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Tampa Electric Company, in collaboration with Petra Solar, has launched a pilot project evaluating smart solar energy systems mounted on utility and streetlight poles. The project will utilize Petra Solar's SunWave systems, which are now installed on poles in a test facility at Tampa Electric, an investor-owned utility based in Tampa.
Petra Solar is also in the process of completing a US$200 million contract with PSE&G to provide SunWave systems for installation on 200,000 streetlight and utility poles. The project will contribute 40MW to PSE&G's generation capacity as is expected to be complete by 2012.
Tampa Electric president Gordon Gillette said, "We are pleased to participate in this study with Petra to determine how to better integrate solar photovoltaic installations into our service territory. The study also will help us better understand how to utilize this technology with future Smart Grid applications."
"We're proud to team up with Tampa Electric to move ahead with our newest pilot project," said Dr. Shihab Kuran, CEO and president of Petra Solar. "Our SunWave systems turn utility poles into solar generators. The systems provide Smart Grid capabilities through real-time communications between solar generators in the field and the utility control center. In addition, they enhance electric distribution grid reliability to help stabilize the grid during periods of increased load."
Petra Solar has also been awarded two Florida High Tech Corridor (FHT) grants for developing advanced integrated PV systems.
