HSINCHU, June 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- To meet the thriving demand for high performance solar products, BenQ Solar, the leading solar solution brand of AU Optronics, announced today that it has successfully introduced high efficiency and reliable total solutions for the European residential and commercial solar markets.
High Efficiency Residential Solutions from Energy Generation to Storage
For the residential market, BenQ Solar offers an array of high performance solar modules employing different cell technologies. The mono-crystalline PM060M02, available in the market in the third quarter, has a maximum power output at 290W and module efficiency of 18%. Its ultra-light variant Aer PM060M01 weighs only 10.5 kg (5.3 kg/sqm), and is currently the world's lightest(*) 60-cell crystalline-silicon module, with the maximum power output of 285W. It has been nominated as one of the top entries by the Intersolar AWARD 2014 expert panel in the Photovoltaics (PV) category.
In terms of back-contact cell technology, BenQ Solar presents its most powerful SunForte PM096B00 module with an efficiency as high as 20.3% and power output of 330W. It generates 34% more energy than conventional counterparts per same size of area.
Another breakthrough is BenQ Solar module composed of heterojunction cells with 315W power output and an efficiency of up to 19.6%. This proprietary technology is free of potential induced degradation (PID-free) and light induced degradation (LID-free) to ensure the optimal power performance.
For effective energy management, BenQ Solar provides homeowners and offices with the remarkably intelligent and flexible PowerLegato® energy storage system. This TUV certified, highly integrated system comes with the EnergyOptimizer software to ensure efficient energy utilization and uninterrupted power supply.
Proven Track Records Supported by Integrated Solar Value Chain
Solar module efficiency holds the key to power plant performance. BenQ Solar's capability to manage the entire value chain makes it possible to deliver still higher performance. Furthermore, BenQ Solar's back-contact solar modules are comprised of back-contact solar cells which are produced by the joint venture of AUO and SunPower. Through close collaboration with SunPower in the efficient operation of the joint venture, AUO continues to deliver high quality and high efficiency back-contact solar products for commercial, industrial, and other kinds of power plant projects.
In recent years, BenQ Solar has successfully established its name as a green and high efficiency project solution provider across Europe. In France, BenQ Solar has achieved tender success with its low carbon footprints solar solution and realized a 20 MW ground-mounted project in partnership with the renowned French company ADB Solaire earlier this year. The project is located in four regions – Largentiere (12 MW), Ozon (4.4 MW), Saint Georges Les Bains (2.4 MW), and Orgnac (1.3 MW). In the U.K., BenQ Solar also completed the 5 MW Port of Milford Haven project last December. The projects were a success, thanks to the made-in-Europe PM245P00 polycrystalline modules delivered by BenQ Solar's manufacturing site inthe Czech Republic and the expertise of BenQ Solar local teams.
Come and see for yourself the innovative, high performance products at BenQ Solar's booth #A1.456 in the world's leading renewable energy trade fair – Intersolar Europe 2014!
* Based on the available market research information as of June 4, 2014.
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BenQ Solar is a division of AU Optronics Corp. AU Optronics manufactures and markets its PV products globally by using BenQ Solar as its solar product brand. As a total solution provider, BenQ Solar specializes in providing high efficiency solar solutions that cater to residential, commercial and utility customers. With a complete Solar Value Chain, including polysilicon, ingot, wafer, cell, module and system production, BenQ Solar prides itself on offering premium quality and reliable performance and has successfully accomplished many large solar power plants projects in Europe, Asia and Africa. BenQ Solar products meet and exceed internationally recognized standards, including JET, JPEC, IEC, UL, MCS and CEC. Please visit BenQSolar.com.
AU Optronics Corp. (AUO) is one of the world's leading providers of optoelectronic solutions. AUO offers a full range of panel sizes and comprehensive applications ranging from 1.5 inches to 75 inches. Based on its profound R&D and manufacturing experience, AUO continues to develop advanced display technologies of the next generation. AUO extended its market to the green energy industry in 2008. By building a vertically integrated high-efficiency solar value chain, AUO provides its customers with high-efficiency solar solutions. AUO now houses a staff of more than 45,000 employees, with global operations in Taiwan, Mainland China, the U.S., Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the Netherlands, Czech and Slovakia. Additionally, AUO is the first pure TFT-LCD manufacturer to be successfully listed at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). AUO has also been named to Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for four consecutive years from 2010 to 2013. AUO generated consolidated revenues of NT$416,363 million (US$13,958 million) in 2013. For more information, please visit AUO.com.
* 2013 year end revenue converted at an exchange rate of NTD29.83:USD1
Safe Harbour Notice
AU Optronics Corp. ("AUO" or the "Company") (TAIEX: 2409; NYSE: AUO), a global leader of TFT-LCD panels, today announced the above news. Except for statements in respect of historical matters, the statements contained in this Release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements were based on our management's expectations, projections and beliefs at the time regarding matters including, among other things, future revenues and costs, financial performance, technology changes, capacity, utilization rates, yields, process and geographical diversification, future expansion plans and business strategy. Such forward looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that can cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including risks related to the flat panel display industry, the TFT-LCD market, acceptance of and demand for our products, technological and development risks, competitive factors, and other risks described in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in our Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on March 21st, 2014.
SOURCE AU Optronics Corp.