REC and Graess form joint venture to deliver premium turnkey solar solutions

REC, the world’s most trusted brand of solar panels, and Graess Engineering (Graess), a leading Swiss/German provider of expert services for the realization of solar systems, announce the formation of “REC Solutions” – a joint venture delivering premium turnkey solar solutions worldwide.

Through the combined strengths and experience that both industry leaders bring to the joint venture, REC Solutions offers REC customers:

Premium turnkey solutions
Best-in-class components from European suppliers, including high-quality REC solar panels
German engineering and planning knowhow
Tailored insurance and warranty packages as add-ons
Support as an EPC partner for large tenders, worldwide

By joining forces, REC and Graess have a total track record of over 14 GW of experience in solar energy. REC had manufactured 6.5 GW of panels at the end of 2016, whereas Graess has developed, planned, and designed over 7.5 GW of solar installations worldwide, including 1 GW built. Combined with the reliability of established European brands, solar project developers and investors are ensured a strong supplier and lasting partnership.

“We believe that forming REC Solutions with Graess Engineering is the right approach for REC to enhance our solutions offering and value-adding services for REC customers,” comments Steve O’Neil, CEO at REC. “Both REC and Graess bring more than 20 years of industry experience, are rooted and headquartered in Europe, and place great importance on delivering quality. REC Solutions ensures investors receive a high-quality solar installation with long-term reliability and secure returns.”

“In established and emerging markets, we are seeing heavy emphasis on the experience and reliability of the suppliers involved in solar projects,” adds Harald Graess, Founder of the Graess Group. “REC Solutions was established to give developers and investors a truly reliable partner to support their investments in project development and help bring solar energy projects to life.”

Graess Engineering is a division of the Graess Group, which was founded in Germany in 1994. In addition to being a leading EPC, Graess also has extensive experience in project development, finance, and O&M of solar installations.

Hans Thoma, general manager from the Thoma-group, is eager to acquire a substantial market share in Brazil, a growing country with tremendous potential for solar energy output. Having complied with local official procedures (Inmetro, TÜV, Fraunhofer CSP) and cleared the way for future business collaboration, he expresses his hope that the solar industry will henceforth expand quickly.

”Being able to introduce Brazil to the infinite opportunities of a solar industry is a privilege for J.v.G. Thoma GmbH, and one that we are extremely grateful for. At the same time, this placed the ball squarely in our court, and the pressure to get the ball rolling quickly was high. Now that the lengthy initial formalities are out of the way, we can focus on making this project a success.“

The first DESERT solar module production in BRAZIL! Lets go ....

J.v.G. Thoma GmbH is delivering a DESERT turnkey production line to Brazil, the first of its kind and hopefully the first in many breakthroughs to leave the factory floor on their way to the largest country in South America. With a capacity of 30 MW, this is a small semi-automatic DESERT production line, but still a flagship in terms of DESERT solar module production and electricity generation in the country, now fully functional and ready to start with operation.

The machinery consists of DESERT production machines for high-efficiency DESERT solar modules built specifically for extreme hot climate, such as can be seen in deserts or in tropical areas. Made solely in Germany and built using the latest in DESERT and TROPIC module production, the systems inlcudes all cutting-edge technology.

Certified DESERT solar modules, DESERT containers, DESERT power plants and DESERT manufacturing machinery built using pioneering DESERT and TROPICS technology are now fully set up, and ready to perform. But powering on the machinery has been a long time coming. Up until recently, this advanced piece of equipment had been waiting for clearance at a port in Brazil. Now that the formalities have been dealt with, both J.v.G. Thoma and its customer in Brazil can get production under way.

J.v.G. Thoma GmbH is a company whose vision has always been to harness the infinite power of the sun and convert it into an inexhaustible supply of energy. But a vision such as this requires global reach, and this project has opened new doors. Brazil is not only a gateway to South American cooperation, but also the launchpad to international reach and expansion.

Following the delivery of this initial order, J.v.G. Thoma GmbH will be looking forward to an ongoing collaboration with the Brazilian company. From setup and initial training to setting the scene for a ramp up, J.v.G. Thoma will be there to provide expertise and assistance. Moreover, the company will be jointly responsible, along with the client, for the successful integration of the DESERT solar module factory.

In the future, bigger DESERT power plants will be set up on Brazilian soil, and together with existing turnkey production systems, they intend to take up a large share of the products and assets this sector will possess locally. J.v.G. Thoma plans to build up a local network of sales agents that can extend a premium offering to neighbouring countries in South America. Eventually, the company hopes to be able to expand its customer base to clients in North America.

Hans Thoma, general manager from the Thoma-group, is eager to acquire a substantial market share in Brazil, a growing country with tremendous potential for solar energy output. Having complied with local official procedures (Inmetro, TÜV, Fraunhofer CSP) and cleared the way for future business collaboration, he expresses his hope that the solar industry will henceforth expand quickly.

”Being able to introduce Brazil to the infinite opportunities of a solar industry is a privilege for J.v.G. Thoma GmbH, and one that we are extremely grateful for. At the same time, this placed the ball squarely in our court, and the pressure to get the ball rolling quickly was high. Now that the lengthy initial formalities are out of the way, we can focus on making this project a success.“

The first DESERT solar module production in BRAZIL! Let

Source: REC Solar Holdings AS