Oct 9, 2010

Products Round Out CENTROSOLAR’s ‘Out-Of-The-Box ’CentroPack® Grid-Tied Systems For Installers And Dealers

Scottsdale, Arizona- October 4, 2010 – Today, CENTROSOLAR America, the U.S. subsidiary of CENTROSOLAR Group AG, headquartered in Munich, Germany, introduces CentroRack, the company’s proprietary racking system along with the CentroData and CentroView energy monitoring systems. The new products will be introduced to the solar industry at the Solar Power International show in Los Angeles October 12th-14th at Booth # 4547.

CentroRack Mounting System

With the German engineered CentroRack, CENTROSOLAR America brings to the North America market its own rooftop solar system mounting solution, offering installers a more advanced option when sourcing a racking system for their projects. The CentroRack system is engineered as an affordable and easy-to-install system designed for tile or shingle pitched roofs and one that can be mounted on any roofing material. It allows for “slide into place-fastener free” installation of CENTROSOLAR’s recently introduced C-Series PV Modules, the sturdiest PV panels on the US market. The CentroRack is made of corrosion-resistant black anodized aluminum, with a choice of colors, making for a ‘clean’ aesthetic while providing the durability and ventilation needed for long-term performance. The CentroRack, based on a similar line of racking offered by CENTROSOLAR in Europe and already installed on thousands of homes, will only be available on CENTROSOLAR’s proprietary CentroPack® line of complete PV systems.

CentroData Monitoring Unit

The CentroData is a hardware and software application that generates real-time reporting on the PV system. Installed near the PV system power invert unit, the CentroData system continuously monitors solar system’s performance, while sending real-time data wirelessly to any internet-connected device. The CentroData system automatically provides the output data needed to simplify the task of reporting the data required for solar renewable energy tax credits and project financers.

The system generates real-time system diagnostics, as well, and sends alerts when the PV array performance drops below a target performance threshold, whether caused by excessive debris, unplanned shade, or adverse weather conditions. The CentroData Monitoring Unit is compatible with SMA and other PV-Inverters on the market in the U.S.

The system connects to the PV inverter and includes the internet gateway, and data logging software. Accessories include; outdoor enclosure, wireless router, choice of “wireless” Ethernet/Powerline kit (EOP) or hardwire cable.

CentroView

The CentroView is a separate unit that displays the CentroData monitoring system output data, wirelessly via the internet on an 8” LCD color touch-screen data display unit. CentroView can also display other internet-sourced information including photo and music services like Pandora, Shoutcast, NY Times podcasts, Photobucket, the weather, radio broadcasts– about 1,500 in all– categorized by subject.
CentroData and CentroView will only be available as options for purchase on CENTROSOLAR’s proprietary line of complete PV systems.

“The CentroRack and our monitoring products offer solar installers and dealers more of CENTROSOLAR’s best-of-class products for their homeowner clients,” noted CENTROSOLAR America CEO Deep Chakraborty. “As we provide seamless installation solutions for installers, they, in turn, can make the decision to ‘go solar’ even easier for homeowners.”

CENTROSOLAR America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of CENTROSOLAR Group AG, a publicly traded company on the Frankfurt Exchange. The company is a global solar technology manufacturer headquartered in Munich, Germany with worldwide revenue exceeding $400M. CENTROSOLAR specializes in manufacturing and marketing photovoltaic modules, solar glass, and a line of patented roof-mounting systems. CENTROSOLAR America, Inc., markets residential and commercial rooftop PV systems to solar integrators as well as skilled trades such as electrical, HVAC, and roofing contractors throughout the US.