Reference case: Project Support Services for Photovoltaic Power Plant - Germany

Commerzbank is a leading bank in Germany, servicing both the private and corporate sectors and specializing in the provision of finance for renewable energy. With more than twenty years’ experience, Commerzbank is a leading player in the financial sector, offering a broad range of products and services as well as in-depth expertise in the field of corporate and project finance. KfW IPEX-Bank is the commercial subsidiary of KfW Bankengruppe. The Financing specialist focuses on medium- and long-term lending to boost the export economy, develop economic and social infrastructure and support environmental and climate protection projects. Both, Commerzbank and KfW IPEX-Bank required independent project support for Strasskirchen Solar Park as part of their policy for sound financial investment in the renewable energy sector .

Founded 140 years ago, TÜV Rheinland is a global leader in independent inspection services, ensuring quality and safety for people, the environment, and technology in nearly all aspects of life.

We inspect technical equipment, products and services, oversee projects and help to shape processes for companies around the world. Since 2006 we have been a member of the United Nations Global Compact to promote sustainability and combat corruption.

Due to our extensive experience with solar power plants, we can help and support you in all project phases and ensure plant safety and reliability. We can also support you in achieving and maintaining profitability for largescale PV systems and solar thermal power plants – from choosing the right site to full-scale operations.

We offer you a comprehensive range of services, including site assessment and inspection, supervision of construction, plant monitoring with yield check and yield evaluation, and unit inspections.

Due to its advanced knowledge of the photovoltaic (PV) sector and its role as an independent technical advisor , TÜV Rheinland was the preferred choice for the banks.

With a capacity of 54 MWp, Strasskirchen PV power plant required a full complement of independent project support services. We provided the banks with a thorough portfolio of inspection and assessment services, with five strands to our approach: the inspection of the plant specification and design, the construction supervision for the plant, the inspection of the plant’s energy yield prediction, power determination of the PV modules, conducted at our laboratory and, as the culmination of the support services delivered, we performed a final safety relevant acceptance inspection at the plant.

Commerzbank and KfW IPEX-Bank are well aware of the importance of independent inspection services for the differing stakeholders of renewable energy projects, including banks, investors and engineering, procurement and construction companies. Ensuring that Strasskirchen Solar Park performed from within the confines of the international regulatory framework is sound policy as Commerzbank is committed to providing the renewable energy sector with financial investments that perform to the highest standards.

With TÜV Rheinland‘s complement of independent project support, Commerzbank can be sure that:

• The plant has been provided with quality assurance according to national and international standards.
• A thorough process of fault detection has been undergone, ensuring both safety and performance.
• A process of independent assessment ensures that the project can now be viewed as a sound financial investment within the renewable energy sector.