The award was attributed to the SunWave system, a unique and innovative smart solar solution that combines distributed solar energy generation with smart grid communications and improved grid reliability features to create a premium utility grade solution.
We are grateful for this award from Solar PV Management that recognizes innovative manufacturing and products that have the potential to change the way we live, said Dr. Shihab Kuran, President and CEO of Petra Solar.
For decades, the approach to harnessing the power of the sun has been to install large solar arrays. Our SunWave system, a cost effective alternative, installs on existing utility poles and attaches to existing lines, feeding renewable energy directly into the electric grid without need for new sites or transmission, while also serving as intelligent units that communicate with each other and with the grid to build a smart grid infrastructure.
Petra Solar is the first company to implement virtual power plants, or highly geographically distributed renewable energy generation systems. The level of distribution of a solar generation system is its best insurance against intermittency.
By mounting solar panels on utility poles throughout a utilities territory, the company achieves a level of distribution never before met by a unified solar project. Further, these virtual power plants are packaged in a new, compelling value proposition that combines power generation, smart grid functionality, and siting/permitting cost savings, which are better suited to the particular needs of utilities than any existing solar generation offering.
With the advent of electric vehicles and other technology that places new demands on the electric grid, utilities will increasingly focus on enabling smart grid solutions that will facilitate grid reliability and stability. Petra Solar has pioneered a partnership approach with utilities to address, maintain and improve power quality and reliability.
The Solar Industry awards have been created to recognize the whole value chain and the people, products and services that will develop innovative manufacturing and product approaches that have the potential to change the way we live.
The Solar Industry awards were presented for each of following segments of the industry: Solar Materials Enabling; Thin Film Innovation; Silicon Innovation; Industry Development; PV Tool; PV Balance of System; Energy Usage Enabling; Module Manufacturing Innovation; Rural Electrification Development; Turnkey Supplier; Project Development; SOLAR Award for Excellence (Product); SOLAR Award for Excellence (Group); SOLAR Award for Excellence (Professional).
