SCHOTT Solar PV, Inc. and Consolidated Solar Technologies Inaugurate Photovoltaic Solar Installation at Rio Rancho High School

RIO RANCHO, N.M., Jan. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- SCHOTT Solar PV, Inc. (SCHOTT Solar) and Albuquerque-based Consolidated Solar Technologies (CST) today inaugurated a 50kW photovoltaic (PV) solar power system at Rio Rancho High School. The project was funded through a grant system initiated in 2009 using funds from the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Rio Rancho High School is the third local school project on which SCHOTT Solar and CST have worked together to install a money-saving solar power system.

Rio Rancho students were crucial to securing the final grant by writing more than 75 letters to state officials. The system, which is comprised of more than 200 Albuquerque-made SCHOTT POLY® solar modules, will yield an energy savings of more than $20,000 annually for the school.

"From the start of our PV solar project, Rio Rancho Schools focused on choosing a respected partner with quality service and proven solar components," said Alfred Sena, Executive Director of Facilities for Rio Rancho Public Schools. "Selecting Consolidated Solar Technologies for the design and construction of our system and using SCHOTT solar panels accomplished these goals while helping to support job creation in New Mexico and increasing our energy independence."

SCHOTT Solar, whose flagship manufacturing facility opened on the south side of Albuquerque in 2009, employs more than 300 local workers and is a growing economic driver of New Mexico's solar industry ecosystem.

"SCHOTT Solar is committed to growing a strong solar industry in Albuquerque and across the nation with our proven, high-quality modules," said Tom Hecht, President and Chief Sales Officer of SCHOTT Solar PV, Inc.  "We are privileged to have CST as a partner as we work with New Mexico's schools to save them money and further their environmental stewardship. Together we have a winning formula to harness New Mexico's abundant sunshine and create both clean energy and local jobs."

The system was installed by Consolidated Solar Technologies, an Albuquerque systems integrator with many years' experience in electrical design and building for large commercial properties.

"SCHOTT is a responsive partner, which was important to our success in completing this project within a very limited timeframe," said Mike Mattioli, managing director of CST. "With their help, Consolidated Solar Technologies was able to develop the school's system and deliver ahead of schedule. Rio Rancho High School can start 2011 with the system in service, and producing clean renewable energy."

About SCHOTT Solar

SCHOTT Solar, with its high quality products, enables the potential of the sun as a nearly inexhaustible source of energy to be utilized. SCHOTT Solar produces important components for photovoltaic applications and solar energy power plants. In the production of receivers for solar power plants, SCHOTT Solar sees itself as a market and technology leader. Receivers from SCHOTT Solar are key components in large-scale power plants that generate electricity from solar energy centrally on the basis of parabolic trough technology and are able to supply entire cities with power. SCHOTT Solar has production facilities in Germany, the Czech Republic, the USA and Spain. The innovative power and technological competence of the company date back to the late 1950s. SCHOTT Solar is a wholly owned subsidiary of the international SCHOTT group. SCHOTT develops special materials, components and systems for the household appliance, pharmaceutical, solar energy, electronics, optical and automotive industries. With approximately 17,000 employees producing worldwide sales of approximately $3 billion. In North America, SCHOTT's holding company SCHOTT Corporation and its subsidiary SCHOTT North America, Inc. and their affiliates employ about 3,000 people in 14 production operations with 6 sales offices.

The company's technological and economic expertise is closely linked with its social and ecological responsibilities.

SOURCE SCHOTT Solar PV, Inc.