Petra Solar CEO to Present Keynote Address at Networked Solar Conference

Top Petra Solar executives join other industry experts in discussions on the Convergence of Renewable Energy and the Smart Grid

(South Plainfield, NJ - Jan. 10, 2011) Petra Solar, the pioneer and market leader in grid-tied, pole-mounted, distributed solar generation systems which include a Smart Grid backbone for utilities, announced that the company's Founder, CEO and President, Dr. Shihab Kuran, will be featured as a keynote speaker at Networked Solar. This conference, the first of its kind to focus on the convergence of solar and Smart Grid, will take place in Jersey City, NJ on January 25-26, 2011. Dr. Kuran's keynote, slated for the 26th, will offer insights on how Petra Solar's innovative solar plus Smart Grid solution provides key commercial benefits that meaningfully address the challenges faced by utilities while spurring green job creation and local economic development in the process.

On Day One of the conference, Petra Solar's Vice President of Development & Product Marketing, Joe DeLuca, will join a panel of leading utility executives and policy makers to discuss "Building a Roadmap for Solar/Smart Grid Convergence." This group of industry experts will examine how these domains are merging and explore possible frameworks for ensuring that the significant strides made in technology, policy and investment will collectively move us to a less-centralized, less carbon-intensive electric power delivery system. On Day Two, Petra Solar's Chief Technology Officer, Dr. Johan Enslin, will join other top industry technologists in outlining "Technologies Enabling the Integration of Solar Power and the Grid." Dr. Enslin will provide an overview of Petra Solar's innovative technology solutions and how they enable increased adoption of utility-scale solar power while meshing with utility requirements for a Smart Grid.

"Petra Solar is excited to be the signature sponsor of this significant industry event. As the first-ever conference that focuses on the convergence of solar and Smart Grid technologies, it will bring together thought leaders from the cleantech and utility sectors who will examine the evolution of the Smart Grid and the value it will bring to utilities and consumers," said Dr. Shihab Kuran.

As state governments require renewable energy portfolios, Smart Grid and solar technologies rapidly evolve and renewable energy continues to impact the electric grid, this timely event will highlight the new challenges these industries will face. Networked Solar will serve as a forum to explore how meeting the challenges of the 21st century can result in opportunities for job growth, innovative policy changes and the advent of exciting new technology venues.

Greentech Media will host Networked Solar at the Westin Jersey City Newport Hotel in Jersey City, NJ on January 25-26, 2011. Additional panel speakers at the event will include CEOs and CTOs of solar and Smart Grid companies, heads of industry trade organizations, executives from major utilities and influential policy makers.

Registration is open for this event, with an additional 15% discount available by using the promotional code: TNSPTA. Discounts are available for non-profit, academic and government employees; group discounts are also available. Visit the event website at: http://www.greentechmedia.com/events/live/networked-solar for more information and to register.

About Petra Solar:

Petra Solar, founded in 2006 by CEO and President Dr. Kuran, is the pioneer of SunWave™, a new technology that combines distributed solar energy generation with Smart Grid communications and improved grid reliability features to create a comprehensive utility grade solution. One of the key advantages of the Petra Solar solution is its flexible grid integration architecture. Petra Solar is the only cleantech company that provides utility-grade, grid-tied, distributed smart solar systems that can be installed on existing assets such as utility and streetlight poles. Petra Solar's success is the culmination of more than 18 years of research and development. For more information about Petra Solar visit www.petrasolar.com.

For more information:
Mary Grikas
Vice President Communications, Petra Solar
Phone: 732.429.3908
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it