Solar Power World September 2019

September 2019 www.solarpowerworldonline.com

Technology • Development • Installation

UTAH IS

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ALSO INSIDE: + NONPROFIT MODULE MANUFACTURING + PAY FOR A NEW ROOF WITH THE ITC + WAREHOUSING PROS AND CONS

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September 2019 www.solarpowerworldonline.com

Technology • Development • Installation

UTAH IS

READY FOR ITS SOLAR CLOSE-UP N NE on M w m A w et T y w .a all pe lli i ed c 4 m En X / ou c I ld lo P6 ed s 6 .c ur om e s

ALSO INSIDE: + NONPROFIT MODULE MANUFACTURING + PAY FOR A NEW ROOF WITH THE ITC + WAREHOUSING PROS AND CONS

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Let’s go! It’s time for SPI in Salt Lake City This will be my first trip to Solar Power International and Energy Storage International. In the months leading up to the big show, I’ve heard plenty of tips from my coworkers and people in the industry to prepare for it: Pack lots of fresh socks, put gel in-soles in your shoes and bring a stash of portable snacks, because we’re going to spend these few days on our feet — on the show floor, in and out of meetings and sessions and networking events — with limited time in between for something as simple, albeit necessary, as sitting down for a meal.

It’s a small sacrifice for an important gathering like this. I’m sure many of us will want to explore the city and parks in the Wasatch Mountains, and we ought to make time for that. Regardless, at SPI we’re given opportunities to make important connections with our industry peers, exchange wisdom on all manner of solar topics and help this industry grow faster than it already is.

For me, I’m looking forward to having a first-hand look at a wealth of solar technology, especially mounts and trackers. I have my eyes on some sessions, including “Solar on New Construction,” since we’re such a retrofit industry in building applications. Kelly, Kelsey and I have made a lot of phone calls for stories, so I hope to meet many of the people I’ve spoken to during my time at SPW to put faces to names, and I want to meet plenty of new folks as well.

As for this issue of SPW, in addition to our regular technology, installation and business coverage, you’ll find an SPI overview, our recommendations for must-attend sessions and products you’ll see on the show floor.

Happy SPI!

SPW

A ssi sta n t E d i t o r Bil l y L u d t bl u dt @ wt w h m e d i a .c o m

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2014 - 2016

SOLAR POWER WORLD

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A NEW ERA OF AMERICAN QUALITY INTRODUCING THE NEXT-GENERATION Q.PEAK DUO BLK-G6+

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S e pte mb e r 2 0 1 9 • vol 9 n o 5 w w w. so l ar po w e r w o rl do nl in e .co m

37

28 44 52 66 BUSINESS

12 WAREHOUSING

36 PANELS

20 SOLAR ROOF SYSTEM

44 INVERTERS

For those questioning whether to have their own warehouse or use a distributor

Solar Power International heads to Salt Lake City, Utah, this year, so we decided it was a great time to look at the up-and-coming solar market in the Beehive State.

TECHNOLOGY

A new roof/solar combo can loop some costs of both into the ITC

INSTALLATION

A nonprofit solar panel manufacturer wants to install solar panels on homes for free How to decide between microinverters and string inverters on residential projects

49 MOUNTING

Another detailed decision: railed vs. rail-less mounting systems on sloped roofs

28 CASE STUDY

New Jersey roller coasters are now powered by a significant solar portfolio

52 STORAGE

34 TRAINING

Photo courtesy ION Solar

SEI thinks everyone should test their “solar smarts” every once in a while

4 FIRST WORD 10 NEWS BRIEFS

8

SPECIAL SPI SHOW PREVIEW:

84 CONTRACTORS CORNER 88 AD INDEX

SOLAR POWER WORLD

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We can learn a lot about real-world expectations from battery torture tests

56

We give you the low-down on everything SPI — what to expect at the convention center, a list of must-see events and featured exhibitor products 0% renewable

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1

Oregon governor signs solar rebate legislation

Solar policy snapshots

Salem, Oregon Governor Kate Brown (D) signed a bill that will give Oregonians rebates for purchase, construction or installation of residential and some non-residential solar and solar-plus-storage systems.

Rebates will begin being issued in January of 2020, according to OSEIA. The rebates are tiered, with low- and moderate-income residential customers getting a larger rebate than other customers.

2

3

A guide to recent legislation and research throughout the country.

1

Philadelphians now get solar rebates

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania The City of Philadelphia has set aside up to $500,000 for solar rebates for commercial and residential property owners, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Rebates will be 20 cents per watt for residential customers and 10 cents per watt for commercial customers. The money will be available starting next year to those who installed systems after July 1, 2019.

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5

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Maryland executive order aims to assist solar siting

Annapolis, Maryland Maryland’s Governor Larry Hogan (R) issued an executive order to form a task force on renewable energy development and siting to help the state meet its ambitious clean energy goals, according to The Washington Post. The task force will include various government officials from planning, agriculture and other departments along with representatives from the wind and solar industries. The group has one year to establish recommendations.

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New York is officially 1 Million Solar Strong

Albany, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) signed the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act that requires New York to get at least 70% of electricity from renewable sources. The law sets a goal of 6 GW of local distributed energy by 2025, which the Million Solar Strong Coalition has sought for the past two years. That's enough to power 1 million homes throughout New York.

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Massachusetts may be the next state to mandate solar installations on new homes and businesses.

5

California sees huge demand for solar/affordable housing program

Sacramento, California California's new Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH) program was almost fully subscribed within the first day of accepting applications. The program provides property owners with financial incentives for installing solar systems on low-income and disadvantaged housing. The program director said applications received thus far are exactly what the group envisioned to accomplish the goal of converting the energy consumption of a significant number of low-income tenants to solar power.

6

SEIA steps in to clear Michigan's PURPA queue

Lansing, Michigan SEIA and other solar stakeholders filed a settlement agreement with the Michigan PSC to clear a backlog of solar projects awaiting PURPA approval. Under the settlement, around 600 MW of solar projects would be able to move forward in the state.

SEIA is urging the Michigan PSC to accept the agreement and "restore competition in the Michigan energy market.”

www.solarpowerworldonline.com

8/30/19 11:36 AM

7

252 mayors representing every state call for more solar power

Washington, D.C. Bipartisan mayors from every state and one territory signed a letter through Environment America committing to making solar energy a key element of their communities’ energy plans. The mayors use various ways to increase solar procurement for their constituents, including group buy programs and SolSmart designations to help speed the permitting process.

“Facing a lack of federal leadership on climate and energy, we’re seeing leaders at the community level step forward,” said Emma Searson, Go Solar campaign director with Environment America Research and Policy Center.

8

Ohio weakens renewable requirements to bail out nuclear plants

High Performance Solar Modules

Columbus, Ohio An Ohio bill to bail out two bankrupt FirstEnergy Solutions nuclear plants and subsidize coal plants has become law. The bailout added an extra surcharge to consumer bills for nuclear and coal subsidies but cut energy efficiency and utility RPS requirements so customers wouldn't see a bill increase. Activists who oppose the law are working to put the issue on the ballot so voters can decide whether to overturn it.

9

MA may follow CA’s lead for solar on new homes

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Boston, Massachusetts Two bills in the Massachusetts legislature could set the state on a similar path as California by mandating solar on all new homes and commercial buildings, with some exceptions. One bill addresses the private sector while the other addresses state-owned buildings, requiring the government to add solar to new construction or renovations above $25,000. Both bills were in the Senate Committee on Ways and Means at the time of printing.

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RPCS

9/4/19 11:59 AM

BILLY LUDT

ASSISTANT EDITOR

WAREHOUSING SERVICES offer an extra level of reliability for solar installers

Keeping

stock of a warehouse full of solar components requires a tracking system and trained personnel to run it. It’s a large undertaking, so solar installers working at smaller scales might find the warehousing services offered by distributors more economical than doing it themselves.

“There are advantages to partnering with a distributor to manage the warehousing. That distributor has scale, and with scale comes economies of scale,” said Tom Bone, CEO of CivicSolar, a solar distributor.

“So, at least in theory, it is less costly for the distributor to operate the warehouse.”

A distributor’s role in solar is buying specific equipment in bulk, warehousing it and shipping it to clients. Distributors have the purchasing power to import components from international manufacturers, especially those impacted by tariffs, at less profit loss than an individual installer could. In other words, distributors can save solar installers time and money when it comes to component acquisition.

There are cost considerations for distributors like product markups and competitive market prices for individual components, but they still have greater purchasing power and the ability to offer a wider variety of equipment than the average solar installer.

“Most of the manufacturers do not have large sales teams or carry much inventory of product,” said Jim White, founder and CEO of The PowerStore, a Texas-based solar distributor. “They rely on their

main distributors to do their selling and stocking of the product. With most of the manufacturers, we are purchasing containers directly from their manufacturing plants, bringing them to our warehouse in Texas and distributing from there.”

Distributors have pre-established warehouses that are insured and staffed for keeping accurate inventory counts. Employees are generally familiar with the components they’re selling to installers, often having hands-on time with equipment and shipping bundled compatible components. Like in CivicSolar’s case, some distribution salespeople have engineering experience and can themselves design solar systems.

When selecting a distributor for its warehousing services, look for one that’s proven to be responsive.

It’s necessary for a distributor to be accountable for verifying inventory balance, Bone said.

“Responsiveness is a key value for us, because when we respond to a contractor, we make the contractor’s problem our own,” he said. “We become partners in that business, and we become their supply chain partner.”

Bone recommended consulting industry peers on which warehousing services they use. Remaining reliable and consistent in every interaction and transaction is a necessary quality of a distributor.

“Having a distributor who actually knows the product well enough to know if you’re getting the right or wrong parts can advise you on what to use on a

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Solar installers can choose to maintain their own warehouses with the option to still use a distributor to supply products for upcoming projects. RPCS

jobsite [and] is super important,” said Jon Doochin, CEO of Soligent.

He said the focus for a solar contractor on a rooftop should be installing the system, not worrying about which product solutions are the most compatible.

Installer-run warehouses The prospect of opening a warehouse as an installer means an initial disruption in cash flow and the responsibility of staffing it.

“As soon as you start relying on a warehouse and you think that you have an extra 40 microinverters in the back for tomorrow’s project, and it turns out that there are actually only 37, that’s a very big deal for your business’s course of operation,” Bone said. “There are those costs attended to a warehouse and then there’s expertise. Will you have the in-house expertise? Or will you onboard that expertise? Or are you OK with making 14

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mistakes and learning your way into that warehouse management expertise?”

Installers with warehouses can buy directly from manufacturers, but this method’s success is based on how quickly they can move that product and install it. Installers can also inventory smaller bundled packages from distributors for projects planned that workweek, which can be lower-cost and lower-risk for degrading value of components. Keeping equipment on the shelf for too long means newer, better components are likely being manufactured to replace them, and that can mean money loss and waste for an installer with a warehouse.

But installers don’t have to rule out maintaining a warehouse entirely.

For contractors that are big enough, it might make more sense to keep a larger in-house inventory instead of relying solely on a distributor’s warehouse.

“I think there’s a lot of reasons to have a small warehouse and I think our industry is subject to supply shocks,” Doochin said.

“One day you get a supply chain shock and you have a 10% tariff pass through another day, and all these things affect jobs. So, holding inventory would be helpful to your guys.”

It all comes down to installer preference. Keeping inventory of a personal stock means contractors have direct knowledge of what components are available, and what needs to be picked up or delivered. Distributors can still supply components for inventory at a solar installer’s warehouse.

Doochin framed warehousing as “control of your own destiny.”

SunRenu Solar, an Arizona solar installer, has kept a warehouse for stocking excess solar components for the last six years. While it’s not on the scale of a distributor,

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SunRenu has been able to store broken, noncompatible or outdated components, and even use leftover equipment to build company-owned solar systems for churches and non-profit organizations.

“It’s worked out for us to buy a small percentage of materials over what we need [for] each job,” said John McDonnell, managing member and founder of SunRenu Solar. “We pull as much as we can from our stock that minimizes the cash outflow due to material inventory.”

RP Construction Services (RPCS), an Array Technologies tracking system installer, began

Having a distributor who actually knows the product well enough to know if you’re getting the right or wrong parts can advise you on what to use on a jobsite [and] is super important. maintaining its own warehouse operation in January 2019. The company has facilities in Bakersfield, California, and Central Texas, which require four to eight full-time employees to operate.

RPCS got into the warehousing game to make one aspect of completing solar projects more predictable: product delivery. The company’s warehouse works at a scale that warrants the use of NetSuite management software that keeps track of shipments, warehouse locations, item receipts, bin counts and inventory.

“There are already enough variables like weather, subsurface conditions and the customer’s module deliveries that are outside of our control,” said Eben Russell, CEO of RPCS. “We are just trying to eliminate the inefficiencies and schedule impacts with the portions of work we can control.”

Russell said it wasn’t easy getting the warehouse up and running, and it required the efforts of the entire RPCS team. However, less than a year into operation, the company is starting to see the benefits of warehousing. RPCS can quicken the delivery process for single-axis

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Distributors keep accurate stock of warehoused solar equipment, allowing installers to easily order components for projects. Soligent

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tracking solar projects, which are used in utilityscale projects and come with longer lead times.

But even if a solar installer doesn’t have its own warehouse, it can still be worth keeping a backstock of equipment on hand.

“You’re going to lose components. The clamp’s going to fall off the roof and it’s going to land in a bush and you’re not going to find it,” said CivicSolar’s Bone. “There’s all sorts of exigencies that arise during an installation, so you, as a contractor, will be best served to have spare components at your office or at your warehouse.” SPW With its own warehouse, RPCS can quicken the delivery process for single-axis tracking solar projects, which are used in utility-scale projects and come with longer lead times. RPCS

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"Many companies are looking for savings by cutting budgets or outsourcing key functions, while the answer may be right above their heads — on the roof," said Ian Boccaccio, principal and global income tax practice leader at Ryan. "Building out a bona fide solar roofing system will reduce energy costs, qualify the taxpayer for additional tax credits and potentially expedite the deductibility of components of the roof.”

The roof is one of the most vital components of a building structure. It protects 80% of assets while typically being only 20% of the overall investment. The roof, from an accounting perspective, appears to be one of those sunken capital investments that bears no fruit down the road. It depreciates over decades, and all it does is sit on top of a building, right? It's no wonder the roof is one of the first places property owners turn to cut funds. Is it really worth having a $15/sq.-ft roof that can withstand the apocalypse? Or could that money be better invested in a new forklift, office furniture or product research?

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By making the roof attachment a core component of both the roof and the solar system, some costs of a new roof can be looped in with the ITC. Solbrana

We can't just get rid of roofs. They're absolutely needed, and a slew of mission-critical systems reside there — electrical HVAC, communications, plumbing and more. But how can businesses make roofs work for them?

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Simple. Go solar.

A roof by itself is classified as "Section 1250 property" and, per the IRS, must be depreciated over 39 years. On the flip side, rooftop solar systems fall into "Section 48 energy property" and qualify for the investment tax credit (ITC). This allows for a substantial tax credit at the end of the year, and it can be depreciated immediately.

Why aren't more commercial businesses taking advantage of this tax credit through solar arrays? It turns out the economics are difficult.

Solar is built to operate for more than 25 years, and it needs to remain active and untouched during that time for a building owner to receive the maximum benefit. This means, however, that the roof must be addressed. The $200,000 solar system requires a $100,000 investment into the roof — similar to how a house needs a solid foundation to build upon. The project then becomes too costly to generate an acceptable return on investment (ROI) for the building owner. But what if the ITC could be applied to a portion of the cost of a new roof?

For the past 15 years, solar manufacturers have attempted to reclassify a roof in the eyes of the IRS. Solyndra was the first company to successfully receive a Private Letter Ruling (PLR), proving its solar solution of harnessing light reflected off the roof made the roof an integral and inseparable part of the solar array.

Uni-Solar integrated solar panels onto singleply roofing membranes, further proving the validity of the concept when it received a PLR a few years later. Unfortunately, both companies are now defunct due to unrelated issues. A few members of the solar industry abused the PLRs, causing pushback and forcing the industry to search for a new approach. But now, a new system has been created in the form of an integrated rooftop attachment. www.solarpowerworldonline.com 2 2 SOLAR POWER WORLD

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Solbrana Financial has developed a new method for integrating the roof with essential solar components to take advantage of the ITC. The patented Solar Roof System (SRS) uses the U-Anchor 2000 from Anchor Products as an integral component of the system. The anchor is attached to the roof and adhered to the membrane for a waterproofed extension of the roof.

Solar racking systems can then mount to the anchor. With the SRS installed, pressure from wind loads and other forces are transferred down through the roof through the anchors. The Solbrana method allows companies to significantly upgrade the quality of their

Solbrana SRS being installed in New York in coordination with Sol Alliance Solar Development and Olshan Properties.

Solbrana

new roof and allows a portion of it to be reclassified as an energy property under tax codes. Before now, an ROI on a new roof could never be realized.

Law firm Foley & Lardner LLP provided a technical memorandum and opinion on the validity of this approach.

“Solbrana’s method for integrating the solar into the roof is a reliable approach that truly has legs to reshape the way roofs are procured in the future,” said John Eliason, partner with Foley & Lardner.

Global tax services firm Ryan has partnered with Solbrana help 24

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businesses understand how to quantify portions of a solar roof system into solar ITC qualifications to improve profitability and cash flow for property owners. Through this approach, property owners can maximize their financial investment and reduce dependency on the grid. Businesses can function more efficiently without the cumbersome overhead of a new roof while also safeguarding the operations and assets within that facility.

Currently the ITC sits at a 30% credit through the end of 2019. If the ITC is not extended by Congress, it will eventually drop to a 10% rate by 2022 for commercial and utility solar projects. To receive the highest tax benefits from installing a new roof and going solar, the time to act is now.

Additionally, with a looming module shortage on the horizon, clients who install the roofing component of SRS this year can still claim the full ITC within new safe harbor guidelines.

Start discussions today to see where your business stands and what can be done to avoid leaving money on the table. SPW

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9 • 2019

9/4/19 12:05 PM

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BILLY LUDT

ASSISTANT EDITOR

y b d e r e w o p w o n e r Thrills a

R A L SO k r a p t n e m e s u m a y e a t Ne w Je r s

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www.solarpowerworldonline.com

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One of three new solar carport systems at Six Flags Great Adventure. KDC Solar

Patrons pushing through turnstiles and locking into seats on the Kingda Ka rollercoaster are preparing for a ride that takes them up a record-breaking 456-ft hill at nearly 130 mph. Although the sun might not cross their minds on their breakneck climb, it is responsible for powering this and the rest of the attractions at Six Flags Great Adventure & Safari in Jackson Township, New Jersey.

KDC Solar developed the 23.5-MW array at Six Flags Great Adventure, which is the largest net-metered solar project in New Jersey. The system is composed of traditional ground mounts installed on 40 acres of cleared forest and solar carports in three parking lots.

It was installed over a 16-month period

by The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company and began operating in June 2019.

This project is part of a comprehensive, company-wide sustainability plan for Six Flags. The company has also implemented a recycling program and nixed paper towels in favor of air dryers in bathrooms.

“I think it’s a classic example of an amusement park really becoming green from a sustainability point of view, recycling point of view and now energy point of view,” said Alan Epstein, president and CEO of KDC Solar, the system’s owner and operator.

Six Flags Great Adventure is an economic force for a community that doesn’t have much of a commercial presence. Jackson Township has a population of about 55,000, and at the height of summer, Great Adventure employs upward of 4,000 people, making it the largest employer in the community by a wide margin.

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“We rely on all the cities that surround us for staffing,” said John Winkler, president of Six Flags Great Adventure.

“They have some great attributes, but they’re pretty much a residential community. We are a big business sitting in the middle of a residence.”

The system Every ride at Six Flags Great Adventure has its own electrical meter, and due to the park’s total electricity consumption, KDC had to install a substation separate from the local utility that feeds excess electricity to homes in the vicinity.

“Because of the existing electrical infrastructure, it was quite challenging,” Epstein said. “We wound up putting in a new substation, which is highly unusual.

So the Greater Jackson area got an increased capacity by virtue of this facility for free.”

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The 23.5-MW solar portfolio will provide 97% of the amusement park’s electricty needs. KDC Solar

The solar system was designed to account for 97% of the park’s electricity production. It’s connected to Jersey Central Power & Light’s (JCP&L) grid and net meters any extra energy.

In its first month of operation, the system produced 150% of the power needed at Great Adventure, but that percentage is expected to fluctuate in the coming months.

“We’re hesitant to celebrate ahead, but what we do know is that it is extraordinary, and we’re thrilled,” Winkler said.

The ground-mount array uses CSUN 345-W PV modules with SMA 2200 central inverters and is mounted and framed with GameChange’s MaxSpan Post Driven System. The parking lot canopies are SunPower long-span carports with SunPower 460and 470-W modules and SMA 50-kW Core1 string inverters.

Great Adventure is open to the public from March to December. During the colder off-months, the solar system

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will power administrative facilities and ride upkeep. The park is unique for a Six Flags location, since it has a standalone water park and a safari attraction — home to 1,200 animals — in addition to its 57 rides.

“I think it’s fair to say this is the largest solar energy-supplied park in the United States in terms of percentage of solar, and it fits directly with Six Flags’ sustainability program,” Epstein said.

Permitting and lawsuits Unlike the quick 28-second trip of the Kingda Ka roller coaster, the journey to complete this project was years in the making.

Six Flags executives started meeting with solar companies 10 years ago to develop an array that could meet the park’s energy goals, but it wasn’t until KDC approached them that they moved forward with constructing a solar system.

“Everyone talks about being able to do it, but they had no history or no proof that they’ve ever done it before,” Winkler said. “We try not to be the trial for any type of project prototypes. We like proven things. [KDC was] the only one that had active projects and they could prove to us that they could do a large-scale buildout.”

Even having installed solar in the state, KDC hadn’t done a project of this scale, let alone a net-metered one. The company specializes in solar projects averaging 5 MW of output.

With individual meters on every ride, KDC had to petition the Board of Public Utilities for each to be configured for net metering, which took a year. New Jersey law states all electric utility companies must offer net metering in any sector, requiring the system’s generating capacity to not surpass the customer’s annual electricity needs.

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from enrolling in net metering in 2010, making the Six Flags system eligible.

The next step was getting JCP&L to sign off on the net-metering and interconnection application. That took another year.

“In our experience, having built over 100 MW of commercial and industrial projects, construction is not the problem. It’s permitting that generally is the difficult part of the process,” Epstein said.

When the permitting was approved, KDC was nearing time for construction, originally planning to have the entire solar system installed as ground mounts on a 90-acre plot in the wooded portion of Six Flags’ 2,200-acre property. Then, several local environmental groups caught wind of the project’s plan to clear cut that much forest for the solar system. In 2015, those environmental activists sued KDC, Six Flags Theme Parks and Jackson Township Council and Planning Board on the grounds that razing the trees would negatively impact that ecosystem, which is home to an endangered species of box turtle.

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Litigation lasted two years, and the environmental groups suggested half the solar system be installed on parking lots. Eventually both parties settled on these terms and KDC also agreed to install snake habitats in the wooded portion of the property.

“It just represents, from our point of view, that if you have a good project, and it makes perfect sense, you need to persevere,” Epstein said. “It was worth taking the time and spending the money to get it done, because at the end of the day, it’s being celebrated by everybody, including the environmentalists.”

After nearly a decade from initial talks to turning the array on, Six Flags is hoping to replicate this system in other locations across the United States.

“I challenged the entire [amusement park] industry at the ribbon-cutting to look at [solar],” Winkler said. “I know that every city and region and county and state — they all have different rules, and so solar companies are really challenged. There’s going to have to be a general understanding of its value before people will start really allowing it and getting rid of the barriers that they put up.” SPW

The solar portfolio consisted of 40 acres of ground-mount systems and three solar carport locations. The Six Flags solar system generated 150% of the park’s required electricity after its first month of operation and will likely produce less in cloudy winter months.

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9/3/19 10:38 AM

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Assess your solar smarts with SEI For those of you feeling confident in your level of knowledge in your current solar job, don't succumb to a growing trend: being a solar know-itall. Don’t worry, we have a solution.

SEI has developed a free assessment tool for solar professionals to gauge their "solar smarts." Solar installation teams and others in the industry can use this tool to pinpoint where additional formal training may be needed. Find this tool online at solarenergy.org/test-your-solar-smarts.

The U.S. solar industry has grown to more than 250,000 workers. This rapid growth brought a need for expedited hiring approaches. At our nonprofit school, we've noticed a common hiring theme over the last decade: Hire for attitude; train for skill.

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Based on this concept, solar companies look for employees with good attitudes and some transferable skills from previous work and expect there will be a lot of on-the-job training for new hires. On-the-job training is an authentic way to get experience with the tools and components the company uses on a daily basis. But those of us in the solar industry know we call it the "solarcoaster" for a reason.

It is very common for solar professionals to move from one company to the next as new opportunities appear.

Solar workers may have huge gaps in their solar knowledge from relying solely on on-the-job training or brief vendor-based product orientations.

Where do you sit on the spectrum of solar smarts? How well would your team perform on basic entry-level solar tasks?

Since 1991, SEI has trained more than 75,000 people worldwide, and we have found an interesting phenomenon: When solar employees finally focus on professional development and enroll in formal coursework-based training in addition to on-the-job training, they realize there is still a lot to learn and that this industry is constantly changing.

We see it all the time when solar professionals take SEI training in what

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KELLY PICKEREL EDITOR IN CHIEF

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A nonprofit

SOLAR PANEL MANUFACTURER wants to install in

disadvantaged communities — for free 36

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www.solarpowerworldonline.com

9/3/19 11:14 AM

There's an access problem within the solar industry. We've reported on it many times, when racial and income disparity prevents the widespread adoption of solar power. As the median income of solar owners slowly creeps down, there is still an expanse of low- to middle-income households and renters left out of the conversation. One nonprofit thinks it has a solution: locally made solar panels installed (for free) on these left-behind households. Not only will more solar be installed, but local economies will flourish through increased employment opportunities and an influx of extra spending cash from utility bill savings.

The Locally Grown Power (LGP) business model was invented by Kent Kernahan, a "serial entrepreneur" who owns many patents within power conversion industries and had worked

If Kernahan could develop an improved solar technology and then produce and install it in a more confined footprint, the local economy would benefit significantly. He determined that a community nonprofit solar manufacturing and installation program would increase jobs, keep dollars local and solve some issues of environmental justice. LGP would develop plans for communities to set up solar panel factories and train installers to equip local low- to middleincome households with solar systems.

The nonprofit idea set a good foundation, and Kernahan sought a new way to manufacture improved solar panels that would be simple for these communities to produce. He took his patents and entrepreneurial skills, formed IdealPV and found a problem worth solving — hotspots on solar panels.

at a startup in the early 2010s involved with solar microinverter architecture and microelectronics.

He set out to answer the question of how to create sustainable middleclass jobs, and his experience in the solar industry set an ideal path forward.

"I had been through a series of startups and there was a revelation that happened to me in 2011. Everything I've ever done is in production in Asia. Is this the right thing to do?" Kernahan asked.

"Our model [in the United States] is to divorce the idea of where an invention is going to be capitalized and manufactured from where it's created. As a consequence, any new technology that's invented gets financed and then immediately built overseas. We're undermining our own economy with our innovation."

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Fool-proof solar panels Kernahan and IdealPV invented a way to eliminate reverse conduction in solar panels, or when negative voltage from shading, soiling or other issues causes the current to reverse its flow across a solar cell, which can result in early failure through hotspots. By preventing the electron flow from reversing itself, IdealPV's technology can allow panels to be installed in less-thanideal applications without additional electronics. Panels installed in partial shading would no longer require microinverters or power optimizers to ensure consistent power flow.

"You solve this one problem [of hotspots] and then a lot of the things we do to solar panels to make them not be immediately destroyed by hotspot conditions no longer have to be worried about," Kernahan said.

IdealPV panels are simpler to build because they use one row of cells connected in a serpentine-like series, which improves output and requires less wiring. The panels are easier to assemble — perfect for a nonprofit setting.

Prototypes of the IdealPV module have been tested at Harvey Mudd College and rated at nearly 270 W in the same footprint as a traditional 60cell panel. Through the LGP business plan, IdealPV will license its solar panel design to qualified nonprofits.

You solve this one problem [of hotspots] and then a lot of the things we do to solar panels to make them not be immediately destroyed by hotspot conditions no longer have to be worried about.

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Harvey Mudd students (L-R: Nate Smith, Giulia Castleberg, Jacquelyn Aguilera, Christopher McElroy, Priscilla Chu) preparing how the IdealPV solar panels will be assembled. Harvey Mudd College

Pilot program Now with a technology to license, LGP needed a nonprofit organization to take that first plunge into the concept. After much searching, Kernahan found the Community Home Energy Retrofit Project (CHERP), a volunteer nonprofit organization in Claremont, California, that was created to eliminate the barriers to meeting national and local energy efficiency goals. Devon Hartman, CHERP's president and executive director, founded the group in 2010 to assist with retrofitting buildings to become more energy-efficient, working as a consultant throughout the state to educate community organizations on "building science" and connecting them with the resources to get retrofits accomplished. After meeting Kernahan in 2015, Hartman realized Locally Grown Power could be CHERP's capstone initiative.

"We can teach communities to retrofit their buildings but then also make their own solar panels to do the producing side, thereby accomplishing a comprehensive approach in greenhouse gases," Hartman said. "We've got a comprehensive approach to retrofitting the building and then providing the solar and stimulating the local economy and addressing the low-income environmental injustice issues all at the same time."

LGP's pilot program was established to serve Claremont and nearby Pomona.

CHERP is the local nonprofit behind the Claremont-Pomona Locally Grown Power chapter, and Hartman serves as Claremont-Pomona LGP's CEO while Kernahan participates on the chapter's executive board.

Each LGP outfit is given the freedom to take different paths in executing the mission of sustaining middle-class jobs in

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the community. One nonprofit might have an underemployed disabled population that works well in the manufacturing location. It might place less focus on the installation side of the business. Another nonprofit might have individuals reentering communities from prisons who are more adept to construction work.

That one might make the manufacturing plant more automated while beefing up installation jobs. Claremont-Pomona LGP set off somewhere in the middle — creating 200+ jobs from manufacturing and installation with a goal of outfitting 6,000 low- to middle-income households with 16-panel (4.3-kW) solar arrays.

With a local mission established, Claremont-Pomona LGP reached out to solar experts and engineers at Harvey Mudd College for assistance on how to build a solar panel facility. ClaremontPomona LGP has secured a site location, formerly a welding training facility with the Pomona Unified School District.

Harvey Mudd students estimate the

Harvey Mudd general engineering student Giulia Castleberg assembling the IdealPV prototype modules. Harvey Mudd College

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Harvey Mudd engineering students after a public presentation on the panel manufacturing facility’s progress. Harvey Mudd College

around 25 workers, while it's estimated over 100 installation jobs can be supported. ClaremontPomona LGP aims to have UL approval on the factory and the panels by the end of 2019 with full operation by spring 2020.

facility's output at 50,000 panels per year, which is based on outfitting 3,000 homes (in year 1) with 16 solar panels.

One panel should be produced every 6.7 minutes, based on a three-shift schedule. At 270 W apiece, ClaremontPomona LGP's annual production capacity should hover around 13.5 MW. When considering solar panel plants with 50-times more annual capacity than Claremont-Pomona LGP's 13.5 MW employ far fewer than the group's aim of over 200 workers, one has to remember profits and output are not the goal of this facility — jobs are.

"It becomes [more] important that you create jobs for disadvantaged individuals than necessarily have the most automated factory you could possibly have," Kernahan said. "Those people are in that community, and they're a resource that's being underutilized. For the nonprofit, this is seen as part of the mission."

Initial concepts for the manufacturing plant call for three shifts of

Economic impacts The foundational basis of a nonprofit organization means that ClaremontPomona LGP has to find money to pay for employment, training and the "free" installations it will be providing 6,000 local households.

"We have a whole workforce development team of professionals who are already helping us secure grants for training. We've already lined up about $700,000 worth of training grants," Hartman said. "We're going to be training and putting to work at-risk youth, veterans, out-of-work adults [and otherwise] challenged people."

The group also caught a lucky break in June 2019 when a $2.1 million grant to Claremont-Pomona LGP was included in the 2019-2020 California state budget.

That money will go directly to the

It becomes [more] important that you create jobs for disadvantaged individuals than necessarily have the most automated factory you could possibly have.

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development of the manufacturing facility. Assemblymember Chris Holden (whose district includes Claremont) helped secure this significant funding in the state budget.

"The California Legislature has set ambitious climate policies and I am 100% committed to furthering our leadership role in combating climate change, but we need all Californians to be able to be part of greener energy solutions," Holden said. "The Locally Grown Power nonprofit model gives the opportunity for more Californians to have a seat at the table and be able to support our existing legislative priorities.

"I will follow the construction of the manufacturing facility and look forward to realizing the promise of Locally Grown Power in cities throughout the State of California that empower all Californians to play a part in clean energy solutions," he continued.

Additional grants from environmentally conscious California are also helping. The state uses its "CalEnviroScreen 3.0" report to map census tracts by how much pollution they're subjected to. Senate bill 535 directs 25% of capand-trade dollars be spent in these communities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Hartman said in total, that's $2 billion of earmarked dollars required to be spent in disadvantaged communities.

While Claremont doesn't have a high mark for pollution, nearby Pomona has one of the higher scores in the Los Angeles area.

And there are plenty more communities that need help, have the allotted dollars and could build off the LGP business plan.

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9/3/19 11:14 AM

With the guarantee of comped solar systems and reduced electricity bills, chosen households will find themselves with extra spending cash, and LGP officials believe that will be spent in the community, further improving the economy.

"Not only are we helping to achieve our very ambitious state greenhouse gas goals, but we're also freeing up disposable personal income at the lowest household income level," Hartman said. "A solar panel on a high-income household, that $90 a month saved would tend to get saved or invested and would most likely never hit the local economy. But if you save $90 a month for lowest-income-level households, that money tends to get spent immediately in the local economy on food, gas, clothing, medical supplies, school supplies."

By outfitting 6,000 low-income households with solar, Hartman estimates that the surplus $90/month in utility savings will divert $6.5 million a year back into the local economy. Considering the increased local

and state sales taxes that come with that, the program should easily pay for itself in fewer than five years.

While the concept seems fool-proof, Kernahan acknowledges it will be tough getting this first attempt at the LGP nonprofit model accepted in the industry.

But bringing solar manufacturing and installation to a more localized level could be the first step to a major shift in the United States.

"This idea of building community wealth — you really want to produce your products in the markets where they're going to be used if you want to generate the maximum wealth for your communities," Kernahan said. "I think we're on the right edge of where industrialization is going. I think the ultimate trend for manufacturing is going to be distributed manufacturing close to the point of consumption. This has never been tried anywhere else in the world, and now we have a front-row seat to see how this cutting-edge approach to distributed manufacturing can work." SPW

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9/4/19 12:12 PM

KELSEY MISBRENER

SENIOR EDITOR

How to choose between string and microinverters on residential solar systems String inverters and microinverters take very different approaches to converting DC power to usable AC power in solar projects. In a string inverter installation, high-voltage DC power from all panels in an array is routed into one inverter where it's converted to AC power. In a microinverter system, a small inverter is connected to each module of an array (with the exception of new four-in-one models from APsystems), DC power is converted to AC power at the module level, then routed into the home for use.

Solar Power World polled the 2019 class of Top Solar Contractors on which inverter type is preferred on residential systems, and respondents were nearly split down the middle with

string inverters just pulling ahead. But the random residential contractors interviewed for this story mostly chose microinverters. The two technologies offer distinct advantages and weak points.

Installation process Standalone string inverters can be installed at ground-level, typically in a customer's garage. However, advancing technology and rapid shutdown requirements mean most string inverters now need additional components. To be rapid shutdown code compliant, string inverters must

be paired with module-level power electronics (MLPE) capable of shutting down the array in case of emergency.

When a contractor has to install both a string inverter and an optimizer on the panel, the benefit of a string inverter’s quick install is negated.

"Recent electrical code changes have made this technology more complicated and costly than before due to the lack of built-in rapid shutdown functionality," said Scott Carlson, president of California installer New Day Solar.

An installer attaches a microinverter to rails.

APsystems

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Still, many optimizers come already embedded to the modules (in smart module solutions) or can be pre-attached on the panels by installers before they're brought up to the roof.

Some microinverters can also be pre-installed right on the module (or come pre-installed like in AC module solutions) but others must be installed on the solar racking. Securing them while on the roof adds a level of difficulty.

Microinverter installation is made easier since no additional products are needed for rapid shutdown compliance.

That capability is built into the modulelevel solution — for example, when the AC circuit is flipped, APsystems' microinverters shut down in 100 milliseconds on their own.

"By its nature it's already compliant," said Jason Higginson, senior director of marketing at APsystems.

Since microinverters are converting the power to AC on the roof, installers don't have to apply DC power safety labels or install DC disconnects. These safety components are absolutely required when installing string inverters, said Brandon Carlson, VP of New Day Solar.

Operations & maintenance String inverters are typically mounted to a wall in a garage, protected from the elements. Although microinverters are

housed underneath solar panels, they're still exposed in a way string inverters aren't.

"With the microinverter, you're taking all of the technology that typically resides in an inverter and you're putting it in the most hostile environment possible, which is right on the roof underneath the module," said Brad Dore, director of marketing for string inverter manufacturer SMA. "So it has to perform at a higher level in terms of reliability to equal that of a string inverter system."

In addition to environmental wear and tear, inverters are the most hardworking piece of a solar project and thus the most likely to fail. When it comes time to repair or replace a string inverter, it's as easy as walking into the garage to troubleshoot or replace one unit. With microinverters, installers must get back on the roof and remove panels to get to the units.

"I always prefer to deal with a string inverter simply because it's on the ground. Anytime you're climbing on the roof, you're packing and unpacking the truck to get the ladders out, fall

We prefer microinverters for the simple fact that they’re proven to be more reliable than string inverters. This has led to minimizing production losses for our customers and reduced truck rolls for our service department.

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String inverters are typically easy to access on the wall in a garage. Darfon

rescue is needed and so on. It's just a lot more involved," said Bryan Whitton, product manager at Darfon, which sells hybrid inverters for the U.S. market and microinverters in other countries.

However, Whitton said microinverters have become very reliable and rarely require maintenance.

And O&M savings on the ground for string inverters is negated when the paired MLPE on the roof go bad, requiring roof service.

Brandon with New Day Solar said that although power optimizers and microinverters both typically come with 25-year warranties, string inverter warranties remain at about half that length. So even when MLPE are added to string systems, the overall system isn't covered as long as a micro system.

Brandon said microinverters' higher cost is well worth it considering their reliability and long warranty.

“As someone who has used both technologies frequently, the failure rates for both are rather small and the

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cost [isn't] significant, especially when one [considers an] optimizer system needing an inverter replacement sooner than a microinverter system, but not covered under the same length of warranty,” Brandon said.

San Diego installer Sunline Energy also prefers microinverters for their reliability.

"We prefer microinverters for the simple fact that they’re proven to be more reliable than string inverters," said Gerry Ebert, Sunline Energy's director of sales and marketing. "This has led to minimizing production losses for our customers and reduced truck rolls for our service department."

Even if errors do occur in microinverter systems, the module-level inverters make it easy to monitor and pinpoint the failed inverter, said Eric Hansen, principal owner and general manager of Oregon’s True South Solar.

With string inverters, more time would be needed to find the source of the problem.

Power production With microinverter systems, if one solar panel is compromised, the entire array's power production won't be impacted. With a string inverter alone, a system is only as good as its least productive panel.

"Because inverters are tied to each panel, inefficiencies within a given panel do not drag down the rest of the system, thereby increasing the resiliency of the system’s efficiency," said True South Solar's Hansen. "For residential systems, microinverters allow the maximum amount of viable space to be used and allow ease of system expansion at a later date if the customer so chooses."

When a power optimizer is added to a string inverter configuration, installers can likewise ensure that each panel is independently producing power and the whole system isn't 9 • 2019

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INVERTER TECHNOLOGY brought down by one shaded panel.

North Carolina solar installer Depending on an installer's choice, Yes Solar Solutions prefers to use MLPE paired with string inverters SolarEdge inverters combined with can help with shade mitigation, rapid optimizers for their flexibility. shutdown, powerline communication "Optimizers help mitigate and monitoring. This flexibility in shading of solar modules on strings, optimizer choice is another bonus as well as boost production in all with string inverter installations. types of weather conditions," said "It offers more design flexibility Kathy Miller, co-founder and CEO of because an installer can choose Yes Solar Solutions. "SolarEdge also the model that works for their use offers a great solution for the modulecase, and it provides, ultimately, a level rapid shutdown requirement and solution that scales better," Dore both solar production and consumption Microinverters are installed on rails or said. "Whether somebody needs monitoring, which is a very attractive panels on the roof. New Day Solar it for a small system, a medium feature for homeowners." system, a large system, whether As the technology continues they need it to address multiple roof orientations to evolve, installers should stay apprised of the latest string and or shading, we've got a system that's really ideal microinverter models for residential installations to give their for that use-case." customers the best choice for their specific installation. SPW

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BILLY LUDT

ASSISTANT EDITOR

The benefits of railed and rail-less systems on sloped rooftop solar projects The standard rail-based mount is popular with sloped rooftop installers, but rail-less systems have their advantages in the right scenario. Both are deployed in residential installs, one using a guiding rail as the panel attachment point, and the other placing module racking directly onto roof mounts.

Installers having trouble deciding which mounting system to use on a rooftop solar project should first consider the roof material, the region’s climate and the worker’s experience with either technology.

Rail-less or rail-free mounts Rail-less mounting systems are installed using fewer components but a lot more precision. Zep Solar, a California Merlin Solar

Technology, Mounting - SPW 09-19 V6 FINAL.indd 49

Everest Solar Systems

rail-based and rail-less mounts. The big benefit came from hauling fewer components onto a roof.

“On the logistics side of things, not having 14-ft sticks of rail to haul up onto the roof or transport makes a lot of things easier,” he said. “Everything in a rail-less system can come in a box, so then you’re able to get out of jobs and get stuff up on the roof much easier.”

The smaller packaging also makes it easier to warehouse and handle than rail-based mounts.

Training installers to install railless systems requires extra focus on alignment. Not all roofs have a completely straight slope, so vertical alignment of roof mounts is important, especially since there isn't a guiding rail to compensate for an uneven roofing

mounting solutions developer, pioneered the rail-free system, claiming it could cut install times drastically. Before it was able to fully catch on, the company was bought

by SolarCity.

“When SolarCity acquired Zep, they took [rail-less mounts] off the market,” said Andrew Wickham, manager of customer experience with SnapNrack. “You had a bunch of installers out there using that system, but now couldn’t get products, but wanted to install rail-less. That created the surge around other manufacturers creating rail-less systems based on the efficiency benefits with them.”

But Wickham found out install times were comparable between

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POWER DISK mounting system.

Preformed Line Products

surface. When using traditional L-foot mounts, installers have to adjust at each attachment point. Some mounting manufacturers, like Preformed Line Products (PLP), have released advanced products like its POWER DISK system that allows for quicker and easier vertical adjustments.

Tiled rooftops offer fewer choices for mounting points, with the delicate and time-consuming task of cutting tile, so rail-less mounts make more sense on comp shingle roofs, with the proper flashing. Being able to cut into the covering makes alignment more viable for rail-free mounts. But there are mounting options for tile and standing seam rooftops, like Ecolibrium’s EcoX Residential Rail-Less Racking System.

“With rail-less systems you have the potential for some efficiency gains as far

as your labor time and benefits when you’re in jurisdictions that require rough inspections, but you’re limited as far as your roof types,” Wickham said.

Another factor to consider for rail-less mounts is snow loads. With these mounts, modules take the brunt of the snow load, so that has to be considered in snowy climates.

Rail-free systems can accommodate modules in both landscape and portrait orientations. Since there’s no rail or channel to conceal wiring, it must be clipped to the module frame. Rail-free mounts often come with skirts to conceal hardware and help improve aesthetics.

“On systems that are simple layouts, then rail-free becomes a little easier,” said Johan Alfsen, senior director of product marketing at Everest Solar Systems. “Not to say that it can’t be done on bigger, more complicated arrays, but it tends to lend better toward simple squares and rectangles.”

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CrossRail Shared Rail System.

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Rail-based mounts Rail-based mounts are the more popular choice for sloped roof solar arrays. The residential solar workforce is generally trained in the system, which isn’t limited by roof type or typical weather conditions. A rail-based mount has attachment options for tile, metal and composition shingle rooftops. Panels attach directly to the rail, which is a guide for determining penetration points for system alignment.

“With rail-based systems, you have more flexibility as far as roof types as well as more options as far as attachment points for accessories, utilizing the rail,” Wickham said.

One example of this flexibility is SnapNrack’s Ultra Rail Roof Mount System, which is a snap-in-place L-foot solution that can mount on tile, metal and shingled rooftops with the right hardware.

Unlike rail-less mounts, rail-based systems allow for more options in the angle of installation, rather than just following the slope of the rooftop. With tilt kits, like Quick Mount PV’s QBase, roof arrays can be adjusted between 15 and 45° on low-slope rooftops. Rail-based systems have more options for microinverter and optimizer attachments as well, because the rails provide more space between the panels and the roof.

For installers not wanting two rails per panel row, many mounting manufacturers offer shared-rail options that allow two panel rows to share a middle rail. Certain models, like Everest Solar Systems’ CrossRail Shared Rail System, can switch from dual- to shared-rail on the fly, giving installers more options to fill roof space. “[Shared-rail] is kind of similar to rail-free in the sense that you’re minimizing penetrations and you’re sharing the middle rail with that penetration row, but you have a standard rail that’s holding up the whole system,” Alfsen said.

Whether using traditional dual- or shared-rail mounting, laying panels atop rails is a quicker task than mounting panels on railless systems. However, rails are more cumbersome than rail-free

mounts. Carrying 8-ft rails up to roofs puts more strain on installers than the fewer components of rail-free mounts, and shipping rails can be more difficult.

“We get a lot of damaged rail issues, because we ship longer rails that customers want. They get handled multiple times in and out of trucks, and they can get damaged and bent,” said John Markiewicz, global market manager at Preformed Line Products.

Rail-mounted solar projects can produce more waste too since they’re cut to fit specific roof lengths. But the rail means better weight distribution for panels when it comes to bearing snow loads, not limiting the system to warmer climates.

“From a marketing standpoint, if you have such a discrepancy out in the field about whether [to use] a railed system or a rail-less system, offer both and give the customer [or] the installer the choice based on preferences and their experience,” Markiewicz said. “Don’t necessarily push one over the other, that way you can take advantage of all the market.” SPW

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The universal RL Roof Mount System.

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JOHN CONNELL

VP OF SLI PRODUCTS AT CROWN BATTERY MANUFACTURING CO.

With proper maintenance, batteries can last a long time. These 23-year-old 1,200Ah flooded batteries from Crown Battery power an off-grid ranch. Their plywood enclosure includes weatherproofing and cross-ventilation. Crown Battery

5 lessons you can learn from battery torture tests It’s easy for batteries to thrive in laboratory conditions or computer simulations. Too often, these perfect conditions are the source of marketing claims like 10-year guarantees.

But the real world isn’t as forgiving. In the field, experimental battery designs can fail early.

And extreme temperatures, deep cycling and poor maintenance can slash any battery’s lifespan — leaving solar system owners in the dark.

That’s why trustworthy manufacturers test batteries in extreme real-world applications and analyze how they perform, charge and fail.

During the past two decades, Crown Battery has installed numerous sets of test batteries in mission-critical locations, including off-grid homes,

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hospitals, factories and mines across North America. These batteries are digitally monitored and analyzed, chemically assayed, put under scanning electron microscopes, x-rayed and torn down for R&D and engineering purposes.

These battery torture tests revealed core lessons about what really matters for renewable energy batteries, and you don’t have to spend tens of thousands of hours or millions of dollars to benefit from this research.

Here’s how you can maximize operating cycles, performance and reliability: • Start with the right batteries for your system • Protect them from harsh conditions • Avoid deep discharge • Consider a battery management system (BMS) • Automate maintenance

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ADAPTIVE SOLUTIONS FOR SOLAR THE FRONIUS SMART SOLUTION / Due to the modularity of the Fronius Smart Solution, it adapts to your specific needs. You have the ability to choose the components you need and OPTIMIZE YOUR ENTIRE SYSTEM while maintaining a minimal number of components. Get flexible system design, shade mitigation, NEC compliance, best performance and state-of-the art monitoring with the lowest number of components and the easiest installation on the market. / The Fronius Smart Solution is the combination of cell-string optimized modules, the Fronius Rapid Shutdown Box, a Fronius SnapINverter, the optional Fronius Smart Meter and the Fronius Solar.web online monitoring portal. / Learn more at www.fronius.us/pv Contact us at (219)734-5500 or pv-sales-usa@fronius.com

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SELECT THE RIGHT BATTERIES FOR YOUR SYSTEM Which battery chemistry is right for you? Lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion systems are among the more popular choices.

Flooded lead-acid batteries offer the lowest per kilowatt-hour (kWh) cost and require regular maintenance. Absorbent glass mat (AGM) lead-acid batteries have nearzero maintenance but a higher cost per amp-hour. All lead-acid batteries are 99% recyclable.

Lithium-ion batteries also offer near-zero maintenance and feature the highest power density. Their cost is also higher. Lithium-ion’s power density makes some chemistries prone to thermal runaway and fires, and it is 0%-60% down-cyclable.

There’s no perfect battery. But for most applications, lead-acid batteries offer a good combination of reliability, ROI and real-world proof (more than 100 years of field-testing and optimization). Most lead-acid batteries look nearly identical on the outside, but engineering and manufacturing differences on the inside profoundly impact maintenance, performance and longevity.

Here’s what to look for with lead-acid batteries: • Renewable energy-optimized design — regular or car batteries aren’t designed for the deep discharging requirements of renewable energy.

• Heavy plates and more active material allow for more chemical reactions and longer life.

• Computerized lead-oxide production, paste mixing and curing improve quality and consistency.

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• •

•

Robotic assembly bolsters reliability and reduces maintenance.

Cast-on-strap (COS) welding offers 100-times the precision of manual welding for lower maintenance and more uptime.

Aerospace vision systems enhance quality control.

•

For ventilation recommendations, see National Electrical Code, Article 490.9(A).

If you're unable to protect batteries from cold weather, install a larger battery bank to compensate for diminished capacity.

GIVE ME SHELTER Extreme temperatures hurt batteries. Batteries last the longest and perform best around 77°F. Cold weather compromises battery temperature, performance, charge acceptance and temporary capacity. Hot weather slashes lifespan and performance.

Alarmingly, common lead-acid “battery boxes” like insulated coolers and fridges often worsen temperature extremes.

Where should you store batteries?

• Dry environments with moderate temperatures (50° to 85°F) are best.

• AGM and other no- or lowmaintenance batteries can be stored inside the home or building.

• Flooded batteries are best stored in secured, vented boxes in a shed or garage.

AVOID DEEP DISCHARGE There’s a dangerous trend in renewable energy system design. Some unscrupulous salespeople are sizing systems for 80% depth of discharge (DOD) — often to rig buying criteria toward higher-costper-kWh batteries.

Even if a particular battery technology can discharge deeper in the lab, you can’t afford to risk it.

That’s because every battery needs reserve power in case of increased electrical demand or reduced energy production (for instance, during cloudy, foggy or windless days).

Besides, while safe DOD levels vary, all lead-acid batteries die early when they discharge too deeply.

A good solution is to size batteries for no more than 50% depth of discharge.

How should you store lead-acid batteries?

• Store batteries off the floor in a dry, well-insulated enclosure with proper ventilation. This will prolong battery life and reduce temperature damage.

• Ensure batteries are away from electrical outlets, breakers and other potential sources of sparks.

• Mount a dry chemical fire extinguisher in a well-marked location.

• Always lock your battery box.

A few rules: • To stay below 50% DOD, size your system for two-times the true amp-hours needed, regardless of battery chemistry.

• If batteries are discharging past 50%, install extra batteries.

• Specify three to six days’ stored energy (batteries and/or backup generator) when going off-grid.

• Never exceed 80% DOD (50% DOD is optimal for enhanced power reserves and longevity).

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Machine control solutions:

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LOOK INTO BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (BMS) During Crown Battery's product torture tests, we closely monitor batteries’ internal health using battery management systems (BMS).

You can do the same in your system; a BMS can boost lifespan and capacity, reduce damage from extreme temperatures and save time on maintenance. Common BMS features are DOD monitoring, temperature warning sensors, total and per-cell voltage and more.

While a battery management system is a powerful tool for lead-acid systems, it is a necessity for lithium-ion systems to prevent overcharging and decrease the risk of thermal runaway.

MAKE MAINTENANCE AUTOMATIC Routine maintenance maximizes battery life and reliability. And every battery — even no- or low-maintenance models — must be inspected regularly according to manufacturer guidelines.

Routine lead-acid battery maintenance may include: • Cleaning battery terminals and inspecting cables.

• Inspecting electrolyte levels and watering batteries.

• Equalizing batteries (scheduled overcharging) to desulfate plates and achieve voltage parity.

• Floating daily when possible.

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To make maintenance easy, invest in the right tools, schedule it in your calendar and record what maintenance you performed.

You don’t have to test thousands of batteries to discover which battery strategies work best. With these five lessons, your batteries will last longer, and you’ll spend less time and money on them. SPW

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SPW IS READY TO SEE THE LATEST IN

IN SALT LAKE

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9/4/19 9:05 AM

SEIA and SEPA are bringing the global solar community together in the Beehive State for Solar Power International and Energy Storage International, as part of North America Smart Energy Week. The four-tiered tradeshow will take place September 23-26 at Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The convention’s venue is an example of Utah sustainability at work, achieving a Silver LEED Certification. The Salt Palace diverts more than 50% of its waste and has low-energy lighting and power consumption policies. Plus, it couldn’t be a solar show without a solar-powered venue: Solar panels installed on the rooftop of the Salt Palace generate 17% of the convention center's power.

While it’s not the powerhouse that is California, Utah has made great strides in solar, breaking into the Top 10 solar states, with a total installed capacity of about 1.6 GW. SPI, ESI and Smart Energy Week are expecting 19,000 attendees this year, with 100 hours of planned sessions and more than a day’s worth of networking opportunities.

SPI, the largest energy event in North America, will also have the largest presence on the show floor, with 700 exhibitors sharing the newest advancements in modules, inverters, mounting solutions and other solar technologies available to installers.

With its own section of the show floor at the Salt Palace Convention Center, Energy Storage International, the largest energy storage event in North America, features over 150 dedicated battery and storage exhibitors. Attendees will see residential lithium batteries, lead-acid models, hybrid inverters, green generator options and plenty more emerging storage technologies in this special part of the exhibit hall.

Doosan GridTech is sponsoring the energy storage track of education sessions. Sessions will explore energy storage codes and standards, the lithium battery supply chain, how to integrate storage with electric vehicles and strategies to finance commercial battery projects.

In addition to solar and storage offerings, this year’s convention programming will take a deeper look at electric vehicle technologies, microgrids and distributed energy resources with the presence of the Smart Energy Marketplace + Microgrid and Hydrogen + Fuel Cells International.

The SPW team is looking forward to seeing the latest tech on the show floor and learning new things in educational sessions at the biggest U.S. solar show of the year. SPW

Make sure to stop by these featured exhibitors and see their booth previews on our website!

AceClamp – Booth 4429 APsystems – Booth 2336 Aurora Solar – Booth 3637 Dynapower – Booth 3431 Kern Solar Structures – Booth 4929 Morningstar Corp. – Booth 4629 Mudge Fasteners NantEnergy – Booth 5361 NLS Energy – Booth 5345 Nor-Cal/Power Factors – Booth 2625 Quest Renewables – Booth 4854 Sensata – Booth 3423 Solar FlexRack – Booth 425 Solaria – Booth 4960 Tigo Energy – Booth 5347 UL – Booth 4337

Podcast Alert!

Listen to our latest Solar Speaks podcast with Preformed Line Products about longspan commercial rooftop projects. And see PLP at SPI – Booth 4019.

SOLARPOWERWORLDONLINE.COM/PODCASTS

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CAN’T-MISS SOL AR POWER INTERNATIONAL 2019 Here’s some help with your agenda for an action-packed time in Salt Lake City.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

Solar Power World’s Top Solar Contractors Gala 6:30 P.M.– 9 P.M., HILTON SALT LAKE CITY Join the SPW team to celebrate the successes of this year’s class of Top Solar Contractors. Guests can take fun photobooth pictures, enjoy the open bar and hors d'oeuvres, then relax with dinner and an awards ceremony. This party is only for 2019 Top Solar Contractors, so if you’re not on the list this year, make sure to apply next year!

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

General session:

Goldilocks PV + Storage Plant: How Do You Make Your Project "Just Right?"

4 P.M.– 5 P.M., ROOM 250 E SEIA has proclaimed this the Solar+ Decade, so start your week by learning how to build a profitable solarplus-storage project. Speakers from Borrego Solar Systems, Fluence and more will discuss the pros and cons of AC vs. DC coupling, how to ensure ratepayers benefit from solar-plus-storage and more.

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9/4/19 9:07 AM

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

General session:

Reducing Customer Acquisition Costs Through Transparency and Helping Consumers Window Shop With Ease 10:30 A.M. – 11 A.M., INSTALLER TRAINING THEATER: BOOTH 137 Soft costs are still high, so installers can benefit by learning new strategies for online marketing and proposals. The executive directors of solar marketplace EnergySage and solar co-op nonprofit Solar United Neighbors will talk about new ways to nurture prospects through the buying process by being transparent about pricing and system options.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

Workshop:

Solar + Sheep = The New Power Couple 8 A.M. – 12 P.M., ROOM 253 A If you’re a Solar Power World reader, you know our unofficial mascot is the solar sheep. C&I solar developers would be wise to look to these hoofed beasts to help manage O&M on project sites. This workshop promises to be both informative and fluffy and will be led by the American Solar Grazing Association.

9/4/19 9:07 AM

ION Solar

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Utah's

ready for its

SOLAR CLOSE-UP The site of this year's Solar Power International may not be the first state you think of when it comes to solar powerhouses, but the Beehive State has some serious sun credentials.

Utah boasts about 1,661 MW of solar installed and came in 10th place on SEIA's national solar rankings in 2019, up from 27th the year before. The state gets 6.4% of its energy from solar.

This past summer, the state capital sped up its goal to reach 100% renewable energy by two years. Salt Lake City now aims to be carbon-free by 2030 instead of 2032, with all city buildings being powered by 100% renewable energy by 2020.

"Utah is an up-and-coming market, it's got a great solar resource, it's got great conference resources and we just thought it's a chance to extend our brand into a lesser-known market," said Sean Gallagher, VP of state affairs for SEIA. "We can demonstrate to policymakers and the business structure in the state that this industry can be really a powerful driver of economic growth."

Utah is home to one of the largest residential solar installers in the country, Vivint Solar. Erica Dahl, VP of public policy and government affairs for Vivint, said the company's headquarters is near the new "Silicon Slopes" technology corridor in Lehi. Adobe's headquarters is across the street from Vivint, and Ancestry is based in nearby Provo.

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ION Solar

International Attachments is the leading supplier of Demolition Equipment for the USA and Canada.With Free Delivery in USA and a 3 Year Warranty on all our products you will be sure we can help improve your job.

3030 North Rocky Point Dr. West Suite 150 Tampa, FL 33607 Toll Free: 1-877-219-1962 | Local: 1-813-999-6024 info@iai-usa.com International Attachments AD 1 Solar Pile Driver - V2.indd 1 SPI, Utah Policy - SPW 09-19 V6 FINAL.indd 62

"This is being termed really the 'innovation hub' of Utah and so to have a solar company right in the middle of that, helping to lead out, I think is indicative of the perception that there are exciting things happening in solar both in front of and behind the meter," Dahl said.

Dahl works full-time on government affairs for Vivint across the country, but she lives in Utah and works out of Vivint’s headquarters. Her biggest project in the state currently is getting a new version of Senate Bill 111 passed in the next legislative session. The bill to create a grant program for energy storage research passed in its first legislative session but then was cut at the last minute from the state budget.

Dahl said the original sponsor is willing to support the bill again during the next session. "[Storage] is the next frontier, and to have a state like Utah be interested and have our policymakers pass that out of their state legislature on the first introduction is exciting," she said. "So, we're hopeful for a positive funding outcome in the 2020 session."

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Small components. Big Impact!

Small components.

Big Impact!

Small components. Big Impact!

Stäubli Electrical Connectors’ (formerly Multi-Contact) MC4 photovoltaic connectors are the global industry standard

and can be found on more PV modules than any other connector system in the world. With more than 1 billion installed Stäubli Electrical Connectors’ (formerly Multi-Contact) MC4provides photovoltaic areor the global industry standard PV connector components, Stäubli Electrical Connectors more connectors than 200 GW 50% of the worldwide PV

and canElectrical be foundConnectors’ on more PV modules any other connector system inconnectors the world. With more thanindustry 1 billionstandard installed capacity.

Stäubli (formerly than Multi-Contact) MC4 photovoltaic are the global PV connector components, Stäubli Electrical Connectors provides more than 200 GW or 50% of the worldwide PV and can be found on more PV modules than any other connector system in the world. With more than 1 billion installed capacity.

The MC4 connector system is rated up to 1500Connectors V UL, 1500 provides V TÜV safety and GW is available 8 AWG PV connector components, Stäubli Electrical moreclass than0200 or 50%for of 14 thethrough worldwide PV cable configurations. We are also offering the in-line fuse PV-K/ILF connector for very low energy loss and heat genecapacity.

The MC4 connector system rated up to 1500 V UL, 1500 V TÜV safety class 0 and is available for 14 through 8 AWG ration featuring a robust IP68isenclosure. cable configurations.

We areisalso offering the in-line connector very energy and heat8geneThe MC4 connector system rated up to 1500 V UL,fuse 1500PV-K/ILF V TÜV safety class for 0 and is low available forloss 14 through AWG ration configurations. featuring a robust enclosure. cable WeIP68 are also offering the in-line fuse PV-K/ILF connector for very low energy loss and heat generation featuring a robust IP68 enclosure.

Contact us today! ec.us@staubli.com | +1 (707) 838-0530 Contact us today! ec.us@staubli.com www.staubli-alternative-energies.com Contact us today! | +1 (707) 838-0530 ec.us@staubli.com | +1 (707) 838-0530 www.staubli-alternative-energies.com www.staubli-alternative-energies.com

Staubli is a trademark of Stäubli International AG, registered in Switzerland and other countries. © Stäubli 2017 | Photocredits: Stäubli Staubli is a trademark of Stäubli International AG, registered in Switzerland and other countries. © Stäubli 2017 | Photocredits: Stäubli 07.2018_MC4_solar-power_fullpage.indd 1 Staubli is a trademark of Stäubli International AG, registered in Switzerland and other countries. © Stäubli 2017 | Photocredits: Stäubli

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Vivint Solar

Vivint Solar sees SPI as a chance to show policymakers that supporting solar has many benefits for the state.

"Governor Herbert and [executive director of the governor's office of energy development] Dr. Nelson have always said that they support an above-all energy strategy in the state of Utah and I think that SPI is a perfect forum to delve into what renewables can bring to that statement," Dahl said.

"We have a very rich history with some other energy industries and so our attitude is not, 'We're trying to replace,' it's, 'We're another option.'"

Vivint is one of the few Utah solar companies with the resources to devote a full-time employee to government affairs, but Dahl said she's been working to build more industry support.

One of her first efforts when she got the job four years ago was to resurrect the state's solar energy advocacy group, the Utah Solar Energy Association, where she's now vice chair of the board of directors.

The trade organization is just as appreciative of the visibility the show will bring to Utah’s solar market. USEA president Ryan Evans said the state's net metering structure helps many residents go solar, but there's untapped potential for Utah to also become a significant exporter of solar energy if some transmission and interconnection challenges can be solved.

"Having Solar Power International coming to Utah is an amazing opportunity for the Utah solar industry. It is an opportunity to show off Utah companies and Utah solar innovations and an opportunity to show policymakers in our state how big of an industry solar truly is," Evans said.

Utah solar installer ION Solar proudly welcomes the big show to its home state. Dave Rasmussen, president of ION, said he's glad to see top solar nonprofit organizations like SEIA and SEPA take notice of Utah's solar growth and importance in the national solar market.

"Utah is investing in solar — we are working hard to push the development of renewable energy even further. The North American Smart Energy Week is a great chance for people to connect, network and work together to advance the solar energy industry," Rasmussen said. SPW 64

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SOL AR POWER INTERNATIONAL 2019 ADVANCED RACKING • BOOTH 4637

Advanced Rail Free Pitched Roof Shingle Kit The Advanced Rail Free Pitched Roof Shingle Kit is a complete, designed solution for solar racking on shingle rooftops. The PV modules can be installed in either portrait or landscape orientation, and the racking can be attached to the roof trusses or to the roof deck. The product is certified to UL 2703 standards and is available in three different finish options. With roughly 1.5 in. of vertical adjustment and nearly 12 in. of east-west adjustment, the product is extremely flexible and simple.

AMPT • BOOTH 4045

ALENCON SYSTEMS • BOOTH 2629

BOSS – Bi-Directional Optimizer for Storage Systems The Alencon BOSS is a unique solution for both improving and bringing down the cost of DC-coupled solar-plus-storage deployments while extending useful life of the batteries and improving battery rack utilization. The BOSS controls the charge and discharge of individual battery racks in both DC and AC coupled deployments. The BOSS supports the integration of energy storage with 600-, 1,000- or 1,500-V PV strings.

The BOSS can also be used for stand-alone storage deployments.

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New DC optimizers Ampt is displaying its newest line of optimizers that are used in newbuild, energy storage and repowering applications.

Visit Ampt to learn about the cost and performance advantages that its optimizers are bringing to DC-coupled energy storage systems — including a record-breaking solar-plus-storage peaker power plant (100 MWh) — and how Ampt uniquely enables emerging higher DC-to-AC ratios (up to 3:1).

Also learn how Ampt string optimizers are used to repower PV systems to increase energy production and to replace legacy inverters with lower-cost modern inverters.

www.solarpowerworldonline.com

9/4/19 9:19 AM

September 23-26, 2019 Salt Palace Convention Center Salt Lake City, UT

North America’s Largest Energy Event Solar Power International (SPI), Energy Storage International (ESI), and North America Smart Energy Week are North America’s largest solar and storage events. Join us in Salt Lake City, UT, USA this September. Over 700 exhibitors and 19,000 attendeesand delegates from around the world will be attending the event.

REGISTER AT: www.solarpowerinternational.com

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ARRAY TECHNOLOGIES • BOOTH 1627

Bifacial Solar Tracker Bifacial modules and single-axis trackers are an essential solution to increase PV plant production, which is why Array Technologies optimizes around bifacial and is careful to not add complexity or cost. Array always keeps in mind its core values of engineered simplicity and best-in-class LCOE, all without affecting the reliability of its systems. This amazing new technology comes with more power and better efficiency, which is why Array's significant experience and innovative bifacial solution is a winning combination to achieve the lowest LCOE.

AXSUS • BOOTH 825

BURNDY/WILEY • BOOTH 3857

Sol-X

Wiley ACC-F4F

The Sol-X tracker, designed and manufactured

by Axsus, is an innovative tracking system that utilizes roll formed sections and a simple drive system to exceptionally handle both bending and torsional loads, eliminating excessive stress on the structure and modules that you may see with a traditional tracker. With a flexible drive system and row lengths of up to 180 modules, Sol-X has the ability to adapt to changing terrain up to +/- 10% and achieve a higher site density. Axsus is currently working on the next generation of solar structures with release dates in Q1 2020.

The ACC-F4F wire management clip is made of corrosion resistant 304 stainless steel, which makes it a durable, long lasting and reliable solution for all environments. The ACC-F4F is easy to install and slides 90° on to module frames of various thicknesses. The ACC-F4F accommodates one to four PV cables up to 8-mm in diameter. The rolled edges are designed to help protect cable insulation from damage. ACC-F4F clips are the perfect solution for keeping the PV installation neat, clean and free from ground faults.

CERTAINTEED • BOOTH 736

Apollo II/Apollo Tile II Solar Roofing Systems At SPI 2019, CertainTeed reintroduces Apollo II and Apollo Tile II — its sleek yet powerful low-profile solar roofing system — with upgraded output (from 63 W to 70 W per shingle/tile) as well as simplified flashing for its shingle systems, making installation quicker and easier.

New CertainTeed CT Series’ 120 half-cell (formerly 60-cell) modules and updated 72-cell solar modules — available as part of CertainTeed’s affordable and efficient Solstice Solar System — have been redesigned for more power output than ever before. Advanced 120 half-cell and 72-cell modules now produce up to 315 W and 375 W, respectively (up from 305 W/360 W).

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THE POWER CURVE ADVANTAGE

Delivers outstanding customer benefits to differentiate and build your business!

7 Maximum Power (kW)

6 5 AllEarth Solar Tracker

4 3

Fixed-mount

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Grow your business and get more from the sun with the AllEarth Power Curve Advantage at www.allearthrenewables.com/the-allearth-power-curve-advantage

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9/4/19 9:29 AM

DELTA ELECTRONICS • BOOTH 2325

EATON • BOOTH 1437

Delta One-Box Residential Storage Solution

Power Defense molded case circuit breakers

One-Box, an all-in-one energy storage solution, combines solar power and battery energy to self-power your home, all the time. Delta’s One-Box Residential Storage Solution can store excess solar energy and make it available at a later time, on-demand. Through Delta's mobile app (IOS/Android), customers gain full visibility into the energy storage, selfpowered home. The storage system can detect a grid outage, disconnect from the grid and automatically restore power to your home in a few seconds time. In addition, the system can form its own stand-alone grid to utilize PV generation during daytime grid outages.

Eaton’s line of globally certified Power Defense molded case circuit breakers embed protection, energy metering, intelligence and connectivity in a foundational electrical system component to support deeper power system visibility and advanced predictive diagnostics. Bestin-class metering, breaker health monitoring and integrated communications can help dramatically improve reliability and save maintenance costs in a variety of solar and energy storage applications.

NEW!

BIG THINGS ARE ON THE HORIZON

TM

patent pending

Shown: Island Style Roof (ISR)

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HVHZ compliant Solar Racking (up to 185 mph winds) Works with ISR, SSMR, TPO & Asphalt Learn more: www.aceclamp.com/solar-racking-systems

9/4/19 9:20 AM

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ECOLIBRIUM SOLAR RACKING • BOOTH 127

FORTRESS POWER • BOOTH 7335

MetalX Racking

eVault 18.5-kWh battery

Celebrating 1 GW of installed racking, Ecolibrium Solar unveils MetalX Racking to eliminate headaches and costs from corrugated, standing seam and R-panel metal roofs.

MetalX delivers the lowest cost per watt, 73% less aluminum, no long rails, low weight, fewer attachments, shortened install time, and small components to fit 30- to 50-mm modules. MetalX is easy: Experienced project managers select the correct roof mount, do project calculations, layout, and bill of materials and provide details for permitting and inspection.

Expand your business with efficient MetalX, which paves the way to installing on thousands of metal roofs, perfect for solar.

Fortress Power is a lithium battery manufacturer based outside of Philadelphia that focuses on helping solar installers use the safest and most reliable energy storage for their projects. The 18.5-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) energy storage system can be easily integrated into your new or existing PV installation system.

From small residential to small commercial projects, Fortress has you covered with its ability to stack 12 units in parallel and use local monitoring through Fortress Power's userfriendly LCD display to read the complete details of your storage system.

GAMECHANGE SOLAR • BOOTH 1237

Genius Tracker single-axis solar tracker The Genius Tracker is the world's highest power producing and fastest installing solar tracker.

Increased row spacing means more time facing the sun and less time running from the shade, which adds up to 5% more power production than competitors. Its proprietary algorithm optimizes tilt angle based on weather data to maximize power production, which adds up to 1.25% additional power production. The pre-assembled drive arm can be lifted by one worker with no machine required. GameChange's SpeedClamp mounts modules with no additional hardware and speeds module installation time by 200%.

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HELIOLYTICS • BOOTH L47

Condition-based aerial inspection services PV portfolio managers must reduce operational costs while continually finding opportunities for system optimization and risk management. Throughout 25 GW of aerial inspection experience, Heliolytics has seen a wide range of project reliability, leading to varying levels of DC optimization needs within a portfolio.

Taking advantage of Heliolytics' high quality aircraft based sensor suite, the company's new condition-based aerial inspection services allow for decreases in fixed inspection costs of up to 50% while maintaining the highest levels of data quality and repeatability. Prioritizing ROI, Heliolytics enables managers to scale spending and resource allocation with individual site needs.

www.solarpowerworldonline.com

9/4/19 9:20 AM

Layers of Protection

Low Profile QuickBOLT with Microflashing®

Manufacturers' approved sealant We recommend that sealant is inserted into the predrilled hole to fill the penetration and ensure that the Microflashing® adheres completely to the roof

microflashing® Our innovative Microflashing® is placed over the predrilled hole with sealant to flash the penetration

L-Foot The L-Foot is placed over Collar and tightened down with a Nut to sit flush, further ensuring that no water will even come close to the penetration

quickbolt collar The collar of the QuickBOLT compresses the Microflashing® to create a leak-proof seal

over 800,000 quickbolts installed

0 leaks spi 2019•booth 4232

QUICKBOLT.com (844) 671-6045•MON-FRI: 7AM-5PM PST

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9/4/19 9:30 AM

HOYMILES • BOOTH 411

HUMLESS ENERGY STORAGE • BOOTH 3217

HM series (HM-1200 Pro, HM1500, HM-1200)

The Universal solar retrofit system

Hoymiles HM series of microinverters is the first designed with reactive power control for four solar panels.

It still offers the same features as Hoymiles former released MI1200, with module-level in-parallel solution, realtime monitoring and maintenance, which insures 100% safety of both installers and users. The HM series comes with a 6,000-V surge protection, yearly failure rate at less than 0.18%, lower LCOE with industry-leading warranty of up to 25 years.

When power outages happen, most solar installations fail. No battery backup. With growing threats to reliable electricity, retrofit opportunities abound for 24/7 grid independent power. The problem is making differing storage brands work with current installations. Humless Universal Energy Control System (UECS) solves this challenge with the most versatile energy storage system available.

Humless Universal uniquely manages simultaneous AC and DC coupling from PV grid-tied solar arrays.

Brand agnostic, it has generator auto start, can charge from the grid and works with the current net meter. This breaks new ground for customers taking charge of their power.

NO NEED TO DE-RATE CABLES SOLAR SNAKE MAX™ CABLE MANAGEMENT FOR UTILITY GRADE INSTALLATIONS

Solar Snake Max maintains the proper cable separation required by NEC Article 310 electrical code and eliminates the need to de-rate cables which substantially saves on the cost of labor and materials.

• Snap together components cuts the installation time by 50% • Quickly mounts to any style of vertical pilings or poles using messenger wire or aluminum rails

VISIT US AT

SPI

Salt Lake City

Booth #4234

Patent Pending

www.snaketray.com 800-308-6788 | Made in the USA

Check out our new utility grade demo video at www.snaketray.com/solar-max

CALL 800-308-6788 TO DISCUSS YOUR NEXT PROJECT solar power world sept 1-2 pg ad.indd 1

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9/4/19 9:20 AM

KB RACKING • BOOTH 5609

ReziRack 2.0 ReziRack 2.0 is KB Racking’s upgraded residential shingle-roof solar mounting solution, designed for use with both fully-railed and shared-rail mounting configurations. The system uses industry-leading flashing products, promoting rapid installation while forming a rigid solar mounting platform. ReziRack 2.0's adaptable design is complemented by its simple installation and feature-rich mounting rails. The KB10 rails offer integrated wire management, side mounting and common fasteners for a clean and fast installation with a 10-year standard product warranty and extended warranty available.

KERN SOLAR STRUCTURES • BOOTH 4929

Solar CarPorT System Kern Solar Structures’ Solar CarPorT System is a modular structure system that boasts industry-leading installation times and is scalable to meet any location’s specific needs. Available in multiple sizes and orientations, along with an ever-growing list of customizable add-on features, the Solar CarPorT System is the only product on the market that will meet every project’s structural and aesthetic needs. Coupled with Kern's proprietary installation method, SolFast, the Solar CarPorT System is guaranteed to decrease installation time and costs, leading to a higher quality solution for a lower price.

LG ELECTRONICS • BOOTH 1837

M O R N I N G S T A R C O R P. • B O O T H 4 6 2 9

LG NeON R ACe

Legacy charge controllers

New this year is the LG NeON R ACe solar module that produces 375 W and now incorporates a 320-W microinverter instead of a traditional inverter, bringing a simplicity to its design and logistics. The LG NeON R ACe system plugs directly into 240-V circuit breakers and has only one cable accessory, allowing much needed time savings on preparation and installation. It also offers extreme flexibility for a seamless array of panels, providing homeowners with a premium, sleek aesthetic feel on their homes. Finally, it’s covered by a 25-year limited product, part and performance warranty.

Proven for over 20 years in the world’s most demanding installations, Morningstar's ProStar charge controllers have been continuously improved with regular upgrades and enhancements. TriStar's iconic design with 99% peak efficiency is a first choice in mission-critical industrial and residential off-grid systems where failure is not an option. The SunSaver solar charge controllers' industrial-grade design is proven in challenging applications and environments.

Selected models are approved for use in hazardous locations and ideal for using solar electricity in oil and gas operations.

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OMG ROOFING PRODUCTS • BOOTH 4653

PANASONIC SOLAR • BOOTH 1201

PowerGrip roof mounts

HIT AC module

The PowerGrip line of roof mounts from OMG Roofing Products will be on display at SPI, including the new PowerGrip V, a smaller version of the PowerGrip Universal roof mount. All PowerGrip products are watertight, easy to install and provide a secure connection directly to the roof deck, thereby taking the wind load off of the membrane and onto the structural deck where it belongs.

Once secured in place, properly installed PowerGrip units can help to eliminate ballast and rack movement that can damage commercial roofing systems.

Install the power panel you’ve been waiting for and pull maximum power production from every roof size and shape. HIT AC Series combines the module efficiency of Panasonic solar panels with the intelligence of Enphase microinverters. A built-in IQ 7X microinverter with individual MPPT tracking helps deliver an all-in-one module that offers design flexibility, reduced installation time and a higher homeowner ROI. Field-replaceable microinverter with no DC wire management required yields lower cost of ownership. More power. More intelligence. Faster installation.

POWER ELECTRONICS • BOOTH 1613

HEM Hybrid Power Electronics is excited to announce the first all-in-one solar plus DC-coupled storage solution on the market, The HEM Hybrid. Power Electronic's hybrid platform is at the forefront of renewables innovation.

It empowers the widespread and cost-effective deployment of energy storage into every utility PV project. The intuitive design and focused feature sets enabled by this integrated platform bring immediate capex savings and increased project performance. The turnkey solution consists of configurable MV transformer, switchgear and up to six 500-kW DC/DC converters, compatible with different battery technologies. The HEM Hybrid solution will be unveiled for the first time at SPI.

PVH • BOOTH 119

Axone Duo The latest PV tracker PVH developed is Axone Duo, a dual-row solar tracker. Axone Duo has the best of independent trackers: adaptability to uneven terrain and to the plot contours, an installation that does not require great precision to align rows and the possibility of passing between rows. The advantages of multirow trackers are also included: fewer motors, shorter piles, less wind load and an installation at low height. PVH’s automatic water-free solar panel cleaning robot PV Cleaner is compatible with Axone Duo. It works autonomously for four hours and drastically reduces the need of O&M personnel.

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Find additional product and project databases on solarpowerworldonline.com

Technology • Development • Installation

Find Us | Solar.indd 77

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Q CELLS • BOOTH 1419

Q.PEAK DUO BLK-G6+ The new Q.PEAK DUO BLK-G6+ is manufactured with larger cells that allow each module to deliver up to 6% more power, equivalent to up to 345 W. The product is assembled in America at Q CELLS’ Georgia facility, and is an ideal solution for the U.S. residential solar market, with optimized shading behavior for increased energy yields. It also offers long-term reliability with a 25-year product warranty and one of the lowest degradation rates in the industry, which guarantees 85% initial performance in the 25th year.

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QUEST RENEWABLES • BOOTH 4854

RBI SOLAR • BOOTH 837

QuadPod Windmaster

Dahlia fixed-tilt mounting system

QuadPod Windmaster is designed, engineered and tested for winds up to 180 mph and requires just four foundations per truss pair. Windmaster addresses potential racking failures identified in Rocky Mountain Institute’s "Solar Under Storm."

What if you could increase the ground coverage ratio (GCR) on you next project and not have to worry about the complex variables that come with a tracker system? The low tilt and clearance design of the Dahlia is engineered to maximize PV coverage, creating a greater financial return for project owners and integrators. With the simplified engineering of a fixed-tilt system, Dahlia requires fewer connections to be made in the field. Also in the RBI booth: the company's new service offering Underground Surety, where RBI will accept the risk and costs associated with installation complications. Customers will not receive change orders and projects will be completed on schedule.

REC GROUP • BOOTH 1637

ROLLS BATTERY ENGINEERING • BOOTH 2728

REC Alpha Series

Rolls LFP lithium models

REC Group introduces the Alpha Series: 380-W, 21.7% efficiency, engineered for power, durability and strength and designed to blend in harmoniously with any roof. Emerging from REC’s leadership in half-cut cell technology, the Alpha combines the benefits of crystalline silicon solar cells, thin-film technologies and 120 half-cut heterojunction cells with an award-winning design to deliver the world’s best power density in a 60-cell module. REC’s Alpha is engineered for higher efficiency and energy yield, even at higher temperatures, and produces 20% more power than conventional panels — perfect for rooftops with shading or space constraints. Available in a black frame with black or white back sheet.

Rolls Battery is pleased to announce the addition of Rolls lithium iron phosphate (LFP) models to its growing product range. Available in a 24-V, 2.3kWh or 48-V, 6.5-kWh system, these high-quality LiFePO4 batteries offer a built-in BMS packaged in a maintenance-free compact and scalable platform, delivering ideal energy storage solutions for PSOC operation with fast discharge and charging capability.

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S-5! • BOOTH 3745

GripperFix and PVKIT 2.0 S-5! introduces the universal GripperFix utility system for standing seam, exposed-fastened and trapezoidal metal roof profiles. Mount almost anything with this safe and cost-effective system that uses only struts, S-5! clamps or brackets and tabs. Install HVAC, satellite dishes, inverters, conduit, communication equipment, service walkways, light fixtures and more. This all-aluminum and stainless system will last the life of the roof. Also featured at the booth: a new and improved PVKIT 2.0, preassembled with MidGrab or EdgeGrab for easier installation. A single tool drives the top bolt, eliminating several installation steps. The PVKIT 2.0 features more aggressive bonding teeth for better grounding. Fewer lugs/ground wires required.

SCOOP SOLAR • BOOTH 3633

New Web User Interface Scoop's elegant new web portal, now optimized for both tablets and widescreens, pairs with its best-in-class mobile interface to provide seamless field communications, work order assignment, task and project tracking and reporting.

Field and office teams are kept in total sync with a real-time view of project status, photos and activities, with an easy to use form builder that ensures technicians follow the exact steps required for each task and collect all critical field data needed. See why Scoop customers save, on average, $1,500 per employee per month in avoided soft costs like rework and repeat site visits.

SIGHTEN • BOOTH 3621

SILFAB SOLAR • BOOTH 2701

Solar-plus-storage design and proposal tool

BC Series-SIL 330 BL

Sighten delivers the industry’s most intuitive and robust toolset for solar sales organizations of all sizes.

Empower your team to close more deals with accurate shading and production modeling, an easy to use design tool, customizable proposal, precise financial modeling, and the ability to run credit for select financiers. In Sighten's most recent update, you may now model storage, energy efficiency, forecast additional usage with an electric vehicle and much more. Sighten also helps larger organizations with channel management, an integrated CRM, e-sign docs and project management.

Silfab Solar is one of the largest North American solar manufacturers and an international leader in the development of premium PV modules. A 2019 PVEL/ DNV GL top performer and Gold Stevie Award Winner, the SIL 330-W BL panel is a back-contact metal-wrap-through panel utilizing 126 half-cut monoPERC MWT c-Si cells combined with an electrically conductive backsheet

by DSM. Superior power is achieved through relocation of the tabbing ribbon to reduce shading on the front providing an aesthetically pleasing black-onblack panel ideal for residential installations. All backed by a 25-year product workmanship warranty.

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SNAPNRACK SOLAR MOUNTING SOLUTIONS • BOOTH 2801

Ultra Rail Roof Mount System SnapNrack’s new Ultra Rail Roof Mount System has become a market leader for rail-based systems. SnapNrack expanded Ultra Rail with an additional rail profile, UR-60, that meets increased load requirements. Ultra Rail has received overwhelmingly positive feedback in the field. The system has many value added features at an affordable price while supporting all roof types. A major added benefit of the Ultra Rail system is that it maintains compatibility with all module clamps and accessories that installers rely on for ease of install.

SOLAR FLEXRACK • BOOTH 425

SOLAR-LOG • BOOTH L42

FlexRack TDP & TDP 2 single-axis trackers with BalanceTrac

Solar-Log WEB Enerest 4.0

See the TDP Solar Tracker Series and meet with the team that delivers the most reliable solar tracker, racking products and project services in the industry. With a scalable business model, low error rate, excellent solar racking products and world-class engineering team, it’s time to take another look at Solar FlexRack. The company's new pricing model is in place and Solar FlexRack is now competitive in all the right ways.

The all new Solar-Log WEB Enerest 4.0 is a completely redesigned, power-packed energy monitoring and management platform. This enhanced platform provides intelligent, real-time error detection and intuitive controls for faster diagnostics and recovery.

Streamlined analysis is possible through comprehensive data aggregation and future self-learning functionality. This will cut down the time it takes to analyze plant performance errors and make all fleet data visible at a glance. Faster and easier troubleshooting guarantees smooth plant operation. When combined with the recently released Solar-Log Base, SolarLog WEB Enerest 4.0, will provide a complete solar plant array monitoring and control solution.

SOLARIA • BOOTH 4960

AC

Solaria PowerXT 370-W panel (residential) and Solaria PowerXT 440-W (commercial)

se

Achieving 20%+ efficiency, beautifully aesthetic PowerXT panels deliver superior power and performance — and excellent project economics. With superior shading performance and higher energy yield, PowerXT’s value is unparalleled, generating clean electricity on space-constrained roofs. Leveraging patented cell design, module architecture and assembly techniques, PowerXT has no visible circuitry. Its pure black design is exceedingly attractive, with excellent curb appeal. Optimized and engineered for maximum energy output, PowerXT offers certified quality and an industry-leading 25-year warranty. Optimized and engineered for maximum energy output, PowerXT consistently sets the standard for quality, reliability and durability.

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BUR18_

SUNFLARE • BOOTH 2543

SUNMODO • BOOTH 3046

LiteMount

SunTurf Multi-Purpose System

Sunflare introduces LiteMount - the world’s lightest framed solar module system that fits every metal roof attachment and metal profile in the market. “There are almost 264 trillion sq. ft of metal roofs worldwide," said Sunflare’s CEO Philip Gao. "At almost 4 lb per sq. ft, silicon is too heavy to be installed on many metal roofs. LiteMount weighs less than 1 lb per sq. ft installed. Our mission is to reduce CO2, so it’s imperative to find innovative ways to go where traditional solar can’t.

LiteMount is low-profile and rugged, ready to do the heavy lifting in the weight-constrained market.”

SunModo offers the next generation multi-purpose system with SunTurf. The versatile system can be used as roof mount, ground mount, canopy or multi-pole. The streamlined design combines the simplicity of a pipe-based system with next-level engineering. By spanning over roof obstructions, SunTurf Roof Mount takes full advantage of the available roof surface therefore maximizing the PV system size and increasing your ROI. The system easily achieves 7-ft leading edge height. Anchor SunTurf Ground Mount uses one of SunModo's foundation types including ground screw, auger, ballasted “eco-block” and traditional post and concrete.

SunTurf is ideal for solar installers looking for a low cost high performance system.

ACC-FPV90 holds up to two PV wires

ACC-F4F holds up to four PV wires and has two securement attachments

The Right Angle for Wire Management

ACC-F490 holds up to four PV wires

Introducing three new easy-to-install additions to the Wiley 90 degree series for wire management.

A perfect solution for keeping the PV installation neat, clean and free from ground faults.

Ask your local BURNDY Sales Representative about the entire Wiley line of wire management products.

Join in on the BURNDY conversation.

© BURNDY LLC, 2018

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TE CONNECTIVITY • BOOTH 5310

TERRASMART • BOOTH 1227

SLK 2.0 Connector

GLIDE

TE Connectivity’s (TE) SOLARLOK 2.0 connector is a field installable product using insulation displacement contact (IDC) technology. This UL 6703 approved 1,500-V, standard industry interface connector is almost tool-less to apply (just use a channel lock plier) and reduces approximately 80% of installation time compared to a traditional connector. SLK 2.0 eliminates almost all common failures seen at connector installations. SLK 2.0 is IP 68 rated and offers the installer an easy, quick and reliable connection from the PV cable to the PV panel. SLK 2.0 fits with solar wires AWG 14, 12 and 10 in one product.

TerraSmart’s breakthrough bifacial racking solution, GLIDE, will be presented through an augmented reality (AR) experience at SPI 2019.

GLIDE’s intuitive design elements, bifacial module compatibility, simplified connections, agile parts and notable reduction in hardware are just a few features that will be showcased at one of the three AR interaction areas. TerraSmart will also display its turnkey construction phases beginning from civil work to the racking and module installation of an entire solar farm. The third AR experience will unveil TerraTrak, TerraSmart’s first single-axis tracker optimized with an A-Frame design, built to fit TerraSmart's ground screw foundation.

TIGO ENERGY • BOOTH 5347

TROJAN BATTERY COMPANY/C&D TECHNOLOGIES • BOOTH 7047

TS4-A-2F (Fire Safety)

Trillium, Intelligent Lithium Trillium, Trojan’s Intelligent Lithium batteries, feature more runtime, longer life and deliver peace of mind. Trillium is designed and engineered in the United States and is available in three popular sizes that can be used in a variety of solar applications. From its superior cell and battery design to its intelligent, built-in diagnostics, Trillium offers a range of advanced safety, environmental and electronic features not found in competitive products. It's waterproof and dustproof and designed to be a true replacement for deep-cycle lead-acid batteries.

With life expectancy over 5,000 cycles, Trillium will deliver outstanding return on investment over time.

Tigo's flexible MLPE enable a choice of plug-and-play functionality to any new or existing PV module. The TS4 Platform includes unique capabilities — module-level monitoring, safety, optimization. The new TS4-A-2F (Fire Safety) is an advanced retrofit/addon for rapid shutdown with powerline communication for two modules up to 1,000 W.

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LISTEN ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST APP OR DIRECTLY FROM ARCHIVES AT WINDPOWERENGINEERING.COM AND SOLARPOWERWORLDONLINE.COM

wind talk Podcasts interview the industry’s biggest newsmakers and allow them to tell their stories.

contractors corner Podcasts feature solar contractors from around the country. See how others are doing business and get ideas to implement into your own.

solar speaks

Solar Power World’s flagship podcast series, gives you the opportunity to hear from the industry’s biggest newsmakers in their own words.

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KELLY PICKEREL

[CONTRACTORS CORNER]

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Palmetto State Solar holds strong in the booming Carolinas market Palmetto State Solar Greenville, South Carolina The Carolinas are having an extended moment in the solar industry. North Carolina is second in the nation for kilowatts installed and is a utility-scale solar powerhouse. South Carolina is quickly catching up, ranking 12th in the nation for solar kilowatts installed just in 2018 and actually surpassing its northern neighbor for total number of individual projects. Competition is fierce, something Palmetto State Solar president Aaron Davis is keenly aware of.

“When I got here nearly four years ago, it was kind of the Wild West. There were very few companies here. Then it has just exploded,” he said. “It is increasingly difficult for companies to set themselves apart. Our motto is if you’re not 100% happy, then we’re not 100% finished. We really take that seriously. With our ‘no subcontractor’ model, we do as much as we can to separate ourselves.”

Palmetto State Solar was founded in 2016 after Davis, an experienced solar salesperson, grew tired of making promises to customers that he couldn’t keep. The national companies he sold for would subcontract the installation work after the sale was secured, and Davis had no way of knowing if the projects were completed up to his promised standards.

“In sales, I was the guy that would sit down, shake the hand, look them in the eye, telling them it’s a good decision, they’re in good hands, we will take care of them every step of the way,” he said. “I wanted to bring to my own company the control to be

Podcast Alert!

Listen to this and other Contractors Corner podcasts on your favorite podcast app.

everybody’s really on the same page about our mission: if you’re not 100% happy when we’re finished, then we’re not done yet. able to keep promises I was making. We have all our people in-house. We’re in control of the quality, the schedule and ultimately that leads to happier customers, because we can deliver on everything that was promised.”

After three years, Palmetto State Solar has 18 full-time employees installing more than 700 kW annually, primarily in the residential market in both North and South Carolina. Davis said he loves the team he’s assembled, and he’ll brag about them any day.

“I’ve got a real point of employing people who have great experience, who have a lot more to offer than what I possibly do in certain areas,” he said. “Everybody’s really on the same 84

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[CONTRACTORS CORNER]

page about our mission: If you’re not 100% happy when we’re finished, then we’re not done yet. Everybody’s on board with that, all the way through every process.”

Davis hopes that being a full-service installation company sets Palmetto State Solar apart from the increasing number of fly-by-night solar companies that continue to infiltrate the competitive Carolinas market. To further stand out, Palmetto State Solar recently became an authorized Panasonic dealer.

“We’re focused on quality — not just on workmanship but also on the materials that we offer,” Davis said. “We don’t offer exclusively Panasonic, but their brand awareness can give people peace of mind. They’re making a long-term investment here, so knowing that they’ve got more than just a local South Carolina company working with them…there’s an international brand backing [us] as well.”

Palmetto State Solar is also making strides at becoming the expert on storage in the Carolinas. Davis said he’s doing more research and getting more training on the emerging technology.

“For most of my history in solar, I’ve tried to steer [customers] away from [storage]: ‘You don’t need batteries. They’re too expensive and the technology isn’t good enough yet,’” he said. “But the conversation of generation vs. storage is getting harder to separate as the market develops more.

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[CONTRACTORS CORNER]

www.iai-usa.com

plus BSM380M-72/5BB Monocrystalline 72 cells 355w-380w

1-877-219-1962

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www.iai-usa.com

It’s time to step up or be left behind, so we really need to get on board.”

The solar contractor has installed a few LG and sonnen battery systems, and it is working with other companies to understand the different storage choices.

“Every battery has different capabilities and different limitations, so it’s a matter of figuring out who needs what and making the right recommendation,” Davis said. “We’re putting a lot of emphasis on it and putting a lot of work into separating ourselves from the crowd by being the authority on storage in the market.”

At least being aware of the latest technologies should keep Palmetto State Solar at the top of everyone’s mind when it comes to solar in the Carolinas, Davis believes.

“I’d like to get into other things like energy efficiency, smart home kind of stuff. We want to stay ahead of the curve,” he said. “The [solar] industry is a weird one. There are always curveballs, so we want to diversify so that whatever comes up, we’ve got something ready.” SPW

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AceClamp - PMC ..........................................................70 ALL-WAYS IMAGING ...................................................... 6 AllEarth Renewables ...................................................69 Allied Moulded Products ...................................... cover Altech Corporation ........................................................ 3 APsystems.......................................................................... 1 Aurora Solar ....................................................................15 Axitec Solar.......................................................................11 Blu Banyon .....................................................................25 Chint Power Systems ..................................................45 Continental Control Systems ...................................... 6 EnergyBin .......................................................................59 Fall Protection Distributors .......................................... 2 Fronius USA ...................................................................53 Hanwha Q Cells .............................................................. 7 HCS Renewable Energy ............................................... 5 Hoymiles Converter Technology Co. Ltd. ...................................................IBC International Attachments, Inc. USA .........47, 62, 86 M Bar C Construction ..................................................48 Megger .............................................................................41 Nearmap ...................................................................18, 43 Nine Fasteners, Inc. .....................................................35 NLS Engineering ..........................................................22

Panasonic Eco Solutions .............................................. 9 Primoris ...........................................................................65 Quest Renewables .......................................................87 QuickBOLT ..................................................................... 73 RBI Solar ..........................................................................31 RDO Integeated Solutions .........................................55 Renegade Wire Corporation .....................................33 S-5! .................................................................................. 50 Seaward Group .............................................................27 Sensata Technologies ..................................................17 SHOALS Technologies Group .................................. BC Snake Tray ..................................................................... 74 Solar Flex Rack ..............................................................71 Solar Power International ...........................................67 SolarBOS, Inc. ................................................................19 Staubli .............................................................................63 Sungrow Power Supply Co, Ltd. ...............................23 SunModo ........................................................................38 Surrette-Rolls Battery ..................................................26 Swinterton Renewables ............................................ IFC Travelers Indemnity Company ..................................39 Wanzek.............................................................................21 Wiley Products ...............................................................81

SALES Jim Powers 312.925.7793 jpowers@wtwhmedia.com @jpowers_media

Ashley N. Burk 737.615.8452 aburk@wtwhmedia.com

David Geltman 516.510.6514 dgeltman@wtwhmedia.com @wtwh_david Neel Gleason 312.882.9867 ngleason@wtwhmedia.com @wtwh_ngleason

Jami Brownlee 224.760.1055 jbrownlee@wtwhmedia.com Tamara Phillips 216.386.0953 tphillips@wtwhmedia.com

LEADERSHIP TEAM

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VP of Sales Mike Emich 508.446.1823 memich@wtwhmedia.com @wtwh_memich

EVP Marshall Matheson 805.895.3609 mmatheson@wtwhmedia.com @mmatheson

Managing Director Scott McCafferty 310.279.3844 smccafferty@wtwhmedia.com @SMMcCafferty

Publisher Courtney Nagle 440.523.1685 cseel@wtwhmedia.com @wtwh_CSeel

SOLAR POWER WORLD

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NO MUss. no Fuss.

The first and only above-ground, patent-pending system that does not require combiner boxes or in-array trenching, and can offer $avings in the field up to 62.5%

®

combiner boxes field o&m combiner torquingboxes field o&m cable trays torquing trenches cable trays trenches re-combiners re-combiners

The BLA (Big Lead Assembly ) takes all the guesswork out of wiring your solar field. Using Shoals’ latest in-line fuse and wire manufacturing technology, we offer you a site free of DC string combiners. The entire load is combined into a single pair of aluminum conductors running from the string combiner to the inverter. There’s no need to trench for DC feeders or hang string combiner boxes. And when terminated with the BAC connector, the whole array is plug-&-play. Plug in the panel strings, plug into the inverter, and just walk away! ®

1400 Shoals Way, Portland, TN 37148

SHOALS | SPW 09-19.indd 90

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615.451.1400

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sales@shoals.com

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