Making renewable energy a reality

The “Techos Solares Públicos” incentive programme, which was launched by the Chilean Ministry of Energy, aims to stimulate the expansion of solar energy and demonstrate to the population the advantages of renewable energy in a tangible way. Photovoltaic systems have been installed on a number of public buildings such as schools, offices and hospitals to provide them with a reliable, clean and cost-effective energy supply. The first phase of the four-year programme – during which PV systems with an output of up to 100 kilowatts were primarily installed – was recently completed. Between now and 2019, attention is being turned to larger projects with outputs up to 400 kilowatts.

Resounding success for the Fronius Service Partner programme in Chile
The tenders from Fronius Solar Energy were selected for almost half of the projects to date, and there are also good prospects for future construction projects. “Our operations in Chile and across Latin America have been enjoying great success for some time now,” reports area sales manager Martin Schwarzlmüller, even though – unlike in Mexico or Brazil – the solar technology pioneer does not have a branch office here. “The Fronius Service Partner programme means we are very well represented by installers in Chile,” explains Schwarzlmüller. “Our Fronius Service Partners are all qualified and certified in accordance with strict criteria. We regularly hold technical product workshops throughout the region. In the first six months of 2017, 26 new installers and EPCs were certified as Fronius Service Partners in Chile alone. This ensures that they offer customers the same high level of product and service quality as Fronius itself. Since March 2015, the installers have been assisted with technical support and product expertise in their locality.” The two key sales partners in Chile are also part of the Fronius Service Partner Plus programme. They have completed special Fronius training and are the first point of contact for installers in Chile. This means they always have spare parts in stock and can therefore respond promptly and efficiently to customers’ needs.

The wide range of products Fronius offers was also a decisive factor behind their selection in many cases. “Our product portfolio means we can offer the ideal inverter for any type or size of project. For example, our range includes the Fronius Symo 15.0-3 208, which is a niche device designed specially for the 208-voltage grid that is common in Mexico, Brazil, Central America, Columbia and the Caribbean,” explains Schwarzlmüller. “What’s more, our SnapINverters stand out as they are extremely safe and easy to install, intuitive to use and can be serviced quickly and easily. Thanks to the proven PC board replacement process, our Fronius Service Partners guarantee to resolve any issues during the first service contact.” Users benefit from maximum availability and reliable, long-lasting photovoltaic systems.

Milestone on the way to 24 hours of sun
By 2050, Chile wants to obtain 70 percent of its power from renewable sources. Reliable manufacturers such as Fronius are valuable partners in achieving this goal. The company, whose Business Unit Solar Energy is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, is pursuing its vision of “24 hours of sun” – a future in which 100 percent of the world’s energy needs is met by renewable energy. “The ‘Techos Solares Públicos’ programme is a milestone on our way to achieving this and a great opportunity to raise awareness of this important issue across the region,” enthuses Schwarzlmüller. “I’m confident that we can make a success of many more projects here in the coming years.”