The solar panel manufacturer REC has announced its first venture in Thailand which also happens to be the largest solar plant in the northern part of the country.
The plant at Chian Rai consists of almost 41,000 REC Peak Energy Series solar panels and is now supplying green electricity to 7,200 Thai households. It covers a total area of 24 hectares, much of that rugged, mountainous land in the Mae Chan district, and is owned by the Chiang Rai Solar Company, a joint venture between the independent solar power producer Sonnedix and CK Power, which is an affiliate of CH Karchang, Thailand’s second largest construction company. REC has supplied panels for Sonnedix before, in Europe. The company was therefore a prime candidate for the Chiang Rai project.
“REC has a proven track record and a wealth of experience in this still-young industry,” said Franck Constant, Chairman at Sonnedix. “REC solar panels were among the most reliable options for weather and climate conditions in Thailand and to comply with government regulations.”
The gradient of the terrain at Chiang Rai meant that this project was particularly challenging and the solar panels had to be mounted on a special concrete structure with special optimization in order to maintain high output in fluctuating sunlight. The plant is connected by a high voltage overhead line which feeds 15,000MWh of electricity per year into Thailand’s power grid. The plant will successfully reduce the country’s carbon dioxide emissions by almost 9,000 metric tonnes per year.
REC is keen to capture opportunities in Thailand and has just opened an office in Bangkok. Previously the country met at least half its primary power demand by importing energy and so the country is very keen to start generating power supplies itself. The aim is to meet a quarter of the country’s demand from renewable sources by 2021.
“The best way to serve a market is simply to be there” said Jose Luis Martin, Project Development Manager Thailand, REC. “A local presence in the country testifies that we’re taking a long-term view to our business activities in Southeast Asia. We’re delighted to have provided the solar panels to Sonnedix for the Chiang Rai installation. The new plant is the first milestone of many.”
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