eIQ Energy Launches Parallel Solar Technology to Reduce System Costs and Boost Energy Output for Solar Arrays

eIQ Energy`s Parallux System Eliminates Design Constraints of Traditional Series
Architecture While Providing Distributed MPPT Control and Real-Time Monitoring
SAN JOSE, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
New technology from eIQ Energy Inc., which today marked its official launch,
will lower the installed cost and improve the performance of solar power
systems, while also eliminating the design and installation constraints inherent
in conventional string architectures.

eIQ Energy`s Parallux system is built around the vBoost DC-to-DC converter
module. It uses advanced DC power management technology to allow easy connection
of solar panels in parallel rather than in series. This approach allows the
connection of an unprecedented number of panels on a single cable. In the case
of thin-film photovoltaic panels, the company`s Parallel Solar architecture
enables the connection of over 100 solar panels on each cable run-a twenty-fold
improvement over conventional string architecture. This results in significant
installed-cost savings.

This breakthrough Parallel Solar technology also mitigates the effects of panel
mismatch due to shading, soiling, and manufacturing variations, which can easily
disrupt the performance of an entire string array.

vBoost allows any solar panel to be connected in parallel to a constant
high-voltage DC power bus, and also incorporates distributed maximum power point
tracking (MPPT). The DC bus voltage can be fixed at the optimal level for any
inverter, improving inverter efficiency and reliability. In combination with
distributed MPPT, this enables solar photovoltaic systems to harvest 5 to 30
percent more energy than conventional systems.

As a result, designers are free to focus their efforts on power production
rather than component interaction. Simplified wiring, easy interconnection, unit
level monitoring and reduced inverter expenses assure operators of long-term
performance and lower costs throughout the system`s life cycle.

eIQ Energy`s Parallux system also includes panel-level monitoring for enhanced
visibility into system operation. This helps streamline maintenance and ensure
long-term system performance. Monitoring data is sent over the main power bus,
so no separate cabling or wireless system is needed.

"Our team includes top DC power supply and power management engineers, and
together they have developed a unique solution that addresses the inherent
limitations of string architectures," said eIQ Energy CEO Oliver Janssen.
"Parallel Solar simultaneously addresses fundamental problems facing plant
designers, installers and operators, and provides quantifiable incremental
performance without increasing cost. We are helping to unlock the full potential
of solar energy with innovative thinking and unique technology that`s built for
harsh operating environments."

eIQ Energy began operations in 2007; its development and management teams
include experts in DC power electronics and analog semiconductors with global
experience in power supplies, power management and renewable energy. vBoost has
been tested with a wide range of crystalline and thin-film solar panels at eIQ
Energy`s San Jose test facility and at various ongoing beta site installations.

Funding through July of 2009 totals $10 million from NGEN Partners and Robert
Bosch Venture Capital GmbH (RBVC). "eIQ Energy took a unique approach to
resolving the technical and economic problems at various points of the design
and installation of solar PV arrays. They have produced a solution that opens
the door to better productivity for solar arrays in both commercial and
residential installations," noted NGEN managing director Robert Koch.

Luis Llovera, eIQ Energy board member for RBVC, added, "In addition to
optimizing PV system and inverter performance, Parallux can reduce the cost of
the entire balance-of-systems side of an array, including cabling, hardware,
design and labor. The result can give a positive impact on the solar PV ROI
model."

More information can be found at www.eiqenergy.com; the company will also be
hosting an open house event at its San Jose headquarters on Sept. 17, and is
exhibiting at the Solar Power International 2009 trade show in October.

About eIQ Energy

eIQ Energy, Inc. uses unique power management technology to make solar energy
and other clean energy sources more effective and affordable. The company`s
Parallux system, built around the vBoost converter module, reduces overall
system costs and enables a true Parallel Solar architecture-benefiting system
designers, installers and operators. eIQ Energy was founded in 2007 with the
principal goal of improving the performance and the return on investment for
clean energy sources such as photovoltaic systems. Headquartered in San Jose,
Calif., eIQ Energy`s executive team combines sophisticated knowledge of power
supply design, semiconductors and energy management with broad entrepreneurial
skills.

Loomis Group
Jason Isberg, 415-882-9494
isbergj@loomisgroup.com
or
eIQ Energy
Michael Lamb, 408-533-8560
mlamb@eiqenergy.com