Conergy builds 1.7 MW solar energy system on the roofs of Parma Fairgrounds
- Ecological showpiece project; one of the biggest rooftop solar energy systems in Italy
- 23,131 modules generate around 1.9m kWh of clean electricity annually on 17,000 m2
- Solar system covers fairground's entire power needs
The Conergy Group is building one of Italy's biggest rooftop solar energy systems in Parma. The 1.7-megawatt system is being built by Conergy Italia on behalf of the Italian fairground operator Fiera di Parma S.p.A. Conergy is the general contractor in charge of planning, construction and the turnkey transfer of the system. Construction work, which Conergy has already begun, is part of the fairground's extensive expansion and renewal.
The photovoltaic system, which comprises around 23,131 thin-film modules and six Conergy IPG 300k central inverters, is being integrated onto the trade show hall's 17,000 m2 roof. An aluminum construction for the module installation, specially produced for the Parma fairground, will replace the current façade and with it the old asbestos cladding. The proprietary Conergy SmartControl product provides an end-to-end yield-monitoring system. The intelligent integration of the photovoltaic system into the rooftops sets new standards in the architectural incorporation of large systems.
"For Conergy Italia this ecological showcase project for Parma fairground is a milestone in its history," says Guiseppe Sofia, the company's managing director. "The photovoltaic system is one of Italy's biggest on-roof constructions and the biggest turn key project so far for Conergy Italia. With this order, the fairground operator is showing the importance it attaches to the themes of energy, environment and sustainability. We are certain that other Italian companies will follow its example."
Conergy is on track to complete the solar energy system before the end of the year. From then on, its operators will not only benefit from a green image, but also the 1.9 million kilowatthours of clean electricity it will produce every year. To produce the same amount of electricity from fossil fuels, 435 tons of crude oil would have to be burned that would spew around 874 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere every year, adding considerably to global warming. In addition, the Parma fairground operators will reap the rewards of the attractive feed-in tariffs in Italy. As the system will produce more electricity than the site needs itself, the surplus will be fed into the local electricity grid. Thanks to the on-time completion of the system, that spells highly lucrative 2009 tariffs for the operator.
Fiera di Parma
A three hundred thousand-square metre exhibition district in the centre of the manufacturing heartland of northern and central Italy: these are the vital statistics of Parma Exhibition Centre, an organisation that within the Italian trade fair panorama offers its services as a partner for companies intending to fulfil their expectations by blending tradition and innovation.
A fruitful marriage between trade fair expertise and entrepreneurial flair has led to the establishment of world-class events such as Cibus, which has long supported and promoted the Italian food sector across the world; Cibus Tec, a privileged showcase for food processing and machinery; Mercanteinfiera, Gotha, Emporium and Bagarre, four ingenious intuitions that over the years have lent the antiques sector increased dignity and a professional dimension, setting trends and launching new lifestyles, as well as inventing modern antiques and vintage.
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