Solar Integrated Technologies Joins Gov. Schwarzenegger’s Effort To Build “Hydrogen Highways”

New Application of Proven PV Solar Roofing System Captures Sun’s Energy and Powers Conversion of Water into Hydrogen for Zero-Emission Vehicle Fuel

Los Angeles, CA, April 20, 2004- Solar Integrated Technologies (SIT), a manufacturer of proprietary photovoltaic (PV) solar roofing systems, announced today its support of a breakthrough proposal by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger with a demonstration of its PV solar canopy and Stuart Energy’s hydrogen fuel generator at a press conference at the University of California, Davis. 

SIT partnered with Stuart Energy to demonstrate the Stuart Energy Station (SES), an end-to-end “clean green” hydrogen station using solar-generated electricity to convert water into hydrogen fuel.  The compact SES and PV solar canopy form the ideal platform for cost-effective, zero-emission renewable energy for small business and home use.  A lightweight, flexible roofing membrane manufactured by SIT partner Sarnafil is embedded with PV solar cells to create an innovative roofing system that harvests the sun’s energy and powers the conversion of water into hydrogen. With this solution, widespread adoption of energy initiatives like “Hydrogen Highways” is a viable reality.

According to the “Action Plan for California’s Environment,” the Governor plans to cut air pollution statewide by up to 50 percent by investing in hydrogen fuel development and “Hydrogen Highways.” This initiative would place California at the forefront of alternative fuel adoption in this country by building 200 hydrogen refueling stations along California’s highways by 2007.  In building the infrastructure, auto manufacturers and consumers alike will be more encouraged to produce and purchase cleaner, more efficient hydrogen-powered vehicles that are noise-free and produce virtually no air pollutants, releasing only H2O as a byproduct. 

Conventional fuel burning releases more than 1,583 million metric tons of pollutants into the atmosphere each year.  The adoption of hydrogen fuel will significantly reduce air pollution and minimize global warming. Estimates suggest that if we continue to burn fossil fuels at the current rate, we will exceed "safe" limits of climate change within just 40 years.  Moreover, renewable fuels reduce the nation’s dependence on fossil fuels and, ultimately, serve to strengthen national energy security.

 “We salute Governor Schwarzenegger’s vision in leading California towards a greener, more responsible future,” said Ed Stevenson, chief executive officer of SIT.  “It has taken a long time for the climate for renewable energy to change in this country. Today’s event marks an important step forward.  SIT recently issued its Initial Public Offering in Europe, a very favorable region for renewable energy.  And, we commend our European investors for their commitment to PV solar power.  With our Governor’s strong example, perhaps financial sources in America will free up the funding needed to help more companies advance the production of green power.  At SIT, we’re proving every day that alternative fuels are no longer a wish for the future - they are a reality for the present.”  

Richard Shoen, executive vice president of Building Integrated Photovoltaics for SIT and emeritus faculty member at UCLA emphasizes that, “ While the hydrogen industry continues to strive for a commercially viable fuel cell for vehicles, it has produced an interim solution that is market-ready right now:  the internal combustion engine converted to run on clean-burning hydrogen that is safe, affordable and available.”

Solar Integrated Technologies

Solar Integrated Technologies manufactures proprietary photovoltaic systems by fusing PV solar cells to flexible, lightweight industrial fabrics made by Sarnafil to offer a fully integrated, turnkey solution to generate renewable and economical sources of electricity for commercial, industrial and mobile applications worldwide. SIT’s proprietary system is installed by a national base of certified contractors. Some of the early adopters of SIT technology include Frito-Lay, Showa Marine, Pro-Logis and Coca-Cola Bottling of Los Angeles. SIT is a federal HUB zone business, based in the well-known Alameda Corridor of South Los Angeles, CA.  Please visit www.solarintegrated.com.

Stuart Energy

Stuart Energy is the world leading developer and supplier of integrated hydrogen solutions that use the Company's proprietary hydrogen generation water electrolysis technology with products from corporate partners to serve existing and emerging markets for power generation, transportation and industry.

For further information, please visit www.stuartenergy.com.