SMA America Tapped For Solar Farm Installation at Hawaii Hospital

Based on their reliability, quality and proven track record, SMA America, Inc.’s Sunny Central 250U solar inverters were recently chosen for the second-largest solar farm in Hawaii. Sunetric, the state’s largest locally owned solar integrator, installed the 500 kilowatt system at Wilcox Memorial Hospital on the island of Kauai, making it also the first solar farm installation at a Hawaii hospital.

"SMA is very proud to see the Sunny Central inverters selected for such an important project,” says Jurgen Krehnke, president and general manager of SMA America. “In an environment where flawless performance and uncompromised reliability really make a difference, SMA’s field-proven technology made the Sunny Central a logical choice."

The solar farm—which generates 740,000 kilowatt hours of power annually, enough electricity for 85 homes—spans 1.4 acres of land adjacent to the hospital. Raw energy from the sun is harvested by 2,190 SunPower solar panels while three SMA Sunny Central 250U inverters convert the energy into usable power for the hospital.

“In 2008, we installed more PV than anyone else in Hawaii, and we choose SMA inverters because their strong track record for success, reliability and sealed design gives us confidence,” said Todd Georgopapadakos, Sunetric’s vice president of business development.

Aside from saving the hospital more than $250,000 annually by off-setting 52 percent of its electricity needs, the system will eliminate 670 tons of carbon emissions and will keep 1,100 barrels of oil from being used each year. That’s the equivalent of saving 270 acres of virgin forest.

About SMA America, Inc.
SMA America, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of SMA Solar Technology AG, based in Germany. SMA is the world leader in solar inverter technology and manufacturing with divisions in nine countries on four continents. SMA is committed to its leadership role, offering exceptional value with the most efficient and reliable solar inverters in the industry. SMA takes special pride in promoting renewable energy solutions at all levels through education, information and support for the general public and solar installers, as well as for small and large businesses worldwide. For more information, call (916) 625-0870 or visit www.SMA-America.com.

About Sunetric
Sunetric, previously known as Suntech Hawaii, is a design/build alternative energy company specializing in solar photovoltaic and hot water systems. Founded in 2004, the company has grown to be the largest Hawaii- owned and operated solar integrator. Sunetric is active across the Hawaiian Islands and works with local and national alternative energy finance partners to make solar energy an accessible, affordable option for all Hawaii businesses.

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