HOUSTON, Oct. 10, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Houston-based American Electric Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:AETI), the leading global provider of power delivery solutions for the traditional and renewable energy industries, today announced the introduction of two new models in their 1000 Volt, Integrated Solar Inversion Station (ISIS™) product line.
Utilizing the industry's first 1.0 MW solar inverter architecture witness-tested to UL 1741 at 1000 volts, the new 1.5 MW ISIS inversion system with the new 38 kV utility interconnect system enables optimization of DC and AC solar performance while meeting ANSI C.37 codes and NFPA safety requirements.
The ability to run solar farms at 1000 volts versus traditional 600 volt farm designs with the new 1.5 MW UL 1741 platform and 38 kV interconnect system enables utility-scale project developers to implement DC and AC designs at the highest voltage levels, thus reducing Balance of Systems cabling costs and power losses from the PV panel through the grid connection point. ISIS also reduces field installation labor costs by incorporating all key solar inverter elements into a skidded, pre-commissioned, factory built, NEMA 3R outdoor platform.
"Utility-scale solar developers, owners, operators and financers have realized significant project cost/watt reductions through lower PV panel price drops. The next front to reduce solar Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) is reducing Balance of System costs," said Charles Dauber, AETI President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our industry-leading experience deploying multi-megawatt power conversion systems for the energy industry enables the largest utility-scale solar projects to dramatically reduce both DC and AC cabling and installation costs by using a 1000 volt solar arrays in an integrated 1.5 MW inversion block interconnected with 38 kV collection grids."
AETI's ISIS 1000 volt product line now includes both 1.0 MW and 1.5 MW solar inversion platforms as inverter-only solutions, or as integrated solutions with a medium voltage 15 kV or 38 kV class step-up transformer and utility interconnect systems. All ISIS inverters incorporate a master combiner, a DC and AC disconnect switching system, and the inverter system in a NEMA 3R enclosure.
ISIS assures successful grid integration by incorporating the world's widest power factor compensation capabilities for on-demand FERC 661A voltage regulation. ISIS continues to lead the solar industry with the highest UL 1741 witness-tested PV open circuit voltage and input current levels that results in capturing up to 15 percent more watts per string, while operating with the widest ambient temperature range from -40°C to 60°C.
"Wind farm developers and EPCs moving into solar have experience in deploying 38 kV farm collection systems that reduce AC cabling losses and costs," explained Dauber. "Our 38 kV integrated solar inversion system now enables financiers to realize improved solar return on investment with the added assurance of meeting NFPA 70E safety standards," said Dauber.
AETI will showcase the ISIS™ 1000 volt UL 1741-tested solar inversion station with the new 38 kV utility interconnection system at the upcoming Solar Power International Conference (SPI 2011) from October 18-20 in Dallas, TX at the Dallas Convention Center, booth 6872.
American Electric Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:AETI) is the leading global supplier of power delivery solutions to the traditional and renewable energy industries. AETI's SEC filings, news and product/service information are available at http://www.aeti.com.
Forward Looking Statements
Except for the historical and present factual information contained herein, the matters set forth in this document, including statements regarding the anticipated results of our international joint ventures are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. There are many risks, uncertainties and other factors that can prevent the achievement of our goals or cause results to differ from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements including, without limitation, the risks inherent in doing business outside of the U.S. such as political, social and economic instability, currency fluctuations and conversion restrictions. These and other risks which may impact management's expectations are described in greater detail in filings made by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements even if experience or future events make it clear that any of the anticipated results expressed or implied herein will not be realized.