F.E. Group entering into Africa
—FE investment and financial support of solar projects in Africa

Fire Energy Group, one of largest PV system integrators in Europe, is exploring opportunities to promote the need for IEC (International Electrotechnical Committee) Photovoltaic modules in Africa, the company said.

Fire Energy’s primary focus is to create awareness among the installers and distributors of photovoltaic products in Africa on the performance and safety requirements of photovoltaic systems. Due to the growing demand for clean sources of energy, the installers and distributors of photovoltaic modules has expanded dramatically in recent years, according to Fire Energy. Photovoltaic production has been doubling every two years, increasing by an average of 48 per cent each year since 2002, making it the world’s fastest-growing energy technology.

The Kenya governments have also announced a generation based incentive scheme for grid interactive solar power generation projects, which will support grid interactive solar power generation projects as demonstration projects in the countries. The Ministry will consider support for a maximum capacity up to 50MW according to a statement. The Renewable Energy Development Agency will also assist the Ministry in fund handling, monitoring and other associated activities in this regard. This scheme requires the products used in grid connected systems like photovoltaic modules, cables and electronic controls, be certified to IEC or other international standards like UL.

John Liu, CEO of Fire Energy Group, said, ‘Solar Energy is poised for an exponential growth globally, especially in a power starved region like Africa, which is blessed with abundant sunshine throughout the year. This exponential growth of Solar Energy generation would throw up a challenge in terms of ensuring the performance and safety of such systems. Fire Energy Group, with its rich experience in photovoltaic manufacture and installation will be able to address the quality, performance and safety of Solar Energy Systems being installed in Africa.’

‘Fire Energy plans to partner with the growing community of solar start-ups and existing companies who are bringing new technology, including thin-film PV, concentrated solar power and other cell technologies into mainstream production,’ he added.