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Renewable Energy News

THURSDAY 09 AUGUST, 2012 |

Suntech Hits 1 Gigawatt Solar Panel Milestone In The Americas

by Energy Matters

After a couple of particularly challenging months for the company, Suntech has announced it has delivered more than one gigawatt of solar panels to customers throughout North and South America as of the end of July.

"Although it's a highly-competitive period for solar manufacturers, there's never been a better time to be a solar customer and that's what matters most to our industry's longevity," said John Lefebvre, President of Suntech America.

Not all Suntech solar panels delivered to the Americas are made in China. Suntech opened a 30MW solar panel facility in Arizona in 2010; which has since expanded to 50MW and now operates 24 hours a day.

The company states approximately 7 gigawatts of Suntech solar panels (around 20 million modules) have been shipped to more than 80 countries. Combined, these solar panels generate an estimated nine terawatt hours of electricity per year; more than the annual power consumption of some countries.

It hasn't all been beer and skittles for the company in recent times. It was a target in the recent (and continuing) solar trade wars and the company also recently revealed it had launched an investigation into a security interest Suntech received in connection with an investment. Suntech suspect it may have been a victim of a EUR560.0 million fraud.

However, Suntech has stated the investigation will not have any direct impact on the company's day-to-day operations or cash flow, that there is no indication to date that any Suntech employee or member of management was involved and the company doesn't believe the situation will materially impact its banking relationships.

Suntech is headed by Dr. Zhengrong Shi. Dr. Shi is an Australian citizen, a graduate of the University of NSW and spent a considerable amount of time in Australia undertaking solar research before returning to China to launch Suntech in September 2001.

Notable Suntech based solar power system installations in Australia include The Wharf, home of the Sydney Theatre Company, which features Suntech's Pluto technology. These panels have a strong Australian pedigree; with research for the development of the underlying technology occurring in partnership with the University of New South Wales.