Isofoton
Encyclopedia
ISOFOTON is a global company, present in over 60 countries. ISOFOTON is involved in designing, manufacturing, and supplying Solar Energy products. Its activities are centered in three technology categories: Photovoltaic, Thermal
, and High Concentration Photovoltaic.
(Spain
) in 1981 as a spin-off
of a university project driven by Professor D. Antonio Luque of the Polytechnic University of Madrid, its first Chairman of the Board.
In 1985 ISOFOTON consolidated its activities in the solar energy field, incorporating the production technology of thermal collectors
.
In 1997 the Bergé Group became the owner of ISOFOTON.
In July of 2007 the Alba Corporation bought 26% of the company with the intention of joining the stock market
.
In February of 2008, company CEO José Luis Manzano was relieved from duty. Carlos Torres, former managing director of Endesa
, took his place.
In July of the same year, the Bergé Group bought back 26% of ISOFOTON, property of Alba Corporation.
Since July of 2010 ISOFOTON is part of the AFFIRMA Business Group (80% ownership), whom expertise in the development of solar projects. ISOFOTON is also owned by TOPTEC (20% ownership), a South Korean company that specializes in industrial automation.
has more than 28000 m2 of facilities and is located in the Andalusia Technology Park. In 2011 a new automated manufacturing line of conventional solar modules was inaugurated. This addition to the factory is based on the most advanced technology on the market that will almost double the production capacity of the plant, making it more competitive and efficient.
The factory is also an example of integration of photovoltaic technology
, built following criteria of bioclimatic architecture. The facades incorporate special ceramic photovoltaic modules architecturally integrated for grid connection. On the factory roof there is an installation of thermal collectors
which provide hot water for industrial processes and vacuum tubes for air conditioning. In addition, the skylight is composed by grid connected PV modules. In 2008 this facility received the Eurosolar award by the European Association for Renewable Energies in the category of "Solar Architecture Projects.”
These modules are distributed independently or together with single/dual axis trackers
, developed by AFFIRMA ENERGY. Installations of modules with trackers
guarantee the maximum use of solar radiation in all weather conditions. Power output increases up to 42% in comparison to modules without trackers
.
ISOFOTON is a pioneer in investigating high concentration photovoltaic technology. High concentration modules guarantee an increased power output of almost 50% in locations of high levels of solar irradiation. HCPV modules are sold with the latest trackers
engineered by INDRA.
ISOFOTON works in collaboration with universities and research centers in Spain
and around the world. Among its principal strategic alliances, they have agreements with companies such as INDRA for the development of trackers
designed for HCPV modules, or the ISFOC for research in this field.
Many research projects held by ISOFOTON have an international dimension. ISOFOTON is currently involved in several projects in the FP7
(Seventh Framework Programme for research and technological development). One of them is related to high concentration photovoltaic technology and three are dedicated to silicon
technology.
, Germany
, France
, Morocco
, China
, USA, South Korea
and United Arab Emirates
.
certified by the ISO 14001 norm.
In 2008 ISOFOTON reinforced its commitment to the environment by adhering to the EMAS
Regulation of the European Union
. In 2010 they adapted their environmental commitment to R. 1221/2009 (EMAS III).
With the purpose of making the photovoltaic industry an example of true sustainability, in 2007 ISOFOTON promoted the creation of the PV-Cycle Association, which aims to ensure the collection and recycling of photovoltaic modules at the end of its useful life.
ISOFOTON strictly meets the environmental legislation, in terms of pollution control, as well as conservation of natural resources.
Photovoltaic roof at the offices of Reis Robotics
Photovoltaic installation located at the Reis Robotics
central offices in Obernburg am Main, Germany
. The total power output is 1 MW.
Photovoltaic pergola at the Forum of Cultures (Barcelona
Photovoltaic system of nearly 4000 m2 and 2682 I-165 modules built into a giant pergola.
Photovoltaic generation plant (Carmona
With 46 hectares, this project is the largest facility that ISOFOTON has in Spain
. It consists of 225 dual-axis trackers that generate 6.04 MW.
PV Soundless: Sound Barrier
The PV sound barrier
located on the A92 motorway, with a length of 1.2 km, protects Freising
from noise, while generating electricity that is injected into the network. In this pilot project, funded by the EU, special ceramic modules were used for soundproofing. A total of 6750 ceramic modules and 1080 standard modules were used in this project (500 kW).
Torelli Pierluigi Factory: Photovoltaic Roof (Parma
Project conducted by the Italian ISOFOTON branch, it consists of a photovoltaic solar installation on the roof of the Torelli Pierluigi factory in Parma
. The generated electricity is injected into the national electrical grid. The project occupies the entire extension of the warehouse roof (2900 m2). In total it consists of 672 photovoltaic modules which produce an output of 100.8 kW.
Micro-photovoltaic stations (Morocco
Installation of 1215 photovoltaic micro-plants connected to the grid with a total of 760 kW of installed power distributed throughout small installations that vary from 500 to 1000 kW. This project is part of the ONE initiative (Office National d'Electricite in Morocco) aimed at developing solar systems in urban areas.
Thermal Solar Energy
The new terminal at Barcelona Airport is the site of one of Europe’s largest thermal solar energy
facilities. ISOFOTON has installed 696 thermal solar panels on a total surface of 1535 m2, equivalent to 1072 kWth.
Photovoltaic Greenhouse (Recanati
The PV system of 250 kW located in Recanati
, southern Italy
, was specially designed to fit the greenhouse dimensions, replacing the original glass covering.
Solar thermal energy
Solar thermal energy is a technology for harnessing solar energy for thermal energy . Solar thermal collectors are classified by the United States Energy Information Administration as low-, medium-, or high-temperature collectors. Low-temperature collectors are flat plates generally used to heat...
, and High Concentration Photovoltaic.
History
ISOFOTON was founded in MálagaMálaga
Málaga is a city and a municipality in the Autonomous Community of Andalusia, Spain. With a population of 568,507 in 2010, it is the second most populous city of Andalusia and the sixth largest in Spain. This is the southernmost large city in Europe...
(Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
) in 1981 as a spin-off
University spin-off
University spin-offs transform technological inventions developed from university research that are likely to remain unexploited otherwise. As such, university spin-offs are a subcategory of research spin-offs. Prominent examples of university spin-offs are Genentech, Crucell, Lycos and Plastic...
of a university project driven by Professor D. Antonio Luque of the Polytechnic University of Madrid, its first Chairman of the Board.
In 1985 ISOFOTON consolidated its activities in the solar energy field, incorporating the production technology of thermal collectors
Solar thermal collector
A solar thermal collector is a solar collector designed to collect heat by absorbing sunlight. The term is applied to solar hot water panels, but may also be used to denote more complex installations such as solar parabolic, solar trough and solar towers or simpler installations such as solar air...
.
In 1997 the Bergé Group became the owner of ISOFOTON.
In July of 2007 the Alba Corporation bought 26% of the company with the intention of joining the stock market
Stock market
A stock market or equity market is a public entity for the trading of company stock and derivatives at an agreed price; these are securities listed on a stock exchange as well as those only traded privately.The size of the world stock market was estimated at about $36.6 trillion...
.
In February of 2008, company CEO José Luis Manzano was relieved from duty. Carlos Torres, former managing director of Endesa
Endesa (Spain)
Endesa, S.A. is the largest electric utility company in Spain. The firm, a majority-owned subsidiary of the Italian utility company Enel, has 10 million customers in Spain, with domestic annual generation of over 97,600 GWh from nuclear, fossil-fueled, hydroelectric, and renewable resource power...
, took his place.
In July of the same year, the Bergé Group bought back 26% of ISOFOTON, property of Alba Corporation.
Since July of 2010 ISOFOTON is part of the AFFIRMA Business Group (80% ownership), whom expertise in the development of solar projects. ISOFOTON is also owned by TOPTEC (20% ownership), a South Korean company that specializes in industrial automation.
Factory
The factory in MálagaMálaga
Málaga is a city and a municipality in the Autonomous Community of Andalusia, Spain. With a population of 568,507 in 2010, it is the second most populous city of Andalusia and the sixth largest in Spain. This is the southernmost large city in Europe...
has more than 28000 m2 of facilities and is located in the Andalusia Technology Park. In 2011 a new automated manufacturing line of conventional solar modules was inaugurated. This addition to the factory is based on the most advanced technology on the market that will almost double the production capacity of the plant, making it more competitive and efficient.
The factory is also an example of integration of photovoltaic technology
Photovoltaics
Photovoltaics is a method of generating electrical power by converting solar radiation into direct current electricity using semiconductors that exhibit the photovoltaic effect. Photovoltaic power generation employs solar panels composed of a number of solar cells containing a photovoltaic material...
, built following criteria of bioclimatic architecture. The facades incorporate special ceramic photovoltaic modules architecturally integrated for grid connection. On the factory roof there is an installation of thermal collectors
Solar thermal collector
A solar thermal collector is a solar collector designed to collect heat by absorbing sunlight. The term is applied to solar hot water panels, but may also be used to denote more complex installations such as solar parabolic, solar trough and solar towers or simpler installations such as solar air...
which provide hot water for industrial processes and vacuum tubes for air conditioning. In addition, the skylight is composed by grid connected PV modules. In 2008 this facility received the Eurosolar award by the European Association for Renewable Energies in the category of "Solar Architecture Projects.”
Business Lines
ISOFOTON has 3 business lines that cover the entire value chain of technology for the use of light and solar irradiation:Production of conventional photovoltaic modules and trackers
These modules are distributed independently or together with single/dual axis trackers
Solar tracker
A solar tracker is a generic term used to describe devices that orient various payloads toward the sun. Payloads can be photovoltaic panels, reflectors, lenses or other optical devices....
, developed by AFFIRMA ENERGY. Installations of modules with trackers
Solar tracker
A solar tracker is a generic term used to describe devices that orient various payloads toward the sun. Payloads can be photovoltaic panels, reflectors, lenses or other optical devices....
guarantee the maximum use of solar radiation in all weather conditions. Power output increases up to 42% in comparison to modules without trackers
Solar tracker
A solar tracker is a generic term used to describe devices that orient various payloads toward the sun. Payloads can be photovoltaic panels, reflectors, lenses or other optical devices....
.
Production of high concentration modules (HCPV)
ISOFOTON is a pioneer in investigating high concentration photovoltaic technology. High concentration modules guarantee an increased power output of almost 50% in locations of high levels of solar irradiation. HCPV modules are sold with the latest trackers
Solar tracker
A solar tracker is a generic term used to describe devices that orient various payloads toward the sun. Payloads can be photovoltaic panels, reflectors, lenses or other optical devices....
engineered by INDRA.
Research and Development
The R&D branch maintains active lines of investigation that allow being prepared for rapid industrialization due to scientific achievements.ISOFOTON works in collaboration with universities and research centers in Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
and around the world. Among its principal strategic alliances, they have agreements with companies such as INDRA for the development of trackers
Solar tracker
A solar tracker is a generic term used to describe devices that orient various payloads toward the sun. Payloads can be photovoltaic panels, reflectors, lenses or other optical devices....
designed for HCPV modules, or the ISFOC for research in this field.
Many research projects held by ISOFOTON have an international dimension. ISOFOTON is currently involved in several projects in the FP7
FP7
The abbreviation FP7 may refer to:* The Seventh Framework Programme of the European Union for the funding of research and technological development in Europe* The EMD FP7 Diesel locomotive...
(Seventh Framework Programme for research and technological development). One of them is related to high concentration photovoltaic technology and three are dedicated to silicon
Silicon
Silicon is a chemical element with the symbol Si and atomic number 14. A tetravalent metalloid, it is less reactive than its chemical analog carbon, the nonmetal directly above it in the periodic table, but more reactive than germanium, the metalloid directly below it in the table...
technology.
ISOFOTON Worldwide
Since the beginning ISOFOTON has drawn a tendency to expand internationally, developing projects and opening subsidiary offices in strategic countries. ISOFOTON currently has representatives in the following countries: ItalyItaly
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
, Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, Morocco
Morocco
Morocco , officially the Kingdom of Morocco , is a country located in North Africa. It has a population of more than 32 million and an area of 710,850 km², and also primarily administers the disputed region of the Western Sahara...
, China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
, USA, South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
and United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates, abbreviated as the UAE, or shortened to "the Emirates", is a state situated in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman, and Saudi Arabia, and sharing sea borders with Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Iran.The UAE is a...
.
Commitment to sustainable development
Since 2001 ISOFOTON maintains an environmental management systemEnvironmental Management System
Environmental management system refers to the management of an organization's environmental programs in a comprehensive, systematic, planned and documented manner....
certified by the ISO 14001 norm.
In 2008 ISOFOTON reinforced its commitment to the environment by adhering to the EMAS
Eco-Management and Audit Scheme
The Eco-Management and Audit Scheme is a voluntary environmental management instrument, which was developed in 1993 by the European Commission. It enables organisations to assess, manage and continuously improve their environmental performance. The scheme is globally applicable and open to all...
Regulation of the European Union
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
. In 2010 they adapted their environmental commitment to R. 1221/2009 (EMAS III).
With the purpose of making the photovoltaic industry an example of true sustainability, in 2007 ISOFOTON promoted the creation of the PV-Cycle Association, which aims to ensure the collection and recycling of photovoltaic modules at the end of its useful life.
ISOFOTON strictly meets the environmental legislation, in terms of pollution control, as well as conservation of natural resources.
Emblematic projects
ISOFOTON is a pioneer in the development of solar energy projects located in rural and urban areas. These are some representative projects: Photovoltaic roof at the offices of Reis RoboticsReis RoboticsReis Robotics is a leading technology company for robotics and system integration. Their robotic automation solutions are used by all major application fields such as solar energy, foundry and welding. The Reis Robotics group comprises three German subsidiaries and eight international subsidiaries...
(Obernburg am Main, GermanyGermanyGermany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
)
Photovoltaic installation located at the Reis Robotics
Reis Robotics
Reis Robotics is a leading technology company for robotics and system integration. Their robotic automation solutions are used by all major application fields such as solar energy, foundry and welding. The Reis Robotics group comprises three German subsidiaries and eight international subsidiaries...
central offices in Obernburg am Main, Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
. The total power output is 1 MW.
Photovoltaic pergola at the Forum of Cultures (BarcelonaBarcelonaBarcelona is the second largest city in Spain after Madrid, and the capital of Catalonia, with a population of 1,621,537 within its administrative limits on a land area of...
, SpainSpainSpain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
)
Photovoltaic system of nearly 4000 m2 and 2682 I-165 modules built into a giant pergola.
Photovoltaic generation plant (CarmonaCarmonaCarmona may be:Places* Carmona, a town in Seville, Spain.* Carmona, Cavite, a municipality in the Philippines* Carmona, Goa* Carmona, Costa Rica, a city in Guanacaste province.* The former name of the Angolan town of Uíge.People...
, SpainSpainSpain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
)
With 46 hectares, this project is the largest facility that ISOFOTON has in Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
. It consists of 225 dual-axis trackers that generate 6.04 MW.
PV Soundless: Sound BarrierNoise barrierA noise barrier is an exterior structure designed to protect sensitive land uses from noise pollution...
on the A92 motorway (FreisingFreisingFreising is a town in Bavaria, Germany, and capital of the district Freising. Total population 48,500.The city is located north of Munich at the Isar river, near the Munich International Airport...
, GermanyGermanyGermany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
)
The PV sound barrier
Noise barrier
A noise barrier is an exterior structure designed to protect sensitive land uses from noise pollution...
located on the A92 motorway, with a length of 1.2 km, protects Freising
Freising
Freising is a town in Bavaria, Germany, and capital of the district Freising. Total population 48,500.The city is located north of Munich at the Isar river, near the Munich International Airport...
from noise, while generating electricity that is injected into the network. In this pilot project, funded by the EU, special ceramic modules were used for soundproofing. A total of 6750 ceramic modules and 1080 standard modules were used in this project (500 kW).
Torelli Pierluigi Factory: Photovoltaic Roof (ParmaParmaParma is a city in the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna famous for its ham, its cheese, its architecture and the fine countryside around it. This is the home of the University of Parma, one of the oldest universities in the world....
, ItalyItalyItaly , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
)
Project conducted by the Italian ISOFOTON branch, it consists of a photovoltaic solar installation on the roof of the Torelli Pierluigi factory in Parma
Parma
Parma is a city in the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna famous for its ham, its cheese, its architecture and the fine countryside around it. This is the home of the University of Parma, one of the oldest universities in the world....
. The generated electricity is injected into the national electrical grid. The project occupies the entire extension of the warehouse roof (2900 m2). In total it consists of 672 photovoltaic modules which produce an output of 100.8 kW.
Micro-photovoltaic stations (MoroccoMoroccoMorocco , officially the Kingdom of Morocco , is a country located in North Africa. It has a population of more than 32 million and an area of 710,850 km², and also primarily administers the disputed region of the Western Sahara...
)
Installation of 1215 photovoltaic micro-plants connected to the grid with a total of 760 kW of installed power distributed throughout small installations that vary from 500 to 1000 kW. This project is part of the ONE initiative (Office National d'Electricite in Morocco) aimed at developing solar systems in urban areas.
Thermal Solar EnergySolar thermal energySolar thermal energy is a technology for harnessing solar energy for thermal energy . Solar thermal collectors are classified by the United States Energy Information Administration as low-, medium-, or high-temperature collectors. Low-temperature collectors are flat plates generally used to heat...
at Barcelona Airport (SpainSpainSpain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
)
The new terminal at Barcelona Airport is the site of one of Europe’s largest thermal solar energy
Solar thermal energy
Solar thermal energy is a technology for harnessing solar energy for thermal energy . Solar thermal collectors are classified by the United States Energy Information Administration as low-, medium-, or high-temperature collectors. Low-temperature collectors are flat plates generally used to heat...
facilities. ISOFOTON has installed 696 thermal solar panels on a total surface of 1535 m2, equivalent to 1072 kWth.
Photovoltaic Greenhouse (RecanatiRecanatiRecanati is a town and comune in the Province of Macerata, Marche region of Italy. Recanati was founded around 1150 AD from three pre-existing castles. In 1290 it proclaimed itself an independent republic and, in the 15th century, was famous for its international fair...
, ItalyItalyItaly , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
)
The PV system of 250 kW located in Recanati
Recanati
Recanati is a town and comune in the Province of Macerata, Marche region of Italy. Recanati was founded around 1150 AD from three pre-existing castles. In 1290 it proclaimed itself an independent republic and, in the 15th century, was famous for its international fair...
, southern Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
, was specially designed to fit the greenhouse dimensions, replacing the original glass covering.
External Links
- ISOFOTON ISOFOTON Website
- AFFIRMA Energía Solar AFFIRMA Solar Energy Website
- TOPTEC TOPTEC Website