Beacon Power and the MultiMode [RE-wrenches]

[Mark Robinson]

Did you all see this? Like the Phoenix rising from the ashes!

If anyone wants to discuss it with me, I'm in CA until the 27th. You can
reach me on my cell at (603) 305-1942.

Regards,
Mark Robinson
Nextek Power



WILMINGTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 17, 2003--Beacon Power has
announced an expansion of its energy technology product line with the launch
of new Smart Power M5 renewable energy inverters. The new products are based
on the development and enhancement of electronics technology and assets
purchased from Advanced Energy Systems, Inc., formerly of Wilton, New
Hampshire. Beacon Power acquired Advanced Energy's intellectual property and
product inventory in March of this year from Advanced Energy's Chapter 7
trustee. The company had since 1999 been a supplier of high-performance
inverter systems to the photovoltaic (solar power) market. 

The initial product release is an upgraded and improved 5-kilowatt inverter
system for grid-connect applications. The system takes DC power from solar
energy sources and converts it to AC power for local use (or for feeding
back to the electric grid). Based on and upgraded from the MM5000 unit
purchased from Advanced Energy, this high-efficiency system will feature
flexible operation -- commonly referred to as multimode -- in a variety of
system configurations. Unlike most competitive systems, the M5 is designed
to provide uninterrupted power to a home or business, even in the event of a
grid power outage. 

"From our discussions with leading distributors and retailers in the solar
power industry, we concluded that an innovative, high-performance multimode
inverter would be an attractive offering," said Bill Capp, Beacon Power
President and CEO. "We are therefore introducing the Smart Power M5, a true
grid-connected UPS, to the photovoltaic market. 

"The high-efficiency 5-kW inverter, backed by a warranty of up to five
years, will offer a range of features in one compact, integrated system.
These include a 2-stage DC-to-AC inverter, charge controller with maximum
power point tracking capability, complete switchgear, patented
anti-islanding technology and battery back-up (UPS) capability. Systems can
be equipped with optional performance monitoring software, residential
battery boxes and string combiners. 

"We heard from distributors and retailers that there were significant
advantages to the all-in-one design of this product, especially in labor
savings and overall convenience," added Capp. "By comparison, one of the
best-known competitive systems requires seven separate components to be
configured, mounted and interconnected." 

Orders are now being accepted for deliveries beginning in August. Further,
an off-grid version of the M5 unit, called the M5 Plus, will be available
later this year. A toll-free hotline has been established to respond to
dealer and distributor inquiries for the new products. For more information
in the U.S., call toll-free 1-888-938-9112. International callers can dial
1-978-694-9121. 

In addition, service and upgrades for existing MM5000 units in the field are
expected to be available later this year. 

About Beacon Power Corporation 

Beacon Power Corporation BCON designs and develops sustainable energy
storage and power conversion solutions that provide reliable electric power
for the renewable energy, telecommunications, distributed generation and UPS
markets. 

For more information, please contact Gene Hunt at Beacon Power at
978-661-2825; email hunt at beaconpower.com; or visit www.beaconpower.com. 

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