Solar power for the United Nations / Renewable energy in Africa (mit Bild)

Nairobi (ots) -

Energiebau Solarstromsysteme GmbH has installed the largest
on-roof solar-power system in Africa for the United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP). The 515 kWp solar-power system on the
roof of the headquarters in Nairobi was connected to the grid on
Monday during the UN Global Ministerial Environment Forum. With this
project, Energiebau has created the first climate- neutral office
building in Africa.

Working with a team of Germans and Africans, Energiebau planned
and installed the 515 kWp solar-power system for UNEP's new office
building, in close co-operation with and incorporating German solar
technology from SCHOTT Solar and SMA Solar Technology AG, as well as
modules from the Japanese firm Kaneka. Following a three-month
installation phase, the system consisting of 4,000 modules was ready
to go live. In this sunny location, the system will produce 750,000
kilowatt hours of clean solar energy each year, providing more
electric energy than will likely be consumed by the building with its
1,200 employees. This achievement points the way towards a green
future for the continent through de-central production of renewable
energy directly at the place of consumption. "Photovoltaics is
developing into an important factor for the climate-neutral
architecture of the future," the Managing Director of Energiebau
Michael Schäfer explained. The importance of the developing east
African market is reflected by the level of commitment to this
flagship project, highlighting solar energy's potential and
performance capacity in Africa.

"Local installers are being trained by Energiebau as part of its
development partnership with the Federal Ministry of Economic
Cooperation and Development (BMZ)", explains Hendrik Linneweber, GIZ
Kenya Country Director. In the future, Kenyan installers will be
trained in their own solar academy in cooperation with local training
institutions and the companies SCHOTT Solar and SMA.

Energiebau Solarstromsysteme GmbH has been operating in Africa as
an international leading provider and project developer of grid-
connected and off-grid solar-power systems since 1994.

A documentary film entitled Nairobi 515, detailing the initial
creation and development of the project, will be available on our
website www.energiebau.com/film from April 2011.

For more press releases and royalty-free images please visit:
www.energiebau.de/presse

About Energiebau Solarstromsysteme GmbH:

Founded in 1983, Energiebau is a pioneer in the field of
photovoltaics in Europe. Michael Schäfer and five other engineers
originally established the business as an installation company and
consultancy for energy efficiency. Since 2001, the company's focus
has been on the distribution of solar systems for off-grid and grid-
connected plants.

Since its establishment, Energiebau has become a leading supplier
of solar systems in Europe.

The core activities of the company are based on three business
areas.

- Project planning and financing of photovoltaic systems:
Energiebau, in its role as a systems house, brings comprehensive
and proven experience to every project.

- Wholesale distribution to professional installers: Energiebau
is the interface between the solar industry and small tradesmen.

- Manufacturing: Energiebau produces professional and durable PV
mounting systems for pitched and flat roofs under the LORENZ®
brand.

Facts and Figures:
Company headquarters: Cologne, Germany
Managing Directors: Michael Schäfer, Klaus Leyendecker, René Médawar
Employees: 350 (as of 01.01.2011)
Subsidiaries: France, Italy, Benelux countries, Ghana
Sales agents: Turkey, Israel

For enquiries please contact:
Timo Glatz,
Press Relations Officer
Energiebau Solarstromsysteme GmbH
Tel.: +49 221 989661530
Fax: +49 221 98966199
E-mail: presse@energiebau.de