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Premier Power Installs New Jersey's First Solar Parking Structure and Hybrid Charging Station


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EL DORADO HILLS, Calif., Oct. 10, 2008 - Premier Power Renewable Energy, Inc. (OTCBB:PPRW), a leading solar integrator with operations in US and Europe, announced today that it has completed the first of two 201kW solar canopies which will total 402Kw, on the rooftops of two large six-story parking garages on each side of the new Trenton AMTRAK/NJ Transit center. Each project includes more than 600 solar panels. The solar systems are operated by Lawrenceville-based real estate developer, Nexus Properties, Inc. The scheduled ribbon cutting for the project is scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, 2008.

The dual-purpose “solar canopy” designed systems provide, on a combined basis, about 467,500kW hours per year – enough energy to heat and light 50 homes per year. The solar systems will eliminate approximately 141 tons of CO2 emissions annually.

In addition to producing clean energy for each of the parking structures, each solar array is being equipped with 110v charging stations for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and Electric Vehicles (EVs). These charging stations allow PHEVs to move closer to carbon independence by utilizing solar energy to directly recharge car batteries, reducing their reliance on fossil fuel. The power generated by the solar systems at times, will be more than the structures need, and Nexus Properties will be able to sell excess power back to the grid.

Paul Heitmann, a spokesman for the Mid-Atlantic Grid Interactive Cars association, commented “Charging-infrastructure and EVs, when combined with the solar power system that Premier and Nexus have completed here in New Jersey, will allow more renewable energy from intermittent resources to be utilized until the day that battery storage is ubiquitous – in homes, businesses and commercial sites. This charging infrastructure supports other important developing services known as vehicle-to-grid (which is the bi-directional flow of electrical power), where battery storage acts as a ballast to help support grid reliability, and provides an economic benefit to the EV owner.”

Stephen Clevett, Executive Vice President of Premier Power, said “These projects exemplify Premier Power’s ability to provide our clients with unique, cost competitive renewable energy solutions. Premier was awarded this opportunity by employing a cooperative approach with Nexus Properties, to maximize energy output while minimizing the footprint of the project. We applaud Nexus for their forward-thinking and professional approach to jointly developing and implementing this landmark project.”

William Harris, Vice President of Operations for Nexus Properties, added “The Clinton Commons and Station Plaza projects underscore Nexus’ strategy of providing our clients with leading-edge renewable energy solutions at competitive prices. Premier Power’s ability to be flexible, to meet the specific requirements for a clean energy solution illustrated by each of these projects, and its commitment to following up with the highest level of professional resources to compete the project on schedule and on budget is, in our opinion, unique in the solar business.”

Ribbon-Cutting Event

On Tuesday, October 14, 11:30am EST, at the Clinton Commons garage on Wallenberg Avenue, Trenton, New Jersey, Nexus will host a ribbon-cutting for the solar system and charging stations for electric vehicles.

The event will also feature demonstrations of several electronic vehicles being charged at the facility by the solar energy system. Amongst those attending include:

  • The Mid-Atlantic Grid Interactive Cars (MAGIC) consortium, which includes the University of Delaware, Pepco Holdings, Inc., PJM Interconnect, Comverge , AC Propulsion and the Atlantic County Utilities Authority, created to further develop, test and demonstrate Vehicle-to-Grid technology (www.magicconsortium.org);
  • ZENN Motor Company (ZNN-V) A leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of electric vehicles (www.zenncars.com);
  • T-3 Motion – The leader in the Electric Security vehicles market and manufacturer of electric vehicles (www.t3motion.com);
  • Vectrix Electrics – Developer of the Vectrix Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEV) (www.vectrix.com); and
  • Top officials from NJ Transit, NJ Board of Public Utilities, state and local government.