1.10.2007 / Ruxandra Balboa-Pöysti

Naps Systems has delivered the largest grid-connected solar power plant in Morocco for the new Casablanca airport

Naps Systems has delivered a 71 kW solar power system for Casablanca’s new airport recently inaugurated by King Mahomed VI. It is not only the largest solar power system plant delivered in Morocco but also one of the most impressive solar installations both from a technical and an architectural point of view.

“The Casablanca airport system is a milestone in Naps Systems history, in that it challenged our engineers to combine tailor-made semi-transparent panels, Moorish design principles and the shade constraints with maximum energy production. Our customer and ourselves are very proud of the result” says Jan Wasastjerna, Naps Systems CEO.

The grid-connected semi-transparent glazing system covers the roof of the main hall of the airport. The system consists of 576 pieces glass elements, each size 2 square meters and weighing of 153 kg, covering an area of 1152 square meters. The solar cells are integrated into the thermally insulating glass elements with a custom cell layout that allows daylight to enter the building through the clear areas between the cells. The solar transmission of the elements is optimized to balance shading to the interior that reduces the cooling demand of the building and allowing daylight to enter. The solar electric elements are connected to inverters that provide 230V/50Hz power to the airport.

Emmanuel Fabre, head of the project for Naps Systems sum ups the complexity of this now completed project: “During my 38 years of career in the solar energy business, this was the most challenging project from an electrical optimization point of view and also construction- and delivery- wise”.

The renewable energy features of this construction were pushed ahead by Mr. Benallou, National Airports Authority of Morocco CEO. The integration of a complex solar system in the structure of the building itself is a result of this innovative approach.

One can now refer to the Casablanca airport as both a solar airport and a unique piece of art. Naps Systems is to equip more Moroccan airports with such visually and technically innovative systems in the near future.

Naps Systems is a specialist in customized and innovative solar electricity solutions, based on state-of-the-art photovoltaic technology. The company has delivered more than 250,000 solar systems to over 120 countries worldwide since 1981. Naps Systems solutions cover a very wide range of applications: from telecommunications, cathodic protection for oil and gas pipelines, and solar-powered obstruction light systems to rural electrification and building-integrated photovoltaics for public buildings and housing.

For more information, please contact communications@napssystems.com

Naps Systems Oy
Pakkalankuja 7
FI-01510 Vantaa
Finland
Tel. +358 20 7545 666
Fax +358 20 7545 660