S.A.G. Solarstrom AG successfully connects seven photovoltaic projects to the grid under Conto Energia IV

S.A.G. Solarstrom AG successfully connects seven photovoltaic projects to the grid under Conto Energia IV

Italian portfolio of 3.6 MWp connected in August

Freiburg, September 10, 2012. S.A.G. Solarstrom AG (German security identification number: 702 100, ISIN: DE0007021008) has successfully connected seven photovoltaic projects in Italy with a total output of 3.6 MWp in August. The systems will thus receive the Conto Energia IV feed-in tariff of 23 Eurocents on average. The rooftop systems, with a size of between 300 kWp and 999 KWp were installed in Northern Italy.

'With the timely connection of the systems in August, we underlined the fact that S.A.G. Solarstrom AG is capable of successfully implementing projects even in such a very difficult market environment as Italy finds itself at present', says Dr. Karl Kuhlmann, CEO of S.A.G. Solarstrom AG.

The projects in Rivarolo del Re ed Uniti (953.28 kWp), San Severino Marche (291.12 kWp, 388.8 kWp, 354.48 kWp, 293.75 kWp and 360.91 kWp) as well as Castelverde (999.2 kWp) will receive an average feed-in tariff of 22.9 Eurocents, as at least half of the rooftops fall under asbestos abatement, as well as an additional sales bonus for the electricity sold of 7.5 Eurocents per kWh.

As a result of the Conto Energia V, introduced on August 27, 2012, the general conditions for photovoltaic projects in Italy have taken a considerable turn for the worse. All systems over 12 kWp must be entered in a solar register, in order to receive a feed-in tariff. Of the EUR700 million subsidy volume under the Conto Energia V, more than EUR300 million has already been consumed, according to the official counter of the Italian Energy Authority for Renewable Energy GSE (Gestore Servizi Energetici).

'As the Italian government is expected to discontinue the subsidy program this year, we will also concentrate increasingly on implementing photovoltaic projects without subsidized feed-in tariffs in Italy', explains Dr. Karl Kuhlmann. With a specific solar irradiation of around 1,100 kWh per kWp in Northern Italy, electricity can be produced at considerably less than 15 Eurocents per kWh at the current system prices. 'This is a future market, which will only really come into full force once a lasting solution has been found for the banking and financial crisis, so that the financing activities of the banks in Southern Europe are restored. In addition, special projects will still be subsidized for a transition period under the Conto Energia IV'.

About S.A.G. Solarstrom AG

S.A.G. Solarstrom AG (German security identification number: 702 100, ISIN: DE0007021008) of Freiburg i.Br., Germany, is a manufacturer-independent provider of high-quality photovoltaic plants configured to customers' individual needs. The Group constructs efficient plants of all sizes both in Germany and abroad. S.A.G. Solarstrom AG also produces solar energy at its own plants.

S.A.G. Solarstrom AG's service portfolio covers the entire life cycle of photovoltaic plants, including forecast and energy services, yield reports, and remote service and maintenance, as well as insurance and financing. The Group thus offers a comprehensive value chain in photovoltaics, from yield reports, planning, construction, operations, and monitoring to optimization, repowering, and deconstruction.

Founded in 1998, S.A.G. Solarstrom AG is considered a pioneer in the solar industry. Around 210 specialists work at the four locations in Germany and the foreign subsidiaries.

S.A.G. Solarstrom AG is listed in the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange as well as according to the rules and standards M:access of the Munich Stock Exchange.

Further information: www.solarstromag.com

Contact:
S.A.G. Solarstrom AG
Sasbacher Straße 5
79111 Freiburg
Germany
www.solarstromag.com

Public Relations / Investor Relations
Jutta Lorberg
phone: +49-(0)761-4770-311

e-mail: pr@solarstromag.com / ir@solarstromag.com