First Solar Panels

Bentek Introduces Products Optimized for PV Projects using First Solar Series 4 and Series 6 Panels

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With over 30 years of design and manufacturing experience in a broad range of both AC and DC OEM power distribution products for the residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar PV marketplaces, Bentek is introducing several Utility-Scale products optimized for projects using First Solar Series 4 and Series 6 PV panels.

Bentek products include Utility-Scale FastLink cable harness assemblies, integrated disconnect string combiners (UTS) and inverter recombiners that are optimized for use with First Solar’s Series 4 and Series 6 thin-film module technology.

“Bentek is proud to team up with First Solar as part of their Ecosystem initiative in order to provide best-in-class Balance Of System (BOS) solutions for both Series 4 and Series 6 First Solar projects.  Bentek’s Utility-Scale (UTS) integrated disconnect string combiners provide the largest selection of disconnect ampacities in the PV industry. These ampacities include: 200A, 225A, 250A, 275A, 300A, 325A, 350A, 375A and 400A and allow our customers using First Solar Series 4 and 6 PV panels to optimize their project designs while reducing  costs up to 20%. Bentek’s FastLink overmolded positive and negative cable harness assemblies link First Solar Series 4 and 6 PV panels together allowing project designers to optimize their designs while minimizing costs,” said John H. Buckley, Bentek Executive Sales and VP of Marketing.

Bentek FastLink Cable Harness Assemblies for Series 6 PV Panels

Bentek FastLink cable harness assemblies for Series 6 PV Panels

Bentek FastLink Cable Harness Assemblies for Series 4 PV Panels

Bentek FastLink interconnect cable harness pos and neg asssebly

Bentek Utility-Scale (UTS) Integrated String Combiner for First Solar Series 4 and Series 6 PV panels.

For more information about the capabilities of the Bentek/First Solar Series 4 and Series 6 products, please contact Bentek at 1-866-505-0303 or visit www.bentek.com/first-solar-ecosystem.

About Bentek

Founded in 1985 and located in San Jose, California, Bentek Corporation began operations providing manufacturing services for the semiconductor equipment industry. The company has expanded services over the years to include new market segments but generally specializes in the design and manufacture of electromechanical assemblies and power distribution solutions for high-tech and industrial markets.

Bentek is recognized as a leading contract manufacturer in power distribution solutions. The company provides high quality and responsive engineering design, material sourcing, turnkey manufacturing and New Product Introduction (NPI) services to innovative and market leading high-growth companies.

In 2009, Bentek expanded its offerings with the creation of the Solar Products division. Bentek Solar provides Balance of System (BOS) equipment – combiners, recombiners, safety systems, cables, harnesses, mounting racks and accessories – for a wide range of photovoltaic projects. Bentek branded solar products simplify and speed the installation and wiring process. For more information, contact Bentek Solar at 866-505-0303, e-mail SolarSales@bentek.com, or visit www.Bentek.com.

 

Bentek News

Bentek Introduces New Balance of System Solutions That Meet NEC 2017

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With over 30 years of design and manufacturing experience in a broad range of both AC and DC OEM power distribution products for the residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar PV marketplaces, Bentek is introducing several new balance of system PV products that meet NEC 2017.

Bentek introduces new 1000VDC and 1500VDC Commercial and Utility-Scale solutions. The solutions consist of three Bentek products that meet NEC 2017 safety requirements.

1500VDC Utility-Scale (UTS) Combiner

Bentek 1500VDC UTS 3 String Combiners

Bentek introduces the 3rd generation Bentek 1500VDC Utility-Scale (UTS 3) string combiner with an optional switched negative disconnect. Bentek continues to experience great market acceptance with its predecessor, the 1500VDC UTS 2 with over 1.5GW shipped. Bentek will leverage this success into the new Bentek 1500VDC UTS 3 combiner by incorporating its custom Bentek disconnect.

The Bentek 1500VDC disconnects when integrated into the new 1500VDC UTS 3 Bentek combiners, continue to drive down costs while providing the PV market with the standard ampacities of 200A, 250A/275A, 320A, and 400A. However, Bentek has expanded these ampacities to include new 225A, 300A, 325A, 350A, and 375A. This more granular set of ampacities provides design engineers with the specific ampacity to meet project needs while minimizing component costs. This will result in savings of up to 20 percent over standard market ampacities.

According to John H. Buckley, VP of Marketing for Bentek, “As PV utility-scale installations continue to increase in size, the new Bentek 1500VDC UTS 3 combiner ampacities continue to offer potential savings of hundreds of thousands of dollars on large utility-scale projects.”

Bentek 1500VDC 2 Circuit Parallel Cable Harness

Bentek’s highly configurable 1500VDC cable harness solutions complement the new 1500VDC UTS 3 combiner product line. Bentek has experienced great success in 2017 shipping over 1GW in cable harnesses. Bentek customers can combine two parallel strings, reducing installation and combiner costs by reducing the inputs up to 50%. John, explains: “When Bentek engineering designed complete cable harness assemblies are integrated directly with Bentek combiners in our ISO 9001 certified facility, those combined material savings of up to 30% are realized with projected site labor savings of up to 50% for cable installation.”

Bentek Arc Fault (AF2) String Combiner

Arc Fault CombinerThe Bentek AFCI (AF2) integrated disconnect detects and suppresses string-level arc faults in compliance with NEC 2011 & 2014 sub-section 690.11, while allowing designers to retain central inverter system array architecture. With over 500MW shipped, Bentek AF2 combiners have found great success in both the commercial rooftop market and ground mount installations. The AF2 uses a reliable UL98B listed trippable load-break disconnect in place of a traditional contactor. This trippable disconnect functions as a manual isolation switch and trips automatically when an Arc fault is detected.

Bentek also provides added reliability and reduced cost by offering Bentek cable harnesses when paralleled in the array with branched connectors ahead of combiner box with no degradation of arc-fault detection capability. Each AF2 has its own self-powered PV-DC Power Supply, which is powered from the DC array. John says “Bentek also uses Industry leading string-level Arc-Fault Detection technology (1 sensor p/ input) that virtually eliminates nuisance trips, which saves from truck rolls that save thousands per project.”

For more information about the capabilities of the Bentek and products, please contact Bentek at 1-866-505-0303 or visit www.Bentek.com.

About Bentek

Founded in 1985, Bentek is a leader in engineered electromechanical and power distribution solutions for industrial applications. Bentek designs and manufactures products such as power distribution equipment, wiring harnesses, and custom OEM assemblies for the solar energy and semiconductor markets. Bentek is an ISO 9001 certified company. For more information, contact Bentek Solar at 866-505-0303, e-mail SolarSales@bentek.com, or visit www.Bentek.com.

Bentek News

Bentek receives over 10 million feet in new orders for its 2 Circuit Parallel Cable Harness

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Bentek announces orders for its 1500VDC line of 2 Circuit Parallel Cable Harness have now exceeded 10M feet. Bentek has over 30 years of design and manufacturing experience in a broad range of both AC and DC OEM power distribution products for the residential, commercial and utility-scale solar PV marketplaces.

“We have seen great success with our Bentek 2 circuit parallel cable harness solutions. Our highly configurable cable harness solutions complement the 1500VDC UTS2 family of disconnect string combiners and are available in 1500VDC ratings utilizing any commercially available 1500VDC branch connectors and in-line fuses. These Bentek 2 circuit parallel cable harness solutions reduce the amount of cable by over 50% while reducing costs by over 30% versus a typical cable harness. When Bentek 2 circuit parallel cable harness solutions are integrated with the Bentek 1500VDC UTS2 combiners in our ISO 9001:2008 certified facility, combined savings of up to 50% can be realized” stated John H. Buckley, Executive of Sales and VP of Marketing for Bentek.

“With over 10GW of installed products including more than 75,000 string combiners shipped to date, we continued to be extremely pleased with customer acceptance of the 1500VDC product line. Bentek backlog continues to grow and we continue to see strong demand for our 1500VDC PV products” stated Mitch Schoch, President and CEO of Bentek.

For more information about the capabilities of the Bentek 1500VDC products please contact Bentek at 1-866-505-0303 or visit www.Bentek.com.

 

About Bentek

Founded in 1985, Bentek is a leader in engineered electromechanical and power distribution solutions for industrial applications.  Bentek designs and manufactures products such as power distribution equipment, wiring harnesses, and custom OEM assemblies for the solar energy and semiconductor markets.  Bentek is an ISO 9001:2008 certified company. For more information, contact Bentek Solar at 866-505-0303, e-mail SolarSales@bentek.com or visit www.Bentek.com.

Bentek News

Bentek receives over 1GW in new orders for 1500VDC UTS2 String Combiners

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Bentek, announces orders in excess of 1GW for its 1500VDC line of UTS2 Integrated Disconnect String Combiners. Bentek has over 30 years of design and manufacturing experience in a broad range of both AC and DC OEM power distribution products for the residential, commercial and utility-scale solar PV marketplaces.

“The Bentek 1500VDC UTS2 family of string combiners continues to see great success in winning large utility-scale projects. Bentek proprietary design allows our customers to tailor the amperage of the combiner to each specific utility-scale project. Each Bentek combiner comes with an integrated proprietary Bentek 1500VDC load-break disconnect. Bentek’s design offers clients a cost effective tailored disconnect solution based on 25A increments 200A, 225A, 250A, 275A, 300A, 325A, 350A, 375A and 400A, which allows customers to size combiner capacity to their specific needs, significantly reducing system costs verses field amperage solutions with limited disconnect options. If the applications calls for a 300A combiner, clients no longer need to over pay for a 320A or 400A disconnect” stated John H. Buckley, Executive of Sales and VP of Marketing for Bentek.

John Buckley went on to say, “We have also seen great success with our Bentek 2 Circuit Parallel Cable Harness solutions. Our highly configurable cable harness solutions complement the 1500VDC UTS2 combiner and are available in 1500VDC ratings utilizing any commercially available 1500VDC branch connectors and in-line fuses. These unique Bentek 2 circuit parallel cable harness solutions reduce the amount of cable by over 50% while reducing costs by over 30% versus a typical cable harness. When Bentek 2 circuit parallel cable harness solutions are integrated with the Bentek 1500VDC UTS2 combiners in our ISO 9001:2008 certified facility, combined savings of up to 50% can be realized.”

“With over 10GW of installed products including more than 75,000 string combiners shipped to date, we continued to be extremely pleased with customer acceptance of the 1500VDC UTS2 product line. Bentek backlog continues to grow and we continue to see strong demand for our 1500VDC PV products” stated Mitch Schoch, President and CEO of Bentek.

For more information about the capabilities of the Bentek 1500VDC UTS2 String Combiners please contact Bentek at 1-866-505-0303 or visit www.Bentek.com.

 

About Bentek

Founded in 1985, Bentek is a leader in engineered electromechanical and power distribution solutions for industrial applications.  Bentek designs and manufactures products such as power distribution equipment, wiring harnesses, and custom OEM assemblies for the solar energy and semiconductor markets.  Bentek is an ISO 9001:2008 certified company. For more information, contact Bentek Solar at 866-505-0303, e-mail SolarSales@bentek.com or visit www.Bentek.com.

Bentek in the News

Bentek receives over 600MW in initial orders for 1500VDC UTS2 String Combiners

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Bentek, announces initial orders for its 1500VDC line of UTS2 integrated disconnect string combiners in excess of 600MW.  Bentek has over 30 years of design and manufacturing experience in a broad range of both AC and DC OEM power distribution products for the residential, commercial and utility-scale solar PV marketplaces.

“The Bentek 1500VDC UTS2 string combiners success is based on it’s unique and proprietary combiner design.  The Bentek design allows our customers to tailor the amperage of the combiner to each specific Utility-Scale project. Each Bentek combiner comes with an integrated proprietary Bentek 1500VDC load-break disconnect.  Bentek’s design offers clients a cost effective tailored disconnect solution based on 25A increments 200A, 225A, 250A, 275A, 300A, 325A, 350A, 375A and 400A, this allows customers to size combiner capacity to their specific needs, significantly reducing system costs.  If the applications calls for a 350A combiner, clients no longer need to over pay for a 400A” stated John H. Buckley, Executive of Sales and VP of Marketing for Bentek.

John Buckley went on to say, “Our highly configurable cable harness solutions complement the 1500VDC UTS2 combiner box line and are available in 1500VDC ratings utilizing any commercially available 1500VDC branch connectors and in-line fuses.   These unique Bentek 2 circuit parallel cable harness solutions reduce the amount of cable by over 50% while reducing costs by over 30% versus a typical cable harness. When Bentek 2 circuit parallel cable harness solutions are integrated with the Bentek 1500VDC UTS2 combiners in our ISO 9001 certified facility, combined savings of up to 50% can be realized.”

“With over 10GW of installed products including more than 75,000 string combiners shipped to date, we are extremely pleased with customer acceptance of the 1500VDC UTS2 product line. Bentek continues to see strong demand for our 1500VDC PV products.  The Bentek 1500VDC UTS2 combiners will continue to support the needs of our customers as they continue to transition from 1000VDC to 1500VDC system designs.“ stated Mitch Schoch, President and CEO of Bentek.

For more information about the capabilities of the Bentek 1500VDC UTS2 String Combiners please contact Bentek at 1-866-505-0303 or visit www.Bentek.com.

 

About Bentek

Founded in 1985, Bentek is a leader in engineered electromechanical and power distribution solutions for industrial applications.  Bentek designs and manufactures products such as power distribution equipment, wiring harnesses, and custom OEM assemblies for the solar energy and semiconductor markets.  Bentek is an ISO 9001 certified company. For more information, contact Bentek Solar at 866-505-0303, e-mail SolarSales@bentek.com or visit www.Bentek.com.

Bentek in the News

Bentek sells more than 50MW of second generation Arc-Fault Combiners (AF2)

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San Jose, CA – Bentek Corporation, a leading manufacturer of products for the commercial and utility PV solar market announced today that it has received UL 1699B certification for its new, ground-mount, PV Arc Fault Circuit Interruption (AFCI) string combiner box, AF2. With orders in excess of 50MW shipping in early November, the new combiner is expected to be an effective solution for commercial rooftop PV systems and also ground-mount PV arrays requiring arc fault circuit interruption under the updated 2014 Edition of the National Electrical Code’s (NEC) Article 690.11.

Bentek 1000VDC AF2 Arc Fault Circuit Interruption String CombinersBentek’s newest product merges ground mount, utility-grade PV equipment with AFCI technology to provide a robust and user-friendly platform suitable for large-scale deployment. The elimination of DC contactors (replaced by a UL 98B trippable disconnect) extends the capability of the device to be compatible with the high fault currents seen in multi-megawatt PV inverters. The addition of a PV-powered AFCI circuit allows the customer to avoid the cost and labor associated with installing low-voltage control wiring. “When designing the Arc Fault Two [AF2] we wanted to make it as easy to install and configure as possible,” commented Bentek Product Manager, Stoli Jager, who added “I think we’ve surpassed our original goals and have arrived at a product that is truly plug and play, with no calibration required, delivering all that is required to comply with NEC Article 690.11.”

In addition to the ruggedized PV-powered model of the AF2, compatibility with rooftop Rapid Shutdown requirements is supported through a product configuration using an undervoltage release. “You just provide 120 or 240 volts ac to the unit, and if the power goes away, the PV disconnects will trip” explained Lou Marzano, VP of Engineering. “Using the ac power source as the rapid shutdown control signal is a straightforward way to eliminate costly, impractical 24V control wiring. For installations with low voltage ride-through requirements, or where the risk of unreliable grid power is an issue, we recommend backing up the supply power of the RS model with an uninterruptible power supply, to prevent nuisance opening of the PV disconnects,” he continued.  The AF2 provides both an elegant and cost-effective solution when arc fault circuit interruption and rapid shutdown capability are required.

More information regarding new product releases and technical documentation please contact Bentek at 1-866-505-0303 or visit www.Bentek.com.

 

About Bentek

Founded in 1985, Bentek is a leader in engineered electromechanical and power distribution solutions for industrial applications. Bentek designs and manufactures products such as power distribution equipment, wiring harnesses, and custom OEM assemblies for the solar energy and semiconductor markets. Bentek is an ISO 9001 certified company. For more information, contact Bentek Solar at 866-505-0303, e-mail SolarSales@bentek.com or visit www.Bentek.com.

Bentek in the News

Bentek Introduces New 1500VDC Utility-Scale (UTS) Combiner And Bentek Disconnect That Will Be Displayed At SPI Las Vegas

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Bentek, with over 30 years of design and manufacturing experience in a broad range of both AC and DC OEM power distribution products for the residential, commercial and utility-scale solar PV marketplaces, announces it will display several new Balance of System products in booth #1223 at the Solar Power International exhibition and conference in Las Vegas September 12th through the 15th.

1500VDC Utility-Scale (UTS) Combiner Bentek will introduce a new family of utility-scale (UTS) 1500VDC products that meet current NEC safety requirements.  “Our customers continue to be faced with a market that demands continued price per watt reductions while maintaining compliance with all electrical code and product safety standards. Project owners and operators want to be assured that the products they are purchasing are 100% compatible with each together and with all other system components. Our new 1500VDC products achieve all these objectives”, said John H. Buckley, Executive Sales and VP of Marketing.

Bentek 1500VDC UTS2 String Combiners

Bentek introduces its 2nd generation 1500VDC integrated disconnect string combiner. A custom range of load-break rated disconnect switches developed by Bentek for the 1500VDC UTS2 line vastly increases DC collection system design flexibility for project designers and EPCs.

The new Bentek disconnects integrated in the 1500VDC UTS2 combiners are provided in standard commercially available ampacities of 200A, 250A, 320A and 400A. Bentek has expanded on this range to include ampacity ratings of 225A, 275A, 300A, 325A, 350A and 375A.

The new Bentek 1500VDC UTS2 string combiners with expanded ampacity ratings are offered in one standard enclosure size with a variety of options including surge protection, pre-terminated cable whips, conduit fittings and mounting kits.

“The more granular set of ratings will provide up-front value engineering opportunities during the design phase by not restricting customers to procuring “standard” ampacity units. This has the potential to reduce combiner costs by 10 to 15 percent with hundreds of thousands of dollars in project savings as a result” stated John H. Buckley, Executive Sales and VP of Marketing.

 

For more information about the capabilities of the Bentek products that will be displayed at SPI in Las Vegas September 12th through the 15th in booth #1223, please contact Bentek at 1-866-505-0303 or visit www.Bentek.com.

About Bentek

Founded in 1985, Bentek is a leader in engineered electromechanical and power distribution solutions for industrial applications. Bentek designs and manufactures products such as power distribution equipment, wiring harnesses, and custom OEM assemblies for the solar energy and semiconductor markets. Bentek is an ISO 9001 certified company. For more information, contact Bentek Solar at 866-505-0303, e-mail SolarSales@bentek.com or visit www.Bentek.com.

Solar Pro

Opportunities, Strategies & Best Practices for Electrical Balance of System Optimization (eBOS)

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The Marketing team is pleased to announce that Bentek is featured in the July/August 2016 Issue of SolarPro magazine.  The article is titled “Opportunities, Strategies & Best Practices for Electrical Balance of System Optimization (eBOS).”

Within the article: Opportunities, Strategies & Best Practices for Electrical Balance of System Optimization (eBOS), you will find a wealth of information about the Solar Industry as well as commentary from John Buckley, Executive Sales & VP of Marketing.

“For large utility-scale projects, our customers are quickly moving from 1,000 Vdc to 1,500 Vdc. Bentek has already shipped more than 200 MW of complete UL 1741–listed 1,500 Vdc solutions.“
—John Buckley, executive sales and marketing, Bentek

“Our utility-scale ground-mount customers are moving to 1,500 Vdc cable harnesses that support both thin-film and crystalline modules. While the cable harness configurations vary depending on the layout of the PV project, we see more PV projects moving to a two-circuit parallel harness. This type of cable harness allows the PV designer to parallel two circuits together, which minimizes the customer’s combiner costs by halving the number of input circuits while doubling the amperage of the fuses inside the string combiners. This cable harness and combiner configuration provides customers with a cost-effective solution that offers high reliability.
—John Buckley, executive sales and marketing, Bentek

Bentek in the News

Bentek receives over 100MW in new orders for UL listed 1500VDC UTS String Combiners

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Bentek, with over 30 years of design and manufacturing experience in a broad range of both AC and DC OEM power distribution products for the residential, commercial and utility-scale solar PV marketplaces, announces it has received orders that exceed 100MW for its new 1500VDC line of UTS integrated disconnect string combiners. This product line is UL listed to UL1741 as well as CSA C22.2 No. 290-15 for systems in Canada.

“The 1500VDC UTS string combiners are highly configurable combiners designed and manufactured for utility-scale projects. They come with a broad range of standard features including UL 98B disconnect switches with multiple ampacity ratings, generous output cable size ranges with industry standard termination hardware spacings, NEMA Type 4 enclosures and Lock Out/ Tag Out functionality.” stated John H. Buckley, Executive of Sales and Marketing for Bentek.

“In additon Bentek offers optional features commonly required in utility-scale PV project specifications including surge protection, fiberglass or stainless steel enclosures and breather vents. Our offerings are meant to reduce labor time at the project site and improve an EPC’s critical path schedule. We regularly provide mounting kits for either posts or piles, pre-terminated cable whip assemblies and pre-fabricated cable harness assemblies for use in fixed-tilt or tracker systems.

John Buckley went on to say, “Our highly configurable cable harness solutions complement the combiner box line and are available in 1500VDC ratings utilizing any commercially available 1500VDC module connector. When complete cable harness assemblies are integrated directly with the combiners in our ISO 9001 certified facility, combined materials savings of up to 20% can be realized with projected site labor savings of up to 40% for cable installation.”

“With over 7GW of installed products including more than 60,000 string combiners shipped to date, we are extremely pleased with customer acceptance of the new 1500VDC UTS product line. Bentek continues to see strong demand for all balance of system PV products having achieved record shipments in the first quarter of 2016. The new Bentek UTS combiners will continue to support the needs of our customers as they transition to 1500VDC system designs.“ stated Mitch Schoch, President and CEO of Bentek.

For more information about the capabilities of the Bentek UL listed 1500VDC UTS String Combiners please contact Bentek at 1-866-505-0303 or visit www.Bentek.com.

About Bentek
Founded in 1985, Bentek is a leader in engineered electromechanical and power distribution solutions for industrial applications. Bentek designs and manufactures products such as power distribution equipment, wiring harnesses, and custom OEM assemblies for the solar energy and semiconductor markets. Bentek is an ISO 9001 certified company. For more information, contact Bentek Solar at 866-505-0303, e-mail SolarSales@bentek.com or visit www.Bentek.com.

PowerRack AL Shield by Bentek

Bentek Solar Receives Multiple Patents for Its Inverter PowerRack and PowerSkid

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SAN JOSE, CA ― December 2015 Bentek Solar, manufacturer of a broad range of products connecting PV panels to inverters worldwide for the residential, commercial and utility-scale marketplaces, has received patents for the Bentek inverter PowerRack and PowerSkid – patent numbers D739,819 S and D739,346 S.

“Bentek Solar continues to add to its patent portfolio with the Inverter PowerRack and PowerSkid,” said John H. Buckley, Executive of Sales and Marketing for Bentek Solar. “Over the past year the Inverter PowerRack and PowerSkid have provided significant benefits in labor, materials, time and economy of space for commercial rooftop inverter installations. The PowerRack also provides PV installers with a cost-effective way to install three-phase inverters within 10 feet of the PV array complying with NEC 2014 section 690.12 Rapid Shutdown requirements.”

 

The PowerRack provides a common design that fits most three-phase inverters including ABB, Chint, Schneider, SMA, Solar Edge, SolarMax and Solectria. The Bentek Inverter PowerRacks can be shipped directly to any commercial job site where three-phase inverters can be integrated and installed on commercial rooftops.  Bentek also integrates commercial three-phase inverters and Bentek AC disconnects in its ISO 9001:2008 factory and ships the Bentek Inverter PowerSkid directly to the commercial job site. Bentek PowerShields are easily mounted on either the PowerRack or PowerSkid, and provide environmental protection and heat deration protection for three-phase inverters.

For more information about the capabilities of the PowerRack and PowerSkid and the patents it has received, please contact Bentek at 1-866-505-0303 or visit www.BentekSolar.com.

About Bentek Solar

Founded in 1985, Bentek is a leader in engineered electromechanical and power distribution solutions for industrial applications.  Bentek designs and manufactures products such as wiring harnesses, electrical combiner boxes, and custom OEM assemblies for the solar energy and semiconductor markets.  Bentek is an ISO certified company. For more information, contact Bentek Solar at 866-505-0303, e-mail SolarSales@bentek.com or visit www.BentekSolar.com.