True Hybrid Platform Will Enable System Owners to Achieve Energy Independence

ARLINGTON, Wash.--OutBack Power Technologies, Inc., a designer and manufacturer of advanced renewable energy systems and products, today announced Skybox, a true hybrid energy management and storage platform, scheduled to debut in January 2016. Skybox unlocks the potential of the next generation of higher-voltage energy storage systems in conjunction with photovoltaic (PV) renewable energy for mainstream residential and light commercial applications. The all-in-one unit will work directly with the electrical grid and the next evolution of high-voltage storage solutions, allowing users total control of their power consumption and usage.

Skybox has been engineered to meet the global demands of consumers, including compatibility with the emerging higher voltage energy storage products, providing freedom from their existing electrical grid reliance. The platform is future-proof and designed to work with new or existing commercial and residential installations, as well as emerging products and technologies.

"This new platform from OutBack Power gives people total control of energy management and power consumption in their homes and businesses," said Drew Zogby, president of Alpha Technologies, OutBacks parent company. "People are growing more aware of the options available to them, and true hybrid energy systems are the future. Skybox will allow energy use to be as intelligent and efficient as possible."

Continued Zogby, "We applaud Tesla and other leaders bringing a greater level of attention to the energy storage component of the industry that OutBack Power has been instrumental in developing and building for more than a decade. Moving forward, energy storage is a core element of our shared vision. Skybox is a direct response to both the demand for storage and the innovation were witnessing throughout the alternative energy sector."

Homeowners and businesses interest in solar power grows every day, and OutBacks Skybox is the only all-in-one hybrid platform, offering both off-grid and grid-connected operation, to provide an affordable alternative energy solution for higher voltage installations. Skybox is designed for compatibility with the higher-voltage storage solutions between 300 and 500 volts from Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, Panasonic and others, and supports existing and future solar installations. Skybox joins OutBack Powers full line of energy storage and power conversion equipment, rigorously tested and designed for superior reliability and field serviceability.

"The energy storage industry has seen numerous changes this year, and customers have more options than ever for alternative-energy installations," said Mara White, product manager at OutBack Power. "The market is trending toward giving consumers more control over the way they generate, store and use energy. OutBack Powers Skybox is being designed and tested specifically to meet that demand and provide our clients with flexibility now and in the future."

Skybox is set to debut in January 2016 and will come to market with all applicable global industry and agency certifications and requirements. To learn more about Skybox, join the OutBack Power team at Solar Power International to preview the new platform at booth #4947, or email sales@outbackpower.com.

About OutBack Power Technologies
OutBack Power Technologies, a member of The Alpha Group, is the leading designer and manufacturer of advanced power electronics for renewable energy, back-up power and mobile applications. With an emphasis on product performance, OutBack has established itself as the product of choice in harsh environmental conditions and applications where product reliability is paramount. Whether the application is village micro-grids in Africa, rural electrification projects in Latin America, remote off-grid cabins in Alaska, or a suburban home in Southern California, OutBack Power Technologies has set the bar for delivering advanced power conversion electronics. For more information, please visit www.outbackpower.com.