Shoals and Ampt Awarded IEC and UL Certification for Module-level DC/DC Optimizer

PORTLAND, Tenn. and FORT COLLINS, Colo., Jan. 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Shoals Technologies Group  and Ampt, LLC today announced certification of a module-level DC/DC optimizer compatible with the MultiLink™ Junction Box. Now certified by two of the photovoltaic (PV) industry's leading testing bodies -- the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) -- these DC/DC optimizers in conjunction with Shoals' MultiLink™ junction boxes are ready to ship for use in commercial and utility scale PV systems.

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The UL and IEC certified optimizer uses Ampt's innovative module-level DC/DC power converter. The optimizer connects with Shoals' MultiLink™ Junction Box to allow a PV module manufacturer to use PV modules powered by Ampt. Ampt's converters lower PV system costs associated with deployment, balance of system (BOS) and operations and maintenance (O&M), as well as maximize the power generation of every solar module, significantly reducing the levelized cost of energy (LCOE).

"The MultiLink junction box system, truly the 'USB' port for PV modules, has the only universal interface compatible with accessory modules featuring electronics from leading PV electronics manufacturers like Ampt," said Shoals President and CEO Dean Solon. "PV module companies get their modules certified with the MultiLink junction box and then have the option to connect Ampt's DC/DC converter in the factory or let system integrators plug-and-play in the field. In partnership with Ampt, our customers reap the benefits of collaborative innovation, giving them elite technology that lowers system cost for a distinct competitive advantage."

The DC/DC optimizer powered by Ampt includes patented Ampt Mode™ and String Stretch™ technology to lower the cost and increase the efficiency of PV inverters, a key differentiator that in turn lowers the total cost of PV systems. In addition, Ampt increases the lifetime energy output of PV systems with optional communication in each PV module to recapture mismatch losses between modules and strings, as well as enabling the overall system to operate more efficiently than a conventional solar array.

"As members of the newly formed HDPV Alliance, Shoals and Ampt share a commitment to the development and adoption of lower cost and higher performance PV systems using open standards for HDPV-compliant inverters," said Levent Gun, CEO at Ampt. "Turning to Shoals and Ampt, integrators know they're choosing a PV module compatible with Alliance standards, as well as UL and IEC certification criteria, which signals a more cost-effective solution that provides superior ROI."

The Shoals MultiLink™ junction box and the DC/DC optimizer accessory module powered by Ampt are both available immediately. For more information regarding Shoals products, please visit www.shoals.com. For additional information about Ampt's products, please visit www.ampt.com.

About Ampt
Ampt delivers innovative power conversion technology and communications capabilities that are changing the way PV systems are designed. The company, along with strategic partners, is lowering system cost, improving ROI, increasing energy generation and broadening the PV solar market.

The result? Energy realized™.

About Shoals Technologies Group
Shoals Technologies Group is a leading manufacturer of balance of systems solutions. Through innovation and diversification Shoals has grown exponentially since its founding in 1996. Shoals maintains a diverse portfolio of PV balance of systems products, including, combiner/re-combiner boxes, disconnecting combiner boxes, custom harnessing solutions, junction boxes, PV wire, in-line fuses, racking and PV monitoring solutions.  Additional information is available at www.shoals.com.  

SOURCE Shoals Technologies Group; Ampt, LLC