ZenithSolar launches first 'cost-effective' solar energy plant

clipped from www.worldofphotovoltaics.com The 16 combined units will turn out about 150 MWh of electricity and 300 MWh of thermal energy per year. "What is unique about our system is that we will be able to produce energy at around $0.08 per kilowatt/hour without a government subsidy, which is comparable to the cost of electricity from fossil fuel," ZenithSolar CEO Roy Segev told The Jerusalem Post ahead of the launch. CPV technology has existed for two decades, Segev continued, but his company's proprietary optical and manufacturing systems give it a competitive edge. ZenithSolar installations consist mostly of plastic, glass and steel, which drive down costs, as does its unique manufacturing process, which relies on molds to mass produce plastic backing for the mirrors. According to Segev, there is no other company in the world that offers a comparable system.