SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct 07, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX News Network/ -- SunPower Corp. (Nasdaq: SPWRA, SPWRB), a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems, announced today that it has formed a special interest group (SIG) with distributed power control systems (DPCS) manufacturers SolarBridge Technologies and Tigo Energy, to set protocols within the solar industry to help lower total system costs.
Members of this new SIG will create and drive standards between the rapidly evolving DPCS field, which includes DC/AC microinverters and DC/DC system optimizers, and module manufacturers. In addition, the group will establish a common industry platform for advanced electronics integration, including a plug and play criterion for mechanical connections and communications protocols between the solar panels and distributed control systems. A compatibility roadmap and implementation plan that addresses existing complexities, such as lowering costs and ease of field serviceability, will also be developed.
"As a technology leader, SunPower is pleased to spearhead this much needed leadership, establishing a protocol that will help to drive down total system costs and ensure a level of universal compatibility," said Jim Pape, SunPower president, residential and commercial business group. "We welcome our founding partners, SolarBridge and Tigo, and look forward to other companies joining this new industry cooperative."
About SunPower
Founded in 1985, SunPower Corp. (Nasdaq: SPWRA, SPWRB) designs, manufactures and delivers the planet's most powerful solar technology broadly available today. Residential, business, government and utility customers rely on the company's experience and proven results to maximize return on investment. With headquarters in San Jose, Calif., SunPower has offices in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. For more information, visit www.sunpowercorp.com.
About SolarBridge Technologies
SolarBridge Technologies, a leader in integrated microinverter technology for the solar industry, is working to accelerate the adoption of solar energy in the U.S. and Europe. SolarBridge provides a patented microinverter system that is directly integrated onto solar modules, greatly increasing efficiency and reliability while reducing the cost of solar installation and maintenance for the residential and light commercial markets. The company is headquartered in Austin, Texas. For more information, visit www.solarbridgetech.com.
About Tigo Energy
Based in Los Gatos, Calif., Tigo Energy was founded in 2007 and focuses on applying innovative technologies to the solar PV space. Tigo Energy has offices in the United States, Japan, Germany, and Israel, and is commercially shipping volume systems in cooperation with most prominent worldwide solar distributors and EPCs. An expanding list of Tigo Energy's distribution sales partners can be found at www.tigoenergy.com/distributors.html. Additional information on Tigo Energy is available at www.tigoenergy.com.
SunPower is a registered trademark of SunPower Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
SOURCE SunPower Corp.
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