Pon Power and Caterpillar came up with a new initiative to increase the use of more sustainable energy sources. In addition to reducing emissions through more efficient and clean engines, Pon Power's focus is also on the opportunities that the energy transition brings with it. With the introduction of Cat Solar panels, Pon Power - as the first Caterpillar dealer in Europe - offers a sustainable alternative to generating electricity. Strawberry grower Diepstraten from Etten-Leur got the scoop.
Owner Jan Diepstraten: "Much of the work at our nurseries is done by foreign seasonal workers. To offer them accommodation, we wanted to build a 42 x 18 m housing structure on the property. The municipality liked the idea, on the condition that the energy supply would become sustainable. A nice initiative, but a new area for us.” Because Diepstraten also had a Cat co-generation plant, the link with Cat Solar was made quickly. The output of the 1011 high-tech Cat Solar panels generate 112.5 MWh annually. That is more than Diepstraten needs for his housing, so he transfers the surplus energy to the greenhouse, which saves money on his electricity bill. His investment was also supplemented with the SDE subsidy that Diepstraten applied for.
Large capacity on a small grid connection
The Cat Solar solar panels make use of the Thin Film Technology Advantage. The output of a Thin Film module system can be up to 10 percent higher than that of the best multi-crystalline solar systems, according to Pon Power and Caterpillar. In addition, they hold the current world record for CdTe PV module efficiency, with up to 18.2 percent efficiency for the more advanced large modules. Cat Solar solar panels offer the possibility to realize larger capacities on a relatively small grid connection. In addition, the innovative system allows more power to be installed on a smaller roof. The solar panels are entirely developed in the United States, where both the quality construction and the innovative design are an important starting point. Even when there is a warm climate, humid conditions or shade, the Cat Solar solar panels produce more energy, leading to lower costs.
Cat Solar solar panels can be fully integrated with current systems such as a combined heat and power installation or emergency power supply. Monitoring the installation and its performance is also possible.
For more information:
Pon Power
www.pon-cat.com
power.nl@pon-cat.com