Siemens Signs Deal in Brazil

Siemens Solar Industries in Camarillo, which claims to be the world’s largest producer of solar energy products, has agreed to provide solar-powered electricity to 1,000 rural homes in northeastern Brazil. The deal with Brazilian government officials was signed by Siemens Solar’s president, Charles F. Gay, and William Howley, the company’s chief of staff, during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

Siemens’ photovoltaic solar units will power lights, radio, television and other services that previously were provided by kerosene-fueled generators, the company said. The $500,000 system is expected to be in place in the state of Pernambuco by Christmas.

Robert Muhn, head of Siemens’ Latin American operations, said he expects the Brazilian deal to lead to solar projects in other Latin American countries, including Colombia, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. “Our systems are already serving thousands of rural homes in Mexico,” he noted.

“Actually, we’ve been working on the Brazilian deal for some time,” Muhn said. “The Earth Summit seemed a good place to sign the contracts.”

The World Bank, the U.S. Import-Export Bank and other agencies are expected to help finance increased use of solar energy in developing countries, Muhn said.

Siemens Solar is a subsidiary of German electronics giant Siemens AG.