules meet the highest quality standards possible.

The CS6P module series manufactured by Canadian Solar is on top of the PV USA (or PTC) tests achieving highest ratings. PTC tests are universally accepted and recognised as the best way of measuring the performance and electricity generated by a module under everyday conditions.

Canadian Solar's warranty now provides a linear performance guarantee for the Company's PV module power output over a 25-year period and covers workmanship and material defects to 10 years. Product warranty will backed by 25-year and by non-cancelable insurance policy.