Solar electric system features modules powered by Tigo Energy

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – June 4, 2013 – Upsolar, a leading international provider of solar PV modules, today announced the completion of a 500 kW solar electric system at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C. Constructed by local firm Phillips and Jordan, Inc. (P&J), the PV system features Upsolar's smart module technology powered by Tigo Energy to maximize system performance.

The solar electric system is an expansion of the estate's current solar program, taking the company from a six-acre, 1.2 MW solar system to 1.7 MW on nine acres. Completed in 1895 by George Washington Vanderbilt II, the estate covers 8,000 acres and remains the largest privately owned house in the U.S. today.

This 500 kW addition features Upsolar smart modules, which combine Upsolar's high quality PV modules with Tigo Energy's power optimizers. Using smart modules, P&J was able to overcome the structural challenges of the system, which required them to preserve the land on the historic landmark while optimizing the power harvesting ability of each module. This was the first solar array constructed by P&J, a company with decades of experience in the construction field.

"The combination of our deep experience in construction and the design flexibility afforded by Upsolar's smart modules facilitated the success of an otherwise complex project," said Dudley Orr, Vice President of Phillips and Jordan, Inc. "Upsolar and Tigo Energy have proven to be the ideal partners as we enter the solar space and help build North Carolina's clean economy."

Upsolar's embedded smart module intelligence boosts PV system performance, expands design flexibility and allows owners and operators to monitor performance through intuitive software. At the same time, smart modules significantly reduce the frequent mismatch in the strings and the periodic inter-row shading that is common with standard modules. Overall, the technology keeps the system performing at a high level.

"This recent addition to the Biltmore array is an outstanding example of the value of smart modules—bringing reliable, high-performing solar to all types of customers," said Stephane Dufrenne, President of Upsolar America, Inc. "The Biltmore Company has demonstrated foresight and environmental leadership by installing a system to cost-effectively reduce its energy costs."