Nebraska-based Valmont Industries Inc., a global provider of engineered products and services for infrastructure development and irrigation equipment and services for agriculture, recently announced the purchase of a majority stake in Solbras-Energia Solar do Brasil, a Brazil-based company that provides and installs photovoltaic energy plants. Effective immediately, the company will go to market under the Valley brand.

"As the irrigation industry's worldwide leader, Valmont supplies products that support critical infrastructure, and the Valley brand is the market innovator in irrigation technology," said Len Adams, president of Valley Irrigation. "This acquisition allows us to expand our product offerings to include not only the most durable and advanced pivots available, but also a sustainable, low-cost energy source to provide power to them, with Valmont Solar Solutions."

Solbras was founded in 2013. Geraldo Afonso Dezena da Silva, president of Solbras, believes the acquisition marks an important new phase in the company's history.

"Combining the global strength of Valmont with the market leadership of Solbras, we will be able to expand the presence of solar energy in agribusiness and all sectors of the economy," he said.

Solbras operates throughout Brazil. With the acquisition, its services will expand globally through the strength of the industry-leading Valley dealer network. It offers the most advanced solution in photovoltaic solar energy, efficiently converting the sun's rays to clean electric power.

Its services include distributed generation of photovoltaic energy; approval, design and engineering of detailed technical projects; and consulting on new PV plants focusing on agribusiness. In addition, every Valmont Solar installation includes remote monitoring and control capabilities.

"Solar energy is already a fundamental strategy for projects that seek to maximize efficiency and sustainability," said João Rebequi, vice president of Valmont Irrigation-Latin America. "Combined with the strong presence of Valley equipment in fields around the world and our industry-best dealer network, we will leverage the expertise of Solbras beyond Brazil. This will further our leadership position in all facets of irrigation and agricultural technology."

According to the Brazilian Solar Photovoltaic Energy Association, the installed power of solar photovoltaic generation in Brazil grew by about 1 gigawatt between January and May this year. The country's total volume reached 5.5 GW.

Renato Silva, general manager of Valmont Irrigation-Brazil, added that photovoltaic energy has several benefits for the automation of irrigation systems, in addition to an important role in reducing environmental impacts.

"Growers can optimize the efficiency of their operation, saving on energy expenses and reducing water usage," Silva said.

Source: Valley Irrigation, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.