Nearly 30 years of experience delivering photovoltaic power solutions culminate in the
500 kW Solaron^® inverter featuring optimized balance-of-system architecture

FORT COLLINS, Colo., Oct. 7, 2008—Advanced Energy^® Industries, Inc. (NasdaqGM: AEIS) today introduced its newest Solaron^® offering—a 500 kW, utility-scale, transformerless, grid-tie photovoltaic (PV) inverter. Extending the Solaron portfolio beyond inverters for commercial and small-scale utility installations, the 500 kW inverter achieves similar, unsurpassed efficiencies as other Solaron models—97.5 percent CEC-weighted (California Energy Commission) efficiency rating (pending).

In addition to delivering more power per inverter for utility-scale installations, the newest Solaron model delivers previously unachievable return on investment (ROI)—from installation through decades of energy harvests. Specifically, before installation is complete, integrators can save tens of thousands of dollars per panel section because multiple Solaron inverters can be routed into a single, medium-voltage station. In operation, unbeatable Solaron efficiencies enable power producers to achieve higher energy harvests over an inverter’s lifetime, resulting in more favorable landed cost-per-kilowatt-hour ratios than was possible until now. Moreover, in addition to the savings from our transformerless design, integrators who choose particular Solaron options can save up to 50 percent on specified material costs like cables, achieving improved ROI even before installation is complete.

The AE Solaron suite of products, services and accessories deliver predictable, optimal performance for decades. Features such as AE’s Integrated Data System™ (IDS™) with instant access to Solaron data from anywhere at anytime and AE’s SafeGuard^SM wholly-customizable, comprehensive service program are part of the Solaron optimized balance-of-system (BoS) architecture, which can proactively maximize system uptime, power generation and inverter life.

Solaron^® 500 kW Utility-Scale PV Inverter
Designed for utility-scale installations, the Solaron 500 kW inverter features a durable, transformerless, grid-tie design, converting raw DC power from solar-cell arrays to high-quality AC-grid electricity. With its robust controls and patented, soft-switching technology, the Solaron inverter achieves 97.5 percent CEC efficiency (pending). A wide MPP (maximum power point) tracking window ensures maximum, day-long power processing. Both local and remote communications and control are always available via AE’s Solaron IDS integrated data system. Moreover, a comprehensive portfolio of services offerings—from installation assistance to long-term warranties and maintenance programs—allows integrators and power producers to continuously operate Solaron inverters at optimal performance for decades.

To learn more about AE’s expanding Solaron line of PV inverters, visit http://www.aesolaron.com.


About Advanced Energy
Advanced Energy is a global leader in innovative power and control technologies for high-growth, thin-film manufacturing and solar power generation. Specifically, AE targets solar grid-tie inverters, solar cells, semiconductors, flat panel displays, data storage products, architectural glass and other advanced applications.

AE’s product portfolio includes high-power solar grid-tie inverters; precise, flexible power systems; reliable gas and liquid flow-management systems; accurate thermal instruments; and global support services. Leveraging this focused product portfolio and technology leadership, AE creates solutions aimed at maximizing process impact, improving productivity and lowering cost of ownership for its customers, including original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and end-users around the world.

AE operates in regional centers in North America, Asia and Europe and offers global sales and support through direct offices, representatives and distributors. Founded in 1981, AE is a publicly held company traded on Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol AEIS. For more information, go to www.advanced-energy.com.

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Advanced Energy^®, AE^® and Solaron^® are trademarks of Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.