Mexico’s 1.16MW Rooftop Solar Array Features SolarWorld Solar Panels, Racking, System Design

Date：2014/6/28

June 23, 2014 - An audio-headset factory in Tijuana, Mexico, is now home to the privately owned roof-mounted solar installation in Latin America. The 1.16MW system features solar panels, racking and system engineering from SolarWorld.

"Being responsible with the environment is not a luxury, it is a commitment," said César López, director of government relations for Plantronics Tijuana. "As part of that commitment, it was important to us to select SolarWorld solar panels and racking, which are manufactured in North America according to the highest standards of quality, safety and sustainability."

Developed and installed by 3Tek Solar, the system is composed of 4,284 high-performance SolarWorld solar panels. About 1.14MW of those panels are mounted on the factory's industrial metal-seam roof using SolarWorld's Sunfix Plus racking product. An additional 20kW are installed atop a covered walkway at the factory's entrance. The system also features SMA Sunny Central inverters.

The installation is expected to produce 1.9GWh of renewable energy each year. The power output will offset about 70 percent of Plamex's energy needs at the Tijuana plant and save nearly 3 million pounds of carbon dioxide.

"Industrial building design is all about maximizing long-term operations by reducing energy costs and managing natural resources," said Hector Montoya, director of 3Tek Solar. "3Tek Solar has supplied Plantronics with design-build services for the past 15 years. We are grateful to Plantronics for trusting 3Tek Solar to successfully deliver a project of this magnitude – the largest of its kind in Mexico – on schedule and within budget."

"As a company with business ties to Latin America dating back more than 30 years, SolarWorld has long understood that solar power is an essential part of the region's energy mix," said Mukesh Dulani, U.S. president of SolarWorld. "We're pleased to team with longtime partners, like 3Tek SOLAR and Plantronics, to expand the reach and profile of solar energy in Mexico's fast-emerging market."