VOLUME 18 | ISSUE 1
2024
SOLAR BUYERS GUIDE
Pg. 57
Mind Your Intellectual Property Strategies for renewable energy leadership Pg. 8
Subsea Cable Failure Could Derail Offshore Wind
Pg. 24
“Driving” Change
EV tax credit revolution unveiled in 2024 Pg. 42
5 Best Practices to Overcome Energy Storage Permitting Hurdles Pg. 46
The Green Hydrogen Conundrum Pg. 132
Plus Show-in-Print Features:
• ACP Operations, Maintenance & Safety Conference Pg. 33 • Intersolar North America & Energy Storage North America Pg. 116 • RE+ Northeast Pg. 129
Come see us at Intersolar, Booth 2813
SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 9
Pg. 16
Pg. 136
2023 Pack - 88 Pieces 05-372
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#05-219 - 2023 NEC 690.13(B)
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#02-316 - 2023 NEC 690.12(D)(2)
SINGLE 120-VOLT SUPPLY DO NOT CONNECT MULTIWIRE BRANCH CIRCUITS
#05-217 - 2023 NEC 690.31(E)
RAPID SHUTDOWN SWITCH FOR SOLAR PV SYSTEM
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THE DISCONNECTION OF THE GROUNDED CONDUCTOR(S) MAY RESULT IN OVERVOLTAGE ON THE EQUIPMENT pvlabels.com
05-217
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MAXIMUM VOLTAGE MAX CIRCUIT CURRENT
ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD DO NOT DISCONNECT UNDER LOAD
#05-327 - 2023 NEC 690.13(B)
DC JUNCTION BOX
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SOURCE
05-806 05-806 05-806 05-806 05-806 05-805 05-805 05-805 05-805
#03-305 - 2023 NEC 706.15(C) ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM DISCONNECT #03-303 - 2023 NEC 690.7(D)
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03-327
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MAXIMUM DC VOLTAGE
#05-406 - 2023 NEC 690.15(B)
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A 03-309
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#05-234 - 2023 NEC 690.7(D) DC DISCONNECT
VA A
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DC JUNCTION BOX
05-232
Hz
MAXIMUM AC CURRENT
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#05-232 - 2023 NEC 690.15(B)
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SOURCE
V
MAXIMUM AC POWER
MAXIMUM OVERCURRENT DEVICE RATING FOR AC MODULE PROTECTION PER CIRCUIT
CAUTION SOLAR CIRCUIT
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03-308
NOMINAL OPERATING AC VOLTAGE
#05-326 - 2023 NEC 690.15(B)
05-347
#03-309 - 2023 NEC 690.7(D) NOMINAL OPERATING AC FREQUENCY
DO NOT TOUCH TERMINALS TERMINALS ON BOTH THE LINE AND LOAD SIDES MAY BE ENERGIZED pvlabels.com IN THE OPEN POSITION 05-219
2023 NEC #05-347 #05-342 #05-345 #05-343 690.31(D)(2) 690.4(B)
#03-308 - 2023 NEC 690.7(D) & 690.8(A)(1)
ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD
05-326
05-307
MULTIPLE SOURCES OF POWER
AC JUNCTION BOX
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05-307
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03-396
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03-313
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SOURCES: UTILITY GRID AND PV SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEM
05-805
SOLAR PV DC CIRCUIT
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#05-411 - 2023 NEC POPULAR ITEM
03-313
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05-346
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03-313
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SOLAR PV DC CIRCUIT
#05-324 - 2023 NEC 110.22(A)
MAXIMUM DC VOLTAGE OF VOLTS PV SYSTEM: pvlabels.com
NEGATIVE
03-305
#05-235 - 2023 NEC 690.7(D) SOLAR INVERTER
NEGATIVE
SOLAR PV DC CIRCUIT
05-233
#05-216 - 2023 NEC 705.12(B)(2) POWER SOURCE OUTPUT CONNECTION DO NOT RELOCATE THIS OVERCURRENT DEVICE
05-330
NEGATIVE
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OF PV SYSTEM
03-303
MAXIMUM DC VOLTAGE
03-326
05-108
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05-213
THIS EQUIPMENT FED BY MULTIPLE SOURCES. TOTAL RATING OF ALL OVERCURRENT DEVICES, EXCLUDING MAIN SUPPLY OVERCURRENT DEVICE, SHALL NOT EXCEED AMPACITY OF BUSBAR.
05-330
02-316
MAXIMUM DC VOLTAGE OF VOLTS PV SYSTEM:
05-215
pvlabels.com
POSITIVE NEGATIVE
05-342
05-112
#05-233 - 2023 NEC 690.7(D) DC COMBINER BOX
#05-108 - 2023 NEC 705.12(B)(3)
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THIS IS BUILDING IS SUPPLIED BY MULTIPLE SOURCES OF POWER WITH DISCONNECTS LOCATED AS SHOWN:
05-215
03-315
#03-313 - 2023 NEC 690.31(D)(2)
#05-330 - 2023 NEC POPULAR ITEM
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CAUTION
03-306
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VOLTS
INVERTER OUTPUT CIRCUIT
05-216
MADE IN USA
AMPS
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ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD TERMINALS ON THE LINE AND LOAD SIDES MAY BE ENERGIZED IN THE OPEN POSITION
03-315
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Reflective
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Largest Selection
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SOURCE
POSITIVE
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RATED AC OUTPUT CURRENT NOMINAL OPERATING AC VOLTAGE
03-315
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Code Compliance
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PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM POWER SOURCE
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#05-383 - 2023 NEC 690.31(B)(1)
ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD TERMINALS ON THE LINE AND LOAD SIDES MAY BE ENERGIZED IN THE OPEN POSITION
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SOURCE
#03-306 - 2023 NEC 690.31(D)(2)(c) AC DISCONNECT
POSITIVE
pvlabels.com
#05-215 - 2023 NEC 690.13(B)
03-315
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Vinyl Labels
#05-379 - 2023 NEC 690.31(B)(1)
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05-341
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05-109
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PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SOURCE
PV SYSTEM kWh METER
TURN RAPID SHUTDOWN SWITCH TO THE “OFF” POSITION TO SHUT DOWN PV SYSTEM AND REDUCE SHOCK HAZARD IN THE ARRAY
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PV SYSTEM DISCONNECT
#05-805 & 05-806 2023 NEC 690.31(B)(2) pvlabels.com
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#03-315 - 2023 NEC 690.31(D)(2) SOLAR ELECTRIC PV PANELS
05-109
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Special Price
WARNING
05-347
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$39.00
#05-372 - 2023 NEC 110.27(C)
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UV Film Lamination
SOLAR PV SYSTEM EQUIPPED WITH RAPID SHUTDOWN
ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD TERMINALS ON THE LINE AND LOAD SIDES MAY BE ENERGIZED IN THE OPEN POSITION
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Custom Items
#05-112 - 2023 NEC 690.12(D)
SALE
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#05-109 - 2023 NEC 690.13(B) PV SYSTEM DISCONNECT
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CONTENTS Turbine 12 Whole Predictive Maintenance
VOLUME 18 | ISSUE 1
VOLUME 18 | ISSUE 1
2024 JANUARY•FEBRUARY
2024 SOLAR
BUYERS GUIDE Pg. 57
PUBLISHER
Mind Your Intellectual Property
Ian Stuart istuart@nacleanenergy.com
Strategies for renewable energy leadership Pg. 8
Subsea Cable Failure Could Derail Offshore Wind
Pg. 24
“Driving” Change
EV tax credit revolution unveiled in 2024 Pg. 42
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
5 Best Practices to Overcome Energy Storage Permitting Hurdles
Quinn Stuart quinn@nacleanenergy.com
Pg. 46
The Green Hydrogen Conundrum Pg. 132
EDITORS
Plus Show-in-Print Features:
• ACP Operations, Maintenance & Safety Conference Pg. 33 • Intersolar North America & Energy Storage North America Pg. 116 • RE+ Northeast Pg. 129
Jill Walters editor@nacleanenergy.com
Come see us at Intersolar, Booth 2813
SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 9
Pg. 16
Pg. 136
On our cover… NACE_JanFeb2024-FINAL.indd 1
Meg Lugaric meg@nacleanenergy.com
2024-01-11 1:14 PM
Rooftop solar in Illinois during the final Independent Engineer’s punch list inspection. This 3MW solar project was financed by X-Caliber Rural Finance with Independent Engineering, Construction administration and oversight by Partner Engineering and Science, Inc. Photo credit to Rex Guyer, Renewable Energy Project Manager, Partner Engineering.
Key to 52 The Accelerated EV Adoption
34 Show-in-print: ACP O&M and Safety Conference
Partner Engineering and Science, Inc.
ART DIRECTOR
Chris Van Boeyen production@nacleanenergy.com SALES
Quinn Stuart quinn@nacleanenergy.com Don McIntosh dmcintosh@nacleanenergy.com
/// www.partneresi.com
Keaton Spence keaton@nacleanenergy.com
DEPARTMENTS
Ben Mitchell ben@nacleanenergy.com CIRCULATION MANAGER
8
Top story
10
Wind power
28
Wind product spotlight: Safety & Fall Protection
30
Wind spotlight: Training
33
Show-in-print: ACP O&M and Safety Conference
38
Energy storage
57
2024 Solar Buyers Guide
116
Show-in-print: Intersolar North America & Energy Storage North America
129
Show-in-print: RE+ Northeast
132
Hydrogen
138
Events calendar & advertisers list
8 Mind Your Intellectual Property Strategies for renewable energy leadership
The Sound of Success in the Wind Industry
12
Whole Turbine Predictive Maintenance
10
Old is New Again Retrofit wind turbines take back control
14
16 Lurking Beneath Your Feet Wind developers face risks from severed mineral interests 18 Beyond the Grid AI unlocks wind's potential 20 A Call for Offshore Wind Investments needed in key technologies 22 Wind of Change The digital transformation of wind energy 24
4
Subsea Cable Failure Could Derail Offshore Wind
82
130
2024 Solar Buyers Guide DCE Solar
Show-in-print: RE+ Northeast
Kassidi Kirk circulation@nacleanenergy.com ACCOUNTING
Alison Bell abell@nacleanenergy.com 255 NEWPORT DRIVE, SUITE 336 PORT MOODY, B.C. V3H 5H1
Phone: (604) 461-6223
Path to Easy and Affordable 134 The Green Hydrogen Production
28
48 Pricing Parity Public EV fast charger vs. traditional fuel
30 Wind Spotlight: Training
50
Five Factors to Consider When Choosing Your O&M Partner
33 Show-in-Print: ACP Operations, Maintenance & Safety Conference
52
The Key to Accelerated EV Adoption
57
2024 Solar Buyers Guide
38 See EVs Differently The potential of bidirectional c harging and V2X technology
116 Show-in-Print:
Wind Product Spotlight: Safety & Fall Protection Equipment
40
Will Lead Carbon be the New Go To?
44 Notes from the Field AI helps energy storage operators increase revenues
46
North American Clean Energy accepts no responsibility or liability for reported claims made by manufacturers and/or distributors of products of services; the views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of North American Clean Energy. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the publishers. Editorial, Advertising, Production, and Circulation are at 255 Newport Drive, Suite 336, Port Moody, B.C. V3H 5H1 (604) 461-6223. Subscriptions: $89 per year outside North America. Email: circulation@nacleanenergy.com
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129 Show-in-Print: RE+ Northeast
“Driving" Change EV tax credit revolution unveiled in 2024
42
Intersolar North America & Energy Storage North America
North American Clean Energy (USPS 1370) is publishing bi-monthly and distributed free by Action Media Ltd. Periodicals postage paid at Effingham, IL. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to North American Clean Energy at 3012 S. Banker St., Suite 1, Effingham, IL 62401. Subscription updates can be made at circulation@nacleanenergy.com.
5 Best Practices to Overcome Energy Storage Permitting Hurdles
2024 JANUARY • FEBRUARY /// www.nacleanenergy.com
132 The Green Hydrogen Conundrum
Information will remain strictly confidential.
134 The Path to Easy and Affordable
FOLLOW US ON
Green Hydrogen Production
136 Precision Humidity
Measurement Drives Fuel Cell Development Forward
LinkedIn.com/Company /north-american-clean-energy
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EDITOR'S NOTE
M
erriam Webster has declared its word of the year for 2023. It’s “Authentic”. But is it? Truthfully, my finger could have landed on any number of websites claiming to be the final word on the word. Other entries included “Hallucinate”, “Rizz” (don’t ask), or Japan’s somewhat depressing yet perpetually appropriate choice of “Tax”. Authentic, however, is my personal winner. Who knew there would come a time in our lives when that word would become so loaded? Courtesy of AI, a close runner up is “Deepfake”, a moniker that plagues some of mankind’s greatest achievements. Where many of us grew up using the expression “I don’t believe it!” to signal amazement at something we’ve witnessed or experienced even though we know it to be true, our progeny struggle to navigate a world in which they genuinely cannot be certain that what they see or hear is real. You may not remember him by name, but Bart Sibril had convinced himself that astronaut Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong had not, in fact, set foot on the surface of the moon in 1969. In September of 2002, Aldrin was filmed leaving a hotel in Beverly Hills when Sibril branded him a liar. To the delight of all of us who took great pride in that particular national accomplishment, Aldrin punched him in the nose and walked away. Although NASA didn’t originally coin the term, the Apollo missions of the late 1960s are inextricably linked with “Moonshot”. (The first documented use of “moon shot” dates all the way back to a 1936 Washington Post story on racehorses: “For a moon shot, Zinnia would be the right one.”). Still, when most of us think of a moon shot, we envision a trip to outer space. As they normally do for any word, the Merriam Webster team offers an alternate definition: “moonshot refers to a project or venture that is intended to have deep-reaching or outstanding results after one heavy, consistent, and usually quick push” In line with this interpretation, and almost 22 years after Buzz Aldrin’s well-placed shot to Bart’s beak, the Department of Energy launched its Energy “Earthshots” Initiative. As
the name implies, the United States is betting a bit closer to home. The Hydrogen Shot, the Carbon Negative Shot, Enhanced Geothermal Shot, Floating Offshore Wind Shot, Industrial Heat Shot, Long Duration Storage Shot, and Clean Fuels & Products Shot will bring together researchers from around the country to pool their collective brain power on the key challenges of each energy stream. Keep your eye on the balance sheet — $264 million is slated to fund this effort over the next four years. From the state of Washington to New Jersey, eight National Laboratories will host teams of experts focused on revealing a clear path towards a zero-net carbon economy by 2050. It's a “moonshot” for sure, but if we managed to bring men back from outer space with the fraction of the RAM in your smartwatch, we can look forward to an authentic return on our investment.
“The great advantage about telling the truth is that nobody ever believes it.” – Dorothy L. Sayers
Meg
NEWS BITES
Non-toxic leather cleaning and rejuvenation
Modular, repairable, and upgradable umbrellas
Propeller advance paves way for quiet, efficient electric aviation
Since the early 1960’s Leather Honey Leather Conditioner has been rejuvenating any leather, from shoes and jackets to couches and car seats. Leather Honey contains no damaging chemicals or animal products, instead offering non-toxic, safe, high quality ingredients, providing up to six months of leather protection in an easy-to-apply formula. Leather Honey soaks into leather’s pores, hydrating the individual fibers of the leather and providing a waterrepellent barrier to prolong its life. Leather Honey products are all safe for kids and pets.
BLUNT Umbrellas, from New Zealand, are built to last with engineering and intelligent design, wind tunnel tested to hurricane conditions, completely repairable, and stylish. The BLUNT brand resists the throwaway culture to better treat the planet and reduce the one million umbrellas that end up in landfills each year. That goes for the packaging as well. BLUNT’s patented blunt tips act like mini umbrellas and the taut, hightension canopy has been wind tunnel tested to hurricane conditions. These products are modular by design, with smart and efficient use of materials. Every component performs at least two jobs and is tested for stress to materials and components to ensure strength and longevity. They are designed to be repaired, not replaced, adding to their sustainability with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty and ongoing support for life.
Leather Honey /// www.leatherhoney.com
BLUNT Umbrellas /// bluntumbrellas.co.uk
Electric aviation is battling a dilemma, the more energy-efficient an electric aircraft is, the noisier it gets. Now, researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, have developed a propeller design optimization method that paves the way for quiet, efficient electric aviation. Propellers connected to electric motors are considered the most efficient propulsion system for regional and domestic flights. But while the airplanes are electric, the propellers cause noise emission. The noise from the propeller blades wouldn’t just disturb air passengers. Future electric aircraft will need to fly at relatively low altitudes, with noise disturbance reaching residential areas and animal life. The ambition of developing electric aircraft that are both quiet and energy-efficient is somewhat thwarted by a trade-off problem. Researchers have succeeded in isolating and exploring the noise that occurs at the tip of the propeller blades, or “tip vortices”, a known but less well-explored source of noise. In isolating this noise, the researchers were able to fully understand its role in relation to other noise sources generated by propeller blades. By adjusting a range of propeller parameters, such as pitch angle, chord length, and number of blades, the team found a way to optimize the propeller design and even out the trade-off effect between efficiency and noise. The method of using six blades designed using their optimization framework, has developed a propeller that’s both relatively efficient and quiet. The propeller achieves a noise reduction of up to 5-8 dBA with only a 3.5% thrust penalty, compared to a propeller with three blades. That’s comparable to the noise reduction of someone going from speaking in a normal conversation voice to the sound you would perceive in a quiet room.
66
2024 JANUARY • FEBRUARY /// www.nacleanenergy.com
Chalmers University of Technology /// www.chalmers.se
news bites
See how steel made from recycled materials is decarbonizing offshore wind production. nucor.com/madeforgood
North American Clean Energy
7
TOP STORY
Mind Your Intellectual Property Strategies for renewable energy leadership by Doug Meier
Now more than ever, it would be difficult to overstate the importance of the renewable energy industry. Indeed, it seems that few other industries depend as heavily on constant and rapid innovation. This industry, however, is somewhat unique in its economic incentives around innovation and intellectual property (“IP” for short). In this article, we explore some of the most common IP challenges in the renewable energy sector, and why having a well-considered IP strategy is valuable for innovative companies.
Renewable energy solutions often involve significant up-front R&D costs and massive infrastructure investments, as well as their associated risks. Without IP protection, innovators may not feel incentivized to undertake these significant up-front costs and risks because of a concern about how to recoup those costs. This so-called free-rider problem can be especially pronounced in the renewable energy space. The other side of this coin, of course, is that without innovators, we may not see the technological progress that is so desperately needed. The renewable energy sector often faces longer lead times for project implementation and regulatory approvals. This makes it even more critical to protect IP, as the window of competitive advantage can be narrower compared to industries with shorter product life cycles. Renewable energy is further unique in its global, cooperative nature. The global nature of climate change and the push for sustainable solutions highlight
8
the need for international cooperation in renewable energy. IP protection can help incentivize collaboration and knowledgesharing between countries and companies, fostering a collective effort that will be necessary to effect change at a global level to address environmental challenges.
What is Intellectual Property?
Many people have heard of IP, but fewer have considered what it actually is. In short, IP is anything created in the mind. Although not necessarily tangible, IP is an asset that provides value to an organization, similar to real property or equipment. Value from IP can be captured through the strategic use of patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
The most common IP mistakes
Not Considering IP Early. It is somewhat counterintuitive for innovators to think about IP early in the process, before any valuable IP may exist. True innovators devote their time to developing technology, usually with the singular focus of building the best solution possible. Many innovators think, “Let’s get this solution out into the market, and we’ll worry about that IP stuff later.” Unfortunately, that reasoning can easily lead to traps later on. Simply publicly disclosing an invention by displaying it at a trade show conference can, in some circumstances, extinguish your ability to get a patent on that invention; you’ve effectively made your invention available to the public for anybody who can figure out how to build it on their own. By failing to take the time to think about IP issues earlier in the development process, those same innovators often hamstring themselves in ways that may not become apparent for years to come. Not Seeking IP Protection. A similar problem arises when innovators decide not to seek IP protection, which happens for any number of reasons. Most often, it is some combination of being unwilling to find the time to do it, reluctant to spend the money to do it, overwhelmed by the process, unsure who to contact, or feeling too confident that your superior solution will always overcome IP concerns. Not Taking a Holistic View. Innovators often get tunnel vision, failing to consider IP protection from a broad, topdown perspective. Each of the various types of IP serves a different purpose. Think of IP as tools in a toolbox, where each
2024 JANUARY • FEBRUARY /// www.nacleanenergy.com
tool is designed to accomplish a specific goal. No one tool is responsible for building a house; only when all of those tools are used correctly, and as complements to one another, that a house begins to take shape. So, too, with IP protection. The distinct types of IP protection — utility patents, design patents, trademarks, and trade secrets — should be considered as a whole when developing a comprehensive IP strategy. Not Considering Competitors’ IP. In many cases, IP protection can be used as both a sword and a shield. Many innovators focus purely on their own ideas, while failing to consider what others in the market are doing. This can lead to unwanted and unplanned claims from competitors of IP infringement, and those claims can be devastating. Such claims can lead to a complete rebrand, a product redesign around key technologies, costly and time-consuming litigation, or a royalty fee that eats into the bottom line. By ignoring these issues, innovators leave themselves open to unmitigated risks. Not Considering Indirect Value of IP. IP protection brings with it value that is not always easily quantifiable. This often has the real-world effect of causing its value to be discounted or ignored. Because it cannot always be easily entered on a balance sheet, it must not be valuable, the thinking goes. Though it may be difficult to quantify, IP protection nevertheless provides realworld value to innovators. This value may come, for example, in the form of direct asset value, valuations at the fundraising or exit stages that can be multiples higher than would otherwise be possible, industry recognition and acceptance, licensing value for a steady income stream, a gatekeeping or “moat” value to keep competitors at bay, and leveling the playing field for smaller industry players by minimizing some of the barriers to entry. IP protection is no silver bullet, in renewable energy or otherwise. But when it is used thoughtfully as part of a broader business objective, it can catalyze both innovation and collaboration, which are critical to ensure that renewable energy continues to advance us towards a better, brighter, and greener future.
Doug Meier is an intellectual-property attorney and managing partner of NK Patent Law.
NK Patent Law /// www.nkpatentlaw.com
North American Clean Energy
9
WIND POWER
The Sound of Success in the Wind Industry by Valery Godinez-Azcuaga
Image 2: Recent AE monitoring innovative technology enables operators to view the condition of their blades in real time through a web-based portal.
Wind energy continues to be a pivotal player in the global shift towards sustainable power sources. As the wind industry advances, so does the need for efficient and reliable methods to monitor the health of wind turbine components, with a particular focus on the critical components such as the blades. Acoustic Emission (AE) monitoring, a proven technique with a successful track record in various industrial sectors, is emerging as a promising solution for continuous and remote wind blade health monitoring. Its adaptation for wind turbine applications highlights the distinct advantages it holds over competing monitoring technologies, including traditional vibration monitors. Proven success in diverse industries
Acoustic Emission monitoring has been used for decades on a variety of critical civil and private assets in the infrastructure, oil and gas, renewable and non-renewable power, and manufacturing industries. This success is attributed to AE's ability to capture the acoustic waves emitted by active defects, such as cracks and delaminations, long before they become visible or critical. The use of AE for remote structural health monitoring (SHM) of bridges is particularly relevant for its applicability to wind turbine blades. As at-height assets exposed to wind, rain, and other harsh environmental factors, bridges require regular inspections to ensure
safety, but shutting bridges down for manned inspections is often not an option as commuters rely on them daily. AE sensors have been used for decades to monitor for cracking, fatigue, and microfracture damage to alert operators to potential concerns, enabling them to plan inspection and maintenance outages for optimal times while avoiding unplanned downtime. From monitoring pressure vessels in petrochemical plants to assessing the structural integrity of buildings and pipelines, AE has demonstrated its sensitivity to early-stage damage detection. This successful track record has naturally sparked interest in transferring the benefits of AE monitoring to the wind energy sector.
AE in wind blade monitoring
Wind turbine blades are subjected to a harsh and dynamic operating environment, with factors such as wind loads, turbulence, and varying temperatures placing constant stress on the structures. Monitoring the health of these blades is crucial to prevent catastrophic failures and optimize maintenance strategies. Acoustic Emission monitoring has emerged as a reliable technique for assessing the structural integrity of wind turbine blades throughout their operational life. One of the key advantages of AE monitoring in wind blade applications is its ability to detect and locate defects in real time. As blades experience fatigue, encounter environmental stresses, or suffer impacts, they emit acoustic signals that AE sensors can capture. This early detection capability allows for proactive maintenance interventions, reducing downtime and the risk of costly repairs.
Advantages over traditional techniques
While traditional inspections and certain monitoring techniques (such as vibration testing) have been used to evaluate wind blade integrity, AE monitoring brings several unique advantages to the table that make it a safer, more cost-effective option. 1. Early Detection of Damage: AE excels in detecting the initiation and propagation of cracks, corrosion, and other damages, providing an early warning system that is quicker than traditional manned inspections and more accurate than remote vibration monitors. This early detection capability significantly reduces the risk of unexpected failures. Image 1: Acoustic Emission monitoring is proven to detect blade damages, including cracking and delaminations, earlier than traditional inspection methods.
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2024 JANUARY • FEBRUARY /// www.nacleanenergy.com
2. Broad Frequency Range: AE monitoring captures a wide range of frequencies, allowing it to detect and characterize various types of damage-related events. This versatility ensures that no critical information is missed, providing a more comprehensive picture of the blade's health compared to vibration sensors, which may have limitations in frequency coverage. 3. Environmental Adaptability: Wind turbine installations are exposed to diverse environmental conditions. AE monitoring is less affected by factors such as temperature variations and wind speed fluctuations, ensuring consistent performance in challenging outdoor environments where vibration sensors may face limitations. 4. Reduced False Alarms: AE technology is known for its ability to distinguish between genuine damage-related signals and background noise, leading to fewer false alarms. This specificity is crucial for efficient and reliable monitoring, especially in remote and inaccessible locations where false alarms can result in unnecessary travel and maintenance activities. 5. Identification of Specific Defects: AE monitoring provides valuable information about the location and type of defects within the blade structure. This detailed insight allows maintenance teams to prioritize and plan repair activities more effectively than vibration monitoring, which may provide less specific information. 6. Long-Term Trend Analysis: AE technology's capability to track the progression of damage over time facilitates predictive maintenance strategies. This longterm trend analysis is a valuable tool for optimizing maintenance schedules and planning for the eventual replacement of blades. 7. Cost-Effectiveness: While the initial installation costs of AE systems may be higher than those of vibration monitoring, the longterm cost-effectiveness is often superior. The ability to prevent costly blade failures and unplanned downtime justifies the initial investment, making AE a financially prudent choice over time.
Valery Godinez-Azcuaga is Director of MISTRAS Group’s Sensoria Center of Excellence. MISTRAS is a "one source" multinational provider of integrated technology-enabled asset protection solutions, helping to maximize the safety and operational uptime for civilization’s most critical industrial and civil assets.
a reliable and sensitive technique for damage detection. As the wind energy sector continues to expand, the application of AE monitoring to wind turbine blades offers a paradigm shift in the approach to blade health assessment. The unique advantages of early detection, environmental adaptability, and specificity in defect identification position AE monitoring as a superior choice compared to traditional integrity assessment techniques, including vibration monitoring. By embracing AE technology, the wind industry can enhance the reliability and longevity of its turbine blades, contributing to the overall sustainability and efficiency of wind energy generation.
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North American Clean Energy
11
WIND POWER
Whole Turbine Predictive Maintenance 000 WORDS by Ashley Crowther
WIND STORY #1 ?????
T
he Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) 2022 marked the most significant action the United States has taken on clean energy to help galvanize the country’s green energy projects. The progress is already evident: The US Department of Energy's 2023 Land-Based Wind Market Report noted that the average wind deployment forecast for 2026 is 18GW, a significant increase from the 11GW forecast the year before the IRA was introduced. For the wind sector, it presented a long-term roadmap. While new farms were incentivized, it also offered repowering tax credits, enabling operators to reset the life of their fleets. However, permitting for new developments, especially offshore, remains a significant bottleneck, and inflated costs to build and operate have made previously agreed power prices unattractive. While delays in new farms continue, operators are increasingly concentrated on efforts to maximize existing fleet financial performance. Digitalization is playing a key role in extending and optimizing the life of existing farms. The US is not immune to the new turbine reliability issues which have plagued the industry for the last 2 years; there is growing need for technologies which actively address these issues. As demand for wind energy ramps up, digital solutions such as advanced sensing, IOT, and predictive analytics, are critical to ensure assets continue to operate at the highest level possible. With the industry driving efforts to lower the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), digital solutions are also crucial to the long-term sustainability of the sector by optimizing efficiency, improving maintenance strategies, and enhancing overall asset performance. A new report surveyed senior leaders across the wind industry, highlighting the clear focus of asset owners to accelerate the application of digital technology to actively address current sector challenges. On the global stage, US fleet owners are leaders in digitalization investment — 62 percent of those surveyed in the report stating they have good progress in digitization, a remarkable increase when compared to only 12 percent suggesting this in 2020. But with more than a third of US operators recognizing they
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have more to do in adopting advanced digital technology to safeguard their fleets, its value should not be understated. Senior leaders highlighted digitalization’s major benefit as the ability to apply intelligent planning and decisionmaking support, and many identified turbine sensors and predictive analytics as the greatest advantage in making fleets run more efficiently. With turbines increasing in size and complexity, there is growing demand for additional sensors to cover more turbine components such as blades, towers, and electrical components. Digitalization opens the door for comprehensive predictive maintenance (PdM) which can revolutionize an operator’s outputs, reduce costly maintenance expenditure and crucially, deliver improved reliability across existing assets. Providing a holistic overview of a turbine’s health can empower asset managers to develop strong operation and maintenance strategies which reduce downtime and keep the running of fleets seamless. A 100MW wind farm can produce 200 false alerts per year, resulting in approximately $200,000 in technician labor costs, transport to turbines, and lost revenue during downtime. Highquality predictive maintenance using advanced analytics can significantly reduce those false alerts. Available tools, including AI, can be integrated with various CMS systems to deliver an endto-end solution from detection to repair for major components. This minimizes routine in-person inspections, reduces repair costs, and allows operators to forecast and accurately budget unplanned repairs 6 to 18 months ahead. Improved operational efficiency, reduced
maintenance expenses, and increased energy production means a quicker return on investment. With the IRA spurring greater investment to accelerate the US clean energy future, it brings with it a roadmap for the wind industry to follow. Integrating digital solutions to deliver a full PdM overview of turbines is what will truly see it fulfill its promise. While the IRA incentives present an opportunity, maximizing the potential of existing wind farms through advanced technologies to bolster the sector’s productivity and efficiency should be a matter of course for the industry’s leaders. In doing so, the US wind energy market will take huge steps forward in combining legislative support with technological innovation to deliver streamlined processes which will propel it towards a more productive future that meets demand for renewable energy.
Ashley Crowther is Chief Commercial Officer at ONYX Insight - a global predictive analytics solution provider. ONYX’s combination of software, hardware, consultancy and engineering services has delivered solutions across 16,000 wind turbines in 30 countries around the world. ONYX Insight brings unbiased predictive analytics to owners and operators of renewable energy assets via seven global offices and 10 patents.
ONYX Insight /// onyxinsight.com
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North American Clean Energy
13
WIND POWER
Old is New Again
Retrofit wind turbines take back control by Thomas Andersen
The rapid increase in renewable energy generation around the globe has made existing wind farms a very desirable resource. As a result, many organizations are either acquiring a wide variety of wind turbines or evaluating those they already have; in either case, they’re looking for ways to run them more reliably while also driving peak efficiency. Unfortunately, many of these assets are decades old, making them hard to monitor effectively due to outdated technologies, and even harder to control due to limitations of aging OEM systems.
Figure 1: Implementing a wind turbine control retrofit using modern software and technology solutions is a fast and economical way to extend turbine lifespan and increase annual energy production. Complete replacement of turbines is often not an option. Besides the fact that new turbines are expensive, they are also frequently hard to obtain due to supply chain shortages. In addition, interrupting operations to replace turbines can result in costly outages, further limiting companies’ desire to replace assets. Even if cost is not an issue, many sites simply cannot accept construction of new turbines due to changing regulations. To meet their need for operational excellence without costly and complex replacements, many turbine owners and operators are looking to turbine control retrofits. When performed properly, retrofits are a fast way to gain full ownership of data and access to control of a turbine for more efficient operation (Figure 1). Moreover, retrofits from organizations with deep power expertise typically deliver fast return on investment (ROI).
What is a retrofit?
Today’s best-in-class turbine control retrofits are safe, fast, and easy. To install, a team opens the turbine control cabinet and removes the old control modules, leaving the legacy connectors in place. Using adapters that connect directly to the legacy connectors, the team installs new control modules with modern logic. The replacement units are plug and play, so neither the cabinet nor its wiring needs to be replaced. The most advanced solution providers will have out-of-the-box solutions for many common wind turbine models across most every OEM. This enables them to quickly deliver a retrofit for nearly any legacy turbine across a farm, even if the organization owns turbines from a wide range of manufacturers. In fact, with pre-engineered solutions, most retrofits can be completed in a day or two.
What are the benefits?
Figure 2: Eight degrees of misalignment can decrease production by approximately 2%. Advanced applications, such as self-calibrating yaw control and electronic pitch, can be implemented as part of a retrofit project to optimize operations by improving poor performance created by misalignment.
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The primary reason most organizations consider turbine control retrofits is to prolong lifespan, and to drive more performance and availability from their equipment. Improving performance is difficult, if not impossible, without access to data and control. No OEM control systems are designed to offer full access to data and thorough control capabilities to end users. Only the original manufacturer has such comprehensive access — and only if they are still in business. A control system retrofit puts control
back in the hands of operators. Teams gain access to logic features for controlling the turbines that typically deliver extended asset lifespans and 3-5 percent more annual production, resulting in payback within a year. These benefits are typically driven by two main areas: advanced load control and improved annual production.
Advanced load control
The modern turbine control systems available as part of a retrofit empower operators with advanced logic to manage poor performance created by misalignment. For example, yaw misalignment of four to ten degrees is quite common for old turbines. Eight degrees of misalignment decreases annual production by around 2 percent, which increases load on the turbine, shortening the lifespan and leading to outages (Figure 2). Pitch misalignment is also quite common, again reducing production and generating oscillation in the tower and drive train. Modern retrofit turbine control systems can automatically adjust pitch and yaw alignment to ensure the tower and drive train is operated within its load capacity. Control algorithms use multiple variables, including wind speed, vibration, load, and more to determine when adjustments should be made, and ensure they happen. Those same algorithms can also help eliminate overspeed and turbine stops from both variable and extreme loads created by changing wind speed. Builtin smart logic, created over decades of experience, collects operational data and uses it to calculate future wind speed and direction, adjusting operation as necessary.
Improved production
Modern retrofit turbine control technologies also offer options to improve production across the lifespan of a turbine. One-way operations teams accomplish this is by uprating the power of their turbine after a retrofit. For example, if a team operates a 1-megawatt (MW) turbine at 1.1MW, they gain an additional 100 kilowatts of power out of their operation. Alternatively, teams can opt to boost the power of their turbines based on operating conditions, shifting from sub-rated power to rated power to drive increased production. With constant access to deep data from the turbine, teams can customize their operations to find the perfect balance between equipment lifespan and peak power generation.
Ensure the best and fastest ROI
The most successful retrofits typically follow similar processes. First, teams wanting to drive the most benefit should consider ROI as they evaluate retrofit options. The faster a new control system can be installed and the more useful features it delivers, the quicker benefits will materialize. Automation partners with many years of expertise in wind power will have off-the-shelf retrofit kits that can be installed quickly and offer the most valuable features for a given turbine. Those same automation partners will also be able to help providers identify the best new control strategies to deliver fast ROI. Teams can also improve their success rate by performing a pilot. Often, retrofitting 5 or 10 turbines can quickly demonstrate the success necessary to scale a retrofit project across a farm, or even an entire fleet.
Behind the meter energy storage Catalyst Power Holdings LLC is launching new energy storage solutions for businesses. Its new behind-the-meter energy storage will be integrated as an option in the company’s Connected Microgrid product to provide businesses with significant energy savings from load shifting, peak shaving, and other capabilities.
Catalyst Power Holdings LLC /// www.catalystpower.com
Today is the right time for a retrofit Modern turbine retrofit projects are a fast and easy way to drive more value from existing assets. Because ROI is typically delivered in less than a year, teams can quickly deliver operations that exceed expectation, while increasing safety, visibility, and flexibility of operations fleet-wide.
Thomas Andersen is Vice President of Renewable Technologies for Emerson. He has more than 30 years of renewable control and optimization experience with a keen focus on wind generation. He began his career as an electrical technician with Mita-Teknik, a company known as a pioneer in wind generation control. In 2009, Andersen was promoted to MitaTeknik’s chief technology officer where he drove the development of state-of-the-art solutions used by wind turbine manufacturers, OEMs, and owners and operators all over the world. In 2021, Emerson acquired Mita-Teknik, strengthening Emerson’s presence in renewable energy and wind power generation. Andersen leads Emerson’s expansion into the renewable sector with software and technologies that increase reliability and annual energy production and help reduce operations and maintenance costs.
Emerson /// www.emerson.com
buyawg.com • sales@buyawg.com • TF: 800.342.7215 • Tel: 945.455.3050 North American Clean Energy
15
WIND POWER
Lurking Beneath Your Feet
Wind developers face risks from severed mineral interests
000 WORDS P
by Andy Graham
icture this: A wind developer is planning a new onshore project. When the planned construction location was selected, the developer considered the physical condition of the land, the availability of electricity transmission infrastructure, and applicable land use regulations. The lease form has been finalized and the landowner has granted an option. Can the project proceed? Not yet — the developer still needs to consider whether the landowner is actually sharing the land with someone else who owns the minerals under the surface of the land, because the mineral owner probably has rights to use the surface, too. Landowners generally own not just the surface, but also the minerals below them; they are free to sell their mineral rights to someone else. These separate mineral interests (sometimes called “severed minerals” or “split estates”) are usually privately owned, but the federal government owns separate minerals, mostly in the western United States. In some states, the state government owns severed minerals. Separate mineral ownership is not a recent innovation. As long ago as the sixteenth century, English courts recognized that minerals could be owned by someone other than the surface owner. This idea took root in the legal systems established in England’s colonies along the Atlantic coast, survived American independence, and then spread across the country as new states were established. Even in Louisiana, with its French and Spanish (and not English) legal heritage, the law recognizes that minerals can be owned separately, at least temporarily. Given the age of this idea, it is especially important that the developer investigating the ownership of the proposed construction site take the time to search the title records back far enough to find the creation of separate mineral interests. In the eastern United States, mining for hard-rock minerals like coal, lead, and iron ore started as long ago as the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and commercial oil and gas development started in several eastern as well as western states in the mid-nineteenth century. American law almost always allows the mineral owner to use the overlying surface to develop the underlying minerals. Mineral deeds and leases may expressly establish surface rights when the minerals were separated from the surface, so the developer needs to review all the mineral instruments to see which rights the mineral owner may have. Even if they say nothing, courts generally recognize that mineral ownership includes an implied right to use the surface. So, if there is separate mineral ownership, the developer should assume that the mineral owner can make some use of the surface. The law has permitted the mineral owner to broadly use these surface rights, both as to where on the land the right can be used and the way the right is used, so that the mineral owner usually has the right to build roads, construct mining and drilling locations, install equipment and build the electrical systems necessary to operate the equipment, and even temporarily house workers. In addition to these rights that might be exercised by any mineral owner, where there are hard-rock minerals, the developer needs to pay special attention to whether the mineral owner has the right to engage in surface mining (which would allow the removal of the surface to expose the underlying minerals), or the right to remove subjacent support and permit subsidence of the surface.
WIND STORY #1 ?????
These rights are not unlimited. They must be exercised in accordance with (1) the actual terms of the instruments that created the separate mineral ownership, (2) in a reasonable manner (which, in some states, means that mineral owners and surface owners must accommodate each other’s use of the land), as well as (3) the limitations on the location and extent of mining and drilling operations imposed by statutes and regulations. Keep in mind, however, that these limitations are usually fact-specific and vary from state to state, and sometimes vary within states because of local regulations. Still, the developer has options for addressing the risks presented by separate mineral ownership. The most common response is the waiver or non-disturbance agreement, where the developer identifies the separate mineral owner and negotiates an agreement under which the mineral owner promises to not use the surface during the lifetime of the developer’s project. Evidence of such agreements should be recorded so that future mineral owners are aware of the limits on their surface rights. The developer (or the surface owner) could go further and buy the minerals from the mineral owner. This option gives even greater levels of control, but it will probably be more expensive than negotiating a waiver. In some states, the surface owner may be able to reunite the minerals with the surface under a marketable record title act or a dormant mineral act; however, reuniting the minerals and the surface under such laws are fact-specific, and usually depends on the absence of references to the minerals in the surface owner’s chain of title, and a lack of activity on the part of the mineral owner over a certain period of years (usually 40 years). In some states, using these statutes requires notice to the mineral owner by certified mail or publication, as well as filing documents in the public land records. Other states require filing a lawsuit, so the time and expense may vary widely from state to state. Also, in some states, these acts apply to some, but not all types of minerals. Where the separate mineral ownership was created by lease rather than by deed, the separate ownership might be subject to abandonment if the mineral rights have not been exercised over a long period of time. The lease could be abandoned either by statute that, in some states, allows for abandonment through a notice-and-filing system similar to some states’ dormant mineral acts, or by judicial determination in a lawsuit. Other options might include prescription for non-use (available only in Louisiana), or adverse possession, which is fact-specific and requires a lawsuit. Regardless, the developer needs to do more than nothing. This article is public information and has been prepared solely for educational purposes. This article reflects only the personal views of the author and is not individualized legal advice. It is understood that each case is fact-specific, and that the appropriate solution in any case will vary. Therefore, this article may or may not be relevant to any particular situation. Thus, the author and Steptoe & Johnson PLLC cannot be bound either philosophically or as representatives of their various present and future clients to the comments expressed in this article. The presentation of this article does not establish any form of attorney-client relationship with the author or Steptoe & Johnson PLLC. While every attempt was made to ensure that this article is accurate, errors or omissions may be contained therein, for which any liability is disclaimed.
Andy Graham focuses his practice in the areas of energy and mineral law at Steptoe & Johnson PLLC, a U.S. law firm with core strengths in energy, labor & employment, litigation, and transactional law.
Steptoe & Johnson PLLC /// www.steptoe-johnson.com
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North American Clean Energy
17
WIND POWER
Beyond the Grid AI unlocks wind’s potential by Dr. Sandeep Gupta
As concerns about the impacts of climate change mount, new offshore wind projects up and down the East Coast are feeling the crunch of inflation, skyrocketing interest rates, and supply chain difficulties. It’s a perfect storm that is reducing the momentum of the wind industry from meeting its potential in the United States. Ensuring efficient, reliable renewable asset operation is a top- and bottom-line challenge, one that artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are uniquely equipped to solve. Wind turbines churn out an immense amount of structured and unstructured data. Big data tools can ingest that data and then apply machine learning (ML) algorithms to facilitate improved reliability to benefit the industry. With remarkable precision, AI/ML can predict when systems will require maintenance or are on the verge of failing. This level of insight provides renewable asset operators and maintenance personnel with advance notice that can turn a potentially catastrophic equipment failure for workers and hardware into a routine and less expensive maintenance task. Generative AI can also be applied to automate routine tasks associated with SaaS platforms, such as data entry, report generation, and system monitoring. This increases operational efficiency and allows human resources to be redirected towards more complex and strategic aspects of renewable energy management.
Case Example: Setting yaw misalignment straight
Yaw misalignment impacts optimal turbine performance and creates an obstacle to maximizing operating margins for wind projects. Yaw misalignment occurs when the turbine's orientation deviates from the optimal position, leading to decreased energy capture and increased stress on turbine components. Traditional methods of correcting yaw misalignment involve periodic adjustments based on meteorological data or hardware solutions such as LiDAR, but these approaches often fall short in dynamically changing wind conditions. While those techniques were effective, they had noteworthy disadvantages. LiDAR measurement campaigns are expensive, and physics-based methods require data from an extended period, typically a year, which results in time spent operating with increased loads and lost production. A far speedier and more cost-effective way to identify yaw misalignment is with machine learning-based technology. By building upon the physics-based method of using historical data to train the machine learning model to identify when yaw misalignment is present, the it can detect yaw misalignment of five degrees or more with 96 percent accuracy. This diagnosis also uses a shorter period of data compared to the year of data needed for legacy physics-based methods. A cloud computing AI platform can run 24 hours a day, seven days a week, without the need for input from analysts. When the platform detects a turbine operating with a misalignment, it will automatically notify the analyst, providing the magnitude and direction of the misalignment, whether positive or negative, so the turbine can be returned to its optimal operating condition.
Case Example: Throwing a fastball at pitchbearing failures
Wind farms are often located in harsh operating environments with significant wind turbulence, wind shear, and temperature changes. Pitch bearings play a crucial role in the functioning of wind turbines, allowing the blades to rotate and adjust their angle relative to the wind for optimal energy capture. However, they are susceptible to fatigue, wear, dents, and corrosion failures, especially in large megawatt wind turbines. When the integrity of the bearings is compromised, those bearings must be replaced — this is a difficult and expensive task, whether with a crane or crane-less maintenance. The obsolete method of diagnosing pitch-bearing health involves analyzing the amount and size of the wear particles in bearing grease samples. It’s an expensive and time-consuming process because the turbine must be offline, and technicians need to enter the hub to pull samples. Even after samples are pulled and analyzed, there can be ambiguity in the interpretation of the results.
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In contrast, AI technologies can detect pitch-bearing issues remotely using data that is being generated from existing analog, vibration, or acoustic sensors. It logs and events data that is continually sent to the platform, without needing to take the turbine offline or physically climb the turbine. When a faulty pitch bearing is detected, the technology automatically notifies users so the damage can be confirmed. Failures can be predicted with over 90 percent accuracy up to six months in advance. Project owners get long lead times to order replacement pitch bearings, which can save $150,000 or more each time multiple pitch bearings are simultaneously repaired.
Case Example: Generating efficiency with generative AI
The integration of AI with Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms has proven to be transformative for the renewable energy sector. Generative AI, a branch of artificial intelligence that focuses on creating new content, is being employed to streamline interactions with SaaS platforms used in renewable energy management. The ability to immediately find information that is hidden in documents, technician notes, and manuals is a game changer. The platform can understand the context and meaning behind the data, allowing it to create automated reports that provide raw information and insightful analyses. This technology is playing a key role in unlocking big data's power and reducing the energy cost from wind.
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Conclusion
In a recent National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) study, researchers found that technological innovations moving into commercial markets could unlock 80 percent more economically viable wind energy capacity during this decade. The various applications for AI, ML, and natural language processing technologies in wind energy can turn structured and unstructured data into valuable insights that pave the way to predictive maintenance, energy optimization, inventory and production forecasting, and data aggregation capabilities in real time with visualization and reporting. When the power of data analytics and physics-based digital twin technology are combined, windenergy operators can take advantage of the most comprehensive models with the highest accuracy and extended prediction horizons.
Dr. Sandeep Gupta is Renewables VP at SparkCognition, with 16 years of experience in the renewable energy industry. Sandeep’s PhD research involved wind turbine aerodynamics and eight years at a wind turbine OEM, where he led the loads and controls department. Sandeep received a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Maryland, an M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Rutgers University, and a B.Tech (Hons.) in Aerospace Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur.
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SparkCognition /// www.sparkcognition.com
www.elevatorinfo.org North American Clean Energy
19
WIND POWER
A Call for Offshore Wind Investments needed in key technologies by Debrup Das
D
espite some initial setbacks, the U.S. is making significant progress in meeting its climate goals outlined in the Paris Agreement. As it stands, the administration is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 50 percent below 2005 levels by 2030, decarbonize the U.S. power sector by 2035, and achieve a net-zero emissions economy by 2050. However, while a $369 billion investment made through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) offers some opportunity for optimism, there is still work to be done. To meet these aggressive climate goals, renewable energy production will need to be ramped up and diversified beyond solar and onshore wind to include a mix of other sources. With its steady and more reliable generation profile, and the prospect of building large plants off the coast with minimal disruption to onshore communities, offshore wind provides an attractive option. According to the Biden administration, the U.S. government is targeting the deployment of 30 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2030 – a huge increase from today’s less than 1 gigawatt of capacity. Offshore wind is much more mature in Europe, and the U.S. market can learn a lot about how Europe has led the way developing reliable offshore wind capacity to decarbonize its electrical grids and meet its own climate goals. Fortunately, the IRA has given the industry a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to unlock the untapped potential of offshore wind in the U.S. While the industry has recently experienced some headwinds, typically resulting from inflationary pressures and supply chain challenges, the ongoing financial incentives for renewable energy generation alongside performance gains have helped to maintain a solid value proposition for offshore wind, which will likely be upheld in the coming years. To date, there has been meaningful progress in the development of big offshore wind projects along the East Coast, and there is serious consideration of opportunities to develop windfarms in the deeper waters of the Pacific, mainly using floating technology.
In light of these developments, Energy Innovation models forecast that as many as 1.3 million clean energy jobs will be created nationally by 2030. This provides a promising outlook for the country to meet its ambitious objectives, but importantly the industry must tackle technical issues that prevent many of the more ambitious projects from getting off the ground. More than financial investment will be required. Harnessing a more intelligent approach through data driven insights will yield better planning, execution, and operability for these large, multigigawatt offshore wind farms.
Tackling the technical challenges of offshore wind Offshore wind projects face many financial, community, supply chain, and regulatory roadblocks, but given the right attention and focus, it’s clear that there is significant political will and public interest in addressing these obstacles. First, offshore wind energy – by its very nature – is typically generated dozens or even hundreds of miles from load centers. Just transmitting capacity to shore without substantial losses will be an extensive undertaking. Secondly, there aren’t many places where huge amounts of capacity can be integrated directly into the grid. Offshore wind farms have the potential to generate multiple gigawatts; simply depositing that amount of capacity directly into the grid would likely cause congestion – especially if there are not sufficient efforts to modernize and expand the grid infrastructure around those points of integration. And thirdly, as with most renewables, offshore wind generation is prone (albeit lesser than onshore renewables) to fluctuations depending on weather conditions, requiring the grid to be more flexible than ever.
Three available technologies ready to solve these challenges
Solving these technical challenges will rely on the industry’s ability to modernize the electrical grid through digital transformation initiatives. Here are three technologies that can help solve these problems and unlock the potential of offshore wind: 1. High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Solutions HVDC electric power transmission systems can transmit significantly more electricity in a less costly manner across long distances than alternating current (AC) lines. And while HVDC transmission would require converting AC power to DC at the offshore platform and then back to AC at the onshore substation, the benefits greatly outweigh the additional costs of building and operating the converter facilities. Apart from the benefits onshore in transmitting bulk power over long distances, HVDC also has additional benefits in context of offshore-to-
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2024 JANUARY • FEBRUARY /// www.nacleanenergy.com
Optimize offtake strategy
onshore power transmission. This includes cost savings from needing only two subsea cables versus three, and the ability to improve resiliency of the onshore AC grid through dynamic control of voltage and frequency. 2. Asset Performance Management (APM) Offshore wind assets are notoriously hard to maintain for obvious logistical reasons, and any unplanned downtime due to failures take much longer and more cost to resolve. In the era of high interest rate for capital, it is important to optimize the lifetime cost of assets to maximize the returns on investment (ROI). Automated APM solutions can help operators better maintain equipment, predict potential outages, and optimize productivity. They also enable a more holistic risk management for the overall project – helping make better decisions that improve operations, lower costs, and maximize revenue. 3. Energy Storage Systems Storage solutions can help smooth out the natural ebb and flow of renewable energy generation – eliminating the need to waste capacity during times of peak generation and offering the ability to help meet peak demand even when generation is low. However, given the high capacity of offshore wind farms, additional methods for long-term storage should be investigated as well – such as compressed air, superconductive magnets, and hydrogen storage. Perhaps most importantly, we need to expand transmission infrastructure to make sure energy can be transferred when and where it is needed.
Clir Renewables has released new technology to model the variability of hourly energy production. Powered by machine learning and over 200GW of data, the software improves upon the accuracy of industry standard approaches to modelling production shape and volume. The result is quality data to support owners and operators with production and revenue forecasting to optimize offtake strategy. Clir’s data scientists have overcome many of the pitfalls of standard statistical models. A machine learning model is trained using hourly gross energy from the wind or solar farm and climate data from the corresponding period. The projections from the trained model are then tested against actual production in the years following the training data period. Once trained, the model is used to produce a time-series distribution based on more than twenty years of data. The result is a simulation of hourly gross energy production uncertainty bands in any month, quarter, or year based on the historical trend.
Clir Renewables /// www.clir.eco
Investment is needed
Meeting the country’s climate goals will require the expansion and diversification of renewable energy generation. The vast potential of offshore wind generation can provide a substantial, fairly stable energy source. However, technical and policy challenges will need to be resolved in order for the country to take full advantage of the potential of offshore wind power. We need to continue to invest in transmission capacity, particularly HVDC systems which can transmit power over long distances, both from offshore platforms to shore, and between different regions. We’ll need solutions such as asset performance management to optimize output and create operational efficiencies. Moreover, we’ll need to develop more ways to store energy to help smooth out the variable generation profile of renewables such as offshore wind. With these challenges addressed, offshore wind could go a long way in decarbonizing our electrical grid and helping combat climate change.
Debrup Das is Head of Renewables, North America, at Hitachi Energy. Debrup is a visionary innovator, leader and an expert in T&D systems, solid-state breakers, and transmission power flow control.
Hitachi Energy /// www.hitachienergy.com
Grip, moisture protection, and high dexterity gloves Brass Knuckle SmartCut starts with a highdensity polyethylene (HDPE) knit shell to provide ANSI cut level A4 protection without bulk, with a strength-to-weight ratio 8 to 15 times higher than steel. But then SmartCut adds grip, moisture protection, and a high degree of dexterity. SmartCut has a water-based polyurethane (WBPU) coating as a palm and finger base coat. This helps reduce penetration of liquids, including light oil. Then it secures grip with a foam nitrile top coat and a sandy grip finish further enhances abrasion resistance and cut protection.
Brass Knuckle /// www.brassknuckleprotection.com
MBA Energy & Industrial is an industrial construction firm that specializes in providing various new facilities for energy-related projects. MBA has built over 100 buildings for the renewable industry and can provide complete coverage of your project. MBA’s current resume stretches across 22 states and includes O&M buildings, warehouses, large enclosures, battery storage, terminals, substation buildings, large offices, and many other facilities. Most MBA buildings are design/build in nature, but the company is also capable of build-to-print projects. The in-house team of architects and engineers helps clients through the design process and offers various options for their respective projects. MBA also provides budgetary pricing and consultation on building planning. Please don’t go through the design process alone; lean on our expertise. Contact MBA today.
w w North w. m ba-nrg.com American Clean Energy
21
WIND POWER
Wind of Change
The digital transformation of wind energy by Heinrich Dyck
The share of U.S. electricity generation from wind energy has grown from less than 1 percent in 1990, to about 10.2 percent in 2022. To achieve this accomplishment over the past two decades, the wind industry had to increase the rated capacity of wind turbines by 350 percent by installing turbines in 2022 with an average capacity of 3.2 megawatts.
Figure 1: As turbines become larger, they can generate more power, but the larger size also adds complexity.
At the same time, the industry saw a 173 percent increase in the average rotor diameter to an impressive average of 131.6 meters in 2022. Yet, turbine size continues to grow. Specifically, the latest generation of offshore turbines is reaching a rated capacity between 12 and 15 megawatts, and a rotor diameter between 260 – 236 meters to optimize project cost and performance (Figure 1). These : important measurements keep the wind industry competitive with other energy sources.
The evolution of the digital twin
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Bigger wind turbines usually face higher loads and are subject to harsh environmental impacts. They require multiple sensors to ensure a safe and reliable operation within the specification during normal and extreme weather conditions. A “digital twin” is a digital map of the sensors in the field, making it possible for decisionmakers to access important data to make informed decisions (Figure 2). The density and technology of these sensors has changed dramatically over the last two decades. Turbine manufacturers
changed from low-frequency, simple digital sensors to analog sensors that measure the exact pressure, temperature, acceleration, or position. The latest generations of smart sensors even come with an integrated communication interface, such as MODBUS, PROFINET, or IO-Link, to simplify the integration and communication of complex applications. Digital tools like weather forecast and simulations provide additional external information for power predictions, maintenance planning, and safety enhancement. All these trends support the framework of the digital twin at scale. But how does this help?
Leveraging data for maximum impact
A good example of the impact was the deployment of drivetrain condition monitoring systems (CMS) in the last
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22
2024 JANUARY • FEBRUARY /// www.nacleanenergy.com
Figure 2: A digital twin gives key decision-makers access to important sensor data.
ecosystems are exposed to constantly evolving cyber attacks. With the increasing complexity, networks require stronger security governance than ever before.
Important success factors
Figure 3: Operators can use data about environmental conditions to plan predictive maintenance. decade. This was necessary to detect an anomaly or damage signature at an early stage so operators could react with necessary measurements to avoid expensive repairs or long downtimes. Currently, the industry is seeing a similar successful trend with structural health monitoring systems. Structural health monitoring measures important KPIs during the turbine operation. These systems continuously learn and compare multiple turbine parameters that help to accurately detect a structural issue on the blades, tower, or foundation. Environmental monitoring systems like lightning monitoring systems and ice detection systems are also gaining importance in the wind industry. Both of these monitoring strategies help tremendously to increase turbine safety and reliability (Figure 3). Turbine manufacturers usually offer a modular package of different monitoring modules to tackle site-specific challenges. Asset managers also have the option to retrofit specific equipment, so they can use deep analytics to improve performance and reliability further.
Challenges and future trends
The bottleneck of these strategies is the performance and openness of existing network infrastructure. To support the digitalization efforts at specific sites, operators usually deploy a separate network due to the limited flexibility and bandwidth of the existing network infrastructure. There are several ways and technologies to establish or upgrade communication over a reliable and safe network, from fiber optics to wired or wireless
In digitalization, the keys to success are openness, modularity, and flexibility. A risk assessment and evaluation of your strategic goals will help you to define the required scope of your measurements. Utilize data from a variety of sources to track your improvement and measure performance. Several cost-efficient small black box solutions are available, but they are usually designed for a specific task or challenge and share only a limited amount of data. Other solutions promise to detect several different impacts, but are not accurate because they don’t consider important turbine operation conditions that can cause false alarms or even missed damages. It is important to implement edge applications that support state-of-the-art communication protocols and interfaces. Additional data analysis and diagnostic services paired with inspection services (drones, for example) are crucial tools to empower predictive maintenance strategies that enhance asset reliability and reduce the risk of costly unplanned downtime. In the end, it really depends on your operation and maintenance strategy, your budget, and your desired results. The IoT value loop (Figure 4) shows how asset operators can generate savings and improvements by taking a holistic and seamless digitalization approach through all data stages. This approach will allow operators to deploy predictive maintenance strategies that will lower the operation risks and cost of a wind turbine site and optimize the asset performance, leading to improved assets and reduced operational risk.
Heinrich Dyck is Senior Business Development Manager – Wind Energy at Phoenix Contact USA, which offers companies intelligent monitoring applications for their wind farms.
Phoenix Contact /// www.phoenixcontact.com
High-performance charger Delta-Q Technologies’ RQ700 is available in 24, 36 and 48Vdc options. It offers high power density, optimizing installation in environments with space constraints. The charger also features a 12Vdc, 400mA auxiliary power supply to operate system components, enabling flexibility, safety, and seamless integration with lithium batteries. The RQ700 has a user-friendly design complete with installation cables that are tested and validated by the company’s engineering team to ensure they meet industry and customer requirements for cables and connectors. The new solution embodies all core features of the RQ Series of battery chargers. The RQ700 is designed to withstand automotive shock and vibration and is fully sealed, with an IP67 rating to protect against water and dust ingress. The on-board microprocessor delivers precise charging even at a low state of charge and supports Unified Diagnostic Services (UDS), the ability to use standardized services and diagnostic tools. The charger comes with three built-in LEDs to indicate charging status, errors, and faults and a push button to select charge algorithms in the field or on customers’ production lines.
Delta-Q Technologies /// www.delta-q.com
We know energy. We’re “America’s Energy Corridor” for petrochemicals and LNG exports. Now, offshore wind and inland infrastructure mean Lake Charles is ideal for green energy opportunities.
Location. Experience.
Figure 4: A holistic and seamless approach to digitalization can save money and improve operations across an entire organization. communication. The latest technology developments such as Single Pair Ethernet, Private 5G, LoRaWAN, and satellite Internet, are significant for improving the connectivity/data transmission of remote monitoring applications in a new ecosystem. With the digital adoption of additional monitoring technologies, operators face challenges in managing, integrating, and protecting the additional amount of data. These rapidly expanding
The Port of Lake Charles is the No. 12 deepwater port in the United States, offering ship channel access and extensive inland infrastructure.
L A K E
C H A R L E S ,
L A ,
U S A
The Port’s on-site facilities, turning basin, and available space on the Industrial Canal are ready for development as a world-class green energy center— from receiving components to manufacturing them.
We’re a wind energy area. A Gulf of Mexico site south of the Port of Lake Charles is a federally designated wind energy area (WEA). With adaptations for waves and wind loading, the area can be an ideal location for wind power.
portlc.com
North American Clean Energy
23
WIND POWER
Subsea Cable Failure Could Derail Offshore Wind by Neil Gordon
T
he criticality of offshore wind and the role it will play in helping achieve global net zero targets by 2050 cannot be underestimated. In 2020, global capacity was sitting at 30GW. Fast forward to 2050, and the generating capacity will have to make a colossal leap of 1,120GW if that target is to be met. There is worldwide appetite to satisfy this ambition for offshore wind capacity. By the end of this decade alone, it’s anticipated that more than £620billion will be invested in windfarm development to meet the target. But this is under threat by a hazard that lies beneath the surface of the seabed. Poorly performing, unreliable subsea cables are the most common cause of failure in offshore wind assets. The problems go much deeper than the negative impact on the ability to bring reliable, green power onshore from existing developments: At risk is the subsequent capacity because the prevalence of cable failure is now causing insurers to question their insurability. It is estimated that around 85 percent of the total value of offshore wind insurance claims relate to subsea cables. With an average settlement amounting to around £9million, insurers underwriting those cables are losing money.
24
2024 JANUARY • FEBRUARY /// www.nacleanenergy.com
Brokers are now warning that the number of cable claims is affecting capacity and coverage, and with the cost of repairs running into millions, warranties are not covering the costs of business interruption. As a result, there is now a very real danger that options for insuring these cables will be severely limited, with the knock-on effect being a constraint on the world’s ability to meet net-zero targets. To meet the generating capacity target, windfarm developments around the world will require the installation and maintenance of thousands of miles of reliable cables under the seabed. Without rapid identification of solutions that will ensure their reliability, however, the resultant insurance crisis will have a catastrophic impact on offshore wind projects around the world. The potential for derailing offshore wind projects will become even more likely as we move from fixed to floating offshore wind, which poses even greater challenges to subsea cable performance. At a recent conference on the subjects of cables, one developer estimated it costs around $425million to insure a 1.2GW offshore windfarm over its lifetime; insurance brokers forecast the insurance costs of floating offshore wind will be 30 percent higher than fixed. With research confirming that most cable failures can be addressed by the underwater industry itself, it’s vital to
Customized wire harness solutions SCHURTER’s wire harness solutions with ready-toconnect cables, cable bundles, and complete wire harnesses with connectors, contacts, or wire-end sleeves meets the technical, safe, and economic requirements of its customers’ all in a one-stop shop.
SCHURTER /// schurter.com
establish an industry-wide approach that identifies the issues and potential solutions. Thankfully, there is a genuine desire for industry-wide collaboration and information sharing, and a willingness to set aside the barriers to cooperative working in an environment that’s often siloed, secretive, and too heavy with nondisclosure agreements (NDAs). A newly-established subsea cables forum helps bring the industry together to work for resolution and meaningful, positive change. Primarily representing companies operating in the UK’s £8billion underwater industry, the impact of the forum’s work will be global. Potential weak points can occur at any stage of a cable’s lifespan. There’s no one area at fault, no single point where fingers can be pointed and blame attributed. Issues and problems can stem from any phase or multiple phases, from design and manufacturing to installation and operations. To address this, forum membership is drawn from representatives of all those phases who are working together to develop a roadmap for improving the quality, performance, and therefore insurability, of cables at every stage of their lifetime. Their focus will be on identifying and agreeing on proposed courses of actions to improve subsea cable performance and reliability at every touchpoint. These will include new initiatives, adopting common standards, work practices and methodologies, and any other means of improving quality and reliability. With time ticking away, the need to identify remedial action which will increase the reliability of subsea cables, minimize down time, and reduce risk and cost is critical to securing the success of offshore wind as a key driver for the energy transition. If we are to avoid the cataclysmic impact of a derailed offshore wind industry, we need agreed upon industry-wide best practices that will improve the reliability and performance of cables. Ensuring they remain an insurable commodity is imperative. Time is not on our side. The challenges are many. Resolution will not be easy, but failure is not an option. We need to work together to secure the long-term success and future of offshore wind so it can meet our energy transition targets. Focusing on the underwater industry’s efforts to improve the performance of subsea cables and their reliability will help bring green, renewable energy ashore.
P C V U E SO LU TIO N S.CO M
Neil Gordon is chief executive at Global Underwater Hub (GUH), which represents the diverse range of businesses operating in the UK’s £8 billion underwater industry. GUH facilitates cross-collaboration and growth across the underwater industry, including offshore energy, aquaculture, defence, telecoms, and subsea minerals.
Global Underwater Hub /// www.globalunderwaterhub.com
North American Clean Energy
25
WIND POWER
Whether you need a system for wind blade production or repairs, contact us today to learn how Mankiewicz can provide your complete coatings solutions.
North America: +1 (843) 654 7755 Europe: +49 (0) 40 / 75 10 30
www.mankiewicz.com
26 MW_third.indd 1
High flash point, bio-based hydraulic fluid
One-stop service concept for wind drivetrains
Bio-Ultimax1000, a biosynthetic formula that directly replaces mineral oil based hydraulic fluids, has a flash point of 450°F and is available in various weights including ISO 32, 46, 68, and 100. In addition to higher flash points across the entire range, these biobased products are safe for employees to handle and cleanup. With oxidation performance comparable to full synthetics, this is an environmentally safe hydraulic fluids. These biobased hydraulic fluids are formulated to perform in high- and low-pressure hydraulic systems that require Anti-Wear (AW), anti-rust, anti-oxidation, antifoam, and demulisibility properties. With antioxidants (Stabilized), these biosynthetics provide improved performance in oxidation stability over standard plant/ vegetable/HETG and unsaturated HEES type fluids. They are inhibited against moisture and rusting in both fresh and sea water, and pass A and B sequences of the ASTM D-665 Turbine Oil Rust Test. Formulated to provide a long seal life with reduced oil leakage, this environmentally friendly, zinc-free product meets or exceeds high-pressure pump requirements. Renewable Lubricants Hydraulic Fluids meet and exceed Federal Specifications for machine tool hydraulic systems and can replace specification MIL-PRF-17672E for ground support equipment. It meets EPA 21013 Vessel General Permit (VGP) guidelines for Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EALs) and should be used in hydraulic systems where low toxicity, biodegradability, and nonbioaccumulation properties are required.
With Service 360, Winergy offers a service concept for drivetrains that can be individually adapted to the respective customer need. The service offering includes innovations that cover the entire drivetrain, including the generator, and extends to servicing gearboxes from other manufacturers. Winergy is able to cover more than one hundred different turbine types and 130 gearbox models. Service 360 is available quickly and at any time, and also offers the right service for every point in the turbine's life cycle, from installation, maintenance and repair to partial repowering. Winergy’s CMaS Evolution offers customers a digital allround service. It is part of Service 360 and is fully compatible with already installed hardware. The end-to-end solution offers customers all important services, from the condition of the turbine, to concrete recommendations for action to the delivery of spare parts at the right time and place. Customers receive access to a digital portal in which all information about the turbines and services can be viewed transparently. The scope of the required services is based on the needs of the customers and can be individually adapted. Cross-turbine algorithms also allow conclusions about the condition of the sub-systems and components outside the drivetrain. CMaS Evolution offers recommendations for operation, condition reports, instructions, required spare parts and their availability, as well as the planning of service calls. Service 360 packages additionally offer original spare parts, replacement of drivetrain components, workshop repairs at one of Winergy's worldwide locations, on-site service, digital services, and training.
Renewable Lubricants, Inc. /// www.renewablelube.com
Winergy /// www.winergy-group.com
Portable wind and solar home generator
Improved lift for large onshore cranes
Nature's Generator's 1800W Gold System is a portable home generator system that runs on a traditional sealed lead acid battery which can handle a large discharging current, performs well in cold weather, and offers value to consumers as it is inexpensive to manufacture. Additionally, Nature's Generators can be powered by both solar panel and wind turbine and they offer a transfer switch for home integration. Nature's Generator does not require monthly maintenance, it can be plugged in or recharged every 4 months of non-use. Nature's Generator doesn’t have any moving parts which significantly reduces the amount of noise they produce while running.
ENABL offers a wide range of production and site solutions for the wind turbine industry, and has just installed the system called Tagline Master 43kN on Mammoet's PTC210DS ring crane. Mammoet‘s ring crane is currently located at Mammoet's European headquarters in Schiedam. The Tagline Master System securely attaches to the ring crane, eliminating the need for dependence on the surroundings and allowing the taglines to seamlessly follow the movements of the ring crane. This advancement leads to improved and better-controlled lifting operations, reduced downtime, lower costs with only one operator, and enhanced safety even at high wind speeds.
Nature’s Generator /// www.naturesgenerator.com
ENABL /// www.enabl-wind.com
2024 JANUARY • FEBRUARY /// www.nacleanenergy.com 10/18/2018 11:23:36 AM
Wear all-day lifejacket for offshore wind workers
Advanced hearing protection with extended wearing comfort Pyramex’s Passive Pro Series Base Level PPM1 Earmuff is designed for hardworking men and women who operate in excessive noise environments, combining ANSIrated hearing protection with all-day wearing comfort. The Passive Pro Base Level earmuff features a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 23dB with sound-absorbing internal foam, providing hearing protection from potentially harmful noises. In addition, the earmuff’s dielectric construction makes it a choice for use in various industrial environments, including those that present potential electrical risks. The earmuff features soft, easyto-clean ear cushions along with a lowprofile design with height-adjustment to ensure a comfortable fit for a wide range of head sizes. The earmuff's vented headband adds an extra layer of comfort and convenience, making it an option for extended wear in various work environments. Its adjustable headband also allows for easy transport with the ability to quickly attach to any bag, backpack, or belt loop. The Passive Pro Base Level earmuff is also available with the option of custom imprinting, allowing companies to customize the earmuffs with their own logo and branding.
The new ErgoFit SOLAS lifejacket from Survitec’s lifejacket brand, Crewsaver, offers safety, comfort, and performance for those engaged in challenging tasks on wind turbines and during offshore crew transfer operations. The ErgoFit SOLAS offers cross-compatibility with a range of fall arrest harnesses, integrated sprayhood with airway protection, and Fusion 3D technology; the contoured fit moulds to the shape of the wearer and sits off the neck, giving the user total freedom of movement and making it comfortable to wear all day. The lifejacket features dual side adjusters to closely reflect the clothing worn, whatever the time of year, plus a padded air mesh internal construction to provide further comfort in warm weather. In the event of a deployment, potentially from a significant height, supporting an unconscious casualty, the lifejacket’s features such as Crewsaver’s fast-rotating inflation bladder allows the lifejacket to rotate an unconscious person face up in just 2.6 seconds, comfortably exceeding the SOLAS standard of four seconds. The ErgoFit SOLAS ensures a freeboard of 125mm is maintained thanks to an inflatable chin support that holds the head up and back, keeping the airway clear. The ErgoFit SOLAS lifejacket, combined with varying designs of fall arrest harness, can be used for external work when over water, such as on blades, the transition piece, or the monopile. With this in mind, the ErgoFit SOLAS has been designed to integrate with industry-standard fall arrest harnesses from Petzl, Skylotec, and Cresto.
Survitec /// www.survitechgroup.com
THERE’S A BETTER WAY. A Simplified Approach to Building and Maintaining Renewable Energy.
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MANOSKOP® 730 Quick Experience integrated tool solutions for maintaining wind turbines. Experience the »Made in Germany« difference. info@stahlwille-americas.com
Pyramex Safety /// www.pyramexsafety.com LEARN MORE AT: Takkion.com
Rescue assist for workers at height TSL's SPARK (Small Package Assisted Rescue Kit) is a micro-assisted rescue kit, compact, versatile, and compatible with the SRK-15. The SPARK has recently been enhanced with a new 4:1 pulley, providing greater efficiencies and ease of use.
Tech Safety Lines /// www.techsafetylines.com North American Clean Energy
27
WIND PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: SAFETY & FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT
SEE AD ON PAGE 29 SKYLOTEC North America, LP
Safety & Fall Protection Equipment
Product: SKYLOTEC CLAW Application: Ladder Climbing Safety Description: The new SKYLOTEC CLAW vertical fall arrest cable sleeve is designed to fit 3/8" and 5/16" diameter wire rope and travels smoothly up and down while providing fall arrest when needed. Weighing only 2.2lbs, the stainless steel CLAW is durable and incorporates redundant safety features reducing the risk of improper installation. The CLAW is independently tested to meet ANSI Z359.16, ANSI A14.3-08, CSA 2259.2.5-17, and OSHA requirements.
According to the National Safety Council, falls are one of the leading causes of deaths in the workplace. Perhaps more than any other type of workers out there, those who erect and maintain wind turbines are exposed to some of the most serious, and potentially fatal, fall hazards. With many turbines reaching heights of well over 100 feet tall, wind farms are only growing upwards in many cases, and exposure to high winds can make work at high elevations even more hazardous. Here we highlight some of the latest in safety and fall protection equipment—a must for the growing industry.
Key Features: •
Smooth travel up and down the vertical system;
•
Replaceable shock absorbing pack;
•
Anti-gravity locking system;
•
Combinable with all types of chest D-rings;
•
Two handed operation for increased safety.
www.skylotec.com
SEE AD ON PAGE 35
LONE WORKER PROTECTION FALL PROTECTION SUSPENSION TRAUMA PREVENTION
SECURE ½ MILE LINE-OF-SIGHT
LEARN MORE
Application: Ladder climbing safety Description: Made from high-strength aluminum alloy that is resistant to acid, alkali, and corrosion, the 3S Lift Guide Rail Fall Protection System TF-R is suitable even for harsh conditions. The Fall Arrester SL-R60S runs smoothly along the ladder-mounted safety guide rail and engages automatically in the event of a fall. To dampen the impact when falling, it features two energy absorbers. Equipped with a secondary locking mechanism in addition to the primary one, the SL-R60S provides an added level of safety. The intuitive anti-inversion design of the Fall Arrester only allows installation in one direction, preventing operator error. The TR-F and SL-R60S comply with ANSI and CAN/CSA standards.
Iridium Satellite/Cellular Mobile or Portable Worksite Models SALTI™ System Loop Test Indicator Supports up to 20 Grace Pendants
Key Features: •
Compliant to North American and EU standards;
•
SL-R60S fall arrester has secondary locking feature compliant to ANSI Z359.16;
•
User friendly large bearings for smooth handling and gravity pin to ensure upright install.
www.3slift.com
WORKFORCE® LONE WORKER PENDANT Fall Detection Manual Panic Button Motion Detection GPS Location
GRACECONNECTEDSAFETY.COM 28
Product: TF-R Guide Rail Fall Protection System with SL-R60S Fall Arrester
GRACE GATEWAYS
ASSIGNED MONITORING ATTENDANTS Grace Web Portal Dashboard Custom Check-In Schedule TEXT/Email Notification Receive a GPS Map Link Check-In System
3S Lift
2024 JANUARY • FEBRUARY /// www.nacleanenergy.com
Safewaze Product: Wind & Tower Harness - Alu 5D, Removable Seat, Alu QC Legs Application: Wind and Tower Fall Protection Description: The Wind & Tower Harness is an offering for climbing, rescue, and rope access applications. This step-in-style harness features heavy-duty webbing and thick shoulder, waist, and leg padding for all-day comfort. Offered with all aluminum components for weight reduction and a removable positioning suspension seat. safewaze.com
WIND PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: SAFETY & FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT
SEE AD ON PAGE 28
Ronin Revolution Product: RoninTL Application: Fall prevention, protection, and rescue
Grace Fall Safety Product: WorkForce Lone Worker & Fall Detection Application: Wind and solar farms remote location Description: Worker Safety Monitoring. Working at heights, working remote, or working alone. Fall detection and suspension trauma prevention. Panic alarm, motion detection, and GPS location with cellular and Iridium Satellite Gateway.
Description: The Ronin Lift Power Ascender reduces fatigue and increases efficiency. Like a personal elevator, the Ronin takes workers quickly and effortlessly to the top of towers, electric infrastructure, construction, solar, and wind turbine sites. It’s an affordable powered ascender, making work safe and cost-efficient. roninpowerascender.com
Key Features: •
Manual panic alarm;
•
Motion detection;
•
GPS location text/email notification;
•
Cell/satellite gateway
www.graceconnectionsafety.com
SKYLOTEC IGNITE SKYFIZZ
ACX POWER ASCENDER The IGNITE SKYFIZZ harness is an extremely comfortable and lightweight general use harness.
POA-001
Pigeon Mountain Industries
TeSuCon Technical Support & Consultancy
Marlow Ropes
Product: 11mm PMI Extreme Pro (G) Rope with UNICORE
Product: The Evacuator
Application: Rope Access and Working at Height
Application: Arborist, cave rescue, confined space, fall protection, fire rescue, rope access, rope rescue, ropes course, tower work, utilities safety, wilderness rescue Description: Extreme Pro is an NFPA General Use 11mm polyester/ nylon kernmantle rope compatible with many available rescue devices. The NFPA rating allows fire departments and rescue teams to maintain G-rated compliance while reducing the weight of their rescue systems. This rope allows the passing of either a cut or torn sheath area since the sheath cannot bunch to create an impasse. It offers durable quality while staying flexible, lightweight, and easy to handle. Comes in four unique colors.
Application: Fireproof collective escapes and emergency descent solution Description: Designed to save the lives of those working at altitudes ranging up to 984ft (300m), the Evacuator is a fast, simple, and easy-to-use (click and go) fireproof collective escape and emergency descent solution. Fireproof units are customized for each turbine model and can be installed inside or outside of the nacelle, onshore or offshore. Emergency descent is fully-automatic and mechanically controlled at a speed of 3.3ft/sec (1m/sec), without use of electricity. Units are compact and easy to maintain.
Product: High performance ropes
Description: Marlow Ropes supplies products to the on and offshore wind energy industry for site preparation, installation, operations, maintenance projects, and other applications. Each rope offers different characteristics, such as varying stretch, strength, heat resistance, and weight, depending on specific needs. Marlow’s manufacturing capabilities using technical fibers such as Dyneema, biobased Dyneema, HMPE, and aramids enable their rope solutions to meet technical requirements with increased safety, handling, and performance characteristics.
The ACX power ascender allows for battery operated portable ascent and descent.
G-US-0031
SIRIUS
CLAW SIRIUS is our first selflocking descender specially designed for all kinds of rope-based access and rescue.
Smooth running CLAW Vertical Cable Sleeve for 3/8 & 5/16 inch diameter wire ropes.
A-050
IGNITE PROTON WIND
CL-001
SKYSAFE PRO FLEX
www.marlowropes.com/us
L-0695 L-0623-1,8
www.pmirope.com
THRIVE Workwear
Product: IBEX Total Access System (TXS)
Product: THRIVE Workwear - apparel
Application: Climb assist
Application: Wind Industry/FR Apparel
Description: The new IBEX Total Access System (TXS) from Power Climber Wind provides technician safety, comfort, and productivity. The Integrated Access Controller offers a single connection to the user with an integrated Z359.162016 rated fall arrest and separate 10:1 safety factor climb assist belt. Based on the IBEX control system, the TXS delivers customizable assistance up to 90% of climber weight. The continuous loop belt eliminates the need to reset between climbers.
Description: Thrive Workwear's protective work apparel has been providing solutions to the wind industry for over 10 years. Their lineup of clothing includes Flame Resistant work pants, FR work shirts, FR base layers, and FR outerwear designed specifically for wind technicians and construction workers. Their work pants feature full-time knee protection built-in with patented SQUISH pad technology.
www.powerclimberwind.com
www.thriveworkwear.com
LORY PRO
6 FT & 12 FT FREEFALL CERTIFIED
www.tesucon.com
Power Climber Wind
NEW AND IMPROVED
ERGOGRIP
L-0558-1,8 L-0562-1,8
G-1132-WS
L-0368
SKYLOTEC offers you a highly innovative and functional range of fall protection, rope access and rescue equipment. The IGNITE PROTON WIND harness features a light-weight design built for durability and comfort. The SKYSAFE PRO FLEX lanyards eliminate the need for two different lanyards. The LORYPRO and ERGOGRIP positioning lanyards allow you to work hands free with complete adjustability. These product are ideal for work at height in the wind energy, telecommunications, and electrical utilities industries. For more information please email us at ordersna@skylotec.de. skylotec.com SKYLOTEC North America LP Denver, CO USA Tel: 303-544-2120
North American Clean Energy
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WIND SPOTLIGHT: TRAINING
Training
The wind energy industry is developing more projects than ever and needs a skilled and qualified workforce to produce America’s clean wind power. Workers and technicians may need specialized training to succeed and advance in their careers. Check out some of the training opportunities, professional certifications, workshops, and events offered across the country and online.
SEE AD ON PAGE 13
SEE AD ON PAGE 29 MISTRAS Ropeworks
SKYLOTEC North America L.P.
Training program: Industrial Rope Access
Key Features: •
Assembling knots and equipment;
•
Maintaining rope systems;
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Ascending and descending skills;
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Transferring rope systems.
www.ropeworks.com
Training program: GWO, Milan, Deus
Hours: 40
Hours: 8am - 5pm Mon-Fri
Location: On-site
Location: Onsite
Number of participants: 40 per class
Number of participants: 12
Certifications: Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians (SPRAT) Levels 1, 2, and 3
Certifications: GWO Course description: SKYLOTEC offers GWO BST training shall enable participants to support and care for themselves and others working in the industry by possessing the knowledge and skills of first aid, working at heights, manual handling, fire awareness, sea survival, and in case of an emergency, to be able to evacuate, rescue, and provide appropriate first aid to casualties. SKYLOTEC also offers Milan and Deus descent device evacuation and rescue training.
Course description: MISTRAS Ropeworks offers rope access training programs that establish a baseline knowledge and skills related to rope access such as planning for work tasks, assessing workplace hazards, planning for and conducting rescues, and consistently following all safety procedures. Each level has consecutively more complex skills to learn following a period of mentorship in the field. Upon completion of the training session, technicians will sit in an evaluation with a certified SPRAT examiner that includes a written exam and practical skills evaluation to gain certification.
Key Features: •
GWO Basic Safety Training;
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Milan evacuation and rescue training;
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Deus evacuations and safety training.
www.skylotec.com
SEE AD ON PAGE 32 Abaris Training Resources, Inc. Training program: Composite Windblade Repair
FMTC Safety USA, Inc.
TEAM-1 Academy, Inc.
Training program: GWO BST, GWO ART, GWO WLA
Training program: GWO BST ART BTT Hours: 4 - 40 hours depending on course
Location: Classroom and workshop, at Abaris’ facility or customer location
Hours: 5 days
Location: Onsite, offsite
Number of participants: 12
Location: Classroom, e-learning
Number of participants: 4 - 12 depending on course
Certifications: GWO Certification, CCTWindblade Repair (ACMA) qualifying course
Certifications: GWO
Course description: 5- or 10-day courses for field technicians, supervisors, inspectors, or others seeking competency in repairs to composite windblade structures.
Number of participants: 12 Certifications: GWO First Aid, GWO Manual Handling, GWO Fire Awareness, GWO Working at Heights, GWO Sea Survival, GWO Advanced Rescue Training Course description: FMTC Safety offers quality safety training in a comfortable environment. The Houma facility offers GWO Basic Safety Training (onshore/offshore) in the traditional form of training, and as digital delivery. The individual modules can be taken as a stand-alone course as well. In addition to the BST, FMTC offers Confined Space Rescue, OPITO HUET, Rigging, GWO Advanced Rescue Training, and GWO Wind Limited Access.
Course description: TEAM-1 Academy Inc has GWO accredited training locations across United States and Canada; TX, CA, ON, AB, QC. They have monthly open enrollment classes running at their facilities or they can run company specific courses at the client site, using current PPE and Rescue/Evacuation devices. Their GWO courses include: BST (Working at Heights, First Aid, Manual Handling, Fire Awareness), ART- (Advanced Rescue Training), BTT- (Basic Technical Training). Very experienced instructors with zero injuries.
www.fmtcsafety.com/us
www.team1academy.com
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2024 JANUARY • FEBRUARY /// www.nacleanenergy.com
Hours: 72 hours
Key Features: •
Bringing aerospace experience to wind blade repair methods;
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Classes held at Abaris or customer location;
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GWO certified courses available.
www.abaris.com
WIND SPOTLIGHT: TRAINING
INDUSTRY TRAINING FOR SAFER, SMARTER SUCCESS
FROM BASIC SAFETY TRAINING TO ADVANCED RESCUES, WE HAVE YOUR CAREER COVERED
RTC: YOUR PATH TO EXCELLENCE IN SAFETY TRAINING
TRAINED FOR SAFETY. RESPECTED FOR HIGHER STANDARDS.
INDUSTRY-FOCUSED SAFETY TRAINING At RTC, we provide the knowledge, skills, and expertise you need to excel in the wind energy industry.
WIDE VARIETY OF COURSES - INCLUDING GWO Our courses cover everything from Basic Safety Training to Advanced rescue. check out our work at heights, nfpa 70E, first aid/cpr/aed & more.
QUALIFIED, INDUSTRY EXPERIENCED TRAINERS Our experienced trainers are dedicated to your safety and success. Learn from the best in the industry.
CUSTOM TRAINING SOLUTIONS FOR BUSINESS Tailored programs for organizations. We meet your unique needs for a safer workforce with custom training solutions for your organization.
Learn more at www.rtc-usa.com or call 1-641-832-8929 North American Clean Energy
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WIND SPOTLIGHT: TRAINING
SEE AD ON PAGE 31
SEE AD ON PAGE 27 Renewable Training Center (RTC)
TAKKION Training program: GWO (BST, BTT, CoHE, ART, SLS)
Training program: Basic, Technical, Advanced Safety Trainings
Hours: 16 - 32 hours
Hours: Varies by course
Location: Onsite, fixed facility
Location: Classroom
Number of participants: 4 - 16
Number of participants: 5 - 8
Certifications: GWO WINDA Certificates
Certifications: NFPA 70E, Work At Heights, American Red Cross, HYTORC, and more.
Course description: Basic to advanced level courses featuring both introductory and technical topics. Course contents span from basic safety (First Aid, CPR, AED, etc.) to advanced topics (3-phase and advanced rescues from confined spaces)
Course description: RTC-USA offers a comprehensive range of training programs designed to equip individuals with essential skills and knowledge for a safe and successful career in renewable energy. Their courses cover safety, technical proficiency, and operational expertise, ensuring a safe and efficient workforce. Instructors bring extensive experience for practical insights and industry specific knowledge straight from the field.
Key Features: •
Training programs are led by industry experts with years of hands-on experience, ensuring top-notch guidance and practical insights straight from the field;
•
Topics include safety, technical proficiency, and operational expertise, providing a comprehensive understanding of the wind energy industry;
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Courses emphasize hands-on training, allowing students to apply what they’ve learned in real-world scenarios, enhancing their skills and confidence;
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Through strategic partnerships with allied training providers and workforce service providers in the field, training materials are regularly updated to align with the latest industry trends and best practices;
•
Training courses provide the knowledge and skills needed to excel and open next doors to exciting opportunities.
www.rtc-usa.com
Key Features: •
20 GWO trainers TAKKION-wide, all with a wide array of infield experience;
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3 audited locations; SD, CO, TX, with WY coming online soon;
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Training capability of 5 GWO courses; 15 modules Mobile ART trailer and blade training facility;
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Can train on all major makes and models of tower rescue and emergency descent devices.
takkion.com
Massachusetts Maritime Academy Training program: GWO Basic Safety Training, Basic Technical Training
Number of participants: 12
Course description: GWO Basic Safety Training, Basic Safety Refresher, Basic Technical Training. USCG Approved 100 Ton Master, Advanced Shiphandling, Basic Training Refresher, Advanced Firefighting Refresher, PSC Refresher.
Certifications: GWO, USCG
maritime.edu/mcre
Arcon Training Center
Tech Safety Lines
Hours: 8am - 4pm Location: Classroom
Composite Windblade Repair Training
Eurofins TestOil Training program: Oil Analysis Hours: Varies
ENROLL NOW
Available at our facility or yours
R-5: Composite Windblade Repair R-15: Advanced Composite Windblade Repair CONTACT US TODAY! +1.775.827.6568 training@abaris.com • www.abaris.com
Location: Onsite, offsite Number of participants: Varies Certifications: MLT I, MLT II, MLA I, MLA II, OMA I, OMA II, CLS Course description: Eurofins TestOil offers a range of public and private/onsite classes that can lead to certification for MLA, MLT, CLS, and OMA. The classes are taught by qualified industry experts. Please check the class schedule regularly for updates. Customizable private training classes are offered either virtually or onsite and provide value for groups of four or more people. www.testoil.com
Training program: Global Wind Organization (GWO) Training
Training program: GWO Blade Repair Hours: 10 days
Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm
Location: Classroom
Location: Classroom
Number of participants: 6
Number of participants: 12 per week
Certifications: GWO Blade Repair
Certifications: GWO BST, BTT Course description: Arcon Training Center offers courses in Global Wind Organization (GWO) Basic Safety Training (BST): first aid, fire awareness, manual handling, working at height, and sea survival. They also offer Basic Technical Training (BTT) for electrical, hydraulic, mechanical, bolt tightening, and installation. arcontraining.com
Course description: Upon successfully finishing the GWO blade repair training program, participants will gain the skills to perform a thorough examination of wind turbine blades, accurately document their observations, and execute repair tasks in accordance with provided work instructions. During these repair procedures, they will prioritize maintaining the aerodynamic configuration and structural integrity of the wind turbine, with a specific focus on the glass fiber reinforced composite components. www.techsafetylines.com
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OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE & SAFETY CONFERENCE February 21st-23rd, 2024 Gaslamp Quarter San Diego, CA
www.cleanpower.org
SHOW IN PRINT
Unified SCADA system The OneView Portfolio SCADA combines each specific site’s Park SCADA system and transforms them into a unified system that can be managed from the headquarter remote control center. With this independent second-level SCADA solution, users can monitor, analyze, and control their entire renewable portfolio of wind, solar, and hydro plants in only one system while working with high-quality, normalized data and saving time and resources. The aggregated system enables thirdparty access, and is designed to give ownership of all data to the asset owner, allowing for more secure operations. All data is located on the customer’s server, giving the owner full control of user access and rights.
Clean energy employees are the heart and soul of the industry and keeping them safe is our top priority. ACP’s Operations, Maintenance and Safety Conference (OMS) is the place where leaders from headquarters to the field come together to talk about retention strategies, recruitment techniques, and training best practices in an effort to make our industry stronger and safer.
Features just some of the companies and technologies attendees will see at this year’s show.
Wind turbine pitch slip rings Moog offers wind turbine pitch slip rings and rotary unions for many global wind turbine manufacturers. Costly downtime is eliminated by using fiber brushes and robust mechanical components in the slip ring design. Moog’s replacement solutions provide reliable transmission of power and data signals from the nacelle to the control system for the rotary blades. The ring/brush contact technology offers a maintenance free solution for over 100 million revolutions with field-demonstrated performance. Moog also offers slip rings for blade heating, with anti-icing and de-icing capabilities, which can be retrofitted onto many established wind turbine models in harsh areas.
SCADA International
Moog, Inc.
www.scada-international.com
www.moog.com
Main bearing grease Tribol GR SW 680 -1 is the latest Castrol grease specifically formulated for the protection of wind turbine main bearings. Tribol has less micropitting and low friction coefficient, demonstrated bearing life extension, and low operating temperatures. It has been successfully tested for compatibility with most major greases, making conversion easy during maintenance and the normal purging of existing grease. Compatibility tests with existing grease are also available. Tribol GR SW 680-1 meets or exceeds OEM requirements and is available from Castrol’s local U.S. inventory, reducing cost and providing supply protection.
Castrol
Improved wearprotection AMSOIL Industrial Synthetic XDP 460 and XDP 680 Greases uses a calcium sulfonate thickener for improved wear-protection properties, high mechanical stability, and corrosion protection. It is also compatible with other marketed products, reducing incompatibility and costly changeover concerns. It works well in large slow-speed bearings with high loads and in the moisture-laden environments that many industrial applications are subjected to. It is a suitable choice for pitch and yaw bearings and other industrial applications that call for an NLGI #1.5 consistency grade.
AMSOIL Industrial www.amsoilindustrial.com
www.castrol.com/wind-us
ONE-STOP KITTING SOLUTION
Electric, high-torque bolting tools
Identify rapidly changing weather at-a-glance
AcraDyne’s Gen IV Critical Bolting Platform is an advanced bolting/tool system. HT Series tools from AcraDyne are electric, high-torque bolting tools that provide accuracy, speed, and safety. The iEC controller/tool system measures traceable, dynamic torque directly at the square drive. The built-in transducer ensures accurate torque values. The Gen IV platform provides an additional level of operator safety and ergonomics when combined with AcraDyne’s Dual-Lever HT Nutrunners. AcraDyne’s HT tools deliver high speeds in torque ranges 50 – 17,000Nm. The ergonomic, robust design includes five handle configurations. These tools are designed and assembled in the USA.
Indji Watch for wind and solar operations provides advanced notice of significant events, including high winds, lightning, damaging hail and wildfires, so users can prepare and mitigate the overall impact to their operation. Indji Systems’ Plan of Day/Week dashboard will help users quickly identify rapidly changing weather at-a-glance, allowing them to be more proactive in mitigating potential impacts to the operation and employee safety. From a systemwide overview to individual assets, Indji Watch ensures users have the best possible picture of how the weather will impact operations, allowing them to drive efficiencies, improve outcomes, lower costs, and increase safety.
AcraDyne
Indji Systems
www.acradyne.com
www.indjiwatch.com
At Resolux Group we pride ourselves on working with our customers to drive solutions that help them achieve their goals and objectives. This is accomplished through our expertise in consolidating, assembling, and bringing together different components, commodities and resources into one efficient and cohesive solution. . . . we call it ONE-STOP-SOLUTION
The many reasons to Choose the Resolux Kitting Solution are: Scan here to
learn more » Cost Savings » Improved Cash flow » Standardization » Reduced Inventories » Improved Efficiencies » Improved Demand Control » Enhanced Customer/Supplier Collaboration » Supply Chain Risk Mitigation » Competitive Advantage
Resolux Group - Your one-stop supplier.
www.resoluxgroup.com North American Clean Energy
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Operations, Maintenance & Safety Conference 2024
Enhanced reliability in electric pitch control systems
OEM-approved shaft grounding solution
Tensioning solutions for the wind industry
The Richardson Electronics, Ltd. ULTRA3000 Pitch Energy Module is an ultracapacitor based plug-and-play replacement for batteries within 20 and 30Nm pitch systems. With over 35,000 in the field, the ULTRA3000 provides reliability in retrofitted electric pitch control systems. With over 1 million charge-discharge cycles, ultracapacitor pitch energy modules can provide 15 plus years of reliable operation without maintenance.
Helwig Carbon offers an OEM-approved shaft grounding solution for main shaft bearings. This kit utilizes a proprietary silver graphite brush to instantly ground any damaging currents, static discharges, or lightning strikes. The innovative design and ready-made bracket provide easy installation in the field. Helwig engineers and tech team provide up-tower support and solutions.
Boltight wind industry equipment is a reliable tensioning solution for critical joints on offshore and onshore wind turbines and associated structures. The quality of Boltight products ensures continued performance through high-cycle usage, without the need for frequent maintenance and repair. Engineered for many applications on OEM turbines, these tools are used around the world. The Superbolt Load-Sensing Tensioner and LoadSensing Flexnut (LST) feature a design with built-in sensors that automatically measure and communicate preload values. The Superbolt LST and LSF allow for seamless remote monitoring.
Richardson Electronics
Helwig Carbon
www.rellpower.com
www.helwigcarbon.com/industries/wind
Modern energy park control. Trustworthy. Customized. Efficient.
Nord-Lock Group
Smart Power Plant Controller (SPPC) Secure grid connection for classic or hybrid parks and microgrids.
www.nord-lock.com
State-of-the-art technology Flexible generation management and cascading park control. Powerful, user-friendly software Cloud-based configuration and operation.
Join us: Intersolar North America January 17-19, 2024, San Diego, USA Booth: 2900
energy.industry.maritime.
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SECURE BOLTED CONNECTIONS
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3
www.bachmann.info
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Visit Us at the OMS Conference at Booth 516!
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1 Coupling
NL
SB
BT
2 Yaw drive system
NL
SB
BT
3 Gearbox
NL
SB
BT
4 Rear main bearing
NL
SB
BT
5 Blade bearing
NL
SB
BT
6 Tower section
NL
SB
BT
7 MPTP connection
NL
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Scan the QR code to learn more about our wind industry applications.
One-stop supply chain for wind turbines Resolux Group prepares tailor-made deliveries, ready to be installed in all onshore and offshore wind turbines. Resolux Group builds offshore structures and supplies a large scope of quality components, including light systems, electrical kits, mechanical parts, and various kit sets. In addition, Resolux Group also offers so-called kitting solutions, bringing together multiple suppliers under one roof, making the process efficient and reducing the resource consumption of their customers. As part of the American Gexpro Services, they can supply globally, locally, with solid customer solutions for all turbine manufacturers, tower builders, nacelle, and blade providers, and wind park maintenance, both onshore and offshore.
Resolux Group www.resoluxgroup.com
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Strong, reliable static ropes Sterling static ropes are fortified and crafted with precision ensure strength and durability. Whether scaling heights or securing loads, Sterling ropes are a dependable choice.
Dakota Riggers www.dakotariggers.com
East access for repair and maintenance The SKYLOTEC ACX power ascender is used, among other things, to allow technicians easy access for repair and maintenance. The ACX considerably simplifies access inside structures and makes expensive elevators, climb assist systems, or lifting platforms unnecessary. The ACX is rated to carry a person and their equipment up to 440lbs and has a speed of up to 78ft/min. Countless rescue scenarios and material handling are also possible with the ACX. The ACX can also be controlled by a second person on the ground using a remote control up to a range of 492ft.
SKYLOTEC www.skylotec.com
Condition monitoring for HV electrical equipment Dynamic Ratings provides condition-monitoring products and services to the industry. Real-time data provides better awareness of high-voltage electrical equipment, such as transformers, circuit breakers, switchgear, and more. Condition monitoring increases workplace safety, reduces unexpected failures and unplanned outages, and gives managers visibility into the condition of an asset. With supply chain issues, online monitoring is more important than ever.
Dynamic Ratings www.dynamicratings.com
Blade structural health monitoring With BLADEcontrol, users can detect even the smallest damage to rotor blades, e.g. blade tip damage caused by lightning strikes, trailing edge cracks, web separation, bonding defects, or blade bearing damage. This is achieved by measuring inside the blade, at the point where the damage occurs. With BLADEcontrol, users can achieve reduction of life cycle costs through reduction of repair and downtime costs and yield optimization through early detection of rotor blade misalignment.
Weidmuller weidmuller.com North American Clean Energy
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Operations, Maintenance & Safety Conference 2024
Single technician laddermounted lift The 3S Lift Climb Auto System is a single technician ladder-mounted lift that eliminates the physical and mental strain of climbing. It features safety control switches on both handles and a remote mode for the easy transport of tools. The collapsible footboards make for rapid evacuation in the event of an emergency. The Climb Auto System offers independent Fall Arresters for the operator and the system itself, providing utmost safety. The Climb Auto System can be easily retrofitted to almost any wind turbine, often in 8 hours or less. Because it is mounted to the existing ladder, the installation typically requires no changes to the wind turbine structures. It is CE, UL, ANSI, OSHA certified, and has been installed in over 90,000 towers worldwide. The Climb Auto System is a safe and cost-effective way to ascend a tower and lets technicians keep their minds on the job and not on the climb.
3S Lift www.3slift.com/climbauto
Condition monitoring services
Lone worker safety products
ONYX Insight’s Condition Monitoring Services provide wind asset owners and operators with independent and transparent real-time monitoring of assets. These enable the implementation of reliability-centered O&M. Delivered to 16,000+ turbines from three global monitoring centers, the service is designed for wind farm owners who need short-to-medium-term visibility across their fleet. As a result, operators can detect impending component failures, thereby reducing unexpected downtime and increasing efficiencies. Users receive detailed reports on potential faults, including likely timeframes for failures and independent engineering recommendations on how to manage them. Whether an owner of a large portfolio seeking to augment their in-house team or an individual wind farm owner simply requiring independent analysis, the service can be tailored accordingly. Ultimately, this is designed to empower asset owners by leveraging their data to maximize the profitability of their portfolio.
Grace Lone Worker and Grace Fall Safety product line Pendants monitor the personal safety of a worker by offering a manual panic alarm button, motion sensing, fall detection, and suspension trauma prevention in fixed facilities without the need for annual subscriptions or reliance on cellular or internet connections. For off-the-grid/mobile operations, Grace Connected Safety offers Grace Cloud Connect; a web-based monitoring and alerting portal providing a new subscription-based safety solution for anywhere...anytime safety monitoring and alerting. Grace Iridium satellite and cellular connected Gateways with Grace worker-worn GPS enabled Pendants and Grace Cloud Connect webportal are used to assign, schedule, and display an organization’s own monitoring attendant, automated worker check-in, and active map status. A worker in distress can be located quickly from a map-link SMS-text/Email alert notification, sent from Grace Cloud Connect to assigned contacts. Grace Pendants and Gateways use license-free radio signaling for portable-mobile or fixed-facility applications.
ONYX Insight
Grace Industries
onyxinsight.com
www.graceindustries.com
PITCH MOTOR
BEARING PROTECTION FOR WIND GENERATORS Silver graphite brushes are used to conduct induced shaft currents to ground to protect the pitch motor bearings from premature failure and costly replacement. Helwig Carbon engineered a special solution for this application that has become OEM approved and installed throughout the world. Bearing Protection Kits (BPK) on your wind pitch motor will mean longer motor life, less downtime, and fewer up-tower repairs. Call (800) 962-4851 for your quote today! www.helwigcarbon.com/shaft-grounding/
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BPK-RES
Reduce the frequency of uptower climbs
Structural engineer design firm
BGB’s designed Siemens 2.3MW pitch slip ring, with zero maintenance and 100M revolutions, and durable GE 1X/2X pitch slip ring, with some units incorporating fiber optics for reliable communication and data transfer, help reduce the frequency of uptower climbs. In addition to offering repairs and original equipment, BGB also supplies numerous affordable aftermarket solutions.
Khatri International Inc. is a structural engineer design firm that provides foundation design, wind tower analysis, MET tower design, and structural monitoring for new projects and RePower. Dr. Khatri has been working in the wind energy industry and is a well published author for the past 23 years.
BGB
Khatri International
www.bgbinnovation.com
HIgh power energy conversion AmePower is a technology company specializing in high power energy conversion. They provide customized and cost effective solutions in new design, retrofit, modernizations, and repowering of converters for the renewable energy industry including wind, solar, energy storage, and mass transportation. Operating in Miami, Florida from their 44,000sq/ft facility, they provide efficient and reliable solutions that minimize or eliminate any repair cycle.
AmePower www.amepower.com
Simplifying the comparison of wind turbines The new version of Bachmann's Wind Power SCADA (WPS) tool simplifies the comparison of wind turbines within a wind farm. A new widget is available in WPS 4.0 for displaying group characteristics, which can be used to compare up to four channels from all turbines within the wind farm using bar charts. The display is updated in real time. This makes it possible to see the current performance of the park at a glance and react quickly to any irregularities. This new view makes it easy to compare all the system parameters of the entire group or the entire park.
BLADEcontrol® Condition Monitoring for Wind Turbine Blades Higher availability, optimum efficiency and maximum profitability
BLADEcontrol® offers the benefit of early detection and monitoring of blade damage from cracks, web separation, bonding defects, pitch errors, load imbalances and weather events
• Increase turbine availability
• Extend service life of the rotor blades • Minimize unplanned downtime
• Optimize turbine efficiency and yield • Increase revenue
Learn more: www.weidmuller.com/bladecontrol
Bachmann Electronic www.bachmann.info North American Clean Energy
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ENERGY STORAGE
See EVs Differently The potential of bidirectional charging and V2X technology by Steve Letendre, Ph.D.
S
ince the Ford Model T started rolling off assembly lines in 1908, the internal combustion engine has been the cornerstone of mass-affordable automobiles. Our lives were changed forever. Today, we are in the midst of a new revolution. The transportation sector currently contributes approximately 30 percent of national greenhouse gas emissions. To combat this, several states are adopting regulations to phase out gasoline vehicles in favor of EVs by 2035. Although the adoption of EVs has been a gradual process since the introduction of General Motors' EV1 in 1996, the car-buying public is finally embracing EVs. Recent industry data shows that EVs nationally represent 9.1 percent of new light-duty vehicle sales in Q2 2023, up from 8.6 percent in Q1 2023 and 6.6 percent in Q2 2022. In the past five years, EVs have increased from two percent of new-car sales in California to 22 percent.
Big batteries on wheels
With bidirectional charging and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology, EVs, with their large onboard batteries, have the potential to offer valuable grid services and enhance resiliency during power outages. This technology enables EVs to charge from the grid and feed stored energy back into buildings or the grid. The onboard energy storage capacity varies by make and model, ranging from less than 40 kWh to over 100 kWh. This is equivalent to the storage capacity of 4 to 7 typical home battery storage systems. According to the Smart Electric Power Alliance, the 2.1 million EVs currently in circulation in the U.S. have approximately 126 gigawatt-hours of battery storage, or five times more than the current grid-connected battery storage. As the national EV fleet expands, EVs will become the most significant category of distributed energy resources (DER) connected to the grid. With the rapid growth of solar and wind power, the electric grid will require substantial energy storage to balance the fluctuations in solar and wind generation. EVs equipped with bidirectional chargers and V2X technology will play a pivotal role in meeting this emerging need.
Types of V2X charging solutions
Bidirectional charging allows EV charging and discharging energy from the vehicle's batteries to provide services to homes, buildings, and the grid. Different configurations of V2X bidirectional charging exist, each requiring a bidirectional EV and charger, and a software solution to manage power flow. V2X bidirectional charging encompasses both Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and Vehicle-to-Building (V2B) operations. V2B systems can operate when the grid is running to provide customer-side value by storing low-cost energy, reducing the need to purchase high-cost energy during peak price hours. For homes with rooftop solar, V2X can store daytime production, thereby increasing the self-consumption of solar. V2B can also function during power outages, serving as emergency backup power to enhance resiliency. V2G operation involves exporting power to the grid through a utility meter to provide valuable grid services to the distribution utility or grid operator. This is similar to how rooftop solar panels export power during daylight hours. V2G is distinct from solar in that it offers precise control over the timing and amount of power export. During peak times, the capacity of V2G bidirectional charging from multiple EVs at various locations can be aggregated into a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) to provide demand response and other grid services. Utilities in several states now offer compensation for V2X power exports, either through a demand response program or dynamic rates with export compensation.
The state of V2X technology
Virtual Power Plant (VPP)
V2X bidirectional charging technology is rapidly evolving for light-, medium-, and heavyduty electric vehicles. Today’s commercially available V2X systems are based on a Direct Current (DC) configuration, often called V2G DC. This involves exporting DC energy from the EV's batteries through a bidirectional DC charger equipped with an inverter that converts the DC power to alternating current (AC), on which the power grid relies. Although standards for V2G DC are evolving, current deployments rely on standards-based custom integrations. For instance, some EVs now employ a custom Combined Charging System (CCS) solution for V2B for emergency power. Various V2G electric school bus pilots use DC chargers for V2X with a CCS connector for power and communications, requiring proprietary add-ons not third-party certified. V2G with alternating current (V2G AC) uses an inverter on the vehicle to convert the DC power from the battery to AC power. The AC power is transmitted to buildings or the grid through a bidirectional AC charging station. This configuration has not been commercial, but has been demonstrated in several pilot projects. Industry observers suggest that V2G AC may offer some cost advantages over V2G DC, but also presents specific challenges — particularly regarding interconnection with the utility distribution system.
Future V2X prospects
Major automobile manufacturers have unveiled plans to introduce bidirectional capabilities in their EVs. Presently, the market offers a limited selection of commercially available bidirectional chargers. Nevertheless, there's a growing trend among charger manufacturers to incorporate bidirectional chargers into their product lines. While two prominent V2X solution providers lead the way, a host of new entrants are actively developing tools to manage bidirectional charging, unlocking the full potential of EVs as valuable assets within the grid. With the substantial energy storage capacity of EVs that remain parked for more than 90 percent of the time, V2X presents an enticing opportunity for both grid operators and EV owners. Numerous V2X projects have showcased the tangible benefits of this technology, empowering EV owners to generate income by sharing power from their parked vehicles with buildings or the grid. This dual advantage not only lowers the overall cost of EV ownership, but also serves as a catalyst for the continued adoption of electric vehicles. A V2X services provider involved in multiple projects across various locations is using V2B technology to reduce peak demand for commercial building owners, resulting in thousands of dollars in annual energy cost savings. In southern California, an electric school bus project showcased the use of V2X technology by participating in a utility demand response program, generating thousands of dollars for the local school district. A significant obstacle to realizing the full potential of bidirectional charging is the standardization of the technology to enable efficient, low-cost, mass adoption. In the U.S., EV communications primarily focus on standardizing the charging infrastructure, with FINA-insufficient attention given to adopting V2X solutions. Multiple stakeholder groups are working to address this and other barriers to V2X. Just as the introduction of personal automobiles over a century ago brought about profound cultural and economic transformations, the electrification of transportation and the widespread adoption of V2X technology will revolutionize our energy systems and reshape our perception of automobiles.
Steve Letendre, Ph.D. is Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs at Fermata Energy, which enables utilities to enhance grid resilience and deploy renewable energy resources quickly by integrating EVs as a grid resource.
Fermata Energy /// fermataenergy.com
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2024 JANUARY • FEBRUARY /// www.nacleanenergy.com
TeraStor
TM
Energy storage made easy.
The numbers add up. . . Unprecedented output
100%
depth of discharge
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300 MWh
7.2 MWh AC CP/4, 7.0 MWh AC CP/2, >91% RTE
per acre, 600 if double stacked
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Uncomplicated deployment
99.999%
third-party architecture study results
<6 hours
ready for commissioning
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+1 (978) 669-4999
North American Clean Energy
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ENERGY STORAGE
Will Lead Carbon Be the New Go-To? by Chris Milner
The world energy storage market is booming, with experts projecting sales increases of more than 40 percent this year. Boosted by the $5 Billion in incentives by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the current US battery storage market is expected to grow from around $3.6 Billion dollars to over $15 Billion by 2030. Battery storage is the fastest growing consumer market in the USA. Grid instability, rising costs of electricity, and IRA Grants and Rebates are driving this rising demand. There are a lot of battery storage products out there, but the information to guide the consumer is confusing at best, leaving buyers wondering what technology is best for them. Not too long ago, all we knew was Lead Acid batteries. We knew they were high maintenance — you constantly had to check the specific gravity of the electrolyte and add distilled water, and they tended to boil over and create a nasty sulfur smell after a few years of duty. They were heavily used in energy storage, and required battery boxes to be built around them with ventilation fans that exhausted the sulfur gas outside the home. If not properly maintained, they only lasted a few years. As a country, we tend to adopt things later than sooner. In 1971, the sealed battery or “SLA” (Sealed Lead Acid) battery was invented, yet wasn’t predominately used for energy storage systems until the late 80’s. SLAs had advantages over the older wet batteries because they used internal matting to absorb the acid in the battery, so there was no danger of spilling. And with internal valve regulation, known as a “VRLA” (Valve Regulated Lead Acid), they didn’t vent any gasses externally or require maintenance. On the plus side, they lasted a little longer. While they are still used in energy storage today, they have their down sides. The major disadvantage of traditional lead acid and the newer sealed batteries is that the usable energy they store is only around 50 percent of the capacity rating, so a 200AH (Ampere Hour) battery is only good for 100AH of actual use; draining the battery lower would cause heavy loss of cycle life. And if left too long in a state of discharge, they would “Sulfide” up, which means that the sulfur in the battery would stick to the negative plate causing it to lose its ability to maintain a charge. In the early 90’s we were introduced to Lithium-Ion. Due to instability issues, however, by 1997 they were replaced with Lithium Potassium (LifePO4) batteries which were more stable, and the version found in most of the energy storage systems today. The Lithium battery technology brought a whole new set of benefits to the storage industry; batteries were now available that lasted 10 years or more, could be cycled deeper than any other battery technology without damage or sulfating, and were truly maintenance free, as well as lightweight, making them perfect for electric vehicles. Great technology, however, comes at a cost. Thermal runaway is a big risk to the point where states have begun adopting new regulations for fire protection in homes with lithium-based battery systems. These regulations include requiring 24-inch concrete barriers around them, because if any broken cells are exposed to water or air, they become explosive. Additionally, all lithium battery based technologies require some form of rare earth mineral mining, processes that are very damaging to the environment and the people that work in them. Because the mining is so dangerous and bad for the eco system, there is little to no mining done in the US; most rare earth mineral mining is done in Chile, Argentina, Australia and China — and most of these mines used forced labor to get the minerals, as well as using underaged children. So, while Lithium batteries solve many of the storage problems, they still have stability issues. They are limited in recyclability, and the limited amount that can be recycled is more expensive than making new batteries. They also pollute our environment, the carbon footprint left by the process is far from “Green”.
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What’s the answer? Remember when I said that the USA tends to be a late adopter? In the late 1800’s, carbon was used in a battery to improve its performance. By the mid 50’s, Graphene (a form of carbon commonly used in pencils) was used to improve the performance of many battery technologies, including lead acid. In 2010, scientists created the modern Lead Carbon battery (C-Pb), also known as the carbon composite battery. What they discovered is that, while adding graphene to the electrolyte improved performance, there was still the issue of a battery sulfating up when sitting at a state of discharge. Suddenly. a light went off, and they thought, “Hey! If we add graphene, which by itself is very slippery to the plates of a battery, then the sulfur wouldn’t stick to them!” They were right: By adding a high percentage of graphene to the negative plates of the battery, not only could the battery be cycled just as deep as the LiFePo4 lithium batteries on the market, but it didn’t get sulfur build up on the plates when it sat at a state of discharge, making its cycle life very similar (if not equal to) most of the lithium batteries on the market. The exception being that this is nothing more than a Sealed Lead Acid battery with improved electrolyte and plates, which costs very little additional to produce compared to a conventional sealed battery — it suddenly became a contender with the much more expensive storage options out there. These lead carbon battery choices are making waves in the US due to their many advantages, including higher stability than any other battery on the market, low carbon footprint to produce with no rare earth mining, and low cost to the consumer. The down side? While it’s great for home energy storage it’s still as heavy as traditional batteries, so it’s not a great choice for the electric car market. For home energy storage, it’s a dominating choice that’s already available, 100 percent recyclable (at any of the 50,000 locations that now recycle standard batteries), have no thermal runaway issues, don’t react when exposed to water or air, and last over 10 years without breaking the bank — all of which makes them a stable and safe choice that’s a win for everyone.
Chris Milner is CEO at Univix Power Solutions. He has a degree in Electrical Engineering, with over 30 years’ experience in the on/ off grid solar industry as an installation company. In 2018, Chris co-founded Univix in Laconia, NH, with the goal of manufacturing energy storage solutions that were environmentally friendly, powerful, easy to install, and affordable for everyone.
Univix /// univix.com
SIBA is the leading developer of specialized Energy Storage System (ESS) Fuses. Fuses range from 400VDC to 1500VDC-ESS, which have the highest breaking capacity and lowest L/R in the industry. Contact us today for more information!
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29 Fairfield Plac, West Caldwell, NJ 07006 | (973) 575-7422 North American Clean Energy
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ENERGY STORAGE
‘Driving’ Change
EV tax credit revolution unveiled in 2024 by Greg Reimer
In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable transportation, a ground-breaking shift is here: 2024 ushers in a revolutionary change in Electric Vehicle (EV) tax credits in the United States. Under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), a transformative policy is set to enhance sustainability by providing Americans with the opportunity to accelerate the adoption of clean vehicles. The act allows consumers to transfer their new clean vehicle credit at the point of sale, thereby significantly reducing their upfront cost and expediting the transition to eco-friendly driving. The new guidance helps car dealers grow their businesses by increasing access to Inflation Reduction Act credits at point of sale for new and previously owned electric vehicles. To qualify, EVs and their battery components must be assembled in North America.
credits for qualifying electrified products. Registered dealers submit clean vehicle sales information to the IRS and receive prompt payment for transferred credits, which ensure that taxpayers receive the credits and deductions they are eligible for.
IRA: Instant consumer empowerment
There is a growing awareness of the importance of securing a domestic supply of critical minerals, including lithium, due to their significance in the production of batteries for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. The U.S. Government is actively seeking to reduce dependence on foreign sources for these critical minerals with production tax credits for domestic mining projects. In 2022, the United States imported 3,600 metric tons of lithium, with the majority sourced from Argentina and Chile. The United States holds about 8 million metric tons of lithium in reserve, ranking it among the top five countries in the world, according to the USGS. Yet it currently produces only 1 percent of the world’s supply at one solitary lithium brine mine in Nevada called Silver Peak. However, a transformative shift is on the horizon as America stands at the cusp of becoming a significant lithium producer, propelled by the Inflation Reduction Act and its incentives to lithium developers and domestic end users. With an eye on national energy security, US lawmakers are increasingly determined to support the sustainable commercialization of America’s most promising lithium projects. When President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law in August 2022, clean energy leaders recognized that this was the largest federal investment in alternative energy and sustainability in American history. The IRA is revolutionizing the landscape of sustainability in America by incentivizing and rewarding every aspect of domestic critical element production, including mining, processing, manufacturing, and recycling. The American consumer will reap financial rewards for driving EV’s sourced with North American components.
Beginning January 1, 2024, the IRA empowers American consumers to make an immediate impact on the environment through the adoption of clean vehicles. Under this legislation, consumers can choose to transfer a new clean vehicle credit of up to $7,500 and a previously owned clean vehicle credit of up to $4,000 to a car dealer. This pioneering approach effectively transforms the traditional tax credit system, offering consumers an upfront down payment on their clean vehicle right at the point of sale – a welcome departure from the conventional method of waiting to file the credit on the next year’s tax return.
IRS energy credits online: streamlining processes
To facilitate this monumental shift, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) launched IRS Energy Credits Online, a user-friendly platform aimed at streamlining the registration process for EV dealers. EV dealers began registering on this platform in November of 2023, a prerequisite to offering consumers clean energy tax
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Domestic critical elements play starring role
As 2024 unfolds, the EV tax credit revolution (coupled with many other milestone cleantech policies rolling out) will drive change in the automotive industry and in the broader landscape of sustainability. The stage is set for a paradigm shift that will shape the future of transportation and contribute to a cleaner, more environmentally conscious America.
Greg Reimer is President & CEO at Surge Battery Metals, (TSXV: NILI) (OTC: NILIF) (FRA: DJ5C), a pure-play lithium company focused on a flagship project called Nevada North Lithium Project in Elko County.
Surge Battery Metals /// surgebatterymetals.com
$3.5B to strengthen domestic battery manufacturing In November 2023, the Biden Administration announced $3.5B in funding to strengthen domestic battery manufacturing, a sector that China has had a stranglehold on for decades. “Positioning the United States front-and-center to meet the growing demand for advanced batteries is how we boost our global competitiveness, maintain and create good-paying jobs, and strengthen our clean energy economy” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “President Biden’s historic investments are giving the boost needed to build a robust domestic battery supply chain that is Made-in-America.”
Transportation & greenhouse gases
As part of President Biden's goal to ensure that 50 percent of all new vehicle sales be electric by 2030 (released April 17, 2023), the White House announced public and private commitments to support America's historic transition to electric vehicles (EV) under the EV Acceleration Challenge. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that the “Inflation Reduction Act is investing $1 billion to replace dirty heavy-duty vehicles with clean, zero-emission vehicles, support zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, and to train and develop workers.” In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is distributing $1 billion in funding for clean heavyduty vehicles from now until 2031. By accelerating clean energy innovation, and creating good jobs and economic development in communities across the country, America’s economic growth and global competitiveness will be the model every global citizen will look to emulate. The IRA promises good-paying union jobs in energy communities. Clean energy tax credits will increase by 10 percent if the clean energy projects are established in communities that have previously relied upon the extraction, processing, transport or storage of coal, oil, or natural gas as a significant source of employment.
North American Clean Energy
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ENERGY STORAGE
Notes from the Field
How AI helps energy storage operators increase revenues by Ted James
A
s more battery energy storage systems (BESS) are deployed worldwide, leading operators are turning to predictive battery analytics software to improve battery system safety, performance, and lifetimes. BESS assets already achieving performance optimization today clearly showcase how innovations in predictive analytics support operations teams. One key area of focus is asset availability, which ties directly to revenue opportunities. Operators using predictive capabilities are increasing system availability by minimizing unplanned maintenance and mitigating safety issues. Cloud-based analytics software rapidly processes large quantities of field data with approaches based on software engineering, data science, and physics-based battery modeling, including AI. Together, these areas represent the foundation for a new category of software solutions delivering value to BESS owners and operators. The following case studies frame industry challenges and offer perspective into how leaders are putting solutions into practice, unlocking the value from BESS field data.
1. Battery Management Systems (BMS) have limited data analytics capabilities, which can result in lost revenues and safety risks.
At a BESS site in the United States this year, predictive analytics software found a weak battery cell in a 90+ MWh asset that was reducing system performance, and could have led to a safety incident if left unchecked. The BMS never flagged the issue. A key challenge for batteries is that the performance of the system is often determined by the weakest cell, which was certainly the case with this asset. After the issue was identified with independent cloud-based analytics, the asset owner notified the system’s hardware integrator, and the module containing the faulty cell was quickly replaced. By replacing the defective cell, the asset returned to full performance. In a similar instance in the United States, a portion of a 200+ MWh BESS asset was consistently experiencing low availability. Yet, the on-site BMS could not detect or communicate the core problems. To manage this, the operator placed the malfunctioning part of the system into standby mode; after more than four months of evaluation, the operator still had no solution. By implementing predictive analytics software, however, the operator was able to use the systems’ existing data
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to discover that a single string of batteries within the system was the root cause. The string was reporting thousands of erroneous measurements of voltage, current, and temperature. Once identified, the issue was immediately addressed. While the resolution using cloud-based analytics was successful in this case, the scenario highlights the opportunity costs associated with delays and downtimes. Had the asset owners partnered with the predictive battery analytics provider earlier, including it as an essential part of operations, the asset would have generated revenues for an additional four months of the company’s fiscal year. A related experience in Europe with an 80+ MWh BESS site demonstrated how predictive battery analytics software can expand revenue opportunities. This newly built asset had issues with a failed capacity test, so operators scheduled an extra two months of maintenance during a commissioning process. Specifically, the asset’s onsite systems indicated that the batteries were maintaining 100 percent availability, but the system was not able to discharge the required amount of energy during a pre-defined time. After applying predictive analytics software, the operator discovered a severe and complicated imbalancing issue. Engineers were able to remotely check battery cells during the evaluation to precisely pinpoint the equipment that required re-balancing and optimization. The work was completed in less than two weeks. As a result, the operator was able to commence commercial operations six weeks earlier than planned, and generate higher-than-expected revenues.
2. Errors in the state of charge (SOC) affect operators’ abilities to achieve revenue targets.
A 100+ MWh BESS site experienced an outage after the system mistakenly believed it had reached its discharge cut-off voltage. Leading up to this, the system had issued a faulty SOC reading of 100 percent, when the asset’s actual SOC was closer to 50 percent. As a result of cascading errors, the operator was unable to dispatch the energy committed by this asset, incurring a penalty in addition to losing revenues. In this situation, predictive analytics software was used to attain high-fidelity insights about the system’s actual SOC. The operator then took actions recommended by the cloudbased software to resolve the issues that were causing such severe SOC reporting errors. Given the common issue of SOC reporting errors with some battery technologies, the asset owner also implemented continuous monitoring using the predictive battery analytics software.
3. Undetected equipment malfunctions create problems for batteries if left unresolved.
It’s not just faulty battery cells that can threaten the health of a BESS asset. Problems with other system components, such as HVAC equipment, can degrade or even damage batteries if problems are not identified and
Versatile home battery system
Ted James is President, North America at ACCURE Battery Intelligence, where they work to make batteries safer, more reliable, and sustainable using analytics.
Announced in June and currently available for purchase by an Authorized Installer, the Panasonic EVERVOLT Home Battery System is a residential storage system that supports both DC and AC coupling, making it a versatile solution for both new and existing solar installations. This fully integrated energy storage solution combines a hybrid inverter, lithium-ion battery, and the new EVERVOLT SmartBox, to offer maximum 18kWh lithium-ion battery capacity. To store excess power during outages, homeowners can have up to four EVERVOLT Home Batteries stacked to a single EVERVOLT SmartBox to achieve up to 30kW of power and 72kWh of usable energy to provide maximum power. For easy installation, the system has a compact, modular design to improve and enhance the installation process for Panasonic’s Authorized Installers. Furthermore, the EVERVOLT is equipped with an integrated transmitter to ensure an easy installation of rapid shut down devices for safe PV array connections. Featuring a compact and sleek design, this system can be installed indoors or outdoors and can be mounted to either the floor or wall to make any homeowner’s needs. The EVERVOLT Home Battery System also comes with an easy-to-use app that makes managing, monitoring, and controlling capacity and usage that much easier for homeowners. This system is protected by the EVERVOLT AllGuard All System Warranty which protects the system for up to 12 years. When installed by an Authorized Panasonic Installer, the warranty offers customers comprehensive protection covering product, performance, and labor across all major systems and components of the solar installation. The Panasonic EVERVOLT Home Battery System is available in three sizes including 9kWh, 13.5kWh, and 18kWh to meet customers growing energy demands.
ACCURE Battery Intelligence /// www.accure.net
Panasonic /// www.panasonic.com
addressed promptly. For example, predictive analytics software supporting a 100+ MWh system detected very high temperatures within a portion of the asset. The problem occurred due to malfunctioning chillers designed to keep the equipment cool. The operator was unaware of the broken chillers because the BMS had neither detected the problems nor issued any alerts. With the cloud-based analytics software enabled, the operator received notifications and placed the affected portion offline until the chillers could be repaired. If the problem had not been caught, the operator could have lost a share of their batteries at a significant cost, because the damage would have been excluded under the manufacturer’s warranty. In this case, predictive insights generated immediate savings. These case studies highlight common battery quality issues, onsite BMS failures, SOC errors, and other system issues, and speak to how predictive battery analytics software is unlocking value and reducing risks for leading BESS owners and operators. In the fast-growing battery industry, operations teams have limited hands — predictive analytics are becoming essential to simplify the complexity of managing batteries. Cloud-based analytics and continuous monitoring supplement other tools in the field, giving operators the required insights to achieve key results.
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North American Clean Energy
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5
Best Practices to Overcome Energy Storage Permitting Hurdles by Kelly Leathers
States and utilities are seeking to expand residential and commercial use of small-scale battery energy storage systems to relieve grids stressed by extreme weather, provide backup power to customers during grid outages, and make increased use of renewable energy. Battery energy storage of less than 1 megawatt installed on the customer’s side of the meter offers both homeowners/property owners and energy providers with resiliency to avoid and adapt to power outages, and can help balance energy demand and the intermittences of solar and wind power. But installing these “behind-the-meter” distributed energy resources is being hampered by a lack of standardized local government permitting and approval processes, often causing lengthy delays and adding significant costs. Projects must meet state building requirements, but local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), such as county or city planning departments, have their own permitting processes. This frequently results in overly complex and inconsistently applied regulations, codes, and fire standards for on-site energy storage system permits. To streamline processes and reduce delays in California, the nonprofit Center for Sustainable Energy and its research partners have developed an Energy Storage Permitting Guidebook to be published in early 2024, as part of a California Energy Commission-funded project. Many of the regulatory barriers to battery energy storage systems in California also exist in other states — these key recommendations can be applied elsewhere.
Key findings and recommendations
1. Technology changes complicate permitting. Energy storage system technology is evolving rapidly. Each new battery type that comes on the market complicates permitting. Problems arise in how to conduct inspections and what components need review, particularly when parts are assembled as a single system. Best practice: Battery energy storage system manufacturers should provide permitting officials with online and in-person equipment training. 2. Updates of codes are not aligned. Requirements for design and installation of battery energy storage systems can be found in a variety of major residential, electrical, building, or fire codes, and the associated technologies are governed by a variety of standards. It’s not always clear how they interact, particularly when codes and standards are updated at separate times, some only every few years. Best practice: Incentivize AHJs to review and update local permitting codes more frequently. 3. Codes are applied inconsistently. Unlike other building equipment, battery energy storage systems are relatively new, so how codes are applied to planning and review is not always clear. This leads to permitting application errors and frequent requests for minor plan updates that are costly and delay projects. Best practice: Create state-level guidance and formatting standards on how AHJs should apply codes. 4. Fire safety recommendations are unclear. Equipment must meet overall fire potential standards set by UL Solutions that evaluate its operational safety. However, standards do not specify such aspects as equipment spacing or on-site fire safety measures, making it difficult for local fire agencies to decide what meets requirements. Best practice: Create statewide guidance on how to apply the fire code to energy storage systems and work with the state fire marshal to educate AHJ officials and installers.
5. Installations often require other alterations. Adding an energy storage system to an existing building often requires reconfiguring circuits. This results in upgrades or alterations to other electrical equipment, which increases the plan’s complexity and requires time for more reviews and inspections. Best practice: Require statewide certification of electrical inspectors so that they are better equipped to handle multiple types of equipment field inspections.
Help is available
To simplify the energy storage system permitting process, AHJs are encouraged to automate using the free software package SolarAPP+, developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, one of the guidebook’s project partners. It can help review energy storage system plans and conduct some 150 code compliance checks. Meanwhile, property owners and installers can benefit from a variety of energy storage incentives to defray the estimated $12,000-$22,000 cost of a typical home or small business battery energy storage system. California, Connecticut, and Hawaii offer both upfront installation and performance capacity incentives. Others, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont, reward consumers with existing batteries for discharging during scheduled peak hours. California and Connecticut also incentivize equity projects that serve lowincome households, and medically vulnerable consumers who require uninterrupted electricity to power medical equipment or keep medicines refrigerated. Information on incentives related to battery energy storage is available online at DOE’s Battery Policies and Incentives Search.
The bottom line
Battery energy storage benefits include: • Ensuring uninterrupted power during grid outages. • Reducing monthly utility bills by shifting load demand. • Maximizing electric vehicle charging scheduling and cost savings. • Decreasing fossil fuel energy generation and carbon emissions. Standardizing disparate and often confusing permitting processes and increasing training can accelerate deployment of energy storage to help assure the industry’s continued growth.
Kelly Leathers is Project Manager at Center for Sustainable Energy, a national nonprofit that accelerates adoption of clean transportation and distributed energy through effective and equitable program design and administration.
Center for Sustainable Energy /// energycenter.org
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North American Clean Energy
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ENERGY STORAGE
Reaching Pricing Parity
Public EV fast charger vs. traditional fuel by Cole Rosson
T
he fact that EV charging is currently cheaper than filling up your traditional gas tank has set a precedent that public EV charging will always remain less expensive. This is certainly a good thing to support the adoption of EVs, but the high infrastructure costs and low session revenues of charging sites make a challenging business case for charge point operators (CPOs). It’s vital that we build a profitable market while setting a revised consumer expectation for the cost of a charging session. With <1 percent of vehicles on the road being electric today, it’s an industry too immature to understand what pricing the market can bear. Until we see larger adoption rates, it’s unlikely the market will find the true EV charging price equilibrium on a cost-per-mile basis, but benchmarking against the cost of fueling an internal combustion engine (ICE) tank is a good place to start. Once we have mass adoption, corridor charging sites (essentially fuel stations for EVs) could reasonably charge something near what a consumer is used to paying at the current pump. However, there are other costs to consider as well. For one, increased adoption will likely drive up utility rates due to the sizable grid infrastructure investment needed. CPOs and utilities will need to account for these costs, which will result in higher consumerfacing prices. Can we find a middle ground that supports further EV adoption while also providing a positive business case for companies investing in this vital infrastructure?
The new energy retailers
A colleague of mine recently referred to CPOs that own and operate EV charging stations as “energy retailers.” Utilities aren’t the only energy retailers; charging companies and even local fuel stations that installed chargers are technically retailing energy as well. With the responsibility to install, maintain and operate EV infrastructure, CPOs must add a sufficient margin on top of the local utility company’s commercial rates to support their investments.
Comparing cost-per-mile metrics
The EV charging price ceiling should logically be the equivalent of fueling an ICE, which can be considered by the cost per mile because miles are the only real comparable metric between vehicles. For example, an average ICE with a 22-mpg rating and 17-gallon fuel tank would be about $0.18 per mile to operate, assuming a fuel cost of about $4 per gallon. To look at
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an EV equivalent for $4 per gallon, let’s consider a Hyundai Ionic 6 with a 77.4-kWh battery and 325-mile range. To get the equivalent of $0.18 per mile, the CPO could retail energy at $0.77 per kilowatt-hour, assuming roughly 4.2 miles per kWh. That represents about a 90 percent premium on today’s average retail kilowatt-hour costs, and the maximum revenue a site can make per plug.
How much can CPOs reasonably charge?
The true value to a customer of providing fast and ultra-fast charging access is yet to be determined. Since the majority of charging will happen at the home and workplace, there’s no need to have the same national volume of DCFC plugs as we do fuel pumps. In fact, there will be a much lower attach rate — the ratio of cars on the road to plugs — versus that of traditional fuel pumps, which a recent NREL report estimated as 144:1 for EVs and 15:1 for fuel stations. With fewer EV chargers needed than gas pumps, wouldn’t basic supply and demand economics dictate a reason to charge a premium for these sites? Like fuel prices, electricity costs shift quite drastically by market geography, not to mention the added complexity of time-of-use rates when there’s peak demand on the grid and electricity might be more expensive. Today, we see EV charging retail rates between $0.35 and $0.65 per kilowatt-hour, with the latter in areas like California and New York that also have higher fuel prices. Even on a conservative basis, there’s room to increase revenue per session from anywhere between 40 percent and 80 percent while still allowing for significant cost efficiencies over an ICE. If I’m a CPO that retails for $0.40 per kilowatt-hour (about $0.095 per mile based on the previous scenario) I’d be 50 percent cheaper per mile than the gasoline alternative for the similar range. That begs the question of what would happen if I were only 25 percent cheaper than gasoline, thus increasing my retail price to $0.67 per kilowatt-hour. It’s a
sizable percentage increase but also would represent a 68 percent increase to my annual revenues (assuming about 12 sessions per day), which adds $50,000 to my topline per port—not bad. Finally, what if I went full tilt and was in parity with fuel at $0.77 per kilowatt-hour. A 180-kW DC fast charger supplying 36 kilowatt-hours, the average corridor charging session, would generate $27.72 of revenue leading to an increase of $13.32 per session. With no changes to site traffic, (i.e. still 12 sessions per day) I’d increase my annual topline revenue by 93 percent to $121,000, making significant increases in my IRR. Most importantly, in parity with fuel, there’s a good chance that I’d be able to operate around a 50 percent margin, once taking into account the site’s fixed costs. According to a recent study, traditional fuel station owners make something like a 2 percent margin per gallon sold, so EV at scale makes for a very compelling argument given the potential spread in kWh prices once fixed infrastructure costs have been covered. Consumers are price conscious and smart, so shifting perception in this very young industry as soon as possible is vital to set customer expectations and mindset for tomorrow. Increasing EV sales is reliant on having the infrastructure in the ground, but the market must incentivize site hosts to manage a competitive business in order to drive the needed adoption. The majority of traditional fuel stations are small businesses — ones without equity or debt funding opportunities, or institutional investments — so it’s vital the free-market system enable EV charging businesses to be profitable and yearn to invest in charging infrastructure. We should be starting to consider charging more at EV sites today because we’ll only just have to crank it up later.
Cole Rosson is Director of Business Development for Sparkion, an engineering-led provider of energy management solutions for the behind-the-meter industry with a focus on electric vehicle charging infrastructure (EVSE). Rosson has spent over a decade in the auto and e-mobility industries through roles at companies like Jaguar, Land Rover, Ferrari, TikTok, and EVBox, where he gained expertise in understanding the current and future market dynamics in the EV and EVSE spaces.
Plug-in hybrid savings calculator tool for fleets MoveEV announced the launch of a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) Savings Calculator Tool. The simple tool was developed for fleet managers to shed light on a pervasive issue in the fleet industry: PHEV drivers failing to plug in their vehicles, resulting in increased costs and environmental impact. The PHEV Savings Calculator Tool provides customized inputs, shows environmental impact, and provides a comprehensive cost analysis.
MoveEV /// www.moveev.com/phev-savings-calculator
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Sparkion /// sparkion.io North American Clean Energy
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ENERGY STORAGE
Five Factors to Consider When Choosing Your O&M Partner by Sully Speed
Adhering to contractual uptime commitments amid O&M budget constraints is a contentious reality for all asset owners regardless of their field. As the demand for renewable energy continues to increase, the need for reliable operation and maintenance partners is growing with it. For many asset owners, outsourcing is the most effective choice, ensuring rapid response times and utilizing the most experienced technicians who can minimize asset downtime. For others with in-house capabilities, it’s a way to augment resources or meet specialized needs. Whatever the case, selecting a third-party service provider is a long-term strategic decision not to be taken lightly. Getting it wrong can be costly, even catastrophic. Sophisticated asset owners know that uptime is determined by sending the right technician with the right tools and right parts in the minimal amount of time. Hourly price is the first factor on many asset owners' minds, but if a small saving in hourly rate results in a significant amount of inefficient additional billable hours, then maintenance costs can quickly spiral beyond budget. While price is important, it is not the only factor to consider. In fact, selecting an O&M partner based on price alone can be dangerous. Service level agreement (SLA) performance, national reach, scalability, safety, and supply chain reliability top the list of must-haves for many of the highestperforming asset owners, especially for nationwide portfolio owners.
What is a safety track record?
Anyone who’s spent more than five minutes on a critical infrastructure site understands the potential danger technicians face. The scope of the work they execute has potentially life-changing consequences if they fail to follow procedures, use the right tools, or wear the appropriate PPE. The best-in-class owner operators and O&M service providers will begin every project, day, or meeting with a safety moment, putting safety front of mind for everyone. When choosing an O&M partner, it is important to look at the details: What is their total recordable incident rate and on how many field service hours per year is that measured? What is the Pareto of incidents and what type of incidents are occurring? Motor vehicle accidents, slips and trips, and technician’s personal health can be the most common safety incidents. What programs does the O&M partner have in place to reduce and mitigate these often-overlooked risks? Prevention is always the best approach, but how serious is your O&M partner taking it? Do they have a process for technicians to report risks and are they mitigated promptly before becoming an incident? Is the onboarding and refresher training sufficient to drive safer fieldwork? Due diligence and time taken upfront to vet your O&M provider’s safety culture, program, procedures, and results can save a lot of headaches and liability later.
SLA performance that ensures rapid root-cause analysis
Response times are a critical component of any O&M servicing partnership – and one that can be measured through service level agreement (SLA) performance. With so much at stake, a minimum threshold of 90 percent SLA may be the norm for shortlisting contending providers during the request for proposal process, but those with track records of 95 percent or higher certainly stand out.
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SLAs for some service requests may reasonably be a few business days, while others require 24x7 availability with responses measured in minutes and hours. As renewable assets become a larger portion of North America’s generation capacity, and these assets' uptimes become critical, minutes matter. In major markets, the ability to respond in 90 minutes can be a distinct differentiator for response-centric providers. Many SLAs simply aren’t negotiable, especially when safety and catastrophic failures are at stake.
North American reach to meet regional demand
Working with an O&M provider with national or North America-wide coverage is critical to scalability. Consider the real-life scenario where a large EV charging charge-point operator needs to upgrade a critical component across their entire EV charger portfolio: Only an O&M provider with North America-wide reach could efficiently provide that service response due to the need to replicate the same scope of work, sometimes thousands of times, at charging stations in a wide variety of fleet and public settings. Achieving scale quickly while maintaining quality and consistency requires a proven O&M partner with a strong portfolio of experience and skilled project managers to oversee training, quality, schedule, scope, cost, and reporting. Dispatch is another area where nationwide service companies have the advantage over regional ones. One phone call and local technicians in multiple locations can be deployed seamlessly and simultaneously. Even for asset owners operating exclusively in smaller regional markets, O&Ms who can dispatch locally while operating nationally ensure the availability of technicians and parts no matter the local conditions.
Scalability to meet your growth demands.
Scalability in O&M servicing has multiple dimensions, starting with expanding in-field maintenance capacity to meet renewable energy industry demand. Once hired, technicians need to go through rigorous electrical, safety, and product-specific training to ensure they have the skills to do the work before getting to the field. Once onboarded, technicians then must go through regular refresher training to keep their skills and knowledge updated. Imagine the servicing needs of a colossal 600 MWh energy storage project in the ERCOT region, where the need to de-risk the fragility of the Texas grid system has fast-tracked the transition to energy storage. The asset owner needs a multi-faceted team trained and deployed in just three months to provide the full spectrum of commissioning, preventative, and corrective maintenance services. This complex O&M servicing challenge is far too large to scale for many asset owners. A third-party service provider with a track record
of scaling up regional teams will reduce the risk and establish effective operations from day one. As the renewable energy boom continues, the ability to scale is especially critical in workforce development; the industry faces the daunting challenge of onboarding and training hundreds of thousands of O&M technicians to meet growth demands in just a few short years. The O&M providers that are positioned for success recognize their role in going beyond a labor-sub model, and instead provide technicians with a career path with industry-leading training. Smaller O&M providers often don’t have the budget or resources to scale up teams of trained technicians to keep pace with the introduction of innovative new technologies and client-specific needs. For asset owners with internal teams, the ebb and flow of a project’s design phase can be draining to an in-house O&M team, causing high turnover and lower quality of work execution. Scaling resources up and down based on demand often requires a hybrid in-house/outsourced response. Engaging with an O&M partner can optimize resources and control for surge demand.
Pulling it all together
O&M is often an afterthought to new critical infrastructure project planning, yet it often represents 20 years or more of an asset's life, and can result in expenditures significantly larger than the initial capital investment. Without a strong O&M strategy, critical infrastructure quickly runs into operating difficulties, leading to significant lost revenue. Given that outsourcing O&M is at least part of every operator’s strategy, choosing the right O&M partner based on safety, training, expertise, responsiveness, geographic coverage, reporting, and inventory management (in addition to hourly rate) are all factors to be considered.
Sully Speed is the VP of Product and Business Development, and leads the Product Management and Business Development team for the Pearce Renewables Energy Storage, EV Charging, and O&M segments. He has more than 10 years of experience in the renewables market, and an intrinsic understanding of in-field reliability.
Pearce Renewables /// www.pearce-renewables.com
Supply chain reliability
Increasingly, remote data insights into critical infrastructure provide troubleshooting and diagnosis with required spare parts bill-ofmaterials. This enables the field team to complete repairs in a ‘first truck roll’, and creates an alternative critical path that limits time-torepair. With technicians ready to respond in minutes or hours, the next challenge is how to get the right parts into the technician's hands. Many critical infrastructure sites do not have the ability to store a full inventory of spare parts. Full spare parts inventories at every site can quickly balloon the company's balance sheet, not to mention create the procurement challenge of managing inventory obsolescence in a rapidly evolving industry. Supply chain logistics quickly becomes a significant value. What good is it to rapidly deploy a technician on-site only to discover that they don’t have the parts on hand or the means to quickly access them to resolve a downtime issue? Implementing an inventory stocking, replenishment, and logistics solution is imperative in reducing the critical path to issue resolution. Having an O&M provider that can optimally manage inventory and expedite parts to any site can be a key to success when uptime is a KPI of your infrastructure. North American Clean Energy
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ENERGY STORAGE
The Key to Accelerated EV Adoption by Ken Munson
B
uilding a sustainable future isn't a puzzle solved with one solution – it’s a concerted effort among multiple industries. Electrifying the transportation sector is pivotal to achieving the bigger picture, and consumers are embracing the e-mobility movement. Last year, allelectric vehicles made up about seven percent of new car sales, marking a tipping point predicting even greater adoption. Despite this promising shift, the journey to decarbonize our roads encounters a formidable hurdle—an aging grid. EVs demand substantial energy, with lightduty models expected to use up to 3,360 percent more electricity by 2035 than they do today. These increased requirements will exert additional strain on a grid not designed for such demands. Some utilities are gearing up for massive infrastructure overhauls to accelerate change; however, these upgrades are costly and time-consuming, potentially delaying EV proliferation. Rather than create years-long backlogs, utilities should first consider advanced software solutions for EV charging optimization that can provide the asset-level insights they need to maximize EV uptake within the constraints of today’s distribution grid.
“Managed Charging”: Not a one-size-fits-all solution
In a neighborhood where only a few residents own EVs, utilities may initially adopt an unmanaged charging approach, allowing EV owners to charge at their convenience. Nevertheless, as the adoption of EVs accelerates within the neighborhood, the increasing load of charging poses a significant challenge for utility providers who adhere to the unmanaged approach. Utilities often get a simple answer when aiming to solve this mismatch between EV demand and distribution grid capacity: deploy a managed charging solution. Basic managed charging platforms avoid demand charges by carefully monitoring time-of-use (TOU) rates. Using such software to coordinate EV charging schedules allows utilities to shift charging to off-peak hours, limiting the maximum draw on the grid at specific times. While this solution helps reduce charging costs for EV owners and slows the pace of required utility upgrades, it falls short of extracting the most consumer and utility value available. When implemented properly, managed charging can be a game-changer. However, most TOU-based models do not address the entire value stack that holistic charging offers today, and can exacerbate challenges or add unnecessary costs. When multiple EVs within a service area adopt the same charging schedules, the sudden shift of this new load to the same off-peak hours can inadvertently create a second peak, greatly overloading a given service transformer. These simplified solutions prioritize the EV owner and offer some relief, but do little to help utilities understand and optimize EV charging within the limits of existing service transformers, feeders, and substations. Enabling the grid to sustain mass EV adoption will require utilities to utilize a managed charging solution that goes beyond traditional TOU optimization at the site – one that marries the customer side of the meter with the utility’s side, optimizing critical assets throughout the distribution network.
Building a more resilient tomorrow, today Planned maintenance, dedicated asset monitoring, and round-the-clock support. Spark Power delivers operations and maintenance, testing, analysis, support, and emergency service you demand to maintain operational efficiency and performance.
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Battery Energy Storage Solutions
Wind Energy Services
Electric Vehicle Charging
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Want to learn more? Scan here to learn more about Spark Power’s Renewables capabilities. sparkpowercorp.com
The industry’s definition of managed charging has been limited in scope, too often giving precedence to driver, vehicle preferences, and customer engagement while disregarding crucial grid challenges. In such scenarios, assets on the utility side of the meter (including transformers, feeders, and substations) are frequently excluded from the comprehensive orchestration of managed charging, whereas advanced managed charging solutions strive to strike a harmonious
Using EVs as energy sources As a new accessory of FranklinWH system, aHub works with EVs with V2L to add those vehicles as another potential power source in an extended outage. By working with portable generators, aHub provides a cost-effective alternative to relying on standby generators. When accounting for purchase price and installation costs, using aHub with a portable generator instead of a standby generator reduces Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) by 50% to 70%. Should a home be impacted by a grid outage, the Franklin Home Power Solution can leverage energy from more sources in addition to what's stored in its aPower batteries to keep a home running for as long as possible, reducing anxiety for homeowners during emergency situations.
FranklinWH /// www.franklinwh.com balance between both sides of the meter. By identifying EV charging signatures, disaggregating the EV load from the home's native load, and forecasting usage needs and charging predictability for the days ahead, the utility can be assured that EV charging is efficiently coordinated to avoid overloads and minimize energy costs. As a result, an advanced managed charging solution can increase EV charging capacity by more than 50 percent on one transformer before a physical infrastructure upgrade is needed – and further streamline the geospatial and temporal constraints for feeders and substations. This optimization level meets the EV transition where it is today, yielding a win-win for both utilities and EV owners. For utilities, the ability to aggregate and understand charging loads at a granular level mitigates the impact of EVs on individual feeders and transformers, maximizes the utilization of existing assets, and helps guide future grid upgrades to where they are needed most. These solutions can also ensure that EV owners' vehicles do not put additional strain on an already tired grid while avoiding unplanned charging costs. Electrifying the transportation sector is a significant step toward solving the communal sustainability puzzle. Transport emissions grew at an annual average rate of 1.7 percent from 1990 to 2022. To get on track with the Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario, CO2 emissions from the transport sector must fall by more than 3 percent each year until 2030. Adopting advanced managed charging software can help achieve these goals by optimizing the use of existing grid infrastructure based on real-world charging needs, allowing for greater EV adoption at a lower cost today while further guiding the infrastructure upgrades of tomorrow.
Ken Munson is CEO of Rhythmos, a modern analytics platform that optimizes electric mobility by addressing the needs of fleet managers, operators, planners, and utility partners.
April 10-11, 2024 Pennsylvania Convention Center Philadelphia, PA
Innovation. Investment. Implementation.
Pillip Bartlett Chair Maine Board of Public Utilities
Carrie Zalewski Vice President Transmission & Markets American Clean Power Association
Becca Jones-Albertus Director, Solar Energy Technologies Office U.S Department of Energy (DOE)
Emily Schapira President & CEO Philadelphia Energy Authority
The marketplace for the entire solar and storage value chain: installers, developers, farmers, policy makers and solar technologies. Register for free at www.terrapinn.com/solarusa
Rhythmos /// rhythmos.io North American Clean Energy
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ENERGY STORAGE
New software features prevent li-ion battery fires
DIY all-in-one solar ready ESS for off-grid living
Fire-suppressant packaging to transport, store, and recycle lithium-ion batteries
ACCURE Battery Intelligence announced several safety-focused functionalities in its flagship ACCURE Safety Manager solution. This introduces an intuitive battery safety scoring system, datainformed action recommendations, and active alerting across multiple communication channels. The software provides weeks of advance notice of safety-critical problems, empowering operators to act before a battery incident occurs. This lead time is critical to preventing thermal runaway events that can spark fires and explosions. The ACCURE Safety Manager accurately predicts battery problems weeks before an incident by processing large amounts of data with cloud computing. This predictive analytics software uses physics-based modeling and artificial intelligence to continuously monitor and detect over 20 safety-relevant anomalies. These include cell and module defects, battery management system (BMS) errors, and cell damage caused by environment-related factors such as poor HVAC performance. The latest ACCURE Safety Manager software release includes a safety scoring system, data-informed recommendations, and mission-critical alerts.
KiloVault’s Uniti EcoFreedom is designed for individuals seeking a sustainable and independent lifestyle. At the core of the Uniti EcoFreedom system lies an advanced battery which ensures safety, longevity, and allows for deep energy cycling, making it a suitable choice for powering homes, cabins, and spaces off the grid. The Uniti EcoFreedom offers an all-in-one, pre-wired design, which slashes installation and setup time, saving users valuable days. The EcoFreedom system is divided into easily movable sections, enabling a single person to transport and assemble the components without the need for specialized tools or equipment. The Uniti EcoFreedom is complemented by an integrated solar charge controller, ensuring efficient and effective battery charging while optimizing round-trip energy efficiency. Its included inverter allows for high-power discharge rates, ensuring optimal utilization of stored energy. Its integrated breakers saves the expense and headache of wiring an additional breaker box, enabling the homeowner the option to run their electric circuits directly into the Uniti EcoFreedom. With the ability to run appliances and devices such as LED bulbs, phones, laptops, TVs, tools, heating and cooling systems, the Uniti EcoFreedom provides versatile energy support tailored to a fully energy independent lifestyle.
Packaging and Crating Technologies (PACT) has developed a patented, firesuppressant packaging wrap called PACT Thermo Shield designed to control lithium battery thermal runaway, which causes dangerous and oftentimes deadly fires. It has passed the proposed testing standards of the SAE International for safety in shipping lithium-ion batteries via land, sea, and air. PACT Thermo Shield is a lightweight, pleated, paper material with a non-toxic, moisture vapor application that prevents thermal runaway. If thermal runaway occurs, the protective PACT Thermo Shield wrap immediately cools the internal environment of the package, while limiting oxygen around the payload. This process prevents the thermal runaway from spreading to other areas of the package, thus, suppressing a potential fire and shielding the surrounding environment from damage. In the event of a fire, PACT Thermo Shield is capable of containing temperatures up to 1500°F (800°C), while restricting the temperature outside of the wrap to 140°F (60°C). PACT has also recently designed a special product for E-mobility batteries, the PACT Thermo Shield TR Sleeve, in which its specially-coated, fire-suppressant paper is wrapped around each battery cell to mitigate thermal runaway between them, thus serving as a heat and flame barrier. The PACT Thermo Shield also provides an eco-friendly way to ship or transport products safely to a battery recycler. The company developed a smaller product, the TR Envelope, to safely transport and store recyclable smaller devices such as cell phones, pagers, smartwatches, and A-D batteries.
ACCURE Battery Intelligence /// accure.net
KiloVault /// kilovault.com
CASE STUDY: Distribution Operators Trial Real-time EV Charger Control Learn More: Or visit: https://info.dynamicratings.com/ ev-charging-cs
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PACT, LLC /// www.pactww.com
Affordable whole house solar generator The Nature’s Generator Powerhouse is a whole home eco-power solution that can single-handedly address all home power requirements with its split phase 240V/7200W or single phase 120V/7200W (combined) pure sine wave inverter. Nature's Generator Powerhouse can bring the power to 240V electrical devices like water pumps, air conditioners, and heaters. Nature's Generator Powerhouse Line 1 is a 120V 3600W Capacity Pure Sine Wave and it is independent from Line 2. It can power up sensitive devices like refrigerators, freezers, garage door openers, computers, and more. Once the 3600W Line 1 is maxed out, Line 2 can bring power to more devices with additional 3600W. This eco-system is fully customizable, and by using solar or wind power, also completely free. The Nature's Generator Powerhouse Power Pod allows users to extend the battery capacity of their Powerhouse for an additional 4800Wh per added Power Pod. Every Powerhouse Power Pod also upgrades the solar input for an additional 2000W and wind input for an additional 1000W. Upgrading the Powerhouse is as fast and easy as plugging in to a wall outlet. Just plug in the Expansion-out cable from the Power Pod to the Expansion-In port of the Powerhouse or existing Power Pod. The Nature's Generator Powerhouse Power Panel uses a MONO PERC solar cell and the Nature's Generator Powerhouse Wind Turbine has been designed and made specifically for use with the Powerhouse and allows users to harness the power of wind to provide an additional method of charging the Nature's Generator Powerhouse. The Nature's Generator Powerhouse Transfer Switch backs-up a home's critical loads from the Powerhouse during a power outage. Nature’s Generator also offers an off-grid security system, the Nature's Generator Security Camera, built to work with the Powerhouse. Homes can now be monitored 24/7 even if the Powerhouse is turned off.
Nature’s Generator /// www.naturesgenerator.com
Smart energy experience for homes and businesses
Reliable energy storage solutions
Savant Systems, Inc. has launched its new energy storage system (ESS), Savant Power Storage. Savant Power Storage is a foundational and scalable smart home technology that consists of an integrated inverter and LFP battery system and intelligent software that offers optimized power source management, high performance energy storage, and flexible load management that can be tailored to meet the needs of any home or business up to 800A. Savant Power Storage 20 comes with a 10-year warranty, and is eligible for tax credits, as well as other government subsidies via the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). With a scalable inverter and LFP battery system that houses between 12.5kW to 125kW of storage delivering from 20kWh to 200kWh, Savant Power Storage 20 has an all-in-one shallow design with a small footprint and is easy to install with a quick-load battery system. Savant’s user app allows for easy monitoring, control, and automation of everyday energy consumption, optimizing efficiency, reducing costs, and maximizing the life of stored energy during peak pricing periods and outages. Users can automate their home or business for any scenario such as switching to stored power in the event of a grid outage, prioritizing storing energy before an approaching storm, and much more. Savant Power Storage can operate as a standalone or as part of a complete end-to-end Savant Power System that combines onsite energy generation, inverter and battery storage, generator control, flexible load management for every circuit, and level two EV charging.
Nidec Industrial Solutions’ EV charger, DirectPowerPS, allows electric vehicles of any model to minimize charging times thanks to outputs available up to 360kW. This EV charging station can be used to charge two vehicles simultaneously, meaning retailers can provide more charging spaces for their consumers. Combined with Nidec’s proprietary software, customers are empowered to operate their charging network, revenue, and service at their fingertips. The company’s latest designs were made entirely in the US. Nidec’s hardware works effortlessly with its software, making the charging process user-friendly and accessible. In terms of reliability, Nidec provides on-demand, remote assistance, as well as nationwide on-site assistance. Manufactured in Cleveland, Ohio, this line of DC Fast Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment is NEVI compliant and are customizable, allowing customers to promote their brand, with their customers, as they see fit. The flagship model has a large screen that allows for advertising space as well.
Nidec Industrial Solutions /// directpowerps.us
Savant Systems, Inc. /// savant.com
Your World,
High power electric commercial vehicle charging
Reliable energy storage solutions
Stäubli announces its Megawatt Charging System (MCS) that allows charging of electric commercial vehicles with charging power of up to 4.5MW. Stäubli's MCS has been designed as per the CharIN task force specifications, with a strong focus on durability and ease of use. The use of a liquid cooled cable enables faster charging times and greater flexibility, making it a crucial element in sustainable transportation. Delivering up to 4.5MW of charging power, with a rated current of up to 3000A and 1500V, the Stäubli MCS effectively eliminates the challenges associated with commercial vehicle charging. The Stäubli MCS connector can be used to charge a wide variety of heavy-duty vehicles. Although the CharIN standard primarily focuses on Class 6, 7, and 8 commercial vehicles such as trucks, construction- and agricultural vehicles, the MCS connector can also be used for buses, vessels, aircraft, and other large battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
Hoymiles has released the US version of its single-phase hybrid inverters HYS-LVUSG1. Hoymiles’ hybrid inverters enable the two-way conversion of electricity from alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC), as well as DC to AC. This allows the HYS-LV-USG1 Series hybrid system to dynamically switch between power sources depending on energy production, price, and usage. Covering the power class from 3.8kW to 11.5kW and supporting both DC- and AC-coupled systems, they are adaptable to a wide range of scenarios. The up-to-32A MPPT current provides seamless compatibility with all mainstream photovoltaic modules, and has 97.6% maximum efficiency. The inverters also allow users to check real-time system data and perform remote O&M via a transfer stick (DTS). Additionally, Hoymiles has designed the inverters to be compact and simple to install, meaning they can be easily integrated into any hybrid system.
Stäubli /// www.staubli.com
Hoymiles /// www.hoymiles.com/us/
YOUR INSTALL
Easy Installation & Commissioning Integrate Solar, Grid, Battery, and Generator 12-year Warranty
+ 888-837-2655 info@franklinwh.com www.franklinwh.com
North American Clean Energy
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ENERGY STORAGE
Full-cycle management of lithium energy storage solutions CALB’s upgraded CALB 314Ah features a lithium replenishment technology that extends its lifespan to 15,000 charge cycles, the equivalent of up to a 25-year lifecycle. Through extensive optimizations, usable energy has been increased by 12%, and round-trip efficiency has reached 96%. With an advanced chemical system that enhances output efficiency, accuracy, and reduces lithium degradation, the 314Ah guarantees zero degradation in the first 1000 charge cycles. Designed to be scalable, the product can be customized to meet the unique energy requirements of diverse commercial applications.
CALB /// en.calb-tech.com
Long glass fiber PPA solutions for battery applications
Stay Ahead of the Competition:
MARCH 18-21, 2024 Raleigh, NC
Learn the Skills to Master the Latest Technical Trends, Innovations, and Information in the PV Industry NABCEP Board Certified Professionals can obtain as many as 20.5 hours of continuing education units needed to recertify. PV Associates can obtain 18 continuing education units needed to renew. Noncertified renewable energy professionals seeking to advance their career can earn up to 18 hours towards becoming NABCEP Board Certified by attending the CE Conference.
The conference will include: •
Three days of in-depth technical training from
•
The latest technical training from select manufacturers
•
Full day PV and the NEC course options
•
Amazing networking opportunities with seasoned
the most respected experts in the industry
Solvay’s Xencor XTreme PPA LGF grades are designed to offer resistance to direct flame exposure at 1832°F (1000°C) for over 10 minutes, providing sufficient time for passengers to exit the vehicle in the event of a thermal runaway and meeting the latest global regulations in Europe, China, the United States, and other countries. The materials are designed to retain a high level of electrical insulation after exposure to flame, helping to mitigate thermal runaway in batteries. More importantly, the material has a high glass transition temperature (Tg) which enables dimensional stability of the parts under battery operating conditions. Key benefits of Xencor XTreme include high stiffness, strength and impact resistance, best-in-class electrical insulation with a comparative tracking index of >600V, and high dielectric strength.
Next generation EV inverter Hillcrest Energy Technologies has completed the design concept for its next generation electric vehicle (EV) inverter. The new and improved EV inverter is optimized with Hillcrest's Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS)-enabled power module. The enhanced version provides an additional 100kW of energy compared to Hillcrest's previous prototype, leverages 350kW silicon carbide (SiC) technology and is designed for applications up to 1000V. By incorporating this new inverter, EV manufacturers can expect even higher power density, better switching performance, and improved electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). The enhancements and benefits will enable EV manufacturers to further reduce vehicle weight and component costs, making EVs more efficient and affordable. Hillcrest's SiC traction inverters utilize their ZVS technology platform, resulting in inverter efficiency of up to 99.6%. Extensive testing and simulation have demonstrated significant improvements in overall system efficiency, performance, and reliability for electric systems such as EVs, stationary energy generation, and energy storage systems.
Hillcrest Energy Technologies /// hillcrestenergy.tech
Solvay /// www.solvay.com
and knowledgeable PV professionals •
An advantageous stationary storage solution
All meals and entertainment included in the price of registration
APsystems’ APstorage line of residential energy storage products encompasses lowvoltage, single-phase residential battery inverters tailored for efficient battery charging and discharging. These inverters can seamlessly connect with an APsystems solar array or operate independently from solar power sources. They offer compatibility with a wide array of battery models, making them battery-agnostic. Moreover, the ELS series harmoniously integrates with APsystems' DS3 microinverters, offering a fully integrated solar and storage solution.
The newest version of EnerVenue’s batteries extends the solutions’ durability, operational flexibility, and costefficiency benefits for stationary storage projects across myriad use cases. Next-generation ESVs have a long 30-year 30,000-cycle expected lifespan, and a projected 86% capacity after 30,000 full cycles. Because metalhydrogen ESVs pose zero thermal runaway risk and no risk of fire propagation, deployments require no complex and costly fire suppression or robust HVAC systems. The next-generation ESVs can flexibly cycle up to three times per day, at 2 to 12-hour discharge rates, enabling unique applications and business models for developers, integrators, and owners. Revenue stacking opportunities can also be maximized because of the solution’s applicability to so many clean energy use cases. The next-generation ESVs are backed by EnerVenue’s Capacity Assurance, a long, simple, and straightforward extended warranty for stationary batteries, offering a 20-year/20,000-cycle warranty extension that guarantees at least 88% battery capacity remaining after that period. The batteries will be produced at the company’s onemillion-square-foot gigafactory in Shelby County, Kentucky, where the plant is being designed with manufacturing lines to support production at scale.
APsystems /// usa.apsystems.com
EnerVenue /// enervenue.com
Join us in Raleigh, NC for three intensive days of PV training, education and networking. To find out more, or register for the conference, visit:
www.nabcep.org
Next-gen residential storage
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2024 SOLAR BUYERS GUIDE
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Lock Joint Tube /// www.ljtube.com
DIRECTORY Adhesives, Sealants, & Tapes Backsheets Balance-of-Systems (BoS) Battery | Energy Storage Battery Recycling | Repurposing BIPV Business Community Community Solar Components | Electrical Protection Consultants | Business & Environmental Consultants Contractors | EPC Cooling Systems Data Acquistion Dielectric fluid Electrical Insulation Electrical Wire, Cable, & Connectors Electrolysers Encapsulant Film Enclosures | Combiner Boxes Energy Management Systems Energy Storage System
Engineering | Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Environmental Consultants | Business Services Equipment Manufacturer EV Charging Financial Services Floating Solar Foundations Ground Covering Ground Screws | Anchors Insurance Services Inverters IT | OT Integrator Legal Services Lightning & Surge Protection Microgrids Microinverters Modules New Construction Oil Containment | Spill Prevention Performance Assurance Performance Monitoring
Permitting Portable Solar Power Engineering & Consulting Power Transformers PV Cleaning Systems PV Distributors PV Installers PV Manufacturers & Equipment Racking & Mounting Systems Rapid Shutdown Systems Residential or Small Office Solar/PV Roll Forming Safety Safety Work Apparel Sheet Metal | Machining Signage Smart Electrical Panel Software Supplier Solar & Wind Developer Solar Fasteners Solar Glass | Encapsulation Solar Hot Water Distributors
Solar Integration Solar Lighting Solar Lighting Solar Module Frames Solar Radiometer Calibration Solar Recycling Solar Support Structures & Carport Systems Solar Thermal Manufacturing & Equipment Solar-Plus-Storage Switchboards Test & Measurement Theft Protection Tools Tracking Systems Transformers Transportation | Logistics Tubing | Steel Tubing Utility Scale Solar | PV Valves Vegetation Management Wire Management North American Clean Energy
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2024 SOLAR BUYERS GUIDE Adhesives, Sealants, & Tapes
Balance-of-Systems (BoS)
Battery | Energy Storage
Aggreko
MOCAP X-Treme Tape is a self-fusing silicone insulating and repair wrap. Originally developed for U.S. Military applications, it has been tested in extreme conditions and environments. It is a versatile and easy-to-use repair tape. X-Treme Tape withstands extremes in temperature, pressure, voltage, moisture, corrosion, and contaminants. Their tape sticks only to itself by means of cross-linked polymer bond. There is no adhesive to deteriorate and no sticky messes upon removal. The bond is strong, tight, and permanent. The tape features high tensile and dielectric strength and resists many acids, fuels, oils, solvents, along with salt water and UV rays. www.mocap.com
Backsheets
The Griff Network The Griff Network is a manufacturer of high-quality, durable solar backsheets, encapsulants, and membranes. They carry a wide range of film products designed to offer protection against UV, moisture, and weather. Some of Griff’s film varieties include fluoropolymer and non-fluoropolymer substrates. Their self-adhesive waterproofing membranes are manufactured to be compatible with integrated photovoltaic roofing systems. The Griff Network’s backsheets and encapsulants utilize ultramodern technology to create a strong adhesion to solar panels to ensure panel longevity.
Voltage, LLC
Heyco Products, Corp. Heyco provides solutions that keep connections liquid tight in solar installations. Heyco’s line of Solar Mastheads recently expanded to include #6AWG cables in addition to #8AWG and #10AWG. The new sizes are available in 1¼'' NPT, 1½'' NPT, and 2'' NPT, and can accommodate anywhere from 5 to 8 #6AWG cables. The unique skinned-over technology allows for flexibility out in the field, allowing an installer to use as many or as few holes while still remaining liquid tight. www.heyco.com
Voltage’s eco-system of wiring solutions span from their engineering design services through to customized products and closing the loop with 3D renderings and Voltage Reality training support. The REEL PnP system, a hybrid of their product and engineering experience, results in the customization of each row and reel to a customer’s exact specifications. Voltage’s next-generation technologies, utilized in the manufacturing process, enables the Voltage LYNX Trunk Bus to provide efficiencies by eliminating multiple traditional components on a utility scale solar installation. This reduces the number of connections, potential variable challenges, and the amount of equipment requiring upkeep and repairs throughout the lifespan of the solar installation. www.voltage-llc.com
Aggreko’s fully integrated, plug-and-play battery storage solutions ensure maximum system effectiveness and efficiency. They have been optimized across every component to deliver system performance, minimize operating costs, and shrink a carbon footprint. Aggreko offers solutions to power a microgrid, add reliability to a hybrid system, and to optimize business cases through smart energy management. The Y.Cube is a ready-to-install energy storage system. www.aggreko.com
Bioenno Power Based in Santa Ana, California, Bioenno Power offers lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries for various solar and industrial applications. The company's "BLF-" series offers a 10-year service life, 1/4 the weight of SLA batteries, and built in circuitry that balances/equalizes cells, protects against overcharging, overdischarge, overcurrent, and overvoltage. www.bioennopower.com
www.thegriffnetwork.com
Shoals Technologies Group The BLA (Big Lead Assembly) takes all the complexity out of wiring a solar field. Using their latest in-line fuse and wire manufacturing technology, they offer a site free of traditional DC string combiners. With the BLA, the entire load is combined into a single pair of aluminum conductors running from the sub-array to the inverter. The BLA is an aboveground aluminum trunk system that combines the functionality of cable assemblies, combiner boxes, and fusing all into one. This free air de-rated system eliminates the need for standard combiner boxes, messy multiple conductor string wires, cable trays, trenching, and field crimping. Factory manufactured and quality guaranteed. www.shoals.com
Weidmuller USA Weidmuller USA announces new models of PV DC Combiner Boxes, monitored and unmonitored, designed to operate large-scale PV systems efficiently. This solution bundles, protects, and combines PV strings, while offering users the ability to integrate short-circuit and overvoltage protection, as well as string monitoring solutions (I,V,T and SPD, and switch isolator status) for PV systems using central inverters with PV panels in trackers and fix tilt systems. The optimized design ensures maximum mechanical and thermal efficiency in a compact housing site. Models with monitoring can receive up to 16 inputs and the unmonitored version can handle up to 32 inputs. www.weidmuller.com
BMZ USA, Inc. BMZ Power4Home (P4H), a new modular high-voltage residential ESS featuring “plug-andplay” installation in under 30 minutes by one person with no special equipment. P4H can be precisely sized with two to eight 64lb (29kg) LFP modules for 6.6kWh to 26.7kWh (usable) energy using one, two, or three slim 4.5'' IP55 housings. Up to four systems in parallel delivers 106.8kWh (usable) into one battery input, compatible with leading HV hybrid inverters. P4H is manufactured by BMZ USA, Inc. in Virginia Beach to qualify for IRA Domestic Content 10% ITC, UL 1973/ UL 9540 certified, and German-engineered with wall-mount and floor stand configurations and optional thermal management system. BMZ offers Power4Home or custom residential, C&I, or containerized ESS. www.bmz-group.com
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2024 SOLAR BUYERS GUIDE
Lithium Power, Inc.
Breeze Breeze produces a a mechanical battery. They put compressed air into idle or poly pipelines and release the air to spin turbines. 200 miles of 34'' pipeline will hold 650MWh of long duration storage. Member of the Long Duration Energy Storage Council. www.breezesqueeze.com
Discover Energy Systems AES RACKMOUNT ESS Battery Modules; 5.12kWh / 100Ah / 51.2V, install rapidly and are easy to configure for off-grid solar, wholehome backup power, and microgrid projects. UL1973, UL9540a, and (pending) UL9540 DC ESS certified. A 10-year warranty and energy throughput performance guarantee deliver value. Up to six AES RACKMOUNT battery modules can be quickly stacked with the AES RACKMOUNT Quick Stack Rack and parallel the battery modules with a single prewired AES RACKMOUNT battery combiner. AES RACKMOUNT batteries can be installed outdoors with the AES RACKMOUNT Slimline Enclosure. Parallel up to 180kWh with closedloop communication per LYNK Gateway and unlimited in open-loop. www.discoverlithium.com
EnerSys The NSB BLUE+ Battery applies carbon technology for high cycle life and Partial State of Charge (PSOC) performance. Thin plate technology delivers long life and high power output. In addition, the NSB BLUE+ Battery is a UL1989-recognized product and is flame retardant to meet UL94VO. It is built in the United States, has a two-year shelf life and offers fast, efficient recharge. The NorthStar BLUE+ Battery features special plastic components for operation in a wide temperature range. Its product range is 40-210Ah.
ESS-500-48 is a lithium-ion rechargeable NMC battery pack. Designed for telecom UPS and other mission critical applications, the back-up battery comes with built-in safety protections, gas gauge, cell and pack balancing, as well as communication. Various communication protocols are available such as CANBus, SMBus, Bluetooth, and more. Around 60 parameters of battery information can be delivered live or saved in the battery's history data log. The battery pack is designed to meet UN, UL, and IEC certification requirements. www.lithiumpowerinc.com
www.enersys.com
Lithium Werks
LEOCH Battery Corporation LEOCH 48V LFELI Series, Lithium Iron Phosphate (LIFEPO4) batteries offer exceptional cycling performance of 10,000 cycles @ 50% DOD, 3500 cycles @ 100% DOD, and can be put into parallel for 48VDC, 1600AH capacity. These batteries are equipped with a built-in Battery Management System (BMS) and optional LCD screen for hassle-free maintenance.
High-rate batteries for frequency regulation is often required when integrating solar or wind power to the utility grid. Lithium Werks’ LFP Nanophosphate Power cell is a safe, high cycling, fast charging, and high-powered cell which is suitable for solar, wind, and other applications. Fuel cells are a similar application where high-powered battery cells are needed to stabilize and meet the power requirement of the application. They have a range of robust cylindrical cells from 3.3Vdc to packs up to 1000Vdc.
MK Battery MK Battery introduces the DEKA Duration DD5300, a 52V nominal, 5.3kWh battery module utilizing Lithium Iron Phosphate technology. Tested and validated, and branded with the DEKA name from East Penn Manufacturing Co., this modular design allows for either wall mount or floor mount installation and is stackable up to eight modules high. Stocked in the U.S., the DD5300 is a universal module that has a programmable BMS, dual usage, for low voltage and high voltage applications. Low voltage (52V nominal, 5.3kWh to 212kWh). High voltage (208V to 1000V, 21.2kWh to 763kWh). Remote monitoring and firmware updates are just one click away on any smart phone, utilizing an app. www.mkbattery.com
www.lithiumwerks.com
leochamericas.com
Electric Power Engineers EPE's energy storage services achieve results and ensure accuracy by depending on their full-service approach and clientcentric team to manage the ongoing complexities of projects including grid modernization initiatives, interconnection and market studies, and sizing optimization. www.epeconsulting.com
RCT Power LG Energy Solution LG Energy Solution enblock S is a stackable modular residential ESS. Customers have options to stack 3, 4, or 5 battery module assemblies along with a specialized battery control unit from 10.6kWh, up to 17.7kWh. To increase their energy capacity, customers only need to make additional module purchases. enblock S also supports the parallel connection of two matching units for a maximum output of 14kW. Installation is swift and hassle-free, saving time and money. There are no bolts to fasten, connector is plug and play, making it possible for a single installer to complete the installation in just 15 minutes. enblock S also passed UL9540A testing.
Mango Power
lgessbattery.com
www.mangopower.com
Mango Power Union is a large-capacity (6.9kWh), high power output battery (4000Wac and 350Wdc) modular power station with a heavy-duty home base and a smaller, detachable unit at the top. With its 19 ports, it can safely be removed anytime through mLink technology and taken on road trips. Up to 10 of them can be stacked together into a micro-grid, providing up to 69kWh. Its in-built PV inverter makes it easy to charge by solar panels, power grid, or others. Mango charges to 80% in just 1.5 hours and 100% in 2.5 hours.
RCT Power provides flexible DC coupled, all-in-one solutions that offer low payback time for new solar installations under NEM3.0. The hybrid inverter with battery connection distributes the generated solar power intelligently, optimizes yield, and conserves the battery. Programmable outputs ensure excess power is not fed into the grid but is purposefully directed towards the heat pump, electric car, or other devices. The intelligent charging strategy optimizes and balances the generation and consumption of electricity in the overall system. The integrated Power Switch provides energy to important consumers during a power outage. www.rct-power.us
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2024 SOLAR BUYERS GUIDE Battery Recycling | Repurposing
Community Solar
Redflow The Energy Pod200 is Redflow’s scalable energy storage solution and the core building block for the company’s larger systems. The Energy Pod200 is designed to hold 20 of Redflow’s 10kWh flow batteries encased in a custom enclosure. The enclosure provides electrical protection and power conditioning, enabling it to deliver energy safely and reliably across various applications. The Energy Pod200 can also be grouped into banks to create microgrid or MWh size storage solutions, allowing them to be a flexible solution to fit a variety of applications, from commercial and industrial, utility, telecommunications, to remote/off grid or grid services. redflow.com
Solar on Earth Bluewater Battery Logistics, LLC Recycling, repurposing, reuse, and decommissioning of energy storage projects. Marketing of new and used lithium battery chemistries including LFP and NMC. Marketing and sourcing of new surplus solar panels. www.bluewaterbattery.com
U.S. Battery Manufacturing U.S. Battery Manufacturing has been building flooded lead acid batteries since 1926 and manufactures deep cycle batteries specifically for many industries, worldwide. The company’s RE Series batteries are designed to provide high peak capacity, long cycle life, and reliability for use in industrial or residential renewable energy applications. RE Series batteries utilize the company’s XC2 formulation and Diamond Plate Technology to create an efficient battery plate, delivering high watt-hours per liter and watt-hours per kilogram. www.usbattery.com
BIPV
Solar On Earth (SOE) offers full-service subscriber acquisition and customer service for Community Solar projects. With an eight-year track record, SOE delivers quality subscribers, customer education, onboarding, and ongoing support. Solar On Earth’s mission is to broaden the adoption of solar energy and its benefits to everyone. As of 2023, SOE has helped over 22,000 subscribers enroll in Community Solar projects, fulfilling over 560MW across twelve states. www.solaronearth.com
Components | Electrical Protection Vitro Architectural Glass Seamlessly integrated into the building structure, the Solarvolt Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Glass System by Vitro Architectural Glass unveils new possibilities for renewable power generation and design by combining aesthetics, CO2-free power generation, and protection from the elements for commercial buildings. Solarvolt BIPV glass systems can replace traditional façade cladding materials and enhance just about any part of commercial building exterior.
Allied Industrial Marketing, Inc. Allied Industrial Marketing provides power quality products and services including harmonic analysis, power quality problem diagnosis, power quality filter design, along with FRAKO AC power capacitors, controllers, contactors, and power quality seminars. www.alliedindustrialmarketing.com
vitroglazings.com
Business Community
Rolls Battery Engineering Designed for true drop-in replacement in standard BCI sizing, Rolls Battery's S-Series 12V and 24V LFP lithium models are an enhanced range of maintenance-free, lightweight flooded and sealed lead-acid alternatives. With fast charge and discharge capability and full operating protections for safety and security, the new S-Series LFP models include a built-in display for easy stateof-charge and error indication, heating for cold weather operation, external fuse access, and allow up to 4x series and 4x parallel connectivity for 48V system configuration, all backed by a 5-year full replacement manufacturer warranty. www.rollsbattery.com
Univix Power Solutions Univix Power Solutions, based out of Laconia NH, provides all-in-one or configurable solutions for any solar storage setup, whether for backup power or full off-grid. Univix has the inverters and batteries to support both residential and commercial projects. Their products are green, safe, and cost effective. They stock a full line of carbon batteries, and pure sine wave inverters, ready to ship. univix.com
B&J USA, Inc.
B&J-USA (Benedict) DC Solar Disconnect Switches provide safe and reliable switching for photovoltaic systems. Offered in NEMA 4X and IP66 enclosures, LS series switches provide for an efficient and long-lasting PV system. Additional features include EnergyBin EnergyBin is an online business community for knife-action and arc extinguishing technology, and a double-lock operator. Available in a variety of the world’s PV professionals to collaborate, switching programs to accommodate one or multiple buy and sell new and used solar equipment, PV strings and up to 85A. UL listed, and CE approved and share market intelligence. Over 90% of equipment for sale is new and under warranty. www.bnj-usa.com Buyers can send RFQs to members to receive multiple quotes. Sellers can position inventory in front of new buyers. Members can network with industry professionals for business Bal Seal Engineering opportunities. Solar companies from across The Bal Spring canted coil spring is a solution for the supply chain are members of EnergyBin. mechanical connecting, electrical conducting, and The B2B exchange is a subscription-based service and does not charge transaction fees. EMI/RFI shielding challenges. Its size, simplicity, and multifunction capabilities can help reduce system www.energybin.com complexity while improving functionality. The Bal Seal spring-energized seal offers performance in rotary, reciprocating, oscillating, and static/face service. Precision machined from PTFE and other premium polymers, the seal extends the service life of critical equipment. The compact Bal Contact electrical contact manages high, medium, and low current with minimal heat rise, improving equipment performance and reducing costly downtime. www.balseal.com
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UL 891 LV SWITCHBOARD MADE IN USA WITH 100% DOMESTIC CONTENT
• UL certified SWBD (480-600VAC) now with 100% domestic content • 800A-4000A main breaker or MLO • Direct or cable connection to MV transformer • No nuisance tripping! Electronic trip MCCBs on main & all feeders • Reduce cable sizing! 100% rated MCCBs • Compact! Main breaker and up to 30 feeders in 90" x 60" x 36"
epecsolutionsinc.com
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2024 SOLAR BUYERS GUIDE Consultants | Business & Environmental Consultants
Climate Line Communications, LLC
c3controls c3controls operates a complete UL508A certified panel shop while offering over 15 million+ configurations of electrical control components. Products include pilot devices, emergency stops, miniature circuit breakers (MCBs), disconnect switches, terminal blocks, and much more. MCB product lines include UL489 and UL1077 as well as UL489B MCBs which are rated 250V per pole up to 1000Vdc. Vertically integrated and based in the USA, c3controls delivers products that come with a same-day shipping guarantee and a lifetime warranty. www.c3controls.com
KG Technologies Day Ahead Instrumentation (DAI) Day Ahead Instrumentation’s low voltage protection solutions replace pole mounted reclosers at an affordable price. Standard Trip-only relays work with any shunt trip device. Trip/Close, Return to Service models are available for use with motorized breakers and are utility compliant and test switch ready with integrated 8-hour DC UPS. Powered by SEL: 751 standard, all relay models available. UL 508A listing available. Day Ahead Instrumentation provides turnkey multifunction relays and RTUs for interconnection requirements for utility scale and C&I applications. Assemblies configurable for DTT, MPLS, or SCADA interface with wired, fiber, or wireless coms.
KG Technologies, Inc. provides switching solutions for energy management applications offering high-quality latching relays, current transformers, HVDC contactors, and smart circuit breakers. They have product knowledge of energy management devices as well as the expertise to assist in their customers' product development. By customizing and integrating switching and measuring components with in-house solutions, they can help reduce components and shorten the supply chain.
Climate Line delivers communications strategies and measurable results for sustainable brands. Consulting services include strategic communications, brand strategy, leadership positioning, media and public relations, event communications, and employee engagement. They work closely with clean energy leaders to understand clients' business goals and strategic priorities. They develop and deploy custom-fit strategies that move the marketing needle with meaningful results. www.climate-line.com
www.kgtechnologies.net
www.day-ahead.com
Littelfuse
CHT USA Silicone encapsulants and sealants offer environmentally-friendly and long-term protection to meet the demands of solar panel and junction box applications. CHT USA offers a series of silicone elastomers featuring optically clear, non-yellowing, corrosion and UV resistant properties which enable silicones to outperform many organics. Thermally conductive grades are available and designed for efficient heat management, including UL listed grades for flame retardancy. Additionally, silicones with primerless adhesion are offered for convenient bonding to a variety of substrates. www.cht-silicones.com
EMA Electromechanics, Inc. EMA is the designer and manufacturer of the Grounding Breaker. An unique equipment, designed to switch and ground storage energy, wind and solar collection circuits. It provides safety, TOV mitigation, IGBT protection, CAPEX, and OPEX savings. It increases grid reliability helping to differentiate internal and external faults to the power plants, ensuring engineers the ability to set generators to trip if the fault is inside the plant or ride through (PRC-024) if the fault is outside. EMA offers PDCs, 38kV and 15kV vacuum grounding breakers and conventional circuit breakers for indoor switchgear and outdoor application. www.emaelectromechanics.com
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The Littelfuse SPXV series 1500Vdc solar string fuse protects photovoltaic installations from overloads and short circuits to minimize damage to solar panels. They offer up to 60A protection for increased flexibility. The full range, fast-acting fuse eliminates low-overload faults. The SPXV fuse fits into the LFXV15 series fuse block and dead-front cover that offers a ventilated design to keep fuse running cooler, even at high ambient temperatures and current ratings, to increase fuse longevity. www.littelfuse.com
OEC USA, Inc. OEC manufactures a wide range of UL-listed compression lugs that are certified for use with DLO cables. Compatible with a variety of tools and dies, their lugs ensure versatility and reliability. In addition, they offer UL-listed shear bolts and grounding connectors to complement their range. www.oec-americas.com
CLS CLS helps renewable energy clients capture the land resources needed to power the country. They work with landowners, landowner coalitions, and regulatory agencies and can rapidly mobilize and demobilize staff to meet the changing needs of a project. CLS’s land services include routing and siting analysis, landowner outreach, lease and waiver acquisition, marketable and mineral title, survey, permitting and construction support, utility coordination and interconnect agreements, development and construction payments and reconciliation, and risk analysis and due diligence for BTAs and PPAs. Nationwide locations. www.contractlandstaff.com
WHEN YOU NEED BEGINNING TO END
CIVIL CONSTRUCTION EXPERTS YOU NEED
Attending RE+ Northeast? Visit us at booth #531!
WWW.YAKACCESS.COM (844) 925-2377 North American Clean Energy
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2024 SOLAR BUYERS GUIDE Contractors | EPC Brent Scarbrough & Company (BSC) Black & Veatch
Electrical Consultants, Inc. Electrical Consultants Inc. (ECI) is a power delivery engineering firm which brings power delivery services through 500kV to their clients. ECI provides services including overhead and underground transmission engineering, substation and switchyard design, industrial power systems design, land survey and construction staking, right-of-way services, environmental planning, project management, construction management, and procurement services to utilities. www.eciusa.com
TerraPro Solutions TerraPro Solutions provides high-level risk analysis and risk mitigation expertise in the development of utility scale renewable projects. Their expertise includes leasing and site control support, fatal flaw analysis, transmission right of way due diligence, and title due diligence, as well as title curative, ALTA surveys, and financial closing support. Vigilantly reviewing all pieces of the puzzle throughout the development process will minimize the risk of being blindsided during closing. Careful preparation lays the groundwork for seamless transactions.
Black & Veatch provides siting and permitting, design, independent and owner’s engineering, operations and maintenance (O&M), integration with transmission networks, and full engineering, procurement and construction solutions to global clients seeking to deploy solar technologies. Black & Veatch is a 100% employee-owned global engineering, procurement, consulting, and construction company with a more than 100-year track record of innovation in sustainable infrastructure. Since 1915, they have helped their clients improve the lives of people around the world by addressing the resilience and reliability of important infrastructure assets.
Westlake Consultants, Inc.
Lemoine Landman Services, Inc. Lemoine Landman Services, Inc. provides land and right-of-way acquisition, title abstraction and curative, and due diligence services for greenfield and brownfield projects in the renewable energy and fossil fuels industries. www.lemoineland.com
www.brent.us
Five-S Group
www.bv.com
www.terraprosolutions.com
Westlake Consultants supports the solar and wind industries with civil engineering, land survey, and land use planning for site development, installation of solar arrays, high-tech manufacturing sites, and battery storage facilities. Westlake's energy team works throughout the US offering due diligence/feasibility studies, drainage studies, transportation planning assistance, civil site design, and permitting assistance. They offer a full array of survey services including field survey, ALTA, and construction survey. Their experience with difficult sites and knowledge of construction economics enables them to support clients throughout project development.
Brent Scarbrough & Company (BSC), established in 1985, is 100% employee-owned turnkey heavy civil site contractor headquartered in Newnan, GA with a presence in industrial, commercial, mixed use, healthcare, residential, and energy markets. Providing construction services to several private energy clients throughout the Southeast, work performed for these projects included clearing, grubbing, grading, constructing and stabilizing roadways, building temporary bridges, and sediment basin construction.
Blattner Company Blattner is a diversified renewable energy contractor delivering expertise and collaborative construction solutions nationwide. Building on more than a century of experience, Blattner provides complete engineering, procurement, and construction services for utility-scale solar, wind, and energy storage projects. Blattner Company is headquartered in Avon, Minnesota and is the parent company of Blattner Energy and D.H. Blattner & Sons, all of which are members of the Quanta Services family of companies.
All initial civil construction services for renewable project sites can be executed by Five-S Group. Their capabilities include clearing, grubbing, access roads, and laydown yard construction. Five-S also can procure, transport, and install any fill aggregate materials needed for the project site's foundation or roadways. With a fleet of over 300 heavy construction pieces, Five-S can provide a set of diverse services. This includes finish-grade surfacing, geotextile installation, pile installation, underground civil storm drainage, soil cement stabilization, and more. Five-S are in control of their material sources and can offer turnkey solutions. www.fsgrp.com
www.blattnercompany.com
www.westlakeconsultants.com
Green Source EPC, LLC
717-609-1102 | info@mfg360solar.com www.mfg360solar.com
Solar Combiners, Disconnects, Panels, Racking & More Wholesale Pricing, Retail Accessibility – Your Gateway to Savings.
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Green Source EPC is a provider of solar energy for commercial developments in North America. Green Source EPC works with customers from design through installation to produce custom efficient solar projects. With its self-performing capabilities, Green Source EPC accelerates the design, engineering, procurement, and construction timelines to improve quality and eliminate multi-sourcing challenges. www.greensourceepc.com
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RenuLogix RenuLogix designs and builds efficient solar, energy storage, and EV charger systems. Their project managers, engineers, and technicians are trained and experienced, and utilize their cloud-based platform to provide a user-friendly experience.
Norwich Solar
MBA Energy & Industrial, LLC MBA Energy & Industrial is an industrial construction firm specializing in providing various new facilities for energy-related projects. MBA has built over 100 buildings for the renewable industry and can provide complete coverage of any project. MBA’s current resume stretches across 22 states and includes O&M buildings, warehouses, large enclosures, battery storage, terminals, substation buildings, large offices, and many other facilities. Most MBA buildings are design/ build in nature, but the company is also capable of build-to-print projects. The in-house team of architects and engineers helps clients through the design process and offers various options for their respective projects. MBA also provides budgetary pricing and consultation on building planning.
Norwich Solar is an EPC provider of large commercial and utility scale solar, and energy storage. They provide reliable turnkey solutions for both internally and externally developed projects throughout Northern New England. Their experience and community-based approach has helped them successfully complete hundreds of solar projects projects for renewable energy developers that directly benefit communities, local businesses, affordable housing providers, and nonprofits. norwichsolar.com
www.renulogix.com
YAK ACCESS
Stronghold Engineering, Inc. Stronghold Engineering, Inc. (SEI) provides services in design build, construction, and O&M of large solar array projects, solar carports, rooftop systems, ground mounted systems, and landfill ballasted systems. As well as providing extensive work with STEM to install battery projects across Southern California, they are a turnkey solar and battery developer, installer, and O&M provider. They also work with EV charging installation and O&M. www.strongholdengineering.com
YAK ACCESS provides site access and construction services. Strategically located throughout the U.S., their crews, equipment, and yards align with their customers’ project locations. Their solar site development begins with clearing crews ranging from mechanized teams to hand fellers working quickly and efficiently to clear sites. They then begin with earthmoving, grading, trenching, backfilling, and more for the successful development of the solar farm. From ground protection mats to erosion control materials, they assess the project and implement solutions to mitigate any environmental concerns. Installing piles and posts is close to the final stage of their process. yakaccess.com
www.mba-nrg.com
Cooling Systems
Pfister Energy
New Dawn Energy Solutions New Dawn Energy Solutions is an energy technology company that provides solar, storage, EV charging, and energy efficiency optimization solutions to residential, industrial, and institutional customers. They engage in all aspects of energy systems infrastructure, including assessment, design, development, installation, monitoring, and maintenance. Their energy solutions range from off-grid urban homes to turnkey micro-grids that are sited on urban rooftops to the remote regions. They are vendorneutral and take a holistic approach in formulating energy solutions that are best suited for their customers’ needs. Their energy solutions include grid-tied, hybrid, off-grid, solar water pumping, and microgrid. Their service solutions include renewable energy system design and integration, project management, energy audits and site assessments, and plant commissioning.
Pfister Energy has been engineering and installing commercial, industrial, and utility solar systems for almost 20 years. It serves a variety of organizations, including businesses, schools, hospitals, governments, and utilities. As a solar EPC, Pfister Energy offers turnkey solar solutions from start to finish. The Pfister Energy team has extensive solar permitting, engineering, financing, procurement, and construction experience. Options include battery storage, ground mount, roof mount, and solar canopies. www.pfisterenergy.com
www.newdawn-es.com
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Adon Renewables
The Wesson Group The Wesson Group, LLC is a full-service renewable energy company specializing in BOP and EPC project delivery in the Northeast US. Their renewable energy experience exceeds 2.0GW of capacity. Their diverse project experience offers insight into unique issues in renewable energy projects (union participation, highly varied geotech, environmental compliance in highly regulated and wet states, multiple OEM’s onsite). They provide safe projects, economical construction budgets, and a schedule driven approach to constructibility, ensuring the project milestones are met. www.twg.us.com
Adon SunChillers is a heating and cooling technology that can harness solar energy and use direct current (DC) power, but it is a hybrid system that can switch to alternating current (AC) when the sun is not shining. Their heat pump system can achieve a SEER rating of 36 during the day. When a facility uses solar energy to power the HVAC, users can see a reduction in energy costs up to 90% during sun hours. adon1.com
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2024 SOLAR BUYERS GUIDE Data Acquisition
Electrical Insulation
GRT Genesis
DEWESoft DEWESoft has developed data-acquisition solutions to perform measurements both accurately and efficiently. DEWESoft has an array of products as well as specifically developed software that cater to all power measurement requirements such as the power quality, direct and diffuse solar radiation data, as well as converter and overall efficiency to name a few. All their equipment and testing criteria follows international standards such as the IEC-61000-4-30 Class A.
GRT Genesis is a Canadian-owned supplier of a wide variety of high performance mechanicaland electrical-grade laminated sheets, tubes, rods, pultruded shapes, punched and machined parts in numerous critical applications and market segments. GRT is a global provider of motor slot wedges, ripple-spring spacers, coil blocks and shims, rotor and armature insulation, pole collars, panels, barriers, bus supports, trays, standoffs, coverboards, and many other components in powergen, transformers and switchgear, steelmaking, pulp and paper, solar, windpower, transit, and heavy machinery markets both in North America and globally. www.grtgenesis.com
Electrical Wire, Cable, & Connectors
Paige Renewable Energy Paige Renewable Energy has been a provider of wire and cable solutions for over 60 years. Paige offers 35kV, 2kV, 600V PV, hybrid aluminum/wire cables, and more. With expertise in overmolding and redundant North American factories, Paige offers overmolded harnesses, string extenders, and jumpers. All orders can be custom labeled, prefabricated, kitted, and bundled with coordinated shipping and delivery, for a truly plug and play installation.
www.staubli.com
Ulbrich Solar Technologies
Dielectric Fluid American Wire Group FR3 natural ester dielectric fluid has been used in solar power applications since 2010, and its benefits are suited to both land-based and floating installations. Derived from renewable vegetable oil, FR3 fluid delivers cost efficiencies and business values through enhanced load capacity and grid resiliency, high performance including in extreme environments, extended asset and insulation life, improved fire safety, and environmental benefits.
Stäubli Renewable Energy provides high precision solutions and decades of experience harnessing solar energy. Stäubli connectors have connected over 650GW globally. Their original MC4 connectors and tailor-made solutions for electrical balance of systems (eBOS) applications enable PV profitability for sustainable success.
www.paigerenewableenergy.com
www.dewesoft.com
Cargill
Stäubli Electrical Connectors
AWG specializes in wire, cable, hardware, and equipment solutions for wind, solar, EV, battery storage, and other renewable energy sectors. They offer SunGuard photovoltaic wire, PowerGuard medium voltage cables, TowerGuard CCA, BatterGuard DLO cables, control cables, overhead aluminum T&D conductors, fiber optic cables, hardware, accessories, and equipment. www.buyawg.com
www.fr3fluid.com
Priority Wire & Cable Priority Wire & Cable stocks a large inventory of aluminum DC 2kV PV feeder cables from 4awg through 1000MCM plus 8 and 10awg copper 2kV PV copper with reels up to 10,000ft. They manufacture 35kV MV-105 medium voltage cable in a variety of concentric neutral variations. They have competitive pricing, dependable lead times, and a sales and operationally-balanced team dedicated to handle projects from the development phase all the way through post-sales support. www.prioritywire.com
Ulbrich's Light Capturing Ribbon (LCR) is a high efficiency grooved solar cell interconnect wire that replaces traditional flat ribbon used to connect solar cells together within a module. It was developed to increase the efficiency of a solar module by reflecting more light back onto the surface of the cell. This grooved interconnect wire steers the reflected light back to the glass/air interface allowing total internal reflection back onto the cell surface. Up to 80% of the incoming light that strikes the LCR ribbon is recovered. www.pvribbon.com
Electrolysers
Nel Hydrogen Nel Hydrogen manufacturers Alkaline and Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) water electrolysers, which, when connected to a source of renewable energy, produce Green Hydrogen at scale. Alkaline cell stacks come in 2.3MW blocks and PEM units are available in either 10MW cell stack modules or as 1.25MW and 2.5MW containerized systems. They can be grouped together into electrolyser plants for larger production rates at the MW and GW levels. The hydrogen can then be sold to industry, burned in a turbine, or run through a fuel cell to put the stored energy onto the grid during periods of low generation or peak demand. PEM electrolysers are also used by renewable energy plants to balance the power put onto the grid. www.nelhydrogen.com
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2024 SOLAR BUYERS GUIDE Encapsulant Film
Energy Management Systems Maysteel
BREYER GmbH Maschinenfabrik Turnkey extrusion line for encapsulation film for PV modules. High quality film requested for encapsulation purpose, BREYER’s extrusion system, CellProtect, allows the production of low shrinkage EVA and POE encapsulation film at high production speed. There is no energy consuming annealing and no interlayer film, which makes the production economic and energy saving. On the new CellProtect machine, multilayer extrusion can be used to produce a layered structure with EVA and POE.
Maysteel fabricates custom renewable energy enclosures for energy storage, battery storage, generators, solar inverters, and more. Maysteel provides buildable designs that can quickly and easily scale, fabrication support for changes in demand, and enclosures that meet rigorous standards, including NEMA 3R and NEMA 4 standards. www.maysteel.com
www.breyer-energy.com
Enclosures | Combiner Boxes
EZ Solar EZ Solar’s mission is to make solar simple with innovative products that are high-quality, installer-friendly, and cost-effective. They have products for every installation; asphalt/ composite shingles, tile roofs, and a universal rail-mounted box that works with any rail. Made from high quality materials, EZ Solar junction boxes are built to last for life, are NEMA 3R rated, tested to UL1741 standards, and come with a 25-year warranty. www.ezsolarproducts.com
Mfg360 Solar Mfg360 Solar’s 1500V combiner boxes are equipped with true solar DC disconnect switches, DC fuse holders, and type 2 surge arrestors to prevent over-voltage. Within a durable steel enclosure, they pre-assemble reliable DC components to reduce working time and error susceptibility, thereby improving the system operations of end-users. For years, they have manufactured their combiner boxes with durable materials that are used efficiently to meet orders at any volume. Along with their consultation, prototyping, and after-sales services, their quality control team makes sure every combiner box is properly assembled and safely shipped. Comes with a 5-year warranty. www.mfg360solar.com
Fibox Enclosures Fibox offers a comprehensive range of cUL/UL listed NEMA rated type 4X polycarbonate enclosing solutions tailored explicitly for the solar industry with the ARCA - IEC series. With a range of up to 32'' x 24'' x 12'', this lightweight yet durable enclosure safeguards solar BOS (Balance of System) components from the harsh elements, ensuring uninterrupted power generation. UV-resistant, Wi-Fifriendly polycarbonate will protect the design in the field for years. The ARCAIEC is UL 1741 compliant and easily customized for any needs. www.fiboxusa.com
Nordic Fiberglass Inc. The ND-683054-MG-PA71-X-X is Nordic’s “Workhorse” for three phase 2, 3 and 4 pt. 35kV 600A deadbreak sectionalizing cabinets for wind farm collection systems. Nordic can supply and install up three, 3 or 4 pt. 35kV 600A junctions from various manufacturers with U-straps if requested by the customer. Rust free fiberglass construction and stainless-steel hardware. PA71 mounting plate has six movable above parking stands to park stand-offs or feed throughs. Nordic recommends the optional CSB-6830 cable support bracket system for holding cables in place and cable clamps. 18" or 36" high extensions available for cables requiring a greater cable bending radii. www.nordicfiberglass.com
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Ageto Energy
SolaDeck SolaDeck’s new low-profile, slotted cover locks into place with one pre-installed set screw. The updated cover also allows side and bottom penetration through three sidewalls and includes an installed din rail that can be rotated to fit any installation needs. There are two ¾'' pre-punched holes at the base of the SolaDeck. Two NEMA 4X plugs come installed in these holes and can be removed to easily insert the fittings or conduit without the need to drill. Manufactured out of 18GA galvanized steel and powder coated for an attractive and durable finish, SolaDeck junction boxes are backed by a lifetime warranty and are made in the USA.
The Ageto ARC Microgrid Controller is a robust, reliable, and highly flexible control solution designed to amplify the value of energy resources in three-phase behind-the-meter and off-grid microgrid installations. The ARC controller acts as the single interface for the entire system, providing autonomous system control and optimization, data collection and visualization, alarm handling, and countless other features designed to ease the operation and maintenance of these complex and high investment systems. The microgrid experts at Ageto are committed partners calling on decades of storage and generator experience to exceed project expectations. www.agetoenergy.com
www.soladeck.com
Bachmann electronic GmbH
Trachte Trachte specializes in renewable energy building applications that keep critical equipment safe from the elements and tampering. Building applications include collector and interconnect substations, SCADA enclosures, communications buildings, and switchgear enclosures. Buildings are pre-engineered, expandable, and include preinstalled and tested house electrical.
Bachmann provides automation for the energy, industry, and maritime sectors. The Austrian company takes care of automation, network measurement and protection, visualization, and condition monitoring of systems and machines. Bachmann produces tailor-made system and solutions, adapted for the operating environment with robustness and reliability. Bachmann perform 100% testing on every single module, including a 48h run-in test. www.bachmann.info/en
www.trachteusa.com
Dyness Digital Energy Technology Co., Ltd. Dyness is a global manufacturer and provider of energy storage solutions. Their technology points to the residential and commercial sector, bringing users security that they will have energy power regardless of their circumstances. Dyness offers localized sales and technical support team in North America. www.dyness.us
PRECISION AND EFFICIENCY
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Canadian Solar
Trimark Associates, Inc. Trimark’s Vantage SCADA includes Master Plant Control (MPC) functions that unify hybrid and/or co-located PV and battery energy storage resources. MPC supports compliance with LGIA limits and PPA requirements. MPC provides overload protection by managing real and reactive power (VAR) flow between resources that share transformers. MPC manages and controls reactive power flow from individual resources to ensure that VARs at the point of delivery comply with LGIA requirements. MPC helps manage and optimize VAR flow between hybrid or co-located PV/ BESS resources to maximize BESS apparent power capability, when available. It’s all part of Trimark’s Vantage SCADA. www.trimarkassoc.com
Blue Planet Energy Blue Planet Energy’s Blue Ion LX is a large-scale grid-optional energy storage system tailored for businesses, critical infrastructure, and global resilience projects. Engineered for high-demand microgrids, the Blue Ion LX provides expandable capacity and output beyond MW/MWhs, backed by a 15-year performance warranty. Built in the USA, it offers intelligence, sensor monitoring, enclosure, and non-toxic lithium ferrous phosphate (LiFePO4) battery chemistry. Certified to UL9540 and UL9540a, the Blue Ion LX is reliable. Blue Planet Energy provides comprehensive support services, covering project design, sales, installation, commissioning, and O&M. www.blueplanetenergy.com/blue-ion-lx
Energy Storage System
Canadian Solar's EP Cube, a smart residential storage system, is designed for fast and easy installation, as well as time and cost savings. It offers a sleek design, stackable expandability, and PV system compatibility. Generator and EV-ready features ensure comprehensive solutions, with the lightweight product streamlining the installation process. The new EP Cube Lite provides efficient NEM3.0 grid-tied energy storage with fast commissioning. epcube.com
Dragonfly Energy | Battle Born Batteries The Battle Born Base Station is a powerful, safe, and expandable storage solution designed for residential, industrial, and mobile applications. The Dragonfly IntelLigence technology inside enables easy installation and reliable performance. Equipped with 5kW of LiFePO4 storage, selectable voltage, hybrid balancing technology, flexible charging compatibilities, built-in soft start technology, and wireless and ethernet communication, the Battle Born Base Station is a solution for smart, efficient, and safe energy storage.
e-On Batteries, Inc. Founded in Dallas, Texas in 2015, e-On Batteries provides lithium-based battery energy storage. They design, assemble, and integrate Smart Battery Energy Storage Systems (SmartBess) with a focus on long-term reliability and safety throughout the United States and beyond. Their systems combine a proprietary Battery Management System(BMS) and UL1973 listed, 9540A tested LiFePo4 modules which can be scaled and networked for applications in behind-themeter microgrid, electric vehicle charging, data centers, and in-front of the meter utility-scale energy storage ranging from 9.8kWh residential Genesis units to their 8.5MWh MegaBlock configurations. www.e-onbatteries.com
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Duracell Power Center Duracell Power Center offers a full ecosystem of solar, energy storage, and EV charging products including microinverters and AC-coupled as well as hybrid ESS solutions.
Blue Planet Energy
Anker The Anker SOLIX X1 Home Energy Solution is a new addition to Anker's home energy lineup, providing backup power for homes. The X1's ultra-slim design fits seamlessly into any home decor, offering intuitive interaction through sleek aesthetics. The X1’s modular design allows up to six battery packs per system (30kWh/6kW) or up to six systems in parallel (180kWh/36kW). The X1’s independent battery pack operation increases attainable energy by 3-5%. In blackouts, the X1 swiftly switches to off-grid mode less than 15ms to ensure no disruption of the homeowner’s life. The X1 also operates in extreme temperatures (-4ºF to 131ºF).
BlueWave by Blue Planet Energy is a home energy storage system that is a fully modular, all-in-one unit, easily installed by a single technician in just one hour. Crafted in the USA, BlueWave offers energy storage capacities ranging from 3kWh to 48kWh, featuring non-toxic lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries. BlueWave is a turnkey solution, inclusive of inverters, addressing serviceability concerns and simplifying installation. Expandable in 3kWh increments, it provides a cost-effective option for homeowners to charge during the day, avoiding peak evening rates. www.blueplanetenergy.com/bluewave
www.anker.com
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www.duracellpowercenter.com
Electriq Power The Electriq Power PowerPod 2 is an integrated residential energy storage system designed to store and manage solar power. The system offers a high power output of 7.6KW and is available in three different sizes; 10kWh, 15kWh, and 20kWh, to meet homeowner’s energy storage needs. The cobalt-free PowerPod 2 builds upon existing LFP battery technology and utilizes intelligent energy storage software that enables the system to cycle through several operating modes, allowing users to manage their energy usage and consumption for optimized performance. The system is OpenADR certified and ready for ADR program integration, allowing for users to participate in Grid Services Programs. www.electriqpower.com
What does our new solar tracker have to do with an Italian race car?
A new force is coming. And you won’t want to miss a single detail. Born in the heart of Italy’s Motor Valley and optimized in America, it’s the next generation of Convert technology, perfected over the past 15 years. So you’ll have the ultimate speed, performance and reliability never before seen in a solar tracker. Like an elite race car engine, it will be a force unlike any other. Just wait. You’ll see.
valmontsolar.com
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2024 SOLAR BUYERS GUIDE
Enershare Technology Co., Ltd Enershare Vertical Stackable ES 10KWh-30KWh LFP battery provides up to 81.92KWh in parallel. This unit offers high energy density, a small size, lightweight, no pollution, maintenance-free, and UL certificate. www.enershare.cn
Fortress Power The Avalon High Voltage Energy Storage System is the newest innovation from Fortress Power. The system combines a hybrid inverter, high-voltage battery, and a smart energy panel. The Avalon HV ESS is an all-in-one, whole-home backup system. The system offers versatile indoor or outdoor installation options, providing flexibility in its deployment. With a scalable storage capacity of up to 176.4kWh, users can adapt the system to meet their specific energy needs. Smart load management capabilities enable control over up to 12 circuits, such as HVAC, pumps, water heaters, and more. The integrated module-level rapid shutdown transmitter enhances safety and regulatory compliance.. www.fortresspower.com
FranklinWH Energy Storage, Inc. FranklinWH energy system includes aGate, aPower, and the FranklinWH App. aGate is an intelligent controller which integrates power sources, including solar, grid, battery storage, and generator, and automatically detects grid outages to seamlessly transition homes to backup power within 16ms. aPower is a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. A single battery has a 13.6kWh capacity with 5kW continuous power, and its peak power of 10kW can last for 10s. Up to 15 aPower X batteries can be connected to a single aGate. The FranklinWH App allows homeowners to monitor and control their home energy management system anytime, anywhere. They can select from various available energy-saving consumption plans for optimized power management. The app supports state programs for energy use benefits. www.franklinwh.com
MPINarada MPINarada offers stationary energy storage solutions using 3rd generation Narada designed and manufactured LFP cells and modules integrated into both standard and custom solution offerings. These systems provide an integrated solution (cabinet, rack, containerized system) or individual units (cells, modules, racks) for third party or on-site integration. MPINarada has Project Managers throughout the USA and Service Technicians in the USA and Canada. MPINarada has developed training, operation, and service programs that will allow key stakeholder personnel to fully adopt MPINarada product offerings into their existing operations. www.mpinarada.com
Generac Power Systems The PWRcell Solar + Battery Storage System features an outdoor-rated battery with up to 18kWh capacity in a single cabinet, a 7.6kW single-phase inverter that provides up to 9kW continuous power, and intelligent load management from PWRmanager. PWRcell’s modular design allows the system to range from 9 to 36kWh storage capacity on a single inverter, and the PWRmanager advanced load management device extends battery duration even further by automatically managing loads to prevent inverter overload. This solar + battery storage solution has the performance and flexibility to meet the needs of homeowners and installers alike. www.generac.com
Peak Power Peak Power is a cleantech company that deploys, operates, optimizes, and maintains energy storage systems. Their no-cost, shared savings solution enables industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and battery storage developers to improve profitability while pursuing broader net zero goals. www.peakpowerenergy.com
LS Energy Solutions The AiON-ESS all-in-one integrated system from LS Energy Solutions is a flexible, modular AC energy storage solution for 1-hour and 2- to 6-hour grid-scale applications. Both models incorporate LS-ES’s third-generation string inverters, together with Tier-1 batteries in a single, scaleable enclosure, enabling configurations of any size for almost any application. The fully integrated, containerized system reduces upfront capital outlay and saves on-site installation work. The system can operate from 200Vdc up to 1350Vdc, making it compatible with most current and future energy storage technologies.
Phasegreen Technology, Inc. PhaseGreen 8kw inverter and PhG-ESS-5~20L-S battery are California Energy Commission listed, providing assurance of energy efficiency and environment friendly, as well as energy incentives programs for end users. www.phasegreen.com
www.ls-es.com Solar module production Goodyear, AZ
The future made by US. The American panel you have been waiting for. Guaranteeing a better solar module performance. More kWh's produced than standard solar panels 25 year product, labor, and performance warranty Proprietary Hetero-junction technology with our patented SmartWire Connection Technology. 40 years of solar experience 100% free of toxic lead
meyerburger.com
Schaltbau North America Moduly Moduly is a smart energy solution behind the meter with an integration of a battery storage, smart home control, AI learning process that helps residential and commercial users to reduce their energy consumption, peak demand, carbon footprint, and an energy backup for power outages. Moduly accumulates and stores energy to act as a generator in case of power losses, reduces the use of electricity from fossil resources, favoring that from renewable sources, and the Moduly Homekit stores energy when the electricity rate is low and reuses it to meet needs during high rate hours. Founded in 2019, Headquartered in Montréal, Canada, with an operation office in Birmingham AL and in Hong Kong. www.moduly.io
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Schaltbau North America, an international supplier of safety-relevant electromechanical components since 1929, develops and manufactures contactors, plugs, and switching systems with a focus on DC technology. These products work across industry applications, including high-voltage battery management systems for electric vehicles, charging stations, and battery test stands, etc. The DC technology is embedded in their newest production facility, enabling significant contribution to energy savings. www.schaltbau.com
LEADING AMERICA TO A CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE We’re solving today’s toughest energy challenges to create a cleaner future and a better home.
Wind | Solar | Energy Storage BlattnerCompany.com
North American Clean Energy
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2024 SOLAR BUYERS GUIDE Engineering | Operations & Maintenance (O&M)
High Voltage Maintenance (HVM)
Sol-Ark Sol-Ark is expanding its high voltage battery portfolio to include the new L3 Series LimitLess Lithium Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), an efficient, flexible, scalable, and cost effective solution to battery energy storage. Engineered to pair with Sol-Ark’s 30K and 60K inverters, the L3 Series BESS includes native 208V and 480V options, built-in aerosol-based fire suppression, integrated controls, grid transfer, AC and/or DC coupling. Additional key features include high amperage grid relay and controls, multi-purpose relay suitable for oversized AC-coupled solar, EV chargers, or generators. Modular outdoor and indoor solutions offer scalable energy storage from 40KWh to 11.5MWh. Outdoor battery energy storage systems are pre-assembled, self-contained, forkliftable systems. Sol-Ark BESS solutions can increase uptime and reliability, reduce demand charges with peak shaving, sell excess energy back to the grid, and maximize the ROI on energy assets.
HVM’s network of NETA certified engineers, technicians, and service professionals provide comprehensive electrical power system lifecycle services to a variety of industries including utilities, data centers, healthcare, industrial, renewable energy, EV, and BESS. Services include maintenance testing, engineering services, building commissioning, acceptance testing, DC power services, and disaster preparedness planning. Additionally, HVM’s knowledgeable and experienced training services team teaches specialized coursework that addresses industrial compliance standards and provides the knowledge necessary to maintain safe, compliant, and productive workplaces. www.hvmcorp.com
www.sol-ark.com
NEO Virtus Engineering
RunTime Solar
NEO Virtus Engineering offers a wide range of engineering studies, including, but not limited to arc flash, coordination, load flow and power loss, grounding resistance, thermal (duct banks), flicker, harmonic for DER interconnection applications, and Issued For Construction (IFC) designs. NEO Virtus also offers solar analytic engineering services including performance modeling in PVsyst and SAM, exceedance probability P50 and P90 statistical analysis, performance verification and capacity testing per ASTM 2848-13 multi linear regression, NREL weather corrected performance model, Sandia photovoltaic array performance model, alternate maximum circuit current modeling per NEC690.8(A)(1)(2), and DC and AC voltage drop calculations. NEO has IP in PV forecasting for day ahead/hour ahead applications. Decommissioning reports to quantify removal cost and commodity values at array end of life are available.
Northern New England's solar operations and maintenance company specializes in managing commercial and community solar projects across Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. RunTime Solar operates solar sites with their team of trained and certified solar experts. runtimesolar.com
www.neovirtus.com
Sargent & Lundy
Intelligent NRG Solutions, LLC
TMEIC Corporation TMEIC offers the Solar Ware Ninja, a photovoltaic inverter and energy storage system. The advanced PV inverter is modular and stackable for multiple PCS power blocks. The system is configurable into multiple solutions, including PV only, stand-alone energy storage, or as a PV+ESS independent solution. Application flexibility is built-in, with multiple ratings allowing customization for small, 2MW projects up to large-scale projects.
Intelligent NRG Solutions LLC provides an extensive array of studies including steady-state, dynamics, TOV, TRV, NERC-PRC/MOD/FAC, arc flash, harmonics, load flow, power injection, electromagnetic transient, and feasibility. Their LGIA interconnection applications span all US ISO markets, from NE-ISO to CAISO and everywhere in between. Their services include generic and user-defined power plant controller models, model benchmarking, and expertise in PSCAD, PSSE, PSLF, ETAP, and ASPEN modeling. Proficiency in PSCAD modeling, backed by their automation software, ensures swift, precise, and cost-effective solutions. www.inrgx.com
www.tmeic.com
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Partner Engineering and Science, Inc. Partner’s Renewable Energy team of multidisciplinary professionals offers a full range of engineering, design, construction, and consulting services for various energy clients, including lenders, developers, investors, contractors, and utilities. They guide clients through the entire lifecycle of renewable energy projects, including photovoltaic (PV) solar, concentrated solar, battery energy storage systems (BESS), wind, renewable natural gas (RNG), and waste-toenergy. Their team ensures effective solutions that actively support increasing system capacity, maximize functionality, life cycle savings, and efficiency while minimizing risk, variability, and lifetime costs for their clients. www.partneresi.com
Helping clients evaluate and implement solar technologies is an integral part of Sargent & Lundy's leadership mandate. The firm supports developers, owners, investors, contractors, manufacturers, and research organizations with diverse projects. Experience includes solar resource assessments; owner's engineer; due diligence and conceptual/detailed facility design; as well as grid interconnection for PV, trough, tower, and dish technology. Sargent & Lundy offers complete engineering, project services, and consulting for power generation and transmission projects. www.sargentlundy.com
UNITED BROTHERHOOD OF CARPENTERS
SETTING THE PACE IN
SOLAR INSTALLATION UBC OFFERS: • Access to the best EPC rms nationwide • The most productive solar workforce in the Industry • Meet IRA apprenticeship and prevailing wage requirements • Quality assurance while respecting project schedules • Career pathway opportunities in underrepresented communities • Unlimited access to the industry leading “NMAPC” PLA • Meet state and local domicile workforce requirements • Training speciically for veterans, DEI, & underprivileged workers
Locate a Training Center Near You
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2024 SOLAR BUYERS GUIDE Environmental Consultants | Business Services
Equipment Manufacturer
Vision Engraving &Routing Systems
Enertis Applus+
Spark Power Spark Power provides real-time data collection, ongoing maintenance, and on-demand emergency service to ensure that solar assets are running at full power, performance, and profitability. Their scope of services spans North America including operations and maintenance services and balance of plant services. sparkpowercorp.com
T&M Associates T&M Associates provides full services for energy clients, including environmental, engineering, and construction services to develop efficient, cost-effective solutions. Their team has extensive experience with design/ bid/build and engineer/procure/construct (EPC) delivery methods for public and private sector projects, including energy storage, PV, microgrids, EV charging, and integrating energy systems into power grids. Services include preliminary assessment, financial analysis, civil, structural, mechanical and electrical engineering, environmental resource studies and impact assessment, land use planning, permitting, project and construction support, and financial incentive assistance. www.tandmassociates.com
Westwood Professional Services Whether a project is 1MW or 1GW, Westwood’s full-service team is ready to guide it smoothly from site selection through performance verification for utility-scale, distributed generation, industrial, and commercial industries. From their 27 offices throughout the US, they’ve permitted, designed, and surveyed large and complex solar projects across the country.
Enertis Applus+, a global engineering, consultancy, and quality control firm, offers its independent advisory services for solar PV and battery energy storage systems (BESS) projects, from planning, to manufacturing, to construction and commissioning. With 250+ GW of experience for over 4000 renewable energy projects in 65 countries, Enertis Applus+ value-added services include in-depth technical due diligence for project vendors and M&A transactions, owner’s engineering, basic and detailed engineering, technical-economic feasibility studies for the hybridization of renewable technologies within BESS projects, comprehensive, in-factory QA/QC for PV and BESS equipment, supply-chain traceability audits, testing in its CBTL/IECEE IEC/ISO 17025 accredited labs, and advanced, on-site, post-shipment and post-installation inspections to certify the quality of PV modules. www.enertisapplus.com
Premier Truck Rental Premier Truck Rental has a variety of rent-ready units that are ready to take on solar projects. Their Triplexing Cable Wrapper is made to triplex MV cables, wrapping 2 miles of cable per hour using twine. This unit eliminates the need for zip ties and is self-propelled. When paired with a Fairlead to guide the cable in the ground, users save both time and money when working on an installation job. Additionally, customers will decrease downtime by having Passenger Vans in their fleet to move the crew, Ford Mavericks to fit between solar panels when working, and multiple sizes of Flatbeds and Equipment Trailers to easily haul equipment. www.rentptr.com
UHG Consulting UHG’s services include: SBA 504 green loan energy analysis, UHG offers this service for businesses wanting to secure loans through the SBA 504 Green loan program by going solar go or investing in energy reduction measures; LEED certification, UHG can manage any facet of a LEED project; Energy benchmarking, UHG creates and manages ENERGYSTAR portfolio's for buildings to ensure legal requirements are filled accurately, completely, and on schedule; and energy storage, UHG can design, consult, and implement battery storage solutions for small to large stationary storage needs. www.uhgconsulting.com
www.westwoodps.com
Sun Xtender Sun Xtender renewable energy storage batteries for off-grid and grid tied systems for communication towers, pumping stations, constructions signs, residential and business, remote electrification. Sun Xtender is continuously developing battery technology to meet advancing renewable energy needs using Deep Cycle unique high density plate and grid design with PolyGuard protection for superior reliability, power, and extended cycle life. Sun Xtender Batteries are manufactured by Concorde Battery Corporation under an ISO 9001 + AS9100 Quality Management System. All Sun Xtender batteries ship Hazmat Exempt by land, sea, and air. www.sunxtender.com
Vermeer Vermeer offers equipment for renewable energy construction projects. These machines are designed for driving piles, installing utilities, and clearing land. Vermeer pile drivers are equipped with features such as remote operation, automated functionality, GPS, and auto plumb for optimal placement and efficiency. Vermeer trenchers and horizontal directional drills are useful for connecting renewable sites to the electrical grid. Additionally, Vermeer wood processing equipment is built to power through tough materials, making it suitable for site preparation and right-of-way land clearing. www.vermeer.com
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Made in the USA since 1983, Vision Engraving & Routing Systems manufactures quality-made, precision engravers, and CNC routers for creating solar-related tags, plates, and signage. They offer small desktop-sized systems on up to larger 4ft x 8ft routers/ engravers. Vision software is easy to use and comes with many advanced features. Vision’s rotary systems are environmentally friendly and do not emit harmful fumes. Engrave UV-rated plastic, coated, and uncoated metals for indoor or outdoor use. Vision’s machines are low maintenance and are backed by a technical support team based in Phoenix, AZ. www.visionengravers.com
EV Charging
Beam Global The EV ARC 2020 from Beam Global is a rapidly deployed, 100% renewable, transportable but permanent EV charging solution. Grid-independent, it deploys in minutes with no construction, no electrical work, and no utility bill. It will charge electric vehicles with any EV charger brand, even during grid outages. Battery storage allows charging during the night, inclement weather, and power outages. Reaching as many as 12 vehicles, up to six EVs can be charged at the same time. beamforall.com
Financial Services
CleanView Capital, LLC CleanView Capital is an equipment finance company specializing in making ownership of solar affordable and profitable for commercial and industrial companies nationwide. The Clean Energy Ownership Program uses a traditional equipment operating lease with attractive purchase options to create an affordable path to ownership at a reduced price. The program appeals to S Corps and LLCs that cannot directly benefit from a federal income tax credit as well as private and public companies seeking to optimize value and avoid budget constraints. Transactions from $100,000 to $10 Million. The program’s lessor is a federally regulated bank with more than $80 billion of assets. www.cleanviewcapital.com
Totora FPV Conductor Solar Conductor Solar's online marketplace helps developers and EPCs find financing partners. Multiple investors submit bids with pricing, so users can find the best fit and accelerate project development. Focused on commercial and community solar, the marketplace simplifies and streamlines the process of identifying, selecting, and contracting with a project investor. Dozens of professional investors with gigawatts of project experience and billions of dollars in capital deployed submit bids in the marketplace, so users can find the right partners for their projects and their company.
Totora provides turnkey floating solar solutions utilizing major international brands for projects seeking to install photovoltaics on water. Totora has experience scoping, designing, and installing floating arrays on ponds, reservoirs, water treatment plants, dams, cooling ponds, and can design for any body of water. Totora utilizes technology including floats from Kyoraku, mooring solutions from Hazelett Marine, anchors from Mooring Systems, stationary storage from Kronus Engineering, and project management from UHG Consulting, Totora's product solutions have been installed in hundreds of projects throughout the world. Projects can be designed to meet Made in USA standards. www.totorafpv.com
conductor.solar
Palmetto LightReach Palmetto, a technology company supporting solar sellers and installers across the US, now offers LightReach Energy Plans through its network of certified installers. With LightReach, homeowners can have solar panels installed and start generating electricity at a significant discount to the utility rate, without any upfront investment or taking out a loan. All maintenance and service costs are included. palmetto.com
Floating Solar
Ciel & Terre USA, Inc. The floating solar platform, Hydrelio, enables PV panels to be installed on large water bodies such as drinking water reservoirs, quarry lakes, irrigation ponds, or even tailing ponds. It is a simple and affordable alternative to groundmounted solar systems. Hydrelio is particularly suitable for energy and water-intensive industries which can't afford to lose either land or water. Wineries, dairy or fish farms, mining companies, wastewater treatment plants, irrigation districts, and water agencies are examples of organizations benefiting from the synergy this technology creates between sun and water. www.cieletterre.us
Hazelett Marine Hazelett Marine is a provider for designing, building, and installing mooring/anchoring solutions for floating solar arrays for over 30 years. Hazelett Marine is skilled in dealing with high speed winds, large waves, strong currents, and large water variations. With multiple partnerships throughout the industry, Hazelett Marine can assist projects become reality with turnkey floating solar solutions. www.hazelettmarine.com
I LOVE THE SUN And the solar solution that simplifies my customers’ lives. Empower homeowners to take control of their energy with the new Sunny Boy Smart Energy hybrid inverter, the heart of the SMA Home Energy Solution. The ideal option for solar power generation—easy to install and modularly expandable.
L E A RN MO RE
Contact your SMA Authorized Distributor today. North American Clean Energy
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2024 SOLAR BUYERS GUIDE Foundations
Ground Covering
Presto Geosystems AquaSoli LLC AquaSoli LLC provides foundation engineering for ground mounted PV systems. Based on pile test loadings (pull-out tests), economically and technically good foundation solutions are obtained. In addition to pile foundations, AquaSoli LLC also lays out the shallow foundations for transformer stations and the substructure of construction and maintenance roads. In addition, AquaSoli LLC provides module layout plans as shading-optimized 3D layouts including string plans for economically balanced project planning. PE Stamp can be provided in most US states and Canadian provinces. www.aquasoli.com
The GEOWEB 3D Soil Stabilization System is a cost-effective and versatile way to construct access roads one time for foundation construction, solar farm component delivery, and maintenance access. The GEOWEB access road system’s inherent strength through the confinement of infill virtually eliminates the need to maintain and reconstruct roads subjected to heavy traffic. The GEOWEB geocells drastically reduce the need for gravel on a project because the 3D system delivers increased strength to non-cohesive soils such as sand and gravel. Construct strong access roads on sites with abundant sand and limited gravel resources using available sand as infill for the GEOWEB system. www.prestogeo.com
Ground Screws | Anchors Concast, Inc. Concast provides a wide array of precast concrete and polymer products to their North American customers while upholding rigorous high-quality standards. Their support staff helps with all engineering, ordering, and shipping inquiries. Concast has been serving the precast field since 1969, and specializes in products for the electrical industry such as trench, pads, and boxes. www.concastinc.com
TorcSill Foundations, LLC TorcSill design-build Helical Pile Steel foundations for energy generation, storage, and delivery. Less expensive than concrete, no cure time, and no spoils allows for overall project schedule compression.
American Earth Anchors American Earth Anchors introduces the PE46-Hex8 to their line of penetrator earth anchors. The Hex8 has been field tested to 9,000lb. of downward pressure and up to 14,000lb. of pullout strength, and was designed to fit a 2" schedule 40 pipe, making it an option for solar panel ground mount racking. The Hex8 can save time and money by replacing concrete footings providing the advantage of no digging, no forms, no pouring, no waiting, and easy leveling by screwing up or down. American Earth Anchors can also make custom brackets for any pipe size.
American Ground Screw American Ground Screw (AGS) is a distributor of ground screw products and installation equipment for the solar and construction markets. AGS has nearly 20 years of ground screw manufacturing experience and a US-based sales and customer service team. This gives AGS the production capacity, service, and diversity of experience to supply residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar customers with both products that satisfy global certification standards (ICC, TUV, EN, EPD) and effective service all the way through installation. Whether for ground mount fixed-tilt racking systems, trackers, battery storage systems, or EV chargers, AGS has a solution.
Ground Connection LLC offers a wide range of foundation ground screws for solar installations as well as foundations for solar LED lighting applications. Ground screws for solar LED lighting applications are custom made so the ground screw perfectly matches the pole bases for light poles up to 30ft tall. Ground screw installations are easy using skid steers and skid steer adapters provided by GCLLC. www.groundconnection.us.com
www.americangroundscrew.com
www.americanea.com
Infra-Metals Co.
www.torcsill.com
DCE Solar The DCE USA-manufactured Long Span Ground Mount Solution offers a structurally independent table design that diminishes terrain challenges with its adjustability. DCE's USA-Made Ground Screw foundation with the Long Span is a solution for commercial projects. DCE Services can perform the turnkey installations including mechanical, electrical, and commissioning services. www.dcesolar.com
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Ground Connection LLC
2024 JANUARY • FEBRUARY /// www.nacleanenergy.com
With a wide range of products and services, Infra-Metals is a structural steel service providers in the United States. They tailor their distribution centers to meet the needs of the regions they supply, and provide high quality materials and service promptly and economically. Their nventory features products ranging from beams and tubes to sheets, channels, and expanded metal, and their processing capabilities include cutting and drilling to blasting and painting. www.infra-metals.com
Insurance Services Saint Vincent Agency SureBuild Project Completion Insurance is a valuable tool transforming renewable energy construction financing. This insurance provides comprehensive protection for lenders in the event of borrower default. SureBuild ensures quick funding and cost-effectiveness, surpassing traditional bonds. Plus, the lender is the direct beneficiary of the policy. It also serves as a credit enhancement tool, suitable for borrowers who need an extra boost and borrower builders who are ineligible for surety bonds. SureBuild goes beyond financial safeguards by integrating a proactive risk management program, preventing losses, and keeping projects on track. www.surebuild.com
MarkingPenDepot MarkingPenDepot sells UV resistant paint pens and torque sealant for visual inspection of fasteners and other fittings. MPDX paint markers dry in 30 seconds and have UV resistance for up 22 years. Other brands include Dykem, Markal, and The Pumper. www.markingpendepot.com
WORD Rock Drills The WORD Rock Drills SS Series Skid Steer Attachment is a solution for pre-drilling, helical piles, and ground screw installations. Built for versatility, this drilling attachment can tackle tough soil conditions for a variety of applications and easily attaches to an existing skid steer. With user-friendly operating controls, these units can be operated by crew members or drillers at all levels of experience. WORD Rock Drills offers both rental and purchase options. www.wordrockdrills.com
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2024 SOLAR BUYERS GUIDE Inverters
COTEK COTEK offers five series of pure, sine-wave inverter and inverter chargers for off-grid and backup applications designed to meet the needs of the solar industry. COTEK inverter models range from 200W-4000W with a DC input of 12V, 24V, or 48V. The new SC and SL series of bi-directional inverter chargers come equipped with 5 operating modes and advanced features such as power sharing and current limiting. COTEK also offers standalone inverter and battery charger options through the SP, SD and CX series. www.cotek.ca
Ingeteam Ingeteam’s 3Power C Series Inverter is a transformerless central PV inverter with an extra thermal stability and a power density of 492kW/m³. It provides up to 3825kVA in one power stack and features a control unit that performs an efficient inverter control via a digital signal processor. The liquid cooling system (LCS) provides increased thermal stability and optimized component usage. With few moving components, the system requires less maintenance and consumes less power. Designed to comply with demanding grid connection requirements, the C-Series inverter contributes to the quality and stability of the electric system with its advanced functionalities in terms of grid support.
Sineng Electric Co., Ltd. The SP-350K-USH string inverter from Sineng Electric offers versatility across various scenarios. Equipped with 12 MPPTs, supporting up to 32 strings, and a flexible DC/AC ratio, the product is tailor-made to meet customers’ diverse needs while its CEC efficiency of 98.5%, further ensures performance and high yields. Designed with IP66 protection, these string inverters can adapt to various harsh environments, including deserts, mountains, and adverse weather conditions. Additionally, with the MPPT current of 45A, it is compatible with high-power modules and provides cost-saving advantages. en.si-neng.com
www.ingeteam.com
www.cyboenergy.com
MidNite Solar, Inc. The new Rosie Inverter/Charger is an addition to the family of MidNite Solar Inverters. The Rosie is a versatile inverter/charger and suitable for medium renewable energy systems. The Rosie is a true sine wave inverter/charger that provides 120 or 120/240VAC output at 7000/48VDC. The Rosie uses quiet forced air cooling over heat-sink fins and transformer compartment. Included are auto gen start, battery temp sensor, remote battery voltage sensor, canbus communications, and more. www.midnitesolar.com
Fronius USA Fronius Primo SnapINverter provides safety, reliability, and high energy yield, even with complex roof orientation or shaded conditions. With a power range of 3.8-15.0kW, this singlephase string inverter is suitable for residential PV systems and comes standard with integrated software for optimal performance, design flexibility, and scalability. Multiple MPP trackers together with Dynamic Peak Manager, their intelligent shade management solution, maximizes yield at string level without optimizers. Fronius Primo string inverter requires few connections and quick assembly, meaning less time on the roof, fast installation, and reduced chance of failure. www.fronius.us
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The latest in commercial solar energy generation and the new centerpiece of the SMA Commercial Energy Solution, the Sunny Tripower X, is available now. Complete with three MPP trackers and SMA ShadeFix string optimization technology, optimal PV array design flexibility, and maximum energy yields come standard. The integrated System Manager, powered by SMA’s ennexOS, enables complete energy management from one platform while combining their technology into one device. The new Sunny Tripower X offers a comprehensive commercial energy solution, for small- to medium-sized businesses, now and in the future. www.sma-america.com
CyboEnergy The AC assisted off-grid CyboInverters are suitable for building battery-less off-grid solar systems for EV charging. The system can start and run heavy loads 24/7 with consistent performance to take major loads off the grid to save electricity. Having 4-input channels with panel-level MPPT and can support up to 450W panels, CyboInverters are UL-1741 certified, NEMA-6 rated, and made in the USA.
SMA America
Power Electronics Power Electronics manufactures solar inverters for photovoltaic plants with its two main headquarters in Valencia, Spain and Phoenix, AZ. Their new generation of Freemaq PCSM is compatible with all battery technologies and with any type of storage application and has a power rating of up to 4200kVA. The Freemaq DC/DC converter is compatible with high-capacity BESS and communicates directly with the Freesun HEM solar inverter, allowing the operation of the hybrid installation to be optimized. www.power-electronics.com
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Sinexcel, Inc. The modular 1500Vdc Bi-directional Storage Inverter Cabinet is compatible with various battery and can work with 600 to 1500VDC battery string to connect 400/480/600/690/800VAC grid, applying in both C&I and utility applications. The NEMA 3R/IP54 cabinet, which supports up to 8 power modules to get power range from 125kW to 1.7MW, can be used with Sinexcel 1500VDC/DC converter to support PV input. www.sinexcel.us
SMA America At the heart of the SMA Home Energy Solution is the Sunny Boy Smart Energy hybrid inverter seamlessly integrating immediate energy use and storage in a single device. With its sleek design, high-speed battery charging capabilities, easy installation, and handling and flexible backup options, this hybrid inverter empowers homeowners to take control of their energy. www.sma-america.com
Steptoe & Johnson PLLC Steptoe & Johnson’s Alternative & Renewable Energy Law Team provides a full range of legal services across the renewable energy spectrum, including solar, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, and cogeneration projects. Their attorneys assist with project development, site acquisition, financing, permitting, compliance, and negotiation of power purchase and other commercial agreements. Team members also advise clients on renewable energy credits, tax incentives, and energy efficiency and savings transactions. Their team members have a wide range of business, government, and legal experience that they bring to develop practical, efficient solutions to suit each client’s needs. www.steptoe-johnson.com/renewables
Solis Inverters The S6-GC30K-LV-US (30kW) inverter is suitable for three-phase commercial rooftop PV projects with a grid voltage of 208Vac. A string current of up to 20A accommodates new high-power and bi-facial PV modules. With three independent MPPTs, the inverter provides the flexibility to install PV strings in multiple orientations. The product has a wide full-power operating voltage range, facilitating early morning and late evening energy production to maximize overall daily output. Intelligent string monitoring and I-V curve scanning enhance O&M intelligence. It also includes an integrated rapid shutdown transmitter, AFCI, and optional modulelevel monitoring and optimization. www.solisinverters.com
IT | OT Integrator
Ganex, Inc. Ganex’s services as an integrator are tailored to the needs of asset owners, asset operators, construction contractors, and engineering firms. They provide fail-safe systems that increase productivity. www.ganex.com
Legal Services
McCauley Lyman LLC McCauley Lyman is a transactional law firm dedicated to helping businesses grow and thrive in the renewable energy arena. They help their clients negotiate contracts, obtain permits, acquire real estate, arrange financings, and purchase and sell energyrelated businesses and their assets. By leveraging their network of resources and decades of experience in the industry, they are able to provide representation while maintaining a close eye on costs. They give practical advice, have good judgment, and play well with others. www.mccauleylyman.com North American Clean Energy
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2024 SOLAR BUYERS GUIDE Lightning & Surge Protection
Raycap, Inc. Raycap surge protection solutions for photovoltaics, wind turbines, e-mobility, and other renewable energy include Strikesorb, the company's maintenance-free surge protection technology that contributes to the reliability and long lifetime of renewable energy installations. Strikesorb complies with US (UL 1449 5th Edition), European (EN 61643-11:2012), and international (IEC 61643-11:2011) safety standards. www.raycap.com
Microgrids
Modules
Eaton Eaton’s Power Xpert microgrid solutions help companies facilitate electrical energy savings, resiliency, and independence from a utility. By integrating generation sources on a common grid structure, users gain a reliable, scalable, and efficient solution to unexpected power loss while enhancing cybersecurity. Eaton works with customers offering turnkey services on the concept, design, cost, implementation, and maintenance of the entire system. eaton.com/microgrid
Microinverters
ASTORIOS
GPSI Solar Introducing the Q2000 microinverter from Sparq Systems. Connecting up to 4 PV modules, the Q2000 provides 2000W maximum output with a 97.5% maximum efficiency (97% CEC). Installers will appreciate its small size and weight, only 7.3lb. The modular AC cabling system allows for quick and customizable connections, saving time and money. Owners will appreciate its maximum energy harvesting, cloud based monitoring, 25 year design life, and increased safety from avoiding high voltage DC.
ASTORIOS ASTR 144HCD-US bifacial, double glass 530-555Wp, efficiency 21.48% and ASTR 108HC-US full black 390-410Wp, efficiency 21% PV modules use PERC half cut technology and multi-busbar technology with greater light absorption and high electrical conductivity. These modules are less affected by partial shading due to the separation of connections into two halves. When one half of the module is shaded, the other is unaffected by shade. Advanced cutting, soldering, and sorting technologies minimize the risk of hot-spots. Easy maintenance and high output are achieved through the easy-to-clean glass surfaces with high transparency. www.astorios.com
gpsi.solar
Aimbridge Energy Group Aimbridge Energy Group, LLC has designed a DC-coupled Microgrid renewable energy management system. This complete energy ecosystem combines integrated components including energy generation, energy storage, and DC power distribution to various building loads using low voltage DC power. The system is managed via a proprietary energy management platform providing on-device as well as cloud-based monitoring and control interfaces. Real-time reporting provides both summarized dashboard overviews as well as access to drill-down detailed metrics to ensure optimal system performance and efficiency.
Aptos Solar Technology The MAC-800 is a high-performance, dual-unit microinverter. Designed for optimal pairing with Aptos solar panels, the MAC-800 is compatible with 108, 120, and 144 cell PV panels and upgraded for streamlined integration. The MAC-800 is equipped and ready for system monitoring and trend tracking through Aptos Solar Technology’s cloud based software. www.aptossolar.com
www.aimbridgeenergy.com
Boviet Solar Hoymiles Power Electronics, Inc. Hoymiles new generation microinverter HMT-2000-4T-208-NA series is designed to accommodate the high-powered PV modules, with maximum output power up to 2000VA and maximum DC input current up to 16A. The 4-input design enables fast installation and low cost, and makes the HMT-2000-4T-208-NA series a cost-effective choice. The new Sub-1G wireless solution enables stable communication with Hoymiles gateway DTU. Smart platform S-Miles Cloud makes it possible to module-level monitoring and remote O&M. www.hoymiles.com
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Vega Series Monofacial PV modules are designed with technology in mind, made from robust product components, under stringent quality control steps and high-tech manufacturing processes. TOPCon cell, half-cut, multi-busbar, and large cell design enables their PV modules to pack more power per module, capture more photons, produce more energy, and provide reliable, dependable system performance under different installation requirements, difficult weather, or environmental conditions. www.bovietsolar.com
Nucor PowerShingle by Nucor is a solar panel technology with a water-shed design to keep everything below clean and dry. PowerShingle eliminates the need for costly sub-roofing and its bifacial design gathers sunlight from both sides, providing a steady supply of clean, affordable solar energy backed by a 25-year warranty. www.nucor.com/energy-solutions
LONGI Solar LONGi Hi-MO5 features optimized gallium-doped M10 standard silicon wafers (182mm) to produce a P-Type Mono PERC module with low LID, increased attenuation, and power performance well as long-term reliability. Hi-MO 5 adopts "Smart Soldering," which uses integrated segmented soldering ribbons that maximize light capture and connect cells with reduced gap distance and reduce the tensile stress of the cell. www.longi.com/us
Meyer Burger Americas Meyer Burger Americas will be making a glass glass 108-M10 half-cut heterojunction cell with a power output up to 425Wp. This is a durable panel due to their SmartWire Connection Technology (SWCT) and will have a 30-year warranty guaranteeing 93.2% power output of the original capacity. It will also feature a new Smart Corner feature for a self-cleaning panel. 67.8'' x 44.6'' (1722mm x 1134mm) www.meyerburger.com/en-us
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2024 SOLAR BUYERS GUIDE New Construction
Panasonic Corporation of North America Panasonic’s EVERVOLT HK2 Black Series solar modules are available in a choice of 430W and 420W sleek all-black models. HK2 panels deliver module efficiency of 22.2% and 21.7% and provide a high-output renewable energy source for residential solar systems. Fueled by a low .25% annual degradation rate and 0.24%/°C temperature coefficient, EVERVOLT panels produce high-temperature and all-weather performance over the long haul. Panasonic’s comprehensive AllGuard warranty provides long-term protection and covers HK2 modules for product, performance, parts, and labor for 25 years. na.panasonic.com/us/evervoltsolar
Solidification Products International, Inc. (SPI) RECOM Technologies RECOM Technologies Panther series are based on the mono PERC cell, using half-cut technology available in mono and bifacial glass modules with full black, silver/black frame with white backsheet. With module efficiency up to 21.09%, committing they will produce no less than 85.04% of their nominal power in the 25th year after the warranty start date. Designed with harmony Panther Black modules sleekness and blackness blend within a modern home’s architecture. RECOM’s power plants are certified to ISO 9001 and 14001 standards, and Panther series is fully certified to IEC61215 and 61730 standards. Panther series is also certified to withstand extreme wind testing [2400Pa] and snow loads [5400Pa). www.recom-tech.com
Nor Cal Carpenters Union The Nor Cal Carpenters Union represents 37,000 skilled carpenters, millwrights, pile drivers, and other affiliated crafts. For over 140 years their members have built projects in North America, including decades of complex clean energy builds. With 22 local hiring halls, 4 training centers, and partnerships with thousands of contractors and developers, they are ready to ensure a project has the local workforce needed to deliver solar and other renewable projects on time and under budget. norcalcarpenters.org
Oil Containment | Spill Prevention
www.oilbarriers.com
REC Group Introducing the new REC Alpha Pure-RX, a solar panel that builds on the successes of previous REC Alpha products in uniting cell technology to create a powerful and reliable solar panel that offers a combination of power, yield, durability, weight, and size. Eligible for REC’s 25X3 ProTrust Warranty, the REC Alpha Pure-RX reaches 470W and efficiency up to 22.6%. With no LID, a temperature coefficient of -.24%/C°and its high power density, it is suitable for increasing energy yields and making the most of available rooftop space.
Sky Energy SKY Energy markets new Lightray Solar photovoltaic (PV) modules and systems to commercial and residential customers and offers consulting services. Lightray Solar modules convert light from the sun into electricity that can be used to power buildings, homes, and electric vehicles through thin solid state silicon solar cells. www.sky-energy.com
recgroup.com
Performance Assurance
Omnidian, Inc. Solidification Products International, Inc. (SPI) Fire extinguishing grating keeps the oxygen level below 16% and will extinguish a transformer fire in seconds without the use of a deluge system, chemical foams, or fire departments responding. These grating systems replace regular open grating and can be retrofit to existing containment pits or can be engineered with all the structural supports. The Extinguishing Grating provides additional benefits for water drainage preventing 90% of outside dirt and debris from getting into the containment pit below. The grating systems can have access panels to service passive drainage filters as needed. www.oilbarriers.com
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SPI has a variety of products designed for wind and solar applications such as the gravity fed Petro-Plugs, Petro-Pipes, and Petro-Barriers. The Pump-Thru-Barrier was developed for those applications where high-volume water removal is an absolute necessity. SPI also offers complete sealed containment systems, SPI-Pad Mounted- Oil Containment Shields, StoneQuench LHD Grating Systems, and more. Each SPI product has been designed to allow rainwater to drain while completely filtering out all hydrocarbons, vegetable oils, natural ester oils that are soy based, and fuel sheen to non-detectable levels. In the event of a major spill, SPI Oil Containment Systems will totally shut down and prevent all flow from discharging. It will then back the spill into the containment area preventing an environmental release. SPI products are currently being used at wind and solar farm operations around the world.
2024 JANUARY • FEBRUARY /// www.nacleanenergy.com
Omnidian manages the health and performance of 2GW of solar assets nationwide for both commercial and residential systems. Their advances in asset monitoring and issue detection, diagnosis, and remediation drive insights and operational efficiencies for their clients. They are a technology-enabled services company that ensures their clients maximize production and ROI from their energy investments. www.omnidian.com
Performance Monitoring Dynamic Ratings
ACCURE Battery Analytics ACCURE is a provider of predictive analytics solutions for battery energy storage. They empower companies to reduce risk, enhance performance, and maximize the business value of their energy storage investments. Their advanced AI algorithms simplify the complexity of battery data, enabling safe, reliable, and sustainable operations. With expertise in battery technology and data analytics, they deliver clarity to energy storage management. Their solutions enable customers worldwide to optimize the performance and safety of their battery systems while minimizing costs and environmental impact.
Dynamic Ratings’ monitors evaluate the assets across projects, including switchgear, transformers, circuit breakers, and more, and measure their performance to ensure everything is working properly. If something looks out of place, an alarm will provide notification of the problem. This improves site uptime and generation availability. www.dynamicratings.com
accure.net
Cachelan Cachelan is a solar monitoring solutions company that provides SCADA and DAS systems to help with O&M and Asset Management of solar and storage portfolios via their SolarVu platform. Manage portfolios of residential, commercial/industrial, and utility sized projects in one place. Receive high fidelity alerts of equipment issues and connect weather sensors, meters, site cameras. Easily compare inverter and string level performance. Cachelan interfaces with all major inverter and equipment manufacturers, and design to minimize their customer’s cost. www.cachelan.com
CAS Dataloggers Used by installers, homeowners, and renewable energy companies to check their photovoltaic installations, the Accsense Electrocorder PV-3 Solar data logger measures and records solar irradiance and DC voltage/ DC current generated by a PV array, allowing users to check the efficiency of their solar panels over time. For detailed analysis, Electrosoft software is included with the data logger and enables users to input the surface area of the PV array along with the panel efficiency, and thus calculate and compare the actual solar energy input versus the actual output. This solar energy audit can qualify the facility for a rebate program or help users keep tabs on their PV array performance. www.dataloggerinc.com
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EKO Instruments
RainWise
Spectrafy, Inc.
The MS-80SH pyranometer from EKO comes with an integrated, user-controlled, solid-state dome heating system and low power consumption for an ISO 9060:2018 and IEC 61724-1:2021 Class A compliant sensor, using less than <1.4W when on. Designed for active dew and frost resistance, the fast-response and spectrally flat MS-80SH with Level A EMI/EMC electronic surge filters, 5-year recalibration interval, and internal diagnostic sensors for remote visibility over internal temperature, humidity, tilt, and roll angle is suitable for applications in areas prone to dew, frost, and variable weather conditions. Made in Japan EKO Instruments are deployed throughout the US, helping PV projects achieve accurate yields and fast ROI through user-focused solutions and an uncompromising commitment to quality, reliability, and precision.
The PVMet 500 delivers a customizable, multi-point monitoring solution that provides reliable energy management on any solar project. Choose up to three Irradiance Sensors and three Back-ofPanel Temperature Sensors along with three standard sensor options and an optional Ultra Sonic Anemometer, Mini Aervane, or Rain Gauge. Simple to install on any solar project, the PVMet 500 connects to Modbus RTU Communication with an ethernet TCP option available. Ships fully assembled and factory calibrated.
Spectrafy’s SolarSIM-GPV is an ISO9060:2018 Class A pyranometer that uses multi-spectral measurement to accurately quantify the spectral effect of a solar resource on PV performance.
HuksefluxUSA, Inc. The digital SR30 Secondary Standard pyranometer features an internal maintenance-free heated ventilation system. The circulation of heated air flow between the inner and outer domes suppresses the formation of dew and frost on the pyranometer optic. With < 2.1 Watts max power consumption, SR30 delivers a high level of performance and data availability. Critical sensor data, including irradiance, sensor serial number, and calibration data, are all available via RS485 RTU / Modbus connection. The sealed desiccant cartridge free design with internal ventilation translates into reduced sensor maintenance and cost of ownership.
www.eko-instruments.com
www.huksefluxusa.com
Fracsun Fracsun's ARES Soiling Loss Monitoring Solution provides an accurate soiling loss measurement. Deployed on over 10GW of solar assets as well as greenfield developments, it is an automatically cleaned PV based sensor. Requiring no complex calibration, the ARES sensor responds to dust deposited on arrays in the same way as the adjacent PV device. ARES is also self-powered, self-commissioning, and includes cellular network connectivity. Soiling loss data is available with the supporting software suite, so cleaning events can be forecasted with ease.
OTT HydroMet The WS50PV is an affordable, compact all-in-one weather sensor measuring critical parameters for commercial and industrial PV monitoring. Equipped with a suite of professional measuring sensors, the WS50PV can handle air temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, wind direction, and wind speed in one efficient housing to simplify mounting. Add an external temperature or rain sensor to the single-wire digital Modbus interface for fast and easy integration.
www.fracsun.com
www.otthydromet.com
Save money - go railless! Pre-assembled components Fastest installing Available patented slide-pin clamp
by
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Solar Data Systems PVSentry Solar Asset Manager provides solar plant managers the opportunity to remotely protect their investment with reliable and well-established services to monitor, visualize, evaluate, troubleshoot, and control their system. Solar Data Systems' solar team supplies tools for increased production and revenue, plus the support to ensure plant health and efficiency. PVSentry Solar Asset Manager is a hardware-agnostic application, works with numerous loggers, meters, and other components from many manufacturers. Multiple service packages are also available for Solar-Log and iPLON installations. www.solardatasystems.com
Solar Insure Solar Insure Monitoring consolidates data from the top two manufacturers into a single dashboard. This efficient integration allows for comprehensive fleet monitoring on one platform, eliminating the need to access multiple systems. The alert classification system prioritizes critical issues, streamlining maintenance. The platform offers value to contractors with no recurring monitoring fees and an inclusive warranty covering parts, labor, and roof penetrations that allows installers to get paid for approved claims. Solar Insure Monitoring provides installers with an effective solar fleet management system.
TM
railless
www.rainwise.com
860-773-4150 .COM
2024 JANUARY • FEBRUARY /// www.nacleanenergy.com
www.solarinsure.com
www.spectrafy.com
TWAICE For solar operators that want to optimize their storage assets, TWAICE’s Battery Analytics Platform combines battery knowledge, AI, cloud software, and real-time battery data to optimize deployment and management of batteries. It creates a single source of truth for how batteries should be effectively developed and operated, simple, low-cost, and high-value. The software is leveraged to successfully mitigate technical risks such as underperformance and malfunctioning as well as to increase availability of storage capacity. The Battery Analytics Platform also enables new revenue streams through predictive analytics, addressing concerns throughout the life cycle. www.twaice.com
Vaisala Vaisala Automatic Weather Station AWS810 Solar Edition optimizes solar power plant performance with high-quality sensor data monitoring for global, diffuse, and reflected solar irradiation, along with key weather parameters and soiling sensors. IEC 61724-1 compliant, its robust design ensures plug-andplay simplicity, remote diagnostics, and trustworthy weather observations throughout a plant's lifespan with low life-cycle costs. www.vaisala.com/solar
Yokogawa Yokogawa's sensor to enterprise solution for the renewable energy sector features the Collaborative Information Server (CI Server), playing a crucial role in achieving operational goals. By leveraging CI Server, operators can swiftly enhance production efficiency while simultaneously cutting down on operation and maintenance costs. Its capabilities include seamless information sharing through advanced analytics, integration with native platforms, and unlocking valuable critical data. www.yokogawa.com
Permitting
Power Engineering and Consulting ASSET Engineering
GreenLancer GreenLancer is an online marketplace for solar installers to get standardized, quality permit design and engineering solutions with speed, scale, and reliability.The platform allows for batch project management, in-app communication, and a team of support specialists to help solar businesses save time and money. Since 2013, GreenLancer has served more than 5000 solar installers on over 150,000 projects, and deployed $1.8 billion in commercial and residential solar nationwide. www.greenlancer.com
Established in 2000, ASSET Engineering is a consulting firm specializing in power system design and analysis. Their team is anchored by veteran power system engineers and a growing team of control system professional engineers. They provide specialized electrical engineering solutions, protection and control systems, EPC, and project management services. Their clients include utility companies, independent power producers, and large industrial and institutional power users. www.assetcompany.com
DRILLING MACHINES When You Need Them
Portable Solar
PRE-DRILLING & REFUSALS GROUND SCREW INSTALLATION HELICAL PILES Anker The Anker SOLIX F3800 is a portable power station which features AC coupling and supports home solar power cycling, paired with the Anker SOLIX Home Power Panel to provide a complete home power cycle. The F3800 can power multiple appliances simultaneously with 6000Wac power output and 120V/240V dual voltage output, including the ability to charge an electric vehicle without the need for additional grounding accessories, and to transfer output between grid and backup batteries. The F3800’s 3.84kWh internal battery with an expandable form factor of up to 26.88kWh can support six additional batteries. Homeowners may now enjoy a complete home power system that can be easily installed.
KEEP DRILLING. KEEP WORKING. With Word Rock Drills San Diego, CA January 17-19, 2023
Booth #843
www.anker.com
wordrockdrills.com | 1.336.584.6700 @wordrockdrills
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2024 SOLAR BUYERS GUIDE Power Transformers
PV Installers Mr. LongArm, Inc.
MVA Power MVA Power is a distributor, manufacturer, and supplier who provides quick delivery and short lead times. Focusing in electrical power and clean energy, and providing service and products ranging from cable to transformers to hardware, their team of engineers specialize in the detailed design and manufacturing of transmission, distribution, substation, telecommunications, and light rail transit structures as well as the supply of medium and high voltage equipment.
The HydraSoar flow-thru extension pole and soft brushes expedite the cleaning process when a water supply is available. Choose from regular or bi-level brush styles and either soft blue or very soft green fibers. HydraSoar utilizes anodized aluminum to prevent rust while keeping the pole lightweight and easy to handle. Additionally, the insulated foam cover provides a comfortable grip and secure hold when the pole is wet. A variable control shut-off valve controls water flow when attached to a standard garden hose. Flow-thru angle adaptor allows brushes to be angled to fit specific panel configurations and is sold separately. www.mrlongarm.com
SolarACM Systems Corporation The flagship product of SolarACM Systems Corporation is their Smart Robotic PV Panel Cleaning and Inspection Solution. This comprehensive system comprises intelligent PV panel cleaning robots, a cloud-based management system, wireless networks, and advanced data analysis. Their robot lineup includes the Kolchar-GF series for ground-fixed systems, Kolchar-TR series for tracker systems, and Kolchar-SP series for portable cleaning and inspection. This solution is designed to enhance solar panel performance, prolong their lifespan, minimize O&M costs, and optimize overall plant productivity.
www.mvapower.com
www.solaracm.com
PV Cleaning Systems
PV Distributors
Atlasta Solar Center Celebrating 45 years, Atlasta Solar Center serves Western Colorado. Home of the education based sales approach, ASC helps families and businesses take back their energy independence while locking in their cost per kilowatt hour. www.atlastasolar.com
Conserve First, LLC Conserve First designs, sources, and installs solar energy and related systems including but not limited to panels, inverters, EV chargers, batteries, monitoring, and energy efficiency equipment. www.conservefirst.com
Elioxx Elioxx PV photocatalytic self-cleaning coatings are water-based, super hydrophilic, and reduce soiling levels. Sun and rain will clean the PV panels for years. No more expensive cleanings are necessary, and this coating also protects the anti-reflective coating on the solar panels. Tested and confirmed by Fraunhofer Umsicht. www.elioxx.com
Karcher North America Karcher's iSolar accessory system attaches to a pressure washer to make cleaning solar panels easy and safe. The complete modular system is compatible with many Karcher pressure washers and uses the pressure washer's water jet to power the brushes. Two models available.
Polaron Energy Corp.
Premier Water Cleaning Systems Introducing a solar panel cleaning trailer system which includes a feed tank, a new high pressure spot free water combo unit, and the efficient Sola-Tecs Brush system. The unit provides on-demand mineral free water to ensure thorough cleaning at a low cost. Some of the features of the system include a remote capable of operating at up to 300ft away, a clutch driven high pressure pump, a reverse osmosis system, and a manageable 1/4" hose. Tank sizes are available from 300gal to 1600gal. Cleaning panels with a tank trailer means water is always available and users can clean longer throughout the day due to the water in the trailer warming up and reducing thermal shock.
Lucid Solar, Inc. Lucid Solar is a manufacturer and distributor of global Tier-1 solar equipment. Lucid Solar can provide tariff free and antidumping risk-free solar panels from the manufacturing facilities in 3 continents and 6 countries. Lucid Solar can provide more than 5GW/year Tier-1 panels from global manufacturing locations. Lucid Solar provides solar energy equipment and project financing solutions to numerous solar installers and contractors. www.lucidsolar.net
www.premsc.com
www.karcher.com/us
RENVU RENVU’s free Solar Design & Quote Tool allows users to design and quote a full residential PV system with the ability to dynamically configure and compare prices for a variety of system design options with Tier 1 PV Modules, Enphase, Sol-Ark, Fortress Power, HomeGrid Energy, IronRidge, and many more brands. Their team has an engineering background allowing them to go in-depth on any project, whether small DIY residential or large commercial installations. www.renvu.com
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Polaron Energy Corp. provides residential and commercial solar installation services. They specialize in financial products to assist in the purchase and does both the engineering and installation. In addition Polaron has an R&D department which has created EV charging equipment, solar racking, ground mount racking, and various energy storage solutions. Selling to the North American market through b2b channels Polaron is also involved in distribution for their products as well as other hardware such as solar panels and microinverters. polaronsolar.com
SOLON Corporation SOLON Corporation is a commercial solar and energy storage construction company delivering turnkey solar power projects including carport canopy, superstructure, rooftop, and ground-mount systems, as well as battery energy storage systems (BESS), and microgrid solutions. SOLON's in-house personnel handle all aspects of a solar and/ or energy storage project, including project development, design and engineering, financing, construction, and ongoing operation. www.solonamerica.com
Aplus Energy Co., Ltd. Aplus Power Roof products are solar modules and steel roof all-in-one products. These solar corrugated steel panels are lightweight, provide roof strength, and can easily be installed on existing structures. A single 81" x 33" solar corrugated steel panel is rated at 300W, lightweight at 33lb, impact resistant for most hailstorms, and low-glare. The product has a new feature that allows Aplus Power Roof to heat up and melt snow during the winter season while still generating power. Aplus Power Roof is certified for residential and commercial applications. www.apluspvt.com
United Brotherhood of Carpenters The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America represent over 500,000 highly trained men and women who perform safe, productive work every day. They equip their professional craft people with the skills that are demanded in today's construction industry. Their philosophy is to partner with developers and EPC's to bring projects to completion on time and on budget.
PV Manufacturers & Equipment
3D-Micromac AG 3D-Micromac developed the microCELL MCS laser cutting system to meet the PV market’s demand for boosting module power output and service life. It provides free cell-cutting layouts ranging from half to shingled without compromising throughput or yield. Based on TLS technology, which enables edge quality, microCELL MCS fits into an intelligent, scalable production system. 3D-Micromac‘s microFLEX PV is a precision solution for laser treatment of flexible thin-film PV on wide webs, especially for P1, P2, P3, and P4/PT isolation cuts. The versatile roll-to-roll production system can handle various materials, including CIS, CIGS, and perovskite technologies. www.3d-micromac.com
real
dream
www.ingeteam.com
www.carpenters.org
The
BE PART OF THE ENERGY TRANSITION
Five decades of commitment to sustainability of the planet have taught us one thing above all else: to be non-conformists. Because the only way to heal the relationship with our planet is to question everything. Starting with who the key players should be in this unstoppable process of energy transition. So INGETEAM wants to lead a dream team made up of millions of people. Real people, like you, who want to be part of the solution and not part of the problem. Part-time heroes and heroines who share the daunting task of fighting for the future of humanity, every single day. Thank you for being part of a team that’s truly unique.
solar.us@ingeteam.com
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2024 SOLAR BUYERS GUIDE Racking & Mounting Systems Kurdex Corporation Kurdex is a supplier of large area vacuum deposition and etch equipment for R&D, pilot, and high volume manufacturing (HVM). Products include sputtering, evaporation, PECVD, spatial ALD, ARC-CVD and plasma etch tools. Standard and custom systems configured for in-line, cluster, and R2R with full automation. Substrate sizes up to 2300MM rigid or flex, wafers, glass sheets, or roll of flexible materials. They also offer an applications lab for contract coating services, DOE, and technology development. www.kurdex.com
Silfab Solar, Inc. TOPCon Solar Cell technology uses an n-type wafer with a rear NTC passivation layer enabling better charge carrier collection while reducing recombination leading to improved efficiency. Silfab NTC TOPCon cells have high performance and reliability resulting in enhanced power output, higher efficiency in low light conditions, consistent performance in high temperatures, improved shade tolerance, and reduced degradation rates throughout the lifetime of the panel. 25-year product workmanship warranty. 30-year linear performance warranty. www.silfabsolar.com
LI-COR Biosciences LI-COR is a solar radiation measurement provider. For solar resource assessment, LI-COR’s LI-200 Pyranometer is a cost-effective alternative which compares with first class thermopile-type pyranometers. The newly redesigned LI-200R features a robust case that’s designed to efficiently shed water. It also includes a modular, removable base and cable which allows the sensor to be removed for recalibration without affecting existing mounting architecture. This makes the sensor a solution for PV efficiency measuring systems with an extensive network of cables, that would otherwise make sensor removal difficult. www.licor.com/solar
APA Solar Racking
AceClamp by PMC Industries, Inc. AceClamp is a manufacturer of precisionengineered snow retention and solar mounting systems. It also manufacturers its own High-Velocity Hurricane Zone Racking System for the solar industry. Its most recent innovation is called Solar Snap. It is an adaptive, easy-to-install racking system built to withstand harsh weather conditions and winds up to Cat 4. Designed to work with any of AceClamp's metal roof clamps, it's a solution for SSMR, Island Style Cement Cover Board Roofing, and Single-Ply. Fully assembled components make for an easy-to-use, fast-installing product. The unique crossplatform design adapts to all roof types, resulting in less inventory to maintain. www.aceclamp.com
Smartech International Smartech is a US-based supplier for replacement membranes plus PTFE-coated sheets and belt materials for any type of laminator. Both membranes and PTFE are available in a variety of material options. Smartech also offers stocking agreements for the peace-of-mind that comes when consumables are quickly available without increasing inventory. www.smartechonline.com
SIBA Fuses With more than 75 years of experience, SIBA designs and manufactures advanced circuit protection fuses for a wide range of applications, such as BESS, PV, AC and DC semiconductor applications, Traction, AC, and new 1000Vdc UL drives, transformers: dry, under-oil, and overhead, capacitors, filter and harmonic banks, and their line of circuit level SMD and miniature fuses. Their full line of SIBA fuses protects large installations from capacitor banks to BESS installations, from the battery level to the substation. www.siballc.net
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AEROCOMPACT, Inc. AEROCOMPACT was founded in 2014 and designs, engineers, and manufactures flat roof, ground mount, and metal roof solar mounting solutions. Their racking systems are compact, aerodynamic, and easy to install. They provide intelligent racking solutions for challenging site conditions, such as high wind/snow loads or, if required, a highly distributed ballasted ground mount solution for landfill or brownfield projects. Along with the mounting components, their proprietary design tool, AEROTOOL, allows solar systems to be planned quickly and easily, considering all structural requirements. Their aerodynamically optimized PV mounting solutions are patent-protected and offer safety and mechanical stability. All mounting solutions are backed by a 25-year product warranty. www.aerocompact.com/en-us/
APA’s A-Frame 2.0 is a tracker interface for SAT sites with challenging soils utilizing ground screws or helical foundations. The 2.0 design is tooled up for high volume production at a cost-effective price point and integrates seamlessly with top SAT manufacturers. The A-Frame mitigates foundation risk and frost heave concerns. APA offers USA ground screws or helicals, making the A-Frame a 100% domestic content compliant product. www.apasolar.com
Atkore Allied Tube & Conduit Allied Tube & Conduit provides in-line galvanized steel tube to assist with solar racking and tracking. Their Gatorshield is strong and has a reduced weight, with advanced corrosion protection and formability. Gatorshield also complies with UL2703. To ensure precision, they offer prototype and fabrication services. Allied is able to provide small and large O.D. sizes with heavy gauge, meet and exceed tube strength requirements, tool up for new profiles to meet customer specific needs, swage tube to help build a solar array, and various types of tube fabrication. www.atkore.com
Atlantic Clean Energy Supply (ACES) ACES provides diverse racking systems for residential, commercial, and solar farm use, featuring penetrating/non-penetrating, groundmounted, tracking, and carport structures. Their rooftop off-grid PV kit mount for vehicles, allows a one-minute solar panel installation on a vehicle's roof to meet on-the-go power needs. Their portable racking integrates seamlessly with their off-grid inverter and battery bank, offering a comprehensive, reliable system that frees travel from power constraints. www.atlanticces.com
IronRidge CMC Anchoring Systems EDSCO Fasteners, now a part of CMC, is a manufacturer of solar pile cap plates, Transmission & Distribution power pole anchor cages, cell tower anchor cages, long length, large diameter WTG foundation anchor bolts (and associated hardware), and flat steel plates (rings and templates) with four manufacturing plants in the USA. Since 1985, EDSCO Fasteners has been serving the power generation market with high quality and consistent products and full lot traceability. Processes include turning, thread rolling, welding, drilling, tapping, bending, plasma cutting, and internal hot dip galvanizing.
The Aire Racking System has been crafted to streamline every part of the installation process, removing the hassles, so installers can get off the roof and on to the next project. Designed hand-in-glove with solar professionals, Aire is an ergonomic racking system for pitched roofs, honoring both speed and precision. The two rail sizes come in black-anodized and mill finishes. Listed to UL 2703, Class A fire rating, and backed by a 25-year warranty. Halo UltraGrip (HUG) is a mount that protects the roof without the need to pry shingles and can speed solar installs up. HUG utilizes a multi-tiered stack of components, its Halo is a cast-aluminum barrier that encases the UltraGrip, their industrial-grade, foam-and-mastic seal. This allows HUG to accelerate the installation process and provide waterproofing protection. The foam-backed adhesive provides an entirely new flashing system that conforms and adheres to every nook and cranny of composition shingles, filling gaps and shingle step-downs. www.ironridge.com
www.cmc.com
DynoRaxx The new patent pending DynoRaxx DynoGrip Evolution mounting system for flat roofs is a tool-less, snap-in-place locking module clamp that works universally on all framed modules. The system is cost competitive, 100% tool-less, fast and straightforward to install, and manufactured in high quality fiberglass and stainless steel. They also offer the DynoBond module to module grounding solution. www.dynoraxx.com
EcoFasten EcoFasten's RockIt Smart Slide and ClickFit Smart Foot products are equipped with UltraGrip Technology, a non-metal flashing system that uses flexible foam to flash the roof. This technology eliminates the need to lift shingle courses to install traditional flashing. It is a solution that ensures secure flashing installation while maintaining the integrity of the roof. www.ecofastensolar.com
Full Tilt Full Tilt, developed by BCI, is an optimized fixed tilt racking solution designed to meet the installation challenges of any job site. Coupled with manufacturer direct pricing and design flexibility, Full Tilt can accommodate any module size and offers several key design features which include self-aligning Longhorn panel rails and cinch clip compatibility along with the option to install modules in the flat position. In addition, structurally independent tables are self-squaring, eliminating the need for adjustment and increasing compatibility with steep terrains. www.ft.solar North American Clean Energy
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Solar Pile International
KB Racking Aerogrid is a grid-based flat roof racking system that is designed for a high load rating in snow load regions. Offered in 5° and 10° tilt variations, the snap-in components provide an easy tool-less installation. Aerogrid is a 100% greenzone clamping system that offers more panels per area and less racking per panel which makes it low cost, and more universal for the varying panel sizes. Comes with a 25-year warranty. www.kbracking.com
Magerack Corporation MageFoot Mounting Kit is a simple and low-cost rail-less solar mounting system for composite shingle roofs. It has only two parts, mid clamp mounting kit and end clamp mounting kit. The mounting bracket is a deck-mount bracket with butyl sealing gasket on the bottom. It can be attached to the roof deck with four mounting screws or to a structural element such as a rafter with two lag screws. The mid clamp has integrated bonding capability to bond two adjacent solar modules when tightened. The universal end clamp fits all framed solar modules. It reduces mounting components, lowers the shipping cost, saves installation time and cost, and is aesthetically pleasing. www.magerack.com
OMG Roofing Products OMG’s line of PowerGrip Roof Mounts offers several options for securing solar arrays, and other equipment, to commercial roofs. The PowerGrip Plus uses a heat welded TPO or PVC membrane flashing. The PowerGrip Universal 7 and 11 roof mounts use two redundant water blocking methods and they do not require installation with heat welded membrane to be watertight. More importantly, OMG Roofing Products has a depth of knowledge about commercial roofing, as well as relationships with most of the major roofing systems manufacturers. OMG can advise solar installers about all things related to the roof, helping the installer avoid common pitfalls when using rooftop attachments.
Schletter NA, Inc. Polar Racking Polar Racking's Polar SHIELD Solar Carport offers versatile design configurability for various parking lots featuring single and double-row configurations. The Axsus Sol-X Single-Axis Tracker, performs in challenging terrains, includes a True Terrain-Following of +/-10%, and adjustable table lengths, ensuring optimal solar energy harnessing. The resilient CORE fixed tilt ground mount stands strong against hurricane-force winds and heavy snow loads. Polar Racking's in-house engineering team, dedicated in-house installation support, and comprehensive warranties provides a seamless and reliable solar mounting solution.
www.schletter-group.com/en-us
solarpileint.com
Solar Stack Solar Stack is a damage-free solar panel mounting system that utilizes a spray polyurethane foam adhesive to securely bond the mounts to the roof surface. By eliminating the need for drilling, Solar Stack ensures that roofs remain intact and free from any damage during the installation process. Additionally, Solar Stack is a fast and light racking solution. www.solarstack.com
www.polarracking.com
Solar Installation Machines, LLC Solar Installation Machines, LLC develops semi-autonomous machines under the brand name Modulator for installing large-scale ground-mount solar systems. The prototype of the first machine, Modulator Uno, is currently in field testing. It is fully electric and is compatible with Sollega’s FR510 ballasted racking solution. www.solarinstallationmachines.com
QuickBOLT’s Butyl Bottom Deck Mount requires only 4 self-tapping screws, maximizing efficiency on the roof. Screws are included and preassembled with EPDM-backed Sealing Washers for superior water protection. The pullout ratings keep the array secure, 843lb deck-mounted or 3228lb rafter-mounted. Mount anywhere on the roof. quickbolt.com
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SolarPod Z-Rack is sloped roof, zero penetration racking by SolarPod. Using counterbalance technology Z-Rack is a universal sloped roof racking solution. Allowing systems to lay flush, Z-Rack requires no penetration for installation and shaves install time down for projects of any scale. Z-Rack can be placed on all roof materials, shingle, metal, tile, and wood. 100% recyclable materials and durability make Z-Rack a versatile solution. Z-Rack carries a 25-year warranty, is approved to wind speeds of 170mph, wind and seismic tested to ASCE, and UL 2703 listed.
QuickBOLT
www.omgsolar.com
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FIXGRID PRO is Schletter's modular system for south and east-west orientation. With fewer components, a range of pitch options; 5°, 10°, or 15°, and a flexible module clamping configuration, FIXGRID PRO simplifies project planning and reduces storage costs. Its identical components and lack of additional rails enable easy implementation of both south and east-west alignments. The optimized aerodynamics of FIXGRID PRO minimize ballast requirements while ensuring project-specific ballasting with Schletter Configurator.
Solar Pile International introduces the Solar X-Blade Pile (SXBP). The SXBP installs at shallow depths, suitable for frost heave and reactive zones. It penetrates hard soils and cobble to eliminate pre-drilling.
Solar Mounts, LLC Solar Mounts LLC’s Solar Carports are crafted in Michigan from 100% USA Steel. Their designs include T, Y, L, and A Frames, alongside a customizable long span. With a 14ft minimum height clearance, 27-36ft post-to-post spacing, over designing for high wind and snow loads and universal module backets, the galactic series is geared up to face all customer needs. www.solarmounts.com
www.mysolarpod.com
Sollega
Universal Renewables
FR510-6 Ballasted Ground Mount Racking requires no assembly, and is quick to manufacture, ship, stage, and install. GCR of 72-80%, minimal ground preparation required (aggregate and weed barrier), reduced environmental impact, minimal geotechnical engineering required, full engineering support, design flexibility, and ability to provide wet stamp in all 50 states. Low wind and ballast requirements (5,6, and 10dg tilt options) 6" and 8" leading edge height, non-corrosive, non conductive polymer engineered for extreme conditions. This is a solution for brownfields, landfill, gravel, concrete, and asphalt surfaces (low-pitch <7 dg). UL 2703 Listed and Injection Molded in USA with a 25-year warranty.
Universal’s elevated rooftop solar system is installed above all existing equipment on a current roof, and saves the hassle of replacing the roof before installation and the hassle of removing the solar system to replace the roof in the future. Their team designs and builds solar solutions that maximize the solar capacity of each rooftop. Universal can increase installed capacity by 50% to +500%. universalrenewables.com
www.sollega.com
Zilla Corporation
SunModo Corp. SunModo introduces NanoRack which solves the rail-free headaches of precise measuring and complex wire management. Assemble it on the ground, and it aligns itself on the roof, saving time and money on every job. www.sunmodo.com
Zilla’s Double Stud XL Flashing attaches directly to sheathing with the option for structural attachment if necessary, which standardizes design and installation processes, provides speed and flexibility in the field, and eliminates the risk of failure due to thermal expansion, contraction, and wind and snow forces inherent in non-flashed mounting systems. The Zilla Double Stud XL features the original installation method of attachment first, flashing second, and waterproof seal, providing a secure, worry-free foundation for solar PV systems on comp shingle roofs. Zilla Double Stud XL Flashings are US-made and engineered to drive performance and ensure the long-term durability of installations. www.zillarac.com
Tamarack Solar Products Tamarack Solar offers a low-cost, easy-toinstall, robust solution for roof-mounted solar applications. A channel-based rail provides for quick and easy wire management, and tool-free splices support shorter rail lengths for easy shipping, stocking, and handling on the roof. Tamarack's 5050 Module Clamp functions as both a mid- and end-clamp. One clamp is all that is needed to stock. Alternatively, the Channel End Clamp provides premium aesthetics. Tamarack also offers a full line of ground and pole mount solutions. www.tamaracksolar.com
Visit our booth at InterSolar Discover what sets us apart from other providers at booth 1249
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2024 SOLAR BUYERS GUIDE Rapid Shutdown Systems
Safety
NEP RSD-Plus is an NEC-2017 and NEC-2020 compliant device. Single and Dual PV module RSD in one device enables low cost, PV level thermal shutdown enables even greater safety protection. Configured DC cables and connectors to match the PV connector brand and lowers AHJ rejection risks. Optional PV data monitoring available. www.northernep.com
Residential or Small Office PV
3S Lift The 3S Lift LADDER HOIST is a portable lifting solution that has been widely used in roof photovoltaic installation, building construction, roofing, maintenance, logistics cargo handling (furniture/household appliances), etc. Both electric and battery models are available. The Electric Ladder hoist can lift 550lb (250kg) up to 62ft(19m) and is a cost-effective alternative to traditional scissor or boom lifts. The Battery Ladder Hoist is versatile and can be deployed even on jobsites without power. The guide rails comply with EN131 and ANSI A14.2, and can be used for climbing, which is convenient. Both models feature tool-free installation and are tough enough for any harsh work environment. They come with a 2-year warranty and 10-year service life. www.3sindustry.com
SunTegra SunTegra's solar roof systems provide a roof-integrated look and feel that offers homeowners a low-profile, roof-like appearance that blends with their home. In addition, SunTegra's solar roof systems replace roofing materials, so they provide added roof savings. SunTegra's products are designed to promote cooling through ventilation and are easy to install. www.suntegrasolar.com
Roll Forming
PV Labels PV Labels now offers an 88-piece 2023NEC Requirement Label Pack. This will help the homeowner-installer or contractor fulfill final inspection requirements with ease. PV Labels’ NEC Packs are premium labels manufactured to withstand demanding outdoor environments. They offer high quality vinyl and reflective materials. When paired with outdoor rated, UV resistant lamination, users can be assured their high resolution, screen-printed labels will last through any environmental demands. 2023 NEC Packs are in stock and ready to ship same day. www.pvlabels.com
Grace Connected Safety Grace Worker Worn Pendants monitor the safety of a worker with manual panic alarm button, motion sensing, fall detection, and suspension trauma prevention. For remote/mobile operations, Grace Cloud Connect is a subscription-based, web-based monitoring and alerting portal providing anywhere-anytime safety monitoring. Grace satellite and cellular Gateways and Grace worker-worn GPS enabled Pendants and Grace Cloud Connect web-portal are used to assign, schedule, and display an organization’s own monitoring attendant, automated check-in, and active map status. A worker in distress is located from a map-link SMS-text/email notification, sent from Grace Cloud Connect to assigned contacts. www.graceconnectedsafety.com
Ronin Revolution The Ronin TL helps prevent injury caused by fatigue, increases efficiency, and may help extend at-height working careers. Despite its compact size, this powerful tool was developed to manage heavy loads in harsh environments. Because of Ronin's rope capture engineering, users can safely accomplish angled ascents or tag a buddy out, avoiding overhanging obstacles not present in other ascender capabilities. roninpowerascender.com
Kong USA, LLC RPM Rollformed Metal Products RPM Rollformed Metal Products is a supplier of custom steel or aluminum profiles for photovoltaic mounting systems. Their capabilities are pre-punched, secondary ops, custom packaging, embossing, assembly, or any other feature to customize a program, product, and delivery options. Their ISO9001:2015 facility has produced over 25 million pounds of custom steel for solar racking with zero client rejections. RPM provides a cost-effective solution for any custom tracker, fixed, or ballasted racking system. www.rpmroll.com
Made in Italy, the KONG BACK-UP ANSI/ASSE Z359.15-2014 is an ANSI certified version Back-Up fall arrester. Safe and simple to use with only one hand. The KONG BACK-UP is a fall arrester that follows the operator in both directions. Shifting the special button to lock mode, the BACK-UP can be used as a positioning device. The KONG BACK-UP supports the strongest stress in a semi dynamic way, avoiding the shock effects on the rope caused by traditional self-locking devices with toothed cams. Connector/lanyard included. www.kongusa.com
Safety Rail Company Metal Plus, LLC The Ultimate Bracket (for wooden planks), Big Boy Bracket (for aluminum planks), and Roofer's Helper were specifically designed to act as scaffolding on steep standing seam metal roofs without damaging any part of the roof. They were designed to be easy and efficient for the contractor to engage and disengage while setting up on the roof or moving them from one place to another. The Universal Safety Anchor is designed to clamp on and off easily to standing seam metal roof without damaging the seam. It can be done in less than a minute, while keeping the contractor safely and securely attached to the roof while they work. www.metalplusllc.com
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Safety Rail Company’s (SRC) Site Safe approach helps them assess needs, prescribe and build the rooftop solution, and perform the installation with no unexpected delays or costly surprises. www.thesafest.com
Sheet Metal | Machining
Smart Electrical Panel
Schneider Electric Schneider Pulse is a smart electrical panel for the home that provides energy monitoring and control and makes it easy to install solar, battery, and backup power systems. The panel combines backup controller, critical load panel, non-critical load panel, utility meter, and load control device all-in-one. This reduces installation time, equipment costs, and labor costs. Also available as a stand-alone Backup Controller with 12-space integrated QO Breaker Panel when main panel upgrade is not necessary. Both Backup Control Module and Backup Controller automatically transition to backup power when installed with Schneider Boost battery system. The Pulse CSED is eligible for the IRA rebate. www.se.com/us/en
SKYLOTEC North America, L.P. Headquartered in Denver, CO, SKYLOTEC North America LP supplies customers with fall protection, access, and rescue solutions. Brands include SKYLOTEC, CT (Climbing Technologies), ActSafe, and Anthron. SKYLOTEC’s Skysafe Pro shock absorbing lanyard covers both 6ft and 12ft performance requirements in one product. This increases safety, eliminates the need for two different shock absorbing lanyards, simplifies employee training, and improves the bottom line. The energyabsorbing lanyard with flex arms covers a user weighing from 110lb. (50kg) to 310lb. (141kg) and reduces the impact force to less than 6kN with a maximum fall arrest distance of 60'' (1.75m). In the event of a fall, sewn-in RESCUE LOOPS enable the victim to be lifted with a rescue device, relieving strain on the carabiner and facilitating the rescue. Available in four different versions with various carabiner combinations: I-rope, Y-rope, tieback I-rope, and tieback Y-rope.
Cobotix Copper Cobotix Copper is a provider of quality components. Their team of machinists, fabricators, project managers, and engineers support their customers’ copper needs. Their rapid response prototype group helps bring new products to market quickly, and their automated production systems and copper fabrication equipment makes the time-to-market supply chain quick. www.cobotixcopper.com
Signage
www.skylotec.com
Safety Work Apparel Tech Products, Inc.
GME Supply Company GME Supply distributes safety and productivity gear including customizable FR uniforms, safety gear, hand and power tools, fall protection, lifting and rigging, radios, headlamps, PPE, consumables, and more. www.gme.com
Tech Products, Inc. is a global source for quality identification products for the renewable energy industry including, cable tags, tower (aerial) markers, and signs. Their products range from adhesive transformer labels to long-lasting substation signs following all of the latest ANSI, OSHA, and NESC standards. www.techproducts.com
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2024 SOLAR BUYERS GUIDE Software Supplier
AlsoEnergy PowerTrack, AlsoEnergy’s all-inone application on Stem’s Athena platform, meets users’ needs for commissioning, monitoring, optimizing, and controlling their entire clean energy portfolio of utility, C&I, or aggregated residential assets. The insights from PowerTrack enable intelligent decision making, leading to improved financial and energy performance. www.alsoenergy.com
American Energy Storage Innovations (AESI). StorView is American Energy Storage Innovations, Inc.’s distributed Energy Management Suite of software and control hardware for sizing, configuring, simulating, deploying, and managing TeraStor ESS into the customer site; a fully-integrated operating system for total system awareness, control, and monitoring. Graphical ESS site sizing and configuration, including integration points to renewables and the Point of Common Coupling (PCC). Grid interaction simulation to permit tuning before deployment to ensure UL1547 compliance. Automated updates of site configurations in real time.
Aurora Solar
Clean Power Research
Aurora Solar’s cloud-based solar platform transforms the process of designing, selling, and delivering projects. Aurora powers almost 100,000 solar projects weekly. Aurora’s measurements are equivalent to those taken on-site and are accepted by all major rebate authorities and financiers. Remote measurements save time and trips to the site, and their design guardrails prevent users from promising a system that won’t pass inspection. Aurora has helped solar companies reduce overall installation soft costs by 35%. With Aurora’s complete cloud-based solar platform, teams can work from a single project view. That means less gets lost in translation between hand-offs. It’s a fast, streamlined way to work that lays the foundation to personalize a customers' experience.
SolarAnywhere data and intelligence services from Clean Power Research optimize solar project development and operation. SolarAnywhere historical, real-time, and forecast data support projects at all stages, from bankable resource assessments to real-time monitoring and performance benchmarking, and energy market participation. Advanced datasets and power modeling enable extreme weather risk assessment, bifacial and solar + storage plant design and operation, and more. Access SolarAnywhere on-demand via a modeling tool of choice, or integrate into operational systems using SolarAnywhere’s enterprise-grade API. www.solaranywhere.com
www.aurorasolar.com
www.aesi-ess.com
ENERGY ENGINEERING CONSULTING
DemandIQ
Serving developers and generation owners from concept to commissioning to compliance.
Blu Banyan
epeconsulting.com
Blu Banyan is an ERP consulting, implementation, and professional services provider for the solar, construction, manufacturing, and wholesale distribution industries. Blu Banyan's experience and commitment to the solar industry drives its SolarSuccess app as a business management suite designed specifically for residential and commercial solar installers. SolarSuccess helps solar installers maximize their business operations, increase cash flows, and reduce soft costs.
2 FLAVORS
LOW VOLTAGE
PROTECTION! TRIP & TRIP/CLOSE
www.blubanyan.com
IF YOUR UTILITY PERMITS LV PROTECTION
SWITCH AND SAVE!
Day Ahead Instrumentation provides turnkey multifunction relays and RTUs for interconnection requirements for utility scale and C&I applications. Assemblies configurable for DTT, MPLS, or SCADA interface with wired, fiber, or wireless coms.
Call 978-501-3455 or email info@day-ahead.com for a quote.
DAY-AHEAD.COM
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VISIT US AT:
Demand IQ is a SaaS platform that helps residential solar providers reduce customer acquisition costs, sell more projects, and save time through automated business workflows. Its AI-powered website chatbot provides homeowners with instant solar estimates, increasing lead capture rates up to 3.3 times while simultaneously automating lead qualification, appointment setting, and utility bill collection. When combined with Demand IQ's canvassing app designed for enterprise teams, solar providers can offer an omni-channel marketing experience that enhances customer experience and boosts appointment and sales volumes, while streamlining data collection. www.demand-iq.com
Emerson Emerson’s Ovation Green SCADA system and automation software helps control critical solar power generation processes, increase operational efficiencies, and realize long-term O&M savings. Ovation Green’s full suite of grid interface control features provides stable and secure output control at a plant’s point of interconnect with the grid. Ovation Green SCADA software provides integrated scalable control solutions to maximize output and profitability while contributing to utility-grid and/or microgrid stability. It also provides secure, remote monitoring of operations from mobile devices or a central control room and connects the central receiver unit with the grid. www.emerson.com/ovation-green
NLYTN Energy NLYTN Energy's team of experts takes stagnant 2D plan drawings and makes them come to life by way of 3D images, panoramas, and videos. This service provides a realistic and immersive experience of the solar project before it is built. Use these renderings to show AHJ detailed visual impacts of the project and speed up approval times, or utilize VR headsets to create a more engaging presentation experience for a client. www.nlytnenergy.com
PcVue Solutions
Enerflo Enerflo offers a Lead to PTO, open API Solar Platform which cuts soft costs and project duration through tech consolidation, data centralization, and process efficiencies. Purpose-built for residential solar installers, EPCs, and sales dealers, Enerflo helps these organizations deploy more solar and related services through sales and business process automation. Enerflo connects installers with native platform features into one, cohesive sales and install platform.
OpenSolar OpenSolar, a solar design and proposal software used in 130+ countries today, provides installers with software technology and a free-to-use design and sales platform. Solar installers can use OpenSolar’s end-to-end platform to manage and grow their businesses all in one place with solar design accuracy, interactive custom proposals, and a portfolio of fully integrated financing options, products, and services. www.opensolar.com
PcVue Inc. the North America affiliate of ARC Informatique, provides an advanced, highly flexible, and scalable HMI and SCADA software platform for automation solutions that are easy to configure, quick to deploy, and have a low total cost of ownership. PcVue has a service oriented proactive collaborative approach to meeting automation and industrial control system cyber security requirements for their end users, value added resellers, OEM, or system integrators. Their software is used as the foundation for automation, monitoring, and control in energy production and distribution for wind, solar, and hydroelectric. www.pcvuesolutions.com
enerflo.com
Otonomi Solutions Otonomi DX is a platform enabling solar installers to ease their sales process. This user-friendly solution changes the process of selling off-grid and hybrid solar kits (house, RV, boat, cabin, etc). As prospects complete the online form, the platform automatically recommends the solar installer’s most suitable solar kit based on the prospect's specific needs. On the flip side, solar installers can access customer information through an intuitive dashboard. Professionals can effortlessly expand their sales while eliminating labor-intensive lead qualification and pre-sale steps. The flexibility of Otonomi DX allows easy integration into websites and physical stores. www.solutions-otonomi.com
PXiSE Energy Solutions The PXiSE Renewable Power Plant Controller (PPC) helps large energy generation and storage portfolio owners, developers, and EPCs optimize the efficiency and production of any combination of frontof-the-meter and utility-scale behind-the-meter renewable energy assets, maximizing ROI by unifying solar, wind, and energy storage assets under one platform. PXiSE’s PPC brings clarity and reduces the cost of operations through direct, real-time asset monitoring and optimization that consolidates disparate system controls and visualizations into a single platform. www.pxise.com
Indji Systems Indji Systems delivers situational awareness solutions focusing on identifying weather hazards that disrupt solar and wind operations. Plan of Day/Week dashboards help users quickly identify rapidly changing weather, allowing them to be more proactive, mitigating potential impacts to their operation and employee safety. Asset specific forecasts provide early notice for planning, safety, and asset decisions. Thresholds for lightning, high winds, icing, hail, wildfires, and other environmental hazards can be set to alert users via text or email if those thresholds will be exceeded. www.indjiwatch.com
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UL Solutions
RatedPower pvDesign is a cloud-based software which automates and optimizes the study, analysis, design, and engineering of photovoltaic plants in all its stages. Speed up the design and engineering process of large-scale solar PV projects to boost teams' efficiency, increase accuracy, and reduce the construction costs of PV plants.
TGS
ratedpower.com
Solcast, a DNV company
SiteCapture A field operations platform which allows companies to save time on every job. Purpose-built solutions for solar, property management, and construction. Capture all job site photos and data needed to run a business efficiently. sitecapture.com
Solcast's Solar Data API delivers bankable historical and TMY and accurate live and forecast data to customers managing 200+GW of assets globally. Solcast uses satellite data to track clouds globally at 2km resolution, and uses aerosol and global weather to provide over 25+ weather and irradiance parameters for any location. Data is refreshed every 5-15 minutes, and available at 5 minute, 90 meter resolution. Models include aerosols, terrain shading, snow soiling, and PV power modeling is available. Data is delivered through a simple API with 99.99% uptime or a simple online toolkit for direct download. Free data is available to start evaluating today, through the Solcast Toolkit.
PowerView is an asset management platform design for utility-scale solar PV portfolios. It is a software that enables performance monitoring with real-time data, advanced analytics that empowers an informed and data-driven decisionmaking, which will drive down costs and maximize production. It operates according to industry-standard protocols and open information models that enable plug-andplay interoperability solutions that are repeatable across assets and portfolios. www.tgs.com/solar
Stem Stem helps solar EPCs, project developers, electrical contractors, and installers with modular clean energy solutions, including modeling, procuring, and optimizing solar + storage projects. Their AI-driven enterprise software platform, Athena, enables organizations to deploy and unlock value from clean energy assets. Stem provides the software, hardware, and services needed to successfully scale behind-the-meter and utility-scale portfolios.
www.ul.com/homersoftware
Valentin Software
Transect, Inc.
www.solcast.com
HOMER modeling software from UL Solutions helps users optimize the value of solarplus-energy storage, whether standalone, grid-connected, or front-of-the-meter. Project developers can accelerate design-to-build timelines and demonstrate project value with platforms across hybrid categories, including HOMER Grid to maximize the revenue of EV charging infrastructure and cut carbon with distributed generation; HOMER Front to optimize utility-scale hybrid systems in electricity markets globally; and HOMER Pro to model green hydrogen and determine the least-cost microgrid. HOMER software has over 250,000 users in 190+ countries.
Transect is an online platform providing comprehensive and reliable information about protected ecosystems, permitting requirements, and various environmental risks in minutes. Their renewable development tool enables land developers to find, assess, and select a project site based on their automated, in-depth Transect Report. Transect provides all the information found in a traditional environmental site assessment, as well as factors like transmission line and distribution data. transect.com
PVSOL premium is a dynamic simulation program with 3D visualization and detailed shading analysis for designing PV systems. With full or surplus feed-in, in combination with battery systems and EVs or with a heat pump/heating element: PVSOL premium can be used to professionally design and simulate the renewable energy supply from photovoltaics. The new version introduces extensive new battery options. For grid-connected battery systems, users can define any number of battery systems, create groups, and parameterize them independently of each other. PVSOL premium 2024 updates the climate data period from 1996-2015 to 2001-2020 and supports the import of OND files with inverter specifications. www.valentin-software.com
Solar & Wind Developer
www.stem.com
“ Your hardest working Solar EPC Contractor ”
COMMERCIAL. INDUSTRIAL. UTILITY. SOLAR + STORAGE SYSTEMS
Pfister Energy has successfully designed and built over 700 MW of projects, and is dedicated to provide customized solar photovoltaic system designs.
In-House Services: • Experienced System Designers & Engineers • Professional Installation Crews • Best-In-Class Project Management • Committed to Customer Satisfaction
833.ENERGY2 | 833.363.7492 ™
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energyRe energyRe is 100% sustainable, Americanled, and driven by innovation. With experience in transmission, onshore renewables, offshore wind, and energy storage, they are ready to deliver reliable, clean power to the communities they serve. www.energyre.com
letsgo@pfisterenergy.com www.pfisterenergy.com 4/23/21 2:06 PM
Solar Glass | Encapsulation
Solar Fasteners
RenewSys India Pvt., Ltd.
Sherex Fastening Systems
Nord-Lock Group HEICO Fastening Systems The HEICO-LOCK wedge lock washer ensures the durability of BOS components over the 25-30 year lifecycle of an installation, even under the most severe wind and environmental conditions. They are reusable and allow for future upgrades, without requiring costly and fragile tools or damaging component surfaces. HEICO has recently completed a solar assembly bolted-joint comparative performance report, available upon request.
Nord-Lock wedge-locking washers secure bolted joints, even when exposed to severe vibration and dynamic loads. It’s impossible for these products to loosen unintentionally due to the wedge created underneath the bolt head and nut. All of their washers are laser marked with the Nord-Lock brand name, control number, and a type code to ensure customers receive genuine Nord-Lock washers with full traceability down to the first assembly. www.nord-lock.com
www.heico-lock.us
Sherex Fastening Solutions is a manufacturer of fastening products for a variety of different industries. In the solar industry, Sherex product lines of rivet nuts and wedge-locking washers are used on racking systems for efficient assemblies, to strengthen attachment points, and to prevent loosening due to vibration. Hexogonal rivet nuts and knurled, roundbody rivet nuts are used in racking systems because of their strength and ease of installation. Sherex's Disc-Lock and TEC Series product lines of wedge-locking washers and nuts are critical in keeping joints secure, preventing them from loosening due to weather and vibration.
Enhance a solar modules’ performance with RenewSys’ PV encapsulants range. Their UL-certified EPE, CONSERV E2P 360, combines the attributes of EVA and POE, and a formulation that provides uniform crosslinking, optimal layer thickness distribution, and zero string shifting. Meanwhile, their UL-certified POE, CONSERV E, delivers high performance with a formulation that ensures optimal gel content and minimal string shifting. Both RenewSys encapsulants offer a broad processing window and exhibit high performance in all climatic conditions. RenewSys offers tailor-made POEs specifically designed for N-type TOPCon, HJT, and Mono PERC cells. www.renewsysworld.com
www.sherex.com
Visit us at Booth
Marine Fasteners
#1734
With 35+ years of experience, Marine Fasteners offers stainless and hot galvanized steel fasteners across Canada, the US, and Mexico, specializing in solar hardware. Their $50M inventory includes 304/316 bolts, screws, nuts, and more, plus custom manufacturing. They provide assembled kits, various platings, and hot galvanized options, ensuring nationwide coverage and timely delivery with multiple locations and efficient drop shipping. www.marfas.com
Patent Protected: www.cabproducts.com/patents
The Patented Above-Ground Cable Management System with Integrated Grounding. (814) 472-5077
Proudly Manufactured in the USA by persons with disabilities at the Cambria County Association for the Blind and Handicapped.
www.cabsolar.com
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Solahart Industries, Pty, Ltd. Solahart has had a presence in the USA for more than 40 years. Authorized Solahart Distributors promote, sell, and install the Solahart Thermosyphon Solar Water heater designed for freeze and hard water conditions. Solahart is OG300 Certified for the Federal ITC Tax rebate. The low profile Solahart is easy to install and low maintenance with no pumps or controllers required. Solahart is suitable for pre-heating tankless gas water heaters and heat pumps for additional energy savings. Solahart takes up minimal space on a residential roof and provides high energy output. Solahart is suitable for HUD or SASH housing. New dealers are required. www.solahart.com
Solar Integration
SunWize Power and Battery SunWize provides stand-alone industrial solar/hybrid power systems with options ranging from standard to fully custom. Their collaborative engineering approach provides reliable designs to power equipment for even the most critical projects, challenging sites, and hazardous conditions. Additionally, they design and manufacture standard and customized enclosures, solar mounts, and solar modules. These are available as standalone products or as part of a complete power system.
Solar Lighting
Solar Module Frames
Solar Recycling
SEPCO - Solar Electric Power Company
Origami Solar
We Recycle Solar
Origami Solar’s steel solar module frame is backwards compatible with current module assembly and installation methods, which reduces environmental impact, lowering costs, and utilizing domestic steel ecosystems eliminates supply chain constraints. Made with precision roll formed steel, Origami Solar’s solution meets or exceeds all of the industry UL and IEC standards for loading, corrosion, continuity, and many other critical elements. Under extreme loading, both downward and upward, the Origami steel frames are strong and provide protection against cell cracks and glass breakage.
We Recycle Solar gives investments a second life while boosting profits. They are a North American utility-scale solar recycler, and process every manufacturer, model, type, and condition. They accept all PV equipment including modules, batteries, and inverters.
SEPCO offers commercial solar LED lighting systems and off-grid power systems custom designed to meet the project requirements, no matter the industry or geographic location. They offer a broad array of solar-powered LED luminaires that provide reliable performance and maintenance-free operation, coupled with the long life of a solar power assembly. Applications include street, parking lot, pathway, sign, transit, playgrounds, parks, pavilions, boat ramps, residential roads, remote areas, and so much more. www.sepco-solarlighting.com
www.werecyclesolar.com
Solar Support Structures & Carport Systems
origamisolar.com
Solar Radiometer Calibration
Wagan Tech Wagan Tech manufactures an array of solar powered, wireless, pole, and wall mountable lighting. Environmentally friendly, energy efficient, and easy to install and maintain, these products are off-grid capable, with automatic operation, added safety and security, provide reduced light pollution, and offer long-term cost savings, and a long lifespan. www.wagan.com
www.sunwize.com
Baja Construction Co., Inc.
ISO-CAL North America, LLC ISO-CAL North America is an ISO/ IEC 17025:2005 accredited calibration laboratory specialized in the calibration of solar radiometers: including UV, visible light, solar, and far infrared sensors. Services include indoor and outdoor WRR, WISG, or NIST traceable primary and secondary reference calibration, depending on calibration method and sensor model type.
Baja Carports is a self-performing prefabricated steel carport contractor with over 40 years of experience in design, engineering, supply, and installation. They have successfully completed thousands of steel carports, solar support structures, and RV projects utilizing different steel products such as cold form steel, 3 plate, hot rolled wide flange, etc. They work nationwide with their certified in-house crews from initial design to project execution. www.bajacarports.com
www.isocalnorthamerica.com
BLIKIR Carports BLIKIR Residential Solar Carports are made of US-sourced galvanized steel and can carry up to 24 panels. They are easy to install with high wind and snow load capacities and can be painted in almost any color to match the project specifications. These carports are delivered on two pallets anywhere in the US. www.blikir.com
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Structural Solar LLC Structural Solar LLC designs, manufactures, and installs solar carports on surface lots or parking decks, and solar pavilions or architectural solar structures for commercial, institutional, and government projects across the US including Hawaii and Caribbean nations. The cost-effective structural designs with integrated aluminum racking systems are engineered for 40 - 60 year durability and can be value engineered to accommodate a wide range of challenging conditions and applications. Structures are typically cantilevered up to 45' wide or long span moment frames. Services include engineering for foundations and structures, steel fabrication, coating, steel erecting, and mounting of modules. www.structuralsolarllc.com
Delta Steel Delta Steel was founded in 1963 and serves the carbon structural steel market. Delta serves a diverse group of industries in seventeen states and in many countries outside the United States. They have strategically located facilities and offer an extensive inventory, their own processing equipment, and provide on-time delivery. www.deltasteel.com
Pivot Energy Pivot Energy is a national renewable energy provider that develops, finances, builds, owns, and manages solar and energy storage projects. Pivot offers a distributed energy platform that includes a range of services and software that serves the full solar ecosystem. Their unique onsite and offsite solar solutions are designed to help companies across the country decarbonize their operations, meet their ESG goals, and hedge against energy price volatility. They are a Certified B Corporation and follow an ESG framework. www.pivotenergy.net
REF, a CMC and Hubbell company
Kinetic Solar Kinetic Solar’s Seasonally Adjustable Ground Mount brings versatility and strength while also being economical and fast to install. Each module section is balanced to make seasonal adjustments simple; no heavy lifting or tracking system costs are required. A seasonal adjustment can increase yearly production of up to 14%. Standard tilt angles include 20°, 45°, and 60°. The ground mount can also be tabled for easy installation. The ground mount is built with pre-galvanized and hot-dip galvanized steel, and its A-frames are collapsible for ease of transportation. It is designed to withstand 1kPa of wind and 2.5kPa of snow, making it suitable for most environmental conditions. www.kineticsolar.com
REF provides an extensive portfolio of services and products for solar racking systems including comprehensive design and engineering, customized fabrication, tailored packaging and kitting, warehousing, and logistical support. Based and manufactured in the USA. refalabama.com
Scarlet Solar A carport and a tracker, TiltPort is a rethink of the solar carport concept. TiltPort is prefabricated, Plug’n Play, code compliant, panel agnostic, and installed in hours. Designed for large commercial deployments, TiltPort provides high solar production for a low cost, and adds appeals to commercial sites. In California since 2016, a standard TiltPort tracking +30/-30 azimuth 0, produces up to 2032KwH/Kw per year. EV charging and other options are now available. www.scarlet.red
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Xiamen Mibet New Energy Co., Ltd. Mibet's new solar carport features a waterproof design, able to host framed and unframed panels with tilt angles of 5° to 15°. The MRac Waterproof structure uses surface components for drainage, blocking most rainwater. The carport employs a dual-track design for bidirectional water leakage prevention. The mountings, made of materials like aluminum alloy and carbon steel, can withstand 1.2KN/m2 snow loads and 45m/s wind loads. Pre-assembled before leaving the factory, installation requires only bolt tightening, reducing construction time and costs. The product is TÜV Rheinland and SGS certified and comes with a 10-year warranty. www.mbt-energy.com
Solar Thermal Manufacturing & Equipment
Chromagen Hot Water Solutions A global solar water heater pioneer that develops and manufactures advanced hot-water, energy-saving solutions, including solar water tanks, solar water collectors, connecting kits and accessories. Founded 62 years ago, Chromagen Hot Water Solutions provides solutions for worldwide projects including single family homes, multi-story apartment buildings, hotels, hospitals, and industrial plants. Chromagen collectors with selective paint and sputtering absorbers options are certified for OG-100 by SRCC. www.chromagen.com
SunEarth SunEarth's high-efficiency systems harness the power of the sun to provide eco-friendly and cost-effective hot water for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Their solar water heaters can provide up to 70-90% efficiency. They not only reduce energy bills but also significantly lower carbon emissions.
ZIRCAR Refractory Composites, Inc. High Performance Ceramic Composite RSLE-57 is a choice for Solar Thermal Shielding. Refractory Sheet RSLE-57 is a low expansion, high strength reinforced silica matrix composite that is suitable for use in concentrated solar equipment and structure protection. This material has flexural and compressive strengths and is resistant to high temperatures. RSLE-57 is stable in exterior freeze thaw and heat cycles and provides thermal shock resistance. This material is a suitable choice for protective shielding that protects against damage from solar spillage. www.zrci.com
Solar-Plus Storage
Affinity Energy Affinity Energy is an open control systems integrator with over 1GW in utility-scale and BESS projects deployed and a national portfolio of over 800 power automation projects completed. They regularly work with mission critical facilities, distributed generation plants, energy companies, engineering firms, and construction contractors who seek open, turnkey systems for power management and energy optimization. Their experienced engineers design, build, implement, and support controls, instrumentation, and monitoring systems, during the design and/or build phases of a new construction or retrofit project for utility-scale solar farms, data centers, central energy plants, and manufacturing companies. www.affinityenergy.com
www.sunearthinc.com
ENACT Systems, Inc. Enact’s software platform is designed to transform and accelerate clean energy globally. Enact is a two-sided platform that allows both residential and commercial users to simplify their entire solar and energy storage purchase and ownership journey. Designed by Enact, delivered by local solar installation professionals, Enact's software also enables thousands of solar professionals to sell and deliver projects and manage solar assets for long-term performance. Enact's remote design and proposal software automatically detects roof height/pitch & shade, and sizes storage with solar, simplifying sales. www.enact.solar
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Switchboards
Theft Protection Assa Abloy Global Solutions The PL340 series padlock is a choice to protect wind farm properties, especially those in remote locations. With secured keyways, it meets NERC regulations and ANSI standards and offers strong resistance to possible theft or damage attacks. Highly durable, the PL340 is constructed from care hardened boron steel, is tested under extreme conditions, and provides security with a unique key design. Various wind farms currently use it to secure turbine doors, junction boxes, and MET access gates and storage connexes. The majority have shackle lengths of one or two inches, and operate reliably in every weather condition. www.abloyusa.com
CERAMIC COMPOSITE
RSLE-57 AS SOLAR THERMAL SHIELDING EPEC Solutions
www.epecsolutionsinc.com
Z-RACK BENEFITS Zero Penetrations Roof Agnostic Reduce Install Time No Fossil Fuels
Test & Measurement
MAKERS OF
To meet the unique challenges of the solar industry, EPEC developed an LV switchboard family from the ground up. A family consisting of UL 891 switchboards 400A to 4000A, 480Vac through 800Vac. EPEC’s solar specific features include thermal engineering to eliminate nuisance tripping (standard gloss white paint, oversized bus, utilization of electronic trip MCCBs), direct connection with MV transformers (typically saving over 10k in installation cost), and 800Vac UL certification with molded case circuit breakers. 480Vac - 600Vac now available with 100% domestic content.
UL2703 Listed Wind and seismic tested to ASCE
CONTACT US
Refractory sheet board RSLE-57 is a low expansion high strength reinforced silica matrix composite for concentrated solar equipment and structure protection • • • • •
Exceptional flexural and compressive strengths Resistant to high temperatures Stable in exterior freeze thaw and heat cycles Excellent thermal shock resistance Used as protective shielding from solar spillage
763.404.7580 sales@mysolarpod.com
ZIRCAR Refractory Composites, Inc.
www.mysolarpod.com www.zsolarsolutions.com
E474752
P.O. Box 489, Florida, NY 10921 Phone: 845-651-2200 Fax: 845-651-1515 e-mail: sales@zrci.com
Visit our home page at www.zrci.com
DESIGN | MANUFACTURING | INSTALLATION Seaward
Commercial & Utility Scale Solar Racking
Since 2011, Seaward has been involved with solar PV testing. The Solar PV test kits enable solar installers and maintenance professionals to test photovoltaic systems for safety and efficiency. Seaward has solutions for residential systems to 1500V utility scale plants and accompanying accessories and kits. www.seaward.com
Sales@solarmounts.com | 844.757.7225 | www.solarmounts.com
100% Made in USA
Industry best lead times In-House Sales, Engineering & Manufacturing Ground Mounts, Roof Mounts, Carports and More
Solar Mounts LLC 300 Woolley Drive, Marshall, MI 49068 North American Clean Energy
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2024 SOLAR BUYERS GUIDE Tools McCann Equipment, Ltd. Atlas Copco Atlas Copco's IxB tool family is a bolting solution that offers operator feedback and data-capturing capabilities in the field. Their advanced IxB tools play a role in bridging the gap between the factory and the field. This intelligent nutrunner ensures consistent and accurate fastener loading, effectively eliminating loose bolts and reworkrelated downtime. In this growing industry, reliant on panel racking and mounting, effortless data control and operator feedback pave the way for quick, safe, and smart field work. atlascopco.com
Fluke Corporation The Fluke Solar Multifunction Tester SMFT-1000 is Fluke’s latest solution for verifying performance and safety of PV systems up to 1000Vdc. It's tailored for PV professionals offering installation, commissioning, and maintenance services, elevating productivity and user experience. Designed specifically for solar experts, Fluke Solar tools cater to various functions needed for PV system tasks like installation, inspection, and maintenance. Field-tested to endure rough conditions, Fluke Solar tools are robust and durable, providing accurate measurements without compromising quality or safety, ensuring their reliability for years to come. fluke.com
McCann Equipment Ltd. is a multi-branch Canadian industrial tool distributor, specializing in the sale, service, and rental of torque and tensioning products. Their services include the repair, calibration, and certification of torque tools (manual, electric, pneumatic, hydraulic), transducers, and testers. Additionally, they certify air pressure gauges and hydraulic gauges as well as tension calibration testers (Skidmore). Each of the company’s branch offices is ISO 17025 accredited. The scope and accreditation for each is available on their website.
Slick Tools offers a complete solar critter guard and bird proofing solution based on durable wire mesh C- and L-channels. Wire mesh is formed into durable, structural channels on-site and tucked between rooftop PV array and roof to form a secure and discreet pest barrier. The system allows solar modules to be removed and serviced without disturbing the fence. Slick Tools distributes tools, including a proprietary mesh forming tool and staple guns, materials including wire mesh and the CritterBlok attachment clip, as well as training for technicians and salespeople.
www.torquetools.com
www.slicktoolsllc.com
Port Industries Hydramaxx and Mastenbroek trenchers and plows are designed for one pass installation of electrical cable, conduit, ground wire, and caution tape. Port Industries has the equipment, guide arms, and lay boxes to meet any collection systems specific requirements. Port Industries works closely with their renewable energy customers to develop the best guide and lay box designs, considering the specific requirements for cable spacing and backfill/ compaction. Rental machines are also available. www.portindustries.com
Renewable Solutions
for an electrified world
SEE YOU AT INTERSOLAR NA AND MEET THE FIXGRID PRO
January 17 - 19, 2024 San Diego Convention Center Booth #3241, across the Solar Games Join our happy hour on Wednesday at 4 pm! HPS Sentinel™ Solar Duty transformers are designed for the renewable energy industry where voltage adjustments are necessary between the solar generation system and the utility service. HPS is also a major supplier of key electrical components used in renewable energy infrastructure including low and medium voltage transformers, grounding transformers and current limiting reactors.
www.hammondpowersolutions.com
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Slick Tools, LLC
Solar Tools Solar Tools USA provides one place to acquire specialized tools to get the job done by offering a wide variety of options to assist with the install, lift, movement, and storage of solar panels as well as ensure proper safety for the installer. Their flagship tool, the Solar Panel Hanger, is a multi-tool providing an effective method to install an array solo or increase large crew efficiencies by allowing each installer to focus on a specific job. Reduce install time, ensure panels are perfectly aligned, and provide a safe and organized way to stage multiple panels on the roof with this tool. Mounts to all major brands of racking. Sold in sets of two. All name-branded tools are proudly American made and assembled. www.solartoolsusa.com
Tracking Systems
COMPLETE SUPPLIER FOR ALL TYPES OF SOLAR PANEL CLEANING EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES
Array Technologies, Inc. ARRAY is a renewable energy company providing utility-scale solar tracking solutions, comprehensive field services, and customer training. They deliver project returns and value to developers and EPCs, focusing on reliability, ease of installation, extreme weather risk mitigation, and fewer components. Their flagship product, DuraTrack is a reliable and efficient solution for utility-scale projects. ARRAY’s global reach, locally focused sourcing solutions, and business practices now include the STI H250 and OmniTrack. Enhancing this robust lineup is SmarTrack, a software platform that seamlessly integrates with their products to further optimize efficiency and project returns. www.arraytechinc.com
IDEEMATEC IDEEMATEC’s Horizon L:TEC one-in-portrait offers a zero loss bifacial, tracker solution. IDEEMATEC L:TEC 1P trackers are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions by pairing the locking mechanism with their signature decoupled drive technology. Each table can be installed at an angle of up to 20° from the previous table, eliminating the need for complex grading works. L:TEC comes with a 15-year system warranty for structural and mechanical components as standard. With limited parts, L:TEC 1P simplifies the installation process, expands project lifespan, and delivers maintenance costs savings.
KSolara FK2/FK3 •Faster cleaning of ground mount systems •Cleans a range of panel sizes configurations •Less labor and water to clean panels
OMCO Solar OMCO Origin Factory-Direct Trackers are designed for quick, easy and safe installation, and fewer trackers per MW. That means fewer controllers and motors per MW, which means low tracker cost, low commissioning cost, and low operations and maintenance costs. With more than 10.5GW of solar experience, OMCO Solar designs and manufactures both One-In-Portrait(1P) and Two-In-Landscape(2IL) solutions to meet the needs of a wide range of projects. Their 2IL trackers delivers high energy production with an open-back design, uniform back side irradiance, and a high tracker height to cord. They offer full-scale support including geotechnical, structural, installation, and commissioning.
With their core product, the All Terrain Tracker (ATT), Nevados can adapt to all natural terrain environments, whether flat, sloped, or rolling, without the need for grading. Their proprietary controls solutions allow for individual row, and even string, level optimization, generating efficiencies in overall system cost and energy production. Their TRACE software solutions make it possible for developers to accurately model production on rolling terrain. www.nevados.solar
•Uses up to 40% less water than
other available alternatives •Cleans faster and can be customized to work on almost any site •Most efficient and universal brush available
(530)407-7927 info@premwcs.com | www.premsc.com
Intersolar January 17 – 19, 2024 San Diego, CA Join us and explore nVent’s innovative solutions – where innovation meets reliability and your future in energy begins.
www.omcosolar.com
PROTECTING AND EMPOWERING
OUR FUTURE
www.ideematec.com
Nevados, Inc.
Sola-Tecs C Series Brush
Discover nVent’s Cutting-Edge Solutions at Intersolar Tradeshow
Soltec America, LLC The SFOne USA tracker of Soltec is specially designed for the U.S. market. SFOne eliminates the complexity of conventional configurations with its pre-assembled sets, reducing costs and expediting the installation process. The connected system of SFOne also cuts the number of motors and electronic systems by 50%. SFOne adapts to various terrains, from slopes to irregularities, and diverse soil types. Its design includes a wiring system that avoids unnecessary parts, reducing both the number of tracker components and their total cost. www.soltec.com
Product Advantages
Energy Storage
Chillers
• Ultimate protection for critical power infrastructure • Configurable and scalable systems for diverse specifications • Designed for flexibility, superior quality, and ease of use
• Maximize energy efficiency • Resilient protection for maximum uptime • Scalable Solutions for all applications
We hope to see you there!
EV Infrastructure and Power Utility • Comprehensive enclosure solutions for electric vehicle infrastructure • Innovative solutions for evolving infrastructures • Fast assembly with Click-In technology for optimum protection
nVent.com ©2023 nVent. N00775-EN-2312
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2024 SOLAR BUYERS GUIDE Transformers Sun and Steel Solar
Maddox Transformer
AKA Revolution Trackers has a pre-sales HSAT with winch and rigging distributed drive. Their winch pulls and releases east and west pull-rods laying inside their torque tube, not shading the bifacial backside, with take-off cables exiting each bearing and out the semi-circular lever arms for leveraged, distributed wind hold. Tapered purlins place the 2P up-down for a neutral center of gravity and added wind defense. No ground obstacles for EPC, O&M, or AgriPV. Their torque tube unlocks bifacial capacity for 2%-5% more kW and kWh from the same PV. They also offer a simple add-on reflector that attaches to any torque tube on bifacial solar farms to unlock 5% more capacity for 5% lower LCOE.
Maddox produces and stocks high quality fully reconditioned and new transformers. They stock popular voltages and units commonly used in renewable applications including wye-wye dry type units for rooftop inverters, grounding transformers, and solar duty padmounts with electrostatic shields for large solar fields. Maddox has what renewables companies need to get their solar and wind projects done on time.
www.sunandsteelsolar.com
Terrasmart Terrasmart's new tracker offering,TerraTrak 1P, is designed for fewer foundations per MW and reliable performance. Their smart engineering allows for less parts and fast installation. The foundation agnostic design ensures reliable results in any terrain. With 80% of the parts shared with TerraTrak 2P, projects are ensured quality and performance. Similar to TeraTrak 2P, 1P offers the following; easy wire management design for fast installation, reduced structure and foundation loads with over 500 hours of comprehensive wind tunnel testing, reliability with over 350MW's installed in challenging conditions and terrains, and quality controls and software.
www.maddoxtransformer.com
Valmont Solar The Convert-1P Single Axis Tracking System is easy to install and easy to own. With a fast mechanical installation, the Convert-1P also features flexible, short-rows to efficiently adapt to irregularshaped sites and variable terrain for boosting layout density. The fully-balanced design enhances system life by reducing actuator stress and 100% maintenancefree bearings and few replaceable components, no batteries or dampers, help boost uptime and reduce maintenance and repairs. Adjustable post heights and foundation options like ground screws accommodate even tough terrain. www.valmontsolar.com
Hammond Power Solutions (HPS) HPS Sentinel Solar Duty transformers are designed for the renewable energy industry where voltage adjustments are necessary between the solar generation system and the utility service. They are intended for bi-directional use in utilityinteractive generation systems where power may flow to or from the grid. HPS is also a supplier of key electrical components used in renewable energy infrastructure including low and medium voltage grounding transformers and current limiting reactors. www.hammondpowersolutions.com
terrasmart.com
SAFE ROOFTOP WORK
RESA Power RESA Power provides services to support customized needs including system setup and critical ongoing maintenance. On-site or in the shop, RESA Power NETA Certified technicians work to ensure the reliability and safety of transformers and electrical equipment. Services include substation acceptance testing and commissioning, substation NERC/FERC testing and reporting, tower/inverter pad ground grid resistance testing, transformer oil testing laboratory and portal, new and used transformer sales, emergency transformer rentals, power systems troubleshooting, and more. www.resapower.com
MORE POWER. LESS WEIGHT. LEOCH® 48V LITHIUM BATTERIES
SPIN WITH ISOLAR. Size Your Next Energy Storage Application with LEOCH® LiFePO4 Batteries: www.LeochBatterySizer.com LEOCH® BATTERY CORPORATION 20322 Valencia Circle, Lake Forest, CA 92630 + 1.949.588.5853 leochamericas.com
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Solar modules soil easily, quickly reducing output by a third. Take back your energy loss. Achieve sustainably clean solar modules and maximum energy yields with regular cleaning using Kärcher’s iSolar system. karcher.com/us
2024 JANUARY • FEBRUARY /// www.nacleanenergy.com
Shihlin Electric USA Shihlin Electric provides power transformers, distribution transformers, and EV chargers to the renewable energy industry. www.seec.com
Transportation | Logistics
Utility Scale Solar | PV Beta Engineering With over 45 years of experience, Beta Engineering can provide the high-voltage expertise and innovation needed to meet project goals. Beta designs and builds substations, switchyards, transmission lines, gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) projects, and flexible alternating current transmission systems (FACTS). Beta offers several solutions, including Agile by Beta, which leverages factory-built substations to fast-track construction and reduce cost. www.betaengineering.com
WE CARE T2G Logistics T2G Logistics is a New Jersey, asset based warehousing and transportation company specializing in the storage and transportation of green energy products. Experience includes handling of solar, fuel cells, racking, switch gear, and other related products.
about our customers. about the industry. about finding solutions.
Learn more by scanning the code and visiting rentptr.com.
www.t2glogistics.com
Tubing | Metal Tubing
Lock Joint Tube Lock Joint Tube, manufactures their mechanical solar tubing at tube mills that can hold extremely tight tolerances. LJT manufactures a complete line of solar mechanical tube and fence tubing to secure solar facilities. LJT has over 350 different OD’s to choose from and can roll up to 52ft lengths. They offer a wide variety of coatings from HRPO, galvanized, and their signature galvanized clear coat, Lock-On-Galv. LJT's pre-galvanized coil, allows the same amount of galvanized coverage on the inside as well as the outside of the tube. Also, LJT’s Lock-On-Galv clear coat helps protect their customer’s investment in the field. www.ljtube.com
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2024 SOLAR BUYERS GUIDE Vegetation Management | Reforestation Eco-NRG Llc Eco-NRG Llc is responsible for the east coast solar thermal manufacturer SolaRoll, IPP BESICOROP, 2GW of energy projects, and solar distributor, SunWize, since 1993. They are able to help with the development of commercial rooftop/solar farm sites, and assist with logistics, tax equity access, and siting interconnection.
Rayzon Solar Pvt., Ltd. Rayzon Solar is a solar panel manufacturer in Gujarat, India. The company was founded in 2014 and established in 2016, and delivers solar panels, service, and support through expert technicians. www.rayzonsolar.com
renewableenergycoalition.org
RP Construction Services, Inc.
Qcells North America Qcells is a solar module provider for residential, commercial and industrial (C&I), and utility applications. They also provide energy storage solutions that can be paired with modules for a complete system. Qcells invests heavily in U.S. manufacturing with solar products assembled at their Dalton, GA factory. www.qcells.com/us
RP Construction Services, LLC (RPCS) is a value-added distributor of utility-scale solar equipment. RPCS offers solar tracker technologies supported by a suite of project enablement services including design engineering, warehousing and logistics, pre-assembly, and mechanical installation to provide solar EPCs, developers, and utilities with simple, high-performance solar tracking solutions. Since 2014, RPCS has delivered nearly 5GW of fully engineered single-axis solar tracking systems to customer sites in more than 41 U.S. states and Canada. RPCS is a member of the Quanta Services family of companies. www.rpcs.com
Sky Climber Renewables Sky Climber Renewables specializes in comprehensive solar, wind, and energy storage service solutions. With a nationwide workforce, an enduring commitment to quality, and end-to-end project lifecycle support services, they cater to the dynamic needs of OEMs and asset owners across North America. www.skyclimber-re.com
Solar Land Agent, LLC Solar Land Agent, LLC, an Atlanta-based consultancy, specializes in site selection for US renewable energy projects including solar, storage, solar + storage, and EV. They provide services to developers seeking attractive sites, as well as landowners pursuing the development of renewable energy projects for their land. They conduct in-depth research, build relationships, engage national and local constituencies, educate landowners, and facilitate mutually beneficial agreements. solarlandagent.com
Valves
Brightview Brightview offers vegetation management services with their 17K+ team members across the country. Consolidated billing and one point-of-contact simplify their vegetation management partnerships. With the tools and resources to service a property, owners never have to worry about whether the work is being performed and when. They believe in the power of proactive communication and use a proprietary web-based application, BrightView Connect, designed to provide timely insight into what is happening on the property. www.brightview.com
FlightTurf, LLC FlightTurf sells grass seed to plant beneath solar arrays to provide a low maintenance alternative to any other type of underlayment. This saves on maintenance budgets, provides for efficient energy results from the arrays, provides carbon sequestration, and is environmentally friendly. Return on investment typically within 12-24 months on retrofit projects, 6 months or less on new projects. Sold in the US and Canada. www.flightturf.com
Asahi/America, Inc. Asahi/America, Inc. is a 9001:2015 ISO certified supplier and manufacturer of corrosion resistant thermoplastic valves and piping systems. From harsh chemicals to tough weather conditions, their family of fluid flow solutions provides dependable performance for a wide range of applications and reliability where it matters most. Headquartered in Lawrence, MA, Asahi/ America maintains a vast inventory of valves, actuation, pipe, and fittings, which can be shipped directly to customers or incorporated into custom spools and skids by their fabrication department. Their Louisiana-based fabrication division specializes in large-quantity and largescale custom pieces. www.asahi-america.com
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2024 JANUARY • FEBRUARY /// www.nacleanenergy.com
Renu Robotics Renu Robotics helps O&M providers, asset owners, and solar and energy facilities conduct vegetation management with their Renubot. The Renubot can mow day or night, is rugged, reliable, and significantly cuts vegetation management costs and carbon emissions. It replenishes its battery in its Recharge Pod that protects it from changing climate conditions. The autonomous vehicles are supported by Mission Control, which oversees operations, collects secured and encrypted data, and provides continuous reporting to customers. www.renubot.com
Williams Forestry & Associates Williams Forestry & Associates have been providing quality reforestation services since 1979. They specialize in reforestation projects for the energy sector including solar screening, vegetative maintenance, and ROW reforestation. Their company offers custom warranties to meet customer's needs with hassle free implementation. Williams Forestry & Associates also offers inside the fence maintenance services. With mechanical mowing and herbicide spray solutions, they can assist with any vegetation management needs. They are well equipped with the right technical expertise, strict quality control, and the work force to get the job done as planned and on time. Williams Forestry and Associates have planted over 500 million trees to date. www.wfatrees.com
Wire Management
CAB Solar The Cable Management with Integrated Grounding System by CAB Solar is manufactured in the USA by persons with disabilities at the Cambria County Association for the Blind and Handicapped. The custom-designed hangers offer the simplicity of the Integrated Grounding System as messenger wire acts as the EGC and GEC. Installation of this reliable system is quick, simple, and straightforward. The multi-carrier styles safely support and separate large bundles of cables in tracker, ballasted, and fixed tilt projects. CAB Solar products are durable, manufactured from galvanized, high-tensile strength spring steel, and 100% coated with thick, flame retardant, high dielectric grade, UV stabilized Plastisol. www.cabsolar.com
Comprehensive Landman Services for Renewables and Fossil Fuels Projects AerosUSA AerosUSA’s high performance cable protection systems protect wiring in harsh environments such as solar and outdoor installations. New UL Listed / UL 1660 Conduits are used where ANSI 356, NFPA 70, and NEC Codes apply. These UL94VO conduits and fittings are flexible, lightweight, and are self-extinguishing and flame retardant. They can also be coupled with their new splitable frame Cable Entry System to make the installation of pre-terminated cables and conduits efficient and cost effective. These splitable frames include integrated gaskets, are NEMA 4 / 4X rated, and accept a variety of cable grommets depending on the cable OD. www.aerosusa.com
Gripple, Inc. Gripple's CableSmart System is a suspended cable management solution for utility scale solar farms. Above ground cables are easy to manage, maintain, and help avoid any geotechnical issues. Gripple’s side-loading CableSmart Hangers have a 66lb load rating, steel plate reinforcement, swing gate, messenger grip, data holder, UV resistance, and 30+ year design life. Single Hangers have a capacity up to 8x 750 kcmil cables and are suitable for stringing east-west cables. Double Hangers have a capacity up to 14x 750 kcmil cables and are used for large scale projects or can be stacked as part of a modular system.
• Utility + Community Solar • • Site Selection • Battery Storage • • Land + Right of Way Acquisition • • Title Abstraction, Curative + Due Diligence • • Government Agency Permitting • • GIS Mapping • lemoineland.com 241 Hwy. 43, Independence, LA 70443 Brian R. Lemoine, CPL (President) O: 985.748.5544 M: 504.430.0073
www.gripple.com
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2024 SOLAR BUYERS GUIDE
HellermannTyton Solar tracker-specific ratchet clamps are tailor made for routing cables along Nextracker and Array Technologies torque tubes. Based on their Ratchet P-Clamp platform, they fit two of the most commonly installed trackers today. Clamps attach tool-lessly with one hand, making them easy and fast to install. Ratchet mechanism makes them adjustable; 3 clamps fit bundle diameters from 0.25" to 2.0". Reopen for servicing by inserting a flat-blade screwdriver. Pre-install on cables or trackers to save time in the field. Extra cable tie saddle for extended wire routing options. Made of robust impact-resistant and UV stable materials. www.hellermann.tyton.com
Panduit Panduit solar energy solutions provide robust end-to-end solutions that offer reliability, productivity, and safety. The Panduit UV Resistant Corrugated Loom Tubing is available to route and protect wire and cabling in an outdoor environment directly at the solar panel. Made of polypropylene material, the CLT contains inhibitors to resist breakdown due to UV exposure. The UV Resistant Corrugated Loom Tubing is slit to allow for easy installation and can be installed with a variety of solar system solutions from Panduit. www.panduit.com
Nelco Products, Inc. Nelco's unique panel fastening solutions such as UV resistant cable ties, edge clips, and stainless steel cable ties are designed to withstand outdoor applications and harsh environments. www.nelcoproducts.com
The next generation in PV Inverters
OneMonroe Titan OneMonroe Titan is a source for solar panel connectors, solar crimping tools, wire and cable, safety labels, and everything in between, OneMonroe Titan has it, or can get it quickly and on time for critical projects. Titan is committed to providing competitive pricing and they have staff immediately available to answer any technical questions and resources for hard to find items that are not listed on their website. www.titanwnc.com
TMEIC’s modular Ninja solution is available for PV, PV+Storage, or Stand-Alone Storage.
Pictured here: Solar Ware Ninja™ – Ninja-5 Solution
WWW.TMEIC.COM +1-540-283-2000 2060 Cook Drive Salem, Virginia 24153 U.S.A. JAPAN | NORTH AMERICA | SOUTH AMERICA | EUROPE | SOUTHEAST ASIA | INDIA | CHINA | MIDDLE EAST | AUSTRALIA
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Pacific Coast Wire and Cable Basor Electric's Basorplast BPE product family has more than 25 years of evolution in PVC tray solutions. Basorplast PVC trays have been used across diverse projects, thriving in environments laden with humidity, salinity, and challenging chemical conditions. Basorplast comes with all the needed accessories; flat bends, outside and inside verticals, covers, splice plates, derivations, etc. The primary advantages of Basorplast are corrosion resistance, longevity, and reliability. The material's insulating properties eliminate the need for grounding. Basorplast avoids potential dangers associated with bad grounding or coinciding with crossbeams. With over 40 years in indoor and outdoor installations, Basorplast performs in the face of corrosion and environmental challenges, requiring virtually no maintenance. Basor Electric's BPE is a reliable solution for diverse industrial applications. www.pacificcoastwire.com
2024 JANUARY • FEBRUARY /// www.nacleanenergy.com
Snake Tray Snake Tray is a manufacturer of solar cable management. Their products are designed to lower the total cost of construction with features that save on time, labor, and materials. Solar Snake Max XL is a trenchless cable manager that maintains NEC 310.15 cable separation to harvest up to 30Wh more energy per meter. Solar Snake Tray and Mega Snake are solutions for rooftops, car parks, and brownfield sites offering either a hand bendable feature or prefabricated sections. They also make a series of fast-installing cable hangers for messenger wire or torque tubes. All Snake Tray products are made in the USA. www.snaketray.com
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INTERSOLAR NORTH AMERICA ENERGY STORAGE NORTH AMERICA January 17th-19th, 2024 San Diego Convention Center San Diego, CA
Intersolar North America and Energy Storage North America offers clean energy professionals an opportunity to gain critical insights, make impactful connections, source quality products—and have fun.
www.intersolar.us
SHOW IN PRINT
Features just some of the companies and technologies attendees will see at this year’s show.
3490 Heyco_NA 3.5x10_Layout 1 7/31/23 12:51 PM Page 1
HEYCO
®
Wire Management Solutions for Solar Installers & Integrators... Heyco® Solar Products Warranty Visit www.heyco.com for information about Heyco’s 20 Year Limited Warranty on our solar products. NEW
Heyco® SunHangers Popular in larger installations where a large number of conductors need to be routed. Open/Close feature makes service or maintenance a breeze. PVC coating provides additional abrasion protection.
Heyco® SunStraps Available in 8˝ or 12˝ lengths to accommodate a variety of cable bundle sizes. Releasable design allows for service or maintenance without needing to replace the part like other bundling solutions.
Heyco®-Tite Solar Masthead® II Liquid Tight Cordgrips
NEW
Now for #6 AWG!
Now accommodates #6 AWG cables! The unique, skinned-over technology allows installers to use the same part for multiple applications/cable configurations while remaining liquid tight.
Heyco®-Tite Cordgrips for Enphase Q Cable
Sheathing roof mounting system
High performing, low weight module
This Flashing Kit comes with four 2'' selfdrilling screws and can be mounted on the OSB Roof Sheathing (7/16'' min.). This Flashing can be mounted at 48'' centers with snow loads and wind loads of up to 5.4KPa and 2.4KPa respectively. The raised channel provides a place for sealant application on the underside while also diverting water off the top of the flashing. Made from lightweight, malleable aluminum, the flashing can easily be formed around gables or troughs. The textured, powder-coated flashing blends well with all asphalt roofs. The baseplates can be secured to the roof with up to four self-drilling screws and have a separate blind stud on top for L-Bracket attachment, eliminating the through-holes that may cause water leakage and lead to dry rot. It easily slides under shingles during installation.
With high-power density innovations, the new REC Alpha Pure-R marks another advancement of the REC Alpha family. Featuring heterojunction (HJT) cells in a G12 format, the Pure-R delivers power output of up to 430Wp, while keeping the module under 50lbs. This makes the Pure-R suitable for residential installations where space is limited but still requires high power output, small size, low weight, and easy handling. The new Alpha Pure-R features 80 half-cut HJT cells in a gapless cell layout which ensures an elegant, full black appearance. Advanced cell connection technology improves current flow and eliminates invasive soldering, resulting in the high efficiency and long-lasting performance. The low temperature coefficient keeps the solar panel running efficiently on hot days. REC’s 30mm frame with two support bars makes the panel robust enough to withstand heavy snow and wind loads. Like its predecessor, the REC Alpha Pure, the Pure-R is lead-free and RoHS compliant for less environmental impact.
Kinetic Solar Racking and Mounting, Inc.
Heyco now offers 1/2˝ NPT and 3/4˝ NPT cordgrips compatible with the Enphase Q Cable. Use the 1/2˝ NPT for just 1 Enphase Q Cable or the 3/4˝ NPT for 2 Enphase Q Cables PLUS a #8 solid Grounding cable.
kineticsolar.com
REC Group www.recgroup.com
Booth 2317
Booth 2346
Heyco® HEYClip™ SunRunner® and New Short Flange* SunRunner Double-compression design holds either 1 or 2 cables ranging from .20˝ - .30˝ (5,1 mm - 7,6 mm) each in diameter. *Minimum flange depth requirement of only 10 mm holds as tight as our popular SunRunner series.
NEW
Heyco® SunBundler® Stainless Steel Wire Cable Ties Aircraft grade 302/304 stainless wire w/UV protected vinyl jacket and stainless steel crimp sleeve, 4˝ (102 mm) to 44˝ (1118 mm) lengths.
For FREE samples or product literature, call toll free 1-800-526-4182, or visit heyco.com
w w w. h e y c o . c o m “Stay Connected with Heyco” Power Components Box 517 • Toms River, NJ 08754 • P: 732-286-4336 • F: 732-244-8843
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Complete energy storage system Rolls' S-Series 48V 100Ah LFP ESS lithium battery is a complete energy storage system providing 100Ah nominal capacity scalable up to 16 units. Featuring a fully integrated screen and controls, state-ofcharge indication, external breaker access, and CAN bus and RS-485 connectivity, Rolls S48-100LFP ESS may be installed in the optional modular cabinet or a standard 19'' 4U racking system, delivering >6000 cycles @ 80% DOD, all backed by a 5-year full replacement manufacturer warranty.
Whole home backup solution Solis’ team features their extensive line of PV string and energy storage inverters for residential, commercial, and utility applications, including the SolisHub and the S6 hybrid energy storage inverter, a whole-home backup solution. Flexible and efficient whole-home backup is easy with the new Solis Hub and S6 hybrid energy storage inverter solution which offers a wide range of applications, customizable sizing, EV and generator integration, easy installation, and comprehensive monitoring with the SolisCloud App.
Rolls Battery Engineering
Solis
www.rollsbattery.com
www.solisinverters.com
Booth 3451
Booth 1335
2024 JANUARY • FEBRUARY /// www.nacleanenergy.com
Three-phase microinverter The new three-phase HMT-2000-4T-208-NA microinverters are tailored for high-powered PV modules and will supercharge commercial and industrial PV applications across North America. The peak output power of up to 2000VA and a maximum DC input current of up to 16A ensure energy conversion efficiency.
Hoymiles Power Electronics, Inc.
High performing data availability The Hukseflux SRA30-M2-D1 ISO 9060 spectrally flat Class-A digital albedometer features a maintenance-free internal ventilation system which circulates heated air between the sensor inner and outer domes, suppressing dew and frost deposition on the sensor optics. The SRA30-M2-D1 albedometer is suited for solar resource assessment campaigns and utility scale bifacial PV systems performance monitoring. Standard SRA30-M2-D1 features include digital tilt, humidity, pressure, and case temperature sensor readouts. All critical sensor data, including sensor serial number and calibration data, are all available via RS485 RTU / Modbus polling. The sealed maintenance-free housing and internal ventilation system design result in minimal ownership cost over the life of the sensor. Local ISO/IEC 17025 accredited calibration support is also available.
hoymiles.com/us
Booth 1115
Cable Management for Solar VISIT INTERSOLAR, BOOTH # 1518
Hukseflux USA, Inc. www.huksefluxusa.com
Booth 1325
LET THE PHYSICS OF SOLAR SNAKE MAX XL™ HELP YOU HARNESS MORE ENERGY AND MONEY FROM THE SUN!
Solar Snake Max XL™ - Utility Ground Mount, Battery Storage and EV Installations Rooftop and ground mount mounting systems Schletter offers rooftop mounting systems FixGrid Pro, pitched roof and flush mount attachments for residential and commercial PV systems, and ground mount systems Tracker 1P and FS UNO for large ground photovoltaic systems. The House of Schletter Metaverse allows users to interact with various ground mount and rooftop solar systems, such as their 1P Tracker, FixGrid Pro.
Schletter Group schletter-group.com
Maintains NEC 310.15 code compliant cable separation which can yield up to 30-watt hours per meter more energy than bundled or trenched cables. No trenching or derating of cables. Accommodates cables ranging from 350 - 1250 Kcmil.
407 Hand Bendable Solar Snake Tray®
Roof Top, Ground Mount and Car Park Installations
801 Solar Mega Snake®
Ground Mount, Brown Field and Roof Top Installations
Snake-Loc String and Feeder Cable Hanger Messenger Wire Installations
CALL 800-308-6788 TO DISCUSS YOUR NEXT PROJECT www.snaketray.com | Made in the USA Snake Tray® products are covered by one or more of the following patents:#5839702, #5953870, #6019323, #6347493, #6361000, #6449912, #6460812, #6463704, #6637165, #6637704, #6926236, #7168212, #7959019, #8622679, #8783628, #8985530, #8985530 B2, #9074707, #10225947, #10225947 B2, #10666029, #10666029 B2, #10944355 B2, #11271519 B2, #20180313469 A1, #20180317336 A1, #20190229507, #2020030461, #20200403390, #20210126445 A1, #20210194419 A1, #20210336430 A1, #20220112969, #20220221174. Foreign Patents: Australia #737813, #748160, #749488, #776643, #776644. Canada #2251732, #2319624, #2303081, #2396792. Japan #3723224. Mexico #204995, #229386, #220889. Europe #1012938, #1012937. Other Patents Pending.
Booth 4231 clean-energy-jan-feb-2024-magazine-ad.indd 1
PM North American Clean 12/12/2023 Energy4:14:32117
Intersolar North America | Energy Storage North America 2024
Cable clips for 4 cables Heyco Products Corp. is pleased to announce the release of our HEYClip SunRunner 2x2 Cable Clip. Their new 2x2 clip allows for tidy wire management within the PV module frame. The new 2x2 clip also works on newer solar panel frames with smaller flange widths (down to 10mm). Holds up to 4 cables of the same diameter ranging from .26'' (6.6mm) to .33'' (8.4mm) in diameter.
Heyco Products Corp. www.heyco.com
Booth 3436
800Vac, UL 891 main breaker switchboard
Solar cable management
EPEC Solutions recently announced a new product, an 800Vac UL 891 switchboard with a main breaker. Since overcurrent protection is required for the conductors on the secondary side of the transformer per NEC 240.4(F), a switchboard with a main breaker is an important addition to UL 891 switchboards utilized for AC collection. This new product now allows for solar developers and EPC’s to take full advantage of new inverter technology and be fully compliant with the NEC code requirements
The Cable Management with Integrated Grounding System by CAB Solar is manufactured in the USA by persons with disabilities at the Cambria County Association for the Blind and Handicapped. The custom-designed hangers offer the simplicity of the Integrated Grounding System as messenger wire acts as the EGC and GEC. Installation of this reliable system is quick, simple, and straightforward. The multi-carrier styles safely support and separate large bundles of cables in tracker, ballasted, and fixed tilt projects. CAB Solar Products are durable, manufactured from galvanized, high-tensile strength spring steel, and 100% coated with thick, flame retardant, high dielectric grade, UV stabilized Plastisol.
EPEC Solutions www.epecsolutionsinc.com
Booth 727
CAB Solar www.cabsolar.com
Booth 1734
Solar cable management solutions Snake Tray’s Solar Cable Management solutions for commercial and utility grade solar, battery and EV installations include Solar Snake Max XL, a trenchless cable management system for cables from 350-1250 Kcmil. The NEC 310.15 cable separation allows the cables to operate efficiently to yield up to 30Wh per meter. Easy snap together components offer a quick installation. Solar Snake Tray hand bendable cable tray for roof tops, car parks, and ground mounts provide a “lobster trap” design to quickly secure cables. Solar Mega Snake is a solution for high-capacity solar cable runs on rooftops. Snake Tray’s selection of Snake-Loc cable hangers securely latch onto messenger wire to manage cables quickly and cost effectively. All Snake Tray products are made in the USA.
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2024 JANUARY • FEBRUARY /// www.nacleanenergy.com
Roof agnostic, robust roof racking solutions Using counterbalance technology Z-Rack is a universal sloped roof racking solution. Allowing systems to lay flush on any roof type, Z-Rack requires zero penetrations for installation and shaves install time down for projects of any scale. Using all recyclable materials and 90-95%less GHG emitting concrete than traditional ballasted racking systems, Z-Lite is a light weight (4.5psf) flat roof solar solution. Z-Lite’s self-ballasted design allows installers to minimize onsite waste, labor, roof load, carbon emission, and ultimately, cost. Z-Rack and Z-Lite by SolarPod are roof agnostic, approved to wind speeds of 170mph, wind and seismic tested to ASCE, and UL 2703 listed.
Snake Tray
SolarPod
www.snaketray.com
mysolarpod.com
Booth 1518
Booth 1743
Innovative solar mounting solutions Installers will never waste another minute with over-engineered conduit support on the rooftop when using the QuickBOLT Conduit Mount. The 7/8'' high EPDM Cylinder comes with an Install Screw, requires no sealant, and installs quick. Attach anywhere on the roof deck in 5 seconds or less.
QuickBOLT
Safety, reliability, and energy independence for homes
quickbolt.com
Booth 2249
The FranklinWH energy management and storage system provides homeowners with energy freedom. It is designed with robust backup capability to power the whole home and supports time of use (TOU) power management. With a big 13.6kWh storage per single battery, the FranklinWH system can be expanded to 204kWh storage with 15 aPower batteries per aGate intelligent controller. Integrating solar, grid, batteries, and generator, FranklinWH manages multiple home energy sources. The FranklinWH App allows users to monitor and control their home energy remotely, at any time. The FranklinWH Smart Circuits allow users to control individual household loads remotely through the app for even more robust power management. A 12-year warranty adds to FranklinWH’s reliability.
FranklinWH www.franklinwh.com
Booth 1925
Versatile drilling machine WORD Rock Drills provides solar solutions for tough ground conditions. Built for versatility, the WORD SS Series Skid Steer Attachment can be optimized for pre-drilling, helical piles, and ground screw installation. A user-friendly machine suitable for operators at all levels, the WORD Skid Steer Attachment will help increase efficiency and optimize project results.
WORD International, Inc. www.wordrockdrills.com
Booth 843 North American Clean Energy
119
Intersolar North America | Energy Storage North America 2024
Wire and cable solutions
Made in Arizona powerful panels
For over 60 years, Paige has helped the world connect with wire and cable solutions. Paige specializes in application-driven products, engineering value added solutions for complex environments. With an operating presence in more than 100 countries and seven North American locations, Paige has the reach to handle complex jobs and warehousing space to inventory their customer’s stock.
Meyer Burger will be producing a new line of panels in 2024 with a power output up to 425Wp, made in Arizona. This back glass panel will come as 108-M10 half-cut heterojunction cell and continue to use their SmartWire Connection Technology (SWCT). Measuring 67.8'' x 44.6'' (1722mm x 1134mm), this panel will clock in with 93.2% degradation over 30 years. They will continue to offer their product, performance, and labor warranty but with an extension to 30 years.
Paige Renewable Energy
Meyer Burger
www.paigerenewableenergy.com
www.meyerburger.com
Booth 1249
Booth 3445
Store More Energy PV Domestic Hot Water Dedicated Array
No interconnection limits or hassles Smart Weather
Uses weather data for a smart and reliable AC backup Easy Installation
Vertically aligned dual-row tracker Soltec’s SFOne USA tracker offers a vertically aligned dual-row design which maximizes solar energy generation efficiency while reducing costs and complexity associated with the installation and maintenance of solar systems. Specifically tailored for projects in the United States, SFOne eliminates the complexity of conventional configurations with its preassembled sets, reducing costs, and expediting the installation process. The connected system of SFOne also cuts the number of motors and electronic systems by 50%. SFOne adapts to various terrains, from slopes to irregularities and diverse soil types. Additionally, SFOne's design includes a wiring system that avoids unnecessary parts, reducing both the number of tracker components and their total cost. SFOne's electronics feature wireless communication and are designed to withstand low temperatures, ensuring optimal performance in various weather conditions.
Soltec soltec.com
Booth 720
Works with existing electric immersion heater tanks- no sensors
SunHopper™-D
greenpwr.com
See us at Intersolar
Booth 2155
Specialized test and measurement equipment Seaward has been supplying specialized photovoltaic test and measurement equipment to the global market for many years. The wide range of test equipment is portable, ergonomic, reliable, and designed to increase safety, accuracy, and efficiency. Seaward can provide the complete package of technology needed to support users in the field. Seawards’ products are designed and manufactured in their facility in the United Kingdom.
Seaward www.seaward.com
Booth 2040
120
2024 JANUARY • FEBRUARY /// www.nacleanenergy.com
End-to-end solar platform
Transforming parking lots into sustainable solutions
From sales and operations to financing and plan sets, Aurora's end-to-end platform has everything needed to sell, design, and install more solar.
baja Construction has 40+ years in the carport industry and provides solutions in all phases of solar and standard carport design, engineering, and installation. Their ability to customize solar projects allows their customers to provide highly versatile assets to their end users. All baja projects are tailored to optimize specific structural objectives for commercial, municipal, and residential developments.
Aurora Solar
baja Carports
www.aurorasolar.com
www.bajacarports.com
Booth 1625
Booth 1835
Versatile, functional solar clamp meter The Fluke 393 FC CAT III 1500V True-rms Solar Clamp Meter with iFlex is crafted for technicians and maintenance professionals in solar PV installations, especially those dealing with high voltage DC settings like PV arrays. With the capability to measure up to 1500Vdc and 1000Vac using test leads, and up to 999.9Adc or ac through the clamp jaw, it provides versatile functionality. The included iFlex flexible current probe extends ac current measurements up to 2500A. Its thin jaw facilitates accessing cables in crowded combiner boxes, while the test leads are tailored for practical use and carry a CAT III 1500Vdc rating.
Fluke
Simple. Solid. Simple. Solid. Sustainable. Sustainable.
• Specified•forSpecified use withfor leading pipeleading and pipe and use with pile-based tracker systems pile-based racking andracking trackerand systems • First building code certified screw • First building code certified screw system foundation foundation system in the U.S. in the U.S. Integrated solar business • Year-round • Year-round installationinstallation management software • No & no excavation • No concrete & concrete no excavation • Environmentally • Environmentally conscious conscious • Immediately • Immediately loadable loadable • Cost effective • Cost effective
fluke.com
Booth 1227
SolarSuccess by Blu Banyan is a cloud-based business management software designed to meet the specific operational needs of residential, commercial, and utilityscale solar installers and developers. SolarSuccess integrated solar business management software provides complete oversight on cash flow, sales, costs, profitability, project status, inventory, updates and alerts, and other functions key to a solar installer’s success.
Blu Banyan
Visit our booths at Intersolar NA (835) and RE+ Northeast (831)
www.blubanyan.com
Booth 3229
www.americangroundscrew.com www.americangroundscrew.com
North American Clean Energy
121
Intersolar North America | Energy Storage North America 2024
Renewable energy transformers HPS offers HPS Sentinel Solar Duty transformers for the renewable energy industry. These transformers are available for applications where voltage adjustments are necessary between solar generation system and the utility service. HPS Sentinel solar duty transformers are intended for bi-directional use in utility-interactive generation systems where power may flow to or from the grid.
Hammond Power Solutions (HPS) www.hammondpowersolutions.com
Booth 918
L3 Series LimitLess Lithium™ : The Most Efficient, Flexible, Scalable, and Cost Effective Solution to Battery Energy Storage
Automated structural and electrical engineering for rooftop solar iRooFA is Instant Roof Framing Analysis for residential solar projects. Stick frame, truss, IBC / CBC 5%, and seismic analysis. iRooFA has an easyto-use online data input with graphic interface. Their database includes PV modules, inverters, and racking products. They check plans for codes, wind / snow, structural, and electrical. AutoCAD integration. Automatically BOM’s. Post installation affidavits and state construction permits.
TectoniCorp.
Residential BESS Pylontech Force H3, is a battery energy storage solution engineered to redefine power requirements. With a 97% depth of density, it optimizes energy storage while maintaining a compact footprint. Experience rapid 1C Continuous Charging/ Discharging C Rate, ensuring efficient power transfers for uninterrupted performance. Equipped with unit level UL9540A certification for safety, users will also benefit from its 8000+ long cycle life, ensuring dependable service for years to come.
Pylontech www.pylontech.com.cn
Booth 739
www.iroof.solar
Booth 2448
Stop by Booth #2525
Energy storage system fuses sol-ark.com
High density ESS American Energy Storage Innovations’ (AESI’s) all-in-one, energy-dense, 7.2MWh TeraStor energy storage system is factory assembled and tested, and it arrives on-site and ready for commissioning in just six hours. With a low number of install connections, the self-powered, self-cooled, and self-managed unit reduces on-site installation and O&M costs. Under the hood, TeraStor’s unique architecture reduces the number of parts and potential points of failure.
SIBA’s Energy Storage System (ESS) fuses are specifically designed and tested for the stringent requirements of ESS applications and are utilized by large OEM’s globally. They have recently introduced several new product lines, including their ESS fuses from 400V to 1500V with a high breaking capacity and low L/R, and SSK wind and solar application fuses up to 40.5kV. SIBA’s ESS fuses are engineered and tested so users can be sure they are using original, high quality and reliable fuses.
SIBA Fuses
American Energy Storage Innovations (AESI)
www.siballc.net
Booth 2844
www.aesi-ess.com
Booth 2935
DC coupled NEM3.0 solutions RCT Power prioritizes safety and environmental sustainability by utilizing LiFePO4 battery cells. The integrated RCT Power Switch works seamlessly with the DC hybrid inverter, ensuring power supply to critical loads during outages. Based in Walnut Creek, CA, RCT Power provides comprehensive on-site support along with technical training opportunities.
RCT Power www.rct-power.us
Booth 2723
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2024 JANUARY • FEBRUARY /// www.nacleanenergy.com
One stop shop for solar Fortune Energy is a nationwide wholesale distributor of top-tier solar products, which they provide from their warehouses, staffed by full-time employee. Since their inception in 2009, they have helped clients secure materials for thousands of turn-key solar PV systems comprised of quality equipment from manufacturers at competitive pricing and terms. They are committed to offering a selection of solar panels, inverters, racking, and batteries.
Style and substance Aptos’ new bi-facial panel, DNA120-BF10-440W, generates 440W energy. The sleek black frame adds a touch of elegance to a solar array, making a statement in both style and substance. The DNA-120-BF10-440W undergoes rigorous testing for high wind and snow load conditions, ensuring optimal performance even in challenging environments. When combined with their MAC series inverter, it delivers a 10% increase in AC power output. The MAC-800 stands as a top-tier, dualunit microinverter, offering a 25-year warranty. Specifically engineered for seamless integration with Aptos solar panels of 120 and 144 cells, the MAC-800 comes fully equipped for system monitoring and trend tracking through Aptos Solar Technology's cloud-based software, ensuring efficient and reliable performance.
Fortune Energy fortuneenergy.net
Booth 535
Maximize Solar Yield for C&I Projects
Aptos Solar www.aptossolar.com
Booth 1152
AC for equipment shelters Marvair and ICE air conditioners are used to cool electronic and mechanical equipment shelters used in energy storage. Due to the high internal heat load, these shelters require cooling even when outside temperatures are 60°F (15°C) and below. Marvair and ICE air conditioners have the necessary controls and components for operation during these temperatures. Marvair and ICE air conditioners are installed on the exterior of the building, no interior space is required. Two openings in the wall allow for the conditioned (supply) air to be discharged into the building and for the indoor air to return to the air conditioner.
HMT-2000-4T-208-NA 4-in-1 | Three-phase • 1600/1800/2000 VA • 4 inputs for faster installation • Rapid shutdown compliant • Real-time solar data, remote O&M
Marvair and ICE; Brands of AirX Climate Solutions www.marvair.com
Booth 2742 North American Clean Energy
123
Intersolar North America | Energy Storage North America 2024
Residential backup solution
Stainless steel fasteners
Reliable and efficient enclosures
Universal lithium energy storage system
Introducing the Fortress Power Avalon Smart Energy Panel. With its intelligent load management, it eliminates the need for a separate critical load panel or additional circuits, preventing inverter tripping. The panel also eliminates the requirement for an automatic transfer switch, allowing safe connection and operation of a gas generator. The system's LED indicator and LCD screen provide clear visibility into its status. And the connection with the Fortress Power App gives installers and homeowners insight and control over the system status and load use respectively.
Marine Fasteners is a supplier of stainless steel and non-ferrous fasteners, in U.S. and metric threads. They stock a full line of 304 and 316, Magni 565, Delta-Protekt, hotdip galvanized, and their very own chrome plating line. Stocking well over $24 million worth of fasteners in nationwide locations, with another $4-6 million on order every day, they maintain customer requirements in stock. If not, their sales staff, with over 700 years of combined fastener experience, can supply competitive parts or custom manufacture to meet their customer’s delivery needs.
Fibox provides cUL/UL listed NEMA type 4X enclosing solutions. With a range of sizes up to 24'' x 24'' x 10'', their lightweight yet durable enclosures safeguard solar BOS components from harsh elements, ensuring uninterrupted power generation. UV-resistant, Wi-Fifriendly, non-metallic polycarbonate will protect designs in the field for years. Fibox’s ARCA series are UL 1741 compliant and easily customized. With protection, ease of installation and maintenance, and a commitment to safety, Fibox partners with solar professionals seeking to maximize resources and increase efficiency.
The Deka Duration DD5300 is a universal lithium energy storage system with both low and high voltage capabilities in the same battery module. The modular design allows the storage system to be tailored to meet the exact requirements. Single module low voltage 52V nominal, 5.3kWh modules can be wall mounted or stacked, with stacked clusters to 556.5kWh max. High voltage, from 208V to 1000V, from 21.3kWh to 763.2kWh. Monitoring and remote updates are just one click away on a smart phone. Stocked in the USA. Tested, validated, and branded with the DEKA name from East Penn Manufacturing Company.
Fortress Power
Marine Fasteners
www.fortresspower.com/avalon
www.marfas.com
Booth 2635
Booth 1740
Fibox www.fiboxusa.com
Booth 622
MK Battery www.mkbattery.com
Booth 2621
Global power system engineering and consulting EPE offers developer and generation owner consulting services from project management to interconnection and integration to regulatory compliance. Their team of engineers and consultants offer combined utility, regulatory, and power generation experience in renewables engineering support and studies.
Electric Power Engineers (EPE) epeconsulting.com
Booth 1644
Tough junction boxes, made in the USA The SolaDeck junction box is manufactured out of 18GA galvanized steel and powder coated for an attractive and durable finish. They are backed by a lifetime warranty and are made in the USA. The SolaDeck’s new low-profile, slotted cover locks into place with one pre-installed set screw. The updated cover also allows side and bottom penetration through three sidewalls and includes a din rail that can be rotated to fit any installation needs. There are two ¾'' pre-punched holes at the base of the SolaDeck. Two NEMA 4X plugs come installed in these holes and can be easily removed to insert the fittings or conduit without the need to drill.
SolaDeck www.soladeck.com
Booth 3339
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2024 JANUARY • FEBRUARY /// www.nacleanenergy.com
PV module manufacturer
UL certified modular ESS
Founded in 2013 in Vietnam, Boviet Solar, a subsidiary company of Boway Alloy, is a Tier 1 solar technology company that specializes in the manufacturing of Monocrystalline PERC and TOPCon PV cells and Gamma Series Monofacial and Vega Series Bifacial PV modules, as well as solar project development.
BLUETTI EP900 is an UL1741-certified modular ESS featuring threephase 9000W output, 9000W input, and a maximum capacity of 39kWh. With an intelligent Battery Management System (BMS) and reliable Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery pack, EP900 provides performance regardless of the cold or hot weather.
Boviet Solar www.bovietsolar.com
BLUETTI Power www.bluettipower.com
Booth 2813
Booth 1725
Reliable, safe components of Swiss quality The Stäubli Renewable Energy eBOS application components and products, including the Original MC4 PV connector are reliable and serve as the technical basis for making installations safe for longterm operation. Stäubli’s service and support offering enables businesses to provide an efficient installation with long-term performance.
Stäubli Electrical Connectors, Inc. staubli.com
Booth 735
Significant weather and storm alerts Indji Watch for solar operations provides advanced notice of significant events, including high winds, damaging hail and wildfires, so users can prepare and mitigate the overall impact to their solar operations. Hail and wind outlooks from the Storm Prediction Center give up to a 24-hour notice of threat areas and Indji Watch High Impact weather alerts provide the critical information needed to make a stow decision before impact. Alerts are sent when wildfires breach a predefined distance threshold for the site, giving more time to get employees to safety and take mitigative actions at the site to reduce the impact, and daily updates continue for active fires.
Indji Systems www.indjiwatch.com
Booth 1344
North American Clean Energy
125
Intersolar North America | Energy Storage North America 2024
INDUSTRY’S BEST... …full-line of industrial-grade off-grid inverters, with superior fanless thermal performance plus full communications capabilities Six all-new models ranging from 150 to 2500 Watts 120/230V output; 12, 24 or 48V DC input AC hardwire terminal options on selected models Wireless Android and iOS utility apps for set-up and remote monitoring
8 Pheasant Run, Newtown, PA 18940 USA — www.morningstarcorp.com
Aesthetic, high power module
Fast and cost-effective tray cable solution
LONGi’s new Hi-MO 5, 54-cell module delivers high power generation performance and high module efficiency with an aesthetic appearance for rooftop distributed generation projects. The new module comes with a power boost at more than 400W per module, allowing installers to reduce system costs. The modules use the same larger cell technology found in LONGi’s HiMO 5 modules designed for utility scale. The Hi-MO 5, 54-cell comes in an all-black design, as well as black with a white backsheet with a 12-year warranty for materials and processing and a 25-year warranty for extra linear output. This module is compatible with mainstream smart module-level power electronics (MLPE) devices such as Enphase microinverters and Solar Edge optimizers. Customers looking for a more rugged module with added resiliency from the glassglass design and 30-year warranty will benefit from the power boost in the bifacial module option.
Basorfil wire mesh cable tray provides cable management in all construction types. Basorfil offers a fast and costeffective installation. The waved wire profile provides a 7% increase in load capacity, ensuring robust support. Specifically, the BF2R wire mesh introduces features like the Self Splicing System, streamlining installation. Shipped with preinstalled splices, tray can be spliced in just four seconds without requiring tools. Safety edges protect cables from damage, making it a solution for installations not requiring long support spans. Basorfil promotes ventilation and cleanliness, keeping cables clear of debris. Additionally allowing for easy field fabrication of pathway direction changes by cutting and bending wires, offering speed and ease of installation. Cuts are made with wire or bolt cutters for an optimal clean and shear assembly at the intersection of the wire grid. BF2R is an efficient, safe, and adaptable cable management solution.
LONGi
Pacific Coast Wire and Cable
www.longi.com
www.pacificcoastwire.com
Booth 747
Booth 635
Full service nationwide transport provider
Power security and grid independence
Cornerstone Systems is a full service nationwide transportation provider that services the entire USA, working out of all ocean ports and in-land rail terminals and providing container drayage, transloading, warehousing, intermodal, LTL, FTL, on-site logistics, flatbed, rail intermodal, project delivery, and HAZMAT services. Their team is experienced in coordinating deliveries to solar and renewable energy job sites all across the US. They handle the entire domestic transport from the US port of entry to the final destination.
The Mango Power E uses the same, durable LFP battery cells as many EVs. These cells charge fast, last long, and are reliable. Even with up to five years' continuous use, charging, discharging, and recharging constantly, the Power E's battery cells will still perform as well as they did when brand new. By Integrating Mango Power ecosystem into a home’s circuit, homeowners are guaranteed power security and grid independence with a seamless, uninterrupted flow of electricity flow of electricity powering lights, refrigerators, computers, and any other essential devices.
Cornerstone Systems, Inc. www.cornerstone-systems.com
Booth 1538
Mango Power www.mangopower.com
Booth 1935
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2024 JANUARY • FEBRUARY /// www.nacleanenergy.com
Fit for the United States
Solar hot water system
Racking and foundation solutions
American made dualglass modules
With version 2.0 of the Smart Power Plant Controller (SPPC) from Bachmann, the control methods have been extended specifically to meet applicable United States grid requirements. The SPPC offers new support of closed-loop voltage control, compensation of line losses for voltage control with long distances between park controller and transfer point as well as the U(Q) characteristic. Likewise, active power and reactive power can be limited in the event of control deviations. The new functionalities have been supplemented in the commissioning visualization and monitoring visualization. In addition, the SPPC can be fully integrated into Bachmann's Wind Power SCADA.
The SunHopper-D from GreenPWR is modernizing solar hot water systems. Coming later this year, the SunHopper inverter includes a learning algorithm which monitors usage, weather conditions, electricity rates, and installation parameters to minimize energy cost to the homeowner while providing a reliable hot water source using backup electricity or fossil fuels. The SunHopper uses a dedicated PV array and wires to off-the-shelf electric immersion storage water heaters to make installation simple and reduces energy consumption by as much at 80%. The SunHopper also supports off-grid installations to provide a simple renewable water heating system.
APA’s TITAN pile system uses a single driven pile and has adjustable hole patterns for in-the-field adjustments. With low part count per MW, the TITAN pile system is suitable for streamlined installation. For SAT sites with challenging soils, APA’s A-Frame interface system is an alternative foundation and utilizes ground screws or helicals. The 2.0 design is tooled up for high volume production at a cost-effective price point and integrates seamlessly with top SAT manufacturers. The A-Frame mitigates foundation risk and frost heave concerns. APA is a domestic racking partner and also offers USA ground screws and helicals for 100% domestic content compliancy.
PowerShingle from Nucor is a solar panel technology with an innovative water-shed design to keep everything below clean and dry. PowerShingle eliminates the need for costly sub-roofing typically required to weatherproof conventional solar systems. PowerShingle’s bifacial design gathers sunlight from both sides, providing a steady supply of clean, affordable solar energy. PowerShingle is backed by a 25-year warranty.
Bachmann Electronic
GreenPWR
www.bachmann.info
www.greenpwr.com
Booth 2900
Booth 2155
Nucor Corporation www.nucor.com/solar
Booth 1715
APA Solar Racking apasolar.com
Booth 2040
Fluke and Solmetric:
Leaders in solar test and measurement together
Visit us at Intersolar North America booth #1227
©2024 Fluke Corporation. 230664-en
North American Clean Energy
127
Intersolar North America | Energy Storage North America 2024
Rail-free mounting system SunModo’s NanoRack assembles on the ground, and it aligns itself on the roof.
SunModo Corp. www.sunmodo.com
Booth 1435
Solar controllers and inverters GenStar is Morningstar’s fullyintegrated system with features builtin including key communications and control functions. Additional key features are easy to add via exclusive ReadyRail/ReadyBlock technology, snap-in blocks add battery metering/ monitoring, signaling and load control, lithium battery communications/ control, making it easy to meet future system needs. Morningstar’s new SureSine off-grid inverter line is designed and built for mission-critical installations in industrial applications, including telecom, oil and gas, security, rural electrical electrification, and more. The line consists of six primary models from 150 to 2500W with 120 or 230V output and 12, 24, or 48Vdc input options.
Morningstar www.morningstarcorp.com/products/
Booth 1840
Versatile and compatible ground screw solutions American Ground Screw solutions effectively anchor solar arrays without concrete footings or deep foundations. Their system of ground screws are adaptable to any terrain and racking system, and are compatible with all static and tracking photovoltaic systems. American Ground Screw solutions are easy and affordable to install, building code-compliant, and accessible to people however they need it. American Ground Screw solutions are International Code Council (ICC) certified. AGS has the ability to deliver container quantities direct to site, and LTL shipments from its distribution centers in Iowa and Texas, and makes ground screws a simple, solid, and sustainable foundation solution for ground mount solar projects of all sizes.
American Ground Screw www.americangroundscrew.com
Booth 835
128
2024 JANUARY • FEBRUARY /// www.nacleanenergy.com
Efficient ground-mount solar farm cleaners
High voltage battery system
The original KSolara FK2/FK3 series, and the all new California models are designed to clean any groundmount solar system quickly with low water usage, low labor requirements, and low cost. All of these units hang on the top edge of the panels and clean side to side. The original FK2/ FK3 series units have two counter rotating brushes which allows the units to clean twice in one pass and makes the unit float on the panels without any wheels or any directional preference. The all new California model uses a single brush to reduce weight and is modular. The single brush pulls in one direction, so the user holds it from going too fast one direction and pushes it the other direction. The modular design allows it to clean any size system.
Sol-Ark is expanding its high voltage battery portfolio to include the new L3 Series LimitLess Lithium Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), an efficient, flexible, scalable, and cost effective solution to battery energy storage. Engineered to pair with SolArk’s 30K and 60K inverters, the L3 Series BESS includes native 208V and 480V options, built-in aerosolbased fire suppression, integrated controls, grid transfer, AC and/or DC coupling. Additional key features include high amperage grid relay and controls, multi-purpose relay suitable for oversized AC-coupled solar, EV chargers, or generators. Modular outdoor and indoor solutions offer scalable energy storage from 40KWh to 11.5MWh. Outdoor battery energy storage systems are pre-assembled, self-contained, forklift-able systems.
Premier Water Cleaning Systems
Sol-Ark
www.premsc.com
www.sol-ark.com
Booth 1941
Booth 2525
RE+ NORTHEAST February 13th-14th, 2024 Boston Convention & Exhibit Center, Hall C – Boston, MA
re-plus.events/northeast
SHOW IN PRINT
UL891 switchboards EPEC Solutions is a supplier of low voltage AC equipment for string inverter commercial and utility scale solar plants. Their expanding product line now includes UL 891 switchboards for AC combiners and AC recombiners through 800VAC, auxiliary power centers, LV metering, and complete power block skidded solutions. They work closely with most AC string inverter and MV transformer manufacturers at the design level to provide their customers with the latest solar specific innovations.
RE+ Northeast is an annual event that brings together clean energy professionals from across the Northeast region of the United States. The event features keynote speakers, panel discussions, exhibition, and networking opportunities for attendees to learn about the latest trends and developments in solar, energy storage, hydrogen, grid edge technologies, EVs, infrastructure, and more.
Features just some of the companies and technologies attendees will see at this year’s show.
Domestic content compliant system
100% domestic USA steel racking
Simple wire management
The TITAN Duo 4 Rail system is designed for large format modules and sites with extreme weather conditions. Ground screws come standard with the system and are suited for projects with glacial till, dense soils, and rock. The system features telescoping posts to adjust for topography and uses a continuous row design to optimize the engineering for every project. APA also offers USA ground screws or helicals, making the TITAN Duo 4 Rail system 100% domestic content compliant.
Solar Mounts LLC is a commercial and utility scale solar racking manufacturer. All of their products are made in Michigan, with 100% Domestic USA steel. Their product line ranges from solar carports, post driven ground mounts, ballasted roof mounts, and an all-new solar walkway. Offering quick lead times and competitive pricing, Solar Mounts is a one-stop-shop for commercial and utility scale solar racking, from design, manufacturing, and mechanical installation.
Zilla's Electrical Passthroughs provide a versatile, dependable, and lowcost way to make wire transitions on comp shingle roofs, metal roofs, and siding. They are available in two sizes and allow for the simple and secure installation of combiner boxes, j-boxes, conduit bodies, and other compatible transitional components. The sleek, low-profile design features the installation method of attachment first, flashing second, and an O-Ring seal third, creating a worry-free foundation for wire management. Zilla Electrical Passthroughs are US-made and engineered to drive performance and ensure the longterm durability of installations.
EPEC Solutions
APA Solar Racking
Solar Mounts LLC
www.epecsolutionsinc.com
apasolar.com
www.solarmounts.com
Zilla Corporation www.zillarac.com
Engineering support services NEO Virtus Engineering offers a wide range of engineering services including completing PSS/E, PSCAD, PSLF, and ASPEN models required for utility or regional operator DG interconnection applications and procedures. NEO provides modeling for MV AC collection systems impedance calculations and major power equipment against ideal single machine infinite bus (SMIB) grid models or against regional/site specific utility networks models. Projectspecific aggregated models integrate the generic inverter model directly to the actual site model configured from the one line. Models are fully tested to incorporate all regional, inverter manufacturer, and owner requirements including protection requirements, ride-through settings, and real/reactive power controls. NEO Virtus has provided modeling support to many clients for clustered studies, congested areas studies, affected System Operator (ASO) studies, and for T&D ISO level small generator interconnection requests such as benchmark analysis. Models have been built and submitted nationwide to various ISO’s, RTO’s, and utilities.
Simple, solid, sustainable ground mount foundations American Ground Screw (AGS) solutions effectively anchor solar arrays without concrete footings or deep foundations. Compatible with most ground mount fixed-tilt racking systems, trackers, and battery storage systems, AGS ground screws are adaptable to any terrain, require narrower pre-drill in rock or rocky soils, and lighter install equipment than helical and driven piles. AGS is a buildingcode compliant (ICC) screw foundation system and has an Environmental Product Declaration (ASTM). AGS delivers container quantities direct to site, and LTL shipments from its large and diverse inventory of ground screw products, and installation equipment from its two distribution centers in Iowa and Texas. AGS makes ground screws a simple, solid, and sustainable foundation solution for ground mount solar projects of all sizes.
NEO Virtus Engineering
American Ground Screw
www.neovirtus.com
www.americangroundscrew.com North American Clean Energy
129
RE+ Northeast 2024 Custom protection and control for the PV industry Day-Ahead Instrumentation provides protective relays and operating shunt trip devices, which can provide utility compliant detection and interruption on the low voltage side. Use of motorized breakers can enable auto-restoration. Telemetry is available. All of the bells and whistles of a modern substation can exist in an enclosure no bigger than an under-the-counter refrigerator. All of the technology that keeps utility reliability in the high nines is available to distributed energy resources on the low voltage side. Compliance for the utilities, UL listing for the AHJ.
Day Ahead Instrumentation www.day-ahead.com
Not just for sunny days Specialized outdoor hardware engineered for longevity
zillarac.com
Energy freedom for homeowners
High strength solar racking system
Franklin Home Power (FHP) is a whole-home energy management system with two primary components: aGate and aPower. The aGate is an intelligent home energy management center that integrates solar, battery, grid, and generator power sources and manages them to optimize the safety, reliability, and efficiency of home energy. The aPower is a 13.6kWh AC-coupled battery with a built-in inverter. It uses extremely safe LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) cells and 15 aPower batteries may be connected to a single aGate. Homeowners can use the FranklinWH App to remotely monitor and control their FHPs. There are backup, load shifting, and self-consumption modes to best suit each homeowner’s needs, providing optimized energy and backup power to the home, lowering electricity bills, or helping to live completely off-grid. FranklinWH is available for ConnectedSolutions and Energy Storage Solutions incentives.
AceClamp is a manufacturer of precision-engineered snow retention and solar mounting systems, like their fast-installing railless Solar Mounting Kits. AceClamp’s most recent product, Solar Snap, is a highstrength, premium-grade adaptive solar racking system designed for use in coastal areas that experience HVHZ (High-Velocity Hurricane Zone) winds up to CAT5. Installers can use Solar Snap with any of their non-penetrating metal roof clamps, QuickBOLTs for asphalt, OMG for membrane, and their ISR bracket designed for concrete cover board roofs. Solar Snap utilizes their fullyassembled, non-penetrating slidingpin clamp. Pre-assembled component groups make assembly a snap.
AceClamp www.aceclamp.com
FranklinWH www.franklinwh.com
Smart, whole home backup
Turnkey access solutions YAK ACCESS is an environmentally minded company and a North American provider of total right-ofway access and site construction companies. From upfront planning and clearing, to sitework, access roads, and final restoration services. No matter the industry or project size, YAK’s end-to-end services are delivered by experienced professionals who are familiar with every industry that requires access and civil construction services.
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The Fortress Power Envy True 12kW is a whole-home, all-in-one 12kW inverter solution. Paired with the Fortress Power eFlex 5.4kWh, the eVault MAX 18.5kWh or LFP-10 MAX batteries, the Envy features a 200A AC passthrough providing up to 12kW (50A @ 240V) of whole-home backup power. The Envy features a built-in generator input with AC/DC coupling, on- and off-grid capabilities, plus a 3 MPPT output allowing for a maximum of 21kW PV array. The Envy is equipped with a built-in APsmart Module Level Rapid Shutdown Transmitter and Button, along with Pre-built AC and DC breakers allowing for fast installation and commissioning. Their online monitoring app allows users to access the system from anywhere.
YAK ACCESS, LLC
Fortress Power
yakaccess.com
www.fortresspower.com
Rooftop and ground mounting systems Schletter’s rooftop mounting systems, FixGrid Pro and proline attachments are designed for residential and commercial roofs. Ground mount systems Fix tilt FS Uno and Tracker 1P are designed for all terrains.
Schletter Group
Time saving mounting solutions QuickBOLT offers a wide range of solar mounts for every roof. Their newest standing seam solution, The Throne, offers pre-assembled L-Feet and Set Screws that speed up installation. This mount features a crossknurled Grip Plate to enhance pull-out resistance and prevent the Set Screws from damaging the roof.
QuickBOLT
schletter-group.com
quickbolt.com
High performing solar technology
Solar mounting solutions
Now available in the USA, Meyer Burger cells and modules are made in Germany and designed in Switzerland. They consist of 120-M6 half-cut heterojunction cells, measure 70" x 41" (1767mm x 1041mm), and weigh approximately 45lb. With a power output up to 400Wp, these modules are available in black or white. Including patented SmartWire Connection Technology (SWCT), and a low-temperature coefficient, the company also offers a 25-year product, performance, and labor warranty. Meyer Burger is an established 70-year old company which has been involved in the solar industry for 40 years.
Polar Racking’s Axsus Sol-X Single-Axis Tracker conquers challenging terrains with its True Terrain-Following prowess and adjustable table lengths, ensuring a streamlined installation process. Simultaneously, the CORE fixed tilt ground mount offers robust resilience against hurricane-force winds and heavy snow loads. The Polar SHIELD Solar Carport offers versatile configurability for solar projects. Their product lines include comprehensive warranties and are supported by in-house engineering and construction expertise.
Meyer Burger
Polar Racking Inc. www.polarracking.com
meyerburger.com
Powerful three-phase string inverter
Powerful home power backup
The S5-GC(75-100)K-US is a powerful three-phase PV string inverter, making it suitable for large commercial rooftop or ground mount PV projects. The product features 10 independent MPPT's with wide full-power operating ranges that can work efficiently with both 600Vdc and 1000Vdc PV arrays. String current up to 16A accommodates new high-power and bi-facial PV modules. Easy-to-use online O&M tools make O&M intelligent and convenient. Optimized DC&AC interconnection will reduce the cost of system cables. Enclosure rated to IP66 protection grade can be installed in harsh environmental conditions.
The Bank is a complete energy storage device that provides power for on-demand use, including all of the capabilities of a standard generator. The Bank is a green solution that includes built-in solar charge controllers. It can also be charged from other sources like wind or water turbines. Powered by a pure sine wave inverter, The Bank provides a straightforward setup with easy integration. The product is easy to install, with an electric drive that makes transport simple and easy. With surge protection and 20ms transfer times, The Bank is a dependable backup for any home.
Solis
All-in-one: Built-in Inverter, Battery, EV Charging MANGO POWER M The Ultimate Whole-Home Backup System
Univix Power Solutions
www.solisinverters.com
www.univix.com
High performance hybrid inverter HYS-LV-USG1 hybrid inverters is Hoymiles’ latest high-performance energy storage solution to prepare homeowners for battery backup. Covering the power class from 3.8kW to 11.5kW and supporting diesel generators, they are adaptable to a wide range of scenarios. The seamless on- and off-grid switch offers an always-on energy ecosystem.
Hoymiles Power Electronics hoymiles.com/us
Learn more at
nasales@mangopower.com North American Clean Energy
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HYDROGEN
The Green Hydrogen Conundrum by Matt Behrns
When the White House announced $7 billion in funding for seven green hydrogen hubs, it signaled the start of a new era in clean fuel creation and consumption. Green hydrogen is envisioned as a major source of fuel for heavy industry, shipping, aviation, and many other industrial applications, and is an important factor in lowering carbon emissions and achieving the environmental goals established by the Paris Accords. The White House described green hydrogen as an essential part of a policy for building a “strong clean energy economy that strengthens energy security, bolsters domestic manufacturing, creates healthier communities, and delivers new jobs and economic opportunities across the nation.” Hydrogen—already a critical component in chemical manufacturing—presents a conundrum for use as a source of clean energy. Traditional gray hydrogen processes generate high carbon emissions as a byproduct, running counter to the nation’s clean energy ambitions. In contrast, green hydrogen production is carbon neutral, requiring processes that are far more complex and expensive. Therefore, one major challenge to realizing the White House’s vision will be innovations that enable efficient and economically viable production of green hydrogen at a massive scale.
Race to innovation
Regarding the production of porous transport layers for water electrolyzers over the last two decades, the markets and volumes were limited. That is quickly changing. Now, with significant new investments combined with heightened interest and urgency around meeting decarbonization mandates, there is a lot of demand for innovation in the industry. Innovators are racing to establish stable, efficient, and scalable systems and processes for the production and consumption of green hydrogen. The good news is that there is an eager market. Hydrogen consumer industries already exist — these will readily shift from gray hydrogen to green when there are reliable sources at competitive prices. Industries like shipping have already committed to transitioning from traditional fossil fuels to green
Scale-up and reliability
Because of commitments made by some carbon-intensive industries to reduce greenhouse gas output by switching to clean alternative fuels like green hydrogen, production will need to quickly scale to meet demand while simultaneously figuring out ways to generate efficiencies in production that will help drive prices down. For green hydrogen, these efficiencies demand more than merely tweaking current production methods, and will only come from new thinking that leads to new processes and designs for electrolyzing water into its constituent parts. Innovation and technology breakthroughs are key to reducing both the overall cost of green hydrogen production. That means every OEM contributing to build the stacks and plants needed to construct tomorrow’s green hydrogen hubs will be expected to do more than fill orders with existing product solutions; they will be collaborators in the ideation, engineering, designing, testing, refinement, and implementation of systems and processes yet to be conceived. Rather than a haven for convention, green hydrogen is a greenfield opportunity for bold thinkers eager to accept the challenge. There is too much at stake, and the timelines are too short.
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hydrogen, setting aggressive goals for decarbonization that will accelerate demand and grow the global market from approximately $185 billion today, to what is predicted to become a $1.4 trillion market by 2050, as suppliers work to increase production to satisfy expected demand for 600 million tons of the fuel. Recent analysis shows that, as the global shipping industry works toward achieving a 20 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, new vessels designed to run on hydrogen are already being built and entering service. Yet, as the number of ships powered by hydrogen and other carbon-neutral fuels enter fleets, they will “[face] headwinds if we can’t compete with sectors like aviation for the same fuels for decarbonization or with chemical industries.”
Matt Behrns is the Vice President and General Manager for the Clean Energy business unit and marketing function at Mott Corporation, with global responsibility. He oversees the company’s ongoing growth focused on new product development and expanding into high-growth markets. Mott Corporation is a technologydriven, precision filtration company relied on by technical and performance brands worldwide across four core markets: Medicine, Computing Power, Clean Energy, and Space Exploration.
Mott Corporation /// mottcorp.com
JOIN US IN SAN DIEGO JANUARY 17-19, 2024
A challenge and opportunity That presents both a tremendous challenge and opportunity for those of us already in the green hydrogen market as producers of fuel and suppliers of the systems and technologies needed for production. We are not burdened by the inertia that comes from two centuries of tradition and standards that do not apply to a new era. Instead, we must use that flexibility to pivot quickly and create new product designs and specifications as the lessons we learn from field installations unfold, working to ensure that every improvement advances efficiency and durability. OEMs can—and must—seize the moment and collaborate to quickly build our industry into what it can become, welcoming new ideas even as we reimagine our own contributions to the future of energy production. If producing green hydrogen was easy, we’d already be doing it and living in a much different world. We can get there by drawing on our legacy of experience to make certain our innovations are reliable, scalable, and efficient enough to meet the demands that will drive our market forward. And so, even as the government has kickstarted that needed scale-up with $7 billion in funding to accelerate progress in the short term, we can’t ignore the long-term realities that, for green hydrogen to earn wide adoption, the economics must make sense. Therefore, our focus every step of the way must be on quality and precision as we engineer the solutions that will become tomorrow’s green hydrogen plants.
Intersolar North America and Energy Storage North America is the premier US-based trade show and conference focused on solar, energy storage, and EV charging infrastructure.
3 DAYS
40+ EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS
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500+ EXHIBITORS
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133
HYDROGEN
The Path to Easy and Affordable Green Hydrogen by Andy Miller
In the world of zero greenhouse gas (GHG) fuels, hydrogen is tough to beat. Kermit the Frog once lamented, “It’s not easy being green”. If hydrogen could sing, that would be its refrain. When hydrogen burns, the only byproduct is water vapor. It sounds green, right? Unfortunately, we haven’t yet figured out an easy way to extract hydrogen from the natural environment. The primary means of making hydrogen affordably today involves fossil fuels, which cancels out the zero GHG benefit. Affordability is key, because while we do have the technology to create hydrogen without using fossil fuels, it’s very expensive to do so. Both green and pink hydrogen are the end products of creating hydrogen using an electrolyzer. For pink, the electrolyzer is powered by nuclear energy. For green, it’s powered by a renewable source like wind or solar. These methods can typically produce hydrogen priced at $3-6 per kilogram (kg), compared to hydrogen made using natural gas, which is in the $1-3 range. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrogen Shot aims to get the cost of green hydrogen production down to $1 per kg by 2031; the Inflation and Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) reflects this goal by offering incentives and tax credits. Given the large demand for hydrogen, the learning curve cost reductions on electrolyzers, and current financial incentives, the race is on to create hydrogen efficiently and sustainably. The inputs for making green hydrogen are water and electricity; the outputs are hydrogen and oxygen. In theory, you just need to pop an electrolyzer powered by a solar farm near a water source (you could do it on the moon!) and boom, you’re in business. But just like our friend Kermit said, it’s not that easy. Why? Let’s take a closer look. The process of splitting molecules to create hydrogen is both complex and energy intensive. Electrolyzers use electricity to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. There are currently two main electrolyzer technologies commercially available: proton exchange membrane (PEM) and alkaline. PEM technology tends to be more expensive due to relying on higher-cost components, but alkaline electrolyzers can be more sensitive to power fluctuations, which are inevitable with renewable energy. When electrolyzers detect instability in their power stream, they tend to shut down for safety, interrupting production (and therefore reducing the plant’s efficiency). By these metrics alone, it would appear PEM electrolyzers are the more solid bet in our race to make $1/kg hydrogen. Unless, that is, there is a way to reliably stabilize the power input of renewable resources. In the past, the task of hydrogen production has been taken on primarily by oil and gas companies using conventional energy production methodologies. Getting to truly green and economical hydrogen production, however, is going to take more than simply replacing fossil-fuel generators with solar panels; it’s going to require a shift in how energy is produced, stored, and managed, which is much better approached from the cleantech angle (especially if the renewable power source is solar PV or wind). The
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reason for this goes back to the issue with renewable power sources and their intermittency. Developing a system that can guarantee firm power delivery from variable wind and solar resources necessitates a different approach. At a high level, the system will require ample solar PV and/or wind production to satisfy the energy needs of the electrolyzer. Critical to the stability of renewable power production is the inclusion of a battery energy storage system (BESS), which behaves like a power system shock absorber by absorbing excess power spikes and injecting power during dips. Organizing all these elements on a microgrid provides management and control of all the energy assets as a cohesive and integrated system. A microgrid offers additional advantages in terms of islanding capabilities, enabling the plant to operate independently of the larger outside power grid, as well as the opportunity to sell excess power production to the larger power grid, if connected. Lastly, this configuration requires a sophisticated control system capable of coordinating all the elements through a dispatch schedule for each of the resources that it determines and executes on its own. Ideally, this control system would operate autonomously, ingesting and analyzing weather forecasts to determine a 24-hour schedule ahead of time for optimal battery charge and discharge. And because power forecasts are never 100 percent accurate, especially with variable renewables, the controller should have the capability to respond in real time to changes in both the power production and load requirements of the hydrogen plant. This means the controller needs real-time power production and load data from high-speed sensors on the microgrid network, and must be adept at processing and reacting to that data instantly. On the receiving end, the inverters connected to the BESS need to be capable of responding just as quickly to the dispatches sent by the controller. In green hydrogen production, precision control is key, since sensitive electrolyzers don’t cope well with power fluctuations. Getting back to the PEM vs. alkaline electrolyzer question — if the primary drawback of alkaline electrolyzers is a lower tolerance for power variability, then solving that variability before it reaches the electrolyzer would seem to bump
2024 JANUARY • FEBRUARY /// www.nacleanenergy.com
alkaline technology to the forefront for affordable hydrogen production capability. The system and controller described already exist in the world of cleantech and microgrids, but aren’t commonly used within the oil and gas industry. Achieving $1/kg hydrogen will require pulling together pioneers from across energy sectors, both renewable and traditional, to reimagine effective, efficient, and affordable hydrogen production from the ground up.
Andy Miller is Head of Commercial Development overseeing business development and sales for PXiSE Energy Solutions. With the company since its inception in 2016, Andy has played an integral role in growing PXiSE by developing comprehensive business and go-to-market plans, establishing strategic partnerships, leading pricing strategy, and conducting techno-economic product analysis. PXiSE, a member of the Yokogawa Group, provides software that empowers utilities, developers, and asset owners to manage energy resources and delivery with renewable power plant controls, distributed energy resource management systems, and microgrid controllers.
PXiSE Energy Solutions /// pxise.com
Image credit: © Creative Clicks / Adobe Stock
FEBRUARY 13-14, 2024 BOSTON, MA
Join conversations with industry buyers, suppliers, distributors, consultants, and more to explore solutions, exchange ideas, and discover new technologies within the industry.
REGISTER TODAY | RE-PLUS.EVENTS/NORTHEAST North American Clean Energy
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HYDROGEN
Precision Humidity Measurement Drives Fuel Cell Development Forward by Anu Pulkkinen
N
ot enough people know that hydrogen fuel cells are a zero-emission energy technology. Even fewer know water vapor's outsized role in electrochemical processes and reactions. Producing electricity through a clean electrochemical process with water and heat as the only byproducts, well-designed fuel cells can reach 60 percent efficiency in converting hydrogen's chemical energy to electrical energy. As the global transition accelerates from fossil fuels toward cleaner energy sources, hydrogen fuel cells emerge as a clean and environmentally friendly option for power generation. Despite being more than two times more efficient than traditional combustion technologies, fuel cells have complex technical requirements to function efficiently, including precise control of humidity levels. Too much or too little moisture can harm their performance and durability, underscoring the vital importance of accurate humidity measurement in the research, development, and testing of fuel cell systems. To produce accurate and repeatable data, test systems that evaluate fuel cell and membrane performance must precisely control humidity, even in environments dependent on the presence of water. Unfortunately, maintaining accurate and stable humidity levels is difficult. Consequently, calibration must account for the specific challenges of high dew point environments. Enter state-ofthe-art humidity and temperature measurement to enable innovation in fuel cell technology.
Humidity’s impact on fuel cell operation and test systems
A fuel cell's performance is directly linked to the precise control of humidity levels within the system. Humidity control is critical for fuel cells due to the proton exchange mechanism that enables their function. Fuel cells utilize a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) to conduct protons between the anode and cathode. When adequately hydrated, the PEM exhibits high proton conductivity and low electrical resistance. However, if the membrane becomes too dry, conductivity drops drastically and impedes the fuel cell’s power output. Conversely, excessive moisture can damage the membrane and degrade performance, causing mechanical degradation and loss of integrity over time. The result is increased electrical resistance and reduced voltage. Therefore, the humidity of the reactant gases — hydrogen on the anode side and air on the cathode side — must be controlled to preserve membrane integrity. Even minor variation outside the ideal range impacts the fuel cell’s efficiency and operating lifetime. Even worse, improper temperature and moisture control can eventually destroy the fuel cell.
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Fuel cell test systems imitate real-world operating conditions in a controlled laboratory environment. Researchers use test systems to evaluate factors like efficiency, durability, and peak performance under different parameters; humidity is understandably among the most crucial test variables. Test instrumentation that cannot minimize humidity variability and condensation will struggle to produce valuable, empirical data — the information that drives engineering advancements improving efficiency, durability, and viability.
Calibration precision in high dew point environments
In fuel cell test systems, precise humidity control helps produce stable, reproducible humidity levels and accurate, repeatable data. As noted, moisture level variations can significantly impact fuel cell testing results. If moisture levels fluctuate during testing, the data skews. Even small ambient changes in dew point temperature can alter the humidity enough to considerably affect test outcomes. Poor humidity control also hampers the ability to reliably compare results under consistent test conditions, which makes identifying performance improvements from adjustments made between iterations difficult. However, maintaining accuracy becomes exponentially more difficult as the dew point increases. High dew point conditions above 80°C approach the upper limits of most commercial humidity instrumentation, as water vapor condensation on the sensor causes erratic readings and potential damage. Calibration procedures must account for these issues to ensure reliable performance while retaining high accuracy across a wide measurement range encompassing the extreme dew points involved in fuel cell testing applications. A difference of just one degree in dew point can skew relative humidity readings by up to 5 percent in these environments. Such sensitivity makes accurate calibration challenging. To advance fuel cell technology through robust testing, researchers demand specialized humidity instrumentation capable of precise measurement and rapid response times, despite condensation risks.
How specialized humidity monitoring instrumentation helps
Specialized humidity instrumentation for highperformance fuel cell applications significantly benefits test system calibration. By enabling accurate, repeatable calibration — even under extreme conditions — state-of-the-art humidity and temperature monitoring technology provides accurate information critical to delivering real engineering insights for business results. With precise humidity control, researchers can reliably assess factors like peak fuel cell efficiency or durability, and confidently compare iterative results for optimal performance. Repeatability is equally vital in fuel cell R&D; engineers rely on controlled experiments that isolate the impact of incremental
2024 JANUARY • FEBRUARY /// www.nacleanenergy.com
design changes to assess the technology's readiness for real-world applications. For example, incorporating reliable humidity sensors and monitoring systems is crucial for the development of high-quality instrumentation and software for electrochemical research and development in the U.S. The resulting fuel cell test systems accurately produce a very stable, reproducible amount of water vapor within their gas stream. Maintaining strict humidity tolerances between tests empowers researchers to identify trends, isolate variables, and observe the effects of modifications, focusing development efforts for maximum impact. Advanced humidity instrumentation also delivers data from extreme environments beyond conventional equipment limits. Expanding test envelopes provides more comprehensive insights that may uncover performance breakthroughs. In fuel cell development, specialty calibration technology empowers the rigorous, efficient testing essential for accelerating innovation. Rapid and accurate calibration expedites the transition from laboratory development to practical application. And given the time-sensitivity of reducing emissions in the face of our changing environment, expeditious progress is critical in making hydrogen a pillar of a cleaner and more sustainable energy economy.
Driving sustainability and innovation moving forward
As the world delves deeper into the era of clean energy and seeks sustainable alternatives to power our lives, hydrogen fuel cells can help move us forward. The heart of advancing fuel cell technology lies in precision and control, with accurate humidity measurement undeniably at its core. From optimizing efficiency to mitigating risks such as catalyst degradation and membrane damage to driving innovation, accurate data is imperative. The journey toward a low-carbon future demands diverse solutions that embrace sustainability, and hydrogen fuel cells offer various opportunities for sustainability and innovation. By harnessing the potential of hydrogen fuel cells and advanced humidity measurement, we can lay the foundation for a more sustainable and resilient energy future, strengthening our energy security while enabling significant reductions in carbon emissions.
Anu Pulkkinen is the Senior Manager of Strategy and Business Development at Vaisala Industrial Measurements. Anu is passionate about driving innovation and new business into growth and concrete actions where tech can make a sustainable impact on businesses. She previously worked at Gaia Consulting, Wärtsilä, Vattenfall, and Nokia and holds a Master's degree in Information Networks from the University of Oulu.
Vaisala /// www.vaisala.com
HARDHAT S & STEEL TOES THE BUILDERS OF CLE AN ENERGY
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LE ARN MORE OR REGISTER TODAY AT CLE ANPOWER .ORG/OMS North American Clean Energy
137
EVENTS CALENDAR JANUARY 10-11
RE+ Community Energy
Town and Country San Diego – San Diego, CA; re-plus.events/communityenergy
17-19
Intersolar North America
San Diego Convention Center – San Diego, CA; www.intersolar.us
17-19
Energy Storage North America
San Diego Convention Center – San Diego, CA; www.intersolar.us
22-23
RE+ Hawaii
Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach – Honolulu, HI; re-plus.events/hawaii
29-30
IEEE Electrical Energy Storage Applications and Technologies (EESAT 2024)
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Diego - Mission Valley – San Diego, CA; cmte.ieee.org/pes-eesat
FEBRUARY 06-08 International Roofing Expo
Las Vegas Convention Center – Las Vegas, NV; www.theroofingexpo.com
07-09
Solar Power Africa
TBD – Cape Town, South Africa; solarpowerafrica.za.messefrankfurt.com/capetown/en.html
13-14
RE+ Northeast
Boston Convention Center – Boston, MA; re-plus.events/northeast/
21-23
ACP Operations, Maintenance & Safety Conference
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego – San Diego, CA; cleanpower.com/oms
26-28
Solar Power and Energy Storage Mountain West
Hilton City Center Hotel and Conference Center - Denver, CO; web.cvent.com/event/
MARCH 11-13
ACP Siting & Permitting Conference
The Broadmoor – Colorado Springs, CO; cleanpower.org/siting-and-permitting/
12-13
RE+ Northern California
Santa Clara Convention Center – Santa Clara, CA; re-plus.events/norcal/
18-21
NABCEP's CE Conference
Raleigh Convention Center – Raleigh, NC; web.cvent.com
20-22
EV Charging Summit & Expo
The Mirage Hotel – Las Vegas, NV; evchargingsummit.com
APRIL 09-10
Clean Power on the Hill
TBD – Washington, DC; cleanpower.org/hill-day
10-11
Solar & Storage Live USA
Pennsylvania Convention Center – Philadelphia, PA; www.terrapinn.com
17-18
RE+ Southeast
Georgia World Congress Center – Atlanta, GA; re-plus.events/southeast/
17-19
Solar & Storage Mexico
Expo Guadalajara – Guadalajara, Mexico; www.hfmexico.mx/solarpowermexico/
MAY 06-09 CLEANPOWER 2024 Conference & Exhibition
Minneapolis Convention Center – Minneapolis, MN; www.awea.org
06-09 IEEE PES T&D Conference & Exposition
Anaheim Convention Center – Anaheim, CA; ieeet-d.org/
14-15
RE+ Texas
George R. Brown Convention Center – Houston, TX; re-plus.events/texas/
14-16
Energy Storage Safety & Reliability Forum 2024
PNNL Campus – Richland, WA; pnnl.cventevents.com
20-22
Midwest Solar Expo
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center - Chicago, IL; www.midwestsolarexpo.com
Send us your clean energy show and event listings. Email information to the editor at editor@nacleanenergy.com
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2024 JANUARY • FEBRUARY /// www.nacleanenergy.com
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35 32 90 99 137 39 121 15 3 118 129 34 5 42 77 9 103 27 111 100 OBC 54 69 100 19 101 17 63 118 127 45 95 55 113 28 IBC 120 108 22 36 116 123 125 120 104 93 70 & 87 133 125 110 120 113 110 86 131 26 106 21 76 66 13 83 126 56 130 73 34 7 109 111 24 128 97 25 102 59 71 23 111 109 67 IFC 85 49 135 82 11 33 119 31 108 47 41 51 29 81 117 122 126 53 107 107 105 112 122 61 52 27 115 27 18 124 89 25 114 79 43 75 37 91 65 130 107
3S Americas Inc Abaris ACE Clamp Aimbridge Energy American Clean Power American Energy Storage Innovations American Ground Screw American Wire Group APA Solar Racking Aptos Solar Technology, LLC ASG Bachmann Electronic Corp Baja Carports Bioenno Power Blattner Energy BLUETTI Power Inc CAB Solar CICNDT Competitive Advantage Day Ahead Instrumentation DEWESoft, LLC Dynamic Ratings e-On Batteries Electric Power Engineers Elevator Industry Work Preservation Fund EMA Electromechanics energyRE EPEC Solutions, Inc. FIBOX Fluke Solar Tools Fortress Power Fracsun FranklinWH Energy Storage Inc. GPSI Grace Industries Green Source EPC GreenPWR Hammond Power Solutions Heico Fasteners Helwig Carbon Heyco Hoymiles HuksefluxUSA Inc Indji Systems Infra Metals Ingeteam INS Engineering Intersolar North America ISO-CAL North America Karcher North America Kinetic Solar Lemoine Landman Services LEOCH BATTERY Lock Joint Tube Mango Power Mankiewicz Coatings Marine Fasteners MBA Energy & Industrial Meyer Burger (Americas) Ltd MFG360 Mistras MK Battery Morningstar NABCEP NEO Virtus Engineering Nor Cal Carpenters Union Nord-Lock Nucor Corporation nVent HOFFMAN OMCO Solar Onyx Insight Pacific Coast Wire & Cable Paige Renewable Energy PcVue Inc Pfister Energy Pivot Energy Polar Racking Port of Lake Charles Premier Truck Rental Premier Water Cleaning Systems PV Hardware PV Labels QuickBOLT RCT Power RE+ REC Americas Reef Industries Resolux Rolls Battery RTC USA Schletter Shihlin Electric Siba Fuses Sinexcel SKYLOTEC North America LP SMA Snake Tray Sol-Ark SolaDeck Solar & Storage Live Solar Mounts SolarPod Solcast Solidification Products International, Inc. Solis Soltec Spark Power Stahlwille Tools Staubli Takkion Tech Products, Inc TectoniCorp TGS The Wesson Group TMEIC United Brotherhood of Carpenters Univix Power Solutions Valmont Solar Weidmueller Word Rock Drills YAK ACCESS Zilla Zircar Refactory Composites Inc
3slift.com www.abaris.com aceclamp.com www.aimbridgeenergy.com cleanpower.org www.aesi-ess.com www.americangroundscrew.com buyawg.com www.apasolar.com www.aptossolar.com ctasg.com www.bachmann.info bajacarports.com www.bioennopower.com blattnercompany.com www.bluettipower.com www.cabsolar.com www.cicndt.com markingpendepot.com day-ahead.com www.dewesoft.com www.dynamicratings.com www.e-onbatteries.com epeconsulting.com www.elevatorinfo.org www.emaelectromechanics.com energyre.com epecsolutionsinc.com www.fiboxusa.com www.fluke.com www.fortresspower.com www.fracsun.com www.franklinwh.com www.gpsi.solar graceconnectedsafety.com www.greensourceepc.com greenpwr.com www.hammondpowersolutions.com www.heico-lock.com www.helwigcarbon.com www.heyco.com hoymiles.com www.huksefluxusa.com www.indjiwatch.com www.infra-metals.com ingeteam.com www.inrgx.com intersolar.us www.isocalnorthamerica.com karcher.com www.kineticsolar.com lemoineland.com leochamericas.com ljtube.com mangopower.com www.mankiewicz.com www.marfas.com www.mba-nrg.com meyerburger.com www.mfg360solar.com sensoria.com mkbattery.com www.morningstarcorp.com www.nabcep.org neovirtus.com www.norcalcarpenters.org www.nord-lock.com nucor.com nvent.com omcosolar.com www.onyxinsight.com pacificcoastwire.com paigerenewableenergy.com pcvuesolutions.com www.pfisterenergy.com pivotenergy.net polarracking.com portlc.com rentptr.com www.premsc.com pvhardware.com pvlabels.com quickbolt.com www.rct-power.us re-plus.events www.recgroup.com griffolyn.com www.resoluxgroup.com rollsbattery.com rtc-usa.com www.schletter-group.com www.seec.com www.siballc.net www.sinexcel.us skylotec.com www.sma-america.com www.snaketray.com sol-ark.com www.soladeck.com www.terrapinn.com/solarusa www.solarmounts.com www.mysolarpod.com solcast.com oilbarriers.com solisinverters.com soltec.com sparkpowercorp.com www.stahlwille-americas.com www.ecs-ecart.com takkion.com www.techproducts.com www.iroofa.solar tgs.com twg.us.com www.tmeic.com www.carpenters.org univix.com valmontsolar.com www.weidmuller.com wordrockdrills.com www.yakaccess.com zillarac.com www.zrci.com
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GreenSourceEPC.COM
ENGINEERING • PROCUREMENT • CONSTRUCTION Green Source EPC is the leading provider of engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services for commercial
renewable energy projects in North America. Our projects include commercial rooftop solutions, commercial solar carport
and canopy solutions, as well as ground mount applications. We work closely with developers and owners from design to installation to produce custom, highly efficient, and state-of-the-art solar installations. With our self-performing capabilities, Green Source EPC can expedite all aspects of a project’s timeline, improving quality and eliminating the need for multiple contractors and suppliers that help reduce cost.
www.greensourceepc.com
CONTACT US 1 (714) 455-1281 info@gs-epc.com
POWER MEASUREMENTS AND POWER QUALITY MEASUREMENTS
Dewesoft LLC | 10730 Logan St, Whitehouse, Ohio 43571 | +1-855-DEWE-NOW (339-3669) | sales.us@dewesoft.com