MEDIENKONTOR Dresden GmbH starts off the year with a new naming and visual identity project called “Durion”. Since November 2011, the Dresden-based PR agency has put in place a new line of services, namely Visual Identity and Branding along with its new tagline “Making content visible”. The request to create a holistic branding concept came from the Swiss-based, Clean Energy Invest AG. The client wanted to create a brand that would reflect the forward-thinking philosophy of a technology business and at same time produce an identity that is structurally different from the existing energy storage systems in the market.

To answer this need, MEDIENKONTOR first proceeded to the traditional research work and mind mapping in order to identify key concepts and naming leads. The “Durion” brand came from the association of the words “durable” and “lithium ion”. Filipe Webermann, in charge of the Visual Identity services at MEDIENKONTOR, explains: “In order to perpetuate these concepts, a bold and incisive wordmark was created with a strong d-shaped icon, allowing for an easy and instinctive cross-functional media implementation using this squared “flame” and thus generate the desired brand awareness”. Along with the “Durion” wordmark comes the slogan “Storage made smart”, which underlines the cleverness and uninterrupted remote control capabilities of these energy storage solutions. At the core of MEDIENKONTOR’s competencies is content editing combined with visual identity – this combination was fully used in the Durion solutions’ overview brochure as well as the website, both media where it developed the content and designed the layout.

“We had very little time to bring something to life and we were impressed with MEDIENKONTOR’s reaction” says Prof. Dr. Norbert Menke, Managing Director at Clean Energy Invest AG. “Within such a time frame, MEDIENKONTOR worked efficiently with us and managed to produce results that we are truly proud of – a strong and consistent brand identity that has already convinced potential clients to work with us” adds Dr. Menke.

MEDIENKONTOR’s work with Clean Energy Invest AG is not over, as the company plans to develop new sales tools, interactive marketing materials and deploy its first energy storage containers to clients in the next few months.

For further information visit: www.durionenergy.com or www.medienkontor.net

SunCarrier Services Hellas S.A., the fully owned Greek subsidiary of the Swiss-based meeco Group has recently contracted two new roof turnkey PV projects. The projects are located in the municipality of Aspropyrgos, Attica with a nominal capacity of 100 kWp each.

George Kitoudis, Director of SunCarrier Services Hellas S.A. explains: “The projects will utilize 850 units 235Wp modules of BYD, as well as six units KACO Powador 39.0 TL3 inverters. The parks are estimated to yield a total of 280.000 kWh of energy produced per year, which amounts to yearly savings of approximately 180 tons in CO2 emissions.

The construction will be executed by THRICON Energy Co. The connection to the grid is expected by the end of the first quarter 2012

Active in the Greek PV market since late 2008, The meeco Group’s subsidiary has been continuously adding projects to the Group’s portfolio.

Proyecto solar de 4 kWp, 16kWh de almacenamiento energético y la colaboración con Everest Ingeniería SRL para el bombeo de agua

meeco América Latina S.A., la filial con sede en Asunción y perteneciente al Grupo meeco acaba de finalizar en América del Sur, su primera instalación de energía solar sin conexión a la red, siendo la primera instalación de este tipo en Paraguay. Una empresa local de ganadería vacuna, Riacho-í, contrató a meeco para llevar a cabo el proyecto situado cerca de Río Verde en la región del Chaco, provincia del Presidente Hayes. Éste sistema se utilizará esencialmente para fines de demostraciones y de búsqueda, pero también suministrará energía, tanto de día como de noche, hacia las principales viviendas e instalaciones de explotación, reduciendo de forma considerable sus costos de combustible.

La instalación de Riacho-í ha sido equipada con módulos solares fotovoltaicos policristalinos de 4 kWp, montados sobre una estructura fija diseñada por meeco, que suministran energía a las unidades de almacenamiento y control del AlkubeTM, un cobertizo de aluminio termo-aislante, desarrollado por el equipo de ingeniería de meeco. Para este proyecto sin conexión a la red eléctrica se han utilizado únicamente productos de calidad inmejorable incluyendo los controladores de carga de STECA, inversores STUDER y baterías de GEL SONNENSCHEIN. Esta instalación de 4 KWP significa para estas granjas un gran paso adelante en el uso de energías limpias, además de representar una disminución de emisiones de CO2 de alrededor de 5 toneladas al año, en comparación a las emisiones de CO2 al año de un generador de combustible.

Además, meeco América Latina ha introducido un nuevo concepto, un sistema portátil de 1,4 kWp pudiendo ser utilizado para uso remoto o en combinación con el sistema ya existente de 4 kWp instalado en Riacho-í. El Dr. Oliver Jann, presidente de meeco América Latina S.A., explica: “ Hemos creado un sistema de “combinación”, con componentes fijos y móviles. La combinación de estos componentes incrementa la producción energética general de una instalación fija. El componente móvil sin embargo, está instalado en un remolque y puede servir por lo tanto para otras aplicaciones cuando sea necesario.”

Una de las primeras aplicaciones de esta unidad móvil en Paraguay es el bombeo solar. Para ofrecer una solución llave en mano, meeco América Latina está trabajando junto a Everest Ingeniería SRL, una empresa local de ingeniería representativa de las bien conocidas bombas Grundfos. En Riacho-í, meeco ha combinado el generador de energía solar móvil con una bomba SQFlex para poder bombear agua a distancia y llenar directamente las cisternas de agua. El resultado es una estación de bombeo móvil todo -en -uno que bombea hasta 18 metros cúbicos de agua por hora.

El Ing. Jorge Roa, Gerente General de Everest Ingeniería SRL, explica que su “ empresa está apostando por estos equipos de bombeo solares GRUNDFOS, que ya son ampliamente utilizados en la región (Uruguay, Brasil, Argentina) con excelentes resultados en aplicaciones de bombeo de agua potable, agua para ganado, trasvase de tajamar a tanque australiano, sistemas de riego en canales abiertos y otras aplicaciones en lugares remotos, siendo una excelente alternativa con respecto a los equipos a combustión y con rápida recuperación de la inversión.” A esto añade: “Hemos pactado una alianza estratégica con meeco América Latina S.A. aprovechando la experiencia internacional que poseen en la provisión e instalación de paneles solares, para combinarlos con los sistemas de bombeo flexibles “SQFlex” que GRUNDFOS fabrica, a ser instalados en lugares remotos donde el suministro de energía eléctrica por medios convencionales sea una dificultad.”

En los próximos meses, meeco América Latina ampliara su gama de sistemas de bombeo de agua, móviles y fijos, y participará también en una segunda instalación sin conexión a red que engloba un proyecto público de suministro en energía renovable.

Abajo una selección de fotos de la instalación · Fotos Dr. Gunther Pratz

Esta nota de prensa también ha sido publicada en:
http://www.portalenergia.es/noticia/2011/12/16/meeco-america-latina-finaliza-en-paraguay-su-primera-instalacion-electrica-sin-conexion-a-red.htm?id=1433

Four years after its debut in the Spanish solar photovoltaic market, SunCarrier Services SL, the fully owned subsidiary of the Swiss-based meeco Group, relocates to a new office location in the Alicante area.
Situated in Playa de San Juan (Alicante district), the new office is just 20 minutes away from the Alicante International Airport by car and is well connected to the city center of Alicante via the local public transportation network.
The new facilities are part of a traditional Spanish ‘Finca’, which not only includes bright office spaces, gardens and exterior barbecue lounge area but also serves as the headquarters to the official meeco Equestrian Team stables. Another great feature is the 5 minute drive to the fine sand “Playa de San Juan” beach, the largest in the area with over 6 km length.
‘Finca meeco is the perfect definition of what a modern office space should be. At any moment, our employees can take some fresh air in the gardens, enjoy the sun on the rooftop’s deck chairs or even ride one of the five horses we have here” explains Eric Borremans, Managing Director of SunCarrier Services SL. “Moving from the city center to this new location ended up being very positive for all of us. We are convinced that such a working environment can play a role in favoring employee productivity and improving the daily office atmosphere” adds Borremans.

Please find below some impressions of the new office amenities (Photos by Elly Van Himbergen).

From 3^rd to 4^th November 2011, The meeco Group subsidiary and Dresden-based PR Agency, MEDIENKONTOR, will be launching its new Visual Identity services at the Dresdner Weitsicht, a Sachsen networking event that brings together over 70 exhibitors with consulting expertise in industry and services. The first Dresdner Weitsicht edition gathers all the ingredients for success, as it will take place in a main business crossroad, the Dresden International Airport.

For the last 15 years, MEDIENKONTOR has known a solid development of its Public Relations and Media Consulting, services which are not only offered in Sachsen but also internationally. After several months work dedicated to putting in place strong organizational processes and policies, MEDIENKONTOR has reached the maturity required to make its new Visual Identity services official. The new corporate slogan ‘Making content visible’ embodies this strategic vision. In addition to its core range of services, MEDIENKONTOR now also offers integrated Corporate Visual Identity services including corporate identity strategy, naming and logo development, print and web communication, corporate signage and clothing.

‘What makes us a clear competitor in today’s market is the association of corporate communications expertise with the ability to create unique visual identities’ says Konstantin Wolf, Managing Director at MEDIENKONTOR. ‘We channel communication efforts and provide a single point-of-contact interface that allows our client to focus exclusively on his daily business operations’ adds Wolf.

Parallel to a relatively strong local market position in Sachsen and Germany, MEDIENKONTOR’s competitive edge is also the international business network its clients can directly benefit from. As a member of The meeco Group, MEDIENKONTOR can help clients network and expand their business opportunities into new markets.

The meeco Group is pleased to announce that Ms. Claudia Hamm has joined the group as the new Head of the Project Pipeline Team starting 1st November 2011. Ms. Hamm has been working in the Renewable Energy sector, in wind and solar, since 2002 and thus gained magnificent experiences in this fast growing industry.

„Claudia Hamm has been working in a core position with meeco’s partner a+f GmbH, the creator of the famous SunCarrier systems and integral part to Gildemeister Energy Solutios, for several years. She was a pivotal part of the project screening and project planning department at a+f and thus brings extensive experience in the field of project processing, technical planning, and project quality assurance into meeco“, explains Jo Hanns Dieter Trutschler, Sales Director of the meeco Executive Board.

„Claudia will take over the guidance and management of the project pipeline team as her core responsibility. In this position, she will from now on accompany projects from first sight to implementation and subsequent operations, create project quality together with the country teams and steer the project qualification work“, Mr. Trutschler continues.

The fact that Ms. Hamm has been working for The meeco Group’s partner – a+f GmbH, these past few years, will certainly contribute to strengthening the relationship with this major partner. „We are happy to have Ms. Hamm among us as she will help us to reinforce the growth and development of The meeco Group as a partner of a+f GmbH and beyond“, Mr. Trutschler concludes.

The meeco Group team welcomes Ms. Hamm and wishes her all the best for her new responsibilities.

The meeco Group participated last weekend (23rd – 25th September 2011) in the famous Gladbeck balloon festival in Germany, together with 10 gas ballooons and over 20 hot-air ones. The meeco Group’s “SunCarrier” balloon lifted up from the number 1 gas balloon launch field of the world which has about 100 gas balloon launches per year.

Thomas Beindorf, Director of Operations and Technics at meeco AG and pilot of the “SunCarrier” hot-air balloon summarizes the event as impressively well organized and especially points out the great amount of people, visiting the festival. „The festival has been a great success for all gas balloon and hot-air balloon devotees, other interested people and for the meeco Group also. We gathered a lot attention by participating with our balloon.”

Below please find two pictures from the event.

The meeco Group is on its way to completing another solar photovoltaic power plant, this time in the beautiful location of Prunu, Corsica (France). With a total installed nominal power capacity of close to 4500 kWp of fixed installations distributed across 17ha, the Prunu project represents what The meeco Group does best – the finest renewable energy production even in challenging but energy yielding terrains.

To achieve this, The meeco Group has been since the beginning in close collaboration with very strong project partners including, ABB for the engineering and logistics, Ralos GmbH and Amatec GmbH for the construction and execution, Canadian Solar supplying top-tier modules and finally KACO new energy for the inverters. For the first year of operation the installation is expected to generate well over 6000 MWh/year of power and thus save close to 4000 tons of CO2 emissions per year.

All of the structures have already been successfully installed and the solar modules are now being placed and connected. “The project could not be running better”, says Eric Borremans, heading the project for The meeco Group. “All of the teams involved have been doing a splendid job in Prunu. We are all convinced that the project will be certified by the CONSUEL by early September and we look forward to delivering it to our client”, explains Borremans. The project is expected to be fully operational and connected to the grid by early November this year.

meeco AG is happy to announce that as of 21. June 2011, Dr. Wolfgang Weirich has taken over the position of President of the meeco AG Board of Directors (BoD). Dr. Weirich brings his wealth of over 35 years of successful and extraordinary experience as independent economic and tax advisor in filling this position. Having served as the Vice-President of meeco’s BoD for the last 2 years, Dr. Weirich is well acquainted with meeco and is well placed to lead the current policy of growth and consolidation of the global activities of The meeco Group.

While with this appointment meeco’s long-time President, Mr. Peter Schüpbach, has been replaced, meeco is pleased that he has agreed to continue to contribute with his profound experience, knowledge and insight to meeco’s further growth and development. Mr. Schüpbach has accepted to remain as a member of BoD. meeco AG and the whole meeco Group would like to express their sincere appreciation and thanks to Mr. Schüpbach for the many years of dedication, support and leadership.

Following these changes, the meeco AG BoD constitutes as follows

Dr. Wolfgang Weirich, President
Mr. Peter Schüpbach, Member
Mr. Jo Hanns Dieter Trutschler, Member

Intersolar Europe 2011, now in its second opening day in Munich, counts with the exceptional presence of the 2010 World Champion MUENCH Racing Team at the GILDEMEISTER energy solutions booth (Hall C4, 230). Winning the first ever FIM World Championship in the e-Power Racing category as well as the Manufacturer title was not an easy task. Matthias Himmelmann and the entire team worked hard to stay at the top and managed to do so until the end.

The meeco Group is one of the few lucky sponsors to have lived these extraordinary moments with the MUENCH Racing Team in 2010 and it continues to occupy this privileged opinion in 2011. “Sponsoring the MUENCH Racing team was an easy decision” says Dieter Trutscher, Director of Marketing & Sales, “they are pioneering the electric mobility revolution and we want to be a part of this social and economic breakthrough”.

MUENCH is well known in the biking world for its famous MUENCH Mammuth motorbikes. Now, through E-Power Racing competition the creators of MUENCH are fine tuning power, energy distribution and availability – all of which are determining factors in manufacturing reliable city and road electric motorbikes. “Each race is a lesson and it has a direct consequence on how we build our bikes and on the message our manufacturing partners send out to the world and consumers” comments Thomas Petsch, Manager of MUENCH Racing.

Find below some pictures of the MUENCH Racing Team and its e-Bike, the TTE, at Intersolar Europe 2011.

For further information visit: www.muenchmotorbikes.com

From June 8 through 10, the 2011 Intersolar Europe edition celebrates its 20th anniversary and The meeco Group is proud to be part of this historical event. As in previous years, The meeco Group has partnered with GILDEMEISTER energy solutions to showcase the best solar, wind and energy generation and storage technologies in the market at one of the most well-known booths – Hall C4, booth 230.

This years’ Intersolar spreads across 14 halls reaching a 15% growth over last year. No other exhibition around the solar industry gathers so many participants and visitors over the 3-day period.

Together with GILDEMEISTER energy solutions, The meeco Group will present the most complete and innovative solutions in the energy storage and electric vehicle recharging in the market. Thanks to an extraordinary design, the new SunCarrier 70 tracking system and the WindCarrier vertical wind turbine deliver renewable energy to the cellcube energy storage solution (FB 10-100 and FB 200-400). All of these systems will be showcased live and in actual size to allow the see, touch and feel experience.

Find all of this and more at the GILDEMEISTER energy solutions booth.

Filipe Webermann has recently moved from the meeco USA office in Irvine, California, to MEDIENKONTOR Dresden GmbH (Dresden, Germany) in order to be able to better support the growing business of The meeco Group and its Dresden Office.

Filipe started his career with The meeco Group at the SunCarrier Services office in Alicante, Spain, before moving to the USA Office. With his recent move to MEDIENKONTOR, he will continue to support the corporate identity development of The meeco Group but also bring new impulses to the work of the MEDIENKONTOR and its staff. Filipe’s creative and strategic work meets the capabilities of the communications company MEDIENKONTOR and will thus help to enhance the general awareness of the meeco brand through regional and global corporate identity and communication efforts.

The MEDIENKONTOR team is very happy to welcome Filipe in Dresden and is looking forward to an enriching and prolific cooperation. We all wish him a good start back in ”good old Europe” and success with the already existing and new challenges to come.

From 7th to 9th of April, the German-Paraguayen industrial fair “ExpoAlemania 2011 – energy, technology and sustainability” took place in Asunción, the capital of Paraguay. It was conjointly organized by the “Camara Paraguayo-Alemana“ (Paraguayan-German chamber), the German chamber of foreign trade and the German embassy.

The main topic dealt with the discussion about how to guarantee the power supply with renewable energies in rather remote areas. Being one of The meeco Group’s core competences the group and its fully developed off-grid solutions provided the necessary knowledge and expertise. Furthermore Dr. Oliver Jann who represented the group in South America contributed to the fair by giving a magnificent speech about the future of global power supply.

In his introduction Dr. Jann quoted the scientist Ludwig Boelkow: „Nuclear power doesn´t work in the 21. Century. Electricity will come from solar cells”. During his interesting speech he was able to clearly demonstrate the gap between humanity’s hope for never ending energy sources and the reality of fast fading oil and coal supplies. Furthermore Dr. Jann proofed that in the future renewable energy sources will have to fill even more than expected.

Dr. Jann also pointed out the paradox Paraguayan circumstances. Using nearly 100 % of the energy provided by renewable sources and causing the remote areas to generate their electricity through fossil fuels the electrified areas leave the remote areas to be dependent on global oil markets.

He clearly explained how on the one hand the permanently increasing demand for oil and coal and their decreasing production on the other hand will lead to rising prices for fossil fuels and distributive conflicts. Those two effects threaten the global growth of wealth and peace. To conquer these problems energetic independence will be essential and can only be guaranteed by the wide spread use of renewable energy sources.

Furthermore, he supported his argument with the fact that prices for solar cells permanently decrease which is caused by the rapid progress of all the involved technologies. “Even now the use of solar cells to generate electricity is by far cheaper and more efficient on the long run than to use diesel generators”, he explains. He beliefs that his findings are proof for an imminent energetic revolution in the near future.

The reputable online magazines “Alternative Energy eMagazine” (USA) and “pv magazine” (Germany) have published articles and an interview about The meeco Group.

Please find the respective links below.

Alternative Energy eMagazine – “Turning clean energy ideas into reality”

pv magazine – “meeco group outlines PV expansion plans”

The meeco Group has made a significant leap in its India business by arranging a joint venture between PV Energy Private Limited (Indian subsidiary of PV Energy Limited, UK) and Soma Enterprise Limited, a leading infrastructure company in India. The joint venture will provide turnkey EPC and Operations and Management services. meeco will lend its know-how to the joint venture to deliver Quality PV Solar projects in India replicating its success in Europe and Middle East.

Mr. P.K. Kotoky Senior Advisor of Soma Enterprise Limited says “India is increasingly mentioned in the same breath as China on the global stage and there is an insatiable demand for Energy. Solar Power is a sustainable source to power up India’s ambitions. We are very excited to partner with the meeco Group, who have demonstrated their skills and know-how in Solar Photovoltaic technology.  We feel that this partnership positions us strongly to capitalize on JNNSM and the upcoming state level initiatives across India.  Over time this will become an important part of Soma’s Power Division portfolio.”

Mr. Dieter Trutschler, member of the Board of Directors of meeco AG remarks: “We are proud to announce our association with Soma. We are uncompromising on quality and always strive to offer the best solutions to our investors and clients worldwide. We have found in our discussions over the last few months a strong cultural compatibility and we have teamed up in an excellent manner. By associating with Soma, we find ourselves well equipped to deliver on MW scale EPC contracts in India.”

Tarun Munjal, Managing Director of meeco India complements: “India is densely populated and has high solar radiation, an ideal combination for the usage of solar power. Thus, India is poised to expand its role in Photovoltaic Solar adoption and to become a leading destination for such technology. meeco India is an India-based renewable energy company providing primarily solar project services in India. The services will cover the entire life cycle of photovoltaic projects, such as project development, financial structuring, engineering, procurement, project construction management, long-term operations and management.”

SunCarrier Services Spain and The meeco Group were sponsors of the „Air Navigation Race“ (ANR) on Saturday, 19^th of February 2011 in Alicante, Spain.

The ANR competition is the first navigation race for ultralight aircrafts in Spain. The first circuit for the Spanish Championship ANR was won by the World Champion Mr. Pedro Nogueroles and his co-pilot Antonio Marchesi.

The competition for ultralight aircrafts was organized by the Aero Club de Alicante. The meeco Group has made use of this event, in order to promote its clean energy services and solutions. Especially the capabilities of the portable energy solution “sun2go” has been catching the attention of participants as well as spectators.

Below please find some impressions from the event.

It is often difficult for companies and ranches in remote areas to satisfy their energy demand through self-supply. Expensive fossil fuels, maintenance costs and noxious exhaust fumes are part of the normal course of life. Unfortunately, the world’s developing countries are affected the most. In response, The meeco Group has begun to work on its first isolated application in Paraguay.

The Riacho-i S.A. corporation, located in the Chaco region renowned for its cattle breed, will soon have the first independent, turnkey solution in the Department of Presidente Hayes. “A main reason for the growing interest in the region is the increasing price for diesel fuel”, says the director of meeco America Latina Dr. agr. Oliver Jann. “Until now the farm used only gas generators to produce electricity. Due to maintenance costs, spare parts, fuel and its transportation, average costs per year were too high. With the use of our system these costs can be significantly reduced.”

There is a growing number of ranches  in Paraguay as more and more land in the Chaco region is being used for cattle breeding. Hence, an increasing amount of electricity is needed where the electricity grid does not reach. While gas generators typically provided this electricity, the introduction of solar energy systems offer farmers a less expensive alternative. “4 KWp of solar power and 16 kWh of usable battery capacity are about to be installed. This is enough to generate approximately 6,000 kWh of electricity, sufficient to cover the needs of an entire ranch”, says Dr. Oliver Jann.

This is just the latest step by The meeco Group in the off-grid energy market. “The Riacho-I application is available for demonstration purposes. I am sure that more and more similar systems will be installed in the very near future”, confirms Dr. Jann.

If rural conditions are hard to explore for grid-dependent industries or communities, they have to use independent energy sources. Most of these sources are expensive and detrimental to the environment, because they use environmentally damaging fuel and quite often need servicing. The meeco Group is able to offer a different solution, especially for such countries with high insolation, such as in Guinea. With its product, the sun2go, they use the clean energy of the sun to provide electricity independent of the grid.

On Monday, the 27th January 2011, Dieter Trutschler (meeco AG, member of the Board of Directors), Juan Carlos Sepulcre (CEO Guineval Consultores SL) and Norberto Echuaca (GExpress) signed a commercial agreement about the dispersal of the sun2go portable energy source. “Our new partners will be responsible for the distribution and maintenance of sun2go. The necessary material, as well as sales training for the sales agents, will be provided by meeco”, Dieter Trutschler explains the content of the contract.

About the new partners:
Guineval Consultores SL is located in Alicante, Spain. GExpress is their correspondent in Malabo-Guinea Ecuatorial which will be in charge of the distribution and maintenance of the sun2go. They were looking for European partners for the Guinean market which could be a platform for the Guinean Golf market. Now, with the help of The meeco Group, they are able to penetrate this growing market.

About sun2go:
sun2go is a photovoltaic(PV)-based portable power supply comprised of a collapsible PV module and a wheeled trolley containing a battery, inverter, and charge controller. During daylight hours, the battery can be charged by PV modules. The inverter and charge controller then deliver either AC or DC power to electrical devices. At night, the energy stored in the battery can power appropriate electrical devices.

meeco will build up to 50 MWp solar parks in the next three years

In July 2009, India unveiled a US$19 billion plan, to produce 20 GW of solar power by 2020, because solar energy has revolutionary power to elevate India and its population in a way that no technology has done before. Now, with the meeco India Private Limited, The meeco Group will expand its offers of clean energy turnkey solutions, clean advisory services and cellcubeTM storage solutions, to this growing Indian solar market and will build up to 50 MWp solar parks in the next three years.

“India is densely populated and has high solar radiation, an ideal combination for the usage of solar power. Thus, India is poised to expand its role in Photovoltaic Solar adoption and to become a leading destination for such technology. This is a great chance for us and our partners to widen our activities in the Asian and especially in the Indian market”, explains Dieter Trutschler, member of the Board of Directors of meeco AG.

meeco India is an India-based renewable energy company providing primarily solar project services in India. The services will cover the entire life cycle of photovoltaic projects, such as project development, financial structuring, engineering, procurement, project construction management, long-term operations and management. “meeco India will deliver projects at the highest international standards banking on the experience of the meeco Group’s global team which has implemented more than 200 MWp of PV solar projects just in Europe”, says Managing Director Tarun Munjal.

The Directors team of meeco India consists of national as well as international personalities. This is also an important factor for the success of The meeco Group: international expertise and local experience. Mr. Suresh C. Pahwa (Director) and Mr. Tarun Munjal (Managing Director) from India are leading meeco’s Indian operations as Directors based in Gurgaon. They are further expanding the local organization, which will be integrated into meeco’s global delivery model and expertise. Mr. Dieter Trutschler (meeco Board) is providing leadership guidance and Mr. Thomas Beindorf (Director & meeco Board) provides integration within meeco’s global operations.

Mr. Tarun Munjal about the future of the business field: “meeco India will complete its first Megawatt size project in the second quarter of 2011. By the end of the year, the goal is to build a portfolio in the excess of 10 MWp. In the next three years meeco India’s objective is to achieve a portfolio of 50 MWp across different states in India.”

This article was also published in the online edition of PV magazine: http://www.pv-magazine.com/news/details/beitrag/meeco-group-to-install-50-mws-in-india_100002076/

The development and construction of several photovoltaic parks by a+f GmbH in the Italian region of Puglia has been completed with the transfer of the property of the project companies from The meeco Group to the new owner, the „Hamburgische Energiehandlung“.

The solar parks are equiped with the state of the art tracking system „SunCarrier“ of the German a+f GmbH. The solar parks have a rated power of one MWp each.

Please find more information about the „Hamburgische Energiehandlung“ on the web pages of the company (only German).

www.energiehandlung.de

Peter Virdee (B & S Property) and Dieter Trutschler (The meeco Group) have returned from a very successful trip to China and India, where the joint company, PV Energy has agreed three deals to advise, design and participate in equity in ground mounted solar projects. Power Purchase Agreements have been signed and EPC contractors have been appointed for the projects, which are expected to be executed in the first quarter of 2011.

Please also visit the corporate blog of PV Energy on www.pvenergyltd.com to keep you posted.

Peter Virdee (B & S Property) and Dieter Trutschler (The meeco Group), who are the founders of the recently established PV Energy Ltd., joined the “British Indian Diamond Jubilee Banquet” on Friday, 29^th of October 2010 in London, UK. The purpose of this banquet was to celebrate the 60th anniversary of India’s Republic and Diwali.

Both directors, accompanied by their wives, attended the gala and were honoured to be invited by the President of the Loomba Charity Foundation Cherie Blair, wife of the former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Mrs Blair is also the patron of the charity “Solar Aid” which supports the development of renewable energies, especially photovoltaics in Africa and beyond.

PV Energy Ltd. was happy to support the gala as a co-sponsor. The “British Indian Diamond Jubilee Banquet” was hosted by the Loomba Foundation at the prestigious Guildhall in London.

The aim of the Loomba Foundation is to promote the fundamental freedoms and human rights of widows and their children around the world by raising awareness of the gross injustices women face when losing a husband, and removing the stigma associated with widowhood.

Accredited by the United Nations in 2008, the Foundation is educating over 3,000 children of poor widows in India. As part of its global work, it empowers widows by setting up businesses in Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, Syria, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. According to the Foundation, there are more than 245 million widows estimated worldwide, who are the poorest of the poor, invisible, forgotten and unheard. Many of them live in poverty and suffer dreadful prejudice and discrimination – often denied their right to inheritance, abused, isolated and pushed to the very fringes of society. It is their children who are punished, often forced to opt out of school because of lack of money.

In addition to a variety of distinguished guests from the UK´s business world, society and political sector, such as the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Sir Paul Stephenson QPM, the Indian High Commissioner His Excellency Nalin Surie and Lord Dholakia of Waltham Brooks OBE, DL, the famous Bollywood actress Preity Zinta attended the event as the International Ambassador of the Loomba foundation.

Please find more information about “Solar Aid” on the web page of the charity.

More information about the event on the web page of the “Loomba Foundation”.

Mr. Peter Virdee, CEO of B & S Property (UK) and Mr. Dieter Trutschler, member of the board of The meeco Group (Switzerland) are pleased to announce their cooperation.

B & S Property and The meeco Group have founded the joint company PV Energy Ltd. to support the acceleration of the UK and international photovoltaic market.

The UK recently promulgated a feed-in tariff for solar photovoltaics (PV). This will help local communities to contribute towards counteracting climate change and global warming by using environmentally-friendly generated energy and furthermore is creating opportunities for companies to develop profitable projects in the field of solar PV.

B & S Property is a very well-known property management and holding company with properties in the UK and abroad which has recognized with high interest the opportunity to install PV on its own, as well as other properties. meeco Invest AG is an investment company headquartered in Zug, Switzerland and is the owner of meeco AG, a clean energy company that develops, manages and arranges the sale of solar projects. The meeco Group has recognized the UK as a market of high interest.

Peter Virdee (B & S Property) has vast expertise in the international real estate business and will contribute to the joint venture with his profound experience in property development and financing as well as an extensive network of industry contacts. Furthermore, B & S Property offers a substantial portfolio of properties that can be suitable for PV projects.

The meeco Group, represented by Mr. Dieter Trutschler, offers many years of significant and successful experience in energy and energy related projects, from development to installation, financing as well as operations, solar project development, advantageous access to PV technologies and products, financing for solar projects as well as a strong and recognized brand as a responsible and influential company in the global energy and PV industry.

The UK photovoltaic market is expected to strongly increase in the coming months and PV Energy will support this growth. Both partners are anticipating substantial support for the growth of the UK market by local communities and the government.

Peter Virdee (B & S Property) and his team are managing assets with a value of over 4 billion GBP. The meeco Group has added over 150 MW of clean energy across three continents in the last three years with some 243 MW in construction or development.

www.bnsproperty.org
www.meeco.net

The Spanish Group APIA XXI and The meeco Group have signed a general agreement to collaborate on photovoltaic projects in Europe, focusing on the markets in Spain, Italy, France, UK and the Middle East. Both partners envision a promising future working together to develop solar energy projects.

The Group APIA XXI was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Santander (Cantabria, Spain). Group APIA XXI has established a wide network of offices in the four key geographic areas: Spain, Latin America, Central Europe and the USA. The group focuses its work on four business areas: engineering, construction, new technology research and business development. Group APIA XXI has a workforce of more than 600 professionals, capable of offering comprehensive solutions within all engineering and architectural fields.

In the field of renewable energy, Group APIA XXI has for example developed several PV Greenhouse projects, the first company in Spain to complete one. “El Coronil,” located in Sevilla, is currently producing both electricity and ornamental plants and mushrooms.

Group APIA XXI is well known in Spain, not only for its references in industry and energy, but also for large infrastructure projects such as the Santander football stadium, La Barqueta bridge in Sevilla, or the M-40 Bypass in Madrid.

Everytime The meeco Group rider Jacobo Bobi Maldonado wins a show jumping competition, SunCarrier also wins, since its horses have beautiful names such as SunCarrier Rocky, SunCarrier Allitalia, SunCarrier Repleasure, SunCarrier Corro or SunCarrier Colaca.

In the last few weeks, Bobi managed to win several show jumping competitions. On the 12^th of September he participated in the 5 star International Show Jumping Championship in Club de Campo Villa in Madrid (Spain). A huge audience watched his faultless run with his 14-year-old horse SunCarrier Rocky on the 1.45 metre obstacle tournament. On the 18^th to 19^th of September, Bobi jumped with SunCarrier Rocky at the 2 star National Championship in Los Faldones, Madrid. On the first picture below you can see Bobi receiving the trophy for the second place in the 1.35 metre grand tournament.

Jacobo Bobi Maldonado also participated in the Spanish Show Jumping Championship for young Spanish breed horses and breeding stables, which took place in Segovia from the 22^nd to the 26^th of September. He won third place in the finals for four-year-old horses with SunCarrier Colaca and seventh place in the finals for five-year-old horses with SunCarrier Repleasure.

The other pictures below show Bobi with SunCarrier Allitalia and SunCarrier Cassicasca in the 3 star International Show Jumping Championship, which took place from the 22^nd until the 25^th of July 2010 in Vimeiro (Portugal).

Within the next three months 2010, Bobi will attend several show jumping competitions. Please find his competition schedule below.

October:

• 1^st to 3^rd : 2 Star National Championship IV Memorial Carolina Arostegui in the Club SEK Villanueva de la Cañada, Urb. Villafranca de Madrid
• 10^th to 12^th: 2 Star National Championship Trofeo Angeles Morales Arce de Badajoz (Spain)
• 16^th to 17^th: 2 star National Championship CCVM Madrid in the Club de Campo Villa (Spain).

November:

• 5^th to 7^th: 2 Star National Championship CCVM in Madrid (Spain), Club de Campo Villa Madrid
• 19^th to 21^st: 2 Star National Championship CES Valencia in the Club Escuela de Salto
• 26^th to 28^th: Copa Presidente CCVM, Club de Campo Villa Madrid

December:

• 3^rd to 5^th: 1 Star International Indoor Championship in the Club de Polo Barcelona (Spain)
• 10^th to 12^th: 2 star International Indoor Championship in the Club de Polo Barcelona
• 17^th to 19^th: 5 Star International Championship in La Coruña (Spain).

by Tarun Munjal, Director meeco India

India has emerged as the fastest growing telecom market in the world. The successful growth of the industry has been a catalyst for Indias growth in other sectors. Telecom operators are reporting approximately 15 million subscribers additional subsribers every month, resulting in a teledensity over 43%, with urban areas approaching 100%. The focus now is increasing penetration in rural areas to drive the next phase of growth. All stakeholders including the government, regulators, and private players are making significant initiatives to promote rural penetration.

Tower and BTS Infrastructure

Underlying the growth of these subsicribers is the countrys Telecom Tower and Base Transreceiver System (BTS) infrastructure. India has more than 250,000 telecom towers, a poulation growing rapidly to keep up subscribers growth and rural expansion. The BTS and tower infrastructure has gone through a transition – from operator-owned to spun off, independent companies using tower-sharing models (with both passive and active tower sharing) in an effort to reduce costs in this highly competitive market.

The Power Problem

A quick analysis of telecom network operating costs indicates power and fuel are the primary operating costs, comprising over 30% of total operating cost. This dynamic exists because grid power (Electricity Board or EB power) is highly unreliable and, in a lot of cases, not available in rural areas. BTS sites require constant and uninterrupted power for the safe operation of the network. As a result, BTS sites have utilized onsite diesel generators to either provide backup or primary power in the absence of EB power. Uninterrupted operation is achieved through a battery bank. The typical configuration of DG sets are 15-20KVA with a fuel burn rate of 2-3 litres per hour (depending on full or half load operations). Assuming seven hours of DG operations in urban areas and 20 hours in rural areas, estimated usage of diesel fuel is 2-4 billion litres per year across the 250,000+ towers in India. Fuel demand is increasing with each new tower.

India, with its excellent irradiance, has the opportunity to exploit Photovoltaic (PV) solar power to meet this challenge of onsite power generation. Coupled with a battery backup, PV systems are a viable and exciting alternative to reduce the correlation between power cost and total operating expenditure (OPEX), thereby providing a sustainable and reliable strategic solution to the fuel problem.

Government Policies

The Indian governments new policy direction provides incentives to use renewable energy, while at the same time decreasing subsidies on petroleum fuels and a move towards market pricing. The Ministry of Renewable Energy has issued Guidelines for Off-Grid and Decentralized Solar Applications under the Jawaharlal Nehru Solar Mission. This provides capital subsidy of up to 30% of capital cost for such projects implemented in the current fiscal year, to a maximum subsidy of INR 90 per watt peak (EUR 1.5) for systems using battery backup and INR 70 per watt peak (EUR 1.1) for systems without battery backup. Alternatively, there is an offer of soft loans at 5% interest rate subsidized by IREDA for these projects. There are other benefits such as accelerated depreciation on the balance of the project in the first year.

A typical BTS site converted from DG to a solar, using a meeco standard 4 KWp sun2com installation, would yield savings in excess of INR 45 Lakhs (EUR 75,000) over a period of 10 years , with a breakeven of 3-4 years.

sun2com by The meeco Group

The meeco Groups sun2com solution is based on a high availability Swiss/German design. Built using best in class components, sun2com projects are highly bankable and generate a lower total cost of ownership than DG sites. The key benefit of meeos sun2com technology is providing much needed step-reductions in operating cost. Highly customizable, sun2com can meet the requirements of both low and high consumption BTS sites.100924-Whitepaper BTS India-TM-EN-final

Please find more information in the attached white paper. 100924-Whitepaper BTS India-TM-EN-final

The meeco Group, a Swiss company with offices worldwide, and the Portuguese company SOLMAIOR, Lda., are pleased to announce its cooperation in developing, constructing, and maintaining small and large-scale renewable energy projects. This collaboration combines The meeco Groups leadership in clean energy with SOLMAIOR s energy infrastructure and project management capabilities.

SOLMAIOR, which is partially owned by Exergia S.A., has been searching for a partner with the experience and expertise to bring together and coordinate all aspects of clean energy projects. At the same time, The meeco Group has wanted to establish a stronger local presence in various African countries.

This cooperation with SOLMAIOR will help us serve the Portuguese market and African markets such as Angola, Mozambique, S. Tomé and Príncipe, and Guinea-Bissau– the so-called PALOP countries, explains Dieter Trutschler, member of The meeco Group Board of Directors. While there is a huge need for electricity in these African countries, reaching many areas with a reliable grid or consistent supply of diesel fuel is extremely difficult. Leveraging our clean energy expertise and SOLMAIOR infrastructure capabilities and local relationships, we look forward to providing cost-effective energy solutions to these countries.

For the Angolan market SOLMAIOR will use the local partner SOLX, Lda.

The meeco Group is very pleased to announce it is now employed by Bhilwara Energy Limited (BEL) to secure Photovoltaic Energy projects in Europe. This follows The meeco Group’s recent initiation of operations in India. The meeco Group brings its expertise in several areas: identifying suitable projects which offer the optimal combination of yield and tariff, managing project risks, arranging full EPC contracts, and overall project management.

The meeco Group will develop projects for BEL (a 600 million Euro Indian conglomerate) over the next three months, leapfrogging BEL into a MW-size player in the PV sector. “We are excited about partnering with The meeco Group, who has demonstrated its professional, meticulous approach in identifying projects and risk management. This is evident from all our field visits”, explains Mr. Ramesh Gupta, BEL’s General Manager for the Solar Section of BEL.

“Europe is the leading market for PV energy and through meeco India we provide a bridge for Indian corporations and investors to acquire low risk MW-sized PV assets. Those assets yield high returns and provide an excellent benchmark for building larger PV assets in the sub-continent. BEL’s selection of The meeco Group for its solar foray into Europe is a truly remarkable testimony to our highly experienced team”, said Mr. Tarun Munjal, The meeco Group’s Director for India operations.

The meeco Group spreads its wings to the land endowed with sunshine as well as an appetite for additional power, INDIA, by establishing a subsidiary based in NCT of DelhiGurgaon. India is poised to expand its role in PV adoption and become a leading destination for such technology. Specific drivers for PV in India include the countrys rapidly rising need for primary energy and electricity, the persistent energy deficit situation, the countrys overdependence on coal for electricity generation and on oil and gas imports (amounting to 7 % of its GDP). Recent policy announcements made by the government of Indias Ministry of Renewable Energy have given an impetus to expand this industry in India. These factors, coupled with abundant irradiation (most parts of the country enjoying 300 sunny days a year), make PV particularly attractive to the countrys energy strategy.

There is also enormous potential for off-grid PV deployment, in India, based on real needs and benefits, in the areas of rural electrification, servicing the power requirements for Indias rapidly growing telecommunication infrastructure, defense applications and powering irrigation pump sets.

Mr. Suresh C. Pahwa and Mr. Tarun Munjal are leading meecos Indian operations as Directors based in Gurgaon. They are further expanding our local organization, which will be integrated into meecos global delivery model and expertise. This geographic expansion will further support The meeco Groups important goals of reducing carbon emissions and spurring economic growth throughout the world by creating reliable and affordable renewable energy.

The meeco Group supports a scout camp of the German Association of Protestant Girl Guides and Boy Scouts (VCP) from July 29 August 7, 2010 in Almke, Germany (near Wolfsburg). With 5,000 campers, this environmentally self-sustainable scout camp is the largest ever in Germany. For the Guides and Scouts at this unique camp, sustainability is more than just a modern phrase: to leave a place a little better than you found it is a central premise of Scouting.

The meeco Group has provided five of its portable energy solutions sun2go^TM to be used at the campsite in several educational projects as well as to generate neutral electric energy to power hand tools, laptops and to charge mobile phones. Also, The meeco Group has invited the clever winners of the camps sustainability contest to take a ride in its SunCarrier hot-air balloon. Please find below some pictures of the exciting balloon journey.

The meeco Group´s motivation for backing the scout camp is to promote the usage of renewable energy and to help young people explore and learn about the needs and possibilities of their present and future sustainability. By supporting education, The meeco Group continues as an ever-present and innovative force in the renewable energy field.

Photographer: Peter Brümmer

www.bundeslager.vcp.de
www.vcp.de

Its a rigorous time for the five sun2go^TM trolleys on the campsite of the German Association of Protestant Girl Guides and Boy Scouts (VCP) near Wolfsburg, Germany. The units have been tested for several days and have proven their practicality even through demanding usage at the campsite. The Guides and Scouts have used the sun2go^TM to generate climate neutral electric energy to power hand tools, laptops and charging mobile phones.

The sun2go^TM generates electricity by using the natural power of the sun. Therefore its a perfect opportunity to power electric devices on the first ever self-sustainable scout camp of this size in Germany. For the 5,000 Guides and Scouts at the camp, sustainability is more than just a modern phrase: to leave a place a little better than you found it is a central premise of Scouting. Taking care of the environment and living in environmentally self-sustainable ways are the most important educational goals of the worlds largest youth movement Scouting.

www.bundeslager.vcp.de
www.vcp.de

The meeco Group supports and congratulates the German Association of Christian Girl Guides and Boy Scouts (VCP), which is part of the worlds largest youth movement, for creating the 5,000 member Camp Bundeslager, the first environmentally self-sustainable camp of this size in Germany. The camp will take place in Almke, Germany (near Wolfsburg) from July 29 August 7, 2010. The Volkswagen AG and the City of Wolfsburg are also generous sponsors of the VCP.

The meeco Group will provide the camp with five sun2go^TM which will be used as a learning tool in educational seminars as well as to generate climate neutral electric energy to operate the campsite (e.g., power tools, laptops, mobile phones). For the guides and scouts, environmental self-sustainability is more than just a modern phrase: to leave a place a little better than you found it is the VCP philosophy. As part of their commitment to this philosophy, the guides and scouts will participate in a sustainability contest while at camp. The meeco Group will award the clever winners with a ride in The meeco Groups SunCarrier hot-air balloon for a panoramic view of their beautiful country.

The camp will provide The meeco Group with valuable feedback about their hand-on experience with the sun2go^TM. The real-life testing of portable energy solutions is one of the practical and accurate ways for The meeco Group to constantly improve their products in meaningful ways. By supporting education The meeco Group continues as an ever-present and innovative force in the renewable energy field.

www.bundeslager.vcp.de

www.vcp.de

Please find some impressions from the participation of The meeco Group in the trade fair FILDA (Feira Internacional de Luanda) which hast taken place from the 20th until the 25th, July 2010 in Luanda (Angola) below. The meeco Group has presented its latest renewable energy solutions at the FILDA: the sun2go^TM and the new powerful energy storage system CellCube.

Claude André Tueller, The meeco Groups Director of Middle-East & Africa has become a member of the Swiss Business Council (SBC) within the United Arab Emirates. The meeco Group headquarters is located in Zug, Switzerland.

Established in 1996, The Swiss Business Council (SBC) is a non-profit organization, licensed by the UAE Chambers of Commerce & Industry. The Mission of the SBC is to provide a forum where Swiss business executives and other business executives with Swiss interests may identify, discuss and pursue common interests regarding their activities in the Middle East. Since its creation, the SBC has successfully promoted the interests and activities of companies and individuals with connections between the UAE and Switzerland through independently managed branches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Through his important role on the SBC, Claude André Tueller presented to the entire council an overview of The meeco Groups business areas, primarily its oursun renewable energy solutions. Thanks to Mr. Tuellers work on the SBC, The meeco Group goal of reducing carbon emissions and spurring worldwide economic growth by creating reliable, affordable renewable energy is better known throughout the Middle East region.

On July 22^nd -23^rd, The meeco Group will exhibit some of its oursun^TM renewable energy solutions at the annual Aid & International Development Forum (AIDF) in Washington D.C., USA.

Held in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the AIDF combines the efforts of innovative development sectors with humanitarian aid and relief organizations. It is a perfect venue to showcase The meeco Groups important goals of reducing carbon emissions and spurring economic growth throughout the world by creating reliable and affordable renewable energy.

In Exhibit Booth 130, The meeco Group will display oursun^TM off-grid solar energy solutions, the perfect answer for businesses and communities who must have easy to maintain, reliable, cost-effective power sources 24/7. oursun^TM off-grid hybrid solutions are custom-designed, incorporating the most cost-effective power generation and storage technologies to meet local needs. Also on view will be The meeco Groups sun2go^TM portable solution, which provides small-scale, stand-alone electricity wherever and whenever needed. The sun2go^TM is a fully-integrated system, off-the-shelf, easy to operate, and virtually maintenance-free. By providing power without borders, oursun off-grid and portable solutions support humanitarian and emergency efforts as well as the economic and social development of communities all over the world.

Dr. Agr. Olivier Jann, an expert in photovoltaic modules, sustainable development and renewable energy as well as the Director of The meeco Groups office in Asunción, Paraguay, was invited to speak on the topic of Renewable Energy Vision for the Future. The Alternative Energy Congress was held in Pedro Juan Caballero, located in the Paraguayan Department of Amambay. The Congress assembled in the Salón Auditorio Alberto Morelo under the leadership of Amambays Prime Minister, Juan Bartolomé Ramírez, the Minister of Energy and Mines of Paraguay, and the Director of the largest hydroelectric power facility in the world, ITAIPU.

By participating in these educational forums, The meeco Group continues as an ever-present and innovative force in the renewable energy field.

On the weekend of May 21st, 2010, Jacobo Bobi Maldonado won a big class with a jump off in an international show jumping championship in Ponte de Lima, Portugal. With his 14 year old horse SunCarrier Rocky he twice had clear rounds and was faster then all other riders who had qualified for the jump off at the three-star international. He celebrated his victory in the evening at the award ceremony (see first photo below).

The second photo (shown below) also features Bobi with another of his horses, the 10 year old Holsteiner mare SunCarrier Allitalia, also in Ponte de Lima. Together they finished 5th out of 31 participants in the Portuguese Grand Prix. The week before, on May16th, Bobi participated with SunCarrier Allitalia in the international two star competition big class in Toledo, and came in fifth.

In Badajoz in early May, another of The meeco Group’s equestrians, Aurelio Gutierrez (see third photo below), won two trophies in a Spanish national two-star show jumping competition with his horse SunCarrier Joy de Talma. In a further competition organized by the Ministry of Agriculture of Segovia for promoting young horses, Aurelio won three classes during the weekend of May 14th. Aurelio Gutierrez can add these victories to his success story, since in April he also earned third in the one star national Grand Prix in Pineda, near to Sevilla, with Suncarrier Chirigota W, his 7 year old mare.

Two senior managers of the meeco Group, Claudio Alberti (Italy) and Thomas Beindorf (Switzerland), were invited to lecture on renewable energy solutions and the future of photovoltaic techniques at separate conferences held recently in Milan and Frankfurt. The meeco Groups status as leaders and innovators in the field of renewable energy, along with the specialized knowledge of Mssrs. Alberti and Beindorfs in photovoltaic modules and sustainable development, afforded a notable exchange of information at these professional conferences.

Claudio Alberti, Manager of SunCarrier Services Italia s.r.l., presented a lecture at the Alternative Energy Conference in Milan. Mr. Alberti presented his expertise regarding the current status and the future of alternative energies in Italy. Also presenting at the conference were distinguished law firms, investment banks and Italian associations of photovoltaic companies. The meeco Group gives special thanks to the sponsors of this conference, TOP LEGAL.

In Frankfurt, Thomas Beindorf (Director of Development and Operations) presented his expertise in the famous Villa Kennedy. Mr. Beindorf discussed the success factors in building and selling photovoltaic systems in Italy. The meeco Group is grateful to the sponsors of this conference, the lawyers of Raifer Alberini.

Through professional conferences such as those held recently in Milan and Frankfurt, the meeco Group supports the opportunity to share and exchange knowledge to advance the essential, burgeoning renewable energy industry. Once again, the meeco Group is at the forefront of innovation and future-oriented approaches in the field of renewable energy.

Please find below pictures of the conference in Milano.

From June 9-11, 2010, the meeco Group and their strategic partner a+f GmbH (a subsidiary company of Gildemeister AG) will premier several innovations at the Intersolar trade fair in Munich, the worlds largest and most important trade fair for photovoltaic and solar thermal applications.

Look for the meeco Group at Exhibit Booth #230, Hall C4. Since a+f GmbH recently acquired a majority stake in Cellstrom, one of the innovations to be exhibited at Intersolar is the new CellCube – a powerful energy storage system from Cellstrom based on the Vanadium-Redox Flow technology.

This energy storage system includes a durable, large battery that solves energy storage problems and provides power without interruption. It can be fed by solar power plants and wind turbines, then provide electricity even at night or during calm winds. The CellCube therefore balances the supply and demand of energy as needed. The meeco Group is the distributor of the CellCube and Vanadium-Redox Flow technology from a+f.

At Intersolar, the world largest and most important trade fair for photovoltaic and solar thermal applications, see the new and innovative electric-powered motorbike made by MÜNCH, the well-known German manufacturer of motorbikes. Go to meeco Exhibit Booth #230, Hall C4 from June 9-11.

The electrical powered e-bike, MÜNCH TEE1, is taking part in the FIM E-Power International Championship, a race (among others) especially for electric- powered motorbikes. In the overall standings the MÜNCH TEE1 holds second place as well as all time records in this racing category. This success proves that racing can combine power and environmental responsibility.

The meeco Group is sponsoring The MÜNCH racing team to help spur economic growth through the development of innovative products that achieve low carbon emissions and are reliable, affordable renewable energy solutions.

The meeco Group is exhibiting its latest innovation at the Intersolar Munich 2010, the worlds largest and most important trade fair for photovoltaic and solar thermal applications. The portable sun2go^TM is a small, but highly effective portable power supply that can be easily carried, thanks to a wheeled trolley. The advantage of this portable energy solution is the powering of small electric devices and tools for several hours a day.

Look for meeco Group from June 9-11 at Intersolar Exhibit Booth #230, Hall C4. The meeco group, together with their strategic partner a+f GmbH (a subsidiary company of Gildemeister AG), will offer their world premiere of products and unveil new innovations.

The sun2go^TM delivers 1 kWh storage capacity with a nominal output of up to 600W in both AC and DC power. It can therefore power small electronic devices, appliances, and tools such as lights, fans, heaters, measuring equipment, audio players, laptops, TV sets, and power hand tools. It can even start a traditional automobile if its battery is dead. But this is not all: The sun2go^TM can even recharge an electric scooter.

The sun2go^TMs sturdy and rainproof trolley can be taken anywhere and withstands even tough environmental conditions. It can therefore be used in many remote areas of the world where reliable electric power supply is not available. Until now, the most common off-grid solution has been the fuel-powered generator, an expensive solution with negative environmental impact. The sun2go^TM is a professional, fully-integrated solution, and can be powered by solar energy to reduce costs and preserve the environment.

The meeco Group recently received an order from Helion Solar GmbH for ten sun2go^TM portable power systems. Helion is the exclusive distributor for the sun2go^TM in Switzerland, and has already resold these ten units to customers signifying the growing success of the sun2go^TM product.

The sun2go^TM is meeco´s latest renewable energy solution: This portable, fully integrated product stores 1 kWh of electricity and provides a nominal output up to 600W in either AC or DC power. With this capacity and flexibility, the sun2go^TM can power small electronic devices appliances, and tools such as lights, fans, heaters, measuring equipment, audio players, laptops, TV sets, and power hand tools. It can even recharge an electric scooter or start a traditional automobile if its battery is dead. Protected by a sturdy, rainproof, wheeled trolley, the sun2go^TM can be used almost anywhere, even in harsh environmental conditions.

The sun2go^TM can be charged by using either the electricity grid or photovoltaic modules that use the natural power of the sun. meeco offers a variety of solar modules, including a foldable version which can be carried on top of the sun2go^TM trolley.

Taking advantage of these practical benefits, Helion Solar sells the sun2go^TM for use in caravans, for camping, on sailing boats, for mountain shelters, bungalows, bowers or wooden houses, as well as for use at home to bridge power outages.

For the second consecutive year, the meeco office in Alicante has decided to team up with a French Business School to support marketing activities.

Its 12-month Marketing & Sales Assistant position, assumed by Omar Boukhabrine since early August last year. The position includes a wide range of responsibilities in the marketing and sales department and is not only limited to the Spanish market. During this period, the intern interacts with all meeco offices around the world that involves communication in over 4 different languages.

“The responsibilities and work really matched my expectations. It continuously demanded initiative-taking and ability to work independently, being thus a truly enriching experience for a student as myself in my gap year, before completing the last year of Masters Degree” says Omar Boukhabrine, Masters student at Bordeaux Management School (BEM).

Omar will be now finalizing his graduate program with an exchange at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio (USA).

June will be the transition month when Omar will be sharing his acquired knowledge with the new intern, Florian Schwarz, 2nd year student at the ESC Rennes School of Business. meeco thanks Omar and wishes a warm welcome to Florian.

sun2go^TM, the latest renewable energy solution from meeco, is a portable photovoltaic solution which supplies electricity generated by the natural power of the sun.

In many remote parts of the world, reliable electric power supply is not yet available. Therefore, off-grid and portable solutions are the only way to have electricity. Until now, the most common off-grid solution has been the fuel-powered generator, a solution which has a high running cost and negative impact on the environment. Now, sun2go^TM offers a professional solution which reduces costs by generating electricity from solar energy, is environmentally-friendly, and is portable for a wide range of settings, from professional application, humanitarian and emergency situations, to leisure and recreational activities.

As part of the sun2go^TM product launch in Portugal, Angola and Senegal, members of the meeco team will present this portable solution at several trade fairs in May and July 2010.

Salon des énergies renouvables et du batîment (Enerbatim), Dakar (Senegal), 7-9th May 2010

Tektónica, Lisbon (Portugal), 11-15th May 2010

FILDA, Luanda, Angola, 20-25th July 2010

Technical data: sun2go^TM delivers 1 kWh storage capacity with a nominal output up to 600 watts DC or 15 amps AC , and can be charged via solar power or the electrical power grid. It can provide power several hours a day for appliances such as electric lights, electric power tools, measuring equipment, radio and audio players, laptops, small TV sets or similar small to medium size appliances. The sturdy, rainproof, wheeled trolley can be taken anywhere and can withstand tough environmental conditions. Utilizing a combination of German engineering and Swiss quality, the system is simple to operate, durable and reliable, and can be used in a wide range of applications.

For more information please visit www.meeco.net/sun2go

To promote sports for younger children , meeco AG is supporting an event especially created for children between 7 and 11 years in Alicante (Spain).

With its new portable solar energy product sun2go^TM, meeco is cooperating with the Fundación Puerto de Alicante and the Fundación Hercules de Alicante to organize the event on Sunday 9th of May 2010 in the Zona Volvo of the Alicante harbour. The event involve 3 on 3 Football matches supervised by players from Hércules C.F., the most famous football Club in Alicante.

Interested participants can register using the following link http://www.grupoidex.es/webs/3×3hercules/inscripcion.asp

A representative of meeco AG will be present to explain the benefits of its innovative sun2go product.

sun2go is portable power at its best – the most convenient and environmentally responsible way to supply small-scale, stand-alone power wherever you need it. By providing power without borders, sun2go helps to enable the economic and social development of individuals, businesses, and communities all over the world.

SunCarrier Services, the Spanish subsidiary of meeco AG, supports the Fundación Puerto de Alicante as one of his patrons. http://www.fundacionpuertoalicante.com/en/patronos/

With the expansion into Paraguay the Meeco Group continues their success story.  In addition to the locations throughout Europe, Africa, Asia and the US the new office in Asuncion brings the total to nine worldwide.

Paraguay means water that goes to the water in the native language of Guarani which is spoken by most of the population.  There is no doubt that water is one of the most important commodities in Paraguay.  Indeed 39 percent of the population works in agriculture realising some 25% of the gross domestic product.

With their first steps into the green garden of South America the Meeco group has now laid an important foundation stone.  The distribution of network-independent Oursun solutions will support the local farmers, communities and businesses.  With over 320 sunny days per year there are optimal conditions.

Large areas exist within Latin America which are not connected to the grid. Our PV based solutions offer an alternative to fossil fuels advised Dr Oliver Jann, director of the newly founded Meeco America Latina in Asuncion. On the one hand fossil fuels are rare and have to be imported from abroad for significant sums of money.  On the other hand the maintenance of a national power grid over such large territories of land is not commercially viable.

Aurelio Gutierrez was the winner of the ONE STAR NATIONAL GRAND PRIX, taking place from the 16th until the 18th of April at the installations of La Yeguada La Beata. The Canarian rider, who lives in Seville, performed the trials without any fault with the French Suncarrier Joy de Talma.

He was the only one of six other riders, finalizing without faults a tie-breaking procedure. Aurelio Gutierrez passed the tiebreak also with Suncarrier Chirigota W finishing in sixth place.

I have competed very few this season during the first trials of the year. I have been dedicating myself to the preparation of young horses. Joy de Talma is a horse of high quality and lots of experience. The horse is now in a good condition”, says the rider of the Yeguada Westfalia.

meeco is glad to announce that she has bought a project company in Babice, Czech Republic. The company, named Green Energy Babice s.r.o., includes a fully developed 3.08 MWp photovoltaic park. This is the first major involvement of meeco in the Czech Republic and helps the group to extend its foothold in the Eastern European market.

Portable photovoltaic power solution supplies off-grid electric power

meeco AG announces the worldwide roll-out of its latest renewable energy solution, sun2go. sun2go is an independent, portable photovoltaic solution which supplies electricity generated by the natural power of the sun.

In many remote parts of the world, reliable electric power supply is not yet available. Due to the immense costs, it may never be. Therefore, off-grid and portable solutions are the only way to have electricity in many cases. Until now, the most common off-grid solution has been the fuel-powered generator, a solution which has a high running cost and negative impact on the environment. Now, sun2go offers a professional solution which reduces costs by generating electricity from solar energy, is environmentally-friendly, and is portable for a wide range of settings, from professional application in off-grid areas, humanitarian and emergency situations, to leisure and recreational activities.

Powering small electric devices and tools by using the natural power of the sun is much easier and less expensive than using small fuel-powered generators. Stuart Moss, responsible for global sales and marketing of meecos Off-grid Solutions explains: sun2go does not require re-fueling and requires much less maintenance. Calculated over the economic lifetime of the system, sun2go is the first choice in most cases.

sun2go delivers 1 kWh storage capacity with a nominal output up to 600 watts DC or 15 amps AC , and can be charged via solar power or the electric power grid. It can provide power several hours a day for appliances such as electric lights, electric power tools, measuring equipment, broadcasting, radio and audio players, laptops, small TV sets or similar small to medium size appliances. The sturdy, rainproof, lightweight, wheeled trolley can be taken anywhere and can withstand tough environmental conditions. Utilizing a combination of German engineering and Swiss quality, the system is simple to operate, durable and reliable, and can be used in a wide range of applications.

Renewable, portable energy systems such as sun2go represent a sustainable solution to address off-grid electric power demand, both for day-to-day use in remote areas as well as for emergency and humanitarian purposes. concludes Mr. Moss.

Thanks to the business idea of selling agricultural chemical products for a discount price, meeco agro AG, a subsidiary of the meeco AG, at the season opening recorded a high demand on its agricultural products. Sales-Manager of meeco agro AG, Michael Keil, noted, that farmers were brought to the margin of their subsistence level by the large commercial and manufacturing companies. Thus, meeco agro with its reasonable prices, clearly is an alternative for the farmers in cost saving.

To meet the current needs of farmers and rangers, the high-quality product range of chemical agricultural products will be constantly expanded, as for example with the state-of-the-art remedy against fly maggots HoKoEx. This water-soluble granule shows a high activity against all kinds of fly larvae in manure, litter and slurry pits.

The portable solar power suitcase sun2go as well enjoys a growing popularity. Moreover, the new distributor of meeco agro AG, Helion Solar GmbH, recognized, that the suitcase is a worthwhile investment in the portable solar power. Helion Solar GmbH distributes sun2go in Switzerland and is a young and dynamic company, which has a reputation as a converter for photovoltaic technology.

www.meecoagro.net

meeco has officially launched the sun2go portable solution into the Portuguese market at the Sinerclima trade show in Batalha, February 25-28.

Mr. Peer-Olav Schmidt, meeco’s local agent, described this first representation of the sun2go in Portugal as very successful, not only for the country itself but also with regard to the great demand arising from the African continent, particularly from Portuguese speaking nations such as Angola, Mozambique or even Cape Verde.

The sun2go trolley, which is capable of powering both DC and AC applications, proved to be of great interest to a lot of professionals and visitors for its compact architecture and robust body.

Upcoming participations of meeco in portuguese speaking regions will include the FILDA taking place in Luanda, Angola from the 20th to the 25th of July 2010. There, meeco will also launch its oursun off-grid solution, a product with great potential in these markets to compensate for the unreliable grid and to act as UPS stations.

A few days ago, from the 5th to 7th of February, meeco hosted potential investors from India for a tour of SunCarrier parks in Pozohondo (Spain) and in Foggia (Italy). Their visit, and our discussions regarding future cooperation, were inspiring and constructive for meeco as well as the Indian delegation.

The visit was part of an effort to develop closer business relationships with Indian partner companies and to create additional business opportunities in Spain, Italy and France.

Overall, meeco was quite pleased with this visit, and will support these potential investors in their decision-making process by introducing them to attractive and profitable investment opportunities.

Below you can find some photographs of the visit.

Oursun SA (Pty) Ltd., meeco AGs joint venture in South Africa, has participated in a Mining Show on 05. February 2010, near the Swartklip area outside Johannesburg. Together with our partner, Upat SA (Pty) Ltd, Oursun will participate in an additional 16 mining exhibitions during 2010 in order to market the SunCarrier system and meecos PV island solutions, says Richard Kuhlmann, Director of Oursun SA (Pty) Ltd. The shows are organized and co-ordinated by Travelling Mining & Technical Exhibitions (MTE) and are dated as follows:

For further information on Oursun SA (Pty) Ltd. please contact: Alison Kuhlmann (akuhlmann@oursun.co.za)

The meeco Group does not only have offices in Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece and the USA, but also in South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan. The Pakistan Office (meeco Asia Pacific (Pvt) Ltd.) is located in Lahore, Pakistans second largest city after Karachi, and is managed by its CEO, Mr. Syed Saad Zafar.

Recently, meecos prospects in the Pakistan market have picked up due to the fact that more and more people are becoming interested in alternative, i.e. renewable, energy solutions as power shortages are becoming more frequent and the Government is only taking very slow steps to stop or improve this situation. In order to present its portfolio of products and services, meeco is planning to participate in the 8th INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION FOR THE ENERGY INDUSTRY (POGEE) trade show for power solutions, taking place in Karachi on 19 – 22 May 2010, KARACHI EXPO CENTRE.

A number of important business prospects are currently being developed with a range of government agencies and departments as well as private sector companies, in particular in the telecommunications and construction sector.

In order to meet the new business developments, meecos Pakistan Office is planning to hire additional staff in the coming months.

For contact details to all meeco representation offices, please visit our web page.

Filipe Webermann, one of the main pillars in the success story of SunCarrier Services Spain since the beginning, left the Alicante office on the 4th of January to meecos subsidiary in the US, where he will be assisting Mr. Stuart Moss in developing the US & South American markets.

Felipe Webermann was in charge of the international marketing and created the whole corporate identity of meeco AG. He also managed the branding strategy of meecos products.

SunCarrier Spain and all his colleagues will miss him and be grateful to him for his professional work and great spirits. The whole meeco AG team wishes Filipe Webermann good luck and success when he meets his new challenges.

As of 30th of November, SunCarrier Services Italia has completed its move and is officially operating from its new offices premises in the very heart of Milano. The new office is located in the Via Torino, on the 4th floor of a spacious building which was built in the 1930s. The office location was selected because it mirrors the business methodology of the SunCarrier Services Italia Team: solid processes combined with a dynamic, active and customer oriented approach, fully in line with the Corporate philosophy of the meeco network of companies.

The premises with its bright and quiet rooms are in a very strategic position, only a 5-minute walk from the Duomo and many other famous monuments, museums and the Milano Stock Exchange. Very well served by public transport, visitors can use two underground lines, the tram or different buses to reach the new premises, or easily go from there to the Central Train Station or take the Malpensa Express to the airport.

Please find below some impressions of the new office and the SunCarrier Italia Team.

This mobile solution is the most effective, flexible way to supply stand-alone power for either small business, residential, or leisure needs. The standard sun2go model delivers 1kWh and comes all in one mobile and ultra-resistant case. This standard version may reach a higher power output with additional battery capacity contact us to learn more about these possibilities. Please see below some pictures of the new design of the sun2go. For more information please visit the sun2go page on www.meeco.net.

Stand-alone hybrid power supply for water treatment plant on an island

With this first delivery the Swiss meeco AG initiates the sales of a new product combination: the alkube Solar Island Solution. The so called Solar Island Solutions provide electrical energy to buildings and installations which are situated in areas without stable energy or no supply from the electricity grid.

The actual project supplies solar energy housed and mounted in the alkube Solar Island Solution to support the control and monitoring system of a water treatment plant. The alkube is basically an ultraportable multifunctional building of only 200 kg weight, in which control and monitoring systems of solar parks or other plants can be accommodated.

This project is outstanding and unique for its feature of being a Solar Diesel Hybrid system providing a 4 kw Island Power. It guarantees a steady power supply in a rural area without any energy supply through the grid. In addition, this All-in-one-kit contains a highly efficient battery system serving as a backup for times without sunshine / solar energy and the rare case of unavailability of the diesel generator.

meeco AG delivers this alkube Solar Island Solution to the French enterprise Farmex Technologies which makes use of the alkube on the island Grenada in the West Indies. The system will provide a steady power supply for a water treatment plant in a rural area.

Dieter Trutschler, Director Marketing & Sales of the meeco AG explains: With this solar diesel – hybrid system we have designed a optimal solution. Instead of using two diesel generators, which was the initial plan of the customer but would have taken constant service and diesel refilling, we now have a solution which is highly self-sufficient and runs primarily on the basis of renewable energy through solar power, but at the same time works steadily in case of bad weather by using the diesel generator.

meeco AG, headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, announces the appointment of Stuart Moss as General Manager of its U.S. Operations. Mr. Moss will direct all aspects of the U.S. operation, which is based in Orange County, California.

“A large increase in the demand for renewable energy can only be reached by applying a variety of technologies including (PV), explains Dieter Trutschler, Sales Director of meeco AG.  meeco was operating in the USA even before last years Presidential elections, adapting its business model to the specific situations in North and South America.  Now we want to start taking advantage of the highly favorable market environment.

Stuart Moss brings a particularly strong combination of strategic, business development, operational, and leadership skillsall necessary in the evaluation, positioning, and execution of meecos business model for North and South America.  Based on his success at both multinational and entrepreneurial companies focused on technical solutions, we are very excited to have Stuart leading our efforts in these evolving markets.

Both North and South America provide significant opportunities to expand meecos renewable energy footprint, said Mr. Moss. While the Obama administration has made renewable energy a top priority, several States such as California have already adopted aggressive renewable energy targets.  While it remains to be seen what eventually comes out of Congress, hundreds of millions of dollars appropriated in the 2009 Stimulus Bill are already being spent on real programs and projects.

At the same time, countries and industries in Central and South America realize more clearly that access to energy, on and off the electricity grid, is critical to their economic growth and the living standards of their citizens.

I look forward to determining where meeco can make the biggest impact and providing solutions to address customers needs in those areas.

In the United States of America, increasing the use of renewable energy is one of President Barack Obamas top priorities.  Such an increase will reduce Americas dependence on foreign oil, respond to global climate change, and create millions of new jobs. President Obamas goal is to generate 25 percent of Americas energy from renewable sources by 2025 by making unprecedented investments in clean, renewable energy. These investments are designed to create a new green economy– the 21st Century version of the Industrial Revolution of the early 20th Century. In addition to this Federal initiative, several States such as California and Florida have adopted similar or more aggressive renewable energy targets.  Billions of dollars for renewable energy were included in the 2009 Stimulus Bill and projects, many in solar energy, are already underway.

At the same time, countries and industries in Central and South America more clearly realize that access to energy, on and off the electricity grid, is critical to their economic growth and the living standards of their citizens.

A large increase in the availability of renewable energy can only be reached by applying a variety of technologies including photovoltaics (PV), explains Dieter Trutschler, Sales Director of meeco AG, which specializes in the sale and installation of PV-based energy solutions. meeco AG was operating in the USA even before last years Presidential elections, adapting its business model to the specific situations in North and South America.  Now we want to start taking advantage of the highly favorable market environment. meecos USA office is located in Orange County California.

meeco AG offers a number of PV-based solutionsgrid-connected and off-grid Island solutions for utility-scale, industrial, and community needs, as well as mobile solutions for industrial applications.

Jacobo Maldonado once again demonstrated the excellence of the SunCarrier show jumping team with his success at the ANCADES (CSNCJ), a famous young horses show in the Riding Club CECYL in Segovia, Spain, on 11th July 2009. Jacobo won the big class with SunCarrier Darmena and only missed to win the six year old class by a mere five seconds, coming in second place with his imported mare SunCarrier Carlanka, daughter of the well-known stallion Caretino.

meeco AGs  sponsorship of the two Spanish riders Aurelio Gutierrez and Jacobo Maldonado began in early May 2009 and has already brought some fantastic results in such a short time.  This includes the bronze medal in the Spanish Andalusian Championship and the Grand Prix in the National Show Jumping Competition in Caceres, Spain. Both rides continue to make their mark on the international show jumping scene, competing throughout Europe. Aurelio and Jacobo compete mostly with their horses SunCarrier Life Style and SunCarrier Felix.

meeco AG is delighted with the superb results and success of Jacobo and Aurelio, which also results in an increasing visibility and awareness of SunCarrier and meeco AG.  As the show jumping season is progressing, meeco AG is wishing all the best to the winning riders.

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has decided on Guidelines for the Renewable Energy Feed-In Tariff (REFIT). Now, the production of renewable energy will be supported by the government with 1,25 R/kWH for wind-energy, with 0,95 R/kWh for small hydro-energy, with 0,90 R/kWh for landfill gas-energy and with 2,10 R/kWh for concentrated solar-energy. The REFIT will be valid for the next 20 years. The South-African Government has set itself the target to produce 10.000 GWh of energy by 2013 from renewable resources. While the expressed aim of the REFIT is, to establish a price that covers the cost of generation plus a “reasonable profit” it is evident that the tariffs are too low to even cover the costs of production.

The full decision, reasons of the decision and the REFIT Guidelines will be available on the NERSA website (www.nersa.org.za).

SunCarrier Services Hellas S.A. takes over distribution of solar-tracking system.

Despite of a worldwide financial crisis on all relevant markets, one industry still has excellent future prospects: the solar industry. The development potential for environmentally friendly and yet financially rewarding investments are evaluated far more positive in this sector than the economic climate of all the other industries. In 2008 alone, the global solar market will grow to a size of 3.6 gigawatts of produced energy. (more…)

800 SunCarrier delivered to Spain and brought into service by the end of September.

The worldwide growth of solar energy markets is strongly increasing this year. For 2008, experts ex-pect a global market size of 3.6 gigawatt. This means a plus of about 50 % compared to 2007, when 2.4 gigawatt of new solar energy where produced worldwide. Reasons for this growth are an increasing global demand for energy, and governmental development schemes introduced in more and more countries, thus becoming the most important trend in global energy supply. (more…)

Meeco AG signs exclusive agreement for SunCarrier on the Italian market at INTERSOLAR.

The hosts of the worlds largest trade fair on photovoltaics, solar thermal applications and so-lar constructions, which will take place between 12th and 14th of June at Munich fair-ground, expect about 40.000 visitors. Among the approximately 1000 exhibitors, who will promote various products concerning the use of renewable energy, is a+f GmbH situated in Würzburg, a subsidiary of the Gildemeister concern. (more…)