News
BP Solar and Petra Solar Join Forces to Develop and Market Solar AC Systems to Utilities
Frederick, MD & South Plainfield, NJ (October 28, 2009) - BP Solar and Petra Solar, Inc. today announced plans to extend the ongoing collaboration between the companies to market utility grade, pole-mounted solar AC Systems and continue ongoing development of AC module products for other applications and markets.
The companies performed extensive testing and evaluation of the integration of Petra Solar's SunWave™ Smart Energy Module technology and products with BP Solar's modules. Both companies will continue their testing as part of their respective quality assurance and continuous reliability evaluations.
Reyad Fezzani, president and CEO of BP Solar, said, "Petra Solar established the market for utility-grade intelligent PV systems that provide pole-mounted distributed solar generation, smart grid communications and enhancements to the reliability of the electric distribution system. The current commercial deployment by PSE&G in New Jersey and our own testing establishes that Petra Solar's pole-mounted, SunWave™ AC Systems are utility grade and provide a compelling value proposition to electric utilities. We are now collaborating on a commercial supply agreement whereby Petra Solar will integrate BP modules as part of their SunWave™ system."
Mr. Fezzani continued, "We look forward to expanding our collaboration into other intelligent solar generation markets and applications."
"BP Solar is a leader in the PV industry and has been producing products of the highest quality and reliability that have been tested in the field for over 20 years. BP Solar has a proven track record of developing large scale solar PV farms in collaboration with the world's leading utilities," said Dr. Shihab Kuran, founder, president and CEO of Petra Solar. "In addition to global reach, BP Solar also brings research and development along with manufacturing expertise, combined with a commitment to developing the US market. A common bond for our companies is our shared commitment to expanding US manufacturing that will strengthen our domestic solar industry. BP Solar is truly a unique partner for Petra Solar," said Dr. Kuran.
BP Solar, part of BP Alternative Energy, is a global company with about 2,200 employees. BP Solar designs, manufactures and markets products which use the sun's energy to generate electricity for use in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors. With over 35 years of experience and installations in most countries, BP Solar is one of the world's leading solar companies having manufacturing plants in: Xi'an, China; Bangalore, India; and Frederick, MD, USA. BP Solar invests more than $10M annually in photovoltaic research and development.
Petra Solar, Inc. based in South Plainfield, NJ, is the pioneer of grid-tied, pole-mounted, distributed solar generation systems. The SunWave system combines solar energy with smart grid communications and electric grid enhancement functions to create a comprehensive utility grade solution for utilities. For more information, please visit www.petrasolar.com
Media Contacts:
BP Solar
Pete Resler, BP Solar
pete.resler@bp.com
415 519-7637
Tom Mueller, BP America Press Office
281 366-1236
Petra Solar
Becky Taylor, Petra Solar
becky.taylor@petrasolar.com
Evan Vogel, Petra Solar
evan.vogel@petrasolar.com