Sep 28 2009
New N.C. office to bring photovoltaic parks and farms from concept to reality nationwide
Europe is the leader in solar photovoltaic installations, accounting for approximately 80 percent of 2008 demand. If President Obama's energy bill passes this fall, however, the U.S. is expected to step up its own solar power usage significantly, spurring previously unforeseen amounts of growth within this energy field.
That's exactly why EEPro (http://www.eeprosolar.com/) -- daughter company of Germany's EEPro GmbH (https://www.eepro.de/) -- has established its first office in North America. Located in Charlotte, N.C., EEPro will design and build turnkey photovoltaic parks and farms throughout the U.S. It will also serve as a contact point for solar power information, shedding light on the numerous possibilities and benefits of such wide-scale implementation of this infinite natural resource.
"Within the United States, you rarely see mass use of solar power, as opposed to countries like Germany, where approximately one in 10 buildings has a solar power system," says Martin Koebler, CEO of EEPro. "In America, the programs and financial incentives, which are necessary to create the cultural shift that enables the success of sun-driven power, simply haven't existed. That's expected to change with the new energy bill and growing demand from conscientious corporations, communities and governments. EEPro has set up its office to address the projected need and provide the most trusted solutions in the solar market."
Already making headway, EEPro is planning the installation of a 500kw free-standing photovoltaic system in the Charlotte area. Specifically, the company is working to identify five to 10 acres -- the space that's needed for a system of this size capable of powering 250 homes. Such a system can produce 750-800kwh per year of electricity. EEPro is seeking a utility company to purchase the system, alternative electricity or carbon credits.
In addition, EEPro welcomes opportunities for discussions on larger projects throughout America, as well as the chance for U.S. partners to invest in solar farms and programs in Europe. Similar projects have helped create 500,000 new jobs in Germany since 2004, when the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) alternative energy adoption program was adopted.
"The entire world has a growing respect for solar power, and in Europe, it's a proven method of energy harvesting and delivery," Koebler says. "EEPro projects provide a low-risk investment opportunity."
Source: http://www.eeprosolar.com/