Sanmina-SCI and SPARQ Systems launch PV clean tech partnership

SAN JOSE, USA: Sanmina-SCI Corp., a leading manufacturing solutions company making some of the world's most complex and valuable electronic and mechanical products, has partnered with SPARQ Systems Inc., to manufacture new microinverters and communications hubs for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for the consumer market.

SPARQ Systems, an Ontario-based global provider of solar inverters, has developed an efficient and low-cost microinverter solution that produces more AC power from PV panels for longer periods under lower light and partial shadowing conditions. The design eliminates unreliable components which increases the lifespan of the microinverters threefold, giving homeowners up to 25 years of performance.

The solar inverters will be produced for the Canadian market at Sanmina-SCI's Ottawa facility, which is certified for Ontario's Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program, and at Sanmina-SCI's worldwide regional facilities for global demand.

"Sanmina-SCI's core strengths include a focus on alternative energy technologies," said Praveen Jain, president and CEO of SPARQ Systems. "They have the expertise, the infrastructure and the track record to meet all of our product needs as we move into full-scale production. And Sanmina-SCI's multi-continental manufacturing presence is well suited for SPARQ in producing the microinverters to meet local content requirements globally. We are delighted to be working with this quality focused organization."

"We're committed to helping the clean technology sector grow to its full potential. Partnering with companies like SPARQ to bring innovative new products to market is important to Sanmina-SCI's overall clean technology strategy," said Tom Clawson, executive VP of Sanmina-SCI's Industrial Markets. "We have brought hundreds of highly complex products to market and this deep knowledge of new product introductions enables us to bring products like SPARQ's new microinverters to market quickly and efficiently."

"SPARQ's product is a made-in-Ontario solution that benefits the province's industries and consumers," commented Randall North, COO of SPARQ Systems. "Both our R&D and manufacturing are done in Ontario, which helps manufacturers, distributors, installers and end users meet their eligibility requirements for Ontario's FIT program."