Press release

Top of the tree: SolarMax MT series awarded two "very good" marks at the Photon test

Biel, 25.07.2011 . The trade publication Photon tested the SolarMax 13MT three-phase string inverter and awarded it with the prized "very good" seal of approval for its efficiency. The Sputnik Engineering AG device functions "not only precisely, but also efficiently" with MPP tracking and, according to the editors, also achieved other "very good results". This means that the device is one of the leading test candidates and "is an exemplary demonstration of the current string inverter trend: Three trackers ease the design of a system and can be implemented in order to optimise photovoltaic systems on complicated roofs."

In addition, the editors of Photon also praised the clear and compact design of the inverter, compatibility with thin-layer modules, its wide input voltage spectrum and the fact that no electrolytic capacitors have been used. The latter above all provides for the long lifetime of the devices.

The electrical engineers at Photon measured the highest efficiency with high MPP voltages, whereby the difference to low voltages and the voltage and output dependence of the conversion efficiency were extremely low in the tests. The MPPT adjustment efficiency was described in the test report as "very even and high".

"We are happy that practically all results from the Photon test laboratory correspond with our own," says Olaf Geistlinger, Product Manager for string inverters at Sputnik Engineering AG. The Swiss manufacturer introduced the MT series onto the market with an output of between 10 and 15 kilowatts. "Regardless of whether it be in , , or – the new series fulfils the highest standards of a wide variety of markets and therefore is one of the most important foundations in our portfolio," says Geistlinger.

Further information: www.solarmax.com

About Sputnik Engineering AG

Sputnik Engineering AG, a Swiss company, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of grid- connected solar inverters. Under the name SolarMax the company develops, produces and sells inverters for every facility – from photovoltaic systems on single-family homes whose kilowatt output is modest, to the solar power plants whose output is measured in megawatts. The inverter is a key component of the solar plant, transforming the generated direct current into grid-compliant alternating current. 20 years of experience are not only reflected in the Swiss quality, highest efficiency, reliability, and durability of the SolarMax products, but also in the way Sputnik offers its customers excellent international support in the field of after sales, comprehensive warranty services, and intelligent solutions for system monitoring.

Sputnik Engineering is positioned internationally and currently has approx. 360 employees. The company headquarters are located in Biel (), sales and distribution are implemented via the subsidiaries in Neuhausen (Germany), (Spain), Milan (Italy), Saint Priest (France), (), as well as the branches in , Prague, and .

Sputnik Engineering AG · Höheweg 85 · CH-2502 Biel/Bienne · Tel : +41 32 346 56 00 · Fax: +41 32 346 56 09 · [email protected] · www.solarmax.com

Publisher Sputnik Engineering AG Höheweg 85 CH-2502 Biel/Bienne Tel.: +41 32 346 56 00 Fax. +41 32 346 56 09 [email protected] www.solarmax.com

Press contact Press Agency Krampitz Dillenburger Straße 85 DE-51105 Cologne Tel. +49 221 912 499 49 Fax +49 221 912 499 48 [email protected]

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Sputnik Engineering AG · Höheweg 85 · CH-2502 Biel/Bienne · Tel : +41 32 346 56 00 · Fax: +41 32 346 56 09 · [email protected] · www.solarmax.com