Mar 6 2008
Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. today announced that its German solar partner, Asola Advanced and Automotive Solar Systems GmbH, has been awarded a contract by AS Solar GmbH for the supply of high-efficiency silicon photovoltaic solar modules. The value of this contract is estimated at $135 million over a three year period, beginning in 2008, and subject to final negotiations on quantity and price in 2009 and 2010.
Asola will supply its state-of-the-art 270 Watt and 230 Watt modules to AS Solar for installations primarily in Spain. AS Solar is a leading German integrated solar energy systems company with a strategic focus on Germany, Italy, and Spain.
"Asola is pleased to be selected by AS Solar to be its long-term supplier supporting their growing portfolio of European projects," said Asola's founder and CEO, Reinhard Wecker. "Our state-of-the-art, high-efficiency modules and high-quality module production processes were key to meeting all of AS Solar's rigorous requirements for these projects."
Quantum has recently announced acquisition of a 25% stake in Asola, and also a long-term supply contract with Ersol Solar Energy AG for the procurement of 155 MW of high-efficiency silicon photovoltaic solar cells, starting in 2008. The Ersol agreement guarantees a supply of solar cells to Quantum and Asola, thereby avoiding any potential future disruptions due to polysilicon shortages, as have been recently experienced by the solar cell industry. Resulting sales from the supply agreement with Ersol are anticipated to generate US $500 million for Asola and Quantum.
"We are excited to be able to announce this contract award for Asola's solar modules so soon after entering into the recently announced long-term photovoltaic cell purchase agreement," said Alan P. Niedzwiecki, President and CEO of Quantum. "Demand for Asola's high-quality solar modules continues to grow in the expanding renewable energy markets in Germany, Spain, Italy, and France. With our supply of solar cells secured, we believe that Quantum and Asola are well-positioned to meet this demand in Europe as well as to capitalize on the opportunities in California and the rest of North America."
The Spanish solar energy market is projected to grow in excess of 67% per year. Both Alan Niedzwiecki and Reinhard Wecker presented Quantum's and Asola's clean energy solutions at 'Genera08' Energy and Environment International Trade-fair in Madrid, Spain, 26-28th of February, 2008.