Fashion retailer Redtag goes solar with REC

REC, the largest European brand of solar panels, to power a new flagship installation for leading retailer BMA International FZE which operates the brand Redtag. The 572 kilowatt (kW) installation is located on the rooftop of the logistics and warehouse center belonging to BMA’s Redtag Group in Dubai. The new Redtag installation, which extends over 7,000 m? of otherwise unused roof space, is one of REC’s landmark projects in the region. REC’s innovative 2,161 solar panels of the new TwinPeak series are expected to generate 904,000 kWh of electricity, reducing the CO2 footprint by 550 metric tons per year. The Redtag solar installation is emblematic of a wider push toward solar energy in the region. Despite being among the largest producers of fossil fuels worldwide, UAE and other countries in the Middle East are turning their attention to renewable energy and sustainability as they seek to satisfy growing demands for energy and deal with the ever-present challenge of water scarcity. Commenting on the project, Luc Graré, senior vice president EMEA at REC, said, “We’re proud that BMA International and Redtag Group chose REC as their EPC partner for this rooftop installation, enabling us to realize one of the first projects under Dubai’s new net metering initiative. It is a very straight forward scheme and we are confident that the new program will give solar another push in the region. We expect new installations in particular from the commercial rooftop segment. With our high-quality products, our long-term experience and German engineering expertise, REC can manage every aspect of solar projects. We’re pleased we were able to contribute our expertise to this project.” Ernest Hosking, CEO at Redtag confirmed that REC’s expertise – as well as the performance of its solar panels – are key reasons why the company elected to partner with REC: “The REC solar panels offer high efficiency and reliability in the extreme temperature conditions we have year-round in Dubai. But we also chose REC because they were able to offer a complete solution. Redtag Group benefited from REC’s ability to manage the project end-to-end, and make certain the installation was completed quickly. REC is both a manufacturer and an EPC with almost 20 years of knowledge on optimal utilization of solar panels in the systems.” The project has been completed within no more than two months and is ready for operation. REC is a leading global provider of solar energy solutions. With more than 15 years of experience, it offers sustainable, high performing products, services and investments for the solar industry. Together with its partners, it creates value by providing solutions that better meet the world’s growing energy needs. REC is headquartered in Norway and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. Its 1,700 employees worldwide generated revenues of $647 million in 2013. — SG