Schott inks solar-module deal with DC Power

Roseville, Calif.-based Schott Solar has signed a multi-year agreement to supply 13 megawatts of photovoltaic modules to Healdsburg, Calif.-based DC Power Systems.

Schott Solar, a subsidiary of Mainz, Germany-based glassmaker Schott Solar AG, is an integrated manufacturer of crystalline silicon wafers, cells and modules. Schott confirmed the deal to the Cleantech Group today but did not disclose the financial terms or length of the contract.

Schott plans to manufacture the modules in its two U.S. sites: one in Billerica, Mass., and one under construction in Albuquerque, N.M. The modules from the $100 million New Mexico plant are expected to be available starting in spring 2009 (see Schott Solar to build plant in New Mexico).

Privately held DC Power Systems claims to be the largest distributor of renewable energy products in the U.S. but wouldn't disclose its sales figures. Daniel Marino, executive vice president for the company, called the 13 MW deal “an important step for the growth of DC Power Systems.”

It’s the first agreement between the two companies.

In August, Schott Solar announced a 10 MW, three-year deal with Long Beach, Calif.-based PermaCity Solar (see Schott Solar, PermaCity in PV supply deal).

In 2007, Schott Solar AG's global photovoltaic production capacity  was 130 MW. Over the next three years, the company expects to reach global yearly production of crystalline solar cells and modules of about 450 MW each. At that same time in 2010, Schott plans to produce an additional 100 MW of thin-film photovoltaics.

Schott Solar AG said this week it’s seeking as much as €477 million euros ($684 million USD) in its initial public offering later this month, which could take place as early as Sept. 19 on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The company plans to sell more than 30 million shares—equal to 46 percent of the company’s stock—to finance expansion in the U.S. and Spain.