Suntech and Petra Solar partner for pole-mounted solar energy systems
Suntech is one of the world’s largest solar photovoltaic cell manufacturers. Petra Solar is focused on its SunWave solar energy design. Images courtesy of Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd and Petra Solar Inc.China’s Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. announced on June 9 that the company has allied with utility-grade solar energy system designer Petra Solar Inc. for pole-mounted solar energy systems.
The key technology is Petra Solar’s SunWave pole-mounted AC solar system. The SunWave system mounts on streetlight poles, and can deliver solar-generated electricity directly to the grid. SunWave has an integrate line voltage inverter, which converts DC electricity into grid-compatible AC electricity. SunWave is also pre-designed with communications capabilities and smart grid capabilities, making it an “intelligent” solar energy system.
Suntech, as the world leading manufacturer of crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules, will presumably be supplying solar cells to the SunWave system. Supplying PetraSolar with solar modules will allow PetraSolar to focus on the production of the overall SunWave system, therefore expanding production and increasing its market reach.
“(Petra Solar’s) vision to create a market for intelligent solar energy systems attached to utility poles and street lights, which combines distributed solar generation and smart grid technology, has great potential for Suntech,” said Suntech founder, chairman, and CEO Dr. Zhengrong Shi.
"Suntech has the world's largest crystalline silicon module manufacturing capacity and we look forward to expanding our market coverage to address all segments of the global utility market as a result of this alliance,” said Petra Solar founder, president and CEO Dr. Shihab Kuran. "We applaud Suntech's decision to establish manufacturing capabilities in the United States and are confident that this will contribute to the rapid deployment of our products in the U.S.”
Suntech is one of the world’s largest solar photovoltaic cell manufacturers. Its proprietary Pluto technology for crystalline silicon solar cells improves power output by up to 12% when compared to other production methods. Suntech designs and delivers commercial and utility-scale solar power systems through its subsidiaries, Suntech Energy Solutions and Suntech Energy Engineering. Suntech also offers building-integrated solar power systems through its MSK Solar Design™ Line.
Suntech also owns and operates solar projects greater than 10 MW in the US, through a joint venture with MMA Renewable Ventures. Suntech is globally headquartered in Wuxi, China, with regional headquarters in the US and Switzerland. It is listed on the NYSE as STP. Its stock was up 6.26% at the end of the June 9 trading day, closing at $18.00.
Petra Solar is focused on its SunWave solar energy design. SunWave has over 15 granted or pending patents. Petra Solar additionally provides potential customers with ROI analysis. The company is headquartered in South Plainfield, New Jersey, U.S.A.
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Mike R. Lopez
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