The Danish pump manufacturer and SolarWorld AG are to collaborate in the area of solar-powered water pumps.SolarWorld, the leading German solar manufacturer, will be the primary supplier for Grundfos, the largest manufacturer of high-efficiency water pump systems.

Grundfos selected SolarWorld after a comprehensive auditing procedure which was carried out at the company's primary manufacturing location in Freiberg, Germany. During a testing procedure spanning several days, criteria such as work, environmental and quality standards were examined. Congruities between the two companies in the areas of sustainability management, compliance and codes of conduct as well as participation in the UN Global Compact also played a significant role.

Both companies are fully integrated manufacturers which are leaders in their respective branches in the areas of technological development and sustainability management.

In the past, Grundfos, the global market leader in pump systems, has developed a series of outstanding pump innovations. They are the only manufacturer to offer solar-powered water pumps which convert the direct current produced by the solar modules directly into alternating current using a uniquely developed, integrated pump inverter. This technical innovation has greatly increased the range of application for these pumps.

Just like Grundfos, SolarWorld are also a fully integrated manufacturer. To ensure a high grade of solar power system quality in the long-term, the company rely exclusively on the manufacturing locations in Freiberg, Germany and Hillsboro, USA.

“We view this contract as a big confirmation of our strategy of not making compromises in quality,” comments Dr.-Ing. E. h. Frank Asbeck, CEO of SolarWorld AG, with regards to the agreement signed. “Grundfos's company DNA corresponds perfectly to ours - our hearts are beating in synch when it comes to quality, reliability and sustainability. I wouldn't be able to imagine a better partner,” continues Asbeck.

The companies have already been cooperating in a strategic partnership with Water Missions International for several years. The organisation is dedicated to supplying clean drinking water in developing countries. Here, pumps from Grundfos are combined with solar power modules from SolarWorld, which are donated by both companies. One solar-powered water pump can ensure the supply of clean drinking water to over 5,000 people for decades.