Off-grid solar technology company OPES Solutions has received the "Best Quality Supplier" award from ENGIE, the world's largest independent energy producer. In addition to yield, ENGIE judges were impressed by an exceptionally low failure rate and feedback from Original Equipment Manufacturers and users alike. Of the 43 suppliers reviewed, OPES Solutions was one of only two that met each of ENGIE’s rigorous assessment criteria. The award aims to encourage suppliers to continuously improve the quality of their products and components.

Quality is key for energy access systems

OPES Solutions supplies ENGIE with off-grid solar modules for solar home systems to provide off-grid communities with access to energy. Solar panels are often the only source of electricity in rural areas with little or no access to local servicing and maintenance, leaving no room for failure. Reliability is paramount. “We place a lot of emphasis on creating quality products at an affordable cost to make basic energy available for all”, says Peggy Cheng, Head of Upstream Supply Chain at ENGIE Energy Access. Founder and CEO of OPES Solutions Robert Händel adds that “off-grid solar technology should improve life in off-grid regions without unnecessarily burdening the environment or the people involved in its production. That is why we are committed to durable, low-emission products, efficiency, and fair working conditions”.

Figures indicate continuous improvement

The ENGIE reward recognizes the steady increase of audited factory yield rates at OPES Solutions. With its ISO14001-certified environmental management, the company has also been able to make continuous improvements across multiple efficiency indicators. The company reduced energy use per kWp solar module unit during production by 31% between 2018 and mid-2020, and water usage by 40% during the same period.

About ENGIE

Our group is a global reference in low-carbon energy and services. Our purpose (“raison d’être”) is to act to accelerate the transition towards a carbon-neutral world, through reduced energy consumption and more environmentally- friendly solutions, reconciling economic performance with a positive impact on people and the planet. We rely on our key businesses (gas, renewable energy, services) to offer competitive solutions to our customers. With our 170,000 employees, our customers, partners and stakeholders, we are a community of Imaginative Builders, committed every day to more harmonious progress. Turnover in 2019: 60.1 billion Euros. The Group is listed on the Paris and Brussels stock exchanges (ENGI) and is represented in the main financial indices (CAC 40, DJ Euro Stoxx 50, Euronext 100, FTSE Eurotop 100, MSCI Europe) and non-financial indices (DJSI World, DJSI Europe and Euronext Vigeo Eiris – World 120, Eurozone 120, Europe 120, France 20, CAC 40 Governance).

www.engie.com

About OPES Solutions

OPES Solutions is an innovator and a technology, quality and market leader in the off-grid solar industry. The company designs and manufactures various types of solar panels that are suitable for a wide range of applications – including industries where solar was not feasible before. Flexible design, high durability and an outstanding price/performance ratio are achieved by patented manufacturing processes implemented in the OPES plant in Changzhou, China. The research and development partners of OPES Solutions include the Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics. Business & Product development are based in Berlin, Germany.

www.opes-solutions.com