Innovative Renewable Energy Technology from Nextek Power Systems Approved by California Energy Commission

Business Wire, Dec 6, 2004

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. & LOS ANGELES -- The California Energy Commission has listed a new technology from Nextek Power Systems. The NPS-1000 offers a more efficient way to use the power produced by renewable energy sources such as solar panels, fuel cells, and more. Nextek, utilizing Direct Coupling(R) technology, offers an extremely high efficiency lighting system with built-in backup lighting capabilities.

The California Energy Commission sets the guidelines used by many state and local agencies around the US for acceptable renewable energy equipment. The Nextek system improves efficiency for commercial buildings by using power where, when, and how it is generated.

In the past, solar panels were installed so that the DC (direct current) power they generate is changed, or inverted, to AC (alternating current) and sent back into the grid. Electronic devices like fluorescent lights, computers, and motors then take the power from the grid and convert it back to DC. This round-trip process not only uses a great deal of power, but it also requires approval from the power company. One of their safety requirements, called Anti-Islanding is the reason why your lights will go out in a power failure even if you have solar panels on the roof.

This UL approved product, successfully installed in Target Stores, Whole Foods Markets, and more, works differently. Bypassing these multiple conversions, The Nextek System is up to 50% more efficient and can keep the lights on in a power failure. The DC electricity generated by the solar panels is routed directly to high efficiency DC ballasts in standard fluorescent lights. At night, or on cloudy days when there isn't enough sun to power the lights, the Nextek system draws whatever it needs from the grid, converts the power to DC, and keeps the lights on.

In a retail store, lighting is expensive and is used all day, every day. Using the Nextek System and solar electricity to power the lighting significantly reduces electricity costs. Because the Nextek system (unlike traditional solar systems) can stay on during a power failure, retailers can keep customers in the store rather than evacuating them and losing sales. Optional backup batteries can be used to keep the lights on, if necessary, during a nighttime power failure.

Nextek envisions the high performance building of the future being more energy-independent by using a 'hybrid' electric system. Power is taken from whatever sources are available (solar, wind, fuel cell, or other) and used by a wide range of electronic devices in the most efficient way possible. Additional power, if needed, is taken from the grid. This way, with the grid as the backup, our power becomes more reliable and more efficient while reducing the stress on the overtaxed utility grid.

For more information, and a demonstration of the system, please see the website at www.NextekPower.com or contact Nextek at (631) 750-1000.