Unirac Acquires APS (Arizona Public Service) Tracker Patent Portfolio License Rights
Tracking technologies offer world-class suite of mounting solutions, with maximum flexibility and a wide range of applications
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO, July 14, 2009 – Unirac Inc., North America’s leading manufacturer of solar photovoltaic (PV) mounting solutions, today announced the acquisition of the license rights to the tracker patent portfolio of Arizona Public Service (APS). As a result, Unirac has acquired the rights to manufacture and sell the single axis tracker, dual axis tracker and tilted axis tracker technologies from APS. The license arrangement will convert shortly to sale upon Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) approval.
APS is Arizona's largest and longest-serving electric utility and a leader in the utility solar industry. They developed the tracking technologies at the renowned Solar Technology and Research (STAR) Center in Tempe, Arizona. “By leveraging the technological advances developed at STAR and combining Unirac’s 'Bright Thinking in Solar', we deliver an exceptional, cost effective, reliable tracker solution for years to come” said Doug May, Unirac CEO. “We are committed to expanding our portfolio of innovative solutions to address all mounting requirements, whether residential, commercial or utility.”
The utility/large commercial scale trackers provide the best return on investment and produce significantly higher power output than fixed PV mounting systems. The maximized energy production is accomplished by positioning photovoltaic modules at an optimal angle relative to the sun throughout the day.
“For 20 years APS' STAR Center has provided leadership on understanding solar energy and the technologies to make it more efficient," said Ed Fox, Vice President and Chief of Sustainability. "The agreement with Unirac allows APS to take advantage of the technological advances developed at STAR and use that value to provide technology leadership in other areas that will benefit our customers.”
The tracker patent portfolio was selected due to APS’ alignment with Unirac’s design objectives of strong, simple, fast and flexible. In addition, the single axis tracker system boasts more than 7 MW of proven field installations since 2006. Unirac expects to begin shipping the single axis system later this year.
“The advantages of the single axis tracker are fewer footings and vertical elements, features that help our company deliver a more cost-effective product,” said Troy Strand, Executive Vice President of Independent Energy Solutions, Inc., referring to a single axis 300 KW system installed in Yuma, AZ.
The tracker acquisition along with the recently announced utility/large commercial ground mount system - ISYS, firmly positions Unirac as the leader in the PV mounting market with the largest spectrum of solar mounting solutions in the industry.
Accompanied by a personalized technical support system, Unirac provides design assistance, customized wind load calculations, site planning, delivery logistics and system commissioning to ensure maximized energy production and accurate installation.
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