Petra Solar Launches Smart Solar Energy Solution for International Markets

Breakthrough technology expands Petra Solar's suite of SunWave™ solar energy systems to international markets beyond North America

(South Plainfield, NJ - May 19, 2011) Petra Solar, a NJ-based clean technology company committed to advancing global production of renewable energy, helping utility companies develop a smarter and more reliable electric grid, and creating jobs in clean energy, announces the international expansion of its SunWave family of Solar Energy Solutions. The SunWave Energy Solution for international markets features a new Smart Energy Module (SEM), the brain of the SunWave system, designed to convert solar photovoltaic DC electricity to 230 volt AC while supporting electric grid reliability, in international regions including the Pacific Rim, Europe, and the Middle East. The system has been certified to international grid standards including CE, IEC62109, G83, AS/NZS3100 and AS4777 for safety and electrical compliance.

"The launch of our international SunWave system further demonstrates Petra Solar's ongoing commitment to expanding its international business, and developing the solar and Smart Grid markets in new regions around the world. The growing global demand for diversified energy portfolios that include renewable resources, along with job creation, provides a tremendous opportunity for Petra Solar throughout the world," said Dan Brdar, Petra Solar's Chief Operating Officer.

As part of Petra Solar's plan to expand internationally, the company is deploying a pilot program in Australia as part of the Magnetic Island Solar Suburb initiative being undertaken by Ergon Energy as part of the Townsville Queensland Solar City project.  Through initiatives carried out on Magnetic Island, Ergon Energy aims to reduce peak demand and electricity usage, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save customers money and defer network investment. Petra Solar's pilot project, including the SunWave Energy Solution installed on three different rooftops in Magnetic Island, Australia, will enable Ergon Energy to assess the solar energy production as well as the grid monitoring and reliability features of the product.

"Electricity distribution networks are facing increasing challenges as the prevalence of distributed generation, particularly solar photovoltaic systems, increases. Ergon Energy is trialing the Smart Grid capabilities of the Petra Solar SunWave system to manage voltage rise problems created by PV systems," said Glenn Walden, General Manager Emerging Opportunities, Ergon Energy.

SunWave SEM devices are integrated with high efficiency PV modules and deployed as a solar AC module to provide solar energy directly to the electric grid 230 volt secondary power line. SunWave Solar AC Systems provide significant benefits over traditional DC string solar arrays including 15-20% more energy harvest, no high DC voltage, and automatic grid disconnect when load is removed.

In addition, the Petra Solar SunWave Energy Solution includes reactive power injection capabilities to maintain grid voltage stability as the penetration of solar increases. With this technology, the SunWave systems can offset the effects of intermittency and over-generation to maintain grid voltage and stable electric service. This technology is a critical need for Ergon Energy and key to their choice of the Petra Solar solution for this aggressive project.

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