SolarEdge Launching First PV Inverter-Integrated Electric Vehicle Charger

At Intersolar North America, SolarEdge Technologies, Inc. is unveiling the world's first inverter-integrated electric vehicle (EV) charger. By supplementing grid power with PV power ( for example:GOAL ZERO NOMAD 20 ), SolarEdge's Level 2 EV charger offers charging up to six times faster than a standard Level 1 charger with its innovative solar boost mode.

SolarEdge's HD-Wave inverter, once integrated with an EV charger, will not only provide the existing management and monitoring of solar production, but will also enable EV charging from a single inverter and dashboard. The combined solution will offer considerable cost savings on both hardware and labor by eliminating the need for an additional conduit, wiring, and breaker installation. The solution will also eliminate the need for an additional dedicated circuit breaker, which saves space and a potential main distribution panel upgrade.

"SolarEdge is dedicated to developing innovative solutions for increasing the use of renewable energy and cost savings for our customers and end users," stated Guy Sella, CEO and Chairman of SolarEdge. "Adding EV charging to our growing-range of products further enables system owners to easily manage their energy needs."

Based on patent-pending technology, the EV charger is embedded into SolarEdge's HD-Wave inverter and leverages its solar boost mode. This mode utilizes both grid and PV to charge at 9.6kW (40 Amp) Level 2 charging, which is up to six times faster than standard Level 1 charging. If PV is not available, the inverter-integrated EV charger will use grid power to charge at 7.6kW (32 Amp) Level 2 charging, which is up to five times faster than standard Level 1 charging.

With a 12-year warranty, the inverter-integrated EV charger offers potential future operating modes, such as demand-response and charging at off-peak hours to optimize Time-of-Use (TOU) rates. The inverter-integrated EV charger is expected to be available in the last quarter of 2017.

How to Boost Your Business with Upgraded Seating for Customers

As young kids many of us had the opportunity to go to a theater to watch a film or play. In most cases folding wooden chairs would have greeted us, fixed to the floor in banks. As children it was always fun to flip the folding part of the seat up and down, paying little heed to the comfort the actual chair provided. However, as adults we are now appalled when we walk into a venue to discover the old and antiquated seating still in place. Check out how theaters across the country are opting to upgrade their seating and provide an improved experience to movie-goers.

The advances in seating go far beyond comfort of theater seats and are taking place in many others businesses that require seating to run their business. Many theaters are upgrading seats to provide comfort to their customers and improve their business.

There are simple reasons and great benefits to businesses investing in new seating as described below:

• Customer Comfort With the exception of the airlines all businesses would agree that it is important to provide additional comfort to their customers. They know that when all else is equal a customer will choose the venue with more comfortable seating over one without.
• Employee and Customer Well Being Poor quality seating without adequate support for the back is not good for employees’ back health. This is particularly important when considering that employees have to sit at a variety of tasks all day long. Improved seating leads to better employee ergonomics and fewer employee days off with back pain.

Starting a Business? What You Need to Know First

Who hasn’t dreamt of being his own boss and launching a business that will one day become the next Amazon or Google? The idea of having the freedom to pursue your dream is exciting for anyone who has gone through the drudgery of corporate world. While this is indeed exciting and noteworthy you also need to know that starting your own business is not something that everyone can do. It takes lot of effort and commitment to build a business that will one day rival Amazon of today. For every Amazon there are hundreds of others who did not make it. Don’t lose heart, though. With good understanding of what it takes to start a business and little perseverance you too can build a respectable sized business even if it is not the next Amazon. Here is a 5 step process you need to go through before taking the plunge.

• Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses – Before you even take any action do some self reflection and know who you are. Not everyone has what it takes to start a business. You need to spend significant effort and money while having a good support system to be able to call your own shots.
• Find the Market – Having a good business idea is one thing. Finding a buyer who also will like it and pay for it is another. Not all business ideas have the sizeable market to support your business. Uncle John and Aunt Shelly do not make a market. Test your idea with some of the folks you trust with giving you the right advice even if it is bitter.
• Understand Competition – Even if the market exists for your product or service if the competition is intense and has already cornered the market you will find it difficult to penetrate it. You are better off pursuing a different market or at least find a niche for which you can attract customers.
• Test the Idea – Before going all out on the idea it is better to prototype few samples and test them with your target customers. You will not lose everything if you take this approach. You will either know that there is no market for your idea or be able to tweak it based on the customer feedback before going with full launch.

3 Proven Strategies to Give Your Small Business Competitive Edge

The last century has seen unprecedented rise in competition for businesses. With the rise of internet it has become easier than ever for businesses of all types to have a global reach. If you are going to have staying power in the business world you need to take advantage of the latest innovations, such as tapping into SIP trunking providers, developing an online presence, and using social media. To be successful you need to take a look around and learn from the success stories of your competitors. Find out what formulas are working and perfect them in your business model. The 3 time proven systems that are required to position your business against global competition will help you move in the right direction and ensure longevity of your business.

1. Focus on Staff

Your employees are the backbone of your business. No matter how great your service or product is, it will not get you anywhere if you don’t have an excellent team to support you. Provide your staff with professional development opportunities and incentives to give you their best. Respond to their needs and create a positive environment at the workplace. Be highly selective during the hiring process and go with your gut instincts when you feel you have an excellent fit. Pay attention to who is being productive and who isn’t. Offer constructive criticism to those who need improvement, giving them the opportunity to grow. Reward those who excel to continue moving in the right direction.