July 25, 2005, (PORTLAND, OR) – How do you know it’s working?  For solar power projects that use photovoltaic (PV) technology, it is not always easy to tell.  The solar modules convert sunlight to electricity with no moving parts, no noise, and no air pollution or other emissions.  Although these attributes are great for the environment, they do not help when it comes to evaluating a project’s performance.  However, thanks to the Bonneville Environmental Foundation’s (BEF) purchase of 24 PV2Web™ energy-monitoring systems from Fat Spaniel Technologies, measuring the performance of these BEF-supported systems is merely a mouse click away.

The PV2Web systems monitor energy production at the source, making it available via the internet from virtually any web-enabled device.  The ability to monitor actual solar electric energy production is a key element of BEF’s quest to develop comprehensive solar electricity awareness and education programs.  Prior to the release of the Fat Spaniel product, available monitoring systems were cost prohibitive, especially for smaller 1 to 2 kW educational systems, leaving educators with limited access to real-time system information.

BEF currently provides web access to energy generation information for two projects developed in partnership with Clark Public Utilities in Vancouver, Washington:  Clark Public Utilities' Operations Center and Columbia Vista Corporation.  Eventually, BEF plans to roll out the web-based monitoring system for virtually all of its future renewable projects, including those developed on behalf of its other Green Tag customers, such as Idaho Power and Puget Sound Energy, and those developed in collaboration with other BEF project partners such as the Energy Trust of Oregon, Inc. and the VFC Renewable Energy Project Artists.

“Fat Spaniel’s PV2Web monitoring system is an obvious choice for our solar power programs.  It is affordable, and the data it provides enables the beneficiaries of these solar power projects to view real-time information for use in their own solar education and awareness programs.  But the company has gone much beyond that,” said Rob Harmon, vice president of renewable energy programs for BEF.  “The visualization and monitoring tools give each system’s owners the control and information they need to see that their PV system is producing power as expected.  And, the information is displayed using an attractive, non-technical, customer-friendly interface.”

Chris Beekhuis, president of Fat Spaniel Technologies, added, “As a company dedicated to the activities and concepts that save energy and reduce our environmental impact wherever possible, it is particularly gratifying to work with the Bonneville Environmental Foundation, a kindred spirit to our business.  We anticipate great things from BEF’s solar activities as they advance the program from individual sites and schools to ‘solar communities’ and beyond.”

About Fat Spaniel Technologies
Fat Spaniel Technologies provides real-time renewable energy monitoring for commercial and residential installers, equipment manufacturers, and system owners via any internet-enabled device.  Fat Spaniel Technologies was founded with the goal of making renewable energy more visible, accessible and compelling to end users, industry professionals and policy makers.  Further information is available on the company's website: www.fatspaniel.com.

About BEF
The Bonneville Environmental Foundation, a non-profit organization, was established in 1998 to restore watershed ecosystems and further the development and use of new renewable energy resources.  Through revenues generated from the sales of green power products, BEF funds projects that restore damaged watersheds and support new renewable energy projects from solar, wind and biomass.  BEF pioneered the sale of Green Tags in 2000 and has helped establish national standards for certification and trading.  Created by regional environmental groups and the Bonneville Power Administration, the Foundation operates collaboratively with but independent of both. More information is available on the web at
www.b-e-f.org.