ALBANY, N.Y., July 12, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall

 

Lieutenant Governor Mary Donohue today joined the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to announce the installation of two fuel cells and a photovoltaic (PV) awning system at NYSERDA headquarters in Albany. The two fuel cell systems will provide power to the headquarters' systems including computer, security and phones. The solar electric awning will power one-half of NYSERDA's computer-driven power-load while inverters will convert 3.6 kilowatts of direct current produced by the solar modules, into alternating current.

"We are producing clean, efficient, home-grown energy with New York dollars, and New York jobs, while at the same time protecting New York's environment," said Lieutenant Governor Mary Donohue. "This has been the Governor's vision since day one. These two projects really are symbols of what Governor Pataki's vision for energy in the State has been since he first came to office and they show how NYSERDA delivers on that vision, day in and day out."

Peter Smith, President and CEO of NYSERDA said, "NYSERDA is pleased to showcase the use of clean-energy technology -- fuel cells and a solar electric awning -- at a building of our own. It simply makes sense to benefit from the technology that we encourage the rest of the Empire State to use, and we were able to work with two New York companies, Plug Power and Solar Energy Systems, Inc. in this endeavor. Both the solar electric system and hydrogen fuel system help achieve the goals of Governor Pataki's Executive Order 111 to use renewable sources of energy. NYSERDA purchases 100% green electricity, and has exceeded the Executive Order 111's energy efficiency goals."

In cooperation with Plug Power Inc. (Nasdaq: PLUG), two GenCore(R) fuel cell systems will provide backup power at the 17 Columbia Circle building. Each fuel cell runs on hydrogen and can produce up to 5kW of electricity via an electrochemical process. By utilizing hydrogen, the fuel cells will have no harmful environmental impact.

Roger Saillant, Plug Power's CEO said, "NYSERDA's investment in fuel cell and solar technology is a critical element in realizing the statewide adoption of these alternative energy solutions. Plug Power has a lengthy history of collaboration with NYSERDA, and the commercial installation of two GenCore units at its Columbia Circle headquarters is yet another milestone in our ongoing relationship."

NYSERDA purchased the GenCore systems through the New York State Office of General Services (OGS) agreement that allows state agencies to purchase the backup fuel cell system directly from state contract listings. Plug Power has similar agreements with California and Florida state governments, as well as the U.S. General Services Administration, which applies to federal agencies.

Solar Energy Systems, in partnership with Ronald Evitts Architect, designed and installed the PV awning system on the front of the building that will also be used to generate electricity. The system produces energy through three rows of 15 PV panels at 80 watts each and will also help to cool the building by shading the first floor lobby and a second floor conference room, reducing cooling requirements for these areas of the building.

David Buckner, President of Solar Energy Systems said, "NYSERDA is a leader and extremely critical component for the success of clean energy business in New York State. Being a part of this highly visible, educational demonstration of solar technology is a proud moment for Solar Energy Systems, Inc."

Peter Sheehan, Executive Director, North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners said, "We are very pleased that the installation of this functional and innovative photovoltaic system in the form of an awning, was performed by one of our NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installers(R), David Buckner. He has demonstrated the skill necessary to adapt this style PV system to an existing structure and we are confident in the workmanship and safety of the system. As more homeowners and businesses in New York State look to utilize PV to reduce the use of fossil fuels in creating electricity, our Certificants can provide quality service that meets the reliability needs of these customers."

A kiosk in the building's lobby uses SunViewer(TM) software that tracks and displays the progress of the system. This software will update the information every two seconds and store averaged data every 15 minutes, allowing viewers to see the PV system's ongoing progress.

Through the addition of fuel cells and a PV awning system, NYSERDA is leading by example in New York's quest to reduce dependence on foreign energy supplies, practice environmental stewardship, and deploy clean-energy technologies.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is a public benefit corporation created in 1975 by the New York State Legislature.

NYSERDA works to help New York State save energy, reduce energy costs, protect the environment and improve the economy. Visit http://www.nyserda.org for more information.

Plug Power Inc. is an established leader in the deployment of clean, reliable, on-site energy products. More than 650 Plug Power fuel cell systems have been delivered to customers worldwide in commercial, public sector, telecommunications, utility and uninterruptible power supply markets. For more information visit the web site at http://www.plugpower.com.

Solar Energy Systems, Inc. provides large and small customers throughout the world with the ability, utilizing the latest photovoltaic technology, to harvest the clean and renewable energy of the sun. Visit http://www.solaresystems.com  for more information.

SOURCE Plug Power Inc.

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