Siemens Signs Memorandum of Understanding With Nextek Power Systems Inc

Source NewsWire
Monday, October 01, 2001

New Technology Improves Solar Power Conversion Efficiency; Favorable Payback Expected for Commercial Buildings

CAMARILLO, Calif.

The NexStep lighting system incorporates Nextek's Integrated Power Module (IPM) technology, which directly couples the DC power produced by the Siemens Solar panels to the building's lighting load. This direct coupling of the solar panel to the lighting load eliminates the losses typically associated with DC to AC inverter based systems. The result is superior energy conversion and energy utilization by the load.

"Essentially, the NexStep system makes use of all the energy produced by the solar array and puts it directly onto the lighting load maximizing the power conversion
efficiency by more than 30% when compared to inverter based systems," states Nextek Vice President Patrick McLafferty. These highly efficient lighting systems use Nextek's DC lighting ballasts that eliminate the first state conversion of AC power to DC commonly found in fluorescent and HID electronic lighting ballasts.

The NexStep systems will produce very favorable paybacks to customers because of the extraordinary efficiency of the system components. Initial value propositions prepared for customers indicate the NexStep system's return on investment is significant.

"By using Siemens Solar's PV arrays together with Nextek's lighting power controls, we can leverage the energy and cost savings inherent in our photovoltaic technology even further," said Chet Farris, Siemens Solar's Vice President and COO. "That combination is a powerful incentive for any commercial building operator who wants to reduce their operating costs."

For the utility company, a significant benefit of the NexStep system is that the system can be utilized as part of their existing peak mitigation load management programs commonly used in conjunction with motors, air-conditioners and electric hot water heaters. NexStep adds a building's lights to their base load displacement strategies.

About Nextek Power Systems, Inc.
Nextek Power Systems is a New York Corporation based in Ronkonkoma, on Long Island. It is a closely held firm, founded in 1995, that has funded its research anddevelopment and commercialization activities from private capital sources. The firm holds six patents with over one hundred and twenty claims based on its power supplies,dual voltage plug and lighting ballasts. For more information, visit www.nextekpower.com, or contact Patrick McLafferty at Nextek Power Systems at 916-492-2445.

About Siemens Solar
Siemens Solar Industries L.P., is headquartered in Camarillo, California. Siemens Solar is one of the world's leading manufacturers of photovoltaic cells and modules. Statements contained herein that are not historical facts, including, but not limited, to statements about these companies' product, corporate identity and focus, may be forward-looking statements that are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by these companies, including, but not limited to, the continuing development of these companies' sales, marketing and support efforts.

SOURCE Siemens Solar Industries L.P.

CONTACT: Tina Nickerson of Siemens Solar Industries L.P.,
+1-805-388-6519, or tina.nickerson@solar.siemens.com; or Guy Pierce of Siemens
Corporation, +1-732-906-3805, or guy.pierce@sc.siemens.com