Starting up in December 2010 and with a total output of 1 MWp (Megawatt peak), the solar power station in Copertino will be feeding power into the public network. The annual power production of 1.5 million Kilowatt hours covers the annual needs of around 375 four-person households. This eliminates approximately 1,400 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year, adding up to a 28,000 tonne reduction in CO² over the course of a 20 year period. The installation of approximately 4,400 Bauer modules, each capable of 225 Watts was carried out over a construction period of around four months. The total investment made in the power station is around four million euros. The solar power station is located on a three hectare large property which was previously used for farming purposes.

In January 2011, a 23 hectare large property, also leased, in nearby Lecce will see the start of construction on a power station with a total output of four Megawatt peak. Here, around 18,000 Bauer modules, each with an output of 225 Watts, will be installed. With an annual power production of six million Kilowatt hours, the power station will produce enough power to cover the yearly needs of 1,500 four-person households. Around 5,600 tonnes of CO² emissions can thus be avoided per year, adding up to around 112,000 over the course of 20 years. Start up is planned for the middle of 2011 and the total investment for this project is around 16 million euros.

"These power stations in one of the sunniest areas of Italy are a strategically important project for us", says Gerald Angerer, project head at Bauer Solarenergie GmbH "The allocation of construction contracts on site, the cooperation with local engineering offices and construction companies as well as maintenance contracts over the course of 25 years, enables us to encourage the economic power of the area", he adds. In 2011, Bauer Solarenergie intends to implement a total of around 15 Megawatts of module output in Italy and other European countries.

Today, a cheque to the tune of 2000 euros was presented to Ralf Huth, head of the children's intensive care department at 'Universitätsklinikum Mainz' by Christian Ludwig, head of marketing for Bauer Solarenergie GmbH from Selzen. The money will help the "Kinder der Intensivstation und Kinderkardiologie Mainz" (children in intensive care and paediatric cardiology in Mainz) association, also known as Kikam. The money is the proceeds of a marketing campaign with boxing champion Arthur Abraham who, as part of an autograph session, sold a small, hand-signed boxing glove at the Intersolar industry trade fair in Munich.

"We are pleased that this event was supported by such a great willingness to donate amongst the visitors of the trade fair," explains Christian Ludwig. "Bauer Solarenergie would like to participate in further campaigns for Kikam in future and to make a contribution towards ensuring the best possible care for children in the intensive care unit at the Mainz university clinic," he adds.

Under the slogan "Two fists – one partnership", the Bauer Solarenergie GmbH was able to win middle weight champion Arthur Abraham as their marketing partner. The Armenian-born professional sportsman with German citizenship is also involved in environmental protection and is a proponent of solar energy.

It all started 25 years ago, when Friedhelm Bauer set himself up as an independent electrical engineer. Business was going well, the heating, sanitary and ventilation sectors were added and soon his company was feeding 20 staff. "It was not always easy to manage all the costs that a company of this size brings with it," says Bauer, remembering the 'relatively hard times'. But when in 2003, the feed-in law for photovoltaic was implemented, the man from Nierstein started to 'consider and do the calculations'. And he came to the conclusion: "This is a good deal. It will pay." This technology fitted into Bauer's concept and, although originally designed as additional string to the company's bow, over the course of just a few years, it developed into two companies under the same roof which have long since established themselves on the market both at home and abroad: Bauer-Solartechnik and Bauer-Solarenergie. The results: Traditional building utilities is now a part of company history.

No-one, not even Bauer himself, could imagine the kind of boom photovoltaic technology was to trigger. For the first few years it was difficult to purchase modules since: "The lack of silicone resulted in waiting periods of up to nine months," explains Bauer. But here a solution was soon found that ensured Bauer was more independent of suppliers: He engaged companies to produce under his name. "Our technicians monitor every stage thus guaranteeing the quality assurance." As Bauer-Solarenergie, the company supplies wholesalers and electrical dealers or roofers both at home and abroad. Bauer-Solartechnik, on the other hand, communicates directly with the end consumers, the specialists install the photovoltaic systems on the house or garage roofs in the region. "We are the company with the most roof power systems in the region," says the entrepreneur, not without pride.

At this time, Friedhelm Bauer employs 80 members of staff and various sub-contractors, and has a contract for his first large-scale system under his belt. "We are building a system in Italy which is around 25 hectares in size and which we will operate ourselves." A project in which Bauer is investing 50 million euros. And he has further large-scale systems in planning. Just a few days ago he returned from a trip to Saudi Arabia during which he made a number of important contacts. Bauer: "I spoke in front of the royal commission at the Summer Palace to which I had been invited by an influential sheik who is looking for a cooperation partnership. That was an impressive experience." This contact was made by chance and he was initially not at all interested in the project. "Strangely enough, this made me even more interesting a prospect as far as the Saudis were concerned." But now Bauer is convinced: "If business takes off there, there will be no stopping us." Bauer-Solarenergie GmbH will also be present at the Dubai trade fair, this is certain.

For twelve years, the company headquarters has been in Selzen, where Friedhelm Bauer and his family live. Meetings now take place where a workshop once stood. "The location is good, the infrastructure is ideal, I have never considered moving, and soon we will be expanding slightly and, among other things, carrying out a loft conversion," he announces. The fact that both his children, a son and a daughter, have entered into the company is something that pleases the father no end. "If this had not been the case, I would not have been quite so enthusiastic," he confides. But he still has plenty of time to look forward to letting the next generation take the work and the responsibility from his shoulders, since at the moment, both of the youngsters are still in training or further education.

© Allgemeine Zeitung