Q.CELLS And CCC Realise OFF-GRID Solar Installation In ABU DHABI Desert

Q.CELLS and CONSOLIDATED CONTRACTORS COMPANY (known as CCC) , an Athens-based construction company, have successfully realised the first off-grid solar installation in the United Arab Emirates. The rooftop photovoltaic system with an output of 368 kWp is one of the largest solar installations in the country empowering a camp with more than 5000 people working for an oil field development project in the desert. The installation carries 1,536 multicrystalline PV modules from Q.CELLS.

They generate approximately 610 MWh per year which will be used for air conditioning, kitchen installations and other daytime power demand. The system feeds directly into one of the camp´s diesel generator powerhouses. It will also contribute to reduce CCC´s carbon footprint by offsetting 420 tons of CO2 emissions per year. Q.CELLS acted as a Procurement and Engineering partner and provided extensive support services to CCC during the construction phase. CCC initiated the project, employed its local teams for construction and will operate and maintain the plant.

"We are very proud to be part of one of the largest off-grid PV installations in the United Arab Emirates so far", said Hannes Behacker, Senior Vice President Asia Pacific/Middle East of Q.CELLS. "The project marks a major innovation showing how to reduce the environmental impact and cost of fossil energy consumption by innovative off-grid solar power plants which operate together with diesel generators."

Q.CELLS has already proven the superior performance of its products in hot climates at the Desert Knowledge Center Australia, where they had the highest annual yield of all crystalline PV modules under test both in 2010 and in 2011.

Q.CELLS had opened an office in Abu Dhabi, UAE, earlier this year and looks to further expand its footprint in the sun-kissed Middle Eastern region. This project and the established professional partnership with CCC mark a first important milestone on this road.

As a pioneer in the Construction Industry and with a vision to lead in promoting green awareness, CCC believes in providing future generations with a healthy and safe environment and social and economic prosperity. As such CCC has initiated to launch a PV power plant in UAE - Qusahwira Camp. CCC selected Q.CELLS as its key partner for this project. Q.CELLS has provided support from the design to engineering and procurement of the PV generator as well as technical support during the construction phase. CCC added its unique position and skills in designing the balance of the equipment needed and in doing the construction work under guidance of Q.CELLS experts for the PV-specific part of the installation. 

Based on this project experience, CCC and Q.CELLS intend to jointly offer their services for future PV projects in the Middle East.