Xantrex and Schneider Electric introduce Solar Power Conversion Substations to North America

The SPCS typically consists of Xantrex solar power inverters, DC combiner boxes, step-up transformers and a medium voltage switch housed in a prefabricated building to allow quick field wiring from both the solar arrays and the utility grid connection point. Other items can be added to the package including climate controls, security equipment, array string monitoring, SCADA monitoring equipment, and power metering. Custom designs are available using Xantrex GT500-MV, GT500E or GT250 inverters.

Xantrex inverters convert the direct current (DC) energy collected by solar panels into high-quality alternating current (AC) power at low voltage.  The transformer in the SPCS converts the AC power so it can be directly transferred to the utility grid. The Xantrex GT500E is a 1000 volt DC inverter used for “behind the fence” installations in North America, and the GT500-MV is Xantrex’s newest 600 volt DC inverter.

“The SPCS will allow customers to reduce total electrical installation cost and project cycle time by up to 15%,” says Rudy Wodrich, Business Development Director for Xantrex Technology Inc. “The old method of inter-wiring the electrical equipment on the jobsite was often inefficient and difficult to coordinate the delivery of components from multiple vendors. Now Schneider Electric / Xantrex offers customers one reliable solution from a company with over 100 years of experience designing electrical distribution and control systems.  In addition, by placing the inverters into a structure with a controlled environment, customers can use the products in harsh desert climates where many future large scale solar projects are planned.”

Xantrex products offer superior performance, reliability, and efficiency. They are also easy to install, and come with a top-quality service program for large commercial and utility scale projects. Xantrex is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Schneider Electric, with hundreds of megawatts installed worldwide.

For more information on Xantrex solar inverters and backup power systems, please visit www.xantrex.com/renewablesystems.

About Xantrex

Xantrex Technology Inc. (www.xantrex.com), a subsidiary of Schneider Electric, is a world leader in the development, manufacturing and marketing of advanced power electronic products and systems for the renewable and mobile power markets. The company’s products convert and control raw electrical power from any central, distributed, renewable, or backup power source into high-quality power required by electronic equipment and the electricity grid. Xantrex is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, with facilities in the United States, Germany and Spain, and a joint venture in China.

About Schneider Electric

As a global specialist in energy management with operations in more than 100 countries, Schneider Electric offers integrated solutions across multiple market segments, including leadership positions in energy and infrastructure, industrial processes, building automation, and data centres/networks, as well as a broad presence in residential applications.  Focused on making energy safe, reliable, and efficient, the company's 120,000 employees achieved sales of more than 17.3 billion euros in 2007, through an active commitment to help individuals and organisations “Make the most of their energy.TM”
www.schneider-electric.com

Xantrex and Smart choice for power are trademarks of Schneider Electric Services International sprl, registered in the United States and other countries.

For further information, please contact:

Xantrex Media Relations
604-422-2589
mediarelations@xantrex.com