Show, Niagara Falls, Ontario, May 8 – 9, 2012

BRANTFORD, ONTARIO – (PRESS RELEASE) — 04/24/12 – The Energy Connections Summit and Trade Show is an excellent vehicle to meet and network with manufacturers and buyers of energy related products and solutions. The Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME) and the Niagara Industrial Association are hosting this event that will provide businesses interested in energy conservation the opportunity to learn more about the future of the energy sector for all of us.

Energy conservation has become a cornerstone in the industry’s efforts to reduce costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the need to build new infrastructure for sustainable future energy needs. As a leading manufacturer and distributor of energy efficient LED lighting, solar LED lighting systems and solar PV energy generation systems, ProQuip believes that we all need to contribute to the building of Green Communities. “We do this by developing and offering products and solutions that are socially and environmentally sustainable” said Sam Tavernese, President of the company.

On exhibit will be examples of ProQuip’s innovative LED lighting products including interior, exterior building and GENESIS™ transportation solutions, the MaxSUN™ solar LED light and information on the numerous solar PV systems engineered, procured and constructed by the company. These solar PV systems are now generating over 1MW of new electric power, about 10% of all new solar PV energy connected to the Ontario power grid in 2011.

To find ProQuip at the tradeshow, see  ProQuip International, Exhibit Hall C, Booth 22

Sam Tavernese

President, ProQuip International

www.pqi.ca

About ProQuip International

ProQuip International is a leading provider of solar PV products and systems, and a designer, manufacturer and installer of solar LED  lighting systems. The company has worked in the LED lighting industry, designing and manufacturing LED drivers and lights since the company’s inception in 1996 and has over seven years experience in solar LED lighting technologies. This latter experience prompted the development of MaxSUN™, a solar LED lighting system that solves the problems associated with earlier generations of the technology especially in northern climates. Manufacturing facilities are located in Brantford, Ontario and Dunkirk, New York.

As members of the North American solar energy industry, ProQuip is helping to build awareness of clean, renewable solar power technologies available to consumers, businesses and institutions and helping to build Green Communities.

BRANTFORD, ONTARIO – (PRESS RELEASE) — 03/15/12 – Demonstrating his company’s commitment to learning, innovation and building the new economy, ProQuip International’s President Sam Tavernese announced today his company’s plan to sponsor a bursary for students in Laurier Brantford’s new Bachelor of Business and Technology Management program.

“We’re here today to celebrate more than just the launch of a bursary, but the opening of a new relationship between Laurier Brantford and PQI,” Tavernese said.

“Laurier has shown its commitment and leadership in creating the 21st century economy with courses like this one, designed to manage the new technology infrastructure we have to create to compete globally. ProQuip International stands beside Laurier in that leadership with a bursary that will attract and keep the best and the brightest students here at Laurier Brantford.”

PQI has commited $1000 per year for five years as a bursary to the student with highest overall grade point average entering their second year of the Business Technology Management Program. Application for this scholarship is not required and all second year students will be automatically considered.

The program, which prepares students for a growing area in today’s workforce, is in its first year at Laurier Brantford, and is one of the few in Canada that offers both a university degree and a co-op work experience. Graduates from the program will understand and will be trained in the integration of new technologies into existing systems.

“What really attracted us to the program was the co-op element of it,” said Tavernese. “That and the economic advantages to our community that come from a program that takes us further along with our Green Hub designation.”

“And PQI’s commitment to this program recognizes the value that Laurier Brantford brings to the community when it offers these types of programs, ones that facilitate long term growth here,” Tavernese said.

“With the need to revitalize our province’s aging electricity infrastructure, with the need to invest in the ‘smart grid,’ and to replace 20th century products with energy efficient 21st century solutions, this is exactly the kind of program partnership that PQI is happy to support.”

About ProQuip International

ProQuip International is a leading provider of solar PV products and systems, and a designer, manufacturer and installer of solar LED lighting systems. The company has worked in the LED lighting industry, designing and manufacturing LED drivers and lights since the company’s inception in 1996 and has over six years experience in solar LED lighting technologies. This latter experience prompted the development of MaxSUN™, a solar LED lighting system that solves the problems associated with earlier generations of the technology especially in northern climates. Manufacturing facilities are located in Brantford, Ontario and Dunkirk, New York.

As members of the North American solar energy industry, ProQuip is helping to build awareness of clean, renewable solar power technologies available to consumers, businesses and institutions and helping to build Green Communities.

LED Lights at Legends Taphouse & Grill

ProQuip International manufactures and distributes a wide variety of high quality, technologically advanced LED lighting products. These lamp products range from small MR-11 accent lights, through the PAR-series to high bay, canopy and street lamps. Energy saving LED lamps significantly reduce power consumption thereby providing savings for consumers and businesses.

Examples of their successful commercial application include restaurants such as Legends Taphouse & Grill in the article above, to fast food chains, retail stores including food, furniture, clothing, sporting goods and so on.  In the Legends example of 68  50 Watt Halogen lamps being replaced by the same number of 2 Watt MR-11 LED lamps, the energy savings are over $200.00 per month and counting. With an expected lifecycle of up to 50,000 hours, their value is extended well beyond the normal life expectancy of the Halogen models they replaced.

Similar savings in energy and money can be achieved by looking at your business’ lamps and doing some simple math. If your lamps are a 100 Watt Halogen PAR38, they can be replaced with a 17 Watt PAR38 LED model while achieving the same or improved light levels. Your hydro consumption for lighting just went down by more than 80%. In addition, if you have a large number of these Halogen PAR 38 lamps in your store, they generate a lot of heat, which in the summer months is putting a heavy load on your HVAC system. LED lamps run much cooler than Halogens thereby generating more energy and dollar savings through reduced air conditioning needs.

Another major benefit is that your brand is now strongly associated with the growing Green Community of companies, institutions and consumers working towards energy conservation and sustainability.

If your business is in Ontario, you can apply through the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) and your local electricity distribution company (LDC) to participate in the saveONenergy  Lighting Retrofit  program, which pays up to 50% of eligible expenses to retrofit your lights to more energy efficient models. ProQuip International is a registered provider of Applicant Representative Services to prepare applications for LDC and OPA pre-approval under the Prescriptive, Engineered and Custom Tracks of the OPA’s Commercial Lighting Retrofit and New Construction Programs. Our Interior LED Lighting products qualify for the incentive rebates and savings these programs can offer businesses and institutions.  Our capabilities and experience in interior LED lighting products since 1995 is extensive and growing and we employ it to help manage re-lamping projects and maximize the rebate potential of each retrofit opportunity.

1084 Rest Acres Road, Paris ON N3L 0B5

Williams Fresh Cafe Expositor Article

Many retailers of food, furniture, clothing, hardware, general merchandise and other products and services employ concentrations of high power lighting to accent their merchandise and displays. Incandescent and Halogen lighting technologies consume high levels of energy to achieve the desired light levels. LED lighting technology has now evolved to the point where these high light levels can be delivered at a fraction of the energy and therefore a fraction of the cost while concurrently providing additional savings through a longer life and reduced maintenance requirements.

These savings in energy consumption are a target of the energy conservation efforts of the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) and local distribution companies (LDC) in most municipalities and regions of the province. They offer rebate incentives to those businesses that are willing to invest in energy efficient lighting retrofits through the OPA’s saveONenergy For Business program. For details on the programs, energy savings and rebates available, see www.saveonenergy.ca .

ProQuip is a registered provider of Applicant Representative services to prepare applications for LDC and OPA pre-approval through to completion and commissioning of the retrofit project under the Prescriptive, Engineered and Custom Tracks of the OPA’s Commercial Lighting Retrofit and New Construction Programs. Our Interior LED Lighting products qualify for the incentive rebates and savings these programs can offer businesses and institutions.  Our capabilities and experience in interior LED lighting products since 1995 is extensive and growing and we employ it to help maximize the rebate potential of each retrofit opportunity we participate in with our customers.

Brantford ON, January 30, 2012 EST – Proquip International is pleased to announce the release of their new MaxSUN^TM line of feature rich, cost effective, commercial scale outdoor solar lighting solutions.

MaxSUN^TM is the result of over 2 years of development combined with PQI’s over 15 years of experience in solar energy, LED lighting and solar lighting as well as critical customer feedback. The MaxSUN^TM system addresses the issues that are essential to lighting customers: predictable operation, maximum performance versus cost, and the utmost in reliability.

To achieve these results, PQI combines purpose-built electronics, the highest efficiency LED light engines developed by PQI and select partners, and world class solar panels and batteries. MaxSUN^TM solar lighting systems are designed to work not only on the day they are installed but for the life of the installation ensuring reliability, safety, and lowest lifetime costs. We do not cut corners.

At the heart of the MaxSUN^TM solar lighting system is the PQMax^TM charge and lighting controller. This high performance controller incorporates:

• MPPT technology optimized for efficiency at all levels to maximize energy production
• A wide input voltage range to support commercial scale solar panels
• 20A charge current to support large scale systems
• Fully programmable lighting profiles to adapt to any lighting requirement / system size
• Real-time, data logging enabling quick diagnostics and minimized downtime
• Windows^TM configuration management and data download tool accessible via a USB interface
• Multiple levels of circuit protection and a 20-year design life

Our luminaires incorporate the latest LED technology from class leading suppliers and, when coupled with our PQSmart-M^TM LED Driver, achieve system level efficiencies approaching 100 lumens/watt. Multiple available lighting distributions put that light exactly where it is needed.

The PQSmart-I^TM driver with built in motion detection, temperature and charge level monitoring can also be coupled with our high performance light engines and PWM charge controllers to enable a high performance, cost effective solution for transit and other shelter applications.

The MaxSUN^TM solar lighting system joins other advanced solar LED lighting systems manufactured and distributed by Proquip International enabling Proquip to be your one stop solution for off-grid lighting requirements. When you need “Solar Light. Done Right™”, call PQI and be confident you will receive the best solution for your needs.

For Further Information Contact:

Jack Lula
Solar Lighting Business Unit Manager
Proquip International
45 Dalkeith Dr., Unit 12
Brantford ON N3P 1M1

Jack.Lula@pqi.ca       www.pqi.ca
(519) 758-1421           Toll Free 1-866-945-4868

Windows ^TM is a trademark of Microsoft Corp.

The 5 LED lights are powered off-grid by solar panels and batteries, all mounted on 30 foot steel poles set on concrete tube foundations. Being solar powered, the lights are cost effective in terms of no energy costs, no trenching or cabling and minimal maintenance costs. The batteries being recharged by the solar panels can be expected to last up to seven years.

The MaxSUN™ system’s programmable Charge and Light Controller automatically manages the operation of the LED lights based on the time of day and amount of sunlight available to the solar panels. As dusk approaches, the Controller will turn on the lights at full brightness for 7 hours. After 7 hours, the lights are dimmed to 30% brightness, which helps preserve battery power during a period of little to no pedestrian traffic, and are then turned back on for one and a half hours before dawn, at which time the lights go out and the batteries recharge. This cycling of the lights is particularly useful during the winter months when it is dark in the early morning hours and pedestrian traffic is expected.

When asked why solar LED lighting was selected over the more traditional street lighting options, Construction Project Manager Jack Baribeau responded “We wanted people to enter the site and view the solar street lights as they come in and leave the facility as a statement to the public of the state of the art technology that was used throughout the facility. The LED component was chosen for the maintenance free and long life qualities of the technology.” He added that, from a quality of illumination point “It looks great and provides the light levels where needed to provide safe entry into the facility”.

“ProQuip International is very proud and excited about this opportunity to partner with a community focused organization such as the Optimists and help them express and demonstrate their concerns for a green, sustainable energy future” saidSam Tavernese, President of ProQuip International. “We now have five shining beacons further attesting to the viability of PQI’s Canadian designed and manufactured solar LED technology right in front of a prestigious sports facility that is garnering international acclaim” he added.

The opportunity to install the solar LED lighting systems came as a result of LOSC’s search for a rooftop solar PV energy provider. “We asked for solar proposals from a number of companies specific to a roof top installation. We felt the package provided by PQI was very well done, complete with details and the draft contract provided was very fair and presented both party’s perspectives. There was an added comfort level in our dealings with them because of this” Baribeau stated. In also choosing PQI for a solar LED lighting solution for the entrance, he said that “The (Green) branding, environmental statement and cost efficiencies were all considerations.”

About ProQuip International

ProQuip International is a leading provider of solar PV products and systems, and a designer, manufacturer and installer of solar LED lighting systems. The company has worked in the LED lighting industry, designing and manufacturing LED drivers and lights since the company’s inception in 1996 and has over six years experience in solar LED lighting technologies. This latter experience prompted the development of MaxSUN^™, a solar LED lighting system that solves the problems associated with earlier generations of the technology especially in northern climates. Manufacturing facilities are located inBrantford,Ontario and Dunkirk,New York.

As members of the North American solar energy industry, ProQuip is helping to build awareness of clean, renewable solar power technologies available to consumers, businesses and institutions and helping to build Green Communities.

About the BMO/London Optimist Sports Centre

The London Optimist Sports Centre (LOSC) is an incorporated not-for-profit organization that was established in October 2004 and which serves the recreational needs of thousands of children and adults in the region. LOSC owns and operates the premier, state-of-the-art soccer and sports facility inLondon, the new 110,000 square-foot BMO Centre. This will be one of the largest, primarily soccer based, sports centres inCanada.

ProQuip International Contact: Brian De Young, 519-758-1421  email info@pqi.ca

Have a look below to see this interesting solar roof installation in Brant County.

Below: a more traditional installation for a greenhouse company in Niagara on the Lake.

A Paris couple is paving the way for the development of renewable energy projects in Brant County.

Norm and Liliana Pye are the first entrepreneurs in Paris to install solar photovoltaic panels on the rooftop of their commercial building located on Woodslee Avenue in Paris’ north end.

They are taking the steps to a greener industry by taking part in the provincial FIT program (Feed-In Tariff program), which is enabled by the Green Energy and Green Economy Act, passed into law in May of 2009. The act encourages the development of renewable energy in Ontario and is coined as the program that will help boost economic activity and help create new green industries and jobs. The Ontario Power Authority is responsible for implementing the program.

Liliana was introduced to the program through her employer ProQuip International, a Brantford company that specializes in LED lighting and solar power solutions. They are recognized leaders in the movement to build green communities.

ProQuip International installed Ninety-two rooftop solar panels a month ago, each containing 225 watts of power. The FIT program is revenue generated, so the Pyes will receive 71.3 cents per kilowatt for their green efforts. This is one of the first 5 installed and operational solar pv projects under the FIT program in Ontario.

Once connected, the Pyes will receive their usual monthly utility bill, but also a monthly cheque for the power they generate because of the rooftop solar panels. The installation of the panels cost approximately $160,000. The Pyes have a 20-year contract with the Ontario Power Authority and after approximately seven years, they will begin to see the profits of their green initiative.

“The solar panels have been installed, we are just waiting for an assessment and the Electrical safety authority to sign off so we can get connected,” said Liliana.

The rooftop panels attract sunlight that is converted to electricity using photovoltaic solar cells. The cells are semiconductor devices, usually made of silicon, which contain no liquids, corrosive chemicals or moving parts. They require little maintenance, do not pollute and operate silently, said Sam Tavernese, President of ProQuip International.

By using solar panels, the Pyes are essentially alleviating the demand on the province’s power grids.

Ward 2 candidate Don Cardy applauds the efforts of the Pyes and ProQuip International. Green energy and the benefits it has on the environment and local communities is a major component for Cardy’s municipal election platform.

“We need to have more green energy initiatives in our community. It will stimulate our economy and helps businesses to grow,” said Cardy.

“So many people have green ideas but we need ones that are cost effective for our community.”

Cardy said he believes residents and businesses are willing to take the steps to become eco-friendly, but don’t know about the programs that are available. When the Green Energy and Green Economy Act was introduced, Cardy said he feels there was a communication break down from the province to the municipalities.

“Municipalities don’t have the people on staff that understand the system. Green energy is still in its infancy,” he said. “Everybody waits for someone else to try it first,” added Cardy. And that’s what he hopes will happen in Paris, with the Pyes leading the way.