Inovus Partners with Mack to Launch Revolutionary Solar Street Lighting

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ARLINGTON, Vt. (June 18, 2013) – Inovus (Boise, Idaho) has chosen Mack as its manufacturing partner for its two new lines of solar-powered light poles, which feature either a unique thin-film solar collector that wraps vertically around the pole, or the more traditional flat solar panel that sits at the top of the pole.

We’re very happy to be working with Inovus on this new product line,” says Jeff Somple, president of Mack’s Northern Operations. “It offers a very exciting and revolutionary solar lighting technology. It represents another application for us in the energy and environment marketplace, a sector we’re actively pursuing. And it once again demonstrates the extent of Mack’s vertical integration of services.”

Off-grid and Net-Zero Options
Mack is working with Inovus to manufacture both off-grid and on-grid solutions for highways, parking lots and pathways. The off-grid pole is unique in that it eliminates the cost of building a lighting infrastructure – no trenching, wire, conduit, circuits, labor, or any of the other steps associated with the grid connection. There is also no electricity cost due to the thin-film solar collector that wraps around the pole or the flat panel that mounts onto the top of the pole.

The vertical orientation of the distinctive wrap collector is aesthetically pleasing and provides the highest possible wind ratings, lowest ongoing maintenance requirements, and the least risk of destructive vandalism. And if damaged, bypass diodes ensure that any damaged portion will not impact the rest of the collector’s performance.

On both off- and on-grid poles, all electronic components and batteries are housed within the base of the pole, minimizing installation and maintenance costs while improving safety. Inovus’ off-grid pole uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology, which offers an expected life of 12-15 years and comes with a 10-year full warranty. The on-grid or ‘net-zero’ option features a micro-inverter inside the base of the pole that feeds energy onto the electrical grid, offsetting the energy used at night. Wireless controls and monitoring on the on-grid poles allow for smart dimming schedules to save even more energy, as well as instant notification in the event of unplanned outages.

Mack’s Role
Inovus solar street lighting is manufactured at Mack’s headquarters plant (Arlington, Vt.). Mack provides machining services, sheet metal fabrication, supply chain management, prototyping, final programming, 100 percent electronic and functional testing, and total product manufacturing. Its sister division, Mack Technologies (Westford, Mass.), builds the printed circuit boards.

Measuring 15-, 25- and 30-feet long, the size of the poles has presented one of the biggest challenges, according to Plant Manager Bryan Campbell. “It is a very large product that has produced a number of logistical challenges,” he notes. “We had to design and build custom fixtures and cranes for handling and moving the poles throughout the plant, as well as specialized packaging for distribution.”

“Partnering with Mack means that we will be here for the long haul,” says Inovus VP of Manufacturing Kent Walker. “The Inovus products made by Mack will be of the highest quality and will always carry the ‘Made in USA’ stamp.”

About Mack Molding
Mack Molding is a leading custom plastics molder and supplier of contract manufacturing services. Mack specializes in plastics design, prototyping, molding, sheet metal fabrication, full-service machining and medical device manufacturing. Founded in 1920, Mack is a privately owned business that operates 10 facilities throughout the world. Don Kendall is president and CEO.

About Inovus
Inovus’ mission is to significantly improve the economic and environmental impact of street and area lighting through the creative use of technology solutions and business models. An engineering driven company, its current team has over 150 years of collective experience in creating new businesses and products that center around practical and innovative design, engineering and delivery. Clay Young is co-founder and CEO. For more information, go to www.inovussolar.com.

Contact: Thom McMahon, Program Manager at thom.mcmahon@mack.com