Advanced Energy Solar Inverters Used In Award-Winning Solar Farm In Pennsylvania

FORT COLLINS, Colo., March 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq: AEIS), today announced that its utility-scale AE 500NX-HE solar inverters were used for the Keystone Solar Project in Pennsylvania, which was one of three projects picked by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) as a "Project of Distinction" at the 2013 PV America East solar conference.

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Keystone is a 6 MW ground-mounted solar farm, managed by Bright Plain Renewable Energy, LLC, developed by Community Energy Solar, and built by groSolar. The project uses 10 of Advanced Energy (AE), Solar Energy's utility-scale solar inverters, the AE 500NX-HE. At the time of completion in September 2012, the solar project was the largest in Pennsylvania.

"Community Energy is proud of this honor and recognition for the Keystone Solar Project," said Brent Beerley, executive vice president at Community Energy. "As the lead project developer, we selected AE Solar Energy based on the company's reputation as a trustworthy and collaborative partner with reliable and proven solar inverter technology. The company delivered on its reputation, and was a key contributor in making this ground-breaking project a success."

As the EPC of the project, groSolar completed the installation on a tight timetable — with construction to operation taking less than three months. groSolar's ability to meet this aggressive schedule was in part due to AE Solar Energy's on-time product delivery and unsurpassed customer service.

"We continue to be impressed with AE Solar Energy's technology and customer support team," said Frank Griffin, groSolar's executive vice president of construction and engineering. "Design modifications and an aggressive construction schedule posed challenges to bring this 6 MW project to commercial operation on a timely basis. AE Solar Energy was a flexible and responsive partner during the entire process."

The AE 500NX-HE is a highly efficient solar inverter specifically designed to meet the requirements of large commercial and utility-scale solar power plants with the lowest levelized cost of energy (LCOE).  With the best in power-class 98 percent California Energy Commission (CEC) efficiency rating, AE Solar Energy's AE 500NX-HE generates more power and value for project developers, owners and financiers.

"We were honored to receive this award at PV America East and to be recognized by SEIA and SEPA," said Gordon Tredger, president of AE Solar Energy. "Our partners, Community Energy and groSolar, as well as the other vendors and parties involved, all delivered to bring this landmark project together. Throughout North America our reliable, high-value solar inverters are helping project stakeholders achieve a greater return on their solar energy investments."

AE's solar energy business delivers highly reliable solar 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 and commercial-scale 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, EPC companies, 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, Colorado with dedicated support and service locations around the world. For more information, go to www.advanced-energy.com.

SOURCE Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.