AEC and KACO new energy launch inverter production in Saudi Arabia

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Under the name "Shams" (Arabic for "sun"), the Advanced Electronics Company (AEC) is manufacturing for the Arabian market a comprehensive range of solar inverters incorporating the technology from the Neckarsulm-based PV pioneer.

As part of a celebratory ceremony, Dr. Ghassan Al-Shibl, CEO of Advanced Electronics Company (AEC), and Ralf Hofmann, Managing Director of KACO new energy GmbH, launched production of the "Shams" joint inverter range on 10th September in Riyadh at the headquarters of AEC. The name comes from the Arabic and means "sun", the technology originates primarily from the renowned inverter manufacturer from Neckarsulm, true to the target specification of ‘Made in Germany' quality – worldwide.

The production line was constructed under the instruction of Volker Heuser, COO at KACO new energy, and has a capacity of 2,000 units or 1 GW per year. AEC devices cover the power range from 20 kW to 1 MW and are the first inverters to fulfil the Saudi Arabian specifications for ‘local content'. Its design is decorated with the same colour green featured on the kingdom's flag and also symbolises the environmental trend in Saudi Arabia. Due to its complete compliance with the local content regulations, the inverters in the Shams range achieve maximum suitability in terms of "Saudization", the programme for qualification and employment of the domestic population.

The inverters are tested on an in-house photovoltaic system at the AEC facility that was put into operation in November 2013. The system is also used as a test bed for modules, including polysilicon-based modules from domestic manufacturer KACST as well as Yingli Green Energy and thin-film modules from First Solar and Manz AG. "Along the way" AEC will save several hundred barrels of oil per year with an in-house PV system, in other words, thousands of US Dollars. Dr. Ghassan Al-Shibl invites other module manufacturers to test the reliability of their products in the environmental conditions of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh.

Dr. Ghassan Al-Shibl: "Our efforts reflect the government's objectives to use our regenerative energy sources to create future-proof employment, provide us with a wider economic basis and increase technological standards. Manufacturing and customer service close by mean not just a higher level of service for our customers, but also less stock-keeping, shorter delivery times and lower project costs. With the expertise of KACO new energy, AEC will succeed in becoming a leading manufacturer of PV inverters in the MENA region."

Ralf Hofmann confirmed for KACO new energy GmbH: "We are delighted at the partnership with AEC, a Saudi Arabian leading company in the fields of development, production and servicing of electro-technical products. We can be sure that AEC will deliver to customers PV technology of the highest quality: inverters manufactured precisely in line with the German design to international quality standards. We bring our combined knowledge and decades of experience, and AEC in turn is known for high production levels and technology transfer. Together we will combine research and development in the Saudi Kingdom with excellent service for our customers. The on-site production also represents a crucial market advantage."