Arista Power Selected as Installer for Solarize Madison County Program

ROCHESTER, N.Y., May 30, 2012 -- /PRNewswire/ -- Arista Power, Inc. ("Arista Power" or the "Company") (OTCBB: ASPW.OB), a developer, manufacturer, and supplier of custom-designed power management systems, renewable energy storage systems, wind turbines, and a supplier and designer of solar energy systems, announced today that Solarize Madison has selected Arista Power as one of two contractors for Madison County, New York's Solarize Madison program to install at least 30 solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in the county. The program is expected to be worth approximately $400,000 in revenue to Arista Power in 2012.

"Arista Power was selected out of the pool of installers that applied for a variety of reasons. They offered competitive pricing, an experienced installation team, a strong network of suppliers, a familiarity of New York State and the NYSERDA incentive application process, and a strong, collaborative company presence," said Scott Ingmire, Director of Madison County Planning Department.

John Benetti, Project Director at Arista Power, said, "We are proud to be part of the solution for increasing energy independence in Madison County. Solarize is an initiative that has been gaining interest across the country by progressive communities that want to bring solar power and all of its benefits to its constituents in a cost effective and easy way. The outstanding Madison County team not only brought to the area the Solarize initiative, but they also, through the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board for Climate Change and Innovation Program (C2IP), made Solarize even more attractive by obtaining additional funding with grants."

Solarize Madison was initiated by the Madison County Planning Department and the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board with support from the Renewable Energy Training Center at Morrisville State College with the goal of bringing solar energy to Madison County with cost savings through volume purchasing and a streamlined installation process. The Solarize Madison program is receiving additional funding via a grant by the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board for Climate Change Innovation Program (C2IP) that provides Madison County up to $30,000 to promote the use of energy conservation measures and alternative energy development.

The Madison County Planning Department is offering fifteen $2,000 grants to help offset the acquisition costs associated with installing a direct-own solar photovoltaic system.

Glenn Steed, Arista Power's Installation Coordinator, said, "I am looking forward to working on this great project along with the various contractors and educational institutions within Madison County. The community element of the Solarize Madison program is going to be a great boon to our industry, not only within Madison County, but throughout New York State as well."

Interested participants must pledge by September 30, 2012 to install a system. Pending successful site evaluations by Arista Power, total project capacity should be attained by the end of October 2012. The program is open to all Madison County home and business owners, farmers, institutions, and municipalities on a first come first serve basis for a limited time. Interested parties should go to www.solarizemadison.com for more information.

New York City's Flagship Cleantech Incubator Grows, Adds Three Startups to Roster

NEW YORK, May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- The roster of the city's preeminent cleantech business incubator is set to grow again, as three startup companies join the New York City Accelerator for a Clean and Renewable Economy (NYC ACRE at NYU-Poly).

The newest tenants, Energex Technologies, Enertiv and HEVO, join 11 companies that have been fostered at NYC ACRE since it was founded in 2009 with a mission to establish New York as a hub for clean energy technology innovation and entrepreneurship. In three years, NYC ACRE startups have raised more than $17 million in capital and created 100 full-time jobs. To date, seven companies have "graduated" from the incubator.

NYC ACRE is seeded by a four-year, $1.5 million grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and is operated by the Polytechnic Institute of New York University (NYU-Poly). Partners include the New York City Investment Fund, the New York City Economic Development Corporation, NYU, Columbia University and Pratt Institute.


Energex Technologies aims to produce a first-of-its-kind environmental sensor technology to optimize and protect data centers. The company's flagship product -- currently slated for release within 12 months -- will allow organizations to assess and monitor critical environmental variables including temperature, humidity, pressure, air flow, gaps, vibrations, smoke and pollutants, all without the need for multiple sensors. Energex estimates that this type of optimization could reduce data center procurement, deployment and maintenance costs by as much as 60 percent. Energex Technologies was founded in January 2010 and has six employees.

Enertiv designs, manufactures, markets and installs real-time energy monitoring systems and software for commercial and institutional facilities. Its flagship system, Enertiv One, works at the circuit level to track, measure and report energy usage, allowing facility managers to identify energy waste and trim costs. Enertiv detects common energy drains - such as leaving lights on or running air conditioning systems on the coldest setting - as well as system-wide issues such as a clogged duct or failing electric motor. Its system tracks energy consumption to the second and the cent, from individual electrical outlets to entire floors. The founders say that one of Enertiv's core commitments is to always manufacture and develop all hardware and software in the United States. It has deployed systems in the New Haven and Stamford (Connecticut) Public School Districts and at select YMCA and Quiznos locations. Founded in 2011, Enertiv employs 10 people and expects to grow to 14-16 by summer.

HEVO (Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Optimization) is developing a rugged wireless charging unit, the HEVO Power Station, designed to be deployed in parking lots and garages, motor pools, city streets, highways and other highly trafficked areas. The embeddable device will provide full interoperability and the capability to wirelessly charge any plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle fit with a compatible wireless receiver. An accompanying app, HEVO Mobile, will provide mobile platforms like wireless bill pay, mapping and guidance controls as well as safety and vehicle service access. Conceived while its founder and CEO was a U.S. Army Infantry platoon leader in Baghdad in 2008, HEVO incorporated in 2011 and has six employees.

"There's palpable excitement each time we welcome new businesses to NYC ACRE, and we congratulate Energex, Enertiv and HEVO on joining this outstanding group of companies," said NYU-Poly President Jerry M. Hultin. "Every clean energy idea that grows into a strong business enriches our community of entrepreneurs, and builds New York City as a place where global climate and energy solutions are born."

"NYSERDA's six incubators, including NYC ACRE, continue to help emerging clean energy companies raise capital, produce new products and compete in the cleantech economy," said Francis J. Murray Jr., president and CEO of NYSERDA. "The innovative entrepreneurial spirit taking place in these incubators is one reason New York State continues to lead the nation in high-tech commercialization."

Competition for acceptance into NYC ACRE is competitive, and NYC ACRE curates support services for each company based upon its needs. Startup companies receive discounted office space at the NYU-Poly Varick Street Incubator, as well as business development mentoring, networking opportunities and introductions to the city's venture capital and utility communities. Entrepreneurs also have access to faculty and student interns from NYU-Poly and other academic partners.

"NYC ACRE is a vital pipeline for cultivating NYU-Poly's core commitment to i-squared-e -- invention, innovation and entrepreneurship -- among our students and faculty," added President Hultin. "Internships with incubator companies allow our students to help build a technology business from the ground up and to share in the thrills of success. They all leave inspired, and some even leave with job offers."

The recent admissions to NYC ACRE follow the "graduation" of three tenant companies. Anellotech, licensor of a thermochemical technology to produce petrochemicals from renewable resources at low cost, expects to bring its first small-scale plant online in the next few years.

Rentricity, one of the incubator's first tenants, uses unique energy recovery turbine configurations to transform the untapped energy in water systems into clean electricity. The company has completed three commercial installations and recently commenced the review of wastewater energy recovery for the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. Rentricity has offices in New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

Sollega joined the incubator in 2009 with only a product prototype: a solar module mounting system called InstaRack that cuts installation costs by up to 50 percent. It has since installed systems in 20 states and has projects with GE and National Grid.

"Anellotech, Rentricity and Sollega illustrate the strength that NYC ACRE companies bring to New York City," said Micah Kotch, NYU-Poly director of incubator initiatives. "They are bringing innovation to market, generating revenue, paying taxes and employing New Yorkers who are leveraging the city's strengths to build a clean economy.

Proof of Concept centers to connect energy innovators with business investors

ALBANY – The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority announced $15 million to launch three "Proof of Concept" Centers across the state to help inventors and scientists turn high-tech, clean-energy ideas into entrepreneurial successes.

The Proof-of-Concept Centers will invite universities, scientists, and research organizations to partner with business experts and early-stage investors in order to move technical innovations beyond the lab and into the market. At a time when New York is growing its clean-energy economy, the centers will invest in the world-class research taking place in the state, while helping bridge the gap between the maturing of an idea in a research environment and the creation of a successful business.

"These centers will strengthen New York's already robust clean technology sector and help create new public-private partnerships between our scientific research institutions and business community," Governor Andrew Cuomo said.

NYSERDA will invest up to $5 million per site over a five-year period, with cost-sharing required – to create the centers within an appropriate organization. The centers will accelerate the commercialization of innovations, particularly through the creation of new start-up companies, while connecting the developers of promising new technologies with business mentors and potential investors.

Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO of NYSERDA, said, "There is a key gap at the proof-of-concept stage of product development. The goal of this program is to create an innovation ecosystem that helps turn promising cleantech business ideas into reality. By funding these new centers, New York State demonstrates its commitment to growing the clean-energy economy and its support of economic development through public-private partnerships."

This program dovetails with a number of NYSERDA’s business programs already in place:

• NYSERDA funds six cleantech business incubators located around the state. These programs currently work with 84 clean-tech start-ups. Since the program began, the incubator tenant companies have raised $63 million in capital while creating 38 new products and 166 new jobs.
• NYSERDA fosters the creation of clean-energy business clusters around New York State, such as sponsoring the Energy Infotech Forum last year, which helped bring together information technology experts to find IT solutions to clean-energy needs.
• NYSERDA supports programs that help businesses operate more effectively, such as the Entrepreneur-in-Residence program, which links a seasoned entrepreneur with a clean-energy start-up, and the Clean Tech Execs program, which helps prepare business executives with the knowledge to head a clean-energy company.

NYSERDA funding is an investment in the establishment of long-lasting programs. Proposers would have to provide a plan for the centers to continue operating after NYSERDA funding expires. Institutions interested in applying for funding have until July 18, 2012 to submit their proposals, with letters due June 6. NYSERDA expects to announce the institutions selected in fall 2012.

Paper Battery Company is a Finalist for the 2012 Red Herring Top 100 Americas Award

11 May 2012, Troy, NY – Paper Battery Company announced today it has been selected as a Finalist for Red Herring's Top 100 Americas award, a prestigious list honoring the year’s most promising private technology ventures from the North American business region.

The Red Herring editorial team selected the most innovative companies from a pool of hundreds from across North America. The nominees are evaluated on both quantitative and qualitative criteria, such as financial performance, technology innovation, quality of management, execution of strategy, and integration into their respective industries.

This unique assessment of potential is complemented by a review of the actual track record and standing of a company, which allows Red Herring to see past the “buzz” and make the list a valuable instrument for discovering and advocating the greatest business opportunities in the industry.

"This year was very rewarding," said Alex Vieux, publisher and Chairman of Red Herring. "There are so many great companies producing truly innovative and amazing products and technologies. We had a very difficult time narrowing the field and selecting the Finalists from such a group of future stars. Paper Battery Company shows great promise therefore deserves to be on the short list. Now we are faced with the difficult task of selecting the Top 100 winners.”

Finalists for the 2012 edition of the Red Herring 100 Americas award are selected based upon their technological innovation, management strength, market size, investor record, customer acquisition, and financial health. During the several months leading up to the announcement, hundreds of companies in the, security, Web 2.0, software, hardware, life sciences, cloud, mobile and other sectors completed their submissions to qualify for the award.

“Being named a Red Herring 100 North America finalist underscores the breakthrough potential and impact of the company’s environmentally-friendly technology.” said Shreefal Mehta, founding CEO of the Paper Battery Company, “We are humbled to be selected in this list of outstanding companies from across the US.”

The Finalists are asked to present their winning strategies at the Red Herring Americas Forum in Santa Monica, California, May 21-23, 2012. The Top 100 winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony the evening of May 23 at the event.

About Paper Battery Company
The Paper Battery Company, located at the Russell Sage College INVEST Incubator, has designed a transformational process to print an ultrathin ultracapacitor. The company’s first product line, PowerPatch™, provides scalable voltage, energy and power in a patternable, planar package. The long life, environmentally friendly device reduces battery waste, enhances function of lithium batteries and can be designed to fit in or around the tight confines of portable electronic components. The structurally embedded, high-power sheets make ubiquitous energy storage possible, with transformative impact on power management and usage in computing, electronics and transportation.

Paper Battery Company Media Contact: Shreefal Mehta, CEO; info@paperbatteryco.com; Ph: 518-244-4628

Performance Systems Development Joins Green Button Initiative

Company joins national effort to standardize energy data and engage consumers on energy use

Ithaca, NY (May 3, 2012) - Performance Systems Development (PSD) a building performance software and services provider, joins other leading technology companies and utilities to announce that it has joined Green Button, an industry-led initiative to empower consumers to make informed decisions on efforts to reduce their energy bills.

Last year, the White House issued a call to action, challenging industry to provide electricity customers with easy access to their energy usage data in a secure, user-friendly, electronic format via a “Green Button” on their utilities web site. Access to data on energy use can play a large role in helping consumers conserve energy and save money by accessing new tools and services developed by third parties.

Green Button is based on a common technical standard developed in collaboration with a publicprivate partnership supported by the Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology. The standard can be applied to residential, commercial, and industrial sector data.

“Easy and recurring access to energy information is critical to improve the success and efficiency of the energy efficiency industry,” said Greg Thomas, CEO of Performance Systems Development and Chair of Efficiency First, the national building retrofit trade association. “We applaud the White House for rapidly moving forward this voluntary standard. It will help building and homeowners make better decisions, help contractors and engineers improve their energy services, and help utilities improve the cost effectiveness of their programs.”

As part of its mission to achieve peak performance across America’s building stock, PSD will offer Green Button energy data connections as part of its Building Performance Compass software. PSD’s energy program management software supports residential, multifamily, and commercial energy programs funded by Pacific Gas & Electric, Duke Energy, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the US Department of Energy and others.

About Performance Systems Development:

Performance Systems Development specializes in providing software, training, and consulting to the building energy efficiency industry. The company provides a whole-systems approach to energy policy, programs, solutions, and software processes, to improve process efficiency. PSD continues to develop TREAT, a leading energy simulation tool for building retrofits, and Compass, an energy benchmarking tool for residential and commercial use.


For more information contact:

Whit Fulton
Chief Strategy Officer
Tel: (202) 207-6882
Performance Systems Development
New York office:        124 Brindley Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
Pennsylvania offices: 40 West Evergreen Ave., Suite 104, Philadelphia, PA, 19118,
                                  297 ½ Chestnut St., Meadville, PA 16335
www.psdconsulting.com
www.wespeakbuilding.com

Momentive Performance Materials Launches New SilTRUST* Silicone Encapsulant Technology for Solar Energy

Offers Greater Performance, Reduced Manufacturing Costs for Solar Modules

ALBANY, N.Y., May 02, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- New transparent silicone encapsulant technology from Momentive Performance Materials Inc, a leading global provider of silicones and advanced materials, can help ensure the long-lasting performance of solar energy photovoltaic (PV) modules in harsh outdoor environments, while improving the light-to-electricity conversion yield. Greater stress resistance, weatherability, corrosion protection and a longer life span with higher efficiency for crystalline silicon PV modules may result in higher longer-term return on investment for solar energy projects. Momentive introduced its SilTRUST* transparent silicone encapsulant material in a technical paper on silicone encapsulation at the Polymers in Photovoltaics 2012 forum in Cologne, Germany, April 24-26.

In the solar industry, SilTRUST encapsulant can be used to surround the fragile solar cells of the PV module with a very flexible, stress dissipating silicone matrix that adheres well, yet does not pass on much of the mechanical stress the cell may suffer due to harsh environmental conditions. Based on unique technology, through a combination of optical and outstanding mechanical properties, SilTRUST silicone encapsulant materials offer module manufacturers a commercially viable way to produce crystalline silicon PV modules with a longer use life and better energy conversion efficiency.

Because silicones do not absorb ultraviolet light, more sunlight reaches the surface of the solar cell where it becomes available for conversion to electricity. The refractive index of SilTRUST encapsulant closely matches the refractive index of glass, reducing energy-dissipating reflection of sunlight away from the solar cell.

SilTRUST encapsulant is used at much lower module manufacturing temperatures, thus avoiding stress due to differences in thermal expansion coefficients of a module's components. At 80 deg C, which is about the maximum operating temperature for a PV module, a silicone module is virtually stress free. This is one of the factors why silicones remain the material of choice for extraterrestrial photovoltaic panels that see many extreme thermal cycles, enduring severe thermal shocks during the course of a day, as satellites orbit the earth. SilTRUST encapsulant material now enables cost effective manufacturing of crystalline silicon solar modules for terrestrial purposes.

"SilTRUST silicone encapsulation of solar cells has been shown to improve the efficiency and durability of solar panels while lowering manufacturing costs," said Dr. Alex Scholten, Global Program Leader, EcoEnergy at Momentive Performance Materials. "In tests, this encapsulant material outperformed traditional encapsulant materials in PV applications. With our project collaborators, we have also developed a lower temperature, cost-effective module manufacturing process to offer flexibility in equipment and raw materials use as well as ease and speed in processing." The process not only requires significantly less investment in equipment, it also operates at much lower temperatures and faster curing speeds than typically found in the manufacture of cells encapsulated using other materials.

"Innovation in encapsulant formulations and processing technology will lead to higher quality solar panels that are less expensive to make," said Dr. Markus Putzer, Engineered Materials Technology Leader at Momentive Performance Materials. "At Momentive, we see this as a contribution towards making solar energy a competitive, reliable and sustainable source of energy."