Westinghouse Plug-and-Play Solar Rooftop System Goes Over Big 'Down Under'

Silicon Valley-based Westinghouse Solar Inc., a manufacturer of rooftop solar power systems, has agreed with CBD Energy Ltd., a renewable energy installer with headquarters in Sydney, Australia, to begin distributing the Westinghouse Solar Instant ConnectSolar Power System to Harvey Norman Commercial Division – a major Australian retailer based in New South Wales with more than 185 franchises nationwide.

Harvey Norman’s major 5-megawatt (MW) purchase commitment is expected to be delivered over approximately six months.

Instant ConnectSolar technology comprises fully integrated plug-and-play AC and DC solar panels. The Instant Connect solar panels from Westinghouse Solar automate panel-to-panel mounting, grounding and wiring – making installation faster and easier than anything else on the market, according to the company.

By integrating solar panel racking directly into the panel, Westinghouse Solar’s patented technology enables rapid, repeatable and secure mounting of panels directly to both sloped and flat roofs. The patented frame design uses an innovative splice system that automates all connections, eliminating a number of steps required to install ordinary solar power systems. See the product video below.



CBD already is one of the largest non-utility suppliers and installers of solar energy generation equipment for both large- and domestic-scale operation in Australia. According to Gerry McGowan, managing director and CEO at CBD, "While CBD has been the main supplier of solar panels to Harvey Norman Commercial Division for a number of years, the size and scope of this agreement validates our assessment that there is an appetite for Westinghouse Solar's innovative products in the Australian market.”

“Harvey Norman Commercial Division recognized the superior ease of use and safety of the systems, combined with the strength of the Westinghouse brand,” McGowan added. “The results of this activity clearly illustrate that Westinghouse Solar product is well positioned to be a global class leader."

Said Alan Stephenson, a franchisee of Harvey Norman Commercial Division: "When CBD presented us with the Westinghouse branded, integrated 'plug-and-play' solar power systems, with [fewer] parts, superior safety ,and faster install times, we jumped at the opportunity to offer these products to our customers. Having a brand like Westinghouse to market is a great advantage for us. Unlike other regions of the world, the uptake of solar [here] is quite strong – with over 830 megawatts sold in the Australian market last year.

Related news reports that on May 12, Westinghouse Solar and CBD Energy announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement. The merger has been approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies and consummation is targeted for third quarter 2012, subject to satisfaction of limited closing conditions and approval by both companies' shareholders.

At the time, the two companies agreed that Westinghouse Solar would continue to produce and sell its rooftop solar power systems in the United States and would enjoy near-term opportunities to distribute its systems in Australia and Europe through CBD.