By Isabella Kaminski

The 20 MW contract between Schott Solar and Premier Solar India is a part of a long-term partnership between the two companies. Schott will supply 200,000 thin-film solar PV modules, making it the company’s largest order in Asia to date.

Dr Martin Heming, CEO of Schott Solar, says: "This project gives us the opportunity to contribute to climate protection in India. At the same time, Premier Solar’s order will help us to continue expanding our visibility on the Indian market.”

10 MW of the order will be supplied in 2011 and the second half is due in 2012. The solar PV modules will be installed in 2011 by Premier Solar’s new EPC division, Premier Solar Power Tech, in a grid-connected ground mount system.

Chiranjeev Saluja, Managing Director of Premier Solar, says: "We decided to go ahead with Schott modules because of their proven durability and reliability as well as the company’s long-standing experience in thin-film technology and their industry leading 30-year warranty.”

The order is part of India’s commitment to have 20 GW of solar power by 2022. It will form part a system of grid-connected power plants to be installed under the country's Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE).