Suntech Power Holdings has announced the completion of the largest ground mounted PV system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The 3.5 megawatt (MW) system is owned by Saudi Aramco and installed on the grounds of the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC), the world's largest energy research center, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Klaus Friedl, Vice President Projects and Head Middle East of Phoenix Solar, said, "We are pleased to complete this historic project which will provide clean, renewable energy for KAPSARC as well as for the Saudi grid. We chose Suntech's panels because of their proven durability and performance in high-temperature, desert conditions."

Utilizing Suntech's premium solar panels, Phoenix Solar designed and built the 3.5MW system, which will enable KAPSARC to achieve LEED platinum certification. The ground mounted solar field is comprised of 12,684 Suntech panels and covers an area of 55,000 square meters. The grid connected system is designed to supply 5,800 megawatt hours of electricity per year and offset roughly 4,900 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per year.

Ron Shen, Suntech's Vice President of the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, said, "This project represents an important milestone in the development of the solar industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We are pleased to work with our partners Phoenix Solar and Saudi Aramco and look forward to continuing to support the ongoing growth of solar in the Middle East."