May 13 2008
BrightPhase Energy, Inc., a developer, manufacturer and marketer of high efficiency solar energy tri-generation products designed specifically for large buildings, announced today the signing of a letter of intent (LOI) with Appalachian Energy, LLC for a beta test installation of the company's patent-pending and proprietary Photensity(TM) product.
Photensity(TM) is an energy-dense solar module which delivers three energy streams--photovoltaic, solar thermal, and daylighting--via one compact module. By combining three energy streams, the product can deliver up to 60% of the sun's energy in forms useful for large buildings. Photensity(TM) has an installed cost of less than $2.00 per watt-equivalent as a result of a unique optical concentrating system and the use of low cost, commercially proven products and materials throughout the integrated module.
Energy from the Photensity(TM) system supplements the building's electricity, hot water, and space heating systems while significantly reducing the amount of power required for interior lights. A planned fourth energy stream in a future module version will incorporate a heat driven cooling device for supplementing building cooling systems.
Photensity(TM) is deployed in rows on roofs similar to photovoltaic system deployment and is designed to be compatible with standard skylighting installation methods. The product can be installed as a retrofit to existing buildings or building integrated on new or existing building roofs. Future Photensity(TM) models will feature wall mounting as part of the building cladding or as a retro-fit.
The LOI outlines an assessment period that examines the business and technical parameters required for both parties to reach a final Beta Test Implementation agreement where Appalachian would deploy a Photensity(TM) system on a customer building as part of the Appalachian RESCO(TM) product offering. The beta system design for Appalachian's customer is expected to include 200 - 300 modules which will allow many aspects of the product's installation methods to be optimized and the performance demonstrated in an actual end-user customer setting.
"We are looking for solar energy products that can substantially increase our target market size whether government subsidies are available or not," explained Scott Clark, CEO of Appalachian Energy. "Our customers expect innovation from our rapidly growing company and we believe the Photensity(TM) system with its energy generation combined with unique daylighting capabilities can be a strong value for our large commercial building customers while allowing us to grow in locations without government incentives."
"The BrightPhase team is pleased to be working with Appalachian Energy on this beta deployment agreement," commented Scott Frazier, BrightPhase CEO. "The beta testing phase is an important step in our ongoing Photensity(TM) commercialization process. We are confident that this beta implementation will prove highly beneficial for Appalachian, its customer, and BrightPhase."