BP, Petra Solar to focus on AC solar systems

BP Solar and Petra Solar are planning to extend an existing collaboration to target utility grade, pole-mounted solar alternating current (AC) systems.

In addition to marketing the products, the companies said they are planning to continue on-going development of the AC module products for other applications and markets.

South Plainfield, N.J.-based Petra Solar specializes in grid-tied, pole-mounted, distributed solar generation systems. The company said its SunWave system combines solar energy with smart grid communications and electric grid enhancement for utilities.

BP Solar, part of BP's (NYSE:BP) BP Alternative Energy division, maintains its North American headquarters in Freferick, Md. (see BP Solar expanding and greening its headquarters). It designs, manufactures, and markets solar products for the residential, commercial and industrial sectors.

The companies said they have tested and evaluated integrating the SunWave technology with BP Solar’s photovoltaic solar modules, although further testing is expected for quality and reliability purposes.

Petra also has a similar alliance with Suntech Power Holdings (NYSE:STP), the world's largest manufacturer of crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules. The companies said in June they plan to work on marketing utility-grade, pole-mounted solar AC systems as well as on-going development of AC module products.

In July, Petra won a $200 million contract to provide New Jersey energy company Public Service Electric and Gas (PGE&G), a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group (NYSE:PEG), with 200,000 smart solar systems to be installed on PSE&G utility poles and street light poles.

Petra is venture backed, raising a $14 million Series A round in 2007, led by DFJ Element and BlueRun Ventures to be used for product development and global market expansion. National Technology Enterprises also participated (see Now official: big biofuel IPO).

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