Q.Cells' CIGS thin-film modules Q.SMART will be installed on the roof-top of the main warehouse of Ikea in the Northern Italian town of Piacenza within the coming months. The project was developed together with the Italian companies F.lli Zaffaroni and GreenPowerTech.
"We are very proud of this order, which not only emphasises on our strong Italian footprint but shows, that leading brands like Ikea identify themselves with the high-quality and long-performing products of Q.Cells," said Ciro Ahumada, Senior Vice President of Q.Cells Europe. "Our Q.SMART thin-film modules engineered-in-Germany convince by their strong output especially in the hot climate of Italy as well as by their fine black aesthetics."
Ideal for commercial and residential settings, Q.SMART holds the world record for thin-film modules in serial production since 2009 with efficiencies of up to 14.7 percent (aperture area) out of series production. The CIGS is the only photovoltaic thin-film technology that uses the so-called ‘light-soaking effect to generate up to eight percent power above standard test conditions after installation. Q.SMART solar modules also come with the innovative Anti PID technology (APT), protecting the modules against potential induced degradation (PID). Next to providing high efficiency products, Q.Cells has actively contributed to the design, professional planning and execution of the roof-top system.
Enrico Paolucci of GreenPowerTech, a consultant to the project, comments: "Q.Cells not only offers best-in-class products but their people deliver an highly professional service support, which is becoming more important in a largely decentralized PV world and especially on roof-top installations for operating warehouses."
Marco Dona, Italian Head of Sales of Q.Cells comments: "The order represents yet another milestone in Q.Cells process of international expansion. Q.Cells is continuously working on strengthening its position as partner for customers and suppliers of quality PV products and system solutions for a wide range of business segments in Italy, which is one of the most important PV-markets in the world."
Q.Cells showcases at SolarExpo in Verona
Q.Cells is looking forward to welcoming its partners at the 2012 SolarExpo fair in Verona, running from 9-11 May. At stand E8.1, hall 6, visitors will have the chance to learn about the ground-breaking new technologies of Q.Cells, from solar cells to solar modules to solar applications. One of the newcomers on display will be the Q.FLAT system, a PV application ideal for flat roofs and especially well suited to the conditions prevalent on industrial facilities rooftops in Italy.
Moreover, the international PV company will exhibit its brand new Q.PORT carport solution, which combines cost efficiency with flexibility for C&I car parks. Besides that Q.Cells has further optimised its solar module portfolio and will for the first time exhibit its monocrystalline Q.PEAK – G2 module (265 W) with a black frame and its Q.PEAK S, a 48 cell module, complementing the 60 cell module Q.PEAK-G2 especially on small and winding roofs.
