Colexon connects 4.64-MWp German solar PV rooftop system to grid

Colexon Energy has grid-connected what it calls the world's largest rooftop solar photovoltaic power system using First Solar thin-film modules. The 4.64-MWp installation, built in six months for €17.5 million, is located in Hassleben, Germany.

The system features 64,000 First Solar cadmium-telluride TFPV modules, four SMA inverters, and mounting gear provided by ejot and Schüco.

The plant will produce an estimated 4.35 million kilowwatt-hours annually, according to Colexon. Based on the current feed-in-tariff of 43.99 cent/kW-hr, the installation will generate yearly revenues of more than €1.9 million.

A highlight of the Hassleben project was the airlift of modules during construction. Because of costs and efficiency, 10,000 of the First Solar panels to be installed were carried to the roof by helicopter. Given the large roof area (~224,000 square meters), this special module transport approach enabled enormous time savings, the system integrator company said.

"With this flagship project we once again prove our strengths as project developer of large rooftop solar power systems, demonstrating high product and service quality, quick implementation, and excellent price-performance ratio for our customers," said Thorsten Preugschas, Colexon CEO. 

The company previously completed projects that ranked as the world's largest solar power plant of their kind at the time: the Gescher project in 2006 (1.4-MWp capacity) and the Ramstein project in 2007 (2.5-MWp capacity).

Solexon also recently announced a pending merger with Renewagy and a long-term strategic partnership with Masdar PV, which will ultimately supply 150 MW of TFPV panels to the German firm.