29
May

SUNfarming receives mezzanine capital for photovoltaic portfolio with 116 MWp in Germany

The SUNfarming Group from Erkner has received over € 23 million of mezzanine capital from HANSAINVEST Real Assets GmbH through its BPG IPP GmbH & Co. KG ("BPG IPP") in April of this year. The funds have already been disbursed via a subordinated loan from an investment vehicle of the Signal Iduna Insurance Group.

"The long-term financing instrument with low capital costs enables us to expand our working capital financial leeway and drive our expansion in Germany and abroad. The fresh capital offers us the opportunity to further expand our portfolio of solar plants in Germany, Europe and Africa, "says Martin Tauschke, Managing Director of the SUNfarming Group and BPG IPP. "In particular, we will have the opportunity to further develop our innovative Food & Energy concepts and implement our first large-scale projects in the near future," continues Martin Tauschke. However, the SUNfarming Group will continue to focus on the realization and investment of classic solar systems with fixed feed-in tariffs on roofs and unused open spaces, especially in Europe. The company's own PV portfolio is also to be expanded by acquiring existing plants.

 

22
May

Successful Intersolar 2019 for SUNfarming

In 2019, the SUNfarming Group again participated with a competent team at the world's leading trade fair for the solar industry.

As every year, the interest in our products and projects has been great and our SUN farmers have had many concrete discussions with local and international partners from Europe, Africa and Latin America in order to initiate projects and to further develop current projects. In addition, contacts with suppliers and technical production partners and banks as well as international financing institutions were expanded. The DKB (Deutsche Kreditbank AG) and the ING Bank visited our stand, as well as the international banks FMO (Dutch Development Bank) and the World Bank subsidiary IFC, to discuss the development of relations in the financing of German and international projects of the SUNfarming Group.

Delegations, among others from Angola, Brazil and the Congo, learned in conversations with our expert project managers about the outstanding developmental possibilities of our product
"SUNfarming Food & Energy".

"The demand for on-roof PV systems for commercial and industrial plants with an installed capacity of less than 750 kWp has risen sharply. From December 2018 to February 2019, we completed 9.14 megawatts. Together with the ground-mounted systems with less than 750 kWp, we have a volume of approx. 20 MW in Germany alone, which we realized in our own investment in the last six months, "explains Martin Hinneburg, Head of Purchasing and Calculation.

"We are very satisfied with the fair days! In addition to existing customer care, we were able to make many new contacts, which will be very helpful to us on the path of internationalization of the project business. We will exhibit again at Intersolar next year, "says Martin Tauschke, CEO of SUNfarming.

9
May

9.14 megawatt SUNfarming PV rooftop systems in Germany

From December 2018 to February 2019, SUNfarming completed 9.14 megawatt rooftop systems in Germany in compliance with the EEG - in time for new special cuts by the legislator. Bank financing for the Group's own investment portfolio was confirmed by GLS Bank in March of this year.

The demand for on-roof PV systems for residential, commercial and industrial buildings with an installed capacity of less than 750 kWp have risen sharply in recent years.
For the electricity of rooftop photovoltaic systems with an installed capacity of less than 750 kilowatts peak (kWp), the operator receives a fixed remuneration in accordance with the Renewable Energies Act (EEG). In contrast, the operator of a plant with an installed capacity of more than 750 kilowatts peak must take part in a tendering procedure, whereby the level of support for the installations is determined in a competition.
Tenders are very expensive, the electricity produced may not be used for own use according to the EEG and the amount of subsidy depends on the cheapest provider.
Another advantage of rooftop systems compared to open space PV systems is that no building application has to be made for the construction.
A 750 kWp photovoltaic system can produce an average of 700,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year, which corresponds to a power consumption of around 250 households
Photovoltaic systems (PV systems) make an important contribution to climate protection. In 2017, more than 39,300 gigawatt hours of electricity were generated by PV systems in Germany, which can supply around 12 million households.

2
May

Peter Schrum in the disaster area Beira

In order to get an idea of the conditions, Peter Schrum, SUNfarming founder and main shareholder, is extending his business trip to South Africa and is traveling to Mozambique in the disaster area Beira.

All tools for rice cutting have been lost by the flood. SUNfarming spontaneously bought 200 rice cutters and 200 hoes for the women in the village. In addition, the seed for corn, cabbage, beans and peppers. The village elder got a cell phone, the only communication option for the whole village.
"These people have lost everything. I was particularly touched by a little boy of eight who lost his parents due to the flood. He is only one of many. Because we and many other people and organizations are helping, a foster family can now take care of him, "reports Peter Schrum.
The first aid package, co-funded and mailed by SUNfarming Food & Energy, consisting of 10 t whole foods, arrived in Mozambique and was distributed to the needy by the local aid organizations.
Back in Mobuto, Peter Schrum, together with Dr. Brylyne Chitsunge, Ambassador for Food Security of the African Parliament, talks with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Vice-Minister for Energy on possible cooperation in the Food & Energy project.