# Westinghouse Unveils Innovative Solar Technology - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/04/westinghouse-unveils-innovative-solar-technology/ - Published: 2011-04-04T20:06:42-04:00 - Author: greenlivingguy ## Westinghouse Solar Revolutionizes the Industry with Groundbreaking AC Solar Panel As a green living enthusiast, I’m absolutely thrilled to share this game-changing development in solar technology! Westinghouse Solar has just unveiled their second- generation AC solar panel that promises to transform how we install and utilize solar power. Furthermore, this innovation represents a major leap forward in making renewable energy more accessible and affordable for homeowners across America. ![An AI image showing a residential rooftop installation of Westinghouse's innovative large-format integrated AC solar panels. The sleek design highlights how these panels revolutionized solar technology in 2011 by eliminating the need for external inverters. Speaking of groundbreaking solar technology, Westinghouse Solar's integrated AC panels were truly a game-changer back in 2011! They simplified solar installations by building the inverter right into each panel, making solar power more accessible for homeowners. These panels represented exactly the kind of innovation we need to accelerate our transition to clean energy. What aspects of solar technology are you most interested in exploring further?](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/ wp-content/uploads/2011/04/IMG_0625.png?resize=300%2C300&quality=50&ssl=1) AI ### Engineering Brilliance Meets Practical Design Westinghouse Solar engineers have completely reimagined their solar panel from the [ground up](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/06/brit-and-green-mountain-energy-company-flip-switch-for-new-3-kilowatt-solar-array/). Consequently, they’ve created a larger-format 235-watt marvel that integrates critical components directly into the panel itself. Moreover, this ingenious design incorporates the [racking](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/08/conergy-pennsylvania-solar-farm-embracing-renewable-energy/), wiring, grounding, and inverter all within a single unit, thereby delivering substantially higher performance while dramatically lowering installation costs. [WWW.NBCNEWS.COM](https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna42412066) “Much like the Prius, innovations can take time to gain market acceptance before they become a standard among mainstream consumers,” explains Barry Cinnamon, CEO of Westinghouse Solar. “Market data for AC solar panels clearly show rapid homeowner and installer acceptance.” [WWW.NBCNEWS.COM](https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna42412066) ## A History of Solar Innovation Westinghouse Solar first pioneered this revolutionary approach back in 2007 with their original “Andalay” solar panel. Furthermore, they broke new ground again in 2009 by introducing the very first [AC solar panel](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/11/sunpower-launches-new-ac-solar-panels-with-integrated-microinverter-solution/) to the market. [WWW.NBCNEWS.COM](https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna42412066) This groundbreaking innovation immediately reduced the number of parts needed for rooftop solar installation by an astonishing 80 percent while simultaneously cutting labor requirements in half! Additionally, the industry quickly recognized this achievement, awarding the panel the prestigious 2009 Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Award. As a result, it has since become the most widely installed AC solar panel in America. [WWW.NBCNEWS.COM](https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna42412066) ## Making Solar More Accessible for Everyone What truly excites me about this innovation is how it addresses the practical challenges of solar adoption. For instance, the integrated design makes installation significantly easier for contractors who may be new to solar technology. Subsequently, this opens doors for electricians, HVAC contractors, and home improvement companies to confidently enter the solar market. [WWW.NBCNEWS.COM](https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna42412066) Furthermore, homeowners benefit from faster installations, reduced labor costs, and the reliability of a trusted brand name. Therefore, this technology removes many of the barriers that previously prevented widespread solar adoption. ### The Future of Solar Is Arriving Now As ordinary solar panels increasingly become commoditized, Westinghouse Solar distinguishes itself through innovation that directly impacts the bottom line. Consequently, by focusing on dramatically lowering installation costs while maintaining quality and performance, they’re positioning themselves as leaders in the next phase of solar evolution. [WWW.NBCNEWS.COM](https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna42412066) Moreover, the company plans to make these new panels available in the second quarter of 2011 at what they describe as “a very attractive price point.” Therefore, homeowners interested in solar power should definitely keep their eyes on this exciting development! [WWW.NBCNEWS.COM](https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna42412066) I’m particularly impressed by how Westinghouse Solar continues to innovate in ways that make real-world sense. After all, the best green technologies are those that combine environmental benefits with practical advantages and economic savings. This new AC solar panel undoubtedly accomplishes all three goals! What solar innovations are you most excited about? Have you considered adding solar power to your home? ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)