SOLON founds subsidiary in France

SOLON SE is banking on proximity to its customers and is stepping up its activities in France to react to the jump in demand. Beginning August 1, the company's business in France will be managed in country: SOLON has founded its own subsidiary headquartered in Lyon. France is considered the market with the greatest potential for growth in photovoltaics and is fifth in Europe in solar power installed.

"Our premium quality is in demand around the world. We have founded our own subsidiary in Lyon to be able to offer our customers in the growing French market even better service," said Stefan Säuberlich, CEO of SOLON SE. France is already an important sales market for the European manufacturer, and the volume will continue to increase. According to calculations by EPIA, the European Photovoltaic Industry Association, up to 5,400 megawatts could be installed in metropolitan France and its overseas departments by 2014.

To be able to continue to grow on the French market, which includes building its own solar power plants, SOLON is seeking project developers to work on behalf of SOLON as service providers to scout sites for solar power plants and prepare the required permits. SOLON is looking for 10 to 50hectare sites throughout France. Engineering firms, architects, real estate agents, development companies and anyone who is interested can find out more from SOLON SAS in Lyon at http://www.solon.com/fr.

Two SOLON products are currently of particular interest for the French market. SOLON has adapted one of its proven products and recently presented the SOLON Blue 230/07 module in the 214 Wp power class for the market for PV systems for singlefamily homes that is so attractive in France. Fourteen SOLON modules in this power class can be used to build a 3 kWp system that takes full advantage of the feedin tariff ceiling and can produce enough electricity to cover the annual demand of a family of four. To make the most of France's higher feedin tariff for buildingintegrated photovoltaic systems, SOLON has offered a multiple awardwinning roofintegrated solution since 2009, making it a pioneer in this technology. The solution is currently undergoing further development. This allinone solution features impressive workmanship and a minimum of individual components for faster than average and highquality installation that remains reliable over the long term.