Advanced Energy Inverters Used In Oregon's First Utility-Scale Solar Energy Project

FORT COLLINS, Colo., Dec. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq: AEIS), today announced that its utility-scale AE 500NX inverters were used for Oregon's first utility-scale solar energy project, which is also the largest utility-owned and operated solar energy site in the state. The Black Cap Solar Facility, a two-megawatt solar farm in Lakeview, Ore., was completed by Swinerton Renewable Energy, a leading engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) builder in the solar utility industry. Black Cap is operated by PacifiCorp to benefit the utility's 1.7 million customers in six western states.

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Swinerton chose the AE 500NX because of Advanced Energy (AE) Solar Energy's track record in utility-scale projects, its unsurpassed customer service, and for the product's low cost and proven reliability.

"Large scale projects like these are helping utilities meet their renewable energy goals at lower costs, and we were sure AE would be the right choice, given its proven success on projects of this size," said George Hershman, vice president and division manager at Swinerton Renewable Energy. "We have been impressed by the product's built-in features and robust design and AE's customer service has been invaluable. We look forward to working on similar projects with AE in the future."

The AE 500NX features a high-power, transformerless, bipolar design, which reduces balance of system cost (BoS) and increases return on investment (ROI). The inverter allows solar project stakeholders to offer system owners a lower levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and confidence their PV system will deliver on long-term production goals.

"AE is proud to be a part of this project and a member of the Oregon community, which places a high value on solar energy," said Gordon Tredger, president for AE Solar Energy. "Our AE 500NX inverters are being deployed widely for utility-scale projects because of the industry-best ROI we offer to developers, utilities, and financiers for their solar energy investments."

The Black Cap Solar Facility was dedicated on Friday, Nov. 9, and provides solar energy equal to the annual usage of approximately 400 average customer homes. The project consists of 9,000 panels installed on 20 acres of land, incorporating tracking technology to follow the path of the sun and increase energy harvest throughout the day.

"We're proud to be able to place this facility in an area we serve, while also helping Lake County advance its goal to become 'The New Energy Frontier,'" said Mark Tallman, vice president, renewable resources for PacifiCorp Energy, the PacifiCorp unit that operates the company's owned renewable resources. "We're also pleased that it provided a business opportunity for Advanced Energy, one of our central Oregon customers. Altogether, the Black Cap project has helped support the economy in two of our counties while providing environmental benefits for the region and renewable energy for our customers."  

AE's solar energy business delivers highly reliable inverters, complementary BoS products and robust O&M services that allow its customers to secure more solar projects and grow their business. AE Solar Energy enables utility-scale, commercial and residential solar project stakeholders to offer system owners a lower LCOE and confidence their PV system will deliver on long-term production goals. With more than 30 years of leadership in delivering innovative energy solutions, combined with a legendary reputation for customer service, AE is a trusted partner to solar project developers, financiers and beneficiaries around the globe.

About Advanced Energy
Advanced Energy (Nasdaq: AEIS) is a global leader in reliable power conversion solutions used in thin-film plasma manufacturing and solar energy generation. Founded in 1981, Advanced Energy is headquartered in Fort Collins, Colo. with dedicated support and service locations around the world. For more information, go to www.advanced-energy.com .

About Swinerton Renewable Energy
Swinerton Renewable Energy has traditionally offered turn-key solar power solutions for utility scale, and has distributed generation projects with over three gigawatts of power generation and solar expertise. The Swinerton Family of Companies provides commercial construction and construction management services throughout the United States and is a 100% employee-owned company. Recognized nationally since 1888, Swinerton is the preferred builder and trusted partner in every market they serve -- proudly leading with integrity, passion, and excellence. For more information on Swinerton, visit their blog SwinertonBuildsTomorrow, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and LinkedIn.

About PacifiCorp
PacifiCorp is one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, serving more than 1.7 million customers in the West. PacifiCorp operates as Pacific Power in Oregon, Washington and California, and as Rocky Mountain Power in Utah, Wyoming and Idaho. With a generating capability of almost 10,600 megawatts from coal, hydro, gas-fired combustion turbines and renewable wind and geothermal power, the company works to meet growing energy demand while protecting and enhancing the environment.

SOURCE Advanced Energy Industries