Storage SolarGlobal Czech Republic

Czech solar PV company Solar Global selected Alfen to supply a 1 MW energy storage system connected to its Prakšice solar PV farm. The system will be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2017 and is the first large scale storage system in the Czech Republic.

Solar Global develops and services solar photovoltaic (PV) farms and rooftop PV installations, and currently has some 100 MW capacity under service. As Solar Global wants to play an important role at the forefront of the energy transition, it is investing in an innovative energy storage solution that initially will be used for energy trading. As the local market further develops, the system is also ready for other applications, such as providing grid stability services. This project is supported by EU Regional Development Fund.

František Smolka, CEO of Solar Global comments: “Energy storage will play a crucial role in the large scale roll-out of renewable energy. With this project we prepare ourselves for the future, and I expect to implement many more of these systems in the region.”

Andreas Plenk, global sales director energy storage at Alfen, adds: “In close cooperation with Solar Global we assessed the most optimal configuration of the system for the local situation. Our modular and standardized storage system makes it possible to deliver and implement our solution in the Czech Republic within a short timeframe.”

Implementing innovative solutions

Smolka explains why Solar Global selected Alfen for this project: “Alfen’s proven technology and multiyear experience with utilities throughout Europe ensures that we are implementing the most innovative and reliable system in the market. We look forward to leverage Alfen´s vast experience with state-of-the-art applications for our business.”

Plenk adds: “We have experience with many types of storage applications, ranging from smoothening large scale renewable energy sources to load balancing for the charging of electric vehicles. Combining renewables with energy storage is gaining momentum throughout Europe. Parties such as Solar Global are realizing that storage will enhance the return-of-investment of solar PV and wind farms. And we’re only at the beginning of this trend.”