[news  2010-2011

Queen's spinoff partners with Sanmina-SCI to launch innovative solar technology

Researcher's novel solar microinverter design significantly increases lifespan and reliability of solar systems

June 2, 2011

For immediate release

KINGSTON, ON -- SPARQ Systems Inc., a spinoff company of Queen’s University’s PARTEQ Innovations, is pleased to announce that it has partnered with Sanmina SCI Corp., a leading manufacturer of electronic and mechanical products, to produce new microinverters and communications hubs for solar photovoltaic systems for the consumer  market.

The products are based on novel technologies developed by Dr. Praveen Jain, Canada Research Chair in Power Electronics at Queen’s University, and President and CEO of SPARQ.

Microinverters are the heart of solar installations, converting direct current, harvested by the panel, into alternating current compatible with the electric utility grid.

Dr. Jain’s software-based technology eliminates unreliable microinverter components, giving homeowners 25 years of trouble-free performance. This means that the integrated microinverter now lasts as long as the solar panel itself — an industry first. The result is a highly efficient, low-cost solar system capable of harvesting 30 per cent more power from PV panels for longer periods under lower light conditions.

The solar inverters will be produced for the Canadian market at Sanmina-SCI’s Ottawa facility, which is certified for Ontario’s Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program, and at Sanmina-SCI’s worldwide regional facilities for global demand.

“Sanmina-SCI’s core strengths include a focus on alternative energy technologies,” says Praveen Jain, president and CEO of SPARQ Systems. “They have the expertise, the infrastructure and the track record to meet all of our product needs as we move into full-scale production. And Sanmina-SCI's multi-continental manufacturing presence is well suited for SPARQ in producing the microinverters to meet local content requirements globally. We are delighted to be working with this quality focused organization.”

"This collaboration with Sanmina marks another important step in the commercialization of this technology," says John Molloy, President and CEO of PARTEQ. "We have very strong research capacity in power electronics at Queen's and advancing this product to manufacturing gives evidence of our commercialization capacity in this space as well."

“We’re committed to helping the clean technology sector grow to its full potential. Partnering with companies like SPARQ to bring innovative new products to market is important to Sanmina-SCI’s overall clean technology strategy,” says Tom Clawson, executive vice president of Sanmina-SCI’s Industrial Markets. “We have brought hundreds of highly complex products to market and this deep knowledge of new product introductions enables us to bring products like SPARQ’s new microinverters to market quickly and efficiently.”

“SPARQ’s product is a made-in-Ontario solution that benefits the province’s industries and consumers,” commented Randall North, chief operating officer of SPARQ Systems. “Both our R&D and manufacturing are done in Ontario, which helps manufacturers, distributors, installers and end users meet their eligibility requirements for Ontario’s FIT program.”

About SPARQ Systems Inc.

SPARQ Systems Inc. is the global enabler of integrated AC modules. SPARQ microinverters are highly reliable, lightweight and compact, giving the user faster return on investment and increased flexibility.

www.sparqsys.com

About Sanmina-SCI:

Sanmina-SCI Corporation is a leading electronics contract manufacturer serving the fastest-growing segments of the global Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) market. Recognized as a technology leader, Sanmina-SCI provides end-to-end manufacturing solutions, delivering superior quality and support to OEMs primarily in the communications, defense and aerospace, industrial and semiconductor systems, medical, multimedia, enterprise computing and storage, automotive and clean technology sectors. Sanmina-SCI has facilities strategically located in key regions throughout the world.

About PARTEQ Innovations:

PARTEQ Innovations is the not-for-profit technology transfer office of Queen’s University, part of the Rideau Commercialization Network. PARTEQ works with institutional researchers and the business and venture capital communities to bring early stage technologies to market. Since 1987 PARTEQ has been instrumental in the establishment of more than 40 companies developing a variety of products, from potential drugs for Alzheimer’s, cancer and heart disease to automated bacteria detection for water systems, solar-powered appliances, and advanced materials used in the plastics, automotive, aerospace and household appliance industries.

Contact:

John Molloy

President & CEO

PARTEQ Innovations

P: 613. 533. 2342

E: jmolloy@parteqinnovations.com

Michael Kovacs

Senior Director, Corporate Marketing

Sanmina-SCI

+1.408.964.3142

michael.kovacs@sanmina-sci.com