Westinghouse Solar Receives 4th U.S. Patent for Solar Installation Technology

Westinghouse Solar, Inc. WEST today announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued the company its fourth U.S. patent covering key aspects of its easy-to-install solar panels. The company currently has over 30 patents either issued or pending approval, including related patents issued in Australia, India, Korea and Mexico. This latest patent, U.S. #7,987,641, which was issued on August 2, 2011, relates to the company's Andalay technology, in which the racking and mounting components are integrated into the solar panel itself. Other related patents issued to Westinghouse Solar cover wiring and grounding for solar panels – features that are particularly important for "plug-and-play" AC panels. These patented features make Westinghouse Solar panels much more reliable and easy to install – thereby reducing costs for both installers and customers. Since 2007, Westinghouse Solar has sold more than $100m worth of solar power systems using the Andalay technology. The Andalay technology is incorporated in the new 235 watt Westinghouse Solar AC panels – which are currently on the market at attractive price points. The Andalay technology is also at the core of Westinghouse Solar's Flat Roof Solar Power Systems, which are optimized for lightweight, non-penetrating installations on commercial rooftops.