First Solar today announced that JP Energie Environnement (JPee) is using its advanced Series 6 photovoltaic (PV) solar modules to power the 59-megawatt (MW) Labarde solar power plant.
The facility, believed to be the largest urban solar PV power plant in Europe, is being built on the site of a former open-air municipal landfill in Bordeaux in South West France. The land was designated as a wasteland, unfit for residential or commercial buildings, or agricultural use.
Selected under successive rounds of PV tenders
JPee, however, secured a 35-year lease for the 600,000-square meter site and began developing the Labarde solar project, which was selected under successive rounds of the PV tenders organized by France’s Commission de Régulation De L’Énergie (CRE).
Based in Caen, France, JPee has over 15 years of experience developing, financing, constructing, and operating renewable energy assets. The company operates 263MW of wind and solar projects, generating enough energy to power 230,000 average homes, making it one of France’s leading independent renewable energy producers.
Project helps to heal a piece of land that has no other practical use
“The Labarde project demonstrates the positive role that solar can play within a community. Its role goes beyond transforming sunlight into solar electricity and supporting France’s decarbonization goals, as it helps heal a piece of land that has no other practical use,” said Xavier Nass, Chairman, JPee. “While solar is inherently sustainable, this project is powered by the lowest carbon solar technology and sets new benchmarks for sustainability. We thank First Solar for standing behind its commitments and delivering on its promises to help ensure that this important project can be delivered on schedule.”
First Solar Series 6 PV module – outstanding low carbon footprint
Designed and developed at the Company’s research and development (R&D) centers in the United States, First Solar’s Series 6 PV module sets industry benchmarks for quality, reliability, design, and environmental performance. With a carbon footprint that is up to six times lower than crystalline silicon PV panels manufactured using conventional, energy-intensive production methods, Series 6 delivers a superior environmental profile and the lowest carbon solar electricity available today.
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Over 1.110 MW First Solar modules installed in France
“At First Solar, we put sustainability at the heart of our business, and we’re thrilled that JPee is powering this landmark facility with First Solar’s advanced solar module technology,” said Pascal Tirtiaux, First Solar’s head of business development for France. “Our transparency and commitments as a module provider plays a vital role in ensuring that developers like JPee can maintain their competitiveness and their project execution timelines. We’re thankful for the trust that Xavier and his team have placed in First Solar.”
With over 1,100MWs installed, First Solar’s advanced module thin film technology forms the backbone of France’s solar fleet. The Company’s modules have been deployed across over 400 projects in France ranging from large-scale ground-mounted plants to commercial and industrial (C&I) projects.
About First Solar
First Solar is a leading global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) solar solutions, which use its advanced module and system technology. The company’s integrated power plant solutions deliver an economically attractive alternative to fossil-fuel electricity generation today. From raw material sourcing through end-of-life module recycling, First Solar’s renewable energy solutions protect and enhance the environment. For more information about First Solar, please visit www.firstsolar.com. (hcn)
