Could APC be expanding its business instead? APC develops and sales battery backup systems and electrical surge protection systems. These same systems are what one might find in the power conversion system on a solar cell installation. APC has the knowledge and expertice to move into the alternative energy sector. If I may be so bold to say so, yes, APC should be expanding its business.

I don't know if they are looking to expand soon, Ed, but I agree that APC's deep power management and more general electrical engineering skills would seem to be valuable assets in both the fast-growing alternative energy and energy conservation sectors. It would be great to see such a cluster of activity emerging in and around APC RI.

I agree. However, if I understand correctly, APC's product engineering teams are in MA.

I tend to think growth from moving into a new market segment would be felt company wide benefiting all the communities in which they operate. Interesting re-reading the history of APC I see they started off in the solar electricity.

What APC could do in Rhode Island in the area of alternative energy is just sample of the potential for Rhode Island companies in this growth area. For example, I could cite the potential for lithium-ion battery companies like Modular Energy Devices and Yardney Technical Products, alternative energy providers like the well-known Alteris Renewables, educational institutions like New England Tech who are already expanding their coursework to include solar and wind. Again I simply wanted to highlight the existing resources and potential for growth within RI companies.