To help installers sort through their rooftop racking choices at Solar Power International this year, Spice Solar has published its latest White Paper “Racked, Integrated or Direct Attached: Three Options for Rooftop Solar Mounting Systems.” By providing technical design, parts and labor costs, and installation process details for each of the three basic solar racking categories, the white paper provides a valuable resource to both established and new residential installers.

“This white paper helps our customers navigate the myriad options when it comes to solar racking. Our customers want an affordable, easy-to-install and solid racking solution,” says Erez Dolev, managing director of Renvu, a solar distributor headquartered in Mountain View, Calif. “Long, heavy conventional rails, combined with all of the necessary accessories and attachments, add to the already high shipping costs of a complete solar system. Once the racking equipment has been hauled onto the roof, maneuvering 20’ rails on a pitched roof presents a safety hazard. We are always looking for innovative solutions that reduce shipping and labor costs while increasing rooftop safety. Spice Solar will be an inexpensive and easy solution for our rooftop customers.”

The $158 million acquisition of Zep Solar unexpectedly took the largest integrated racking manufacturer off the market nearly one year ago. Since then the solar racking business has become even more confusing as new companies fill the resulting vacuum, and new Fire Code and grounding requirements prohibit the installation of many existing racking systems. As module and inverter prices are squeezed, installers increasingly look at their racking options for further cost reductions and labor savings. These forces have encouraged an explosion of racking companies and solutions, which is evident at this year’s Solar Power International show where there are twice as many racking companies as module companies.

“The solar racking industry is mutating under these competitive and code-compliance pressures, with some unique new concepts coming to market  – as well as updates on ordinary racking,” says Barry Cinnamon, CEO of Spice Solar. “The standard aluminum rail and roof mount system is rapidly becoming obsolete as new direct mount and integrated racking systems come to market that are both cheaper to purchase and faster to install. As both a residential installer and racking system designer, we published this latest white paper to help residential installers understand their new racking system options.”

Spice Solar will be exhibiting at Solar Power International, October 21-23, in Las Vegas (booth #1232).

If you enjoyed this article, then you might also like these:

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Solar Power World

Construction began today on what will soon be Minnesota’s largest solar generation site. Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport will house a 3-megawatt solar installation on the top deck of two Terminal 1 parking structures.

This first-of-its-kind airport project also includes converting more than 7,700 metal halide light fixtures in all four parking ramps to energy-saving LED technology. Four additional electric vehicle charging stations will be installed in the ramps, bringing the total number of MSP charging stations to 18. Work is expected to be complete by Oct. 2015 and will increase Minnesota’s cumulative solar capacity by roughly 20 percent. It is estimated that, when operating at peak capacity, the installation will generate close to 20 percent of the airport’s total power supply.

“The Metropolitan Airports Commission has worked for decades to operate Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport as sustainably as possible, investing millions in infrastructure to reduce impacts to soil, water and air quality, and spending nearly a half-billion dollars on noise mitigation around MSP,” said Jeff Hamiel, the Commission’s executive director and CEO. “This ambitious new solar energy project will create jobs, reduce the airport’s carbon footprint and save the Airports Commission hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. I want to thank all the public and private entities who have worked with us to make this project possible.”

The $25.4 million airport solar project was hailed by Governor Mark Dayton as an example of continued progress in Minnesota’s clean energy economy in his release of the first ever Minnesota Clean Energy Economy Profile. The profile is a report led by the Minnesota State Departments of Commerce and Employment and Economic Development, with support from a committee of industry leaders, under the National Governors Association Policy Academy. The study was conducted by an economic consultant, Collaborative Economics, and was funded by the McKnight Foundation and the Energy Foundation.

“This project will create 250 new jobs, and make our airport one of the most energy-efficient in the world,” said Governor Dayton, who enacted a new solar energy standard requiring utilities to produce 1.5% of their electricity from solar power by 2020. “Minnesota’s nation-leading clean energy policies, and projects like this one, have significantly reduced carbon emissions in our state while helping create thousands of new jobs. Today’s announcement offers more proof that clean energy progress and job creation are complementary objectives.”

The Clean Energy Economy profile shows that Minnesota has a growing clean energy economy that sustains local jobs and attracts investment. Employment in clean energy sectors reached 15,300 in 2014, and workers in clean energy earn high average wages compared with the state average.

Ameresco, an energy efficiency and renewable energy company, has been contracted to lead the airport solar project in partnership with a number of Minnesota-based entities including tenKsolar, Thrivent Financial, Cooper Lighting/Eaton Corporation and Hunt Electric. Xcel Energy was also a key contributor, with a $2 million grant from their Renewable Development Fund.

“Today, we celebrate a proving ground for renewable innovation in the state of Minnesota—the largest solar site in the state to date,” said George P. Sakellaris, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ameresco. “Ameresco is honored to be a sustainability partner in this innovative project. We applaud the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and its management for its stewardship both in pursuing renewable energy solutions for the airport as well as obtaining public-private financing to support the construction. Ameresco takes pride in contributing to local job creation as part of achieving energy savings and sustainability.”

The Metropolitan Airports Commission hired Minneapolis-based GreenMark in March 2012 to explore the possibility of developing a major solar energy generation facility at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. GreenMark helped identify potential solar solutions and developers for this project.

“GreenMark is very proud of this innovative partnership that would never have happened without the deep commitment by the MAC and with cooperation from Ameresco,” said GreenMark founder Mark Andrew. “This is truly a partnership between our organizations with all partners pitching in to make it work. This project is the first major expansion of solar in our state and will lead the way to more solar installations to power our state’s future.”

Solar Power World

Solar fastener provider Solar Fastener Expert will be participating for the sixth consecutive year at Solar Power International 2014, October 20-23 in Las Vegas, NV. Not only will Solar Fastener Expert display EJOT products, HellermannTyton products, and the Solar Fastener Expert brand of solar fasteners; they will also be launching their new PowerLag with Nano coating. The new PowerLag includes two cutters to reduce driving torque and avoid wood splits, while the Nano coating has been tested for 2000 hours in salt spray per ASTM B117, and is a clear choice for an anti-corrosive coating.

“We are excited to be introducing this exceptional new product, and what better place than at an event that we have a long working relationship with” quotes Paul Mudge, President of Mudge Fasteners.

Solar Fastener Expert launched in 2010 as the first and only solar-specific fastener e-commerce retailer, and has since grown into its own brand as solar professionals recognized the true solar expertise of the team behind Solar Fastener Expert, the same team behind Mudge Fasteners, Inc. SolarFastenerExpert.com continues to operate as a flagship e-commerce site for the company, though the brand now boasts several outside retailers both online and in brick and mortar locations.

Mudge Fasteners, in business since 1975, offers a large selection of fasteners, fastener tools and adhesives to customers in a broad range of industries nationally and internationally. The company’s growth has been fueled by a commitment to customer service, on-time delivery, competitive pricing and guaranteed high-quality products.

Solar Power World

Quick Mount PV has doubled warranty coverage for its line of solar roof mounts to 20 years.

Effective Sept. 1, all solar mounts featuring the company’s patented technologies — QBlock, QBase and QHook — will be covered with a 20-year limited product warranty.

The company says its top-notch engineering, ISO 9001:2008 certified manufacturing, and years of field experience means it can stand behind our products for decades.

Until this change, only the company’s flagship product, the Classic Comp Mount, had a 20-year limited product warranty. Quick Mount PV extended the warranty to mounting products for all roof types, including E-Mount, QBase Comp, Quick Hook, QBase Universal Tile, QBase Low Slope and more.

Solar Power World

By Brandon Wronski, Special To Solar Power World

Cost reduction is at the top of the priority list for manufacturers, installers, contractors and consumers alike. Especially is this true in renewable energy markets.  Lowering installation costs decreases the overall cost of the project and means a more level playing field with fossil fuel competition.

This ultimately amounts to greater consumer growth and increased sustainability. Unfortunately many costs and variables are beyond the contractor’s control. For example, site conditions generally dictate roof or ground mounting options. Roof mounts can be limited by the size, angle and direction of the roof and the increased degree of danger usually means an increased cost in installation. On the other hand, if there is inadequate land area, ground mounted arrays are out of the question.

However, if sufficient and suitable land area is available, ground mounting can be the best option. While many developers agree that prime farmland should not be used for solar, in many cases solar arrays can be located on brownfields without environmental impact.

Some companies also produce mounting systems that can be set above grazing space for animals. Ground mounts are not restricted by the size, angle and direction as can be the case with roof mounting. And ground-mounted arrays can be easily maintained. So there are choices that are within the contractor’s control. Efficiency can be optimized and costs reduced by making the right decisions.

If the decision is ground mounting, next come choices in regards to anchoring the racking to support the solar arrays. A crucial step is to perform a geotechnical site investigation to confirm subsurface conditions and assess the site’s potential installation options. This ensures that time and money is not wasted through trial and error.

Racking manufacturers usually stipulate general specifications that must be met based on the site conditions, such as soil type. Anchoring options include drilled shaft piles (also called micropiles or caissons) where the borehole is filled with high-strength cement grout or concrete, driven piles, and helical piers or ground screws that are twisted into the soil and remain in the ground.

Some contractors bidding on solar field installations subcontract out the drilling or turn down certain projects altogether. So, does the contractor have any control in this scenario? Is there a way of reducing the installation costs?

If the decision is ground mounting, next come choices in regards to anchoring the racking to support the solar arrays. A crucial step is to perform a geotechnical site investigation to confirm subsurface conditions and assess the site’s potential installation options. This ensures that time and money is not wasted through trial and error.

The solution could be to bring the drilling in house, but is that really a feasible option? Solar fields often require the drilling of thousands of piles, but the piles are relatively shallow, and the drilling is reasonably straightforward. Capital otherwise spent on contracting drillers could be invested in equipment and drill training, boosting the contractor’s bottom line.

Here again there are choices to be made and some very economical options available. A drill rig can be obtained new, used or possibly even rented. Many contractors already own and operate compact equipment such as skid steers, excavators, and the like. In this case a cost effective solution can be a drilling mast attachment.

As the mast and rotation head are powered by the carrier machine, capital costs can be reduced substantially if a suitable carrier machine is already owned. It should be noted though that a dedicated drill rig will be more mobile and efficient – more on that a bit later. “Build your own equipment” kits are another cost effective alternative for acquiring new drilling rigs, saving up to 40 percent on the capital cost of the rig. All major components such as the rotation head, crawler tracks and engine are shipped as pre-assembled components ready to bolt onto the steel frame.

The drilling method is another area where productivity can be greatly improved. The most efficient method is largely determined by the depth required and ground conditions. Instead of being at the mercy of drilling subcontractors, with education and training in basic drilling methods, contractors can then select the most productive process for each installation.

For example, loose materials and overburden can be drilled effectively with augers. In stable soils, standard continuous flight augers can be used to drill the borehole after which they are removed and the open borehole is filled with cement/grout. In less stable soil, hollow stem augers can be used to keep the hole open. The auger is then slowly extracted as concrete or grout is pumped through the center bore of the rotation head, and down through the hollow stem of the augers. DTH (down-the-hole) hammer drilling is highly efficient in rock formations.

The drilling method is another area where productivity can be greatly improved. The most efficient method is largely determined by the depth required and ground conditions. Instead of being at the mercy of drilling subcontractors, with education and training in basic drilling methods, contractors can then select the most productive process for each installation.

In suitable soils and with proper drilling equipment, helical piles offer substantial benefits including the exclusion of concrete, no curing time, immediate loading and even shorter installation depths – all of which can increase productivity considerably.

When it comes to drilling solar array anchors, versatility equals efficiency. A drill rig that has adequate torque to drill with augers or install helical piles, along with the ability to perform DTH hammer drilling, combined with the correct tooling means that the most efficient method can be employed. Additionally, as thousands of piles are often required, a compact, highly mobile rig is also important.

A lot of valuable time can be lost setting up and manoeuvring the rig for each hole. A rig with rubber tracks and lots mobility is crucial. Some drills have separate power units that can supply power up to 200 feet away, making the drill even more manoeuvrable. The choice of drill rig will directly affect the number of piles drilled per day, the cost of installation and therefore the overall cost of the entire project. 

While some factors are out of the contractor’s hands, many are within reach. Reducing the installation costs of ground mounted solar arrays is possible with the right equipment and knowledge.

Brandon Wronski is sales executive at Hammer Drilling Rigs  and a contributing writer at National Driller and Compact Equipment .

Solar Power World

Kelcy Pegler Jr. is now part of the NRG Home Solar team after co-founding Roof Diagnostics Solar. He is a regular Solar Power World contributor.

By Kelcy Pegler Jr.,
Solar Power World Contributor

Solar is a huge success story for the renewable energy industry, which has grown exponentially in recent years — to the point where you can now find solar panels in more and more places.

Solar power is energizing some of the most iconic locations throughout the world: The Eiffel Tower, Vatican City and Taj Mahal have all installed or plan to install solar arrays to offset their energy demand. In 2010, Vatican City completed the installation of 100 megawatts of solar power, which will make it the first solar-powered nation.

As technology costs decline and financial structures evolve, solar has expanded beyond utility and commercial scale projects to a feasible and affordable source of energy for homeowners regardless of income level. In the process, we have educated a wide consumer base on the benefits of solar and created many new fans. This widespread use has also resulted in a significant shift in the national conversation surrounding solar, from a fringe concept to one that permeates mainstream culture.

The changing dynamics and increased competition in the solar market — and particularly the residential solar market—have led the industry to increase its visibility among consumers in a number of ways. We have found that strategic solar partnerships with organizations such as the National Football League, main street retailers and major hotel chains play a significant role in making solar power increasingly more familiar.

In just the last few years, teams in the National Football League (primarily through partnerships with NRG Energy) have been installing solar panels in stadiums across the country to reduce the amount of energy they pull from the grid. Stadiums that have PV installations include MetLife Stadium, Levi’s Stadium, Gillette Stadium, FedEx Field and Lincoln Financial Field. This was most noticeable at this year’s Super Bowl at MetLife Stadium where its 1,350 solar panels were on display during aerial shots for more than 111 million viewers across the U.S. 

Home Depot has also jumped into the solar business by partnering with residential solar companies to offer customers in-store solar solutions. Hundreds of Home Depot stores now host solar kiosks where customers can learn more about their home solar options.

A new but growing area of solar is personal solar which is showing up on more and more shelves in stores across the nation. One of the companies making this possible, Goal Zero, which recently joined the NRG family, markets a suite of portable solar power and battery-pack products to consumers who want personal energy free from the tether of a plug and cord.

As the solar industry becomes more and more consumer facing, it has started to move toward a point where residential solar installers actually become household brands. As more and more homeowners take advantage of the ever improving economics of rooftop solar panels, it is clear that an installer’s brand and consumer awareness will influence homeowners as they decide who to select as their partner.

Recently, our team at NRG Home Solar made the decision to sign NBA hall of famer Bill Walton as the voice of the company’s home solar solutions. This opportunity allowed Bill to join a movement to change the way homeowners think about their energy use by bringing mainstream credibility to solar. 

Does this mean that we’ll see more and more developers and installers competing by signing on celebrities to endorse their companies similar to what we’ve seen in other high-profile consumer brands?  That remains to be seen, but what is clear is that solar is becoming more mainstream every day as we witness the forward trajectory of our industry.

Kelcy Pegler Jr. is president of NRG Home Solar, one of the country’s leading solar companies specializing in the installation of residential solar PV. You can see other posts from the NRG Home Solar at their blog here and on Twitter @NRGHomeSolar.

Solar Power World

Fronius USA installed a new 211 kW rooftop solar array, enabling it to do more testing and slashing its electricity bills by a fifth in the first month.

A 20 percent reduction in an electricity bill is even more impressive when one considers that the company employs hundreds of workers at a gargantuan 400,000-square-foot manufacturing plant and research and development center in the AmeriPlex at the Port business park.
The privately held Austrian company started doing research outside of its European headquarters for the first time in its 70-year history when it opened its U.S. headquarters in Portage a few years ago. Fronius has since installed more than 500 modules on the roof in order to harvest the sun’s energy, boost its research capability and develop new products. The panel can generate up to 30 percent of the energy needed to run the facility, which includes corporate offices, a sophisticated welding lab and a solar inverter manufacturing area.

Indiana Economic Development Corp. President Eric Doden was on hand Tuesday for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the roof.
People frequently ask why Fronius installed solar panels in the often snow-blitzed Northwest Indiana of all places, when the U.S. solar industry has largely clustered in California, said Solar Energy Division Director Thomas Enzendorfer. But the company’s goal is to make solar energy mainstream, which is why it’s in the Midwest.

“This is not a California phenomenon any more,” he said. “This is in the heartland. It’s not a superficial idea any more.”
At the Portage facility, researchers can test the solar panels during all four seasons, when it’s overcast, and when they get sullied with light dirt from the nearby steel mills, Enzendorfer said. They have been positioning panels in different directions of the roof to test real-world conditions and compare the energy generation of flat roof panels with canted panels that actively follow the sun around.

“When we selected this facility here for our North American operations, we were looking to establish a strong North American presence,” he said. “We’re testing how our products perform under different circumstances, not just ideal circumstances but not-so-ideal circumstances.”
Solar Energy Division Head of System Support Martin Beran said the array will help researchers make current Fronius products more reliable and develop new products, such as to store solar energy so it can be used when it’s dark.

“We started this product one and a half years ago and we learn as we go,” he said. “We mimic a residential system here. We mimic a commercial system here. We test with shading, with non-perfect conditions. As the industry develops, it’s important to show that solar makes sense in some not-so-perfect conditions.”

Fronius is constantly innovating and has significant room to grow in the still-half-occupied building, where workers build inverters that change the current of solar energy so it can flow into the electric grid, Enzendorfer said. They also develop custom welding machines that have been used to weld steel to aluminum and that the trendy electric car company Telsa uses in its production facilities.
“This is great, but it’s just the beginning,” Beran said.

Article source: http://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/fronius-aims-to-make-solar-energy-mainstream/article_8ea8722a-ec59-5a8a-a82a-14613b519fc6.html

Solar Power World

The Royalla Solar Farm, the largest PV plant in Oceania is now operating with Ingeteam’s medium voltage power stations. This plant, with a 20-MW rated power output, is the property of FRV (Fotowatio Renewable Ventures) and is located 23 kilometres south of Canberra, the capital city of Australia. The solar farm, occupying almost 50 hectares, was recently opened by the Australian Capital Territory Energy Minister, Simon Corbell, together with the Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, José Manuel.

Thanks to the twenty, 1 MW PowerMax solar inverters installed inside ten medium voltage power stations, this PV plant will be able to supply power to some 4,500 Australian homes. Ingeteam started to supply its power stations in mid September 2013.

Juan Miguel Gutiérrez, Managing Director of Ingeteam’s Australian subsidiary and who was also present at the opening, declared that the “Royalla plant is a major milestone for Australia and we’re thrilled that our technology has contributed to the success of this project. What’s more, we have every confidence that many more plants will be developed in this country, which has tremendous potential in the field of renewable energies, and PV solar energy in particular”.

The PV inverters installed at Royalla The PowerMax 1MW INGECON SUN 1000TL M400 PV inverters have a maximum efficiency of 99.1% and a multi-MPPT configuration, these transformerless inverters are designed to obtain maximum performance at large PV plants. They are capable of delivering their maximum power output up to an ambient temperature of 45 degrees C whilst contributing to the quality and stability of the electricity system due to their low voltage ride-through capability and the possibility of delivering reactive power even at night.

The twenty central inverters have been supplied inside ten Power Stations. These shelters are fitted with all the necessary equipment to transform low voltage to medium voltage: two PV inverters, LV/MV transformer, MV cells, auxiliary services switchgear and all the necessary protections. These 40 foot long containers are equipped with an advanced, forced ventilation cooling system and a set of filters to prevent the ingress of water and particles.

To date, Ingeteam has supplied more than 4 GW to its customers, and serves four key sectors: energy; industry; marine; and rail traction. Its goal is to optimise energy consumption whilst seeking to maximize energy generating efficiency.

Ingeteam will be at the All Energy 2014 fair in Australia. Stand 2317

Solar Power World

Soligent has acquired the U.S. solar distribution division of Conergy, expanding Soligent Distribution’s service range to more than 40 additional countries. With this acquisition, Soligent Distribution will serve almost 5,000 solar installers, energy efficiency firms, electrical contractors and roofing companies worldwide and Soligent will have estimated annual revenue in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

The transaction is the latest step in Soligent’s strategy to expand the solar market by making independent and regional solar dealers more competitive. The company is developing new financing programs, cloud-based applications, logistics and installation services, and other products and services that effectively provide local dealers with the same capabilities as nationally-based installers and also give them the opportunity to cut soft costs and streamline operations. By collaborating with Soligent, solar dealers can grow their businesses and reduce their overhead.

“We envision a world where solar isn’t just the cleanest choice for power, it is the obvious choice,” says Jonathan Doochin, CEO of Soligent. “We see this as an additional opportunity to give our current and future dealers – of any size or in any location – the tools they need to make a difference in the lives of people everywhere.”

“By adding the U.S. distribution unit of Conergy, Soligent will be a stronger partner for our dealers, manufacturers, and, ultimately, for the millions of Americans installing solar on their homes,” adds Mark Laabs, COO of Soligent.

Conergy will continue to sharpen its focus in the U.S. on project development, financing, construction and operations. With over 650 MW of solar development experience around the world, Conergy is one of the only downstream solar companies without manufacturing ties. Conergy currently maintains a global presence with offices in the U.S., Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, Singapore, Australia and Japan.

“Conergy sees great opportunity at a time in the Americas where utility-scale and distributed generation continues to grow across all markets,” says Anthony Fotopoulos, CEO of Conergy Americas. “Throughout North America, Conergy has been able to partner with developers and building owners due to our strong balance sheet and project financing relationships. With our additional resources, we can sharpen our focus and maintain our growth into additional markets in Central and South America to procure and develop new pipeline.”

Soligent’s Solar Engine program will also grow as a result of this combination, adding new installer partners and more than 150 projects around the U.S. By adopting Solar Engine, customers can increase their profitability by an estimated 10% on average while substantially reducing the time-to-completion for residential and commercial solar projects, the company says.

For more news on Soligent and Conergy, check out these great articles:

Soligent, SunWize Combine Operations, Form Largest Solar Distributor

Soligent Seeks To Help Developing Contractors With Solar Engine

Conergy Will Build Heart-Shaped Solar Plant In New Caledonia

Conergy To Design And Build 8MW Solar Plant In Phillippines

Solar Power World

Not included in the 2014 ranking is an additional pipeline of contracted utility scale solar energy projects, putting Signal Energy’s total to more than 420 MW of utility scale solar since 2010.

Signal Energy Constructors, a design and build general contractor providing engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services to the U.S. renewable energy industry, began construction on 132.7 MW of utility scale solar energy in 2013. That total landed the firm a top ten ranking in Solar Power World’s 2014 Top Solar Contractors list. Signal Energy reports that last year’s totals marked the highest in company history and far exceeded its 2012 figures, putting the company on pace to exceed its 2013 annual installation rate this year (2014) and through 2016.

“We’ve seen exceptional growth in Signal Energy’s solar division,” says Ben Fischer, CEO of Signal Energy. “There is great opportunity in the solar industry over the next few decades and Signal Energy is poised to capture that growth and help build a clean energy future for North America.”

One of Signal Energy’s recent projects is the Searchlight Solar Project located approximately 50 miles south of Las Vegas, Nevada. The 24-MW project was originally developed by American Capital Energy, and was acquired by an affiliate of D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments in partnership with Bright Plain Renewable Energy.

Signal Energy will serve as the EPC contractor for the project, and will also provide operations and maintenance services to the facilities once operational. The projects are expected to produce more than 48,000 MWh of clean energy per year for customers of NV Energy.

Fischer attributes the success of the company to its focus on developing in-house expertise in the most critical areas of the utility scale solar sector: utility interconnection processes, high voltage design, mechanical installation and long-term operations and maintenance.

Signal Energy’s track record of providing a higher value to its customers through its value engineering processes has allowed Signal Energy to grow even as the industry faces challenges from import tariffs on Chinese solar modules and the lack of a comprehensive, domestic energy policy.

“Value engineering allows Signal Energy Constructors to provide our customers with a cost effective solar farm design that produces the most electricity for the least cost,” says Fischer. “By self-performing and therefore controlling the most critical pieces of the construction process, Signal Energy is better able to help developers realize short and long term economic paybacks.”

Fischer’s ideas to help solar energy reach its highest potential include a long-term predictable policy for the solar industry, which encourages companies to invest in renewable energy, coupled with a decrease in development transaction costs.

Not included in the 2014 ranking is an additional pipeline of contracted utility scale solar energy projects, putting Signal Energy’s total to more than 420 MW of utility scale solar since 2010.

Want more? Try these related posts:

Ingeteam Exceeds 120 MW In Chile

GE Energy’s Investing Unit Exceeds Renewable Energy Milestone

Q1 Solar PV Demand Exceeds 9 GW

Solar Power World

China-based Sungrow, manufacturer of PV solar inverters, is releasing three new, UL listed inverters for the North American market at SPI on October 21st, 2014:

• SG60KU: 60kW utility string inverter
• SG56KU: 56kW large commercial string inverter
• SG1000MX: 1MW central inverter

SG60KU
The SG60KU is the a utility string inverter, and can reach the 99% peak efficiency. As costs for large three phase string inverters come down, there has been a trend to use them on larger and larger projects, including ground mounted utility projects up to 10-MW in size.

The 1,000Vdc, 400/380Vac transformerless inverter’s lower output voltage allows for direct medium voltage transformer connection, and the built-in MC4 connector design enables 2 in 1 junction, speeding installation and reducing cost, as well as giving the advantage of a string inverter at central inverter pricing.

String level monitoring and MODBUS allow for full visibility on performance, and the product is utility ready with local and remote HVRT/LVRT/FRT, power, and PF controls.

It has a compact footprint with a sealed electronics enclosure thanks to advanced thermal and high power density design which also keeps the unit relatively light weight and able to be mounted almost anywhere.

SG56KU
The SG56KU is similar to the SG60KU, but optimized for commercial applications, with dual stages, 4 MPPT’s with a wider voltage window, 480Vac output, and 16 fused DC inputs with string level monitoring. It shares the same communication and control capabilities, as well as compact footprint with sealed electronics enclosure, and can be wall, pole, rack, or ground mounted. It can be mounted at an angle as well as horizontally (the SG60 also has this feature).

Sungrow’s SG56/60KU
These units are updated 2.0 versions of the 30 and 36kW series, which were released in Europe and Asia in 2012, and in North America in 2013, of which over 10,000 have been deployed (mainly in Germany and the US, two of the most competitive markets).

SG1000MX
Similarly, the SG1000MX 1MW central inverter is a 2.0 version of Sungrow’s successful and globally deployed 500, 750, and 800kW units. It can be mounted on turnkey, prefabricated and prewired 2MW skids with medium voltage transformers and auxiliary equipment to reduce on-site labor costs. Changes in air flow and cooling techniques allow for high power density. Able to produce 1100kVA at temperatures up to 50˚C, the 1,000Vdc transformerless unit comes with 8-12 fused DC inputs (or an optional breaker recombiner cabinet), DC switch, AC circuit breaker, full remote and local grid functionality, and many other features that lower installation and maintenance costs, such as side and bottom cable entry, front-side maintenance, and slide-n-swap IGBT power blocks.

“While inverters are relatively easy to make, great inverters come from experience,” said Mizhi Zhang, CEO of Sungrow North America. “With over 8GW deployed in over 50 countries since 1997, everything we’ve learned about design, quality control, real world conditions, and maintenance considerations have gone into these new products.”

Sungrow’s portfolio for inverters in North America now spans from 30kW strings to 1MW centrals and 2MW integrated power stations.

Solar Power World

APS microinverters have entered the Colorado and greater mountain regional market through a new partnership with Denver-based Clean Energy Distribution.

It marks the latest in a series of pacts with leading distributors for APS this year, bringing the company’s line of advanced microinverter products to solar consumers throughout the American market.

Colorado is renowned as one of the nation’s most progressive states for solar, with an array of voter-approved, state and local incentives and benchmarks in place to promote alternative energy production. The state ranks third nationwide in terms of installed PV production capacity, with consumer interest and investment in solar at an all-time high.

“Colorado residents are fiercely protective of their environment, and their dedication to solar is a source of pride,” said Michael Ludgate, vice president of business development for APS America. “Being welcomed into this forward-thinking market by a top-line distributor like Clean Energy is another great endorsement for our solar line. Clean Energy put us through real market tests, and we came out on top.”

Jesse Stubbs, CEO for Clean Energy Distribution, said his company was drawn to APS microinverter products for their reputation for innovation, capability and technical support.

“APS offers the most advanced microinverters on the market today, so adding them to our product offerings is a natural,” Stubbs said. “Our installers and end customers will be impressed by the power and reliability the APS solution brings to their solar systems.”

Clean Energy Distribution is a master supplier of solar products in the Colorado market and shipping worldwide. The company has professional talent in solar distributing, large manufacturing companies and solar integration, to provide the best alternative-energy distributing site in America.

Clean Energy Distribution strives to provide customers with excellent service by having live representatives ready to offer support at all times, as well as an online chat through its website for customers’ convenience.

APS was founded in Silicon Valley in 2009, and is now a global leader in the development, manufacturing and marketing of microinverters based on their own proprietary, leading-edge solar technology. APS America, representing APS in the US market, is based near Seattle, Washington.

Recent major distribution deals have brought the APS product line to the Southwest, central California and Eastern Seaboard markets, among others.

APS ranked No. 2 in global market share among leading microinverter suppliers by shipments in 2013 (source: GTM Research).

Solar Power World

The City of Anaheim held a dedication ceremony celebrating the recently completed 2.4-megawatt (MW) solar panel system on the Anaheim Convention Center. The $5.7 million project managed by Anaheim Public Utilities was completed mid-August by developer  Borrego Solar Systems  (a Top 400 Solar Contractor). The installation covers 300,000 square feet on the rooftop of Exhibit Halls A, B and C. With 7,908 installed solar panels, the installation will be the largest city-owned, convention center, roof-mounted system in North America.

The system will generate an estimated 3.6 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually — enough energy to power 600 homes for a year. Anaheim Public Utilities is incorporating the project into its renewable energy portfolio. The installation marks the building’s newest sustainability feature; the LEED certified Convention Center maintains a commitment to sustainability through initiatives such as an on-site recycling program, farm to fork culinary program, an on-site composting facility and a rooftop herb garden.

“The City of Anaheim has always sought to take the lead with projects that demonstrate government entrepreneurship and this partnership reflects the success of this effort,” said Tom Morton, Executive Director of the City of Anaheim’s Convention, Sports & Entertainment Department. “We appreciate the partnership with our Public Utilities and welcomed this opportunity, which benefits not only our residents, but further enhances the Convention Center’s sustainability program.”

Borrego Solar, city and convention center staff gather to celebrate the solar installation with state representatives.

“Installing solar on the Convention Center furthers the City’s commitment to renewable energy initiatives,” said Dukku Lee, General Manager of Anaheim Public Utilities. “The City was able to add a cost-effective renewable resource that utilizes the abundant sunlight we are fortunate to have in this region.”

Borrego Solar, the designer and installer of the project, began construction in January. In total, the company has installed 60 MW of solar in California, (more than 150 MW nationwide) and has another 90 MW in construction.

“Throughout the contract and construction process, we witnessed firsthand the commitment and enthusiasm of the City, utility and Convention Center leaders to ensure the success and quick development of this project,” said Mike Hall, CEO at Borrego Solar. “It’s communities like Anaheim that will enable California to meet its renewable energy mandates and continue leading the way on clean energy deployment.”

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Advanced Energy Industries will feature its horizontally mounted string inverter at Solar Power International (Booth #551) in Las Vegas. The new inverter accessory enables solar installers, site designers and project developers to conserve space and increase project yield using an innovative technique to install the Advanced Energy (AE) AE 3TL string inverter in a 0° to 30° orientation. Already field proven at sites across North America, the compact and cost-effective solution is commercially available for AE 3TL 12 kW, 16 kW, 20 kW and 23 kW models.

The AE 3TL Horizontally Mounted String Inverter Accessory
As a result of the increased popularity of large-scale commercial rooftop designs using three-phase string inverters, AE developed an innovative mounting solution to tackle one of the critical challenges of roof-mounted inverters—the shade cast by the inverters on the photovoltaic (PV) array. The functional design in the horizontally mounted 3TL solution provides balance-of-system cost savings and reduces shading setbacks for additional surface space for up to two additional 300 W PV modules per inverter when compared with competing angled mounting systems. The solution is particularly ideal for projects that require NEC 2014 code compliance, which specifies string inverters in roof-mounted installations must be installed within 10 feet of the array. The mounting flanges are compatible with DURA-BLOK® and UNISTRUT® hardware, enabling site-specific, customized mounting.

The AE 3TL Inverter
The AE 3TL inverter is a reliable three-phase string inverter that can be installed in a distributed architecture throughout a solar array to save space and increase project yield. The inverter can be applied to projects of wide-ranging sizes, from small commercial rooftops to large, multi-megawatt, ground-mount systems. The AE 3TL inverter is UL-certified, with a CEC-rated efficiency of 98 percent and versatile data monitoring options. The product delivers key features to reduce LCOE and increase energy harvest.

Solar Power World

enACT’s software-as-a-service platform for solar developers is now powering CaliforniaFIRST’s Residential PACE financing program, allowing enACT users an integrated software platform to develop solar proposals with Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing in California.

“There are several financing choices for solar, all of which have FICO-based credit hurdles for the residential consumer that limits adoption and slows sales. PACE revolutionizes solar financing where lofty credit-scores are not required,” said Deep Chakraborty, CEO of ENACT SYSTEMS. “Contractors and home-owners can get financing approval for solar leveraging their property-value, not their credit rating, and PACE also finances home upgrades beyond just solar.”

Renewable Funding is the administrator for the CaliforniaFIRST program, the nation’s largest Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program. The firm has secured a $300 million credit facility to fund residential PACE program across the state. The Program allows property owners to finance the installation of energy and water improvements on homes or businesses through the issuance of a municipal bond, and pay the amount back as a line item on their property tax bill. Operated under the auspices of the California Statewide Communities Development Authority (CSCDA), the CaliforniaFIRST residential PACE program launched this summer in 17 California counties and 167 cities, and makes energy and water efficiency projects more affordable and accessible for millions of California homeowners.

“While we have greatly simplified the PACE financing process, enACT’s platform takes it to the next level by automating the solar financing quotes and related workflow documents for contractors. All proposal and deal documents for underwriting and installation are now on one system, making it easy for contractor sales teams to scale their offering”, said Scott Strait, Chief Information Officer at Renewable Funding LLC, program administrator for the CaliforniaFIRST PACE program.

enACT’s tool allows contractors to develop solar rooftop layouts quickly, choose their solar hardware products, compare utility savings options based on design, manage operating cost and compare multiple financing options at once, to help fine-tune the right offer. enACT also offers a simple-to-use, yet powerful CRM capability, which makes it easy for sales teams to manage appointments and deal documents. enACT’s platform offers a broad range of financing options and is being used by solar developers in 10 states. enACT will be exhibiting at the Solar Power International Conference in Las Vegas, from October 20 to 23, 2014.

Solar Power World

SolarCity and Honda have renewed their partnership with a new fund expected to finance $50 million in solar projects. The new commitment will make solar power more affordable and available to Honda and Acura customers and dealerships in the U.S. The companies have completed or initiated a range of solar projects for homeowners, dealerships and corporate facilities that total more than 12.5 MW of solar generation capacity. The two companies have already brought enough solar capacity online to offset more than 400 million pounds of CO2 over a 30-year lifecyclei. The $50 million fund is a follow-up to a $65 million fund the companies created in 2013.

The partnership, which is aimed at addressing air pollution and global climate change by reducing CO2 emissions and particulate emissions from home, business and transportation energy use, covers the cost of solar equipment and installation and makes it possible for many homeowners to pay less for solar electricity than they pay for electricity from utilities, with insurance, repairs and monitoring service included.ii

Envisioning a future in which personal mobility products will be powered in large part by renewable energy, the two companies have begun implementing co-marketing programs that specifically encourage owners of either solar powered homes or plug-in electric vehicles to adopt the complementary product. The companies have also collaborated on advanced projects that demonstrate the full potential of distributed renewables combined with plug-in electric vehicles, including Honda Smart Home US. SolarCity installed the high-efficiency and cost-effective solar system used in this project.

SolarCity has developed a proprietary system that has greatly simplified the process by which homeowners can go solar. From an initial phone call or Web consultation, SolarCity can quickly assess whether a homeowner is a good candidate for solar, and can design a custom solar system to meet a customer’s specific energy needs. Honda and Acura customers and dealers interested in solar can find more information at www.hondasolarcity.com.

“The first phase of this partnership has proven that Honda drivers have a high affinity for solar power, while owners of solar-powered homes have a high affinity for Honda products,” said Steven Center, Vice President of the Environmental Business Development Office of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “As we look toward a future in which renewable energy will be an increasingly pervasive fuel source for personal mobility products, we are excited about capitalizing on the technological, environmental and market opportunities available through partnerships of this nature.”

“Our partnership with Honda is creating local jobs and helping to address air pollution, water pollution and climate change,” said SolarCity CEO Lyndon Rive. “Honda’s commitment is making a difference for the economy and the environment.”

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U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) recently announced that U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz will keynote the general session at Solar Power International (SPI) in Las Vegas, on Wednesday, Oct. 22. In his cabinet role, Moniz implements critical Department of Energy missions in support of President Obama’s goals of growing the economy, enhancing security and protecting the environment.

“Since Secretary Moniz took office, he has been a strong supporter of the solar industry and the 143,000 Americans who work in solar energy,” says Rhone Resch, SEIA president and CEO. “From the new pilot job training program for veterans to the continuation of the hugely successful SunShot Initiative and the important research at its national laboratories, the Energy Department under Secretary Moniz has helped reduce red tape and facilitated the development of clean, renewable solar energy. This Administration’s forward-looking public policies – which allow emerging technologies to compete with entrenched energy sources – are helping to ensure a clean, prosperous future for our nation.”

“Under the leadership of Secretary Moniz, the Department of Energy recognizes the important role of collaboration between the solar and utility industries to successfully advance our nation towards a cleaner energy future,” says Julia Hamm, SEPA president and CEO.  “Through funding of partnerships on smart grid deployment, solar research and soft cost reduction, Secretary Moniz and the Energy Department are helping parties with often disparate interests to collaborate on areas of common interest.  His participation in SPI 2014 is a demonstration of his commitment to further those positive efforts.”

For more on Secretary Moniz and the Department of Energy, check out these articles:

Energy Secretary Moniz to Dedicate Ivanpah Concentrating Solar Project

Department Of Energy: 2014 Year Of CSP

Energy Department Announces $15 Million To Boost Community Solar

For more SPI news, check out these articles:

Welcome To SPI — Here’s What You Need To Know

Solar FlexRack To Introduce Ballasted Ground Mount At SPI

APS Will Showcase New 3-Phase Microinverter At SPI

Solar Power World

SMA will showcase a variety of solutions for residential, commercial and utility-scale applications at unique indoor and outdoor exhibits at Solar Power International in Las Vegas, October 20-23. Among them will be new inverters, highlighted in booth #524, while the SMA Solar Sprinter van, which features a fully operational PV system, will be on display outside the main hall entrance.

Both exhibits will feature a theme familiar to Las Vegas, a town known for title bouts: The Main Event.

“SMA is delivering a one-two punch with dual interactive, boxing-themed exhibits at Solar Power International,” said Henry Dziuba, president and general manager of SMA America and president of SMA Canada. “SMA offers innovative technology for every power class and application and we are excited to share our newest and most advanced PV solutions with the industry’s best and brightest.”

Solar Power International attendees can expect to see one of SMA’s most dynamic booths to date. Products on display include:

· Sunny Boy TL-US with Secure Power Supply: SMA has expanded its popular Sunny Boy TL-US line of inverters with Secure Power Supply with new 7,000- and 7,700-watt models. Like the rest of this inverter series, the Sunny Boy 7000TL-US and 7700TL-US each provide up to 1,500 W of daytime standby power in the event of a grid outage for charging laptops, cell phones and more, without the need of additional, costly batteries.

Also on display will be the Sunny Boy TL-US Rapid Shutdown Kit, which will house the inverter’s upcoming rapid shutdown feature. This solution will meet 2014 NEC 690.12 rapid shutdown requirements and will be released soon.

· Sunny Tripower TL-US: The Sunny Tripower TL-US brings the sophistication of SMA’s utility-scale approach to the commercial market. Ideal for decentralized PV systems, this three-phase transformerless inverter is suitable for both 600 V DC and 1,000 V DC applications, allowing for flexible design and a lower levelized cost of energy. It is available as the Sunny Tripower 12000TL-US, 15000TL-US, 20000TL-US and 24000TL-US.

· MLX 60: The new MLX 60 is a 60 kW inverter that combines the advantages of decentralized system layouts with the benefits of a centralized inverter design, bringing together the best of both worlds. It features CEC efficiency of 98 percent for maximum energy production and an earlier return on investment, as well as industry-leading power density, simplifying transportation and reducing logistical expenses.

· Utility Power System: The new Utility Power System is an integrated, compact DC-to-AC system solution for utility-scale PV consisting of advanced engineered components, including the new Sunny Central 2000-US inverter, medium-voltage transformer, DC combiners, high-speed plant control and system-wide services. The Utility Power System’s efficient design delivers higher energy yields while reducing capital and operating expenditures, resulting in optimum levelized cost of energy and an overall reduction in system costs

· O&M Services: SMA’s Solar Asset Management portfolio of services provides developers, EPCs, utilities and investors with the PV industry’s best financial backstop and long-term plan to maximize system performance, energy production and financial returns. That includes SMA’s comprehensive range of plant-wide utility and commercial operations and maintenance, which includes array, racking, balance-of-system and 24/7 remote monitoring services.

Located directly in front of the main entrance of the Las Vegas Convention Center (South Hall) will be the SMA Solar Sprinter van. It features eight roof-mounted modules that provide power to a Sunny Boy 3000TL-US with Secure Power Supply as part of an AC-coupled micro-grid using a Sunny Island off-grid inverter, Smartformer and small battery bank. All the equipment is fully operational during demonstrations. Also on display in the Solar Sprinter will be two Sunny Boy 240-US micro inverters, a Sunny Multigate-US and a Sunny Tripower TL-US.

Elsewhere at the show, SMA will be participating in a variety of speaking engagements, including a walking session (Getting the Most Out of Your System: Storage/Inverters), a panel discussion (Advanced Inverters and Deployment) and two poster presentations (Navigating the Changing Requirements of PV Interconnection, Operations and Metering; and Optimization of Utility-Scale PV Systems). SMA will also have continuous, in-booth presentations from four different speakers over the course of the show.

Solar Power World

Ecolibrium Solar, a manufacturer of flat roof mounting systems, has announced the completion of a 3.2-MW solar array developed by Melink Solar and installed by TMI Electric.  The project consists of 12,264 modules covering 10 acres and uses Ecolibrium Solar’s EcoFoot2 mounting hardware.

About the EcoFoot2, Melink General Manager Jeremy Chapman said, “Melink was impressed with the simplicity of the racking system and the ease of installation.  The price point was very attractive as well.” Installation ease and speed are the key features of Ecolibrium’s Ecofoot line.

Although the project was a success, Ecolibrium solicited feedback from Melink and other installers to optimize future installations.  The industry requested pre-assembled clamps, so that is what the company now delivers with EcoFoot2+, the newest addition to Ecolibrium’s EcoFoot line.

Photos:

Ecolibrium Solar
www.ecolibriumsolar.com

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Live webinar date is Wednesday October 29, 2014 at 11am PST/2pm EST.  Register below to watch the webinar live and receive a copy of the recording afterward. 

With recent record claims of US natural gas production, many expect natural gas pricing to remain at its historic low levels. Such low levels for natural gas are being credited for everything from massive amounts of new job creation, revitalizing America’s manufacturing base and for some, cries of a new era of energy independence. Over the last 20 years, natural gas has played an increasingly important role in the production of US electricity supplies. Now providing almost a third of annual US electricity production, natural gas is viewed as the key to future increases in electricity production and for some, a “bridge to a more sustainable energy future”.

As the energy storage industry continues to emerge, many companies are finding potential buyers who have been lulled into a false sense of security regarding future electricity pricing. In this webinar, Varta webinar will provide a review of the critical challenges the natural gas industry is facing and how these can and will quickly change the dynamics of today’s electricity pricing. The potential for rapid changes in US electricity pricing has the ability to fundamental drive the need for energy storage technologies going forward.

Attend this webinar to learn:
-Why claims of recent US natural gas production are now much more expensive and difficult to
to sustain than the oil and gas industry wants to admit.

-Understand how major changes in fossil fuel generation sources in reshaping electricity pricing.

-How the customer’s belief in past electricity pricing levels dilutes and defocuses energy storage proposals.

-Assisting your customer in understanding the rapidly changing nature of future energy pricing

REGISTER HERE

This webinar will be presented by Varta

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