The GiraSolar group specializes in Photovoltaic (PV) solar

energy equipment and solutions. With 11 subsidiaries and

various strategic partnerships the group is represented in 15

countries in Europe, USA and Africa. Activities range from

supply of materials to industrial clients to turnkey project

delivery of both grid-connected and off-grid power supply

systems, involving several kWs to multiple MWs. Since

inception of the company in 2003, the group delivered the

equivalent of 40MWp in PV materials and projects to clients

around the globe. The group employs over 50 people and base

revenues amount to EUR 20 to 25 million per year from B2B

supply, with peaks exceeding this amount depending on

projects.

Turkey has a well developed GSM network, reaching far into

remote areas. As GSM stations are mostly placed on locations

such as hill tops, often no grid is present for power supply and

a diesel generator is installed. The costs of fuelling and

maintaining such systems are high. GiraSolar was selected by

AVEA, a Turkish mobile operator, to design a new energy

supply system for several remote locations. The goal was to

lower the cost of ownership and operation and particularly the

cost of fuelling and maintenance. GiraSolar developed a trihybrid

energy system, incorporating a 3,2 kWp solar tracker

system combined with wind power and the existing diesel

generator. The first system was installed at Çesme early 2009

and has been operating flawlessly since, without the generator

being needed to aid in the energy supply.

The existing diesel generator is still an integral part of the trihybrid

power systems. The aim of the solar and wind power is

to reduce the use of this generator to a bare minimum, which

is 1 hour of maintenance running per month. Depending on

the location and the seasonal use, the solar and wind power

supply systems save 3000 to 6000 litres of fuel per year per

station. The need for refuelling and maintenance visits has

been reduced by approximately 90%. It goes without saying

that the environmental gains in terms of CO2 and SOx

reductions are significant. At an initial investment of around

EUR 40000, cost reductions result in a pay-back time for AVEA

of between 3,5 and 6 years, depending on the location.

Over the next year, the remaining AVEA GSM stations will be

fitted with the same system. AVEA actively supports the

application of this type of system through the tech-portal of

the Turkish GSM operators, which has resulted in requests

from various other operators, including from other countries.

In total, the short term export potential is over EUR 3,5 m

whereas long term perspectives far exceed this amount.

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