Solaron 500 kW Inverters Selected by Cupertino Electric Based on Industry-Leading LCOE

FORT COLLINS, Colo., Nov 4, 2011—Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq: AEIS), today announced that its Solaron® PV inverters have been installed at a 35-megawatt (MW) solar project located near Coalinga, California. The project was awarded to Advanced Energy (AE) by engineering and construction company Cupertino Electric, Inc. earlier this year to leverage the Solaron PV inverter's industry-leading energy-efficiency ratings and lowest Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE).

"After considering all of the options, we found AE to be the best overall choice thanks to their combination of technical solution and price," said Meisa Kassis, project manager with Cupertino Electric, Inc. "Our successful delivery of this project to Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) was made possible by the contributions of subcontractors and suppliers like AE."

The 35 MW project consists of two sites owned by PG&E: Stroud, a 20 MW site, and Westside, a 15 MW site. The two sites are part of the first phase of a five-year PG&E plan to build 250 MW of solar power. The Stroud and Westside installations include 70 of AE's 500 kW Solaron® grid-tied PV inverters, which provide low voltage ride through (LVRT) and reactive power control.

"We are honored to be selected by Cupertino Electric to be a part of this utility-scale solar power plant," said Steve Levy, VP of sales and marketing at AE Solar Energy. "The Central Valley holds incredible potential as a source of clean energy for California and this project shows the major strides utilities are making in accelerating the deployment of renewable energy. By selecting industry-leading technology that delivers maximum energy harvest and industry-best LCOE from a bankable partner like AE, our customers benefit and are a key part of the equation to maximize return on investment."

The company's solar energy business is driving the adoption of solar by lowering the LCOE for its customers. By providing reliable, easy-to-install Solaron and PV Powered™ inverters and SiteGuard® whole-site O&M services, AE enables utility-scale, commercial, and residential solar project developers to maximize the lifetime value of their power plants. Customers count on AE as a trusted partner, leveraging 30 years of innovation leadership and global services infrastructure for optimum project performance. For more information on Advanced Energy's inverter solutions, please visit www.advanced-energy.com/solarenergy

About Advanced Energy

Advanced Energy (Nasdaq: AEIS) is a leader in power conversion solutions for thin-film manufacturing and solar energy markets. Founded in 1981, Advanced Energy is headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado with dedicated support and service locations around the world. For more information, go to www.advanced-energy.com.

About Cupertino Electric, Inc.

Cupertino Electric, Inc. (CEI) is headquartered in San Jose, Calif. and has provided expert engineering and construction services for a constantly evolving world for more than 57 years. Its Energy Alternatives Division designs, constructs and manages innovative solar and alternative energy solutions. For more information, visit www.cei.com.