Increases Data Reliability and Compatibility in Renewable Energy Generation SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Echelon Corporation (NASDAQ:ELON) announced today that its LonWorks(R) technology is being used in solar energy installations by SMA America, Inc., a subsidiary of Germany-based SMA Solar Technology AG, the world leader in solar inverter technology. Echelon's i.LON(R) SmartServer, equipped with communications drivers for SMA's inverters, is used to monitor the health of and measure the electricity generated by the panels in a solar array for service, reporting, and verification purposes – helping to maintain their efficient operation. SMA is using the i.LON SmartServer with their Sunny Central 250U and Sunny Tower inverters. An inverter changes direct current (DC) electricity generated by a solar panel into alternating current (AC) for use in buildings and homes. The U.S. solar industry continued to grow at a record pace in 2008, according to a recent report by the Solar Energy Industries Association, aided by generous customer rebates in California and New Jersey — by far the largest U.S. solar markets. These rebates combined with federal tax credits have trimmed system prices by a third or more. "We are excited to work with SMA, the world leader in solar inverter technology, and to be part of the fast-growing solar market," said Anders Axelsson, Echelon's senior vice-president of sales and marketing. "The i.LON SmartServer is perfect for developing and deploying all types of energy management solutions, including solar and other alternative energy solutions."
