PV Powered Inverters Selected for Large Stimulus-funded HUD Project in Monterey

Ultimately, the project, being constructed in multiple locations in the Monterey area, will include approximately 600 multi-family units, each of them solar-powered. The initial phase of the project includes units at four different housing complexes. Emard Electric of Loomis, Calif., a company with more than 60 years experience in residential and commercial electrical installations, has been selected to install the solar electronics. In turn, Emard selected solar inverters from PV Powered.

“This was a competitive bid process and Emard was the lowest, most responsive bidder. We look forward to working with them and to providing “green” options to our clients and the community,” said Starla Warren, Director of Development, Housing Authority County of Monterey.

“It was key for us to select system components that comply with the Buy American Act,” said Abe Emard of Emard Electric. “PV Powered is one of very few inverter suppliers that are US-based, so that got our attention immediately. But after we learned more about the products and sampled PV Powered’s high level of technical support, we were sold.”

Emard designed the systems to meet the power production targets specified by the California Solar Initiative (CSI). And although performance monitoring is not required by HUD, Emard is developing a custom performance monitoring system using DECK Monitoring technology so that real-time display of power output can be available at the HUD office. Emard is also doing pioneering work by setting up virtual metering over the Internet with Pacific Gas and Electric to enable the establishment of feed-in tariff (FIT) arrangements with the electric company. FITs typically offer long-term (15-25 year) contracts for a guaranteed purchase of electricity generated by renewable energy sources.

“PV Powered residential inverters are designed for highest reliability and maximum energy harvest over the long haul in demanding North American conditions,” said Erick Petersen, PV Powered Vice President of Marketing and Sales. “This is an innovative project and we are excited to be working with Emard Electric and WESCO to provide a showcase for residential solar.”

For the Monterey installations, the PV Powered residential inverters will be supplied to Emard Electric by WESCO Distribution, Inc., a full-line wholesale distributor of electrical and industrial products headquartered In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Robert Lopez of the Sacramento, CA branch negotiated and secured the business with Emard Electric.

“We are starting to see a new trend in the Solar Industry,” said Robert Lopez of WESCO Distribution. “Electrical Contractors are looking to work with their preferred vendors on products and services for the solar market, and the value of our project management and design/assist services make us of tremendous value to our customers.”

About the Buy American Act

Section 1605 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (otherwise known as the Stimulus Act) provides that no funds appropriated, or otherwise made available by the Stimulus Act can be used for "a project for the construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of a public building or public work unless all of the…manufactured goods used in the project are produced in the United States."

About PV Powered

PV Powered is the innovation leader for grid-tied PV inverters in the residential, commercial and utility markets, setting the industry standard for innovation in reliability and efficiency. Founded in Bend, Oregon in 2003 and privately owned, the company brings together one of the most experienced design teams in solar power electronics. PV Powered was recently selected to receive a Stage 2 award under the Solar Energy Grid Integration System (SEGIS) program by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The company is leading a team of recognized distributed energy and smart grid partners in developing innovations that increase energy harvest, reduce the cost of PV systems, and remove barriers to high levels of PV grid penetration. All PV Powered products are designed and manufactured in the U.S., are fully compliant with the Buy American Act, and qualify for projects funded by the federal stimulus package.

For more information on the company, visit www.pvpowered.com.

Media Contact:

Erick Petersen

PV Powered

VP Marketing & Sales

Ph: (541) 312-3832

erickpetersen@pvpowered.com