A consortium of Germany-based solar experts Conergy and Saudi Arabia’s leading solar system integrator, National Solar Systems (NSS), has built a 2 MW park on the rooftop of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (Kaust) at Thuwal on the Red Sea.

The plant consists of two rooftop solar installations with a capacity of 1 MW each, installed on the north and south laboratories of the university. The power system features premium components combining over 9,300 high-efficiency solar modules with Conergy Suntop III mounting systems and Conergy 280K central inverters.

The photovoltaic plant occupies 11,577 sq m of roof space and produces 3,332 megawatt hours of clean energy annually, while also saving up to 33,320 tonnes of carbon emissions. This equates to carbon offsets of approximately 6,000 circumnavigations of the world by car.

Conergy designed the park and was responsible for the engineering, supervision and commissioning while installation works and operational management were implemented by National Solar Systems.

The solar park initiative is part of Kaust’s wider green technology programme: the flagship university wants to advance solar energy research through its Solar and Alternative Energy Science and Engineering Centre and deploy clean energy solutions on its campus. For their ecological engagement, they have recently been awarded the prestigious Leed Platinum award by the US Green Building Council.

Historic event

“We are proud to be among the solar pioneers in our country,” a Kaust spokesman said.

“Despite our country being the largest oil-producer, we think that it is essential to develop new and sustainable technologies for the benefit of the kingdom, the region and the world. This commitment is built into the DNA of our infrastructure as well as our research and academic mission.”

Equipment related to the solar park

Marc Lohoff, head of Conergy Asia Pacific and the Middle East, commented: “We support the future of renewable energy in the Middle East with our solar know how and the latest technology. This project demonstrates that the development of alternatives to traditional fossil fuel has taken on a new urgency, even in oil-rich countries like Saudi Arabia.”

Clean power

The managing director of National Solar System, Abdulhadi Al-Mureeh, added: “For the first time, clean power is flowing into the national grid. This is a historical event for us in Saudi Arabia. The strong collaboration and mutual cooperation between National Solar and Conergy was the secret formula behind this success.”

Hamburg-based Conergy AG is one of the leading solar companies with 1,400 employees and business in 16 countries on four continents. As a system supplier, the Conergy Group develops and produces crystalline solar modules, invertors and mounting systems at its three German manufacturing locations.

The Saudi plant was an Asian triple for Conergy, the company having recently built solar plants in Thailand and India.

Founded in 1998 it has sold more than 1.25 gigawatt of renewable energy, including solar systems with a total power output of more than 1 gigawatt.