The 2008 ATRAA Exhibition was a key networking event, providing exhibitors the chance to promote new products, catch up with existing clients and meet new ones.

ATRAA’s sponsors also had the opportunity to address delegates during the conference sessions.

Speaking on the first day of the conference, Selectronic’s Lindsay Hart outlined the company’s activities since ATRAA 2007, including the supply of 350 kW to South East Asian schools and the introduction of the SP Pro Series inverters to its range.

Selectronic has also has formed a relationship with German manufacturers of grid feed inverters, Kaco Gerätetechnik. Selectronic will distribute and service Kaco’s Powador xi range of Australian approved grid connect inverters.

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SMA Australia’s Technical Sales Manager Wilhelm van Butselaar announced the introduction of the world’s first PV backup inverter. The Sunny Backup 5000 features 5 kilowatt (kW) continuous output, one phase and three phase wiring options, 20 millisecond transition time, automatic backup operation, 48 volt batteries, and is certified to AS4777. The system sets are available from 6.5 kW to 80 kW.

On day one of the conference, Solco CEO Alex Lamond discussed the rebate support programs offered by the company and introduced its new range of solar pumps. The pumps are available for home and hobby farms, for livestock or irrigation, and for community supply.

RedFlow CEO Christopher Winter promoted the company’s new pre-assembled inverter battery system. The system is fully insulated and features smart cooling, palletised outdoor enclosure, a scaleable modular design, fully engineered system, and high quality components.

The following day, RFI’s Steve Helleur announced new beginnings for the company, including investment and focus on its renewable division and a new national distribution agreement with Suntech. Mr Helleur also announced the company’s direct relationship with SMA. Concluding, he said that as a company about to enter its thirtieth year, he looked forward to an even more exciting thirty years to come.

On the final day of the conference, cars were the focus of the session on emerging technologies.

Bob Donaldson from Honda informed delegates about the new Honda FCX hydrogen/electric car. Currently on trial in California, United States, the company has had to build its own solar-powered hydrogen refuelling stations. A similar program is planned for Japan this year before the car’s world-wide release. Mr Donaldson outlined the possibilities of solar-powered vehicles and the idea of home energy stations.

Solar Shop Australia’s Managing Director Adrian Ferraretto informed ATRAA delegates about Reva’s all electric car. He promoted the benefits of this light-weight, low-cost, energy efficient car designed for use in metropolitan areas.

Looking ahead, preparations are underway for ATRAA 2009 in Canberra with more exhibitors, new products and solar PV innovation on display.