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THE FIRST WORD Editorial Advisory Board Jim Jenal Run on Sun Brad Dore SMA America Rick Gilbert Solar Source Natalie Holtgrefe SolectriaA Yaskawa Company Scott Franklin Lumos Solar Wendi Littlefield SunLink Scott Wiater Standard Solar Meghan VincentJones Quick Mount PV
What’s trending in solar? Has the U.S. solar industry changed since we launched Solar Power World in 2011? More than slightly. For starters, the U.S. has five times the solar capacity. And for industry veterans who can look back to the beginning of their renewable energy careers—five, 10 or 20 years ago—the technology and financial landscape is entirely evolved, with supply chains, market acceptance and big-bank financing. Still, exactly how the industry has changed, and how these changes are affecting solar businesses, can depend on who you talk to and where they work. We’ve sought opinions from different locations to determine what’s trending in solar today. Our findings are shared with you in our Trends section, covering topics from financing to site assessment to components. As always, our regular departments deliver actionable insight, including how to handle frameless modules, the new grid functions of inverters and even marketing advice on how to perfect your sales message. We hope that as you walk the floor at Intersolar North America, information in this issue can serve as talking points to keep the conversation going. See you there! SPW
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SOLAR POWER WORLD
M an ag ing E dit or Kat hi e Zi pp kz ip p @wt wh m e d ia.com
5 • 2015
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Technology • Development • Installation
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producing material. Thanks to Sapa, our customer soon had locally produced material in hand across multiple regions, faster than dealing with multiple extrusion companies. From cost-effective regional production of materials, to global transfer of information between facilities, working with Sapa Extrusions offers customers the very best in aluminum extrusion design and production.
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CONTENTS
M a y 2 0 1 5 • vol 5 n o 3 w w w. so l ar po w e r w o rl do n l ine .co m
38
ON THE COVER ON THE COVER
20 26 72 76 2 FIRST WORD 76 PROJECTS
82 CONTRACTORS CORNER 84 SOLAR SNAPSHOT
8 MARKETING
A panel breaking through the cover represents the impact of solar trends that are powering the industry into mainstream acceptance. Having achieved the 20 GW mark, solar is proving it has a place in the U.S. energy mix, and the innovative trends discussed in this issue are paving the way.
Tips for a successful campaign
SOLAR POWER WORLD
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New functions improve grid stability
30 MOUNTING
16 FINANCING
66 STORAGE & OFF-GRID
19 POLICY
68 SERVICES
20 PANEL POINTS
72 SOFTWARE
Best practices for double-glass modules
The problem with PPAs
Judicial and legislative victories
26 INVERTER INSIDER
12 INSTALLATION PRACTICES
All about backsheets and thin-film
6
86 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT 88 AD INDEX
How to prevent leaks Learning battery backup
Employing union and veteran labor High-tech prospecting
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CohnReznick is an independent member of Nexia International
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Forward Thinking Creates Results.
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[MARKETING]
The science and art of solar marketing The time has come to think about your marketing. Are you successful and looking to do more, bombing miserably or have no idea where to start? Don’t worry, no matter what stage you’re in, we’ve all lived through it. Luckily, the information we need is at our fingertips. Recently, I had the privilege of interviewing Nancy Edwards, principal of Clean Power Marketing Group. Nancy built her career in the entertainment industry and in 2010 moved to renewables. She has extensive knowledge on marketing best practices and shares her tips on creating a successful campaign. Stacy Combest Stacy Combest is the marketing manager at WTWH Media, the publisher of Solar Power World. For more marketing advice, go to marketing.wtwhmedia.com.
Nancy Edwards Nancy Edwards is principal of Clean Power Marketing Group.
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What is important to consider about your audience when beginning to market to them? Thank you for asking first about audience! In the Wild West world of solar, it’s tempting to gallop straight into tactics, but it’s so important to think first about who your audience is and what they care about. Of course, you want to zero-in on specific demographics, and in residential solar, that’s age, income bracket and specific zip codes, if available. In the commercial market, segment your customers by industry, not size, and you’ll be much more relevant in your communications. The second aspect crucial to consider about your audience is why they care. In the commercial world, people are most often motivated by financial returns. But certain segments (public education, for example) care about the broader benefits of solar. How should a company handle presenting its strengths and weaknesses? It’s always better to focus on your strengths, but understanding your weaknesses from a customer point of view can help you navigate difficult conversations. If you know, for instance, that you are one of the more expensive solar contractors in your community, be ready to answer why. Is it because you offer a superior product? Is it because your service is outstanding?
5 • 2015
How should your message address the competition? The first rule of effective messaging is to talk to your customers, not your competitors. Certainly, it makes sense to highlight the competitive differences your company offers, but focus on your strengths and not your competitor’s weaknesses. And of course, always be sure you can deliver whatever you promise. How often should a company change or update its marketing slogan/campaign? I’m going to get a bit heretical here: I’m not a big fan of marketing slogans. I don’t believe any customers will knock down your doors because of a catchy slogan. But I do believe marketing taglines or slogans can be helpful in that they’re a constant reminder for your employees. If your message is “We are the solar experts,” then your field staff better be trained and ready for any question. When it comes to campaigns, it is better to err on the side of redundancy. Remember the frequency rule of three: A prospect needs to see your message at least three times in rapid succession before they’ll take action. While we’re talking action, is your campaign’s call to action obvious, easy and fulfilling? Every time you ask your prospect to respond, make sure there is an immediate reward. Customer interactions should be rewarding and should always lead the prospect to the next natural step in a very fulfilling relationship. Do you recommend testing a message? If so, how? Message testing is always recommended, but if you think about it, you’re testing messages every time you talk to a customer. If you want to get semi-scientific, most email providers offer the ability to A/B test subject lines. If you’re trying to understand,
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[MARKETING]
The next evolution in rail less solar mounting solutions will be seen at Intersolar NA in San Francisco, West Hall, Level 3, Booth #9633. Will you be there to experience it for yourself?
for instance, whether your audience will respond better to a message of solar’s financial benefit vs. an environmental message, do a simple A/B test against a subset of your audience with two different subject lines: “Save Money with Solar” vs. “Reduce your Carbon Footprint with Solar.” Make the messages distinct enough that the responses matter. Do you have any additional advice for solar companies hoping to broaden their marketing message? Effective marketing requires discipline and, like any good science, a bit of trial and error. Don’t be afraid to try new things in your marketing, but give your efforts time to work. If you need more guidance on how to create an effective marketing strategy, Clean Power Marketing Group is happy to help. SPW
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5 • 2015
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[INSTALLATION PRACTICES]
Tips for installing double-glass modules Canadian Solar has joined other manufacturers offering glass-on-glass, or
Canadian Solar Marketing For additional product information on the Diamond Module, visit Canadian Solar at canadiansolar.com.
double-glass, modules with its introduction of the CS6K-P-PG Diamond module. Doubleglass modules are gaining attention in the industry for their sleek appearance and improved performance. For solar contractors familiar with framed modules, however, glass-onglass construction can complicate installation efforts. Below, Canadian Solar offers four tips for installing this type of module.
1: Correctly set the bolt torque to ensure the double-glass module is firmly secured. Laboratory test results show that a nominal bolt torque of 23±3N.m is recommended for the Diamond module. Other modules will have different values—check the installation manual. To tighten bolts with uniform torque values, use a qualified torque wrench. In addition, it is critical to verify bolt torque requirements from fastener suppliers’ documentation before installing double-glass modules. And be sure to check your module’s installation manual for which mounting products are endorsed by the supplier.
2: Use proper safety tools, including durable rubber suction cups and strong gloves, for safe handling of double-glass modules. Double-glass modules must be handled carefully by installers to avoid damage. If the modules are installed incorrectly, the probability of damage dramatically increases. Canadian Solar recommends using two pairs of rubber vacuum cups to handle the panel. Modules must always be unpacked and transported by two people. When using suction cups, the surfaces of the modules must be kept clean in order to ensure proper adhesion.
3: Allow for additional buffer space between the rear glass and mounting rails. When the doubleglass module is exposed to different climatic loads, the panel may deflect, which means the rear glass may come in direct contact with any adjacent aluminum or steel rails. Therefore, in the case of dynamic loads (such as wind gusts during a storm), the modules will face an 12
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5 • 2015
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MC4 stands for Multi-Contact ø 4 mm Connector Multi-Contact’s MC4 photovoltaic connectors are the global industry standard and can be found on more PV modules than any other connector system in the world. The MC4 is now rated up to 1000 V UL, 1500 V TÜV safety class 0 and is available for 14 through 8 AWG cable configurations. MC4-EVO 3 is fully compatible with our MC4 connectors and is the only solution rated at 1500 V TÜV safety class II. Multi-Contact’s patented connector technology is characterized by low contact resistance, unrivaled long-term reliability and proven in-field performance for the expected life of PV systems. For safety and compliance, MC4 connectors do not cross-mate with connectors from other manufacturers. Rely on the original! Contact us today! +1 (707) 838-0530 usa@multi-contact.com www.mc-pv-portal.com Visit us at: Intersolar North America July 13–15, 2015 San Francisco, CA Booth # 8511
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[INSTALLATION PRACTICES]
increased risk of damage. Canadian Solar recommends that a reasonable level of buffer material, such as EPDM rubber, be mounted between standard rails and the back side of the double-glass modules. Typically, rubber materials can be preassembled in a solar module workshop or on-site during module installation.
approximately 1 mm. If a suitable allowance is not maintained and the side edges of the double-glass module come in contact with the side edge of the aluminum clamp, this will result in contract stress, causing the material to expand and potentially crack. Also be sure to follow additional tips below:
4: Ensure there is adequate allowance on double-glass modules so the frame is not susceptible to any damage. During installation,
• Place one special blocking on the standard rail to ensure that an appropriate gap is maintained between the clamps and the edge of the double-glass module. • For Diamond double-glass modules, Canadian Solar recommends at least a 1-mm gap between the clamps and edge of the module to ensure
it is critical that suitable allowance is maintained to preserve rigid contact between the clamp and the edge of the double-glass module. The suitable allowance needed is fairly narrow,
adequate room and space for expansion. • In addition, place one special buffer on the standard rail to maintain a reasonable gap between the clamps and edge of the double-glass module. • The compatibility of the special blocking design must be maintained with the majority of double-glass modules and clamps. The same or similar aluminum alloy materials are required to ensure that the module is set properly. • Finally, remove the special blocking from the standard rail after fixing the double-glass module with clamps. SPW
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[FINANCING]
Solar homeowners deserve better financing options With the dramatic decline in the price of
Neil Z. Auerbach Neil Z. Auerbach is the CEO and Managing Partner of Hudson Clean Energy.
solar panels, consumers now find solar to be an economical choice in an ever-increasing number of regional markets. The result has been a solar boom, especially in the residential sector, where the growth rate has been nothing short of explosive. But despite this growth, residential solar is still in its nascent stages, with a penetration rate barely nudging 1%. What will it require for residential solar to take its place at the table with other mature energy asset classes? One answer is compelling finance solutions, such as low-cost, easy-toexecute loans that require no down payment and offer consumers cost savings on electricity bills from Day 1. Such products have only recently been introduced in the residential solar financing market, but once their use becomes widespread, there will be nothing stopping the residential solar market.
Problems with PPAs and leases The dominant financing products in today’s residential market are leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs). But these carry inherent drawbacks that are a legacy of their origin in the solar commercial and industrial space. The primary drawback is that the homeowner doesn’t own the system—it is owned by the leaseholder or the PPA provider. Apart from Americans having a strong preference for ownership, the major liability of the lease/PPA model is that the leaseholder or PPA provider reaps the benefit of valuable state and federal financial incentives. One is SRECS, a state incentive that rewards producers of solar electricity, and another is the federal ITC for 30% of the upfront cost. Although the ITC for residential solar is due to reduce at the end of 2016, it has been, and remains, a powerful incentive. Another major drawback of the lease and PPA models is that there is no opportunity for the homeowner to generate free electricity. Under these models, the homeowner just keeps on paying a monthly fee. Instead, through residential loans the homeowner owns the system free and clear once the term of the loan is up. Since solar systems are generally warrantied for 25 years and may have a lifespan of 30 years or more, this means the 16
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5 • 2015
homeowner could ultimately benefit from years of free electricity. Still another drawback is that the lease/PPA model adds nothing to the value of a home—in fact, it may even detract from it. The loan model makes a home more valuable—typically more valuable than the outstanding loan balance.
What makes a good residential solar loan? So if loans are better than the competing financial products, why do leases and PPAs dominate the residential solar financing market? The reason is that there haven’t been a lot of good residential solar loan products around—ones that require no money down, are low-cost so consumers achieve significant savings on their electricity bills from Day 1 and are easy-to-execute with online or over-thephone approvals in a matter of minutes. Traditional solar loan products typically have terms of 10 to 12 years, which means monthly payments will often be higher than the monthly electricity bill from the utility—a price premium that demands a greater commitment to renewable energy than many homeowners are willing to make. By contrast, longer-term loans translate to lower monthly payments, which means the cost of solar is lower than the cost of electricity from the utility from the very outset. SolarCity has blazed a trail with its MyPower loan, cast as a 30-year loan in the form of a PPA. Although very popular with consumers right now, SolarCity’s version of the loan doesn’t offer consumers what every loan product should provide: the promise of years of payment-free ownership of an energy asset on their roof. As loans with 15- to 25-year tenures become more widely available, homeowners will be able to enjoy the twin benefits of immediate utility bill savings and the promise of free energy down the road. While leases and PPAs dominate today’s residential solar financing market, that can be expected to change with the introduction of better residential solar loans. When that happens, consumers will have the opportunity to adopt solar in ever-increasing numbers, and residential solar will be seated comfortably at the grownup table of energy service providers. SPW
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5/20/15 10:19 PM
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[SOLAR POLICY]
Solar in the States
A guide to recent initiatives, legislation and policy research in the U.S.
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On Earth Day, a district court judge ended a lawsuit filed by a homeowner to prohibit groundbased solar arrays and remove existing ones in her housing development. The homeowner said the solar arrays violated the subdivision’s covenants. The involved homeowners association, however, supported the arrays. “Public policy is in favor of solar power,” said John Hays, the association’s attorney, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican.
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Photo: Clean Energy Collective developed and installed this community solar array in Golden, Colorado, which will provide power to Xcel Energy customers. Learn more about community solar in this issue’s ‘Trending Now’ feature.
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Moving toward community solar Annapolis, Maryland
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HB 1087 and SB 398 will create a threeyear community solar pilot program, giving the 80% of Marylanders who can’t install solar of their own—due to shading, being renters or other problems—an option and letting the state investigate best practices. If the governor signs the bill, Maryland will be the 11th state to allow community solar.
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PSC considers net metering Jackson, Mississippi The Public Service Commission has opened public consultation on net metering until July 1. Commissioner Brandon Presley told the Sierra Club he is “bound and determined” to find ways to save residents money, and net metering could help. Some utility companies fight net metering, however, saying that solar customers do not support grid infrastructure.
Opinions wanted Tallahassee, Florida The Florida Public Service Commission is requesting input for development of policies or programs to enhance Florida’s use of solar energy. PSC commissioners recently agreed that information from individuals, businesses and utilities on practical ways to more effectively promote solar energy in Florida would be useful, according to the Palm Beach Post.
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APS tries to raise rates Phoenix, Arizona The state’s largest utility, APS, has asked regulators for permission to raise fees for solar users to $3 per kW installed. Currently, users pay $0.70 per kW, or about $5 a month on a typical residential system. APS has strongly argued about the cost-shift with solar users using the grid and asked regulators for permission to charge users between $50 to $100 a month, which would have decimated the solar industry in the state.
Third-party leasing has big supporters Raleigh, North Carolina If enacted, the Energy Freedom Act would let independent power producers compete against large utilities with third-party leasing. In March, 10 corporations—including Volvo, WalMart and Target—urged politicians to pass legislation that could propel North Carolina beyond its position as fourthmost solarized state in the nation.
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Judge stands up for solar Eldorado at Santa Fe, New Mexico
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Intersolar to highlight California policy San Francisco, California Conference organizers and CALSEIA will shape conference programs that highlight new financing models, policies and technologies driving recordbreaking growth in the U.S. market. “We achieved critical policy victories in 2014, including passing the nation’s first statewide permitting law,” said Bernadette Del Chiaro, executive director of the CALSEIA. The conference takes place July 13-15.
5 • 2015
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KELLY PICKEREL
PANEL POINTS
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Backsheet
» WEBINAR ALERT THE IMPORTANCE OF BACKSHEETS WHEN CHOOSING PANELS
The professionals at Dunmore, a global supplier of coated and laminated films and foils, recently supported Solar Power World on a webinar about the importance of backsheets (find the webinar at solarpowerworldonline. com), and the following is a summary of key points, contributed by Dunmore’s Michael Sullivan and Lee Smith. Solar modules were originally encapsulated between two layers of glass. The backsheet was initially developed to save weight by replacing the roof-facing layer of glass. The primary functions of the backsheet are to save weight, provide electrical insulation, keep the adhesive from yellowing and reflect light to increase energy production.
Are there different types of backsheets? There are a number of different types of backsheets. Most consist of a three-layer construction: an outer weatherable layer, a core dielectric layer and an inner adhesive layer. There are also backsheets for specialized applications; for example, an aluminum layer may be included to create a near-100% moisture barrier. SOLAR POWER WORLD
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What is backsheet-specific testing looking at? Damp heat testing measures moisture resistance. Partial discharge tests electrical resistance. Water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) measures the amount of moisture moving through the substrate. UV testing determines how the material will hold up in the sunlight.
Who generally purchases backsheets?
What is a backsheet’s function?
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The module manufacturer would purchase the backsheet. Once all the module components are selected, the manufacturer must get its bill of material (BOM) certified by a standards body such as UL or IEC.
How are backsheets attached to a module? The backsheet, bus ribbons, PV cells and glass are vacuum laminated together.
If a backsheet separates from a panel out in the field, should it be replaced? A backsheet delaminating from the module is a catastrophic failure and the module should absolutely be replaced, carefully. Even discoloration or blistering of a backsheet could indicate a module failure. The backsheet cannot be replaced independent of the module. SPW www.solarpowerworldonline.com
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DAVID CHEYNS
PANEL POINTS
PRINCIPAL SCIENTIST OF THIN-FILM SOLAR CELLS; IMEC
THE PERFECT MARRIAGE: silicon and perovskite solar cells Around the world, researchers are busy working on ways to improve the efficiency of silicon solar cells. Their latest trick? "Pimp" the glass plate that protects the solar cell with a thin-film solar cell made of perovskite. As a result, they expect to achieve an efficiency of 30%.
Silicon solar cells are just too good For years, two technologies have existed next to each other: silicon solar cells (Si) and thin-film solar cells such as CIGS, CdTe and perovskites (a calcium titanium oxide mineral). Si-cells have the advantage of higher efficiency, while thin-film cells are less expensive. Although not an issue at module level, the lower efficiency of thin-film technology is still problematic at a system level. It was expected that thin-film solar cells would eventually catch up to their silicon counterparts through lower cost per unit of energy generated. However, it now seems that for the next decade at least, this is likely to be limited to a few specific markets. Silicon solar cells are just too good—they are achieving ever higher efficiencies, and costs are getting lower because of the large factories where they are produced. This does not mean that thin-film solar cells will not be important in the future. They are, for example, ideally suited for use in building components such as windows, railings, roof tiles, etc. These building integrated PV (BIPV) applications promise to be the best way to achieve climate-neutral buildings. And thin-film solar cells are also going to cause another disruption, namely by giving silicon solar cells an extra boost in conversion efficiency.
W From 27% to 30% conversion efficiency The maximum conversion efficiency of silicon solar cells is estimated to be 26 to 27%. Combining a silicon solar cell with a thin-film solar cell can increase this to 30%. The idea is to stack the two solar cells—the thin-film
Figure 1: The efficiency of silicon solar cells can be increased by adding a thinfilm solar cell on top. This stack only makes sense when using thin-film solar cells with a high open circuit voltage.
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solar cell sits on top and uses all light except red and infrared light. The latter frequencies are used by the underlying silicon solar cell (Figure 1). If a thin-film solar cell is used with a higher open circuit voltage than silicon (more than 760 mV (millivolts)) the stacked solar cell will have a higher efficiency than the silicon solar cell alone. Researchers from imec have developed two ways to stack the solar cells (Figure 2). The first concept is the "4-terminal stacked� solar cell. This Figure 2: Thin-film solar cells and silicon solar cells can be stacked in two ways. In the "4-terminal stacked" concept, the thin-film solar cell is grown on a glass plate and then inversely glued to the silicon solar cell. In the "2-terminal tandem� concept, the thin-film solar cell is grown on top of the silicon solar cell.
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Figure 3: The benefit of perovskite solar cells is that you can tune the bandgap by adjusting the amount of bromine. In this way, you can make a solar cell with a bandgap of around 1.8 eV, which, according to calculations, gives the best combination with a silicon solar cell (if you want to achieve an efficiency higher than that of the silicon solar cell alone).
Your Partner for the Solar and Flat Panel Industry
approach relies very strongly on the way silicon solar cells are made today: a glass plate is bonded to the silicon cell with adhesive. Only this time, it is not an ordinary glass sheet but is instead coated with a thin-film solar cell. As both solar cells are electrically isolated from each other, four contacts are therefore required. The second concept is the “2-terminal tandem” concept. Here, the thin-film solar cell is directly grown on the Si solar cell. They thus form a single structure through which the charge flows.
A 4- terminal stacked solar cell with perovskite and silicon cells
For more information: Call: 1-800-Go-Festo 1-800-463-3786 www.festo.com/us/solar
Thin-film solar cells based on perovskites are a logical choice to test the two stacked concepts. Perovskite solar cells not only promise a high efficiency, but their open circuit voltage can go above 1 volt. The imec researchers’ initial results are very promising. Although they only started working with perovskite solar cells relatively recently, they have already gained a lot of expertise in stacking cells and creating highly efficient silicon solar cells. The researchers calculated that the stacked solar cell would perform best if the thin-film solar cell would have a bandgap of about 1.8 eV (electron volt). The advantage of perovskite solar cells
is that the bandgap can be tuned by adjusting the amount of bromine in the material. This allows the bandgap to be varied between 1.55 eV and 2.3 eV (Figure 3). A perovskite cell was thus made with a bandgap of 1.8 eV. The efficiency of this cell is 9%. Further improvements are still needed to increase efficiency to 16%. This would be necessary to create a stack with 27.5% conversion efficiency. The contact materials also need to be further optimized to increase the efficiency of the stacked solar cell. But everything indicates that this is the way to give silicon solar cells the extra boost that our planet needs. SPW
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KATHIE ZIPP
INVERTER INSIDER
MANAGING EDITOR
How inverters can help solar GROW and keep grids stable
SEIA reports 600,000 installed solar systems currently in the U.S. and expects that number to reach 3.3 million by 2020. While it’s great to see this green source of power taking off, there are challenges to that growth, especially at the utility level. The electric power grid was designed to deliver power from the utility to the user while surplus power from customer-sited projects flows the other way—from the solar system to the utility. This is called backfeeding. The grid can handle backfeeding, but how much depends on the age and complexity of the grid equipment. As more solar projects come online, more power flows back to the utility than is needed, which raises concerns for grid operators tasked with matching the supply with the demand. “As solar gains a larger percentage of our power generation portfolio, its production variability needs to be addressed,” said Ryan LeBlanc, senior application engineer for SMA America. “Historically, utility operators simply wanted solar to provide real power and disconnect from the grid if a narrow band of voltage and frequency were exceeded. Now it’s increasingly important for solar to provide reactive power and stay online to support the grid under a variety of conditions.”
One component to rule them all There is already a component smart enough to help solar projects get along with the grid into the future: the inverter. “Inverters act as the brain of the PV system,” LeBlanc said. “They still convert DC to AC, but they also enable monitoring, decision making and control functions. Because of this intelligence, it’s the component best suited to perform the additional, essential tasks required of modern PV systems.” The inverter’s job is diverse and will include even more duties to support the smart grid of the future. In addition to controlling its own output, it will be asked to provide reactive power support for the grid, which will improve grid stability and efficiency. It will also interface with a utility operator’s SCADA system, have the ability to be controlled dynamically and remotely and provide diagnostic information to aid operations and maintenance crews in identifying and remedying system issues.
128.5-MW Templin Solar Power Plant in Germany.-SMA America
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INVERTER INSIDER Are inverters up to the task? Most inverter companies who have experience in Europe and parts of Asia already have a technical blueprint for addressing many utility concerns with grid management and control features, according to LeBlanc. “The majority of these technical solutions were developed between industry participants and grid regulators when Germany first began requiring advanced grid management functionality in 2008 for residential inverters down to 3 kW," he said. "Since then, inverters of all sizes have become incredibly flexible with many capabilities often far beyond what is asked of them.” These “smart” inverters can also now be paired with energy storage for a more comprehensive solution that helps stabilize the grid. “Though there are battery-based inverters with grid management functions such as peak shaving and ramp rate controls, the cost of storage remains a barrier for its widespread adoption.” Still, the benefits of energy storage systems
5-MW site in Upchurch, North Carolina, by Entropy Solar Integrators -Solectria
to the grid—such as reduced peak demand and decreased heavy shifting— makes finding a cost-effective way to incorporate this technology important. Like solar, storage technology is rapidly evolving and the market is expected to soon see smaller, more affordable commercially available solutions. Soonwook Hong, power systems engineering manager at Solectria-A
Some inverter grid-support functions • Active power curtailment: The adjustment of a resource’s active power in various response timeframes to assist in balancing the generation and load, thereby improving power system reliability. When solar produces too much (as established by grid operators), the inverter increases PV voltage to reduce the power output of the array. • Reactive power control: When voltage and current aren’t inphase, you get reactive power that moves back and forth in the grid. This power can help grid operators regulate voltage on a timeframe of hours or days. Through SCADA systems, utilities can tell the inverter how much reactive power to let into the grid. • Power factor control: Inverters can set the ratio of reactive power to active power, on a cycle to cycle of the AC line, to help maintain voltage. • Voltage ride-through: Inverters can help maintain solar plant operation through periods of lower grid voltage to avoid having to disconnect, which causes a chain reaction of other plants disconnecting due to the dip in voltage, known as cascading. This helps keep the grid stable. • Frequency ride-through: The inverter can help keep the solar plant from disconnecting from the grid during time of high or low variations in frequency, determined by regulatory requirements, therefore aiding grid stability. • Ramp-rate controls: The inverter can control the rate at which it transitions between different established power factor points. This ensures the plant output does not ramp up or down faster than a specified limit. Energy storage technology can add or subtract power to or from the PV output to smooth out the high frequency components of the PV power. More information on smart inverter grid functions is available from the Electric Power Research Institute at epri.com.
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Yaskawa Company, explained that many inverter manufacturers can include grid management functions with minor software changes or firmware upgrades. Hong is supportive of inverter grid support functions, saying they are crucial to promote renewable energy usage. He also shares considerations about their effect
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6.48-MW site in Boseman, North Carolina, by Entropy Solar Integrators -Solectria
INVERTER INSIDER
Now it’s increasingly important for solar to provide reactive power and stay online to support the grid under a variety of conditions.
on parties involved and on the inverter itself. One example relates to when inverters are asked to limit generation. “The plant owner is compensated for their investment with real power generation," Hong said. "Currently, there is no compensation model for the generation of reactive power. This has been discussed in the power industry for decades, not just the solar industry alone. Consortiums are discussing how to compensate the site owner for lost generation, but haven’t reached a resolution yet.” Another consideration relates to inverters operating more hours a day or at higher loading conditions. “This can make their internal components run hotter and reduce their life,” Hong explained. “Inverter cost and reliability are dependent on the functions they provide.”
State standards and requirements Europe, and Germany in particular, has solar penetration levels much higher than North
Photo Credit: EDF / Brandstrom Sophie
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America. At times, Germany produces more than 50% of its peak energy needs through solar, LeBlanc noted, yet it maintains one of the world’s most reliable grids. Europe has served as an excellent example for U.S. utilities to formulate policies. “Utilities consider system reliability paramount to providing reliable power,” he said. “Interconnection standards are developed to facilitate this mission.” Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) has been among the first utilities to set grid standards for solar in the United Sates. Hawaii’s high solar penetration level (12%), older grid technology and limited size originally proved problematic for HECO, which barred adding new solar installations for a short time. After orders from the state and further research into how updates to circuits and meters could allow the grid to handle more than first thought, the utility is working to approve its backlog of projects. It has set guidelines for grid interaction, including a published list of inverter equipment that will work on the grid. California has had its share of issues because it currently has more grid-tied PV than any other state. To solve them, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is reviewing Rule 21, while includes interconnection, operation and metering regulations for connecting distributed generators (solar plants) to a utility’s electric system. The Smart Inverter Working Group (SIWG) is responsible for establishing inverter functions to comply with the rule. LeBlanc expects the standards developed by this group to likely be adopted by other states. Hong said with 3,000 utility companies in the United States, it’s not easy to set or meet requirements, but it is a must to earn utility support of solar on the grid. “Amidst the overwhelming benefits that solar power provides to our economy, environment, climate and energy mix, like all power generating sources, it also has challenges to overcome,” LeBlanc said. “Fortunately, we have a field-proven model for addressing these challenges based on lessons learned in other places.” SPW
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MARC CLARK
MOUNTING
MANAGING DIRECTOR; SUNLINK, CANADA
Re-roofing REALITY check
Questions every installer should consider As the solar industry matures, installers and building owners are thinking more carefully about the longterm O&M implications of roof-mount installations. In particular, they are considering the potential need to reroof under a solar array. Driving the possibility is the difference in expected lifetimes between commercial roofs, which can require replacement after 15 years, and roof-mounted solar arrays, which claim a lifespan of 20 years or more. The variation in lifetimes means the racking removal and reinstallation process can be as important a consideration as the initial installation.
No longer is it sufficient to evaluate mounting systems solely based on onetime labor requirements. Instead, it has become imperative to add additional labor and logistics intelligence to the evaluation criteria, such as: • How easy is it to remove one module? Several modules? • How many operations are required to disassemble the entire system? • Does it take as much time to reinstall the system as it did to install it the first time? (Remember, every minute the system is not generating power, it is not generating income, either.) • Is it possible to stack the system
components so they can be removed from the roof safely and without damage? If so, how complex is the methodology, and what packing materials are needed? • How many fasteners are required? Are they standard? If fasteners are lost during disassembly, how difficult is it to procure more? With long-term installation success in mind, the answers to questions such as these must be considered in choosing the optimal mounting system for a given project. One of the most important considerations relates to the longevity
SunLink’s Precision-Modular RMS.
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SunLink provides re-roofing guidance In 2014, solar mounting manufacturer SunLink partnered with a developer in Ontario, Canada, to install roof-mount PV systems on a portfolio of large
SunLink provided the new installer with disassembly instructions and palleting methods, as well as guidance related to safely warehousing components during the reroofing process. SunLink also provided replacement parts. “As we design our new generation of roof-mount products, we’re doing so with the long-term needs of building owners in mind,” said Kate Trono, director of product management at SunLink. “Take PrecisionModular RMS, for example. The system reinstalls in approximately a tenth of the time it took to put it together initially.”
As we design our new generation of roof-mount products, we’re doing so with the long-term needs of building owners in mind. home improvement retail stores. Less than one year later, the retailer decided to replace the roofs at five of those locations, and a new contractor was asked to remove and reinstall the systems that had just been put in place by someone else.
of the racking supplier. With removal and reinstallation a possibility, it is important to be able to rely on project partners for assistance with the process whenever that time comes. And if proprietary parts are lost or damaged, it is essential to know that they can be replaced, even if that mounting system is no longer in production. Simply, it is critical to not get caught unprepared. When choosing your next commercial rooftop mounting system, use these questions as a guide to avoid the financial pitfalls that have the potential to accompany the inevitable removal and reinstallation of a mounting system that has not been designed to facilitate the realities of roof maintenance. SPW
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solar contractors should be equally diverse. That’s why solar roof-mount attachment provider S-5! and Solar Power World will host SOMO, the first training conference dedicated solely to the art and science of mounting rooftop and ground solar, this August in Las Vegas. The solar industry’s top 25 to 30 racking and mounting manufacturers, including S-5!, Zilla, Mounting Systems, IronRidge and many more, will provide 24 hours of hands-on training courses and over 90 hours of classroom instruction, most of which will be NABCEP-recognized. “The companies participating in and providing training courses at SOMO represent the gold standard in solar mounting, and there is no better place to learn best-practices than this event,” said Keith Lipps, vice president of marketing and sales at S-5!. “Attendees can be assured that direct instruction from these tier-one solar mounting companies will be the most comprehensive training they can receive in one place.” Attendees can expect to learn the proper and safe installation techniques for a variety of roof- and groundmount applications during a day of hands-on workshops and two days of classroom instruction and training. Each day begins with a breakfast, includes a keynote speaker during lunch and closes with a networking and cocktail hour. Solar professionals interested in increasing their skillset and solar mounting knowledge at SOMO can find more information at somoconference.com. SPW 32
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Prevent WATER Intrusion
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Installing solar roof attachments requires drilling dozens of holes through roofing material, making any roof vulnerable to water intrusion. Given this reality, it’s important to understand how water intrusion (and the resulting building damage) occurs and ways installers can prevent it from happening. Improperly waterproofing a rooftop solar system is expensive. The labor costs to repair smaller leaks often range between $500 and $1,000. If the problem is bigger, flashed mounts or the whole roof may need replaced. A PV system “remove and reinstall” (often referred to as “R&R”) costs from 50¢/watt up to $1.50/watt depending on roof type and array configuration. This equates to a whopping 20 to 40% of the price of a new PV system. Before we talk about waterproofing, we need to address roof inspection. Shingle life typically ranges from 15 to 30 years, and the same is true for tile underlayment. Cracked or curling shingles or underlayment is a strong indicator that the roof is beyond middle age. If the roof is more than five to 10 years old, solar installers should recommend roof replacement to customers, as it is a sensible investment. Installing on older roofs may be inadvisable in some cases, but another option is reroofing only on the part of the roof that will be getting solar. Rooftop water management basics Two basic strategies exist for eliminating the risk of leaks on roofs: “water-proofing” and “water-shedding.” Roofs with a pitch below 2:12 (low-slope roofs) will use waterproofing membranes. The two common types are asphaltic “built-up-roofing” or “single ply membranes” made from plastic or rubber sheets. Waterproof membranes work by sealing every seam, crack and crevice. This roofing method results in a watertight membrane that protects in the heaviest rains, even when ponding occurs, for 20 to 30 years. These roofing systems require a qualified 34
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roofer to seal every penetration, taking great care for long-term reliability. Biannual inspection and service by a qualified roofer are required to maintain most membrane roof warranties. Unlike waterproofing membranes, water-shedding systems like tile and asphalt shingles rely on the steepness of the roof for effective waterproofing. Shingles are most effective when the roof has a steeper pitch and they are less effective on lower slope roofs. When the roof pitch goes below 4:12, special waterproofing measures are required, including fully adhered underlayment.
How water gets in Contrary to popular belief, rainwater does not always flow downhill. Wind blows water up between shingles or tile, and capillary action draws water sideways and even uphill. When water finds even the smallest pinhole, it seeps under the roofing. Over time it soaks and rots the sheathing and rafters, leading to structural damage, weakened attachments and possible mold formation. Larger holes will result in damage occurring more quickly. This is the reason that building codes and roofing manufacturers mandate the use of underlayments below water shedding roofs and require roofing manufacturerapproved flashing for all penetrations.
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2:12
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Choosing proper flashing methods Single ply membranes like TPO, PVC and EPDM use thermally or chemically welded flashings while torch-down flashings are the norm on built-up asphalt roofs. Most roofing manufacturers require that a qualified roofer perform flashing installation to preserve the warranty. This typically means a licensed roofer would install low slope flashings. Some membranes like granulated rolled roofing may be installed by solar contractors with newer flashing systems, such as sealant pitch pockets or fabric-reinforced polymeric membrane flashings. Choosing the proper metal for flashings on shingle or tile roofs is critical to the long life of the flashing. A corrosion-resistant material like aluminum is preferred because it can last more than 30 years. Galvanized steel may only be reliable for 10 to 15 years, depending on the climate. In wet climates or corrosive coastal conditions, solar installers often choose thicker flashing metal to combat the effects of frequent wind-driven rain or salt spray.
Elevating the waterproofing seal The water sealing surface is the critical barrier against rainwater getting under the flashing and into a penetration. Elevating this critical barrier is one of the key elements to reliable, long-term
waterproofing. On low-slope roofs, this is accomplished by sealing the base of the flashing to the membrane and elevating the sealing area above the flood line. On steep-slope roofs, elevating the water seal has major advantages. First, it slows down the deterioration of the rubber seal as it reduces water exposure, and the seal dries out faster, preventing deterioration from biological growth. Additionally, ice formation in freezing climates can wear out the seal through successive freezethaw cycles. An elevated seal reduces or eliminates ice contacting the seal.
Sealant considerations Sealant by itself has poor longterm waterproofing reliability, but when used in combination with manufacturer-approved flashing methods it can provide decades of reliable performance. Sealant is typically applied into all pilot holes and under the flashing around the lag bolt hole. There are several common sealants used in rooftop solar installations, and it is crucial to verify sealants are compatible with the roofing, flashing seal and any other materials they contact. Butyl rubber can work effectively on metal roofs or when sandwiched between two metal surfaces, but butyl is not compatible with asphalt. Butyl sealants should be avoided on asphalt shingles or on asphalt felt
The sheathing of this roof is badly stained from leaks near the ridge. The sheathing and rafters will weaken over time and may need to be replaced.
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The Quick Mount PV QBlock elevates the seal 0.7” above the waterline and protects the sealing surface from UV, rain and ice inside a sealed cavity.
Small leaks will seep in under roofing material and will rot the rafter and sheathing to the point of structural instability for the roof and racking system.
paper underlayment under tile roofs. Asphaltic roofing cement (mastic) with reinforcing mesh is a code approved method for sealing underlayment flashings below tile, and it is also used as sealant on shingles, but most solar installers rely on roofing sealants like those from Chemlink and Geocel. These synthetic sealants can provide decades of performance when properly applied. Each sealant is unique in its performance characteristics. Some sealants can cure underwater while others prefer dry application. Some can handle temperatures over 200°F while others should never be used in areas with full sun exposure. Research is important to make sure the sealant can last the life of the roof and array. Proper waterproofing is not always quick and easy. Solar installers are encouraged to get proper education on roofing systems and waterproofing methods. It can take time to master the subtleties of flashing installation but those that make the effort will be rewarded with reliable waterproofing on penetrations for the life of the roof and the solar system. SPW
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4,531 Just over 14 GW of utility-scale projects exist in the U.S.
states eclipsed the 100-MWdc mark for solar PV installations.
THE AVERAGE INSTALLED PV SYSTEM COST WAS $2.71/W IN Q3 2014.
MW in the third quarter of 2014.
45M By the end of 2016, solar is expected to offset nearly
METRIC TONS of carbon emissions, the equivalent of removing nearly 10 million cars off the roads.
Solar injects $18 billion
a year into the economy.
American modules cost in the lowto mid- $0.80/W RANGE in 2014.
20
Installed commercial PV totaled
and cities in Southern California added at least 1 MW of residential solar in 2014. STATES HAVE MORE THAN 500 MWDC OF OPERATING SOLAR CAPACITY EACH.
as of mid-2014.
70 TOWNS
SIX
business, non-profit and government locations
More than
20 GW
41,803
RESIDENTIAL SOLAR GREW 50% IN 2012, 2013 AND 2014.
Solar capacity totals more than in the U.S.
Solar PV is installed on
A RESIDENTIAL
SOLAR PV
SYSTEM
COSTS $3.48
PER WAT T.
More than
1 a gigawatt 2
of residential
solar went live without
state incentives
in 2014.
First Solar’s Topaz Solar and Desert Sunlight projects, each 550 MWac, achieved commercial operation in 2014. Data from SEIA, except where noted.
TRENDS INTRO_5-15_Vs5KZ.indd 38
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corporate solar users—
individual installations.
schools in the
i n c l u d i n g I K E A , United States Macy’s and Walmart have solar
8.1 G W D C I N 2015, U P 31% O V E R 2014.
25
186,000 SEIA FORECASTS THAT PV INSTALLATIONS WILL REACH
The
3,752 TOP K-12
Residential solar saw the completion of more than
767 MWAC
New York is home to 538 solar companies, employing 7,300 people.
OF CSP CAME ONLINE IN 2014.
®
More than 31 GW of PV and CSP projects are under construction or in development.
TM
16 states will install more than 100 MW of solar in 2016.
SOLAR EMPLOYS MORE PEOPLE THAN COMBINED.
FLORIDA TALLIED $63
MILLION
IN SOLAR PROJECTS IN
2014.
63% 569 MW l e s s n o w t h a n i t d i d i n 2 0 1 0 . —have doubled their solar capacity since 2012, totaling more than
installations.
The average PV panel costs
as of A ugust 2014. 36% of all new electric capacity came from solar in 2014.
TRENDING NOW The solar industry has arrived—hitting the 20-GW milestone, achieving broad public support, developing highly efficient projects—and it’s the result of consistent innovation across all sectors: component technology, financing, software and operations. “Trending Now” is our take on developments leading the industry into its next era, one of widespread adoption, utility cooperation and even more impressive technology.
TRENDS INTRO_5-15_Vs5KZ.indd 39
INSIDE:
Mounts losing their rails: PG. 40 Advanced modules gaining ground: PG. 44 Solar storage charging up: PG. 58
AND MORE! WRITTEN BY STEVEN BUSHONG, KELLY PICKEREL AND KATHIE ZIPP
5/21/15 12:50 PM
TRENDING NOW MORE THAN 130 MW OF SOLAR PV POWER NAVY, ARMY AND AIR FORCE BASES.
Solar mounts losing their rails TRENDING IN MOUNTING
Edge Energy installed the DynoRaxx rail-less system, Evolution PR.
Rails are replaced by module frames with the Phantom XL system from Zilla.
C
ost-conscious contractors should avoid redundancy, yet some experts say the most superfluous part of a rooftop solar array is also an industry staple: the mounting rail. A span of aluminum to mount modules can be replaced by module frames, and more mounting companies are making systems with that in mind, following in the footsteps of Zep Solar’s rail-less system. As many as 17 solar companies are offering or developing rail-less products, according to one manufacturer, and it’s no wonder why. Greentech Media released a December 2013 report that said traditional racking designs incurred the highest costs, while rail-less designs cost as little in installation labor as flat roof and standing seam projects. “I think rail-less systems will be part of the future for solar installations,” said Milton Nogueira, business development manager at Roof Tech. “Rail-less will become more dominant. Installers don’t want to do more work.” The significant reduction in material—and therefore cost—is the key driver of rail-less mounting. Long rails require special handling, so using the alternative rail-less option reduces shipping and logistics costs as the systems can be shipped in a standard package. The saving continues in the warehouse, where less space is required. Safety is also increased, because the elimination of long metal rails reduces the chances of installers tangling with overhead wires. Rail-less systems are not for every installation, however. Certain environmental or structural conditions will require rails, or at least a hybrid system. And then there’s the need for participation from module companies. One manufacturer has worked with module suppliers to ensure that using its rail-less system on their modules won’t void warranties. SPW
MORE MOUNTING TRENDS SUPPLIERS OFFERING CAST-IN-PLACE FOUNDATIONS. More mounting suppliers have a cast-in-place option, and for good reason. One company reports 281% growth in cast-in-place sales from 2014 to 2015. SunLink recently released a cast-in-place option for its ballasted GMS, joining RBI Solar, Schletter and others. SINGLE-AXIS TRACKER REVENUES GROWING. Revenues are expected to grow 120% globally, reaching nearly $2 billion in 2019, according to IHS. Overall global ground-mount solar installations are forecast to increase an average of 7% per year, reaching 33 GW in 2019.
TRACKER MOTOR TRENDS DIVERGING. On one side, companies are using big motors—machines that have the historical reputation of being unreliable, so limiting them is favorable—to move many panels. A product scheduled for release in June by a major manufacturer can drive between 650 and 750 kWdc per motor. Still, others in the industry say smaller trackers can reduce cost and increase up-time due to lower mechanical stress. MANUFACTURERS UPDATING POLYMER-BASED SYSTEMS. Grappling with new fire standards, companies are replacing old products with systems made from materials with higher thermal indexes, such as Ultramid or ASA. Leftover stock of old products are still being sold, used in either ground-mount applications or in states that aren’t yet enforcing new IBC standards.
Solar carports hitting the mainstream
U.S. Solar Carport Market, 2010-2018E
TRENDING IN MOUNTING
T
he Washington Post raved about the benefits of solar carports earlier this year. The paper said aesthetics, environmental benefits and ability to use a paved area—rather than green space—to create energy are reasons why the carport market is increasing in size, despite added costs. The annual installed capacity of carports tripled from just shy of 50 MW in 2010 to 157 MW in 2013, according to GTM Research, and is expected to hit 318 MW in 2016. The growth is in line with the rest of the solar industry. And while solar canopies and carports are more expensive—the increased material, engineering and labor adding to the bottom line—they possess a distinct advantage over rooftop systems that drives their success: people can see them.
40
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Annual Installed Capacity (MWdc)
400.0 350.0 300.0 250.0 200.0 150.0 100.0 50.0 0.0 2010
2011
2012
2013
2014E 2015E 2016E
2017E 2018E
U.S. Carport Installed Capacity (MWdc) Source: GTM Research report U.S. Solar Carport Market, 2010-2018
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Arizona Indiana
Over 4 GW of Solar Mounting Structures Fabricated Manufacturing and shipping in parallel with construction Shaping the Solar Power Industry Around the Globe
Ohio Alabama
Roll Forming Stamping Fastener Insertion Custom Assembly
602.352.2700 sales@omcoform.com www.omcosolar.com Omco 5-15.indd 1
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TRENDING NOW
Public perception tremendously aids the sale of solar carports.
A Breakthrough in PV Mounting Technology The Revolutionary S-5-PV Kit • Non-penetrating DirectAttach™ PV mounting solution for standing seam metal roofs. • Fits the majority of solar panels on the market. • Standard grab fits field conditions; new EdgeGrab™ further simplifies end conditions. • S-5!® attachment clamps and brackets fit almost all rails and metal roof profiles on the market, including trapezoidal. • SST mounting disk is ETL-1703 and UL-2703 listed for module-to-module conductivity. • Reduces cost by eliminating the need for inter-module copper wires and lug bonding. • Savings in time and materials is often sufficient to pay for the entire attachment system.
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“Solar carports scream, ‘We’re green!’” said Mike Stevens, a sales executive with Ohio-based Dovetail Solar and Wind. The company is finishing a 335-kW solar canopy on a car dealership along a main road in Cleveland. More than 100 cars will fit under the canopy, protected from summer sun and winter snow, letting people shop comfortably under an alluring and brightly lit green-energy structure. “Public perception tremendously aids the sale of solar carports,” said John Sarantakes, executive vice president of business development at Texas-based Meridian Solar. “Positive public perception is a draw proving demand is there, justifying the investment.” The carport market resides largely in the commercial, government and educational spaces. School parking lots outfitted with solar carports proved to be a boon for the business in 2012, providing nearly half of the projects, and in 2013, contributing 39%, according to GTM. California has been the main state for carport installations, followed by New Jersey and Arizona. As for how contractors could best take part in the market, coordinating with construction companies early on in the process is one way. “There are considerable cost savings when carport foundations and electrical raceways are installed during the process of constructing new buildings,” said Bennett Ford, senior engineer at Meridian Solar. “As developers and architects become familiar with PV energy systems, they are increasingly engaging with PV design professionals early enough in the development process to incur those savings.” SPW
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To find out more, visit www.S-5-Solar.com/May2015SPW or call 888-825-3432. 42
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Installation Durations Racking Wiring Trial Installations Installations (hours) (hour) 1 4.43 1.73 2 2.35 0.70 A manufacturer reported these installation times for a product. Time-to-completion dropped significantly during the testing firm’s second trial. The manufacturer believes breaking out various aspects of installation, such as wiring, is important to help contractors accurately forecast costs.
O
ne mounting company challenged passers-by at a recent tradeshow: “How fast can you build our racking system?” Other companies built systems for attendees, with speed and determination, on mock rooftops. And time lapse videos, showing a whole array going up before sundown, are almost a booth staple, like free pens and candy. Come tradeshow season, many marketing departments develop ways to prove, or suggest, that their mounting systems install faster than the rest. The swiftness of mounting installation has been a key selling point for manufacturers for some time.
Of course, it would defy physics if every system was the fastest to install. Yet the stakes have been raised. Pressure from financiers to bring down costs and deliver a project on-time and on-budget is changing how systems are built. Robust systems are simplified for ease of installation as much as cost. Manufacturers touting systems with “just three components,” or a similar message, are actually commenting on the time it takes to install it. For a large roof-mount array, logistics (specifically, how many pieces laborers must sift through and carry to build a rack) can be as important as the product itself. One major mounting
TRENDING NOW
TRENDING IN MOUNTING
COLORADO INSTALLED 67 MW OF SOLAR CAPACITY IN 2014.
Time-to-completion becoming prime selling point
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TRENDING NOW CHINESE MODULE PRICES RANGED FROM $0.69/W TO $0.73/W (ON ORDER VOLUMES GREATER THAN 10 MW).
manufacturer even guarantees the time required to install its flat roof products for all first-time partners. “It’d be interesting to have a runoff—maybe three racking suppliers building their product out in a field and compare times, which would validate folks’ claims, but I don’t know if that’s something that is achievable,” said Thomas Meola, president and CEO of Solar FlexRack. Indeed, an authoritative source for how long systems take to build is missing. To fill the gap, some mounting manufacturers have enlisted thirdparty testing labs, such as DNV GL or Industrial Timestudy Institute, to perform detailed installation analysis, including time-to-completion, of mounting systems. “Having a clear understanding of time required and cost associated with commercial flat roof installations is vital when it comes to accurate project timing,” said Marcelo Gomez, marketing director at Unirac. “Offering information up front allows people to not inflate numbers, such as lowering total installed cost and erroneously making the project more attractive to developers.” Inaccuracy in the solar industry is a death knell, and having verified,
Large projects, such as this Conergy installation in Hanford, California, require an understanding of how long an installation will take in order to provide an accurate estimated cost. Time studies can assist with those projections.
unbiased information about the installation of a particular system is important. Time studies also offer information to the manufacturer about how a system came together, which can spur product improvements. But not everyone is sold about the validity of time studies. One manufacturer called time studies
Advanced modules gaining ground
simply “marketing.” No two studies are created alike, and conditions at an actual installation site can vary widely. Solar contractors need to take any information they receive from manufacturers and do their own research to understand how best to use provided data—or whether to use it at all. SPW
PV Market Share by Cell Technology, 2011-2015E 100% 90%
TRENDING IN PANELS
80%
S
ix types of modules comprise the majority of the solar marketplace. Multi-crystalline silicon (c-Si) modules dominate 60% the market, but monocrystalline panels are picking up steam. Although more efficient than their multi c-Si cousins, monocrystalline are more expensive and therefore not as popular. With increasing demand for higherefficiency products, experts forecast the monocrystalline share of the market to increase slightly and cut into multi c-Si’s chunk of the pie. Advanced, more efficient multi c-Si modules are expected to gain even more market share to be even with standard solar modules by the end of 2015. Cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film hit a new record conversion efficiency earlier this year at 21.5%. Thin-film’s PV Market Share by Cell Technology
70%
5% 3%
5% 5%
7%
22%
16%
14%
5%
15%
60%
5%
6%
7%
8%
10%
15%
20% 25%
50% 40%
30%
52% 48%
30%
44%
36%
20% 10%
14%
30%
13%
11%
10%
10%
9%
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015E
0% Thin Film
Standard Multi c-Si
Advanced Multi c-Si
Standard Mono c-Si
Advanced P-type Mono c-Si
N-type Mono c-Si
Source: GTM Research PV Pulse
4 4 SOLAR POWER WORLD
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TRENDING NOW SINCE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ITC IN 2006, THE COST TO INSTALL SOLAR HAS DROPPED BY MORE THAN 73%.
average is still only around 14%, but this new record means that with continued R&D, thin-film could eclipse the average efficiency of traditional multi c-Si modules (typically around 16%) within the next two years. With
a higher efficiency and cheaper price, thin-film could become the preferred module choice in the United States— but not this year. Thin-film’s market share is expected to decline from 8% in 2014 to 7% by the end of 2015,
according to IHS. Basically, it seems the industry is falling out of love with standard multi c-Si panels, turning either to higher efficiency crystalline panels or possibly thin-film in the future. SPW
Module prices staying steady TRENDING IN PANELS
T
he average price of standard c-Si modules is starting to stall around 73 cents per watt (according to SEIA) despite the recent free fall the industry has experienced. The International Trade Commission voted in January to uphold significant tariffs on imported solar modules from China and Taiwan. Various anti-duty U.S.-based solar companies and supporters suggested these high tariffs could promote a module shortage in 2015 and stall the decreasing panel prices we've become accustomed to in the last few years. While that has yet to be seen, the good news is that while modules probably won't get significantly cheaper immediately, they will eventually drop again. IHS forecasts the average global selling prices of standard c-Si modules to decline 27% by 2019 to 45 cents per watt. SPW
Price per Watt of c-Si Modules 2.50
2.00
1.50
1.00
0.50
0.00 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
2014 2015 2016
2017 2018
2019
ASP ($/W) Source: IHS
Manufacturers prepping for PID TRENDING IN PANELS
P
otential induced degradation (PID)—essentially the degradation of a panel's efficiency due to how it's installed and how it reacts to the environment— hasn't been a large concern in the United States because installers here typically negatively-ground systems, limiting voltage damage to solar cells. But with the rise of transformerless inverters (and therefore ungrounded systems), slight anxiety has settled in across North America. There are no set industry standards at this point, but module manufacturers are doing their own
4 6 SOLAR POWER WORLD
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testing and slapping PID-free stickers on their products. “The gap in that labeling is that it is really a marketingdriven thing,” said Jenya Meydbray, section head of module and inverter testing at DNV GL. “There are no regulatory hoops to jump through to get permission to put that sticker on. It’s not a regulated claim.” Until there's certification surrounding these claims, buyers are cautioned to do their homework to make sure panels are compatible with inverters and the rest of the solar power system. SPW
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TRENDING NOW THE U.S. WILL SURPASS 1 MILLION RESIDENTIAL SOLAR INSTALLATIONS DURING THE NEXT TWO YEARS.
MORE GENERATION TRENDS BIPV CATCHING ON. Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV)—solar shingles, flexible solar cells, etc.—is expected to become one of the fastest growing segments in PV, reaching 1.15 GW installed globally by 2019, reports Transparency Market Research. CSP EXPANDING QUICKLY. Concentrated photovoltaic solar (CPV) will experience accelerated market expansion, reaching 250 MW of new installations this year. Installations of both high-concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) and low-concentration photovoltaic (LCPV) systems will expand at double-digit percentages every year through 2020, according to IHS. PANELS GOING FRAMELESS. Many companies have introduced frameless and dual-glass modules to the U.S. market. They come with unique benefits—including no need for grounding, decreased PID worries and high aesthetic value—but a lack of compatible mounting systems limits market growth. Frameless modules are technically cheaper (there's no cost for a metal frame), so they could really benefit large, utility-scale installations looking to crunch costs. SOLAR THERMAL WORKING WITH MONITORING. Monitoring continues to be crucial to the solar hot water/thermal industry and is a key selling point for commercial installations.
How Much Uncertainty Can You Afford? The "fuel" of a solar project is the most critical factor driving its commercial success or failure. Where is irradiance strongest. How much year-to-year power variability is expected? What are the exceedance values at the site? Without answers to these questions, it is impossible to assess a project's feasibility or manage your exposure to risk. Vaisala accurately answers these questions anywhere on Earth. We provide a systematic progression of services to help you manage the risk of solar resource variability.
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Higher Energy Production with Smarter Monitoring
Prepare for a world where nearly every aspect of energy production is monitored and optimized by leveraging the intelligence of the cloud and big data. This is the Industrial Internet of Things, and it starts with a robust communications infrastructure. With Modbus Gateways like Moxa’s MGate MB3000, existing RS-232/422/485 serial devices can become smarter with seamless IP connectivity to monitoring platforms on your network or in the cloud. It’s easier than you think. Find out more at www.moxa.com. MGate MB3000 Series Modbus Gateways Ethernet Switches • Wireless AP/Bridge/Clients • Cellular Gateways Secure Routers • Gateways and Protocol Converters • Media Converters Serial Device Servers • Multiport Serial Boards • IP Cameras Video Servers • Remote I/O and Controllers • Embedded Computing
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TRENDING NOW TOTAL INSTALLATION COSTS FOR UTILITY AND LARGE COMMERCIAL SYSTEMS HAVE FALLEN BELOW $2/WDC. 50
States adopting NEC 2014 one by one TRENDING IN INVERTERS
B
Photo courtesy of Sunlight Solar Systems
With all code changes, there is a period of getting familiar with the new requirements; however, the added benefit in safety to property and personnel is well worth the time and expense.
MORE INVERTER TRENDS INVERTERS GETTING MORE INVOLVED WITH THE GRID. They will take over more grid management tasks, keeping the grid stable and safe as more solar is added. SYSTEM DESIGNERS MIXING IT UP. Large projects aren’t just about central inverters anymore, and microinverters aren’t just for the residential space. From DC optimizers with central and string inverters in large projects to microinverters for commercial customers, designers are using different combinations of technology to achieve the levelized cost of energy (LCOE). PUSHING TOWARD 1,500 V. Technical and regulatory challenges make adopting a 1,500-V DC system voltage for utility solar particularly difficult in North America. However, as manufacturers begin to offer components rated for this voltage and designers find other ways to reap the benefits of a higher voltage, the industry continues to push toward 1,500 V for more cost-effective and productive systems.
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efore the end of this year, at least 27 states are expected to adopt the new NEC 2014 rapid shut down 690.12 code. The code’s intentions are valid, with its basic mission to help firefighters shut down solar systems without getting shocked. But the NEC is an installation requirement, not an instruction manual, so there’s confusion concerning how to actually accomplish it. Another issue is that as of March 2015, UL had not set a standard by which to test components to make sure they meet the code. Most inverter manufacturers hold that their products will most likely meet the UL standard as they expect it to be, and for some states this is good enough. Others fear not using a listed product could lead to inconsistency and actually make projects more dangerous for firefighters to service. Here’s a look at what’s going on in several states around the country.
Massachusetts Massachusetts was the first adopter of the new code, passing legislation in January 2014 with amendments. The state believed that installing something to push forward the code adoption was better than waiting to install UL-listed equipment; Massachusetts didn’t see listed equipment as very important in the first place. To be safe, the state did release a list of inverters expected to meet UL standards as they were anticipated. Kevin Price, vice president of procurement and operations at Solect Energy, has been able to work with this legislation. “Technically, there are currently products on the market to allow integrators and installers to meet the NEC 2014 requirements,” Price said. “The challenge is mostly increased cost associated with deploying a solution—added sensors, relays and wiring to string combiners— and the need for training of those installing and reviewing those installations. With all code changes, there is a period of getting familiar with the new requirements; however, the added benefit in safety to property and personnel is well worth the time and expense.” Solect Energy said it has worked closely with local manufacturers, like Solectria-A Yaskawa Company, to use their inverters and combiners to meet the code. “On the residential side, it’s a matter of using a rapid
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The TRIO. Goes anywhere. That’s why it’s everywhere.
The ABB TRIO is a favorite of installers worldwide. Partly, because of scale — the TRIO serves 20KW rooftop mounts just as well as 30MW power stations. Partly, because of flexibility — the TRIO comes with four wiring box options, accommodating the trickiest designs while eliminating the need for expensive extra components. But increasingly, it’s because of the future: The TRIO is a NEMA 4X, smart inverter, compliant with NEC 2014, includes ramp rate and advanced dynamic reactive power controls. So while our TRIO is valuable to installers today, it’s designed to be even more valuable tomorrow. Sign up for the TRIO rebate program at www.abb-solarinverters.com/trio-rebate
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TRENDING NOW
Utah
Arkansas
November 21, 2014
Colorado
July 1, 2014
On June 11, 2014, the Utah Uniform Building Code Commission recommended the adoption of the 2014 NEC to the state legislature. The legislature will vote on the adoption sometime this summer. Therefore, Marc Staker, master electrician at Sunlight Solar, reported the code is not being regularly enforced as of yet. “The local building departments and AHJs are not quite up to speed on the changes in the NEC,” he said. “With every design and installation we complete, we try to educate the inspectors on what is new and what to look for.” Nevertheless, Staker said his team is ready. “We started installing the rapid shutdown hardware on our commercial installations last year to get some experience and decide which method works best for our systems,” he said. “Our electricians and engineers have completed the NEC code update courses and, with some education and on-the-job training, we have a firm understanding of the code updates.”
Georgia
January 1, 2015
Colorado
Idaho
July 1, 2014
Iowa
January 1, 2015
Kentucky
October 1, 2014
Maine
August 1, 2014
Maryland
January 1, 2015
Massachusetts
January 1, 2014
Michigan
May 9, 2015 (Commercial
Colorado is one of the toughest states in the U.S. in regards to prompt adoption of new code versions and strict enforcement. The Colorado State Electrical Board did adopt the 2014 NEC without amendments with an effective date of July 1, 2014, but enforcement of 690.12 has since been delayed twice, and, barring additional delays, is currently scheduled for enforcement July 1, 2015. “We have had to ask for two extensions to delay the date of enforcement due to lack of available listed products,” said Jason Sharpe, general manager at Namasté Solar, adding that UL has been unable to release product compliance standards and manufacturers have been unable to produce listed and tested equipment that would be reliable for 20-year life cycles. “It has been an extremely challenging
State Adoption of NEC 2014 State
NEC 2014 Effective Date
Alabama
June 2014 (for the Alabama Electrical
Contractors Board for testing purposes only)
construction only)
Minnesota
July 1, 2014
Montana
October 23, 2014
Nebraska
April 9, 2014
New Hampshire
January 1, 2015
New Mexico
August 1, 2014
North Dakota
September 1, 2014
Ohio
January 1, 2015
Oklahoma
November 2015 (All construction
Source: electricalcodecoalition.org
SOLAR WAS SECOND ONLY TO NATURAL GAS FOR NEW GENERATING CAPACITY IN THE U.S. IN 2014. 52
having jurisdiction (AHJs). Price said a system will not be allowed to energize and send power to the grid until it meets the code. “The level of inspection does change from region to region, and we see different inspectors focused on different aspects of the code,” he explained. “We have our best results when we reach out to the AHJ early on to clear up any questions and prevent issues with final inspection.”
shutdown-compliant combiner,” Price said. “For commercial rooftop applications, our first choice is using transformerless inverters placed on the roof within 10 ft of the array. If we need to use a central inverter on the ground, then we use an arc-faultsensing and rapid-shutdown-capable combiner.” The code is strictly enforced in Massachusetts, primarily by building and electrical inspectors or authorities
other than one- and two-family dwellings)
Oregon
October 1, 2014
Rhode Island
July 1, 2014
South Dakota
July 1, 2014
Texas
September 1, 2014
Utah
July 1, 2015 (projected)
Vermont
July 1, 2014
Washington
July 1, 2014
Wyoming
July 1, 2014
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Photo courtesy of Josh Valentine, The Atmosphere Conservancy
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2014 NEC Adoption Complete or Underway
WA MT
VT
ND
OR
NH ME
MN ID
NV
WI
SD
WY
NE UT
CA
PA IL
CO KS
AZ
NY MI
IA
VA
KY
NC
TN AR
SC MS
AL
GA
LA
TX
AK
OH WV
MO
OK
NM
IN
MA RI CT NJ DE MD
FL
HI
Source: electricalcodecoalition.org
time in the industry with much confusion, frustration and disagreement among various industry stakeholders.” Sharpe explained his team believes that installing products not listed to a standard can be more dangerous than continuing to install systems according to best practices that have been used for years. “If a firefighter goes to service a system that doesn’t have rapid shutdown, they know how to handle it,” he said. “If they encounter systems that do not have equipment tested to meet one standard, the inconsistency may confuse them even more.” Sharpe is also concerned the situation will worsen with the next code change. “In particular, the possibility that the code will evolve in 2017 to require 690.12 at the module has significant risk,” he said. “It is likely that this code is being developed too quickly, without proper industry-wide input, and that it will introduce significant cost increases, reduced reliability, reduced competition and questionable impacts on safety relative to the 2014 version.” In all, many contractors, and even some first responders, agree that 690.12 is a work in progress, a step toward the goal of remotely turning off power close to the point of generation and making a PV system on a building “touch-safe.” SPW
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TRENDING NOW THE SOLAR INDUSTRY EMPLOYS 174,000 WORKERS IN THE U.S., ACCORDING TO THE SOLAR FOUNDATION. 54
Contractors performing solar resource assessments from their seats TRENDING IN SITE ASSESSMENT
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reviously, doing a solar resource assessment involved setting up costly equipment onsite and waiting to see what happens. While this is still a relevant way of gathering information on large utilityscale sites (often because permitting already takes more than a year, and financers prefer high levels of certainty with detailed information), it doesn’t make much sense on commercial and residential projects under 10 MW. “It would be a deal killer to sit and wait on development for a year just to collect ground level irradiance data,” said C.J. Colavito, director of engineering at Standard Solar. There are more online tools and software options available today—many free thanks to DOE funding and NREL. These allow solar contractors to perform due diligence studies without ever leaving their desks. Today, if Colavito is working on an individual project, he’ll look at local NREL TMY3 weather station data and compare it with other data sources. NREL offers data in typical meteorological year files, known as TMY3 files. These files are a mix of satellite and ground measurement data that show hourly values of solar radiation and meteorological elements for one year. Colavito downloads the files for free and imports them along with data from other sources into a custom excel-based analysis tool. He said these files are generally accepted as being fairly accurate for commercial and residential projects and can help contractors feel confident in guaranteeing production. Though the use of high-quality and accurate solar resource data is important for every project, Colavito said it’s less necessary to get third-party validated resource data on distributed generation projects. Many portfolios of commercial and residential projects are financed through project finance funds where projects are spread over a large geographic area and individual project risk is limited. Many large developers and EPCs have these funds, which can be backed by sources from banks to Google. Involved parties often like to see a solar resource assessment for multiple regions where projects will be located. Colavito said the analysis process is the same and just involves looking at data for more regions. “For example, if we’re building projects in theDC metropolitan region, there’s three
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A screenshot from NREL’s PVWatts
A screenshot from NREL’s Solar Prospector
main TMY3 sites we’d look at: Baltimore, Reagan National Airport and Dulles International Airport,” he explained. “We would look at the local weather station data, plot it by year, graph it, compare it to yearly datasets from NREL and analyze it. Are we seeing a big difference between Baltimore and Reagan? If so, can we explain it or not? Doing this detailed solar resource data assessment helps us ensure data validity and confidently guarantee production.” SPW www.solarpowerworldonline.com
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aving more information available is making site assessments easier than ever, according to C.J. Colavito, director of engineering at Standard Solar. Shade potential: To find how natural and man-made structures will affect shading, contractors can use programs that serve as geospatial information systems (GIS). Many of these use information from Google Earth to examine topography and nearby shade structures. Some newer programs are smart enough to recognize trees, chimneys and other buildings and calculate the shade value within inches across a rooftop.
Interconnection: Colavito sees more utilities becoming transparent with information regarding interconnection, particularly the process, cost and fees. “More utilities now have a process for how to apply for interconnection (sometimes online), offer expedited procedures and provide system-size guidelines to let you know what you need to do to be qualified,” he said. “That really wasn’t available five years ago, but utilities have increasingly implemented these changes to keep up with the influx of distributed generation.” Permitting: Likewise, Colavito said local authorities having
jurisdiction (AHJs) are being more explicit about permitting processes and costs. “More AHJs are recognizing that PV is not the same as constructing a building or a home,” he said. “They know states and local governments are incentivizing PV and they don’t want to be a barrier by assessing high permitting fees.” States and localities are also increasingly offering sophisticated GIS resources to help with site selection, design, and permitting—most for free. Many allow users to view property lines, wetlands, floodzones, wildlife inventories and more. “Having this information online can save time and
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TRENDING NOW NORTH CAROLINA RANKS FOURTH IN THE COUNTRY FOR SOLAR INSTALLATIONS, WITH 953 MW INSTALLED.
in project development and know it’s worth the investment of travel and people. They’re great tools for minimizing soft costs.” SPW
stresses nothing can replace an actual site visit. “Desktop site assessments enable you to delay a site visit until you’re farther along
FREE TOOLS FOR DESKTOP SITE ASSESSMENT SOLAR PROSPECTOR: This free tool from NREL, ideal for utility projects, uses data from SolarAnywhere to provide information on solar resources, environmental data, land ownership and infrastructure. PVWATTS: This free, fast, and simple online calculator from NREL estimates the energy production and PV by using TMY files. SAM (SYSTEM ADVISOR MODEL): Available free from NREL, this model makes performance predictions and cost of energy estimates for grid-connected power projects. GOOGLEEARTH: A ubiquitous satellite imagery platform with historical images and some 3-D visualization for metropolitan areas including Google street view.
Monitoring helping inverters do more grid management
See this issue’s Inverter Insider to learn more about inverter grid management functions.
TRENDING IN MONITORING
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the assumption that power would always flow one way. Older grids can handle small amounts of backfeeding, but without upgrades a large amount of solar power can cause voltage fluctuations, creating an
verall solar penetration has grown worldwide, which is good news for solar, but this can cause issues for electric grid operators. Inverter manufacturers are offering more intelligent monitoring to enable inverters to perform grid-management functions and tie in with grid operators’ SCADA systems. With this connection, utilities can participate in observing and adjusting control functions. The grid was designed to deliver power from the utility to the user, but now solar power flows in the opposite direction— from the solar array to the utility in a process called backfeeding. Utilities built grids under SOLAR POWER WORLD
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unstable grid. Solar inverters can provide a variety of grid management functions, such as voltage and frequency control, to help solar and the grid get along. SPW
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money otherwise spent physically visiting the site,” Colavito said. Although many site assessment tasks can be done remotely, Colavito
WEBINAR ALERT SOLAR SYMBIOSIS DOWNLOAD ON DEMAND:
Listen to the recording online to learn more about monitoring. dwo.me/1E3RNuY
www.solarpowerworldonline.com
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9x5 inch
TRENDING NOW
Installers gaining more insight into performance TRENDING IN MONITORING
“The most capable monitoring platforms combine a reliable data acquisition service, powerful alerting, reporting, data visualization tools and a suite of analytics tools that help generate performance benchmarks for evaluating assets across a range of metrics, from the sub-system level to a fleet-wide aggregation,” said Gabe Abbott of Locus Energy. Broad monitoring capabilities allow customers and fleet operators to have a much better handle on day-to-day processes. Analyzing monitoring data helps teams understand project performance trends, shared characteristics
9x5 inches_katax_fin.indd 1 Site Assessment-Monitoring-Storage TRENDS_5-15_Vs5KPkz.indd 57
between sites and common causes of underperformance. Fleet monitoring has been essential for financers as well, said Dale Hedman, director of statutory and infrastructure programs at Connecticut Green Bank. “As an organization responsible for deploying capital and reporting results to a range of stakeholders, the Connecticut Green Bank has a strong interest in continually evaluating and improving the performance of our fleet,” he said. “Monitoring and analytics services have been a valuable tool in helping us meet our objectives.” SPW
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OHIO INSTALLED 15 MW OF SOLAR IN 2014.
D
riving to a site to examine equipment is an expensive and time consuming way to diagnose a problem. Instead, O&M teams are more often using monitoring to remotely diagnose problems, so they are better prepared to efficiently handle issues in the field. Specific energy quality and equipment data elements (like DC voltage, current, apparent power and reactive power) are often recorded with integrated on-site hardware, leading to more granular, system-level analysis. This allows users to pinpoint issues such as voltage spikes, downed strings and ground faults.
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FUTURE SOLAR MONITORING PREDICTIONS Gabe Abbott of Locus Energy shared these predictions for the future of solar monitoring in a recent webinar. Here’s what to look for. • Fleet analytic capabilities will continue to evolve and improve. We will continue to see deeper insight into causes of underperformance, which will be of particular interest to the financial community as they become more engaged in solar and want to understand more of the characteristics of solar, the insights you can drive out of this performance data and how you should expect these assets to perform over the long term, especially since this is still a very young industry. • As more energy storage is incorporated, monitoring companies will need to figure how they fit in and whether they are the brain of that scenario or are an important component that talks to the other pieces.
Monitoring providers sharing data TRENDING IN MONITORING
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o achieve its potential, data from solar monitoring should not be islanded. More production data lets solar equipment designers build better products. Recognizing this, monitoring system providers are sharing data with industry partners.
“This takes pressure off of hardware and software providers to build everything under one roof,” explained Gabe Abbott of Locus Energy. More monitoring providers are integrating with third party platforms through application programming
interfaces (APIs) so partners can benefit from other businesses’ expertise. “These deeper technical integrations are like combining forces to share data to better the industry,” he said. “It's certainly an exciting time for monitoring.” SPW
These deeper technical integrations are like combining forces to share data to better the industry.
Solar storage charging up
Flow - Vanadium 1%
Sodium Chemistries 1%
Flow - Zinc 0%
TRENDING IN STORAGE / OFF-GRID
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ust a few years ago, critics said a lack of viable storage options hindered the expansion of solar. But a number of clever startups, innovative storage companies and battery manufacturers have offered new storage options, with impressive products hitting the market almost every week. Solar storage is plugging PV into the future. In fact, GTM Research and the Energy Storage Association’s (ESA) U.S. Energy Storage Monitor confirms that storage technology vendors are growing their businesses and, furthermore, the downstream value chain (such as inverter manufacturers and storage system developers) is growing
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Other 27% Lead Acid 1%
Lithium Ion 70%
Lithium-ion batteries are still the most common storage technology used, but other technologies such as AGM and vanadium are making their way into the storage landscape as well. Source: U.S. Solar Energy Monitor
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and parts of surrounding states). After Superstorm Sandy, the PJM region heightened its focus on energy response storage to make systems more resilient. “I think there is just a general sense of concern when it comes to the grid, especially after Sandy,” said Josh Ross of Ross Solar Group in Connecticut. “But storage systems can be expensive. It requires a very customized approach and good talent to assess needs versus costs for each project. If costs were to decrease and technology advances, I believe more folks would opt to have a battery back-up installed.” However, Wilkinson said incentives like the Self Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) offered in California
I think there is just a general sense of concern when it comes to the grid, especially after Sandy. are making the economics of storage systems extremely attractive. The SGIP provides rebates for qualifying distributed energy systems installed on the customer’s side of the utility meter. “But there is no guarantee that electricity tariff structures won’t be adjusted, which could affect the economics of existing systems,” he added. The Monitor also reports new opportunities are coming to light for both residential and utility storage in other states such as Oregon, Texas and New Jersey. GTM and ESA predict that 2015 is expected to be the biggest year for storage yet, as experts anticipate 220 MW of storage deployment, more than the previous two years combined. SPW
GRID-TIED CONTRACTORS CONSIDERING ADDING OFF-GRID SERVICES The U.S. solar market began as an off-grid industry. Companies knew how to build a self-contained, battery-tied system. As grid-connected projects became the dominant form of installation, off-grid expertise was lost. Now is a good time to train your staff on those forgotten skills. More states are taking a special interest in battery storage for grid-tied systems. California, for example, requires several large public utilities to deploy a total of 1.325 GW of grid storage capacity in the next decade. Also, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities will give nearly $3 million to 13 projects around the state. These efforts bolster solar by providing backup energy storage systems that help contribute to faster renewable energy growth and more efficient and resilient electricity grids. Learning to design, install and maintain these systems may be a smart business move for solar contractors—even if cost and demand appear to be prohibitive factors right now. Listen to the full podcast, “Why you should consider “Off-grid systems require more engineering, equipment and adding off-grid services to specialized skills, and therefore can cost more,” said Fred Tabrizi, vice your business.” president of renewable energy systems at Sierra Solar Systems. His Nevada-based company installs both grid-tied and off-grid systems in the U.S. and abroad. “However, in areas of high energy costs such as California, Hawaii, New York and New Jersey, it makes sense to provide these services. More customers are also looking to be more dwo.me/1I3GMS4 independent from the utility.”
PODCAST ALERT
TRENDING NOW IN 2013, SOLAR INSTALLATIONS WERE VALUED AT $13.7 BILLION; IN 2011, THEY WERE VALUED AT $8.6 BILLION. 60
faster than ever. In fact, the energy storage market was worth $128 million in 2014. In all, 61.9 MW of storage was installed in the U.S. last year, 40% more than 2013, according to the Monitor. The vast majority of these projects (90%) were in front of the meter (utility installations). The remainder were mainly on “non-residential” commercial, education, military or non-profit projects, while only 1% were on residential installations. However, storage use in all projects dramatically increased at the end of last year, which makes the Monitor’s experts note the market’s maturity and they expect it to break out in 2015. IHS also released data in its Energy Storage in PV Report – 2014. Sam Wilkinson, research manager for solar and energy storage for IHS Technology, noted the commercial PV energy storage market in the United States has gained huge momentum in recent months. “Commercial buildings are subject to peak demand charges, which are based on the maximum power drawn from the grid during the billing period,” he said in the report’s press release. “These charges can make up a significant portion of a business’s electricity bill. However, using a battery and PV to reduce peaks in grid power consumption can reduce these costs significantly.” It takes the right policy, regulations and whole markets to make storage viable, so the U.S. storage market is highly geographically concentrated. Residential storage has worked best in California, while utility storage has been successful in the PJM interconnection territory (which encompasses Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia
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s much as 78% of the solar rooftop market is stymied by shading, architectural problems or lack of ownership, as is the case with people who want to go solar but live in apartment buildings. Community solar is a development concept that could solve the problem, and experts say the concept is poised to take off. NREL says a community solar system is one that, through a voluntary program, provides power or financial benefits to, or is owned by, multiple community members. For example, an electric cooperative in Michigan built a 20.9-kW solar array and offered 20-year panel leases to residents at $425 per panel. Residents will receive a bill credit of 8.2 cents for every kWh their panel produces. They also receive the knowledge that they’re helping produce clean energy, which, for many residents, is as valuable as cash. “Community solar is exploding,” said Todd Davidson, director of marketing at Clean Energy Collective, a leading community solar developer. The Colorado-based company has 24 MW of projects up-and-running with three times that under development. “It is a miraculous solution because of the accessibility. Anybody with an electric bill can participate.” Installation Potential ∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞
<1,000,000
∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞
44,483,000
Current U.S. Solar Installations Investment Driven Buyers
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ Renters
59,729,000
∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞
96,479,000
∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞
148,275,000
Poorly Sighted Properties Cost Barrier to Entry
Sources: NREL, DOE, IREC, HUD
Clean Energy Collective led the development of this 496-kW community solar array in Boulder, Colorado.
"Anybody," as long as the local legislation allows it. Seven states have active community or shared solar programs, most being in New England, according to Vote Solar. Another 10 states have proposals that include shared solar in front of legislators that are stand-alone or part of larger energy packages. Virtual net metering, a contentious subject among utilities and legislators, is an essential component of community solar, as it allows electric users who do not live on the property where the array is installed to benefit from the system. Further signaling community solar’s market legitimacy, megadeveloper First Solar recently took interest in community solar, acquiring a part of Clean Energy Collective. "Distributed generation in the form of community solar expands the addressable market dramatically beyond the traditional residential or commercial sectors, and CEC has led the way in making that happen," said First Solar CEO Jim Hughes in a statement. The move was an integral part of First Solar's distributed generation strategy, substantially strengthening the company's entry as a solutions provider in the residential and business solar markets. Davidson said the biggest hurdle for community solar is consumer education. With estimates of about 55 projects complete so far, it’s still a new concept. Most people don’t understand how a solar array down the street could potentially benefit them. “It’s getting out in the market place and helping them understand that in most instances they’re going to buy panels in a community solar array—not on their roof—and they’ll receive credits on their bill,” Davidson said. Legislative hurdles, he said, are simply “opportunities.” SPW
TRENDING NOW
TRENDING IN FINANCING
THE AVERAGE PRICE OF A COMMERCIAL PV PROJECT IN Q2 2014 DROPPED 14% YEAR-OVER-YEAR.
Community solar uncovering more green-minded customers
PACE providing a finance solution in more places TRENDING IN FINANCING
I
n March, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted to make a PACE financing program, called HERO, available to residents. The
decision comes as another big example of PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) programs gaining traction as a way to finance solar projects, as
well as energy efficiency and water conservation upgrades, on residential and commercial properties. HERO, like many PACE programs,
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TRENDING NOW SOLAR WILL BE CLOSE TO GENERATING 2% OF AMERICA’S ELECTRICITY NEEDS BY THE END OF 2016.
Sonoma Mountain Village, a mixed-use development, makes solar installations affordable for property owners by providing used PACE to finance a 1-MW long-term, competitive financing through an additional property tax solar system in Rohnert Park, assessment. Payments are made through the property tax bill over as California, that combined many as 20 years, and interest is tax-deductible. with an older system to allow Participation in PACE programs is voluntary for both local SMV to cover 100% of its governments and property owners and is cost-neutral for jurisdictions. electric needs from on-site renewable power. That’s why more state and local governments are developing PACE programs to create jobs, promote economic development and protect the environment. “The PACE market has grown exponentially over the last three years,” said Kristina Klimovich, director of communications and market research at non-profit PACENow. “In fact, PACE has become nearly a $1 billion industry.” Presently nearly 40 PACE programs are active across the country, most have completed projects and more programs are poised to launch in the near future, according to Klimovich. More than 80% of the U.S. population lives in states with PACE-enabling legislation. “Since most contractors have Savvy solar contractors can grow their businesses with PACE financing, little to offer commercial property which can help them close bigger deals. owners who want to undertake projects with a 10- to 15-year payback, PACE fills this market Estimated PACE Markets gap by providing 100% up-front Residential Commerical financing that stretches as long as 20 years,” Klimovich said. Additionally, solar contractors working in the PPA and solar lease Number of Projects $ millions Number of Projects $ millions space should know there are Energy Efficiency Energy Efficiency innovative structures, such as solar PACE PPAs, Klimovich said. For 62% 72% example, Connecticut's PACE PPA Renewable Energy Renewable Energy mechanism helped contractors make 14% 26% sales that were previously impossible Mixed Mixed and opened up the market to property 14% 14% owners who cannot pay for solar improvements out of pocket. SPW
500
25000
According to nonprofit PACENow, besides California and Connecticut, these are the places to watch in 2015 for PACE programs:
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New programs: Texas, Colorado and Utah have put programmatic frameworks in place and are launching shortly.
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PACE programs in the Midwest reaching scale: Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin are expanding and developing healthy pipelines.
NY PACE program EnergizeNY has a robust financing vehicle and is poised to grow in 2015 and beyond.
Insurers taking the mystery out of policies TRENDING IN INSURANCE
I
nsurance in solar isn’t a new phenomenon; it’s been a fundamental part to growing the industry for the last few decades. But still, many developers, installers, manufacturers and more have questions about what they need, how to get it and why insurance is important. The few solar-specialized insurance providers—and there are but a handful (it’s not like the hundreds of auto and home insurance providers)—are continuing to make progress on informing companies about the insurance process. The main suggestion for those looking for insurance is to work 62
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with a solar-specific provider at the onset. Typically, the provider a company has worked with for general business doesn’t have enough experience and familiarity with the long lifecycles and needs of solar to accurately help them. Solar underwriters understand the risks involved with this particular market, and companies will benefit from that level of expertise. Insurance providers encourage companies to ask them questions at trade shows, over the phone and on-site; after all, they’re there to help solar companies secure their assets. SPW
www.solarpowerworldonline.com
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n a move to become more vertically integrated, many manufacturers (especially those in the inverter market) are acquiring established O&M providers and taking on their clients. While most manufacturers already have their own O&M services for their own products, the difference here is that some big brand names will now be servicing competitors’ products. Some significant moves include Enphase’s acquisition of Next Phase Solar’s portfolio of more than 400 MW (a large majority being commercial) and SMA’s buying of Phoenix Solar’s European activities. SPW
Large developers and installers dominating O&M market TRENDING IN O&M
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s more solar projects come online, it's no surprise that the need for O&M continues to rise. The global market for megawatt-scale O&M was expected to surpass 88 GW by the end of 2014 and is on track to triple by 2018 thanks in part to projects in the United States. But even as the market for O&M keeps growing, large developers, EPCs and vertically integrated firms—not dedicated O&M companies—dominate this area. Developers prefer to maintain their own portfolios, and this makes it difficult for independent O&M providers to break through on these large-scale jobs. As new projects taper off (largely if and when the Investment Tax Credit drops at the end of 2016), EPCs may consider adding O&M to their services to stay afloat. Smaller, localized O&M companies could also merge with each other if the ITC halts the flux of projects entering the market, waiting to be serviced. SPW
2,755 387
Analyzed Global O&M Fleet by Category (MW)
4,146
Source: GTM Research and SoliChamba Consulting
8,626
6,781
O&M Providers
Developers and EPCs
Vertically Integrated Firms
IPPs
Funds/Owners
Inverter Manufacturers
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TRENDING NOW
TRENDING IN O&M
SEIA COMMITTED TO HAVING 50,000 VETERANS WORKING IN SOLAR BY 2020.
More manufacturers entering O&M, and not just for their own products
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TRENDING NOW
Tech companies launching software to improve solar business efficiency TRENDING IN SOFTWARE
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oftware exists for nearly every facet of the solar industry. From aerial prospecting to asset management, a program exists to help contractors and developers do their jobs. Yet traditionally software has been developed to do a certain thing—calculate string size, build a bill of materials, determine shading losses. More recently, a league of software has been developed to improve business efficiencies. Software that can perform services, and, essentially, replace people and reduce costs, are popping up in the industry. Clean Power Research, for example, launched PowerClerk late last year. The software, which won the Innovative Solar Partner of the Year award from SEPA, streamlines the utility interconnection process by automating paperwork, reducing project administration costs for installers and utilities alike. Another program aims to reduce the portion of revenue installers and developers spend on customer acquisition, which can amount to 30%. Software like enACT’s could be “the next generation of solar workforce automation,” according to Greentech Media. The platform functions as an end-to-end sales tool that generates proposals, simplifies financing and tracks project costs—all in a sleek, mobileenabled program. Other companies are also developing software to increase business efficiencies. Residential installer Vivant Solar, which is famous for its door-to-door sales technique, acquired Solmetric, a software company, last January. Reports stated the move would lead to software that lets sales staff close a deal on their first visit to a home—just measure, compute and sell. SPW
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KATHIE ZIPP
STORAGE & OFF-GRID
MANAGING EDITOR
Q&A
Why contractors should consider offgrid services
with BACKWOODS SOLAR
Solar started as an off-grid industry. But as grid-tied solar grew, most battery-based systems expertise was lost. However, with increased interest in off-grid solar and battery backup for grid-tied applications, adding these services to your business may be a smart move. We spoke with Sequoya Cross, CEO of supplier Backwoods Solar—one of the original off-grid experts in the market—to find out more about why and how grid-tied contractors should expand their off-grid services.
Sequoya Cross
PODCAST ALERT
Sequoya Cross is the CEO of Backwoods Solar.
Listen to the full interview with Backwoods Solar in our Solar Speaks podcast online.
dwo.me/1I3GMS4
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Kathie Zipp: Can you share a little about Backwoods Solar’s roots. Who do you serve? Sequoya Cross: Backwoods’ roots go pretty deep. We were founded about 37 years ago in far North Idaho. The original owner and his wife found that when they moved to the area, running power-lines to their off-grid home was incredibly expensive. They instead decided to install an off-grid solar system. After their neighbors started to express interest, the couple set out to educate the local community on offgrid power and Backwoods Solar was born. All our sales people live with the equipment we sell—most with off-grid, battery based systems—so they are able to offer unique and personalized insight into living off-grid. We traditionally work with homeowners interested in installing their own off-grid systems, but we’ve grown to also help solar installers offering battery-based systems for their own customers. Our work extends to state and federal agencies, international governments, non-profits and emerging markets all over world. 5 • 2015
KZ: Tell us more about the opportunity you see in the off-grid market, and why contractors who strictly do grid-tied should consider getting involved? SC: Off-grid solar is growing incredibly fast in emerging markets in other countries; however, I don’t know that strictly servicing the off-grid market in the U.S. makes a lot of sense. But, learning battery system design is paramount. There are changes coming from states considering mandating battery storage for grid-tied systems—it’s a hot topic of discussion at conferences. Understanding how to properly design, install and maintain these systems is a smart business move for installers, because it’s going to put them one step ahead of companies that haven’t even considered battery storage.
KZ: From an installation stand-point, how does installing off-grid and battery backup projects compare to traditional grid-tied projects? Are they more complicated? SC: Installing for off-grid and battery backup can be more complicated because these projects have three to four times more components to understand and program, as well as more aspects to consider. Many contractors who come to us can easily design grid-tied systems, but they feel a little daunted as they start their first battery-based system. One of the major differences in designing for offgrid verses grid-tied is that you don’t have a historical guideline, such as a power bill, to start designing from. Grid-tied applications use historical averages for sun hours and temperature based on location. Battery-based systems use calculations based on worse-case scenarios for sun hours within that same location—meaning you have to design around the shortest day of the year. You
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STORAGE & OFF-GRID also have to look at all the loads in the home or business and customize the system around that home’s specific usage. Off-grid is definitely not an “install it and forget it” proposition. Customers living with a system really have to understand how to maintain it themselves, because if something goes wrong in the middle of the night or a component fails, they’re without power.
sell. It may also be a good idea to have classroom training, or if you’re seeking a certification or NABCEP credit, Solar Energy International also offers battery-
based online training programs. Our staff participates in these training programs as well to stay up to speed with new developments in the market. SPW
KZ: What are some common installation mistakes in off-grid and battery-backup installations? SC: We’ve worked with quite a few installers who have done hundreds of gridtied systems but never any battery-based systems before. Sometimes they give us a call after they’d started down the path of trying to design one. Often, they forget to design for winter hours, the shortest day of the year. Another common mistake is sizing the battery too small for the required loads, so the system is in a constant state of discharge, or designing the solar array too small to keep the batteries properly charged even in times of low solar resource We also see a lot of people creating kits for off-grid installations based off a particular kind of home. Those work great for grid-tied installations, but every house has unique demands in an off-grid system. We believe every system should be custom-designed to be confident it is going to work for each family or business.
KZ: What advice or guidance can you give contractors interested in entering the off-grid or batterybased market? SC: If you are interested in providing these systems, it’s best to go back to the basics. We are seeing so much growth in storage systems with many new entrants to the market, but some of their technology really hasn’t been deciphered—we are finding failures. Look for manufacturers and suppliers that have been in the business for many years that really understand batteries and what components work well with them: OutBack Power, Magnum Energy, Morningstar, Midnite Solar, long-time distributors and, of course, Backwoods Solar are great examples. We currently offer a learning center on our website with articles and design tips for homeowners and contractors. We also offer free technological help, design and lifetime support for every system that we
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MICAH MITROSKY
SERVICES
ENVIRONMENTAL ORGAIZER; IBEW LOCAL 569
IBEW members assemble a solar array at a utilityscale project in California.
The POWER of partnership
Why working with union labor encourages the growth of today's solar industry
With new ways of generating and storing electricity, today’s energy industry is changing faster than potentially at any other time in history. Debates about “the grid of the future,” distributed generation and the role of utilities in the 21st century energy landscape dominate industry forums. Now more than ever, choosing the right strategic partners can impact project success, customer experience and industry growth. In this shifting landscape, an alliance with a skilled workforce like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and its partners in North America’s Building Trades Unions can yield valuable returns. IBEW electricians have logged millions of solar work hours nationwide representing thousands of megawatts and millions of tons of greenhouse gas reductions. They have supported some of the nation’s most successful 68
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renewable energy policies, such as California’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS) to achieve 33% renewables by 2020, and have committed millions in pension funds to cleantech projects. They are also investing in cutting-edge training for sustainable technologies, like energy storage and electric vehicle charging, to keep our workforce ahead of the curve. In fact, strategic alliances with IBEW’s skilled labor force can help build the solar industry faster, farther and stronger, all while creating seamless installations, quality careers and customer value.
Offering a skilled, dependable workforce when and where you need it Delivering a flawless project starts with the team. Whether your focus is utility-scale or distributed generation, partnering
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SERVICES with skilled union labor is the most effective way to ensure you are working with properly trained, dependable professionals. Through its national Electrical Training Alliance, IBEW and industry partners operate 300 training centers throughout the United States and Canada where they have trained more than 350,000 apprentices to Journeyman status. IBEW's core curriculum, like other union crafts, includes a solid foundation of baseline skills, customized by region, to incorporate state certification laws and other mandatory requirements. In addition, its training facilities and programs comply with applicable state and federal laws so there is no question as to whether your team has received the proper training from a reputable provider and carries the appropriate credentials.
An IBEW Local 569 apprentice on top of the solar-powered IBEW Union Hall in San Diego.
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Partnering with military veterans, another highly trained workforce Of course, employing properly trained solar workers is important, but finding the right type of person for the solar industry is equally paramount. Who's better than someone with experience working in groups (sometimes leading them) and working outside in challenging situations? U.S. military veterans are a great fit for our growing energy market. Already representing almost 10% of the nearly 175,000 Americans employed in the U.S. solar energy industry, the number of military veterans involved with solar is on the rise. The SunShot Initiative's Solar Instruction Training Network (SITN)—launched in 2009—has a goal to train 75,000 new solar installers by 2020, including many veterans. The Energy Department introduced a pilot solar installation training program in 2014 for military veterans transitioning out of active duty—Solar Ready Vets. The program has partnered with four military installations (Camp Pendleton in California, Fort Carson in Colorado, Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia and Hill Air Force Base in Utah) with the aim to train 200 total active military personnel who are within a few months of veteran status. The Energy Department plans to expand its training to more interested veterans at a total of 10 military bases. Vivint Solar, SolarCity, SunEdison, SunRun and SunPower committed to interview graduating military trainings for employment before the first class even started. The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) provides four to six weeks of intensive classroom and hands-on solar training for military personnel, including how to size and install panels, connect electricity to the grid and interpret and comply with local building codes. The PV veteran training pilot program graduated its first class at Camp Pendleton in February, and Vivint Solar extended job offers to all 20 graduates. Kelcy Pegler Jr., president of NRG Home Solar, recently stated in a blog post that the company finds veterans a "natural fit" for its team. "Similar to the military, our employees are highly trained, mission-oriented, able to work in a variety of conditions, perform physically challenging work and thrive in a teamwork atmosphere," he wrote in March. "These synergies between solar and military experience and training have resulted in some very successful and effective NRG Home Solar team members."
Similar to the military, our employees are highly trained, mission-oriented, able to work in a variety of conditions, perform physically challenging work and thrive in a teamwork atmosphere.
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Whether your company is bidding a 1-MW project in New Jersey, building a 200-MW project in California or doing thousands of rooftop solar installations across 16 states, partnering with the IBEW and its skilled trade allies provides the peace of mind of being one phone call away from as many qualified professionals as you need, anywhere in the country, often with as little as a day’s notice. For industry partners, this professional network is the key to success and it starts with IBEW's training. Union apprenticeship programs are self-sustaining and have been producing quality craftspeople for more than 70 years. It is an “earn-whileyou-learn” system combining practical hands-on learning with classroom education on topics like codes, best practices and theory. For each hour worked, members contribute a small amount into a fund covering training expenses, including facilities, curriculum, instructors, supplies and other essentials. In the IBEW, apprentices work on the job under the supervision of a Journeyman, take classes at one of the training centers and earn college credit, all while receiving a paycheck and benefits. As apprentices gain experience and skills, they advance in the program, earn raises and, after roughly 8,000 jobsite hours and 900 classroom hours, graduate as Journeymen themselves, ready to teach the next generation. Today’s entry-level IBEW apprentice installing solar panels on a roof may be the future Journeyman electrician wiring a combiner box on a utility-scale installation or the safety inspector visiting the project site. This system keeps the workforce safe and productive, builds solid career paths and enables IBEW to provide talented craftspeople at competitive rates.
Leading in safety and innovation Accidents on the job can be devastating, particularly in the fast-moving solar industry. Whether you directly employ your own installation team or contract with an electrical partner, ensuring proper safety training and complying with certification standards and labor laws is the best way to keep your personnel safe from hazards like falls or electrocution.
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SERVICES
Working with the IBEW and its construction allies is the simplest way to ensure your solar workforce has the appropriate training, skills and credentials for the job at hand. OSHA safety is part of IBEW's core curriculum and its local unions employ knowledgeable experts to help you navigate everything from prevailing wage to licensing requirements that vary across states and municipalities.
Contributing to policy and regulatory discussions The benefits of building strategic alliances with the IBEW and its construction allies go beyond the tool belt. With more than 120 years of industry experience, local, state and national relationships and a dedicated track record of civic engagement, IBEW brings a distinct perspective to policy and regulatory discussions. Through local unions, state associations and its international office, the IBEW tracks the latest policy trends and regularly connects with decision makers. In addition, its membership spans the United States and Canada making it well-positioned to meet local community hiring targets and facilitate introductions with key decision makers. Union members are active leaders in
the communities where they live, work and volunteer so IBEW understands the complexities of decision-making and what it takes to successfully build a reputable industry from the ground up.
Starting is easy Any partnership begins with a conversation, and IBEW's goal is to build lasting relationships based on mutual trust. Whether your interest is a specific project, policy initiative or broader industry goal, there are many easy ways to get the conversation started: • For projects in a specific location, contact the business manager of the IBEW Local Union in that area: ibew.org/ tools/local-union-directory • For multi-state or industry initiatives, contact Jerry Westerholm, construction and maintenance director, at 202-728-6075 or construction@ibew.org • For policy collaboration, contact Ann Miller, political and legislative affairs director, at 202-728-6046 or ibewpoliticaldept@ibew.org SPW
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STEVEN BUSHONG
S O F T WA R E
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Aerial PROSPECTING with precision How EagleView Technologies helped one contractor save labor costs and increase productivity Google Maps was a pioneering technology for remote solar prospecting. Installers could scroll across neighborhoods, picking the best south-facing roofs with the fewest apparent shading issues. They could make rough measurements, estimating roof tilt, and build a sales proposal. They could drive up to a house—one with a sunny property, or so it seemed according to Google Maps—with an array layout and cost in mind, only to find a colossal oak tree casting its shadow on most of the roof. While satellite imagery continues to get clearer, it fails in a number of ways
a roof and exactly how shading could impede energy production. Underperforming systems are, for any installer, an albatross. “You want to deliver precise values to a potential customer, not a rough interpretation,” said Chris Giannoumis, an engineer at Standard Energy Solutions, the residential arm of Standard Solar, who is NABCEPcertified in PV installation and technical sales. He goes a step further: “We want our systems to overproduce, by just a little bit, so we look great.” Giannoumis can provide production certainty with assistance from
You want to deliver precise values to a potential customer, not a rough interpretation. that are important to a solar contractor. Specifically, it lacks specificity. More important for the industry than a potential hide-and-seek oak tree is the lack of precise measurement and a sales proposal based on too many assumptions. Pictometry software and imagery combined with technology from EagleView is eliminating the need to assume, offering detailed measurements of roofs. Accurate forecasting of energy production is critical to ensuring that a solar system meets expectations and the cost of an installation is justified. The only way to accurately forecast is to know the precise measurements of 72
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Pictometry, an EagleView company, which offers web-based access to new and historical images of specific properties. Using the PictometryOnline (POL) platform, solar contractors can access high-resolution aerial imagery of properties—top-down and north, south, east and west views—and use analytical tools to perform basic measurements— such as roof surface area, heights of trees, distances—to determine a property’s suitability for a PV system. After the sale closes, contractors can order the EagleView Solar Roof Report. The report includes precise measurements of the roof along with a .dxf file that can be imported to a CAD
Pictured is Pictometry high-resolution aerial imagery of a neighborhood in Las Vegas, which EagleView Technologies would use to provide solar contractors with a detailed review of roof measurements. Pictometry oblique imagery is captured at a 45° angle on all four sides of a structure to provide a 360° view.
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S O F T WA R E
system for the design of the array and development of the plan set, which saves time. After the installation, the report can be presented to the home or property owner as part of the warranty packet. It includes five aerial views of the property and detailed measurements of the roof. Sometimes customers will show the report to neighbors or friends, which turns it into a referral tool. Giannoumis is the only residential
solar engineer at Standard Energy Solutions. Work ebbs and flows, and instead of hiring an additional engineer to deal with busy times, the company searched for ways to increase one person’s productivity. Standard Energy Solutions found EagleView Technologies and decided to try it on a few houses. They used caution: Giannoumis sent crews to measure the houses and also received measurements from EagleView. “The report would get a measurement of 26.05 ft, and the guys got a measurement of 26 because they rounded,” he said. “We decided what EagleView is doing is good, and it’s
imaging system that carries the United States Geological Survey (USGS) camera certification and comprises five custom-designed cameras and an acquisition computer with sensor control hardware and software. When the images are taken, every square foot of an area is captured in highresolution detail, from both orthogonal and oblique angles, giving Pictometry imagery something traditional aerial images or even satellite and GPS mapping can’t provide: a detailed oblique view of any feature. The only limitation for EagleView Technologies, according to Giannoumis, is that small obstructions can be unaccounted. But he says having a crew measure a single exhaust pipe for size, location and shading is a reasonable expense paired with the capabilities of Pictometry. To learn more about EagleView Technologies and PictometryOnline and how it can help solar businesses, visit pictometry.com/solar. SPW
We decided what EagleView is doing is good, and it’s going to work for us. going to work for us.” Standard Energy Solutions has used Pictometry software and EagleView solar reports on more than 20 houses and not once has an installer or subcontractor said a measurement provided by EagleView was incorrect, Giannoumis said. The accuracy comes from Pictometry’s 16-megapixel Pentaview
EagleView can provide contractors with detailed roof measurements.
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S O F T WA R E
Backstory: EagleView Technologies Brothers-in-law Dave Carlson, a roofing contractor, and Chris Pershing, a software engineer, each have a passion for solving problems, and they’re always asking, "Is there a better way?" The question arose again when they discussed the challenge of accurately measuring roofs. They searched for a simple, accurate technology to determine roof measurements, but the software did not exist. They collaborated on ways to create new technology to produce a remote roof measurement using available photography. Chris started by using his wife’s ornamental birdhouses as models to prototype software that would create a 3D model of roofs using photographs. It was a collaborative process with Chris refining the prototypes using feedback from Dave's field experience and measurements taken on actual roofs. After many months of collaboration, the brothers-in-law had created accurate software and quickly filed a software patent. EagleView was launched in February 2008 as the first remote aerial roof measurement service.
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[PROJECTS]
Location: Mississauga, Ontario
Project Size: 500 kW
Modules: Canadian Solar CS6X-305p
Inverters: Advanced Energy AE500Tx-600V
Racking & Mounting: KB Econo Rack
Developer: Atlantic Solar
EPC: Atlantic Wind & Solar
Rooftop project installed during coldest winter on record Atlantic Wind & Solar finished a 500-kW installation on an Ontario rooftop in early March 2015. The $3 million commercial installation, consisting of approximately 2,300 Canadian Solar panels, is expected to produce 12,500 MWh of power over the next 20 years. Like many commercial rooftop projects in the Toronto-area, there were issues with connectivity and construction. Supplying new renewable energy via old transformer technology into an evolving grid is bound to bring challenges, according to Atlantic
Wind & Solar CEO and Chairman Gilles Trahan. Many projects in the area were viewed as quick and easy ballasted installations, but there was soon “connection congestion” that slowed construction progress. Atlantic Wind & Solar’s project construction was pushed into winter—no easy feat, especially since February 2015 was the coldest month on record for Toronto. Project managers, utility companies and the Ontario Power Authority ultimately worked together to get this project, and many more like it, through to commercial operation. The power from this 500-kW installation will be sold under the provinces of Ontario Power Authority’s feed-in-tariff program. SPW
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[PROJECTS]
Vacated airport finds new function in solar
Location: Roanoke Rapids, N.C.
Size: 20 MW AC
Panels: ET Solar, Chint Power Systems
German-born solar enthusiasts Josef Kessen and Georg Veit discovered they had common ancestry and dreams after meeting at a convention in 2011, and formed Geenex, a turnkey solar firm, a year later. After working a couple smaller projects, they searched for a place to build a larger project that could also include a solar education center. They found a winning site in the former 220-acre Halifax County airport, which had been vacated when a new airport opened in 2009. Construction on the site in Roanoke Rapids began in June 2014. Workers installed more than 100,000 ET Solar and Chint Power Systems panels. The project also uses 866 Advanced Energy 3TL string inverters, each with 23.2 kW
Inverters: Advanced Energy 3TL string inverters
Racking: RBI Solar
Developer: Geenex and ET Capital
Designer/Installer: Alpha Energy
Monitoring: AlsoEnergy
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of AC capacity. The installation, known as the HXOap Solar Project, can produce enough electricity to power approximately 3,500 homes. The partners say its the largest string inverter project commissioned in the Western Hemisphere. The solar farm also includes a 5,000-square-feet learning center where professionals can come study for solar jobs and students can learn about solar power. “We are proud of the solar farm we built, but even more exciting is the partnership with the community,” said Georg Veit, CEO of Geenex. “In a unique economic development agreement with the county, we have broken ground on our Solar Center of Excellence, which will provide education about solar power and work in partnership with the schools in the region and Halifax Community College to train solar energy technicians.” The project reached commissioning in December of 2014 and includes a 15-year power purchase agreement with Dominion North Carolina Power. SPW
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[PROJECTS]
Swayed by incentives, real estate developer buys system
Location: Washington, D.C.
Project Size: 30 kWdc
Modules: Suniva OPT 270
Inverters: SolarEdge SE10kUS and SE20kUS
Mounting: DPW Solar BPRM (Ballasted Power Rail Mounting)
EPC and Developer: Astrum Solar (now Direct Energy Solar)
Direct Energy Solar, the Maryland-based solar provider formerly known as Astrum Solar, designed and installed a 30-kW system on the commercial Millennium Building in Washington, D.C. The Tower Companies owns the building, located at 1909 K Street NW, and decided to purchase the system, which is a unique approach in a market where leasing is prevalent. Due to the financial incentives available, the project had a relatively small capital outlay with the added benefit of 75% of the total initial costs being recovered in the first two years, said Eugenia Gregorio, director of corporate responsibility at Tower. Tower has installed a live dashboard in the penthouse lobby, which will display the daily and on-going electricity generated, which will also act as a reminder of the environmental and financial savings from the project. “It’s encouraging to see solar catching on for commercial uses,” said Sandy Roskes, Chief Sales Officer at Direct Energy Solar. The rooftop PV system features 109 American-made Suniva panels (270 watts each), with an estimated annual production of nearly 40,000 kWh. This is the first solar PV installation on a large, commercial, class-A, office building in Washington. “When we combined the decreased cost of solar panels and the tax and SREC incentives available, the project just made good business sense,” said Gregorio. The project will contribute to the Sustainable DC Plan, and the long term goal of increasing renewable energy sources to 50% by 2032. According to the District Department of the Environment, more than 1,200 PV systems are registered with the Renewable Portfolio Standard Program in The District. That translates into about 9 MW of PV capacity. SPW
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[PROJECTS]
Devising a vertical array Situated in a Denver neighborhood filled with boxy, ultra-modern buildings, the five-story Lumina complex features curves, patterned aluminum screens and rooftop vegetation. But another design element really sets it apart from neighbors: a sleek 20-kW solar curtain, encapsulating an exterior stairwell. Sustainability was an integral part of Lumina’s design. The building uses
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only natural light during the day and LEDs at night to illuminate its interior. The solar array, designed by Tres Birds Workshop and installed by AAE Solar, uses Lumos Solar LSX 250 modules with a clear backsheet, which lets ambient sunlight flow into the stairwell. Building a vertical array took a lot of thinking and pencils on paper, said Andy Pendl, vice president and partner at AAE Solar. The company reached
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out to a number of partners for advice. “Their advice was, ‘Well, there’s only one or two other people who have done this, so good luck,” Pendl said. In the end, after a lot of math, the team opted to install tubular steel up the side of the 70-ft-tall building and then attach the LSX rail with steal threading bolts. Two technicians used a boom lift to haul panels two-ata-time to the highest reaches of the array. Weight limits of the lift prevented a more efficient installation. The whole project took about twoand-a-half weeks, but Pendl thinks future vertical system installation times could be cut in half. In Denver, an ideal solar array would be situated on a 40-degree angle. Installing on the side of a building is, of course, less optimal, and loses about 20% efficiency, according to Pendl. But the energy efficiency improvements of the building make up the difference, he said. SPW
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[CONTRACTORS CORNER]
Thriving in the solar commonwealth Brightstar Solar, Marlborough, Massachusetts By Kelly Pickerel, Associate Editor
Massachusetts is a great place to be a solar installer right now. The PV America
Jon Reese Jon Reese is CEO of Brightstar Solar.
show in March (held in Boston) reiterated this repeatedly—successful net metering and rebate programs allowed the state to install 308 MW in 2014 and push it to No. 1 in the Northeast for solar. Brightstar Solar of Marlborough, Massachusetts, entered the market just at the right time to reap the benefits of a market on an upswing. Founded in 2009 by husbandwife duo Jon and Mona Reese, Brightstar works only within the state’s borders on mostly residential projects. “We’re practically neighbors with several of the other top residential installers in the state,”
Solar is not yet like hiring a plumber, but I think a move in that direction is inevitable.
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said Jon Reese, CEO. “This is a really great place, a great hub for us to be with easy access to almost unlimited work. When we first hung our shingle, we would go anywhere for work, and did. Today we’re fortunate that we’re busy enough to try and control our service area to within 45 minutes from our shop.” Brightstar today has seven additional employees and is involved with more than just initial installation. “As a company, I think we’re large enough to have serious experience and expertise, but we’re still small enough to retain a high degree of owner involvement,” Reese said. “We take a very personal approach to O&M. Our customers know they can reach the two people who are primarily responsible for the design and installation of their system with an email or a phone call.” Reese said obviously everyone has some worry about the federal ITC, but he’s still excited about emerging technologies and the future of solar. “Today, solar is not yet like hiring a plumber or having your dining room painted, but I think a move in that direction is inevitable as more and more companies and tradespeople enter,”
www.solarpowerworldonline.com
5/21/15 11:07 AM
[CONTRACTORS CORNER]
Mounting systems for solar technology
Announcing... he said. “This is going to be a challenge for companies like ours, as we consider ourselves a smaller, maybe boutique installer, where we’re really focused on customer relationships, quality and customized work.” Great customer service has been a requirement for Brightstar since the beginning, and Reese said he enjoys working with the many different types of people of Massachusetts. “Whatever challenges the day brings, we can always go to bed at night, knowing that we’re doing something that is not only good for the environment, but also essentially doubles as a predictable, high rate of return financial instrument for our customers,” Reese said. “We work for all sorts of people from all parts of the political and social spectrums, and I think it’s interesting how the left-leaning folk and the right wingers actually find some real common ground when it comes to solar. What’s more conservative than protecting our natural resources and stewardship with the environment?” And although Massachusetts ended its rebate program in January 2015, Reese thinks the projects will keep coming—from all types of people. “Our opinion is that the state really did a good job slowly closing the spigot on the rebate, reducing the dollar per watt incentives they were offering to end users as the cost of installation decreased,” Reese said. “As panels got cheaper, as more competition drove prices down, the state kept reducing the rebates. We think that eliminating the cash rebate is appropriate and we feel confident that our company and most of our competitors will thrive without it.” SPW
5 • 2015
SOLAR POWER WORLD
Contractors Corner_5-15_Vs3kpkz.indd 83
UL 2703 SYSTEM LISTINGS!
All testing performed at Underwriters Laboratories in the USA! UL 2703 Bonding Mid Clamp
CrossRail System
UL 2703 Bonding End Clamp
D Dome
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Simple • Versatile • Fast • Durable
To learn more visit us at www.everest-solarsystems.com INNOVATION – QUALITY – DURABILITY – SERVICE – SUPPORT
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3
110
1
3
15
2
11 14
18
SOLAR CITIES
TOP 20
5
15
44
170
4 149
105
19 36 30
21 34 21
110 12 53 25
16 40 24
12
6
7 89
8
58
9 76 115
14 50 28
7
17
10
4
“Solar Snapshot” provides a glimpse of the solar industry in pictures. If you have an infographic you’d like to see on this page, email it to editor Kathie Zipp at kzipp@wtwhmedia.com.
13
9
8
16
20
19
= Per Capita Rank
= Per Capita Solar PV Installed (Watts-DC/Person)
= Total Solar PV Installed (MW-DC)
Total Solar City State PV Rank 1 Los Angeles CA 2 San Diego CA 3 Phoenix AZ 4 Indianapolis IN 5 San Jose CA 6 Honolulu HI 7 San Antonio TX 8 Denver CO 9 New York NY 10 New Orleans LA 11 San Francisco CA 12 Albuquerque NM 13 Raleigh NC 14 Sacramento CA 15 Las Vegas NV 16 Newark NJ 17 Austin TX 18 Portland OR 19 Jacksonville FL 20 Boston MA
10 63 88
2 127 107
W 1 276 96
23 24 21
6 94 36
11 62 27
5 44 41
24 13 20
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5 • 2015
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Solar Snapshot_5-15_Vs4.indd 84
27
8 4 SOLAR POWER WORLD 14 17
e’ve seen reports of top solar states, but what about cities? Environment America published its Shining Cities Harnessing the Benefits of Solar Energy in America report at the end of last year, which sheds some interesting insight into the U.S. solar market
Technology • Development • Installation
[SOLAR SNAPSHOT]
www.solarpowerworldonline.com
5/21/15 2:50 PM
[SOLAR SNAPSHOT]
E X H I BIT OR S BY C OU N T RY 20 1 5
T
he Intersolar North America show returns to San Francisco for its eighth year in 2015. Here’s a look at one of the industry’s biggest shows by the numbers, according to last year’s event.
BRE AK D OW N OF 2 0 15 INT ER SOL A R EXHIBITOR S 31%
U N I T E D S TAT E S O F A M E R I CA
Solar Heating & Cooling Technologies PV Manufacturing Equipment, Materials & Components
71%
Special Exhibition: eesTM (Electrical Energy Storage)
U.S. Exhibitors
PV cells & modules
3%
22%
10%
Components, Tracking & Mounting Systems
14%
20% Balance of Systems
29% International Exhibitors (Non-U.S.)
Technology • Development • Installation
EZ Roof Mount Fast Install
Leakproof
IAPMO Certified
T O P 5 IN T E RN AT IONAL EXHIBIT OR C OU N T RI ES:
1. G ER M A NY
4 . CA N A DA
2. C HI N A
3. TA IWA N
5 . I TA LY
Technology • Development • Installation
Solar Snapshot_5-15_Vs4.indd 85
5 • 2015
www.sunmodo.com 360-844-0048 kk kk SOLAR POWER WORLD 8 5 360-844-0048 360-844-0048 5/21/15 2:50 PM
[PRODUCTS SPOTLIGHT]
Software enables wireless management of data loggers Moxa’s UC-8100 Series computer and software platform makes it easier for system providers to provide a complete monitoring service for any remote field device. The UC-8100 Series acts as a compact, highly flexible, vendor-agnostic data logger that connects to inverters, combiners, smart meters and other devices to transmit data over Ethernet, Wi-Fi or cellular. The software platform, MXcloud, collects data from multiple data loggers at multiple locations and allows systems providers to manage each data logger and attached device remotely.
A neat way to manage cables PV fuses increase flexibility for highcurrent solar applications
RayTray is a protective enclosure made of RPVC polymer for the neat routing of cables. The tray can handle a maximum of 30 #10 AWG wires per tray and is ETL listed to the UL 870 standard. To assemble, pick a route, snap together the RayTray and base supports (the maximum support interval is 4 ft 3 in.), slide it under the array and drop in your homeruns. When the array is done and tested, snap on the protective caps, enhancing the appearance of the array and prolonging the life of a client’s investment.
Eaton’s Bussmann series 1,000-volt direct current (Vdc) NH size PV solar fuses are specifically designed for protecting and isolating array combiners, re-combiners, disconnects and inverters. With a high current density and two available mounting options, the NH PV fuses provide design flexibility in a compact size. They are available in traditional blade and bolt-on versions. The traditional blade version can be used with a fuse block to provide quick, tool-less replacement for easy maintenance. The bolton version can be bolted directly to a busbar, reducing components and assembly time. With a common bolt pattern, the NH PV fuses are designed to easily integrate into a standardized busbar design, regardless of fuse ampacity. 86
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5 • 2015
www.solarpowerworldonline.com
5/21/15 11:09 AM
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF SOLAR MOUNTING
About SOMO
Who Should Attend
The Solar Mounting Training Conference (SOMO™) is the first-ever gathering of the industry’s premier manufacturers for the purposes of providing a comprehensive training program dedicated to the art and science of ground and rooftop solar mounting. This three-day event will bring to the forefront innovations and products to advance installers’ knowledge of, and productivity in, solar installations. Join us August 16-18 at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas.
SOMO will be packed with workshops and training courses focused solely on solar mounting. Unlike other major solar trade shows, this very interactive conference is perfect for installers at all levels, developers, and EPC staff seeking the best mounting solutions in the marketplace. At SOMO you will learn the best installation techniques and tips for all roof types and ground mount situations directly from the leading manufacturers in the industry. If you are involved in solar mounting in any way, from procurement to installation, you cannot miss this conference.
WEBSITE/REGISTER: dwo.me/1EAl876 SOMO 5-15_Vs3.indd 1
facebook.com/SOMOConference
This event is brought to you by:
Technology • Development • Installation
Association Sponsor:
twitter.com/SOMOConference
5/20/15 8:14 PM
[AD INDEX]
ABB...............................................................................51 Alectris........................................................................ 57 APS America Corp. .................................................. 65 Arkema Inc. ............................................................... 47 Aurora Bearing Company....................................... 34 AXITEC, LLC............................................................... 29 Backwoods Solar Electric Systems........................71 Baja Construction Co. Inc...................................... 33 BayWa r. e. renewable energy GmbH.................. 45 BURNDY LLC................................................................3 Campbell Scientific, Inc.......................................... 67 Chint Power Systems North America...................18 CohnReznick LLP........................................................7 Continental Control Systems, LLC....................... 79 DPW Solar.................................................................. 75 Dunkermotor, part of Ametek................................13 EagleView Technologies, Inc..................................21 EcoFasten Solar........................................................ 23 EDF Renewable Energy........................................... 28 Everest Solar Systems.............................................. 83 Exosun Inc..................................................................15 Festo Corporation.................................................... 24 Fronius USA LLC....................................................... 37 Hash Machinery Systems........................................ 78 ILSCO...........................................................................71 Kipp & Zonen USA Inc............................................. 32 Krannich Solar USA.................................................. 35 Lufft USA.................................................................... 55 Magerack Corporation ........................................... 55 Marathon Special Products....................................80
Methode Electronics, Inc. ......................................17 MidNite Solar, Inc........................................................2 Mounting Systems, Inc............................................ 43 Moxa Americas, Inc.................................................. 49 Multi-Contact USA....................................................14 OMCO Solar...............................................................41 OutBack Power......................................................... 53 Peter Paul Electronics Company, Inc. ................. 11 Quick Mount PV....................................................... 73 RBI Solar, Inc. / Renusol America........................... 9 S-5!.............................................................................. 42 SAPA Extrusions North America...............................5 Shoals........................................................................ IBC SnakeTray................................................................... 69 SnapNrack Solar Mounting Solutions.................. 10 Solar FlexRack........................................................... 64 Solar Maid.................................................................. 69 Solar Power International........................................81 SolarEdge Technologies Inc. ................................ 25 SolarRoofHook.com / Quickscrews International Corp............................. 4 Solectria Renewables............................................. BC SOMO......................................................................... 87 SunModo Corp......................................................... 85 Tamura Corporation of America........................... 78 TerraSmart................................................................IFC Unirac Incorporated...................................................1 Vaisala Inc.................................................................. 48 VARTA Microbattery, Inc......................................... 59 Zilla...............................................................................77
LEADERSHIP TEAM
SALES
88
VP Sales
Regional Sales Manager
Regional Sales Manager
Business Development
Publisher
EVP
Todd Tidmore
Tom Lazar
Courtney Seel
Michelle Flando
Mike Emich
Marshall Matheson
512.626.8263
408.701.7944
440.523.1685
440.381.9110
508.446.1823
805.895.3609
ttidmore@wtwhmedia.com
wtlazar@wtwhmedia.com
cseel@wtwhmedia.com
mflando@wtwhmedia.com
memich@wtwhmedia.com
mmatheson@wtwhmedia.com
@wtwh_ttidmore
@wtwh_Tom
@wtwh_CSeel
@mflando
@wtwh_memich
@mmatheson
Key Account Manager
Regional Sales Manager
Regional Sales Manager
Regional Sales Manager
Managing Director
Jim Powers
Neel Gleason
Jessica East
Megan Hollis
Scott McCafferty
312.925.7793
312.882.9867
330.319.1253
440.821.2941
310.279.3844
jpowers@wtwhmedia.com
ngleason@wtwhmedia.com
jeast@wtwhmedia.com
mhollis@wtwhmedia.com
smccafferty@wtwhmedia.com
@jpowers_media
@wtwh_ngleason
@wtwh_MsMedia
@wtwh_Megan
@SMMcCafferty
SOLAR POWER WORLD
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5 â&#x20AC;¢ 2015
www.solarpowerworldonline.com
5/21/15 4:00 PM
from the back of the glass
to the inverter
Disruptive PV... we’ve got you covered. Wireless, Parasitic Tracker Component Harness with Big Lead Assembly (BLA) No Combiners Monitoring by
The future of solar is now. JOIN US FOR A GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE OF SOLAR AT INTERSOLAR NORTH AMERICA, MOSCONE CENTER, SAN FRANCISCO.
Moscone Center, San Francisco
Shoals 5-15.indd 5
•
West Hall, Level 2
•
Booth 8333
•
www.shoals.com
5/20/15 7:51 PM
Your Partner for the Long Run... See us at Booth #8311!
▸ NEC 2014 Compliance ▸ Advanced Grid Features ▸ Celebrating 10 Years ▸ Backed by 100 Years of
RELIABLE. BANKABLE. SERVICEABLE. Built for the real world
www.solectria.com | inverters@solectria.com
Solectria 5-15.indd 1
A YASKAWA COMPANY 5/20/15 7:52 PM