Release
Sustainable and cost-efficient light generation independent of electric grids
The Kirchner Solar Group, a pioneer of the solar industry and a leading producer of solar off-grid solutions, extends its product portfolio of mobile and self-sufficient solar applications by the solar light 300. The solar lamps will primarily come into use in rural parts of Africa where light is generated via non-profitable paraffin and kerosene lamps. The solar light 300 of the Kirchner Solar Group is a robust and cost-efficient lighting alternative for households without access to the public electricity grid.
The solar light 300 are especially designed for use in developing countries without regular electricity supply, in particular for use in rural areas without access to the electric grid. The African continent, especially Uganda and the Ivory Coast, where the company has offices, are key distribution markets for the Kirchner Solar Group. According to a table by “Lightning Africa”, a joint electrification program of the World Bank and the International Finance Cooperation (IFC), some 600 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa have no access to a power supply system, and spend more than 10 billion dollars annually on lighting; this often equals a major part of the household income. An investment that needs to be undertaken over and over again for lighting sources operated with paraffin, kerosene, oil or diesel – often at the expense of a person’s health due to released fumes. With the solar light 300, the Kirchner Solar Group now offers a health conscious, cost-efficient and sustainable solution for the illumination of private housing space and industrial real estates. The lightning source runs on a 4 Watt PV module and provides light for up to 24 hours at a radiance of 300 lumen. The recharging time is four to eight hours only. The solar light 300 offers effective protection against mechanical damage and dampness, so that deployment in rough environments will be straightforward and long-lasting.
“Solar energy is the key for giving a large majority of Africa’s population access to reliable electricity supplies and thus to sustainable economic development. Practically speaking, the goal is to create solutions that provide a constant and cost-efficient supply of energy for private households, contractors, hospitals and schools without a comprehensive national grid”, declares Hans Wulff, Head of the Off-Grid Department of the Kirchner Solar Group. “Thanks to our longstanding experience in different African markets, we are in a position to offer secure and tailored means of energy generation, based on solar energy.” The Kirchner Solar Group co-operates with different Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) on its projects in Africa, but it also has its own subsidiaries in Uganda and the Ivory Coast as well as mobile shops. Through its activities in several African countries, the solar company feels closely wedded to the continent and is particularly committed to the electrification of its rural areas.
About Kirchner Solar Group
Kirchner Solar Group is a pioneer in the solar industry. The company was founded in 1991 and offers complete solutions for any type of roof. It has so far implemented more than 6,500 solar parks and PV rooftop systems, which makes it one of the leading vendors for renewable energies. The company’s products and services include the design and installation of PV systems, the production of its own solar tracker systems, the production of independent off-grid systems, the trade of high-quality PV components and public fund concepts, as well as customized solar systems. The group employs more than 240 people across 13 locations in Germany, Africa, Italy, Canada, USA, India and Greece. It achieved a turnover of approximately 190 million Euros in fiscal year 2010, with approximately 112 Megawatt Peak PV power installed. Besides their PV systems project and implementation activities, the company has engaged in years of commitment in the field of sustainable and environmental education. Kirchner Solar Group GmbH was awarded the German Solar Award 2010 for their work and commitment in the PV sector – its dual managing directors are Lars Kirchner and Christian Wahl – www.kirchner-solar-group.de
About PV tracker systems
The “sonnen_system” PV tracker systems, a product of the Kirchner Solar Group, are astronomically controlled biaxial systems. Using a rotatable mount, the solar modules are continuously positioned at a 90 degree angle against the sun. This innovative technology ensures that the radiation angle against the module is optimal at all times. In this way, these solar systems will deliver up to 45% more yield than systems sitting on a fixed structure. So far, Kirchner Solar Group have produced and installed 11.000 tracking systems worldwide.
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