Inovateus Solar and GE Energy Industrial Solutions Announce OEM Partnership Agreement to Build Scalable Solar Carport Charging Stations

SOUTH BEND, Ind., Oct. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Inovateus Solar LLC, a national solar power distributor and integrator, announced its partnership with GE Energy Industrial Solutions to become the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for GE solar carport charging stations in a joint press event at the Greenbuild Conference and Expo in Toronto, Ontario, on October 5, 2011.

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The two companies evolved into the new partnership through the highly successful collaboration on an installation of a 100-kilowatt solar carport in Plainville, Conn., earlier this year. The Inovateus Solar team was on time, marking the beginning of their relationship with GE. The carport project built by Inovateus Solar with six, Level 2 GE DuraStation* EV charging stations, is one of the largest of its kind in North America.

A typical scalable solar carport charging station the two companies will bring to market generates enough energy to offset the power needed to charge up to 13 electric cars per day as well as power all the overhead lighting for the parking lot. Through this new partnership with GE Energy Industrial Solutions and Inovateus Solar, scalable engineering solutions are already in place for carports from small private lots with 5 kW power ratings, charging two to four vehicles, to large commercial lots with 250 kW power ratings, charging 17 to 19 cars per day.

"GE is partnering with Inovateus to bring the same turnkey solar carport solutions—scalable to a variety of needs—to a multitude of facilities, including universities, municipalities, office buildings, and sports complexes," stated General Manager of Marketing for GE Energy Industrial Solutions, Chris Bowler. "Solar carports with electric vehicle chargers offer a win-win opportunity for customers with reduced energy for building owners, revenue opportunities from the sale of Solar Renewable Energy Credits to brokers, and potential tax credits and incentives from federal, state, and local governments."

Inovateus will include GE EverGold* Solar combiner boxes, GE DuraStation* and WattStation* electric vehicle charging stations, and traditional GE electrical distribution panels and switches including a new line of solar safety switches, also known as photovoltaic (PV) disconnects.

"We need more practical solar success stories like this one," stated the President of Inovateus Solar, T.J. Kanczuzewski at the Greenbuild conference. "We believe this new agreement between GE and Inovateus to expand the use of solar charging carports with a scalable solution is a real game changer for solar energy and the future of electric cars. Bringing power back to the grid and saving thousands of dollars for companies, these carports are more than just charging stations. They produce a significant return on investment. We look forward to a long and successful relationship with GE Energy Industrial Solutions," concluded Kanczuzewski.

About Inovateus Solar

Inovateus Solar is a leading distributor and integrator of solar electric solutions. Headquartered in South Bend, Ind., and recently voted one of Indiana's Top Companies to Watch, Inovateus Solar completed some of the largest solar installations in the Midwest and across the United States. Since 2004, the company has been working closely with the top manufacturers in the photovoltaic industry to offer customers turnkey services with cutting edge products. With a vast portfolio of completed projects with Fortune 500 companies, universities, municipalities and utilities, Inovateus Solar strives to play an active role in the growth of the burgeoning solar energy sector.

About GE

GE (NYSE: GE) is an advanced technology, services and finance company taking on the world's toughest challenges. Dedicated to innovation in energy, health, transportation and infrastructure, GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs about 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com.

GE also serves the energy sector by providing technology and service solutions that are based on a commitment to quality and innovation. The company continues to invest in new technology solutions and grow through strategic acquisitions to strengthen its local presence and better serve customers around the world. The businesses that comprise GE Energy—GE Power & Water, GE Energy Management and GE Oil & Gas—work together with more than 90,000 global employees and 2010 revenues of $38 billion, to provide integrated product and service solutions in all areas of the energy industry, including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; as well as other alternative fuels and new grid-modernization technologies to meet 21st century energy needs.

*Trademarks of General Electric Company

SOURCE Inovateus Solar LLC