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29 May 2008 10:16
May 27, 2008
Saint-Gobain develops its presence on the solar mirrors market
Through its subsidiary La Veneciana de Saint-Gobain, the Flat Glass Sector of Saint-Gobain has decided to extend its presence on the solar mirrors market. The plant extension at Covilis (Portugal) will enable the Group to supply the Iberian Peninsula's thermo-solar market with parabolic cylindrical mirrors.
The Covilis site was chosen for this major investment on account of the plant's expertise as a manufacturer of specialized products for the photovoltaic and solar market. In addition, the Portuguese capital's neighboring port provides maritime access to a number of export markets. With the first contracts already signed totaling tens of millions of euros, shipments will begin in the first half of 2009.
Saint-Gobain and the growth of solar business
Already the leading supplier of high-energy transmitting glass for traditional photovoltaic cells using crystalline silicon, Saint-Gobain is developing a complete product offering. This includes conductive-coated glass for new generation thin-film photovoltaic cells, solar-cells supplied through its joint subsidiary with Shell, flat and now curved mirrors for solar concentrators.
Saint-Gobain has developed curved mirrors for solar concentrators, a product which is particularly weather-resistant and provides installations with excellent long-term performance. Solar concentrators equipped with curved mirrors are very competitive compared with other solar-based energy-producing solutions. Business is expected to grow strongly, especially in southern Europe, the southern United States and in the Middle East.
The Flat Glass sector of Saint-Gobain, the European leader and number two worldwide, manufactures, processes and sells glass products for two main markets: building and transport. In 2007, it reported net sales of €5.6 billion.
Investor Relations Department
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Mr Vivien Dardel Tel.: +33 1 47 62 44 29
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