Solar Integrated Systems (Solarsis) and Colorado (US)-based Abound Solar have entered into a partnership to offer turnkey and implementation solutions for solar power generation projects in India.

The US-based company, which has a manufacturing base in Colorado, and currently in the process of setting up a second manufacturing base, specialises in cadmium telluride thin-film photovoltaic modules, which they maintain are about 30 per cent cheaper than the conventional silicon modules.

The Chief Executive Officer of Solarsis, Mr Venkat Rajaraman, said Abound Solar's thin-film modules are suited for tough environmental conditions — high temperatures and diffuse light and function without disruption in dusty surroundings. The combination of thin film technology and low-cost module and EPC services allow us to deliver returns to customers.

Solaris, a company promoted by Mr Srini Raju of iLabs and Sri City, has implemented a 2-MW solar power generation unit at Sri City and is in the process of installing another unit of 1 MW in Andhra Pradesh. “We plan to set up about 10 MW in the first year of operation and potentially scale it up in the next two years, offering supply and integration services,” Mr G.G.Chowdary, President, Solarsis, said.

Solaris also plans to set up a new test facility near Sri City.

Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, Mr Julian Hawkins, Senior Vice-President of Abound Solar, said the company, which currently has an installed capacity of 65 MW, will double it later during the year and take it up to 200 MW by early 2012. The company has secured funding of $110 million in first round and has another $400 million in commitment from the US Department of Energy.

“With these investments, Abound plans to increase the total capacity to 840 MW within two years. We are looking at India as a major opportunity to expand our presence,” he said.

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