Austin company to change solar industry

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Installing solar panels on a roof isn't a simple process, but an Austin company is changing that. Solarbridge Technologies just launched its Pantheon micro-inverter .

The micro-inverter converts DC power to AC power right on the back of the solar panel. The device gets installed during manufacturing. Solarbridge officials said this makes installation simpler, more cost-effective and the solar panels harvest energy more efficiently.

Most systems today run DC power from all the panels to a central inverter.

"There’s no easier way to install solar for homes and small businesses than this way,” said Ron Van Dell, Solarbridge Technologies president and CEO.

Another plus is the device has a 25-year warranty, the same length as the solar panel.

Since the launch in Los Angeles, big name solar panel companies Kyocera and SunPower have come on board.

"So, customers can buy an AC module from a big company name, but it’s a technology and a solution that’s enabled by Solarbridge Technologies here in Austin, Texas,” said Van Dell.

Production begins early next year. Already, Solarbridge Technologies plans to expand into the commercial solar industry and Europe. That means an additional 20 to 30 jobs in Austin.

Solarbridge Technologies opened its headquarters in north Austin in 2009. Work on the Pantheon micro-inverter started at the University of Illinois in Champaign, Ill.

"Since we've opened our headquarters here in early 2009, it has turned out to be a tremendous success from the standpoint of the talent available in the area or from the standpoint of how easy it is to get talent willing to come to Austin," said Van Dell.