LDK Solar, a Chinese manufacturer of multicrystalline solar wafers announced it has entered into an agreement with ESPE, a photovoltaic system integrator, for development of solar power plants in the Apuglia region, Italy. Construction has begun on the first of five solar power plants, totalling in 5 MW of installed solar power capacity. LDK Solar will supply wafers, while ESPE will provide engineering and construction services, as well as system integration.

Italy is one of the most interesting solar power markets in Europe, with plans to increase installed solar power capacity to about 1300 MW by the end of 2010.