News | September 30, 2005

Sale Of VRB-ESS To SOLON AG For Solar Applications

Vancouver - VRB Power Systems Inc. announceed the sale of a 10 kilowatt-hour VRB Energy Storage System to SOLON AG, of Germany.

The VRB unit will undergo evaluation for the purposes of determining its fit for both grid-connected and grid-independent applications utilizing solar energy as the primary generation source. SOLON will be experimenting with the storage system for use in conjunction with its innovative "mover" system, a multi-axis solar tracking system which it has deployed in locations throughout Germany. SOLON will also use this system as a means of evaluating and validating the VRB technology for use with its utility-scale solar arrays.

"Stability and dependability are key focuses of system development for SOLON. The stochastic nature of solar photovoltaic applications accompanies technical demands dissimilar to standard energy storage applications, requiring superior dependability and flexibility. VRB technology leads in both these respects, and through this purchase SOLON will begin the development of truly independent solar energy. Applications will scale from our small autonomous power systems expanding up to entire solar parks like our 12MW Erlasee facility. We believe that this is an essential technology and in association can help to increase the utilization of solar photovoltaic energy" states Andrew Zwinkels, Project Manager for SOLON AG.

"Germany provides an opportunity for the Company to demonstrate the value of its technology in providing reliable, long-life electricity storage systems to the growing market for renewable energy systems. The VRB Energy Storage System provides smoothing of output and consistency of supply for all intermittent generation sources, including solar and wind. VRB Power intends to expand its relationships in Europe with a focus on nations with strong renewable initiatives and markets that economically support the use of energy storage" states Mark Kuntz, VP of Marketing and Business Development at VRB Power.

SOURCE: VRB Power Systems Inc.