Navajo Tribal Utility Authority

Navajo Tribal Utility Authority's Solar Program Commences with SunWize Residential Power Stations

KINGSTON, N.Y., Sep 8, 2004 PRNewswire

SunWize Technologies announces completion of a residential renewable energy project with the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) in Fort Defiance, AZ. The NTUA reports there are an estimated 18,000 homes on the Navajo reservation without electrical grid connection. Because the majority of these homes are scattered in remote locations throughout the reservation, it has been difficult for the NTUA to build line extensions. The NTUA implemented a renewable energy program to provide these residents the opportunity to obtain electric service at a reasonable cost. The 63 PV Power Stations were designed and supplied by SunWize and assembled in Fort Defiance. NTUA electricians attended an extensive training program headed by SunWize and Sandia National Laboratories. "It is our mission to provide quality utility services to our customers," said Larry Ahasteen, NTUA Renewable Energy Specialist. "It was through our strong partnership with SunWize Technologies that we were able to bring the convenience of electrical power to families who didn't think it was possible."

The 880-Watt residential SunWize(R) Power Stations use Shell Solar modules, Southwest Windpower wind turbines and comply with the National Electrical Code. The portable units are readily transported and deployed on site. The solar array delivers a minimum of 2kWh/per day AC in worst month conditions. A battery bank is capable of operating an AC load for 5 days without requiring recharging. Homeowners monitor battery condition with a meter installed inside the home. All components were selected for their ability to withstand the environmental conditions found throughout the Navajo reservation, which can include hail, snow, blowing sand and wind gusts up to 90 mph. The systems were constructed so that NTUA personnel can easily perform semi-annual maintenance, make seasonal tilt adjustments to the solar array and record system diagnostics.

About NTUA:

The Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) is an enterprise of the Navajo Nation established to provide utility services to the Navajo People. NTUA purchases electrical power from off the Navajo reservation and transmits power to homes throughout the 25,000 square mile Navajo Nation. http://www.ntua.com/

About SunWize:

SunWize Technologies, a solar technology company, specializes in the design and manufacture of integrated solar power systems, and associated project development and product distribution. http://www.sunwize.com/

SOURCE SunWize Technologies

Laurie DuBois of SunWize Technologies, +1-845-336-0146, sunwize@besicorp.com ; or Deenise Becenti of NTUA, +1-928-729-5721, deeniseb@ntua.com

http://www.sunwize.com/

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