New and emerging solar energy companies, applications and technologies, including a unique solar powered trailer capable of one day meeting basic power needs for a small home, will be featured at Broward County's Go SOLAR Fest on Friday and Saturday, January 25-26, at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, in Fort Lauderdale.

The solar powered trailer was developed by ATI Energia, a division of Ambient Technologies, Inc. (ATI), after ATI Panamerica was tasked with constructing a water well in Panama in an area where electricity was not available from a power grid. The trailer is designed to operate a small air conditioner, refrigerator, fan, high-definition television, laptop and several LED lights. It can operate completely independent of a power grid, and can be automatically tied to a power grid if needed.

While still in its infancy, the concept of a stand-alone solar powered system is considered a critical component to advancing solar energy, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean. Characteristics of such a system include:

• a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) array that will generate 1.5 KW hours consistently with Storage Battery back-up system (installed PV = 175 W x 10 = 1.75 KW)

• new Inverter Technology that provides automated balancing of the system, including PV, batteries, load and automatic plug into the public power grid

• a system design that allows various electronics in a home to operate 24 hours totally independent of the electric grid

• AC outlets and general functionality the same as any home served by an electric utility, including TECO, FPL and Progress Energy

To view the trailer and other new and innovative solar technologies, and learn more about how you can help bring solar energy to South Florida, attend Broward County’s Go SOLAR Fest  Friday January 25, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Saturday, January 26, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, 1950 Eisenhower Blvd., in Fort Lauderdale. Admission and parking for both days is FREE, but online registration is required.

Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are still available. There are more than 25 exhibitors already participating, and sponsors include Advanced GreenTechnologies/Advanced Renewable Energies, Florida Power & Light, Miami Herald, Mr – Solar/Wiremasters Electric, Port Everglades, Siemens Industry, Inc., Solar World, Solar Source and Waste Management.