News

KYOCERA and OutBack Collaborate to Manufacture Complete, ETL-Listed Solar and Solar-Hybrid Power Systems

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. (March 18, 2004) – Kyocera Solar, Inc. has announced that it is collaborating with OutBack Power Systems, Inc., a manufacturer of inverters, to integrate and distribute ETL-listed power systems and components. As a result of the collaboration, Kyocera Solar, Inc. is integrating and distributing the OutBack Power System, a pre-wired, pre-assembled, ready-to-install system that includes power conditioning, monitoring, and safety disconnects for power sources such as solar electric modules. OutBack introduced the system to the U.S. market in September 2002.

“We are pleased that Kyocera Solar, Inc. has become an OutBack Power Systems Integrating Partner,” said OutBack President Robin Gudgel. “This enables our two companies to offer customers one of the most complete and versatile lines of solar electric power solutions.”

To become an integrator of OutBack power system panels and racks, Kyocera Solar, Inc. acquired Electrical Testing Lab (ETL) certification, a nationally recognized indication of success in meeting product safety standards for both consumer and industrial markets. ETL certification offers confidence to system installers that their power conditioning system may be approved for National Electrical Code (NEC) compliance, as required by most U.S. electrical inspectors. Prior to certification, Kyocera Solar, Inc.'s manufacturing facilities and procedureswere inspected by Intertek Testing Services (ITS) of Cortland, New York. Production facility, product quality, and record-keeping procedures will continue to be inspected on a quarterly basis.

“Kyocera Solar, Inc. has been building custom solar electric system solutions for many years, but now we can build systems for use in applications that require ETL-listed assemblies,” said Tom Dyer, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “This will open many new markets for our Integration Department and provide our customers with a wider range of alternatives to job-site assembled power-conditioning and safety-disconnect systems.”

OutBack Power Systems are available through a vast network of Kyocera-authorized dealers and contractors. For more information, contact Kyocera Solar, Inc.'s Customer Support Group at 800-544-6466.

About KYOCERA

Kyocera Solar, Inc. is a world-leading supplier of environmentally sound, solar electric energy solutions. With operating headquarters in Scottsdale, AZ and regional sales centers in Brazil and Australia, Kyocera Solar, Inc. serves thousands of customers in both developed and developing regions. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kyocera International, Inc. of San Diego, the North American headquarters and holding company for Kyoto, Japan-based Kyocera Corporation.

OutBack Power Systems, Inc. is an engineer-owned, customer focused, power conversion equipment manufacturer. OutBack’s engineers all have decades of power conversion design and equipment installation experience, and share a passion for leading the renewable energy industry into a new era of performance, ease of use and balance of system standardization. The company is located in Arlington, Washington.