Suntech and Petra Solar Form Alliance to Market Utility Pole Mounted Intelligent Solar Systems

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP), the world's largest manufacturer of crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules and Petra Solar, Inc., a designer and manufacturer of intelligent utility grade solar energy and smart grid systems, today announced an alliance that will focus on marketing utility-grade, pole mounted solar AC Systems as well as ongoing development of AC module products. The alliance will target unique pole mounted applications for utilities in the United States and the rest of the world.

Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech's Founder, Chairman and CEO said, "We recognize that Petra Solar is the leader in the development of innovative utility grade, pole-mounted distributed PV systems. Their vision to create a market for intelligent solar energy systems attached to utility poles and street lights, which combines distributed solar generation and smart grid technology, has great potential for Suntech. We are excited about the value that we can bring to utility customers as a result of working with Petra Solar."

"Suntech's global reach and well deserved reputation for market leading products provide compelling value to the utility market in the United States and around the globe," said Dr. Shihab Kuran, Founder, President and CEO of Petra Solar. "Suntech has the world's largest crystalline silicon module manufacturing capacity and we look forward to expanding our market coverage to address all segments of the global utility market as a result of this alliance." Dr. Kuran continued, "We applaud Suntech's decision to establish manufacturing capabilities in the United States and are confident that this will contribute to the rapid deployment of our products in the U.S. We are confident that the Suntech-Petra Solar collaboration will lead to the creation of many green jobs."

Petra Solar's SunWave(TM) utility grade solar AC systems are designed to mount quickly and safely to utility distribution and streetlight poles and deliver power directly to the grid. The systems consist of a high efficiency PV module and integral line voltage inverter with comprehensive communications and smart grid capabilities.

Petra Solar's AC Module has received CSA Certification according to UL standards. In addition, Petra Solar received CSA Qualification for Witness Testing for its manufacturing facility in South Plainfield, NJ, where AC modules and systems will be manufactured.
http://www.suntech-power.com ; http://www.petrasolar.com/