May 18 2010
ProLogis (NYSE: PLD), a leading global provider of distribution facilities, announced today the launch of ProLogis Renewable Energy's new Rooftop Photovoltaic (PV) Test Site in Denver, Colorado, to test solar panel technologies.
"We were the first real estate company to develop a program dedicated to accelerating the deployment of large-scale distributed solar, and now we are expanding our efforts in this area with a dedicated test site," said Walt Rakowich, chief executive officer of ProLogis. "As PV technologies evolve and new companies enter the market, it is critical that ProLogis understands the technology and installation differences to ensure we arrive at the optimal solutions for our installations at each building and location. We are proud of the growth of this program and what it means to the renewable energy industry."
"This effort by ProLogis is a shining example of what homegrown companies are doing to promote environmental awareness and clean energy," said Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper. "We are pleased the company chose its Denver headquarters as a test site and partnered with other local companies on the project. ProLogis is setting the stage for even greater access to renewable energy in Colorado and throughout the world."
The Test Site totals 11 kWp DC of power generation capacity from 99 modules and eight different module manufacturers: Ascent Solar (Nasdaq: ASTI), First Solar (Nasdaq: FSLR), GS-Solar, MiaSole, Solyndra, Suniva, United Solar Ovonic and Xunlight. Already generating power, the initial configuration provides side-by-side comparisons of several module technologies, including monocrystalline, glass-on-glass thin film and membrane-applied thin film modules. In addition, the installation contains 16 individually monitored strings, each designed to test a certain system parameter.
As a part of the Test Site, and in partnership with HatiCon Solar, ProLogis has designed a new racking system especially for utility-scale rooftop solar installations. Matt Singleton, vice president of renewable energy at ProLogis, added: "As a real estate developer and owner, we seek the most compatible solution for our rooftop installations, both in terms of structural loads and roof integrity. This new attached rack design combines standardized, lightweight aluminum parts with the long-term assurance of a maintainable and warrantable watertight connection to our buildings."
To design and build its Test Site, ProLogis relied on the products and services provided by several Colorado-based companies, including: Ascent Solar, Colorado Moisture Control, Inc., Howard Electric, Inc., S.A. Miro, Inc. and SMA America, LLC.
ProLogis has solar projects installed or under construction on 32 buildings throughout France, Germany, Japan, Spain and the United States. The installations cover more than 10.6 million square feet (984,800 square meters) of roof space and total 24.6 MW.