REC, the largest European supplier of solar panels, announces the first solar installation in Argentina using REC panels.
The capacity of the Chimbera solar power plant in San Juan, western Argentina is ramped up by a further 2 MW to 7 MW thanks to 8,400 REC Peak Energy Series solar panels, making the plant one of the largest in South America.
The ground-mounted REC installation covers around three hectares and is expected to deliver 3,900 MWh of electricity each year.
The Chimbera plant is owned and operated by 360 Energy SA, an Argentinian venture formed to develop, build and operate solar projects initiated through the country's renewable energy generation program (GENREN).
The electricity is fed into the grid and sold to energy providers through a government-supported PPA.
"This is our first installation with REC solar panels," said Santiago Lagos, CEO of 360 Energy. "Given the planned size of the finished installation, this project is hugely important to the future of solar energy in Argentina. We were impressed by both the quality and price of REC solar panels and would choose REC again as the project moves to the next stage."
The installation is also an important stepping stone for REC. "We are pleased to be on board this exciting project with 360 Energy in Argentina, and are looking forward to expanding our involvement as the country moves forward with its solar electricity initiatives," said Luc Graré, senior vice president of solar sales and marketing at REC.
Argentina offers excellent growth opportunities for solar electricity. Its western region benefits from twice the solar radiation of Germany, making PV a viable source to meet more of the country's electricity needs.
With incentive programs and generous feed-in tariffs in place to jump-start its burgeoning solar industry, Argentina is in an ideal position to drive large-scale solar projects forward.
REC, having gained its first foothold in the market with this 2 MW installation, demonstrates it can take a major role in the expanding Argentinian and South American solar electricity industry.
