Smarter technology provides homeowners with 24/7 solar energy backup and grid independence

ARLINGTON, Wash.--OutBack Power Technologies, Inc., a designer and manufacturer of advanced power electronics for renewable energy, backup power and mobile applications, will showcase its newest Radian Grid/Hybrid solar systems at PCBC, June 25 to 26 in San Francisco. Supported by smarter technology, including the new GridZero Radian inverters, energy storage options, and OPTICS RE mobile monitoring and control application, these next-generation solar systems deliver both renewable economics and energy independence to homeowners, installers and builders. The result is increased customer satisfaction through reduced anxiety concerning solar investment in the midst of changing utility policies, and remote system control for installers reducing the need for costly service calls.

Until now, solar users fell into two categories: off-grid, but with limited electrical use; and grid-tied with the ability to save money when the sun is shining, but with no option for power during outages or emergencies. OutBack Power's Grid/Hybrid systems with energy storage offer the best of both worlds: Homeowners can choose to go off-grid and store unused energy for future use, or use the grid as their backup when they need extra electricity beyond what their system can produce.

"With well over 300,000 homes in the U.S. using solar, it's clear that consumer demand for renewable energy options is growing," said Harvey Wilkinson, general manager of OutBack Power. "Today's home builders recognize the value of solar for homeowners and are stepping up to make greener energy a part of people's lives. OutBack Power's Grid/Hybrid technology makes solar investment the most practical and compelling option for both home builders and buyers."

Smarter technology delivers long-term benefits

OutBack Power's newest additions to the award-winning Radian family feature GridZero technology and Advanced Battery Charging for compatibility with any utility energy scenario. The new Radians enable homeowners to "zero out" their grid usage and bank solar-generated electricity surplus for future use.

OPTICS RE is a cloud-based application that provides installers and owners of OutBack systems the ability to easily monitor photovoltaic (PV) system operation, performance and output via an intuitive dashboard from any Internet-enabled device. By keeping installers connected to their systems, OPTICS RE reduces system downtime and service calls, demonstrates the benefits of renewable energy, and provides users with higher satisfaction with their solar investment.

"We hear of contractors receiving quotes of up to $200,000 to bring in electrical services in remote Sonoma and Marin County building locations," said Jason Almirol, vice president of Alter Systems, a California-based builder and designer. "We like to offer affordable, green alternative solutions with OutBack Power. We're excited to offer systems featuring the GridZero Radians and OPTICS RE application to help our customers get the most from their solar investments."

Builders grow their businesses with the power of solar

Residential builders can count on OutBack Power for its dedication to advanced renewable energy systems, proven performance and world-class, industry-accredited training. Other benefits OutBack Power provides to the builder market include:

*Setting builders' homes apart – All residential PV/solar systems look the same from the roof, but with OutBack providing the power behind solar, systems can run 24/7 through integrated energy storage.

*Reducing builder anxiety – Built-in remote monitoring and control technology keeps installers and builders directly connected to homeowners, ensuring system health and reducing costly service calls.

*Reducing buyer anxiety – Solar investments are protected with future-perfect electronics to master any utility energy scenario, as well as Advanced Battery Charging for compatibility with both current and emerging energy storage technologies.

*"Triple play" technology – Homeowners can save money when the sun is shining, use stored electricity to offset utility power and enjoy backup power during emergencies for threefold benefits from one system.

"As solar panels become more commoditized and standardized, builders will need to look ‘off the roof' to differentiate their renewable energy upgrades with greater value and utility," said Mark Cerasuolo, director of marketing and training for OutBack Power. "Our Grid/Hybrid technology provides the power behind solar and offers future-perfect systems that will continue to deliver both green lifestyle benefits and economic value to homeowners, and lets them stay in front of changing utility regulations and incentive programs."

Visit OutBack Power at PCBC

OutBack Power is a recipient of the Parade of Products Award at PCBC and will present its winning Radian system to attendees at the PCBC Key Buyer's Club on the exhibit floor of the Moscone Center in San Francisco on Thursday, June 26th between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. PT.

OutBack Power will also be showing three PV/solar systems ideal for residential applications. The 4kW and 8kW Radian systems with energy storage mean there's an OutBack Grid/Hybrid solution for nearly any home and budget. OutBack is also showing an off-grid FLEXPower ONE system for cabins and other recreational buildings and remote resorts.

To view these systems and learn more about OutBack Power's Grid/Hybrid technology, visit the company during PCBC at booth N-5232. You can also visit www.outbackpower.com.

About OutBack Power Technologies

OutBack Power Technologies, a member of The Alpha Group, is the leading designer and manufacturer of advanced power electronics for renewable energy, back-up power and mobile applications. With an emphasis on product performance, OutBack has established itself as the product of choice in harsh environmental conditions and applications where product reliability is paramount. Whether the application is village micro-grids in Africa, rural electrification projects in Latin America, remote off-grid cabins in Alaska, or a suburban home in Southern California, OutBack Power Technologies has set the bar for delivering advanced power conversion electronics. For more information, please visit www.outbackpower.com.