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September 2017 www.solarpowerworldonline.com
Technology • Development • Installation
EARTH ANCHORS, U.S. MODULES, SOLAR ECLIPSE AND MORE
INNOVATORS & INFLUENCERS SEE THE 2017 CLASS
ALSO INSIDE:
SPI PREVIEW
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THE FIRST WORD
Influencing solar’s involvement in all emerging markets In the spirit of our annual Innovators and Influencers issue, in which we celebrate individuals making great solar strides but working out of reach of the spotlight, I want to call attention to those trying to bring order and efficiency to the legal cannabis industry. I spoke to many dedicated people while researching for my story on how solar can help marijuana growers (see page 12) and got a more in-depth energy efficiency education than I expected. As someone who doesn’t have any emotional investment in cannabis (if you find it medically useful or just like it for fun, cool; if you don’t, cool), I have been very interested in how grow houses use electricity and how solar may help as more states make medical and recreational usage legal. I’ve sneakily (or so I thought) asked questions to solar installers to gauge whether they were looking into this emerging market with incredible power needs. I assumed solar installers weren’t talking to me about it because it was an industry still in the shadows. Now after talking to people in and around the legal cannabis industry, I realize that the relationship between solar and marijuana is very complicated and, frankly, still too new to take root. I went into my conversation with Anya Gordon at GroTec Builders out of
Portland, Oregon, expecting to hear about what a relief solar panels bring to indoor grow operations. Forty-five minutes later and after a lesson on the “Wild West” atmosphere of the cannabis industry’s energy efficiency practices and standards, I could feel the exasperation and enthusiasm Anya experiences every day. Until grow operations are required to increase energy efficiency, solar won’t be given a second thought. It wasn’t long ago that solar was referred to as the Wild West, so I understood the frustration of getting standards enforced and the excitement of working in an emerging industry with a clean slate. I sat in on an education session at Intersolar North America titled, “Panels for Pot: Powering greenhouses for marijuana and other indoor crops,” and could tell that the solar and cannabis industries weren’t quite sure how to play together yet. John Morris, who co-founded the Resource Innovation Institute, a nonprofit that works with the cannabis industry to promote resource efficiency, spoke during the session, suggesting that solar installers go after marijuana operations looking for a good story and something to market
M a n a gi n g E d i t o r Ke l l y P ic ke r e l kpi c kere l @ w t w h m e d i a .c o m
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themselves as “greener” because the industry probably wasn’t ready for big solar pitches. I discovered that those contractors I questioned weren’t avoiding the marijuana topic for fear of being associated with it; they actually just weren’t involved yet because it was a complicated situation. I do believe solar will find a home in the legal cannabis industry eventually. As long as people like Anya and John keep fighting for consistent standards across all markets, it will happen sooner than we think. So thank you to all innovators and influencers in all industries, helping to open the door to more solar power on our grids. As an emerging industry starting to come out of the other side ourselves, we know the struggle and appreciate your efforts at bringing consistency to a developing market. SPW
@SolarKellyP @S ola r Powe r Wor ld
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[NEWS BRIEFS]
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Solar policy snapshots
North Carolina governor signs renewable energy reform bill Raleigh, North Carolina
A guide to recent legislation and research throughout the country.
The governor signed HB 589, the result of tough negotiations between Duke Energy and a coalition of renewable energy and environmental advocates. SEIA praised the bill’s “competitive solicitation process for new utility-scale solar and the addition of a rooftop solar leasing program,” but renewable advocates were dismayed at the wind moratorium added in as an amendment. The governor issued an executive order to help bring wind projects online after the moratorium.
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Leaked draft of grid study shows renewables aren’t a threat Washington, D.C. A July draft of the grid study that Energy Department secretary Rick Perry ordered that was meant to show renewables as dangerous to the grid showed the opposite. According to Bloomberg, the key finding is: “The power system is more reliable today due to better planning, market discipline and better operating rules and standards.” It contrasts with Perry’s argument that Obama-era incentives for renewable energy make the grid unreliable.
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Hot mic reveals intentions of Montana public commission Helena, Montana
5 New homebuilders in South Florida are now required to go solar
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Montana public service commissioner Bob Lake was recorded on a hot mic “acknowledging that cuts made that morning to rates and contracts offered to small renewable energy projects are likely deep enough to kill future development,” according to the Billings Gazette, after the Public Service Commission decided to reset the rates and contracts for qualifying renewable energy projects up to 3 MW.
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Conservative coalition forms to fight solar tariffs Washington, D.C. An unlikely ally has formed to fight Suniva’s 201 trade petition to add tariffs to foreign solar panels: Conservative groups usually on Team Oil and Gas. The Heritage Foundation, the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and other pro free-trade groups comprise the new Energy Trade Action Coalition. The group’s website says tariffs would hurt a growing industry and cost many American jobs.
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New South Miami homes will now require solar panels Miami, Florida
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A new measure goes into effect this month mandating solar panels on all new houses in South Miami. According to the Miami Herald, “new residential construction would require 175 sq. ft of solar panel to be installed per 1,000 sq. ft of sunlit roof area, or 2.75 kW per 1,000 sq. ft of living space, whichever is less.”
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Land of 1,000 lakes also bountiful in community solar Minnesota Minnesota’s solar capacity, led by its state utility Xcel Energy, tripled through the first quarter of 2017, according to Ozy. As of June, the Institute for Local Self-Reliance reported the state already had 87 MW of community solar farms in operation and now has 478 MW more in production.
New D.C. program will give solar to low-income families Washington, D.C. Solar Works D.C., a low-income solar installation and job training program, was part of legislation to increase renewables in the city signed by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser last year, according to local news station WTOP. Solar will be installed by GRID Alternatives with help from a D.C. youth employment program.
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PACE program scrapped in California city Bakersfield, California Bakersfield City Council voted in July to end PACE financing in the city, citing issues with killing or delaying home sales, according to the LA Times. The problems arise because the loans are usually a first-lien item on a house, meaning sellers often must pay them off in full for a deal to go through.
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E D I T O R I A L EDITORIAL Managing Editor Kathie Zipp kzipp@wtwhmedia.com @SolarKathieZ Managing Editor Kelly Pickerel kpickerel@wtwhmedia.com @SolarKellyP Associate Editor Kelsey Misbrener kmisbrener@wtwhmedia.com @SolarKelseyM
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It’s like “ going from a Model T to a Tesla
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CONTENTS
S e pte mb e r 2 0 1 7 • vol 7 n o 5 w w w. so l ar po w e r w o rl do nl in e .co m
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ON THE COVER ON THE COVER The earth anchor has been used in many industries, and it’s proving to be beneficial to ground-mount solar, too. Similar to helical piles and ground screws, earth anchors help make projects more profitable.
12 24 74 90 BUSINESS
12 SOLAR+CANNABIS
Solar can help meet the tremendous power needs of growing legal cannabis
20 GRID INTERMITTENCY
Last month’s solar eclipse was a good test run for determining grid reliability
TECHNOLOGY 35 MOUNTING
Earth anchors can provide a faster and cheaper foundation option
40 PANELS
U.S. panel manufacturing is not dead; it’s just a little wounded
48 INVERTERS
INSTALLATION 24 CASE STUDY
An abandoned, unfinished nuclear plant switches gears with solar
California’s Rule 21 is leading the way for inverters to help support the grid
54 STORAGE
Nanocarbon batteries come with lithium-ion and lead-acid benefits
30 CONTRACTOR CONFIDENTIAL 4 FIRST WORD 6 NEWS BRIEFS
10
Everyone makes mistakes sometimes; let’s learn from them and be better
90 CONTRACTORS CORNER 94 ASK A VET 96 AD INDEX
SOLAR POWER WORLD
Table of Contents 8-17 Solar_Vs4.indd 10
9 • 2017
74 2017 SPI PREVIEW
59 INNOVATORS & INFLUENCERS
Solar Power International heads back to Las Vegas this year, and we have a preview of what’s in store. Catch us at Booth 708!
www.solarpowerworldonline.com
8/23/17 11:36 AM
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9 • 2017
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Photo courtesy of Resource Innovation Institute
8/22/17 11:44 PM
SOLAR’S NEW FRONTIER: KELLY PICKEREL MANAGING EDITOR
The legal marijuana industry
Can the growing cannabis industry blossom with solar? Pairing solar with the energy-hungry marijuana growing market seems like a no brainer. Indoor grow houses require an incredible amount of electricity to power artificial lighting, fans, dehumidifiers, water pumps and many more elements at all hours. As more states legalize recreational marijuana, the electric grid is bound to suffer from this increased 24/7 demand. Surely solar can help even things out? The truth is that the relationship between solar power and cannabis cultivation is complicated. Solar can absolutely help a marijuana operation reduce its electric bills, but the real question is how much can it actually contribute to a grower’s bottom line? As marijuana prohibition ends, more growth operations could transition outdoors since plants must no longer be hidden from view. When cannabis crops move outside or into mixed-light facilities (like greenhouses), less electricity is needed to establish an indoor ecosystem. But indoor grow operations are still dominant, and any bit of energy assistance solar can give these companies would come as a big relief—to growers and utilities. How cannabis grow operations use electricity Large-scale marijuana grows can be separated into three categories: indoor, outdoor and mixed-light. Outdoor cannabis agriculture still requires some electricity although the plants are open to sunshine. Mixed-light grows are equivalent to familiar greenhouses, needing fans and other temperature controls to produce a harvestable crop. Indoor agriculture has no windows and is 100% artificially lit, requiring a tremendous amount of electricity.
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9 • 2017
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Medical marijuana is legal in 30 states/districts while recreational use is presently legalized in nine: Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Washington, D.C. While outdoor grows may become more prevalent in California, certain climates may not be able to support them, such as Maine or Alaska. Grow operations in these areas may remain inside out of necessity, putting a strain on the electric grid. Grows use electricity in many ways, but some of the more common usages per grow category are: • Outdoor: irrigation, security • Indoor: artificial lighting, air conditioning, CO2 injection, dehumidification, ventilation, irrigation, security • Mixed-light: same as indoor, but less The stages of cannabis growth are seed, vegetation and flower. Seeds/clones typically need 24 hours of light for up to four weeks before stems and leaves arrive (vegetative growth), and then up to five weeks of 18-hour days of light are needed to pass into the flowering stage. Flowers only need 12 hours of light each day, to invoke a circadian response for blooming. Flowering lasts 60 days and then the plant is ready to harvest. The amount of artificial lighting used during certain stages produces a lot of heat in greenhouses and indoor grows, so air conditioners keep everything temperature-controlled. Cannabis plants produce water vapor during growth, so dehumidification systems keep climates regular, as humidity-induced mold can destroy crops. Add in irrigation systems and CO2 injection to help feed plants, and it’s obvious to see the 24/7 electricity needs of indoor and mixedlight grow operations. According to a widely cited 2012 independent research report by Evan Mills, a typical indoor marijuana grow
9 • 2017
SOLAR POWER WORLD
Business(Cannabis) 8-17 Vs3.indd 15
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room has the same power density (200 watts per square foot) as a data center. HVAC, dehumidification and ventilation makes up 50% of a grow’s electricity load, and lighting accounts for 33%. The industry overwhelmingly turns to high-pressure sodium lights for its lighting needs, which are a huge powersuck. LED lights have been suggested, and some utilities offer rebates to those using more efficient lighting, but many growers prefer using what they know best—inefficient light bulbs that give off a lot of heat. As the industry becomes more comfortable with LED lighting, it could drop lighting costs from 33% of the overall picture down to near 25%. Natural sunlight supplies most of the light needed in a greenhouse/ mixed-light grow operation, and The
Cannabist estimates growers use one-third to one-half as many lamps in a greenhouse than in a 100% indoor grow. Greenhouses need supplemental, artificial light to mimic daylight from October to March, when long nights typically trigger plants to flower and slows growth. While greenhouses use less electricity than indoor grows, their electric bills can still be fairly high. Solar’s role in the cannabis industry Solar and marijuana are ubiquitous. The early, prohibited cannabis industry used solar panels to offset its electric load so the government wouldn’t be able to pinpoint high utility bills to illegal grow operations. But the scale of legal cannabis grows today is a bigger energy concern than the few hidden plants of yesterday.
The vast majority of grows are indoor because product is more easily controlled, said Duncan Campbell, vice president of project development at Scale Microgrids Solutions, a consulting business that assists indoor farmers (specifically, cannabis) in integrating energy efficiency solutions into their facilities. “It is fair to say that the market is shifting to outdoor and greenhouse because those segments were virtually zero before legalization,” he said. “The question is, ‘Will indoor grows be eliminated?’ Let’s say the industry shifts to 50% indoor, 50% outdoor/greenhouse. Given how fast this industry is growing, the indoor segment is still going to be a big problem for utilities. Even if it’s 25% indoor, it will still be a big issue.”
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Photo courtesy of Resource Innovation Institute
Many growers turn to indoor operations because indoor-grown product fetches a premium over outdoor-grown product. You can also get much more product out of an
indoor grow. The higher cost of production is worth it for higher revenues (even though electric needs use up 47% of a crop’s wholesale price). “The hardest part of starting a growing operation is finding a place to do it,” Campbell said. “Once you have land you want to maximize your profit, so they’re still going indoor.”
The amount of power that an indoor facility is consuming is staggering. We’re on par with server rooms. Indoor grows may have the roof-space for solar, but the amount of solar needed to make a difference is often unobtainable, said Anya Gordon, CEO at GroTec Builders, a fullservice consulting and design/build firm for the cannabis industry. “The amount of power that an indoor facility is consuming is staggering,” she said. “We’re on par with server rooms. The scale and size of a
solar installation that you would have to have to fully supplement that power is significantly larger than what most facilities could even consider.” For solar installers really interested in getting a foot in the cannabis door, power independence probably isn’t the best pitch. “[Growers] are in the business of eating electricity and producing a product,” Campbell said. “We’re not taking any of these people off-grid. With solar, if I’m lucky, I can make 25% of their power. These are really power-dense facilities. It’s a good market for high-efficiency panels, power optimizers, anything that can increase power.” John Morris, vice president of market development for D+R International, a long-time energy consulting firm that has established energy efficiency standards with the DOE and EPA, works with utilities, growers and equipment manufacturers to promote energy efficiency. He suggests solar installers go after a more accessible cannabis market: medical grows in residential buildings. “These grow ops that are using residential buildings in residential neighborhoods are putting tremendous stress on the grid system,” he said. “You have a chance for solar to actually put a dent in some of these medical grow facilities in residential buildings versus trying to offset million-dollar utility bills per month with warehouses.” Growers in legal markets have to register with state entities, and anyone can find those locations. This could be a very valuable customer list to solar installers. But if these grows are still too small for solar companies, Morris said only one large warehouse grow needs to buy into solar to start a movement. “You just need to find one or two that are going to be that demonstration project model for you,” Morris said. “You want that thought
Business(Cannabis) 8-17 Vs3.indd 17
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leadership entity that can really drive it, and then showcase that to all the other growers: ‘Look, this can be done, the product hasn’t turned out bad, the yield is still the same, and now we can tell a story about our carbon footprint that’s different than all of our competitors.’” Campbell also suggested solar installers go the feel-good marketing route to hook some of the more successful, long-term-thinking facilities looking to establish a “sun-grown” brand. “All the growers are trying to figure out what their brand is,” he said. “It’s not surprising that the cannabis consumer market tends to be closely correlated to those who care about the environment. There is an opportunity to say, ‘We run on solar and give you a super high-grade consistent product.’”
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legal cannabis industry, it still comes And if that isn’t enough for some with its risks. growers, maybe the promise of backup Solar financing is an issue since power will convince them to go solar. many cannabis operators haven’t existed “If you lose power for a day you for more than a few years. And “a few could lose $1 million,” Campbell said of years” is a long time in this emerging some of the larger grow houses. “Backup industry, where many growers are just power is worth a true amount of dollars looking to make a quick buck, building in the cannabis industry.” shaky operations, not concerned about Microgrids and solar+storage 10 years down the line when solar options provide growers with a cleaner pays itself back. Campbell said that will backup option than diesel generators. change as the matures.solar “There’s an affinity for the is industry a rail-less “If you look at the early recreational independence that solar can give a mounting system that is installed states, the first entrants were very grower,” Morris said. “Microgrids give a like a rail-based solar DIY. Those people aren’tmounting interested in resiliency message. It gives the grower seven-year paybacks; their plan is seven confidence that if anything goes system down at lower cost and reduced months,” he said. “Now that those first on the site, they have that backup.” installation withforfamiliar marketstime have existed a while and and moved state by state, thisall is a real industry Hurdles, not roadblocks fewer components for roof types. with real investors. This next wave of While solar is possible right now in the
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BUSINESS
to be able to survive and compete in the market, and we’re not there yet. Until efficiency becomes a necessity, a very small number of people are going to do it.” Although there are risks and inconsistencies associated with this emerging industry, there can be a home for solar. Many describe the legal cannabis industry as the “Wild West” right now, and it wasn’t too long ago that the solar industry was called the same. Who better to guide the legal cannabis industry into energy efficiency than its partner-incrime since the beginning? “[Cannabis] is the only new ag industry to come online since the industrial revolution,” Gordon said. “We now have a giant spotlight on a new agriculture industry with just millions of dollars, endless technology companies, real estate developers, efficiency experts, all of these people looking at this industry. We have an opportunity to reframe sustainability in agriculture. That’s crazy.” SPW
“If [the energy efficiency cannabis facilities and operators do have movement] isn’t happening in states like a vision that goes beyond six months.” Easy and Intuitive Adjustment Colorado, in more mature areas with Growers also can’t take advantage for Roof Attachment Position utilities like Xcel [Energy] with a robust of that coveted solar ITC since they’re and Module Height energy efficiency program, it means we still federally unrecognized businesses. have a lot of hard work to do to really Holding companies often own the land educate the growers,” he said. and grow facilities so these operations Gordon and many others are function legally, and working through Complete Roof Attachment dedicated to establishing standards and them is the only way to take advantage for All Roof Types best practices for the young cannabis of the Solutions ITC. industry because it’s a free-for-all right now, she said. Until sustainability is required, energy efficiency and solar won’t be given a second thought. “When it comes down to putting the rubber to the road, efficiency measures are expensive up front to install,” she said. “Because so many people don’t know whether they’re going to be around in a year, they want cheap and easy.” States may lead the way in bringing Familiar with the differences of stabilization to legal marijuana. California’s AHJs from county to county, solar drafted regulation would require indoor installers should not be surprised that the grows to get 42% of their energy from cannabis industry has its own inconsistent renewables. Solar requirements. For example, Ohio’s medical installers then marijuana industry has a limited number could have easier of grow licenses available, so there are a conversations. set amount of organizations able to look Energy into solar. Oregon and California did not efficiency becomes cap the number of their licenses and the more of a concern options are endless. Oregon did cap the once the market amount of space its indoor commercial evens out. The growers can use—only 10,000 sq. ft. While price of marijuana some grow operations use every inch will drop with possible for growing product, Oregon’s competition, but size restrictions probably leave some energy rates will extra room on the ground for a few solar stay the same. panels. Understanding each jurisdiction’s Businesses can’t requirements can help solar installers stay in the game narrow their focus to grows with the best if they’re not thinking about their solar potential. energy use and how to decrease it. Solar is usually looped into the larger “Once we can [settle on energy efficiency discussion within the how much it costs to make this cannabis industry, something growers product] then we start to make often don’t like to talk about. Morris those considerations of production estimates that even with significant costs and how we lower efficiency rebate programs from utilities, production costs,” Gordon said. only 1 to 2% of growers nationally use “Then efficiency not only is a fancy efficient manufacturing products like LED marketing term, but it becomes lighting, so solar is often not at the top of an actual necessity for businesses their must-have upgrades.
There’s an affinity for the independence that solar can give a grower. Magerack 510-656-6661 www.magerack.com
Photos courtesy of Resource Innovation Institute
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BUSINESS
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
What is GRID INTERMITTENCY and how can contractors prepare for it? As the amount of renewable energy in the country continues to rise, many people have concerns about grid reliability. We reached out to Troy Miller, S&C Electric’s director of grid solutions, to find out more about how battery storage can solve intermittency issues, and how contractors can prepare for solar eclipses.
Troy Miller
Troy Miller is the director of grid solutions at S&C Electric
SPW: Can you define grid intermittency? Miller: Traditional generation is either coalfired or natural gas-fired. It essentially is a big, spinning generator. Once it gets going, it’s hard to slow down, so it provides a very level output until it’s turned off. When you’re talking about renewable resources, if you’ve got a bright, sunny day with direct sun overhead and a 100-MW PV plant, most likely you’re going to get close to the full output of that PV plant, which could be 85 or 90 MW. However, if clouds come over at any point, either large or small, you’re going to have darkness shade portions of your PV farm. You will have a very rapid drop-off of the production of solar from previously 85 or 90 MW down to 40 or 30 or 20 MW, and then it’ll bump back up to 80 very quickly as the cloud cover goes away. That can wreak havoc on the voltage output of the overall system as those large clouds go overhead and you have multiple tens of megawatts that drop offline. You can have problems with voltage variations and in some cases, frequency variations. SPW: How could a microgrid be helpful for intermittency? Miller: The way S&C defines a microgrid is alternate sources of generation, typically renewables, and then switching and protection mechanisms to allow for islanding so you can actually disconnect from the grid. It includes a microgrid controller to control the assets and then bring you back on to the grid when it comes back. Then typically you need energy storage for a microgrid to provide a voltage source for the overall system. It becomes the grid for the system. When you’re talking about how you can solve these intermittency issues, typically they’re
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not solved by a microgrid, they’re solved by putting in energy storage along with your solar installation. Energy storage is nothing more than large batteries connected at the same point of interconnect as the solar plant. The batteries essentially can discharge during those periods of intermittency. When the generation goes from a high level to a low level, the battery can fill in those gaps. You charge the battery when it’s really high, when you’ve got a lot of sunshine. SPW: What happened to PV during the August 21, 2017, eclipse? Miller: It had the same effect as clouds, meaning solar production dropped off. So there are a number of things that you can do to take care of that. One thing that’s different about an eclipse compared to clouds is it’s predictable. You can go to a website before the eclipse to see exactly where the solar eclipse is going to happen and where it’s going to cause total darkness. Certain things you can do to help with the intermittency is, if the plant has energy storage, you can provide a more predictable output, similar to a traditional form of generation. So rather than being 80 MW one minute and 42 MW the next, if you’ve got an energy storage system there, you can actually level out at a predictable generation output, which is much better for the voltage control of your grid. You may be able to plan for this break in generation by ramping up alternate forms of generation to fill in. So you could theoretically curtail your PV and fill it in with alternate forms of generation including traditional peaking power plants or storage.
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8/23/17 12:37 AM
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SPW: If our country were to rely more heavily on solar, would we have to add more battery storage? Miller: The one thing about our grid is that it’s kind of the most complex machine in the world. At any time, you have to match the available generation with the load out there. If you have 3 GW of load, you need to immediately match that with 3 GW of generation—the way that it’s currently structured. And if you don’t, you rely on something that’s called inertia in the system to slow those ramp rates. The inertia can be provided by big spinning generation machines. As you slowly retire those traditional assets and replace them with more renewable types of generation, you will need energy storage to act as a buffer and an equalizer, a levelizer for that generation. And so, yes, as we rely more and more on intermittent resources, we will need to put in the subsequent amounts of energy storage. It’s not a 1:1 ratio, it’s more like 20 to 30% storage to solar to be able to handle that intermittency. SPW: What should contractors keep in mind regarding intermittency when they’re selling and installing systems? Miller: You can really increase the overall value of your system if you’re adding energy storage, depending where you are in the country. It allows you to be able to island, and it also allows you to take advantage of more of the production of the day, as well as do alternate things like bill reduction and participation in things that are called ancillary services markets. Certain parts of the country pay for you to provide correction to frequency deviations—this is called frequency response. Adding storage to a solar plant allows you to get a lot of different cost avoidances along with potential new revenue streams. SPW
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KELSEY MISBRENER
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ASSOCIATE EDITOR
gets
recharged as a solar farm The ambitious Phipps Bend nuclear power plant in Hawkins County, Tennessee, sat unfinished and largely unused since construction halted in 1981. The project was supposed to revitalize the area and energize the entire area of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), but due to economic factors—falling energy demand and increased costs of nuclear plants, according to the Kingsport Times-News—the TVA laid off workers and halted construction. The site was used only for safety training exercises until BirdsEye Renewable Energy of Charlotte, North Carolina, saw the potential of the space for a new kind of energy generation. BirdsEye president Brian Bednar got to know Holston Electric Cooperative, the local electric utility in Hawkins County, when BirdsEye developed solar arrays on 20 schools in the county through the TVA Generation Partners Program. “Knowing the area, we came across this industrial park adjacent to the uncompleted Phipps Bend nuclear power plant," Bednar said. He thought, “Let's find a way to combine old with new." Bednar worked with the Phipps Bend Joint Venture, a partnership between the Industrial Development Board of Hawkins County and Industrial Development Board of the City of Kingsport, manager of the land adjacent to the shuttered nuclear plant, to begin building the Phipps Bend solar farm. BirdsEye contracted United Renewable Energy (URE) of Alpharetta, Georgia, to be the EPC for the project. It used Hanwha Q CELL modules, NEXTracker tracking systems, an Also Energy monitoring system with video feed and Huawai inverters. Bednar knew from the start that this was an unprecedented solar project and was excited about the prospect. “There was a lot of good electrical infrastructure for interconnection,” Bednar said. “It just seemed like a good way to add value to some land that just didn't have value." The site wasn’t ideal for commercial development, “so it seemed like a really nice fit to take something that was in not good use, and put it into better use,” Bednar said. Because the nuclear power plant was never in operation, the Photos courtesy of BirdsEye Renewable Energy
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Because the nuclear power plant was never in operation, the site was still considered a greenfield, not a brownfield. So besides the unique positioning, the rest of the project was pretty typical. "Nothing in that project was particularly challenging because of the fact that it was a former nuclear plant,” Bednar said. “Most of it was just our traditional development process." Bednar sees multiple beneficiaries from this new plant, including the TVA, because the project increases the penetration of renewable energy in its service territory and applies to its Solar Solution Initiative (SSI); and the landlord, the Phipps Bend Joint Venture.
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“So they're earning rent on this site which was otherwise simply a maintenance headache,” Bednar said. “They had to mow it, but with no revenue." The residents of Hawkins County also benefitted from the project because United Renewable Energy made a point to hire local workers.
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"One of the things we always try and do in conjunction with our partners is identify opportunities to utilize local labor to maximize the economic benefit of a project to the local community," said Keith Herbs, executive vice president of URE. URE used several local subcontractors to help with construction of the project. "For any project we're working on, we want to be good partners to a community," Herbs said. Having BirdsEye’s knowledge of the area made that even easier. Another aspect of the project meant to help keep the site attractive to humans and animals alike was the use of Deerbuster fencing instead of barbed wire. The team installed the fence upside down, hoping the large holes would allow smaller mammals and reptiles to
The community celebrated the ribbon-cutting for the Phipps Bend solar farm.
pass through the site uninterrupted, but keep out deer that may chew wires. The use of Deerbuster fencing was a pilot project for BirdsEye. If it works to keep out the wire-chewers but allow other animals to get through easily, the company may use it for future projects. Bednar’s not concerned at this point about smaller mammals like rabbits chewing the wires. “I'm more worried about red-tailed hawks sitting on the panels, waiting for the bunny to pass through the fence,”
Bednar laughs. “That might be a little bit of a more gory outcome." The new solar plant will bring some economic opportunities to a community burned by a failed energy project in the past. The enthusiasm was palpable to Bednar at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new solar project. He said local leaders showed up, and this semirural community was supportive of the project because they are always “looking for ways to feel like they're on the edge of innovation.” SPW
THE STRENGTH BETWEEN SUN AND SHADE MBarC Construction has over 330MW of installed solar structures and offers a rapidly growing catalog of solar carports, canopies, groundmounts, trackers, and DSA-approved structures.
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Small components. Big Impact! Stäubli Electrical Connectors’ (formerly Multi-Contact) MC4 photovoltaic connectors are the global industry standard and can be found on more PV modules than any other connector system in the world. With more than 1 billion installed PV connector components, Stäubli Electrical Connectors provides more than 150 GW or 50% of the worldwide PV capacity. The MC4 connector system is rated up to 1500 V UL, 1500 V TÜV safety class 0 and is available for 14 through 8 AWG cable configurations. We are also offering the in-line fuse PV-K/ILF connector for very low energy loss and heat generation featuring a robust IP68 enclosure.
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Contractor CONFIDENTIAL Anonymous solar contractors from across the country submitted some of their installation horror stories to Solar Power World. While some were comical and others more cringe-worthy, it just goes to show that mistakes do happen. Those companies that take the time to fix them and value customer service and doing the right thing are still around today to share these stories.
“One of the worst stories we had was a solar carport. There are companies that make kits for carports—very easy to order and install. We had a situation where the customer liked the carport but he wanted a slight modification from what came in the kit. Well that made an easy-to-order job into a custom nightmare. What was supposed to take six to eight weeks took four months. So we paid the customer’s power bill for all the months the system wasn't installed.” -Georgia commercial installer
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“One of our sales guys sold a tracking system to a customer who didn't want to put panels on his roof due to shading and not wanting to cut trees. The problem is that the sales person didn't account for the movement of the tracker, and it would have rotated right into a steep embankment! This was obviously not an option. To keep the client happy, instead of 24 panels on a tracker, we put 44 panels on his roof so he could realize the same production that the tracker would have yielded despite the shade. It cost us over $8,000 and we lost money on the job, but he is a loyal happy client now and has referred at least three others to us.” -New Hampshire residential installer
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“We had a structural guy fall through an attic ceiling, and we had to hire contractors to fix it. We also struck a water line with a grounding rod and had to file an insurance claim. The customer had a finished basement that ended up with a few inches of water. The key to fixing mistakes is communicating clearly and often with the customer and expediting the fixes. It's about how you recover and learn from the mistake.” -Massachusetts residential installer
“On a ground-mount, we put the bracing in backwards and left it that way. It's been over five years and there has not been an issue— and we live in tornado alley!” -Texas residential installer
Photo courtesy of istockphoto.com
8/23/17 1:08 AM
* Vis
“Most of our self-inflicted challenges come from making ‘best guesses’ that turn out to be our worst nightmare. Several years ago, we were installing solar carport structures at a private school. After the project was sold and the engineering complete we went to pull permit and learned that there was a large pipe with a substantial easement running through the parking lot. We had to completely redesign, work with the PPA provider on essentially ‘re-selling’ the project and had to expedite our internal processes to get the system up and running as close to our initial timeline as possible. The system is performing as expected, the customer is very pleased, and we are currently working with them on a system expansion to provide more solar energy for two additional buildings. We now have 3D ground scanning/ modeling technology that allows us to take a ‘picture’ of what is below the ground and factor that into our initial proposal/layout.” -California commercial installer
INSTALL ATION “The common problem is something gets broken at a residential customer’s home during the installation. Our policy is if the customer asks, then the customer will receive what they want. This avoids escalation of problems. We’ve replaced a garage window and a propane patio heater, and fixed a dent in a washing machine and a dent in a Mercedes Benz." -Arizona residential installer
“I was performing a line-side tie-in to the utility grid located in the metering equipment. I was using a piercing-lugtype connection. I accidentally left a bolt in the lug, touching the side of the meter and one phase of the line. Obviously, when we energized the system, the breaker tripped and we immediately found the issue. What makes it even worse, I'm the owner of the company and my background is electrical design and installation, so the crew guys really gave me a hard time!” -Tennessee commercial installer
“A production manager installed the rails on the wrong side of the roof (don't ask me how!), and we had to take them off, patch the roof—fortunately the roof was brand new so there was no color issue— and move them to the correct side.” -New Jersey commercial installer
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9 •Way! 2017 | www.s-5.com SOLAR POWER| 888-825-3432 WORLD 3 1 The Right
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INSTALL ATION
“We removed a drain-waste vent flashing boot to install a Solar Roof Jack, and the resulting nail holes from the boot were never re-flashed or sealed properly. Our city experienced 1,000-year flooding rains shortly after the mishap, and the homeowner noticed drywall water damage as a direct result from the leak. To remedy, we re-flashed and caulked the holes, repaired the drywall, and had the entire (1,000-sq. ft) ceiling repainted twice until the customer was satisfied with the remedy.” -South Carolina commercial installer
“We have made many mistakes, but we see them as an opportunity to go above and beyond to make it a positive. Recently we used a new helical pile racking. It was a nightmare. We didn’t like the way it looked and wanted to take it down. We informed the customer that we did not like it and wanted to redo it before the customer was able to tell us they weren't happy. The customer was very appreciative.” -Michigan residential installer
“We left modules unsecured on a rack and the wind took them. We paid for them. We now know we will not lay out modules unless we can install them the same day.” -California commercial installer
“One time we installed a system and did a supply-side connection. In this case, there was a junction box on the utility's side of the meter and we connected there. After a few months of the customer not seeing a difference in their bills, we found out our mistake, corrected it, and we paid the customer for all the kilowatt hours they would have made plus some extra for their inconvenience. Our reputation and customer relationships are most important.” -Kansas residential installer
“We have a weird three-phase system in some places known as an open delta and I missed that completely on a job. I had to take all the trunk cables off the roof and buy proper cables. I was able to inventory the cables and finally got to use them two years later.” -New Jersey commercial installer
The Ryan Company, Inc.
EPC for: Renewables I Electrical Infrastructure I Substations RI Battery Storage 32
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“Nuisance inverter codes from a too sensitive AFCI resulted in dozens of our high-end systems faulting out on a recurring basis. We spent thousands trying to correct and add new AFCI cards for old inverters and new firmware for newer versions. It nearly brought this company to its knees.” -Texas residential installer
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“Our electrician hooked a 240-V solar system to a 480-V service and blew up some microinverters. Embarrassingly, the service was clearly labeled 480 V, but it was a brain fart by us. We purchased the needed transformer for the customer, replaced all the breakers and microinverters, and got the system working.” -Indiana commercial installer
“We had a circumstance where initial design did not match surveying during construction. Workers were delayed a day and a half while we did an immediate CAD revision to post locations and began the survey again.” -Michigan utility contractor
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“Things get messed up all the time. It's just about taking responsibility and being responsive to issues. We thrive on referrals. We really strive for happy customers at the end of the process.” -Texas residential installer
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www.EcolibriumSolar.com Ecolibrium Solar is a registered trademark and EcoFoot5D is a trademark of Ecolibrium Solar, Inc. All rights reserved. ©2017 Ecolibrium Solar, Inc.
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Earth anchors — more than helical piles or ground screws — help make ground-mount solar more profitable JONO STEVENS
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF PRODUCTS AT NUANCE ENERGY
The earth anchor, long used in a variety of applications— including electric utility projects—has a new use: securing the foundations of ground-mount solar arrays. Unlike conventional foundations, an earth anchor foundation system does not require a detailed geotechnical report, extensive engineering effort or costly construction techniques. Enabling unskilled crews to install solar arrays using only handheld power tools eliminates the need for expensive, heavy equipment. And compliance with engineering specifications, applicable codes and local regulations can be verified via simple, realtime load testing. The earth anchor foundation system’s ability to work more easily, quickly and inexpensively in virtually any type of soil on any site makes solar energy more practical and affordable at any scale, and creates more profitable opportunities for agricultural, commercial, industrial and utility projects.
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Anchored foundations Earth anchors function similarly to helical piles and ground screws, but with two important differences; they require less steel and can be installed using only handheld tools. The anchor itself is a hot-dipped galvanized, ductile iron casting about 5 in. long and 1.5 in. in diameter with penetrating “teeth” at one end, a hole for inserting the drive rod at the other end, and an “eye” in the center for attaching an aircraft-grade stainless steel cable or galvanized threaded rod. The anchor and cable are driven into the ground using a special drive rod—a process that is made all the easier with its narrow profile and aggressive teeth. When the drive rod is removed and uplift force is applied to the cable or rod, the underground anchor rotates into its final, horizontal and locked position. Its innovative design gives earth anchors an extraordinarily strong holding power based on the “inverted cone” of soil above. An anchor set 4 ft deep, for example, is secured by over 26 ft³ of contributing soil for a holding capacity of over 2,000 lb in most soil conditions. The ease of installation and high holding power make earth anchor foundation systems suitable for sites where deploying solar power has previously been considered impractical or impossible. The ability to conduct simple, inexpensive field load tests to measure the actual (vs. calculated) holding capacity of every earth anchor in real time eliminates the need for geotechnical reports and related inspections, and virtually guarantees being able to meet—easily and costeffectively—the required engineering and design specifications. To ensure longterm reliability and continued compliance, Nuance Energy recommends conducting the tests to 1.5-times the calculated worstcase scenario design loads. If any test fails to reach the specified load, the earth anchor can simply be removed and installed again at a different angle and/or depth. A second anchor can then be set, with the load test performed again on the pair. 36
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Gen 4 - The Complete System Introducing Gen 4 Key Advancements One Stop Shop
Pre-engineered, complete system: Tracker now comes complete with panels and an inverter — everything you need to install in one place.
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The dual-axis tracker will keep following the sun, even when the grid is down: The tracker uses energy from the panels so it will keep in the correct mode.
Tracker Monitoring
Expanded communication options: Tracker is now WiFi, cellular and SD card enabled to check the power generation and mode status with ease.
Learn more at SPI booth #A-626 or online at www.allearthrenewables.com/spi AllEarth Solar is a division of AllEarth Renewables, Inc. allearthrenewables.com | 802.872.9600 ALLEARTH and the ALLEARTH SOLAR logo are trademarks of AllEarth Renewables, Inc. Š 2017AllEarth Renewables, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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Construction Construction begins by assembling the platform and placing it in position. The height of each anchor stand is adjusted to level the racking system as it is assembled. For example, Nuance Energy’s Osprey PowerPlatform has stands with an adjustment range of 26 in., making the standard model suitable for slopes up to 12° or, with custom engineering, up to 23°. An electric or pneumatic jackhammer, powered by a portable generator or air compressor, is the only tool needed to set earth anchors in the soil. Installation over rock or pavement requires the use of a rotary hammer drill with a suitable bit to set a conventional expanding anchor. The only other equipment needed is the portable load testing rig for performing the load tests.
When the platform is fully assembled, aligned and leveled, the earth anchors are set through a hole in the base plate of the anchor stands, usually to a depth of 3 to 4 ft below grade, depending on the soil conditions. This step is completed before the solar modules are installed to make it easier to place the load testing rig over the anchor stands. Upon a successful test, the excess cable from the earth anchor is wrapped around the stand and secured. Completing the installation involves attaching the solar modules and inverter(s), routing the wires and making the connection to the electric load and/ or grid. The C-rail design provides an integrated trough for the wiring, which eliminates the need for separate wire
management channels or conduits. The design also provides a suitable structure for mounting the inverter(s), eliminating the need for concrete pads. A standard 16-module (2x8) array is supported by six anchor stands that distribute the total weight at under 225 lb/ft². For wind loads, all six earth anchors (one per stand) can secure a total uplift force of over 12,000 lb, depending on depth and soil conditions. Additional anchors can be set as needed,
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TECHNOLOGY
such as with unusually high winds and/ or poor soil conditions. A four-person crew is able to assemble a 45-kW solar array consisting of 128 350-W panels—from start to finish—in eight hours. The cost for installing the anchor platform, rails and solar panels in a larger 2-MW system is only 1.5¢/W (using typical hourly wages for semi-skilled workers), resulting in a potential savings of over $130,000 when compared to using helical piles or ground screws. The versatility to perform well in virtually any situation and soil condition enables EPCs, contractors and distributors to have a single, modular solution for nearly all groundmount projects. This is true even under the most challenging of conditions, such as in desert hardpan, rocky soil, permafrost or on landfills.
For systems that must eventually be moved, or decommissioned and removed, the entire framework can be disassembled for use at another site. Except for the inexpensive earth anchors, there are no stranded assets and only minimal environmental impact. In projects that benefit from this “lift and shift” portability, such as mining, the earth anchor foundation system offers this significant additional advantage over all other alternatives. The earth anchor foundation system proves to be more universal, easier, faster and less expensive than other foundation options—from procurement
through construction and, optionally, decommissioning. With such advantages, earth anchor foundations are destined to become increasingly popular with EPCs, developers, contractors and distributors alike for ground-mount solar projects. SPW
IXOLARTM- High Efficiency Solar cell 22% Monocrystalline Silicon Harnessing energy has taken on a new dimension Features:
Applications:
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• High efficiency outdoor and indoor • Long life and stable output • Sealed Package • High mechanical robustness • Surface Mount Package
• Reflow Solderable
• Automatic Pick & Place Mounting • One Product for Multiple Applications • Flexible Integration into the Application
Part Number
Voc (V)
Isc (mA)
Pmax (mW)
Vmax (V)
Imax (mA)
Jac (mA/ cm2)
Fill Factor (%)
Cell Effcy (%)
Dimension (mm)
Unit cell size(mm)
Cellsin series (cells)
Weight (grams)
SLMD121H04L SLMD121H06L SLMD121H08L SLMD481H08L SLMD960H09L SLMD121H09L SLMD321H09L SLMD360H10L SLMD600H10L SLMD121H10L SLMD481H10L SLMD242H10L SLMD480H12L SLMD720H12L SLMD860H12L SLMD960H12L SLMD481H12L KXOB22-12X1F KXOB22-12X1L KXOB22-04X3L KXOB22-04X3F KXOB22-01X8F KXOB22-01X8L
2.52 3.78 5.04 5.04 5.67 5.67 5.67 6.3 6.3 6.3 6.3 6.3 7.56 7.56 7.56 7.56 7.56 0.63 0.63 1.89 1.89 4.7 4.7
50 50 50 200 40 50 135 15 25 50 200 1000 20 29 36 40 200 50 50 15 15 4.4 4.4
89.2 133.8 178 712 162 200 540 67 111 223 890 4450 108 156.6 182 218 1068 22.3 22.3 20.1 20.1 12.9 12.9
2 3 4 4 4.5 4.5 4.5 5 5 5 5 5 6 5.8 5.9 6 6 0.5 0.5 1.5 1.5 3.4 3.4
44.6 44.6 44.6 178 36 44.6 120 13.4 22.3 44.6 178 890 18 27 31 36 178 44.6 44.6 13.4 13.4 3.8 3.8
42.4 42.4 42.4 42.4 42.4 42.4 42.4 42.4 42.4 42.4 42.4 42.4 42.4 42.4 42.4 42.4 42.4 42.4 42.4 42.4 42.4 42.4 42.4
>70 >70 > 70 >70 >70 >70 >70 >70 >70 >70 >70 >70 >70 >70 >70 >70 >70 > 70 > 70 >70 >70 >60 >60
22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22
43 x 14 x 2 42 x 21x 2 86x 14 x 2 89 x 55 x 2 44.5 x 21.5 x 1.3 62 x 21 x 2 58 x 58 x 2.0 54 x 18 x 2 22 x 35 x 2 42 x 35 x 2 89 x 67 x 2 214.5 x 131.6 x 2 22 x 35 x 2 42.0 x 35.0 x 1.6 38.5 x 32.9 x 2.0 42 x 35 x 2 90 x 79 x 2 22 x 7 x 1.8 22 x 7 x 1.8 22 x 7 x 1.8 22 x 7 x 1.8 22 x 7 x 1.8 22 x 7 x 1.8
20 x 6 20 x 6 20 x 6 20 x 12 x 2 20 X 4.8 20 X 6 18 X 6 X 3 6X6 10 x 6 20 X 6 20 x 12 x 2 120 x 20 10 x 4.8 15 X 4.8 18 X 4.8 20 x 4.8 20 x 12 x 2 20 x 6 20 x 6 6x6 6x6 5 x 2.4 5 x 2.4
4 6 8 8 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 12 12 12 12 12 1 1 3 3 8 8
2.5 3.5 5 18 4.5 5.5 12 2 2.5 4.5 20 110 2.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 22 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
SOLAR Mounting 8-17 Vs4.indd 39
Advantages:
For further information: Contact Steve Krausse at (970) 493-1901 x29
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8/23/17 1:26 AM
KELLY PICKEREL
PANEL TECHNOLOGY
MANAGING EDITOR
U.S. solar panel MANUFACTURING is not dead It’s just a little wounded. When Suniva announced its shutdown earlier this year, many proclaimed the U.S.manufactured panel industry as dead. “Not so fast,” said SolarWorld Americas, the largest U.S. crystalline-silicon solar manufacturer for the last 40 years, until its Germany parent company filed for insolvency one month later. The American division says it will still carry on with a few less employees, but the PR damage to the market had been tremendous. Now add in the Suniva and SolarWorldsponsored petition for trade tariffs on foreign panels. The petition asks the U.S. government to set a minimum price of 78 cents per watt on foreign panels, which is 17 cents more than the current average panel price in the United States. If the petition passes, SEIA estimates that the U.S. solar industry would lose 88,000 jobs—one-third of the current American solar workforce. The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) will make its decision on the case by Sept. 22, 2017, and developers, panel buyers and foreign panel manufacturers hold their breath in the meantime. Just because two of the biggest U.S. panel manufacturers have hit some roadblocks doesn’t mean that the whole market is caving in. There are many companies waving the “Made in USA” banner and a few Canadian manufacturers ready to pick up the slack if “Made in North America” becomes the better default. Although many crystalline-silicon panel manufacturers operate as “boutique solar providers” (either in capacity size or through premium product), there are companies out there to fill domestic orders. And U.S. thin-film manufacturers are waiting on the sidelines to swing traditionally crystalline customers to their side. Some U.S. and Canadian solar panel manufacturers described how things have changed in the six short months since Suniva’s exit, and they expressed whether they have the capacity or the desire to take on the need for U.S. and/or North American solar modules (all signs point to yes).
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Solaria produces its PowerXT line of high-efficiency modules on assembly lines in Silicon Valley and also in Asia. The company announced in June that it plans to expand its California manufacturing capacity to more than 40 MW per year by the end of 2017, a decision that was not influenced by Suniva’s exit from the market. “It was always Solaria’s intention to ramp up manufacturing in Silicon Valley,” said Solaria CEO Suvi Sharma. “Solaria has been—and remains— committed to the U.S. market.” In total, Solaria should reach 100-MW capacity this year and will add more in 2018 to meet increased customer demand. This ramp-up has drawn more interest to the company. “There are a number of distributors, installers and homeowners who’ve been interested in the fact that we’ve ramped up our manufacturing in the United States,” Sharma said. “Customers are extremely receptive and appreciative of the Solaria PowerXT modules, designed and produced with American innovation and ingenuity.”
Sharma said the trade case is a unique battleground in the United States. Solaria is invested in encouraging U.S. manufacturing and preventing international dominance, but at what cost? “Accelerated global solar module manufacturing and innovation is vital to confronting the challenges posed by climate change,” Sharma said. “We’re keenly interested in boosting American PV manufacturing here at home, and that’s why we’ve ramped up our production capacity. Yet, we’re also concerned that placing tariffs on international imports could thwart the tremendous job growth we’ve been seeing in the U.S. solar sector.”
SOLARIA
FREMONT, CALIFORNIA
www.solarpowerworldonline.com
8/23/17 1:31 AM
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TECHNOLOGY
SOLARTECH UNIVERSAL RIVIERA BEACH, FLORIDA
SolarTech Universal manufactures 60-cell monocrystalline modules with Meyer Burger’s SmartWire Technology out of its primary facility in Southern Florida. The company, in production for two years, also has a PERC line and is working on black-onblack modules. SolarTech is open to the public and often gives tours of the facility, something that marketing associate Caty Weihl said increases interest in the newer brand. “We love giving tours of our facility so customers can see for themselves how much care we put into each panel,” she said. “It’s a level of service, transparency and value not found anywhere else.” SolarTech has focused on producing a premium solar panel, more so than taking advantage of an open U.S. market. “Our customers tend to be those with discreet tastes, who find value in premium, quality, U.S.-made products,” Weihl said. “We don’t have the same ‘race to the bottom’ mentality held by others in the industry. We keep our price competitive, but we also see the value in spending a little more on materials to show customers a lot more value.” With those blinders on, SolarTech will continue to function as planned this year. “We are very excited to get our new black-on-black module into production,” Weihl said. “We are planning to add additional shifts, creating dozens of jobs, to keep up with the demand. We are most proud of our ability to provide well-paying, highly skilled jobs in our community. The majority of our 40+ employees were hired from the surrounding area and specially trained to fill their position. Without the work they do, our product would not be what it is today. It is with them in mind that we strongly oppose additional tariffs to solar products.” 42
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Silfab Solar’s recently expanded 300-MW capacity production line in Ontario, Canada, may not make Made in USA panels, but executive advisor Geoffrey Atkins said the company’s North American modules are taking advantage of the open U.S. market. “There remains a strong market for customers seeking Made in North America quality for residential and commercial scale projects,” he said. “Customers are looking for the quality and service provided by North Americanbased manufacturers who can service and support their product and guarantee on-time delivery and consistent product availability.” Silfab’s line of monocrystalline and bifacial modules has been in production for seven years, and that stability is well sought out right now. “Silfab remains 100% focused on the North American premium quality market and delivering superior service and support for our products,” Atkins said. “Silfab operates a just-in-time business model and we continue to increase our manufacturing capacity to meet the needs of our North American customers and partners to ensure that they have a consistent supply of high quality modules at a competitive price.”
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www.solarpowerworldonline.com
8/23/17 1:31 AM
TECHNOLOGY
STION
HATTIESBURG, MISSISSIPPI
Although Suniva and SolarWorld produce crystalline modules, the thin-film market is feeling the ripple effects of their struggles and the subsequent trade tariff petition. Stion produces frameless and framed thin-film CIGS modules in a 700,000-sq. ft manufacturing plant in Mississippi. Seth Stulgis, Stion director of marketing, said there has been increased interest from larger developers looking into Stion’s thin-film for future projects. solar-ad-print.pdf
1
7/31/17
“Stion takes pride in being a 100% U.S. corporation,” Stulgis said. “We have seen an uptick in interest from developers looking to secure modules before year’s end due to the module shortage for U.S. clients as well as those looking to hedge against a potential minimum import price (MIP). Stion is both a thin-film module manufacturer and makes its modules in the United States, so it is not subject to an MIP.” Some foreign module manufacturers are cutting back U.S. shipments because of the uncertainty around the trade case. Stion doesn’t have to worry about that and is in fact ramping up its production capacity to 150 MW each year at its Mississippi plant. The team is exploring technical initiatives to add capacity even faster. “‘American-made’ is who we are and who we have always been,” Stulgis said.
11:29 AM
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TECHNOLOGY
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SERAPHIM SOLAR JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI
Seraphim Solar USA manufactures 300-W and 360-W modules out of its 160-MW capacity facility in Mississippi. The company announced in March that it has begun preparing for a 200-MW expansion to its annual capacity. Steve Ostrenga, Seraphim vice president of sales for the Americas, said the company’s message has stayed consistent: manufacturing highefficiency modules without worrying about competitors’ missteps. “Our industry has always and will continue to be turbulent, whether it be polysilicon shortages, anti-dumping/ countervailing duties, price shocks due to oversupply or technological changes,” he said. “We recognize that the current situation is temporal. Our focus day-in, day-out is to build a great solar panel and service the customer.” Seraphim got its start in 2015, and Ostrenga said it has residential, commercial and industrial customers eager for American modules. Seraphim has seen an uptick in inquiries since Suniva’s exit. “Customers are revisiting their procurement strategies, identifying ways to mitigate supply chain risk and are thinking long-term versus spot purchasing,” Ostrenga said. “Our clients value Made in the USA manufacturing, our bankability through third-party insurance and solar financing partners, highefficiency modules, quick turn-arounds and our dedication to service.” SPW 4 4 SOLAR POWER WORLD
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8/23/17 1:31 AM
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8/22/17 11:10 PM
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8/23/17 1:33 AM
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8/23/17 1:34 AM
KATHIE ZIPP
INVERTER TECHNOLOGY
MANAGING EDITOR
SOLAR is under new rule California’s Rule 21 is leading the way for inverters to help support the grid Imagine the nation’s grid. Visualize more solar projects plugging in every day. Those projects are feeding more and more power to the grid, which is great, but with that comes new challenges. Solar panels feed power into inverters, which push current onto the grid. This causes the voltage to rise above what is dictated as safe, so the inverter is mandated to disconnect from the grid so it’s no longer exporting power. Utilities work to manage grid issues, but problems intensify as more solar plugs into the grid. Traditionally, interconnection requirements have mandated that inverters must shut down during grid issues to prevent back-feeding current onto the grid, which jeopardizes safety. But when inverters shut down, solar projects can’t generate power, and sometimes the lost generation is massive. For example, an August 2016 wild fire caused about 1,200 MW of solar generation in Southern California to disconnect. All that potential power was lost. A solution Though inverters may seem like the problem, they’ve actually become smart enough to know how to help—they just haven’t been allowed. In fact, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) reported that advanced smart inverters can be the least costly solution for the grid’s voltage issues. Some states are starting to take note, revising interconnection requirements so inverters can stay active (ride through) minor utility faults to support the grid and allow issues to clear. California is leading this effort with recent changes to Rule 21. Rule 21 is a set of California utility interconnection requirements that have been in place for years. However, thanks to recommendations from different groups, the CPUC has made a major revision of Rule 21, effective as of Sept. 9, 2017. Under the UL 1741 safety standard established in 2010, the old interconnection requirements only allowed inverters to operate within a narrow range of IEEE frequency and voltage requirements. “Because of all this, the capability of inverters wasn’t fully utilized,” John Drummond, applications 4 8 SOLAR POWER WORLD
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engineer at Chint Power Systems, explained during a recent Solar Power World webinar. “But the revised rule is leading the way to expand that.” The revised rule widens the range of conditions during which inverters may operate. The new rule and the addendum to the previous UL safety standard, UL 1741-SA, allow inverters to provide seven grid support functions: • • • • • • •
Voltage ride-through Frequency ride-through Soft-start reconnection Ramp-rate controls Fixed power factor Dynamic Volt-VAR management Changes to anti-islanding requirements
More states are approaching high levels of solar penetration, which can cause challenges for the grid. Data is from eia.gov and was assembled by Chint Power Systems.
www.solarpowerworldonline.com
8/23/17 2:00 AM
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TYPE 947D POWER FILM CAPACITORS 85, 90, 100 & 116 mm CASE SIZES CAPACITANCE VALUES TO 3600 µF APPLIED VOLTAGE TO 1500 Vdc RIPPLE CURRENT RATINGS >100 A rms
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TECHNOLOGY
“We feel these changes are a great thing for the industry, in fact, as an inverter company, we’re excited to see these changes happen,” Drummond said. “We think inverters have always been smart and now they’re allowed to be smart and support the grid. California is leading the way for the use of this kind of capability.”
Elec
Area is serviced by both Suprise Valley and Pacific Corp Area is serviced by both Suprise Valley only
Pacific Corp
Suprise Valley
Shasta Lake
Trinity
Redding
LMUD
PG&E
Area is serviced by both PSREC & LMUD
PSREC Sierra Pacific Power
Biggs
Ukiah
Gridley Roseville
Healdsburg
Kirkwood
SMUD
Alameda
TRA N SM
Truckee-Donner PUD SPP
Lodi
MID
Palo Alto
TID
Santa Clara
Valley
MEID
1-3
A phased approach Rule 21 is being introduced in three phases. Phase one established that any interconnect application received before 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 8, 2017, could use inverters certified to UL 1741. But any application received in California now requires inverters that can provide grid support functions, as tested and certified by UL 1741SA. Many manufacturers have pushed to get their inverters certified by the September deadline. The next couple phases are coming. Phase two will establish communication requirements to enable remote adjustments of inverter grid support functions. These will rest on the back of other data requirements such as SEP 2.0 and IEEE 2030.5. The SunSpec Alliance is working on testing and certification criteria for the IEEE requirement, which is expected to be required in 2018. Phase three builds on phases one and two and allows even more advanced inverter functionality. The smart inverter working group (SIWG) made recommendations earlier this year for eight additional inverter grid functions that could be added to Rule 21. These will be synchronized with revisions to IEEE 1547 requirements (engineering guidelines for interconnect which will be revised to enable grid support features) and likely implemented in 2019 or 2020.
Ca lif o r n ia 's Electr ic Utility Ser v ice A r ea s (1 9 9 6 )
Complying with Rule 21 Rule 21 applies almost everywhere in California for any project size. If projects do fall under Rule 21 and interconnect applications were received after Sept. 9, inverters will need to be certified for grid support under UL 1741-SA. A database of compliant smart inverters can be found at CalSEIA.org. 50
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LADWP Owens Valley
PG&E
D SCE Lompoc Burbank
Note: This figure shows the service areas of California's three Investor Owned Utilities: PG&E, Southern California Edison (SCE), and San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E). In addition, this figure shows LADWP (Los Angeles Dept. of Water), LMUD (Lassen Municipal Utility District), MEID (Merced Irrigation District), PSREC (Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative), MID (Modesto Irrigation District), SMUD (Sacramento Municipal Utility District) TID (Turlock Irrigation District).
Glendale Pasadena Azusa
Bear Valley Electric Service
Cotton
Needles
Banning
LADWP Riverside
Vernon Anaheim Escondido
Anza Electirc CO-OP
SDG&E
Imperial Irrigation District
SOURCE: California Public Utilities Commission
Rule 21 applies almost everywhere in California, on any project size.
Webinar Alert! Watch the webinar Rule 21 & Smart Inverters on demand on solarpowerworldonline. com to learn more.
www.solarpowerworldonline.com
8/23/17 2:01 AM
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TECHNOLOGY
Once a certified inverter is chosen, it’ll need to be set up. Rule 21 has default parameters that may require custom set points when the site is up and running. “The best time to figure that out is during the interconnection process with your utility,” Drummond said. Those settings can be implemented locally within the inverter interface or remotely through Modbus communications. Note that for security control, any remote access must be locally enabled.
with high solar penetration. Hawaii may soon follow California’s lead, as well as other states such as Nevada, Arizona, Vermont and Massachusetts. “If you’re thinking, ‘Rule 21 only applies in California, and I’m not doing projects there,’ don’t worry,” Drummond said. “We expect these kinds of advanced inverter functions to be required in the entire country in the next few years.” SPW
We think inverters have always been smart and now they’re allowed to be smart and support the grid. California is leading the way for the use of this kind of capability.
Requirements coming your way Though California is leading the way for smart inverter requirements, grid support will increasingly be needed in places
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www.solarpowerworldonline.com
8/23/17 11:09 AM
Superior selection from source to socket.
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T&B/ABB have provided the power industry with the highest quality electrical components for decades. Now you can take advantage of this experience by using T&B/ABB for integrated design solutions, or as a source for innovative components, to simplify installation, minimize parts and reduce maintenance. Our capabilities and products cover wire management, grounding, shut-down devices, inverters, surge protection, circuit breakers, switches, and more. To download the T&B/ABB “Electrical Solutions for Renewable Energy” brochure, visit www.tnb.com/TBSolar, or contact your authorized distributor or T&B/ABB representative.
tnb.com © 2017 Thomas & Betts Corporation. All rights reserved.
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KATHIE ZIPP
STORAGE TECHNOLOGY
MANAGING EDITOR
NANOCARBON NATION: Bridging the battery gap Equipped with the benefits of both lithium-ion and lead-acid, nanocarbon batteries are an increasingly popular choice for solar Experienced battery manufacturers know that each chemistry has its own fit in the market. Nanocarbon batteries are one growing piece of the storage spectrum. GS Yuasa is a Japanese company that has been making batteries for more than a century. Its batteries can be found right under your nose in motorcycles, residential Internet access, or above in satellites and the International Space Station. “It’s the batteries that you never see that are actually a big part of what we do,” said Eric Gallant, director of business development at GS Battery USA, an American subsidiary of GS Yuasa. It takes all chemistries to make solar go ’round With its experience in diverse market segments, GS knows different batteries
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are better at different jobs, so it offers four types for solar. “Each battery does have a really unique set of values,” Gallant said. He explained that lithium-ion batteries are good for applications that involve a lot of fast charging or discharging, such as when utilities are doing frequency and voltage support. Nickel-cadmium batteries are resistant to mistreatment and can bounce right back after overdischarge or overtemperature, which makes them great for high-temperature, industrial applications and desert-based systems. Lead-acid batteries have been around a long time and are well studied. Valveregulated lead-acid (VRLA) absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries, in particular, are sealed so they don’t need much maintenance.
www.solarpowerworldonline.com
“Lead-acid batteries are relatively inexpensive and can be a good starting place for someone just getting into renewable energy storage and doesn’t want to sink a bunch of money into it,” Gallant said. “They may need something small today, but a couple years down the road they might want to upgrade.” Sulfation is killing our batteries One possible way to upgrade would be to switch to a VRLA with nanocarbon added. “It charges faster and cycles more than the typical lead-acid battery, and that opens up a lot of different possibilities for the technology,” Gallant said. The primary way that lead batteries fail is due to sulfation. This occurs when lead batteries sit at a partial state of charge (less than 100%), and crystals form in the battery’s electrolyte. Eventually, the crystals become so large that the battery can’t charge or discharge and is basically dead. Most people may have experienced this with a car or boat battery.
Photo courtesy of GS Battery
8/23/17 2:05 AM
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TECHNOLOGY
Adding nanocarbon reduces the formation of the crystals. If a regular leadacid battery is thought of as a flat sheet of paper, adding nanocarbon makes it more like sandpaper. Sandpaper has a larger surface area because of its crevasses. The nanocarbon “crevasses” keep crystals from growing too large in the battery. Instead, the crystals go back into the electrolyte, significantly slowing sulfation. More surface area also allows for quicker charging and recharging of the battery. Arbitrage is not arbitrary Nanocarbon batteries’ ability to slow sulfation and remain in a partial state of charge make them ideal for commercial energy arbitrage applications. “When the utility charges you for electricity at your house, it’s usually the same price per kilowatt hour regardless of when you use that power or how much,”
It charges faster and cycles more than the typical leadacid battery, and that opens up a lot of different possibilities for the technology. Gallant explained. “If you’re a commercial enterprise, the utility finds a lot of other ways to tack on additional charges.” Commercial consumers used to pull energy from generators to avoid higher rates if they approached a set threshold. Now they can use batteries. “If you’re getting close to a peak demand threshold and at risk of falling into the higher rate, you can switch over to the battery instead of continuing to draw energy from the grid,” said Gallant. “This is a big deal since peak-demand charges make up as much as 40 or 50% of commercial customers’ power bills in some areas of the country. Adding batteries is a really economical thing to do and pays for itself really quickly. And it’s an application nanocarbon is wellsuited for.” 56
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TECHNOLOGY
Nanocarbon loves living off the grid OutBack Power also offers nanocarbon battery options with its inverters. Eric Hill, director of energy storage and systems at OutBack’s parent company Alpha Technologies, said that another good fit for nanocarbon batteries is offgrid applications, or in states with selfconsumption incentives like California. Though it’s very difficult to fully recharge batteries in these applications, nanocarbon stands up to the challenge. “Not being able to get a full recharge back on traditional lead-acid batteries after a discharge would accelerate grid corrosion and lead to early failure,” Hill said. “But nanocarbon actually thrives in this partial state of charge condition where a full recharge isnt always possible.” The nation is crazy for nano OutBack offers multiple storage options with its inverters, such as traditional VRLA AGM and flooded lead-acid. It acknowledges the importance of being able to offer various energy storage options to fit the correct applications. OutBack has offered nanocarbon batteries for just over two years, but Hill said the technology has quickly become popular. “Nanocarbon is by far our most popular technology,” he said. “It helps fill the gap that exists between lithiumion and lead-acid right now, because consumers want all the benefits of both—safety, price, recyclability. Consumers are looking for a happy medium between both, and nanocarbon provides that bridge.” SPW
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On the next few pages, you will be introduced to eight indviduals who are making great strides at promoting solar adoption across the country and the globe. Leaders of various solar companies chose those featured on the following pages, showing us a personal side of the business we don’t often see in the headlines. These innovators are committed, thoughtful and effective leaders. We know their contribution to the industry is far from over, and we look forward to seeing how they shape solar’s future. Congratulations and thank you to Solar Power World’s Innovators and Influencers of 2017!
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I N N O V AT O R S & I N F LU E N C E R S Ra u l Ve rga r a
President, Cutler Bay Solar Solutions
BY ALISSA JEAN SCHAFER, SOLAR COMMUNICATIONS AND POLICY MANAGER FOR THE SOUTHERN ALLIANCE FOR CLEAN ENERGY
Raul Vergara, helping the sunshine state live up to its name Whether installing panels, giving a demonstration to a school or volunteering on solar policy campaigns, Raul Vergara, president of Cutler Bay Solar Solutions, is helping the Sunshine State of Florida live up to its name. I first met Raul over two years ago while working on a Floridians for Solar Choice campaign and was immediately struck by his quiet determination to do his part. Living in Florida means dealing with a special set of issues: a high cost of living, scorching temperatures with accompanying air conditioning bills and vulnerability to the effects of climate change such as extreme tropical storms, sea level rise and “sunny day flooding.” Florida has also been a center for solar policy battles over the last several years, with the monopoly utilities spending millions on campaigns designed to control and limit rooftop solar. Despite the state having the highest PV potential east of the Mississippi and approximately 20 million residents, there are still fewer than 16,000 residential solar installations in the state and a high number of people who don’t fully understand the benefits and accessibility of solar energy for their homes and businesses. That’s where Raul comes in.
Raul explains rooftop solar as a solution, going above and beyond to make solar information accessible to the community. He works tirelessly to educate neighbors, schools and even local governments about the benefits of rooftop solar, both as a means to save money and as a source of clean power. Realizing that some people learn best by experiencing, Raul built a mini house with a fully functional solar system on its roof that he tows around to community events. Recently, the solar house even powered a local concert and a city press conference!
Raul explains rooftop solar as a solution, going above and beyond to make solar information accessible to the community.
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In an age when it is all too easy to get caught up in the busy day-to-day demands of running a business, Raul has stepped up as a leader willing to educate, volunteer and do whatever it takes to move forward on solar. And we’re all better off because of his efforts. Thanks, Raul! SPW www.solarpowerworldonline.com
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I N N O V AT O R S & I N F LU E N C E R S P a m C a rg i l l
P r in c ip a l , Cha o l ys t i
BY GWENDALYN BENDER, HEAD OF SOLAR SERVICES AT VAISALA
Pamela Cargill, advocating for distributed solar It’s rare to find a person with both in-depth solar industry expertise and a broad array of business consulting capabilities. Pamela Cargill is that person. She is an energetic and committed individual whose passion for the distributed solar market is only matched by her capabilities to produce solid results for the installation companies she advocates for. Pamela caught my attention at an industry event when she gave me an unconventional compliment that suggested she knew me better than I did myself at that moment. She brings that same level of insight and compassion to her clients with the goal of helping the industry learn how to collaborate more productively together to delight our common customers. Pamela works with her clients and the industry as a whole covering techniques that drive competitiveness, superior customer experience and positive employee engagement. It’s impossible to top her passion for the solar industry. Seriously, she got married at an SPI Tweet-up event! Pamela has worked growing and shaping small, regional and national rooftop solar businesses since 2006 with firms like Kosmo Solar, Alteris Renewables, Sungevity and now her own consulting firm Chaolysti. 62
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Pamela currently serves as the vice chair of SEIA’s Distributed Generation Division and is active in its campaign to oppose new solar tariffs. She believes strongly in giving back to the industry and provides pro bono consulting every quarter to industry causes including GRID Alternatives, CalSEIA, OSEIA, the Clean Energy Leadership Institute and others. You can always find her hosting or participating in local women in cleantech events, providing mentorship to those new to the solar industry.
It’s impossible to top her passion for the solar industry. Pamela’s deep knowledge and enthusiasm for solar energy is infectious and inspiring. Through her firm Chaolysti she is helping people and organizations in the solar industry embrace and embark on the fulfilling adventure that emerges from continuous improvement. Pamela’s personal initiative to increase the deployment of distributed solar in ways that are effective for the industry and positive for the installer are ones we can all get behind. SPW www.solarpowerworldonline.com
8/23/17 8:44 AM
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How a Small-Town Solar Company Improved Operations and Streamlined Projects When Magic Sun was founded in 2010 to help friends and neighbors “go solar,” they had no idea how far they’d go in a few short years. The tidal wave of change in solar between 2010 and 2016 challenged many companies to stay afloat. Two opposing forces were at play in the residential space: demand was growing at an incredible pace while the costs of PV modules were plummeting. Magic Sun not only found a way to keep up, but to grow 1,000% while maintaining their commitment to community and customer service. The Loomis, Californiabased company boasts an impressive 5-star Yelp rating. Being resourceful and dedicated got them pretty far, but Magic Sun also had a few “tricks” up their sleeve to deal with the challenges of expanding operations and swelling payroll.
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Trick #1: Create a No-Slip Schedule Magic Sun took a strong stance early on, and even posted it on their website: “Guaranteed completion within 30 days.” Anyone who has proposed, sold, designed, permitted, procured, installed, inspected and interconnected a solar installation knows that 30 days goes by in the blink of an eye. Bad weather or inexperienced staff is all it takes to wreck a week of scheduled jobs. That’s why Magic Sun chooses products and approaches that keep them well ahead of their 30-day deadline. There is no single “silver bullet” to make this sort of speed possible. The key is to contantly be searching to streamline all stages of the process.
One of Magic Sun’s favorite new discoveries in support of this, is the IronRidge UFO. According to Brandon Hurlock, the UFO (Universal Fastening Object) “makes the difference between installing a panel with one hand or two hands...installing with one guy or two guys. Setting glass is 15-20% faster now. That turns into real dollars at the end of the year.”
Trick #2: Have Your Customers Join Your Sales Team Without spending a dime on advertising, Magic Sun grew tenfold. That’s because they figured out the trick to keep the phone ringing. Curious about what that might be? Read the rest at: ironridge.com/magicsun
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2017
I N N O V AT O R S & I N F LU E N C E R S Ro n C o r i o
CE O a n d fo un d er , A r r a y Te ch no l o g i e s
BY STEPHEN SMITH, CO-FOUNDER OF SOLVIDA ENERGY GROUP AND SOLVIDA DESIGN + ENGINEERING
Ron Corio, a pioneer of solar tracker reliability The PV tracker business is not for the faint of heart. Even by the standards set by other volatile segments of the solar value chain, the tracker market is fiercely competitive with razor-thin margins. Survival requires world-class engineering, world-class customer service and, most importantly, world-class leadership and vision. Ron Corio, the CEO and founder of Array Technologies, fits that bill and has proved it over his firm’s nearly 30 years in the tracking business. In 1989, Ron founded Array with a passion for solar engineering and mechanical design. He started the company with a vision to create a premier tracker system that could squeeze as much energy out of every PV module as possible, while requiring zero scheduled maintenance and providing the highest uptime in the market. Ron was determined to commercialize and scale an elegantly engineered product that would be resilient in the face of meteorological and topographical challenges. That initial engineering achievement, pioneered in the harsh desert of San Luis County, Colorado, in 2005, eventually developed into Array’s award-winning DuraTrack line of solar trackers. Now in its third iteration, the DuraTrack HZ v3 is the top choice for PV project owners around
the world. The v3 is the culmination of years of performance and design choices, and reflects a well of solar engineering and market experience unrivaled by any of Array’s competitors.
It is his attention to detail that has made Array into the well-respected and innovative leading company that it is today.
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I’ve worked closely with Ron for many years. It is his attention to detail that has made Array into the well-respected and innovative leading company that it is today. The DuraTrack is the gold standard by which all trackers are judged. Array pushes other firms to up their games trying to keep up. That leads to better project economics and ultimately more solar power installed across the world. That’s been Ron’s influence on the global solar industry. Today, thanks to Ron’s leadership, Array is establishing footholds in markets like Australia and the Middle East—well ahead of the competition. Yet again, Ron is out in front leading the industry into new frontiers. SPW www.solarpowerworldonline.com
8/23/17 8:45 AM
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I N N O V AT O R S & I N F LU E N C E R S O l i ve r Ko e h l e r
CE O a n d fo un d er , S u nTe g r a
BY JIGAR SHAH, CO-FOUNDER AT GENERATE CAPITAL
Oliver Koehler, pioneering the solar roof As the solar market continues to reduce cost and expand toward mainstream adoption in the United States, more homeowners are demanding customized solutions that look better than traditional panels. Oliver Koehler and his team at SunTegra have been at the forefront of roof-integrated solar since 2013, anticipating this growing segment within the residential solar market. Today, SunTegra has made the solar roof a reality. I had the pleasure of working closely with Oliver when he started his journey in the solar industry over 15 years ago, at BP Solar. Back then we were integrating standard glass panels into new Japanese homes. Oliver then moved on to SunPower, where he became a leading product manager and helped bring to market what were at the time the most innovative high-efficiency solar panels. While he developed his technical solar expertise, SunPower’s dominant role in the residential space provided many creative outlets into new home construction—beyond the standard solar panel and into a world of a more integrated look. When forming SunTegra, Oliver set a key standard: leverage proven solar technologies and roofing principles to create a reliable and affordable solar roof for homeowners. Oliver used proven crystalline cells and standard module materials and designed them into an innovative framing system to provide the residential market with a low-profile offering. 66
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Oliver is a true pioneer for the solar roof. High-profile competitors are nothing new in the solar industry— the bolder the claim the more unlikely the achievement. As the solar industry reaches maturity, solar adopters turn toward loans instead of third-party owners. With this shift, homeowners are taking control, demanding more and finding that they want something beautiful
When forming SunTegra, Oliver set a key standard: leverage proven solar technologies and roofing principles to create a reliable and affordable solar roof for homeowners. and functional. Oliver envisions the face of residential solar changing to reflect a more consumer-focused renewable energy future. Oliver and I share the belief that this is just the beginning for solar products beyond the panel. I am looking forward to seeing how Oliver will continue to influence this exciting space in the years to come. SPW www.solarpowerworldonline.com
8/23/17 11:39 AM
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2017
I N N O V AT O R S & I N F LU E N C E R S S a r a B a l dw i n
Regulatory program director, Interstate Renewable Energy Council
BY KATE BOWMAN, SOLAR PROJECT COORDINATOR FOR UTAH CLEAN ENERGY
Sara Baldwin, finding common ground for all solar stakeholders Have you worked with someone who sets the standard for excellence in their field? I have. Her name is Sara Baldwin, and she is currently the regulatory program director for the Interstate Renewable Energy Council. When I first met Sara, she was the solar policy expert for Utah Clean Energy, a clean energy advocacy group in Salt Lake City (and the organization I currently work for). In some ways, I inherited my current job from Sara, and talk about big shoes to fill. When Sara began work at Utah Clean Energy, mass market solar seemed like a thing of the future. Today, clean energy is a regular topic of conversation and Utah is ranked No. 6 in the nation for installed solar. We simply cannot deny Sara’s role in this transformation. Since 2004, Sara has played a vital role in nearly every major advancement in Utah’s solar industry. From setting the stage for rooftop solar with the passage of updated net metering laws, to tackling financing barriers, to negotiating with key government and utility stakeholders, Sara has been at the table when transformative change was made in Utah. 68
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Whether she is working from the marble halls of a capitol building or the windowless conference room of a technical regulatory hearing, Sara has a well-deserved reputation for bringing together diverse interests and collaborating to find common ground. Building
Sara has a well-deserved reputation for bringing together diverse interests and collaborating to find common ground. the grid of the future is a massive undertaking that will require a nuanced understanding of the policy world, technical know-how, vision and foresight and limitless perseverance to get it all done. Sara’s unique combination of smarts, savvy, warmth and wit allows her to bring people together to create solutions from dissent and find pathways to a clean energy future. Now that Sara has moved on to the national stage, clean energy advocates across the country benefit from her leadership. The future has never been brighter for all of us. SPW www.solarpowerworldonline.com
8/23/17 11:40 AM
POWER+ PAYDAY! Attention solar installers—receive a $50 rebate on every SMA Power+ residential system you install. Only the Power+ Solution from SMA delivers time, labor, and balance of system savings—all while putting money back in your pocket! From August 1, 2017, through December 31, 2017, every Power+ residential system installed is eligible for a $50 rebate.* Remember, the more you install the more you earn, so act fast to take advantage of your Power+ Payday.
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I N N O V AT O R S & I N F LU E N C E R S S a n j a y S re s t h a
E n ergy syst em s p e r f o r m a nce m a n a ger , SO LV
BY ANGELO PURPURA, OPERATIONS MANAGER AND REEGAN MOEN, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER AT SWINERTON RENEWABLE ENERGY
Sanjay Srestha, optimizing solar plant production In our industry, innovation rarely slows down. Rapid advancements in design, engineering, equipment and construction have resulted in exponential growth of our industry over the last five years. Solar is being built bigger, better and faster than ever before, an upward trend we can expect to see continue should autonomous market forces prevail. On the O&M side, this unprecedented growth has been a driver of innovation. Behind every solar plant is a team of people analyzing its performance to ensure optimal production. As solar capacity increases, these teams push to find ways to feasibly scale renewable energy’s integration with the grid. As one of the leading O&M groups in the world, SOLV continuously pushes the boundaries of solar performance and optimization. As performance manager, Sanjay Shrestha has been implemental in much of the innovative work achieved by this team. Growing up in Nepal, Sanjay experienced firsthand the life-changing impact solar could have on remote and mountainous communities where renewable energy is often the only viable source of energy. Recognizing the great potential of solar energy, Sanjay was motivated to pursue a career in renewable energy, first attending Tribhuvan University in Nepal before earning a Master of Science in
Alternative Energy Technologies from Arizona State University. Today, Sanjay is responsible for managing SOLV’s performance monitoring, modeling and data analytics team. The performance team bridges several groups within the Swinerton Renewable Energy Division, including design, engineering, construction, commissioning and SOLV O&M. He has constant, direct involvement in more than 4,000 MWdc of PV assets and is trusted as a foremost expert in PV performance by clients and colleagues alike.
The work of Sanjay’s team...helps position solar as an affordable, viable large-scale source of energy for the United States.
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SOLV is driven by a commitment to innovation exemplified by its unofficial team motto, “Stay relevant.” The work of Sanjay’s team and many others like his across the country helps position solar as an affordable, viable large-scale source of energy for the United States. Through their work, they ensure that solar plants produce at optimal levels to provide maximum value to owners and the greatest positive benefit to the people using the energy they produce. SPW
www.solarpowerworldonline.com
8/23/17 11:41 AM
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I N N O V AT O R S & I N F LU E N C E R S Di ck S w a n s o n
F o un d er , Sun P o w er
BY EMILY KIRSCH, CO-FOUNDER AND CEO OF POWERHOUSE
Dick Swanson, paving his own way The personal stories of today’s cleantech luminaries are rarely told. At conferences, we’re introduced to the latest technologies and market trends, but we often lose sight of human-centric catalysts that drive this innovation. For solar pioneer and industry giant SunPower, the catalyst behind the business is Dick Swanson. Dick was raised in Columbus, Ohio, as the son of a botanist. From his early years, Dick showed a penchant for rebellion. He attended the College of Wooster, a small liberal arts Presbyterian college, but never found the patience for his First Testament classes. Dick left Wooster to seek work in a nearby oil town where he was told he could clean dirt off oil drills; needless to say, he opted to work at a box factory instead. Dick then went to The Ohio State University where he restarted his undergraduate degree in electrical engineering. Dick was married at 20, which at the time still required his parents’ permission, and had his first kid by the age of 21. In the early 1970s, with two young children in tow and now a single parent, Dick pursued a Ph.D in electrical engineering from Stanford, where he later joined as faculty to begin research in solar cell technology. In 1985, with a grant from the 72
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Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Dick hired a lab tech and two postdocs and started SunPower. At the time, SunPower was called Eos, named after the Greek goddess of the dawn. Its first non-academic hire joined on the condition that it change the name. SunPower’s financial model that Dick created in 1988 ran through 2000, which humored potential investors at the time because of its long time horizon. When SunPower went public in 2005, those who had laughed at his model and passed on the deal missed out.
For solar pioneer and industry giant SunPower, the catalyst behind the business is Dick Swanson. His latest project is a softwarecontrolled carbon zero house which is in stealth startup mode. Few people have contributed so much to the industry. Dick Swanson has inspired a generation of entrepreneurs to follow his path. SPW www.solarpowerworldonline.com
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I N N O V AT O R S & I N F LU E N C E R S Al i s o n A da ms
Ac c o un t exec ut ive , A l s o E ne rg y
BY ALISON BROWN, P.E., PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER OF FLUX ENERGY SYSTEMS
Alison Adams, tackling challenging projects that benefit community Countless people are responsible for every installed solar module, but only some of those people use every project as an opportunity to build their community. Alison Adams is one of those people— she sells the SCADA systems that make new financing models and technical solutions possible. This is a constantly evolving and challenging field, but Alison keeps up with new technologies and never gets lost in the acronyms and competition. Instead, she maintains old-fashioned sales techniques: integrity, thoughtful listening and collaboration. The monitoring solutions she creates are impressive, but what I find most inspiring about Alison is the way she uses her career to support her community. When I first met Alison, she chose to work on complicated projects that had new financial implications and logistical hurdles. At the time, installing a solar system on an affordable housing apartment building was far more difficult than putting the same-sized project on a mansion, but Alison tackled these challeng-
ing projects because she knew they would yield the largest benefit for those in need. I admire Alison for the solutions she builds, and, like many others who have worked with Alison, I am incredibly grateful for her influence on my career. For more than 10 years, she has been my biggest advocate in
The monitoring solutions she creates are impressive, but what I find most inspiring about Alison is the way she uses her career to support her community. the industry. She has connected me to people, challenged me to meet higher standards and throughout it all has been an incredibly fun, thoughtful friend. We are lucky to have Alison as a member of our industry, and we should all aspire to run our careers with the Alison Adams ethos. SPW
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“How I wish that there were more than the 24 hours in the day / 'cause even if there were 40 more, I wouldn't sleep a minute away” Solar Power International heads back to Las Vegas, this year in the halls of the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. With so much to cram into your 40-hour days, we thought we’d provide a list of things we’re looking forward to and a preview of what’s in store. Viva Las Vegas! Viva SPI!
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Solar Power World’s top picks at SPI With so many sessions and events at SPI, it’s hard to know where to start. Here are some of our editors’ top picks.
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Run With the Sun 5K Monday, Sept. 11 7 a.m. Cost: $35 to $40 Meet at Sunset Park, or catch transportation from Mandalay Bay, to lace up your running shoes and enjoy some friendly competition outside the conference walls. It’s the third annual 5K event and all proceeds go to the SPI scholarship fund. Registration fees are $35 in advance, $40 onsite.
Photo courtesy of Steven Purcell
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WORKS GREAT ON MANUFACTURED HOMES SPI Booth # 6309
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Hi APsystems, can you build me a microinverter? Sure, what features would you like? • Dual-module microinverter • Independent MPPT per panel • CA Rule 21, UL1741 SA and H14 compliance • Rapid Shutdown • DC Arc-Fault Protection • Work with 60 & 72 cell PV panels 250W-365W+ Wow. I’m not finished. • Make it wireless • Intelligent mesh network • IP67/NEMA 6 • True MC4 connectors • 99.5% MPPT Efficiency
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The intersection of solar and storage Tuesday, Sept. 12
8 to 9 a.m. Rm. Oceanside A All SPI attendees are welcome to join this general session with speakers from Vivint Solar and Mercedes-Benz Energy Americas. These experts have analyzed the challenges of growing solar capacity and will discuss how they are working toward developing strong technological partnerships and collaborating to find the best solution.
for Utility Consumption and Export Limiting Solar Power International, Las Vegas • Booth 6308 1-888-928-8663 sales@ctlsys.com www.ctlsys.com 78
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4 to 5 p.m. Rm. Lagoon B
End day one of SPI right and join your colleagues for an exclusive networking party at Mandalay Bay Beach! The party is included with full conference registration, but other attendees may purchase a ticket during registration for $150. Food stations, beer and wine are provided. Hawaiian shirts, Bermuda shorts and sandals are encouraged.
PV Production and Utility Consumption Meters
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Monday, Sept. 11
The small commercial solar marketplace faces a variety of challenges, including high customer acquisition costs, lack of clear project criteria for developers, lack of credit rating for most private off-takers and the cost and availability of debt and tax equity financing for small projects. This session will provide an overview of common challenges, while simultaneously offering solutions on how to crack the big opportunity in the small- and medium-sized commercial space.
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SOLAR POWER WORLD
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Into the brave new world of consumer protection policy Tuesday, Sept. 12
11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Rm. Lagoon J In the first few months of 2017, six states have introduced consumer protection bills that cover marketing and contracting in the residential solar industry.
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QuickTalks
Various times on Monday and Tuesday Tight schedule? Stop in for one of the show’s QuickTalks, 25-minute sessions packed with powerful content on timely topics from industry experts. Topics range from policy to specific market focuses to finance and more. Visit solarpowerinternational.com/ education to view this year’s schedule.
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Photo courtesy of Steven Purcell
Women in Solar luncheon Tuesday, Sept. 12
12 to 1:30 p.m. Rm. Oceanside C Cost: $65 Hear from some of the most powerful women in solar as they give their executive insight on the latest trends that are impacting the industry, how they have adapted to these changes and their forecast of the industry’s future. Following the discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with other industry professionals in an interactive session.
SPI Booth # 6309
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Three shows in one This year’s registration to SPI will also grant you access to two additional events co-located with the show. Both events will be in the exhibit hall of Mandalay Bay. Photo courtesy of Steven Purcell
Backwoods Solar
Energy Storage International
Energy Storage International aims to pave the way for synergy between energy storage and solar markets. As energy storage increases the power of solar by storing and releasing energy on-demand where it is needed on the grid, both utilities and others can take advantage of increased revenue and customer satisfaction. Visit ESI 2017 to understand the importance of the integration between storage and solar.
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Hydrogen + Fuel Cells North America
Photo courtesy of Steven Purcell
After 23 years of organizing the Hydrogen + Fuel Cells + Batteries portion of Europe’s largest trade fair HANNOVERMESSE, the event’s group decided to move the show to the United States. The topics of the show will include hydrogen generation, storage and transportation, fuel cell systems and applications, stationary, automotive and mobile fuel cells, special markets, components and supplying technology, fuel cell and battery testing. The organizers say Solar Power International 2017 is the perfect platform for the first Hydrogen + Fuel Cells North America. Hydrogen + Fuel Cells exhibitors profit from several synergy effects between the solar industry and more than 115 exhibitors at Energy Storage International.
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Featured Solar Power International Exhibitors Exhibitors:
Booth #
Exhibitors:
Booth #
AceClamp/PMC Industries 809
OMCO Solar 1145
AllEarth Renewables 626
Panasonic 6701
APsystems 1745
Phoenix Contact 2619
Aurora Solar 1381
Pika Energy 2014
Baja Construction 4155
RBI Solar 2709
Burndy 1969
S-5! 1857
Chint Power System Americas 4531
Schletter 2057
Continental Control Systems 6308
Seaward Group 2607
Dunkermotoren 1075
SnakeTray 925
EcoFasten Solar 4643
Solar Connections International 1569
Ecolibrium Solar 6501
Solar FlexRack 2538
EDF Renewable Energy 3739
Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) 4321
eGauge Systems 2612
SolarEdge Technologies 3741
Everest Solar Systems 4567
SolarRoofHook 1414
GameChange Solar 4621
Soltec America 3640
Huawei Technologies USA 3921
Spider-Rax 6309
KACO new energy 2838
Stäubli Electrical Connectors 3238
Kipp & Zonen 815
Sungrow Power Supply 3226
M Bar C Construction 4828
SunModo 1108
Magnum Energy 1427
Swinerton Renewable Energy 4308
Nine Fasteners 2074
Unirac 3109
Nuance Energy Group 2108
Yaskawa Solectria Solar 3783
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Powered by the array UNO Solar saves you the time, the hassle, and the expense of trenching installation. Connecting AC power lines directly to the array allows you to target specific applications. UNO Solar is designed for solar applications, with the ability to provide control power in the event of grid-power loss. This DC-to-DC power supply can convert high-voltage DC string voltage to 24 V DC. To request a free sample and UL certificate, visit: www.phoenixcontact.com/unosolar
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BDR Fund Award winner: RREAL brings energy empowerment to Minnesota tribal community Rural Renewable Energy Alliance (RREAL) is no stranger to charitable solar work. The non-profit company was founded in 2000 to address lowincome energy poverty throughout the Midwest and often completes donated solar projects throughout the region through its Solar Assistance program. RREAL has provided more than 500 solar energy systems to low-income households and has recently started installing larger, shared solar projects for entire communities. The company’s efforts on a 200-kW community solar project in Cass Lake, Minnesota, for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe is the reason it’s this year’s 2017 Brian D. Robertson (BDR) Memorial Fund Award winner. The annual BDR Fund Award celebrates a philanthropic solar project installed by a Solar Power World Top Solar Contractor (this year awarded at the 86
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KELLY PICKEREL MANAGING EDITOR
Top Solar Contractors gala on Sept. 10 in Las Vegas). This year’s winning project was completed in July 2017 through RREAL’s efforts to bring solar to its tribal neighbors in Minnesota. “Some of our very early installations were with tribal communities,” said RREAL director Jason Edens. “We’ve developed a long-standing, successful relationships with them. Most recently, our program has pivoted to shared solar on behalf of low-income communities. Because we had this relationship with Leech Lake, it made sense. We reached out to them and they were all in.” The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe is a federally recognized tribe in central Minnesota that includes 9,000 members. Edens said 42% of the tribe is below the poverty line, so this solar array is extremely valuable as a relief to energy bills.
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“When the cost of energy increases, it is our lower-income communities that are most gravely affected due to the fact that low-income families typically devote a greater percentage of income to the necessities of heat and power,” said Erica Bjelland, AmeriCorps VISTA at RREAL. Federal energy assistance is offered to low-income families that can’t afford their heating or cooling costs, but Edens describes the program as “putting a Band-Aid on a wound that needs a tourniquet.” Families do not feel empowered in the process, nor are the root causes of energy poverty addressed. Solar arrays may not be the tourniquet needed, but they work a lot better than bandages. RREAL’s 200-kW project will assist nearly 100 families in the tribe as an additional resource to serve their energy needs. “It’s modest in the case of community solar, but it’s done a lot,” Edens said. The total project consists of five 40-kW arrays. All are groundmounted in an effort to make sure they’re visible to the community. “The Leech Lake community has five jurisdictions within it,” Edens said. “We wanted to equally distribute the capacity among those [areas]. We put them at housing communities, and they’re visible to the beneficiaries of the system. A lot of families who are eligible
for energy assistance don’t get it because there are only enough dollars to go around. This array allows [the tribe] to serve more families with clean energy.” RREAL received a grant for the solar project from the McKnight Foundation and also received help from the LegislativeCitizen Commission on Minnesota Resources. The Initiative Foundation helped RREAL fund three tribal college students’ solar installation training and certification who later assisted with the installation in their own backyards. RREAL is implementing a similar shared-solar model in Vermont and is working on solar microgrids in West Africa. The company also does market-rate residential and commercial installations to support its low-income efforts. Proceeds from traditional solar installations feed into funds for donated projects and RREAL’s mission of addressing energy poverty. “Annually, billions of energy assistance program dollars flow to electric and gas utilities on behalf of low-income households and communities. Solar energy presents an opportunity to address energy poverty,” Bjelland said. “RREAL's Solar Assistance program delivers no-cost solar energy systems to low-income families on public energy assistance as a lasting, clean and domestic solution to low-income energy poverty. This installation helps more people out of energy poverty.” SPW
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Huawei features 95KTL string inverter at Solar Power International
Bates Marshall, Vice President, General Manager at Huawei FusionSolar Smart PV Business of North America
What applications or markets is the 95KTL suited for? Huawei is the new standard in utility scale solar and our new breakthrough 95 KTL is ideal for DG to large scale plants at 75 MW, 100 MW and beyond. Huawei’s 1500 VDC large scale inverters are a breakthrough that deliver superior economics to the DG and utility-scale market compared to any alternative in the market – central or string. The power density that Huawei 95KTL has achieved without the use of external fan cooling is a world record and is the result of the company’s sustained and intense focus on power electronics research and development. The Huawei 95KTL is the only string inverter in its power class to utilize natural cooling technology instead of external fans, delivering lowest cost of ownership through reduced O&M expenses. Why is this solution more beneficial to the developer and EPC than a central inverter? Based on Huawei’s economies of scale and our simplified standard solution, the string inverter is compatible at CAPEX compared with central inverter solutions even at 100MW+ level large utility projects. An example is the SUN2000-95KTL integrates the AFCI function, which results in a customer savings of $0.05/watt cost. Also compared to other inverter solutions Huawei’s SUN2000-95 KTL produces an 800 VAC output voltage with a decrease of 75% ac wire loss versus 400 VAC. Huawei string inverter helps owners saving O&M cost NPV $0.04 to $0.05/watt, SUN2000-95KTL makes this benefits bigger with less units on the site. Huawei reliability and smart string solutions will supply customers the O&M savings with our fan free and fuse free design. SUN2000-95KTL is a smart solution with 6 MPPTs for versatile adaptations to different layout, which reduces mismatch loss caused by dust, shading, PV module failures, etc. and Huawei string inverters high availability is a huge advantage for customers.
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How does Huawei test its inverters? Huawei tests its inverters in a specialized R&D testing center that very few large companies could attempt to create in house. Multiple extreme environment tests mimicking -40 degrees Celsius, high altitude, hot, sandy environments and lightning strikes are performed. For example, we actively seek to trigger lightning by launching a rocket into a lightning storm with a gold wire that goes down into the inverter. We can then study the effects and engineer inverters to withstand them. What are some highlights of the last year for Huawei? This last year has been remarkable for Huawei. IHS Markit and GTM both listed us as Number 1 for global shipments in 2016 and we made breakthroughs in U.S. solar market with the support from our partners and customers. Where does Huawei see the U.S. solar market going? Huawei continues to grow and invest in our presence and market share in the United States. The world’s most popular inverter is now shipping in volume in the US and from our regional headquarters in the heart of Silicon Valley and across the country. Our team of nearly 50 professionals is ready to support projects from DG to mega-scale projects well above 100MW across the United States. Huawei will continue to serve the US market with our 15 R&D institutions and centers globally, chipset design in Santa Clara, CA, inverter topology & algorithm in Stockholm, Sweden, inverter architecture & design in Nuremberg, Germany to our manufacturing in Shenzhen, China. Huawei is the global leader for inverters in 170+ countries with over 134+ logistics centers. We are #72 in Interbrand’s Top 100 Best Global Brands and #83 in Fortune’s Global 500. Huawei has shipped more MW than any other central, string or micro-inverter supplier. We will continue to grow in the US market and globally because innovation is pivotal at Huawei with 14.6% of revenue was invested back into R&D into 2016. For more information please contact Natascha Hood at natascha.hood@huawei.com
www.solarpowerworldonline.com
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I’ve never seen anything like it. This is amazing! Stephanie Kolodziej, Publisher, Renewable Energy News
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KELLY PICKEREL
[CONTRACTORS CORNER]
MANAGING EDITOR
SunEnergy1 uses auto racing sponsorships to bring more awareness to solar Mooresville, North Carolina SunEnergy1 might be one of the most recognized solar companies that you’ve never heard of. On any given weekend, upwards of 4 million people see the SunEnergy1 logo as it zips around various racetracks atop the No. 24 car in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. All the while, the large-scale solar developer based in Mooresville, North Carolina, keeps plugging away at its multi-gigawatt pipeline of solar projects. “We’ve built this business under the radar,” said SunEnergy1 CEO and president Kenny Habul. “Generally, we’ve just been really busy doing what’s in front of us that we don’t really advertise. We’re probably not known as well as we could be given how much we’ve built and how much is in our pipeline.” SunEnergy1 has completed 706 MW of projects since its founding in 2009 when Habul started the company after leaving a family business building luxury homes in Australia. He had some experience with solar thermal and PV, and North Carolina (Habul’s new home) had good solar incentives at the time, so he chose to focus on creating a solar business. “I built a 3-kW system in 1997, so I knew a little but I really wanted to do more utility-scale,” he said. “So I went to Germany in 2008 and studied utility-scale and worked on a system in Hanover that was 160 MW.” Then Habul came back to the States in 2009 and started SunEnergy1. The company first started in rooftops, including the largest rooftop solar system in 2011 (a 5.2-MW install for Shoe Show in North Carolina), before moving into large-scale ground-mounts in 2011. By 2013,
Podcast Alert! Listen to this and other Contractors Corner podcasts on solarpowerworldonline.com
We get a lot of attention being a solar company in racing. A lot of people at the tracks ask about solar. SunEnergy1 was working on utility-scale projects 80 MW and larger. The developer currently has a 4-GW pipeline of projects for transmission connections within PJM’s territory, and Habul estimates an additional 1 GW in progress outside of PJM but still east of the Mississippi. SunEnergy1’s quick success allowed Habul the chance to pursue other passions. The company’s headquarters of Mooresville, North Carolina, is essentially the capital of motor racing. Many NASCAR teams and other racing-related businesses call 90
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[CONTRACTORS CORNER]
Mooresville home, and SunEnergy1 is housed in a former NASCAR team facility. A professional racer in Australia, Habul said it was difficult to be in Race City USA and not want to get involved again. “It’s everywhere here,” he said. “I’m a road course guy and there aren’t many road courses in the NASCAR calendar. I tried a few of those and was lucky enough to drive for Joe Gibbs Racing. I decided the IMSA sports car series probably suits me better.” The International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) is fielded by sports cars, but most Americans are probably more familiar with NASCAR’s stock car racing with sponsorships plastered over the car. Although Habul himself is actively racing the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT3 in IMSA under the SunEnergy1 banner, the company does still have a presence in NASCAR, sponsoring Chase Elliott’s No. 24 Chevrolet for a few races in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series for the 2017 season. “We get a lot of attention being a solar company in racing,” Habul said. “A lot of people at the tracks ask about solar. We have information and things that we hand out.” While having SunEnergy1’s name on a car does bring more brand awareness to the company, Habul said solar sports sponsorships can only help the industry as a whole. “We’re waving the flag for solar, like everyone should be in the industry,” he said. “It’s been a long, hard battle to get the general population to understand that coal is coming to an end.
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[CONTRACTORS CORNER]
We’re waving the flag for solar, like everyone should be in the industry. It’s been a long, hard battle to get the general population to understand that coal is coming to an end.
Getting that message spread across the country is helping all of us. A lot of people are intrigued.” Each weekend at the track may be a fun escape from workweek solar struggles, but Habul said SunEnergy1 is dedicated to getting past regulatory hurdles and challenges. “In general, permitting and approvals have become much more difficult. We used to go to public hearings and rezonings and no one would show up. Now there seem to be more people questioning solar in their backyard,” he said. “I’m proud to be doing what we’re doing here. I’m confident that it always seems to find a way. Incentives come and go. The solar industry adapts and prices come down and we find ways to build faster.” SunEnergy1 will continue to overcome the industry’s issues and spread the word about solar, even through nontraditional outlets like auto racing. “Don’t be afraid to put your name on a sports team, on a side of a car or on a charity event,” Habul said. “The more we do, the more that the general consensus swings our way. If you look at federal policy and all the varying state policy across the country, you realize it’s still a fight for us. The more we spread the word, the better for the industry.” SPW
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KATHIE ZIPP
[ASK A VET]
MANAGING EDITOR
From early PCs to solar energy with Radiance Solar’s James Marlow James Marlow, president and co-founder of Radiance Solar, a commercial, institutional and utility solar EPC based out of Atlanta, Georgia. Radiance Solar has made Solar Power World’s Top Solar Contractors list every year. Marlow had a busy year back in 2007, in which he left his job at Yahoo, ran for congress and started a new career in solar. In this edition of Ask a Vet, Marlow explains how he sees similarities between the early days of personal computers and today’s solar market. He also shares his views on the trade case. Here are some of his thoughts. Be sure to listen to the full podcast on solarpowerworldonline.com.
Equipment Corporation, said he couldn’t understand why anyone would ever want a personal computer. People that were in the industry didn’t understand the transition to distributed computing. The same thing is happening in the utility sector today.
Podcast Alert!
Listen to this podcast and other Ask a Vet editions, in which we speak to people who have been in the solar industry for ten years or more, on solarpowerworldonlinecom. What parallels do you see when comparing your experience at IBM and Yahoo with your experience in solar today? I find parallels in the early days of personal computers in that people use the same objections and phrases. What I think they’re often saying is they don’t really understand it.
I think we’ve always got to be learning and be creative problem solvers. We have to look for “velocity.” We need to install systems faster. In the early days of the personal computer, the people that really fought the personal computer the most were the main-frame people. They said that personal computers aren’t powerful enough, they’re too expensive. Ken Olsen, the co-founder of IBM’s once-rival Digital 9 4 SOLAR POWER WORLD
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How can installers become better trained for the changes ahead? I think we’ve always got to be learning and being creative problem solvers. We have to look for “velocity.” We need to install systems faster. We need more modular systems with lower tool and part count so they’re easier to design, install, commission, test and repair. What are your thoughts on the trade case going on right now? We feel this is a really bad piece of policy. We oppose it and we’re working with SEIA and other groups to communicate to our elected officials that this is a job-killing issue. I’ve traveled to D.C. to meet with SEIA and government officials to let them know the background, that Suniva is no longer a Georgia company, it’s owned by a Hong Kong-based billionaire. This is a complex issue that could have a negative impact on jobs. This action could double the price of panels and take us back two years in our work and put a lot of installer jobs at risk. We hope that people will be rational in this action. SPW
8/23/17 3:38 PM
®
North America Smart Energy Week, anchored by SPI, delivers on all cylinders. Solar Power International (SPI)
North America’s largest solar trade show brings over 18,000+ attendees and 650+ exhibitors. Powered by SEIA & SEPA, this premier solar event features industry-leading education and exhibition platforms.
Energy Storage International (ESI)
North America’s largest energy storage trade show brings 115+ exhibitors and thousands to see the latest technology in energy storage. This event is co-located with SPI.
Smart Energy Microgrid Marketplace
Connecting IoT, solar, storage, EVs and more - a live microgrid with connected devices makes this a must-attend.
Hydrogen + Fuel Cells North America
Europe’s largest hydrogen event comes to North America. Co-located with SPI, this event brings the emerging technology of hydrogen for all to experience.
The Technical Symposium
Presenting the science and technology behind the latest energy technology. The Technical Symposium, part of SPI, is a great way to learn about emerging tech.
Join us!
September 10-13, 2017 in Las Vegas, NV www.solarpowerinternational.com
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[AD INDEX] Ace Clamp................................................................78 allEarth Renewables................................................37 Altech Corporation...................................................2 APsystems................................................................. 77 Aurora Solar Inc.........................................................9 Axitec Solar USA..................................................... 44 Backwoods Solar.................................................... 82 Baja Construction...................................................61 Burndy-Wiley............................................................52 Chint Power System............................................. IFC Continental Control Systems...............................78 Cornell Dubilier Electronics, Inc......................... 49 Dunkermotoren.......................................................87 EcoFasten Solar.......................................................23 Ecolibrium Solar......................................................33 EDF Renewable Services........................................36 eGauge Systems..................................................... 83 Everest Solar Systems, LLC....................................26 GameChange Solar...................................................3 GoIndustry-DoveBid...............................................16 HCS Renewable Energy........................................... 5 Huawei Technologies............................... 46, 47, 88 Infineon Technologies...........................................58 IronRidge...................................................................63 IXYS............................................................................39 KACO new energy Inc.................. cover/corner, 71 Kipp & Zonen........................................................... 38 Lee Supply Company, Inc...................................... 15 M Bar C Construction........................................... 28 Mac Leads................................................................ 82 Magerack Corporation...........................................18 Magnum Energy, A Product Brand of Sensata Technologies..................................65 Megger......................................................................41 Mounting Systems...................................................92 Nine Fasteners, Inc....................................................8 Nuance Energy Group, Inc................................... 89 OMCO SOLAR........................................................IBC Panasonic Eco Solutions NA................................. 21 Phoenix Contact......................................................85 Pika Energy............................................................... 11 RBI Solar...................................................................... 7 S-5!............................................................................. 31 Schletter................................................................... 80 Seaward Group........................................................67 SMA America........................................................... 69 SnakeTray..................................................................57 Solar Connections International..........................43 96
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Solar FlexRack..........................................................22 Solar Power International......................................95 SolarEdge Technologies........................................ 51 SolarRoofHook........................................................34 SOLTEC......................................................................55 Spider-Rax......................................................... 76, 81 Spruce Finance........................................................45 Stäubli Electrical Connectors, Inc........................29 SUNGROW POWER SUPPLY Co., Ltd.................93 SunModo...................................................................79 Swinerton Renewable Energy..............................27 Tamarack Solar Products....................................... 14 The Ryan Company................................................32 Thomas and Betts, A Member of the ABB Group.....................53 Unirac, Inc................................................................... 1 Yaskawa Solectria Renewables............................BC
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8/23/17 11:42 AM
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Introducing SLX
The Next Generation of American Made Inverters
Yaskawa - Solectria Solar presents the SLX 1000 Commercial String Inverter and the SLX 1500 Utility-Scale Inverter. The SLX line is built to last and sets a new industry standard for unrivaled quality and reliability. • • • • •
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Yaskawa - Solectria Solar’s Team is ready to provide additional information on how the SLX products will make your project more successful.
See us in Booth #3783
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8/22/17 11:08 PM