Installations of power optimizers are reported to grow significantly through 2020. We spoke with Mike Rogerson of SolarEdge to give us some insight into these power electrics in 2015.
Solar power optimizers in 2015
Ecoppia launches advanced data for water-free solar panel cleaning robot
Ecoppia, an innovative developer of robotic, water-free photovoltaic (PV) solar panel cleaning solutions, announced the launch of its advanced E4 control system. With the integration of real-time and forecasted information on precipitation, cloudiness and air quality, Ecoppia now offers a more intelligent and reliable operation, and provides a comprehensive view of site conditions—helping site managers make better-informed decisions on cleaning schedules.
Ecoppia’s E4 technology cost-effectively removes 99 percent of dust from solar panels to maintain maximum production levels and accelerate return on investment. Each robotic E4 unit is self-charging, self-cleaning and can be monitored and controlled remotely to mitigate the need for on-site maintenance.
Data from The Weather Channel is now fully integrated into Ecoppia’s web-based monitoring and management dashboard, allowing customers to access current weather conditions and forecasts for a given site and schedule cleanings. Because the data is built into E4’s master control, the system can automatically retract any cleaning robots in the field during severe weather events.
Customers also have the option to receive severe weather alerts via SMS, along with scheduling recommendations.
“Our team performed various tests with the top weather information providers in the world, and incorporated the intelligence that will best support our customers and enhance the value of our E4 solution,” said Eran Meller, CEO of Ecoppia. “The integration of forecasted and real-time weather conditions into the E4 control system strengthens Ecoppia’s leadership position in the solar PV cleaning sector and puts us one step closer to leaving inefficient, low-tech options behind for good.”
OutBack Power offers UL1741-compliant renewable energy system for Central, Latin American Markets
OutBack Power Technologies, Inc., a designer and manufacturer of advanced power electronics for renewable energy, backup power and mobile applications, will showcase its FLEXware Integrated Combiner Solution (ICS) alongside its new SmartHarvest line for Central and Latin American markets during the MiaGreen show, February 11 and 12 in Miami. With ICS, OutBack offers the first end-to-end system from rooftop PV array combiner to grid, from a single brand, making it easier than ever for system designers and installers to specify, integrate and support their systems. OutBack has also expanded its energy storage offerings with comprehensive battery and enclosure lines ranging from smaller top-terminal to large-capacity 2V VRLA batteries. And now, all OutBack systems can be remotely monitored AND controlled via the OPTICS RE dashboard, which allows installers and end users to access their systems remotely. This complete portfolio dramatically increases the range of power problems this brand can solve for installers and end-users.
As photovoltaic (PV) and wind-generated electricity sources become increasingly important to energy production in developing countries, systems such as SmartHarvest charge controllers are ideal for meeting local power needs. Installers who count on OutBack’s legendary performance, reliability and support now have a new set of solutions on which to design and build smaller, cost-effective systems that are easy to install and maintain over the life of the system.
“Today, renewable energy has become so much more affordable that it is being used extensively throughout the world,” said Harvey Wilkinson, general manager, OutBack Power. “Our new offerings enable installers and consumers to comply with the latest industry regulations, reduce costs and save time, all while enjoying OutBack’s trademark ease-of-use and reliability from rooftop to grid.”
The new FLEXware ICS Plus meets National Electrical Code requirements for rapid shutdown and arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) protection, and is designed with present and emerging standards in mind to protect returns on investment. ICS’ advanced safety features, which assure emergency response teams that PV building arrays are safely shut down, represent industry-leading innovation in an increasingly standardized field. It will be available by the end of the 2nd quarter.
MiaGreen attendees interested in learning more about OutBack Power and renewables for off-grid and grid-hybrid power can attend head of International Business Development and Marketing, Gord Petroski’s MiaGreen session, “Renewable Energy for Off-Grid as well as Grid Interactive Solutions,” at 2:00 p.m. ET on February 12 or stop by booth 417 for more information.
SEIA: Solar job growth benefits economy, environment
Saying it revealed “very encouraging trends,” Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), applauded the findings of The Solar Foundation’s latest State Solar Job Census.
“Solar energy continues to be one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States,” Resch said. “The latest state-by-state breakdown of solar jobs nationwide not only shows impressive growth by our industry – but it also reveals some very encouraging trends. Big gains in employment are no longer limited to solar-friendly California and the sunny Southwest. Employment is also booming in East Coast states, including Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina and Maryland, while significantly growing in the southern states of Texas, Georgia and Florida.
“From coast to coast, solar is having a huge impact on both our economy and environment. Today, the solar industry employs nearly 175,000 Americans and pumps more than $15 billion a year into the U.S. economy – and we’re just scratching the surface of our enormous potential.”
According to SEIA/GTM Research, the U.S. has an estimated 20 gigawatts (GW) of installed solar capacity, enough to effectively power nearly 4 million homes in the United States – or every single home in a state the size of Massachusetts or New Jersey – with another 20 GW in the pipeline for 2015-16. In addition, innovative solar heating and cooling systems (SHC) are offering American consumers cost-efficient, effective options for meeting their energy needs, while lowering their utility bills.
From an environmental perspective, solar helped to offset an estimated 20 million metric tons of harmful CO2 emissions in 2014, which is the equivalent of taking four million cars off U.S. highways or saving 2.1 billion gallons of gasoline.
Solar FlexRack teams with EnPro Solar for 1.2-MW grape farm project
SolarFlexRack, a division of Northern States Metals, announces that it has delivered and installed its G3L preassembled racking systems at Four Star Fruit farm in California’s Central Valley. Teaming with EnPro Solar, the project’s prime EPC and general contractor, SolarFlexRack was able to install their racking systems and mount the 4,160 Trina PV Modules in less than a month.
“We had a green light to start the project with permit in hand on December 3rd and had to have the entire DC array installed by December 31st ,” noted Gene Okun, EnPro’s Solar and Generation Manager. “Heavy rains and the holidays made this challenging, but with Solar FlexRack’s preassembled system and turnkey installation capabilities, we were able to go from ‘dirt’ to installed modules on the racks in less than a month.”
Four Star Fruit, a premier grower, packer, and shipper of fresh and Certified Organic table grapes grown in Delano, California operates a 170,000 square feet refrigeration plant that is capable of cooling down 1 million boxes of grapes at once. With a 10-15% annual growth rate since 2009 and a doubling of its energy consumption, Four Star Fruit faced rising energy costs due to numerous rate increases and excessive demand utility charges. The new solar PV system is expected to offset over 60% of the facility’s energy costs, representing an annual $330,000 savings on its utility bills.
“Beyond the compelling economic case behind our decision to go solar is our ongoing commitment to more sustainable operations company-wide, from organic farming techniques to eco-friendly packaging and LED lighting,” said Four Star Fruit’s Plant Manager, Jesse Munguia. “Our customers include WalMart, Costco, Kroger and Trader Joe’s, and their customers are looking for more sustainably sourced products, giving us a competitive edge.” Over the life of the system, 43,047 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) will be eliminated from Four Star Fruit’s carbon footprint.
The vertical and horizontal rails of the all steel Solar FlexRack Series G3L deployed at Four Star Fruit ships to the job site as one completely pre-assembled unit and can be unfolded and set up in a matter of minutes. Solar FlexRack, working with MbarC Construction, one of their certified turnkey partners, also installed the racking systems and mounted the panels on this project. “Our ability to provide preassembled racking systems and a full suite of turnkey services represents a significant opportunity for our EPC and installer partners to implement a seamless installation and stay on schedule,” added Steve Daniel, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Solar FlexRack.
EnPro developed the PV solar system for Four Star Fruit as part of a larger energy project that has already reduced the grower’s energy consumption with other technologies such as LED lighting. “EnPro benefits greatly on this project as it validates our continuing pursuit for providing all of our customers with the absolute largest energy and carbon footprint reduction possible. Four Star Fruit now will get most of their power from the sun for the next 40 years and is basically farming solar side by side with farming grapes,” added Okun.
The on-grid, 1.268MW PV System was self-funded by Four Star Fruit, taking advantage of federal tax credits and Southern California Edison’s Demand Response and Energy Efficiency incentive programs.
Coronal Group acquires HelioSage Energy and 300 MW of projects
Coronal Group LLC announced that it has acquired the majority of the assets of HelioSage Energy and formed Coronal Development Services LLC (CDS), immediately establishing a robust end-to-end solar development solution available to commercial and utility clients in North America. Together with Panasonic Eco Solutions, Coronal owns and operates a portfolio of solar facilities in North America totaling nearly 100 MW. The HelioSage acquisition will add in excess of 300 MW of near Notice To Proceed projects and more than 1.5 GW of projects in development. The acquisition further strengthens and diversifies the unique Coronal-Panasonic platform by bringing in-house a first class development team.
“This acquisition will accelerate our fast-growing platform and strengthen our position as an integrated solar energy solution provider for customers with utility-scale projects and across markets in the solar industry,” said Jonathan Jaffrey, chairman and CEO of Coronal Group LLC. “In addition to an extensive pipeline of both near-term and development-stage projects, we are gaining a deeply experienced and successful development team that is committed to fueling the growth of our utility-scale portfolio in North America. The financial strength behind Coronal-Panasonic places CDS in a perfect position to reap the full benefits of HelioSage’s portfolio.”
HelioSage’s strength in utility-scale solar project development, paired with a Coronal-Panasonic platform that provides expertise in engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), project finance and asset management, makes for a compelling value proposition in today’s solar marketplace. Focused primarily on power purchase agreements with utilities, over the last three years, HelioSage has executed more than 400 MW of agreements with companies including Duke Energy, Georgia Power Company, the Tennessee Valley Authority and others. HelioSage also served as the exclusive solar consultant and transaction advisor for one of the nation’s largest investor owned utilities from 2012-2014, participating in the origination, due diligence, and acquisition of 230+ MW on their behalf.
“HelioSage has worked tirelessly to establish a reputation and a track record as a well-respected leader in large-scale solar development,” said Chris Walmsley, president of the newly formed CDS. “Joining a team the caliber of Coronal-Panasonic represents the culmination of years of hard work – but what is most exciting to all of us is our future together.”
Together with Panasonic’s expertise in engineering, procurement and construction, as well as long-term operations and maintenance, CDS is uniquely positioned to serve a rapidly expanding utility-scale market.
“Panasonic is excited to have HelioSage joining the Coronal-Panasonic team,” said Jamie Evans, managing director of Eco Solutions for Panasonic. “The HelioSage team brings an impressive skill set and a culture that will be very complementary to the Coronal-Panasonic platform. Collectively, we are well-positioned to execute a significant project pipeline throughout North America in the near term.”
Marathon Capital acted as exclusive financial advisor to HelioSage. “Marathon Capital was pleased to help facilitate the expansion strategy of an already significant investor in the utility-scale solar space, combining HelioSage’s sophisticated and powerful development platform with Coronal Group and Panasonic Eco Solutions’ long-term investment vision and operational excellence,” said Terry Grant, managing director of Marathon Capital.
Moxa box helps electrical substations deliver high system availability and quality data
Maintaining data integrity and the highest system availability are mission-critical objectives for electrical substations. Because their automation systems require zero recovery time redundancy to achieve uninterrupted power supply to end-users, RedBoxes (redundancy boxes) are installed so that network data can be transmitted by two independent active paths simultaneously between systems and distributed devices.
Moxa, an innovation leader in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), today introduced its PT-G503-PHR-PTP series of RedBoxes compliant with the new IEC 62439-3 Clause 4 (PRP) and Clause 5 (HSR) standards, thus guaranteeing network security, scalability and interoperability in substations automation networks, today and tomorrow. In addition to supporting Gigabit, these all-in-one devices are the world’s first to support Coupling and QuadBox redundant protocols, helping engineers deploy zero (0 ms) switch-over time networks that are more versatile and efficient with faster error detection. Each box comes with three 10/100/1000BaseT(X) and 100/1000BaseSFP slot combo ports, along with a built-in MMS server, based on IEC 61850-90-4 switch modeling for power SCADA.
“Ethernet-based substation networks where devices are connected to switches and routers present the risk of communication latency due to network topology changes, traffic congestion, or packet queue prioritization. For mission-critical or time-sensitive applications, even millisecond long network interruptions cannot be tolerated, as they may severely impact system operation or jeopardize onsite personnel safety,” explained Jim Toepper, Moxa’s Business Development Manager for the Power Market.. “Our new RedBoxes establish efficient and effective management for a PRP/HSR Substation Automation Network where redundant network status can be fully monitored, and a single-point failure can be immediately discovered.”
In addition to the PT-G503-PHR-PTP RedBox, Moxa is also launching the DA-820 rackmount embedded computer, the world’s first native PRP/HSR management server. With the PT-G503 RedBox and DA-820 native PRP/HSR management server, Moxa’s PRP/HSR substation solutions can help users collect, analyze, and integrate raw data from various devices on one single management platform, enabling efficient and visualized PRP/HSR network management, and making network diagnosis, troubleshooting, and device condition monitoring easier than ever.
How does a solar pyranometer work?
How does a pyranometer work? Experts in solar radiation measurement at Kipp & Zonen are often asked this question and answer happily with an explanation of the working principle of thermopile pyranometers.
By: Clive Lee, Customer Services Specialist at Kipp & Zonen
Thermopile pyranometer history
Since 1913, Kipp & Zonen had been manufacturing, for the measurement of thermal radiation and light, a fast and sensitive thermopile (made up of many thermocouples) designed by Dr. Moll of Utrecht University. However, it was not until a meteorological conference at Utrecht in 1923 that Dr. Moll drew the attention of scientists to this thermopile. Professor L. Gorczynski of the Polish Meteorological Institute decided to construct a pyrheliometer and a pyranometer using modified Moll-Gorczynski thermopiles.
Because of the thermopile characteristics the instruments could be small, light, low cost, have a continuous voltage output signal, and not require any external electrical power or control systems. These prototypes proved to be successful and Kipp & Zonen became the manufacturer of the instruments in 1924.
How the thermopile pyranometer works
The thermoelectric detection principle is used, whereby incoming radiation is almost completely absorbed by a horizontal blackened surface, over a very wide wavelength range. The resulting increase of temperature is measured via thermocouples connected in series or series-parallel to make a thermopile.
The active (hot) junctions are located beneath the blackened receiver surface and are heated by the radiation absorbed in the black coating. The passive (cold) junctions of the thermopile are in thermal contact with the pyranometer housing, which serves as a heat-sink. More recent, higher performance, pyranometers use a Peltier element. This is also thermoelectric, but the dissimilar metals of a thermocouple / thermopile are replaced by dissimilar semiconductors.
It is necessary to protect the black detector coating against external influences which may affect the measurement; such as precipitation, dirt and wind. Nearly all pyranometers use an optical quality glass for their hemispherical single or double domes.
Depending upon the glass, the transmission is from 300 nm or less to about 3000 nm. Double domes give better stability under dynamically changing conditions by further ‘insulating’ the sensor surface from environmental effects such as wind and rapid temperature fluctuations.
The shape of the dome, and the refractive index of the material, improves the response of the sensor when the sun is close to the horizon, ‘bending’ the incoming radiation beam. The highest specification pyranometer available, our model CMP 22 uses Quartz domes for a wider spectral response. The higher refractive index further improves the directional response and better thermal conductivity than glass provides other performance benefits.
Passive thermopile / Peltier pyranometers such as our CMP series do not require a power supply. The detector generates a small voltage in proportion to the temperature difference between the black absorbing surface and the instrument housing. This is of the order of 10 µV (microvolts) per W/m2, so on a sunny day the output will be around 10 mV (millivolts). Each pyranometer has a unique sensitivity, defined during the calibration process, which is used to convert the output signal in microvolts into global irradiance in W/m2.
Our SMP range of Smart pyranometers have the same detectors as the equivalent CMP models but with built-in digital signal processing and performance enhancement, and therefore they require external power to operate.
To maintain performance, recalibration is usually recommended every two years, and a high quality water-proof connector for the signal cable greatly simplifies the process.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on www.kippzonen.com.
DPW Solar announces new Power Rail design tool
- Easy navigation with Graphical User Interface
- Auto zip Code lookup to determine Wind Speed and Snow loads
- Auto configuration of Power Rail span and cantilever lengths
- Broad selection of PV modules and component options
- Easily adjusted roof layouts. Includes module & rail orientation options
- Quick and accurate BOM and pricing with discount % input
- Printable Project Summary Report including site conditions and design considerations
- Identify different pricing options for the same roof layout by selecting
alternative rail and attachment options - Develop a BOM and price for commercial projects containing multiple
roof types and layouts
PV Racking selects its “Installation of the Year”
Ithaca, New York-based solar installer Renovus Energy has been named the winner of the 2014 “PV Racking Installation of the Year” Contest.
The company’s photo submission was for a 23.4-kW ground mounted solar array installed in Seneca Lake, New York.
Renovus Energy used PV Racking’s clamp-free racking solution, Winaico panels, and SMA inverters for this project.
The ground mount, designed into three sub-arrays, used a helical pier foundation and the PV Racking slide-in rail.
According to PV Racking, installers using the ground mount are able to save up to 30% labor time, cutting on-site labor costs.
PV Racking is a Pennsylvania-based firm, specializing in designing and manufacturing solar racking systems for ground, roof and carport mounted solar systems.
HatiCon Solar sloped-roof system compliant with California fire codes
The HatiCon Solar alHome system has passed rigorous fire safety requirements with Underwriters Laboratories to achieve a UL1703 Class A fire rating. The alHome system, designed to mount solar on a variety of pitched roofs, is compliant with all Type 1 modules on steep slope roofs in portrait orientation.
The system is compliant with all IBC and California fire safety codes.
Made from noncorrosive lightweight aluminum, the alHome system has an on-site leveling capacity of up to 1.5 inches and can be installed on roofs up to 70° slope. Longer spans require fewer penetrations. Patented click technology and universal preassembled parts saves time and money.
The HatiCon Solar alHome pitched roof system features the new UL listed HatiBond toolless splice. This improves the speed and ease of installation while decreasing the part count of the alHome system. The new HatiBond technology enhances the versatility of the alHome pitched roof system for a simpler, faster and better installation.
HatiCon Solar is now owned and operated by Mounting Systems GmbH.
Challenges ahead for solar PV’s evolving grid integration
The PV world can expect changes and challenges ahead related to large-scale PV grid integration. Experts in the field from California in the United States can attest to the fact that control is effectively a brand new area of technology within the United States, and presents obstacles in two primary forms.
Tom Tansy is Chairman of SunSpec Alliance, which pursues information standards to enable “plug & play” system interoperability, discussed these challenges. “One of the hurdles is having the manufacturers bring this capability online and move it through regulatory approvals, while managing their supply chain as new technology comes on board,” he said. “The second comes in terms of policy: How will manufacturers and plant owners be compensated for the additional features they will be adding to the mix?”
Within California, there are 28 electrical utilities, including three investor owned utilities (PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E) that are directly governed by California Rule 21. This regulation describes interconnection standards for distributed energy resource systems and was revised on December 18, 2014. Because there is a large and diverse staff responsible for interconnecting new systems, there will inevitably be an uneven knowledge about Rule 21 and how it should be applied to generators connected to the distribution grid on the customer side of the meter. California Rule 21 will be one of the topics to be discussed at the conference Solar Asset Management North America, this coming April.
Limitations of today’s study process
Clyde Loutan, Senior Advisor Renewables Grid Integration of CaISO, discusses the limits that determine inverter characteristics and interconnection standards. “In North America, the need for reactive power support from asynchronous resources must be identified during the interconnection process,” he said. “However, the study process cannot anticipate all operating conditions such as what resources or transmission elements will be out of service at the time reactive power needs arise.” A system impact study may reflect that there is sufficient reactive power on the transmission system because of the capabilities of existing generators with reactive power capability and other reactive power devices.
However, once an asynchronous project is interconnected and is commercially operable, actual system conditions could be far different from the conditions that had been studied. Interconnection studies are also time consuming and iterative in nature. If the CaISO were to study all possible operating conditions and outage schedules for existing resources to assess the need for an asynchronous resource to provide reactive support, the system impact study process would become unduly burdensome.
“Prior to the December 2014 amendment to California Rule 21, grid operators had no ability to react to the impact of DER resources on the customer side of the meter,” Tansy explained. “The designers of the grid did not have in mind that individuals would have power plants at their houses, at least not to the extent that such systems have been deployed. A stable grid is dependent upon having reliable known frequency and voltage levels, so when these generators are unable to adapt other than by disconnecting, as was the case previously, it can cause the grid characteristics to drift and become unstable.”
Vladimir Chadliev, Director of Global Grid Integration with First Solar, offered an opposing view. He said with the high solar PV penetration levels being installed and planned in Western U.S., the need for grid operators and transmission planners to quickly assess the impacts of solar PV system stability has become critical. In the planning phase this assessment is normally done with analysis tools such as PSS/E or PSLF. The lack of proper models for the solar PV projects had been an obstacle in performing accurate interconnection analyses and planning analysis. The Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) modeling working group recently completed work on a new improved model for the utility-scale station PV plants. The new model can represent characteristics of PV plants in a more realistic way. Therefore, assessment of the penetration level for PV into the electrical grid can be more precise.
Utility adjustment and the RPS program
Experts are split when it comes to the opinion of market development and its movement. On the one hand Loutan stated, “In California, utilities are adjusting to the 33% RPS (Renewables Portfolio Standard) and in most cases are on schedule to meeting this target.” Whereas Tansy believed that while the PV market is moving quickly, it is not moving fast enough. “RPS affects deployment of all solar, including resources that are not directly owned by utilities,” he said. “The utility business model is undergoing very dramatic change. There is an existential threat that is facing many utilities because of new players coming into the market whether its distributed generation or the so called “pro-sumer” movement. Are utilities moving fast enough? They are moving pretty quickly, though maybe not fast enough for many people’s appetites.”
There are some utilities in the Western Interconnection that are adapting somewhat quickly for a high level of penetration of solar PV. They are doing their homework, and conducted an integration analysis which helps them understand the impact of high level of solar PV on its system operation. These utilities already are gaining experience and can provide guidelines for the industry.
California leadership
California has proved itself to be the present solar leader within the continental United States. While Hawaii was an early testing ground, experiencing problems on the island grid first, California is now seen by manufacturers and producers as the forerunner since the national grids operate on the same frequency and can later follow suit if California’s plan of action is successful. “In dialogues with PV producers and manufacturers that are involved with the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) process to define regulations for smart inverters, and the UL (Underwriters Laboratory) process to define the safety testing process for smart inverters, the general consensus is to allow California to continue doing its thing and figure out the effective settings as well as how to manage them,” said Tansy.
While the PV market in the United States is multi-regional, California still controls a lot of it, for many reasons not limited to the amount of sunshine, technological innovation of Silicon Valley, and booming energy needs. “California has a diverse generating resource mix, which is comprised of over 10,000 MW of non-dispatchable resources based on installed capacity,” Loutan said. “California also has aggressive energy and environmental policies changing both the supply and demand of electricity. Distributed rooftop solar PV is also increasing rapidly in the state and real–time production from these resources are not known by the transmission operator.
Role of PV over the next decade
The role of solar in California is only going to pick up over the next ten years. “Solar PV is expected to be over 50% of the variable renewable resources in the state [of California] by the end of the coming decade,” Loutan reported. This means that on some days the variable energy production could be over 50% of the overall resources on the system. With about half of the conventional resources being displaced, at times, PV resources would have to provide voltage control and also be able to provide some level of dispatchability.” The role of solar plus storage is going to be immense, and according to Tansy, will also become mainstream over the course of a decade. “Any new construction done will automatically come with solar,” he said. “Solar will become a new building feature as it’ll be available everywhere. Solar will also be coupled with batteries, so the advantage of solar will exist even when the sun isn’t shining.”
This article was contributed by Alexandra Mebane of Solarplaza, which organizes international conferences.
Topics such as the aforementioned, among others, will be discussed in further detail at the Solar Asset Management North America Conference, held April 1-2, 2015 in San Francisco. Join other key experts in the field to learn how to better manage PV assets and portfolios, and optimize solar power plant performance.
Three military bases train veterans for solar jobs
The first class of Marine trainees at Camp Pendleton have graduated from the Energy Department’s solar job training pilot program, which is aimed at preparing service members for careers in the solar industry as solar photovoltaic system installers, sales representatives, system inspectors, and other solar-related opportunities. Camp Pendleton is one of three military bases partnering with the Department’s SunShot Initiative to train 200 transitioning military service members during the pilot period for employment opportunities in the rapidly growing U.S. solar energy industry. Training courses will also begin at Fort Carson and Naval Station Norfolk this spring.
“As more homes and businesses across America choose solar power for their electricity needs, the solar industry is growing rapidly, and demand for highly skilled solar workers is on the rise,” said Minh Le, director, SunShot Initiative. “This new solar energy job training program will help our motivated, highly skilled service men and women gain the training they need to transition into leaders of our nation’s growing clean energy economy.”
This pilot program is enabled by the Department of Defense’s SkillBridge initiative, which allows exiting military personnel to pursue civilian job training, employment skills training, apprenticeships and internships up to 6 months prior to their separation date. Service members who graduate from the Energy Department’s solar training program will gain the skills to size and install solar panels, safely connect electricity to the grid, and interpret and comply with local building codes.
The solar industry has long been a leader in hiring military veterans, and today, the industry employs nearly 17,000 veterans, approximately 10 percent of nearly 174,000 solar jobs nationwide. Five of the largest U.S. solar companies by number of employees – SolarCity, Vivint Solar, Sunrun, SunEdison and SunPower – have committed to interview military trainees graduating from the solar job training pilot program, a step that will help place qualified trainees in well-paying jobs.
This solar energy training pilot program builds on the success of the Department’s SunShot Solar Instructor Training Network — a national network of nine regional centers supporting credentialed solar training at more than 400 community colleges in 49 states — which has already trained nearly 1,100 certified solar instructors and provided hands-on training to more than 30,000 students nationwide.
APS announces solar project of the year awards
APS asked its partners to send their best, most outstanding solar installations from the past year. The company is proud to congratulate tenKsolar and RR Lane Solar Distributing for earning Project of the Year Awards for commercial and residential applications, respectively.
Commercial winner: tenKsolar, DAR Constitution Hall project
The Daughters of the American Revolution Constitution Hall is the largest concert space in Washington, D.C., and one of the most revered buildings in the nation’s capital.
Bringing solar to this National Historic Landmark Building posed an exceptional challenge: any renovation or addition would have to preserve the architectural integrity of the structure – including the roof.
TenKsolar and installer Standard Solar met the challenge with the proprietary REFLECT PV system, which includes APS YC500 microinverters.
For this outstanding application of APS microinverter technology atop one of the nation’s landmark buildings, tenKsolar has earned the APS Project of the Year Award for commercial applications.
“We salute tenKsolar for what is truly a showcase solar installation,” said Paul Barlock, APS Senior Vice President. “Constitution Hall holds a special place among our nation’s historic buildings, and we’re very honored that tenKsolar and APS could help preserve and enhance it.”
Panels: TenKsolar REFLECT PV System
Racking: TenKsolar REFLECT PV System
Inverters: APS America YC500 microinverters
Installer: Standard Solar
Read the whole story on the tenKsolar DAR Constitution Hall project here.
Residential winner: RR Lane Solar Distributing, Bauer home & farm
Designing a PV system to meet both residential and agricultural needs required a microinverter solution with flexibility and power.
The challenge was compounded by the distance between the solar array and the monitoring devices in the home. Only a system with robust wireless capabilities would suffice.
When other microinverter systems failed, a resourceful installer contacted Rich Varlinsky, owner of Chico, Calif.-based RR Lane Solar Distributing, to see if a solution could be engineered. Rich proposed the APS microinverter solution to complete the Bauer PV system in Los Molinos, Calif.
For their creative application of APS microinverter technology in this demanding setting, RR Lane Solar Distributing has earned the APS Project of the Year Award for residential applications.
“RR Lane Solar really put our microinverters and monitoring solutions to the test, and they succeeded where competitors just couldn’t get the job done,” said Paul Barlock, APS Senior Vice President. “One of the hallmarks of APS technology is its flexibility and functionality in all environments, and RR Lane proved it.”
Read the whole story on the RR Lane Solar Distributing Bauer project here.
Panels: 255-watt modules
Racking:
Inverters: APS America YC500 microinverters
Installer: RR Lane Solar Distributing
Massachusetts manufacturer installs 135.5 kW solar with Solect
Swissturn/USA, a manufacturer of fine-precision metal and plastic components, has installed a 135.5 kilowatt (kW) solar energy system on the roof of its Oxford facility in partnership with Solect Energy Development, a Solar Power World Top 400 Contractor. The system is expected to cover up to 30 percent of the company’s electricity costs, saving Swissturn up to $20,000 a year.
Swissturn’s computer-controlled machines run 24/7; even when the last workers leave, the machines continue to produce components. That’s great for productivity, but means the company’s electricity bills are massive. The company considered installing solar a few years ago, but was planning to move to a new facility.
“When we moved into our new location, we went first class with everything,” said Ken Mandile, president of Swissturn/USA. “Solar was part of the plan for the new building, and Solect knew exactly how to help us maximize our system. We’ve significantly reduced our dependence on the grid, and have helped stabilize our electricity costs.”
In addition to the cost savings generated, Swissturn is also able to take advantage of state and federal financial and tax incentives, including SRECs (Solar Renewable Energy Certificates), which solar system owners earn based on the amount of solar energy their system generates. SRECs are ultimately purchased by electrical utility providers in Massachusetts to help them meet their state-mandated goals of a percentage of power coming from renewable energy sources.
“I was impressed how Swissturn created a culture of continuous improvement throughout the company, with employees contributing ideas to reduce costs and improve their operational effectiveness. This solar energy project will now help offset their energy costs and fits right into this company culture,” said Steve Bianchi, partner at Solect. “With solar, they have not only offset a significant part of their costs, but developed a solid revenue stream through SRECs as well while making a strong commitment to helping the environment.”
Project details:
Installer: Solect
Panels: 451 panels from ET Solar
Racking: Ecofoot 2 from Ecolibrium
Inverters: Solectria Renewables
New crowdfunding platform helps renewable projects raise capital
GridShare LLC (www.gridshare.com) announced the launch of its independent crowdfunding platform to help renewable energy projects and cleantech companies raise capital. By creating an online platform where investors can independently engage with project owners seeking funding, GridShare is a game-changer for the alternative energy industry.
GridShare is a unique online platform where renewable energy project developers and cleantech companies from around the world post their funding needs. Potential investors can peruse investment opportunities in a variety of renewable energy sectors, including: solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, and small hydropower. GridShare also intends to host funding opportunities for energy efficiency initiatives and early-stage clean technology ventures.
“Raising money has been a huge impediment to the growth of the capital-intensive renewable energy industry,” said Jack Jacobs, CEO and Co-Founder, GridShare. “Now, with GridShare’s help, a project developer or cleantech venture can tap into a new funding channel and, ultimately, spend less time fundraising and more time focusing on their core business.”
There are three different types of investment opportunities that a company may offer through GridShare: debt, equity, and donations. High net-worth individuals, or “accredited investors,” can browse projects online, read pertinent information about the venture, and then pledge funding in exchange for equity or interest. Non-accredited investors can donate funds to a project or company that offers this option. As soon as the JOBS Act crowdfunding rules are finalized, all users will be able to invest freely for equity online.
Posting a project on GridShare is free and easy. Once the GridShare team approves the project, it will be published online. Investors will then have the opportunity to review the project details, and pledge their financial support online. The offeror then contacts the investor to arrange payment and finalize investment terms.
“For too long, large banks have controlled which solar projects can be financed. Finally, project developers like Samba Energy can rely on GridShare to offer high quality solar investments to investors nationwide,” said Michael Hidary, Managing Partner, Samba Energy, a national provider of software and services for clean energy and commercial building energy efficiency. “Samba Energy can now complete more installations and private investors can gain strong, predictable returns from solar power projects.”
GridShare earns a commission from the offeror only if its funding goal is fully achieved. GridShare also offers optional services for users that prefer to sell securities through a registered broker/dealer, conduct legal transactions under the guidance of an experienced law firm, and/or develop their materials with the help of a marketing professional.
Imergy Power Systems introduces flow battery storage for large solar applications
Imergy Power Systems offers its new ESP250 series of vanadium flow batteries. Featuring an output power capability of 250 kilowatts, 1 megawatt of energy storage capacity and a modular design that supports linking of multiple batteries into a single Energy Storage Platform (ESP), the ESP250 provides utilities, renewable energy developers and commercial and industrial customers with a low-cost, high-performance energy storage solution for large-scale energy storage applications.
Potential applications for the ESP250 include peaker plant replacement, transmission and distribution investment deferral, renewables management, microgrid implementation or back-up power system delivery. Customers can also use the ESP250 for multiple applications, such as frequency regulation and peak shaving, thereby increasing their return on investment (ROI).
“With the introduction of the ESP250, Imergy has broadened its product portfolio to include a product for every major energy storage market segment and application,” said Bill Watkins, CEO of Imergy Power Systems. “From demand response for individual buildings, to frequency regulation for the grid, Imergy has a product designed to meet the market’s growing demand for low-cost, high performance energy storage.”
The ESP250 series, the latest in a series of storage systems form Imergy, uses secondary sources of vanadium like mining slag, fly ash, and other environmental waste. As a result of this technology and other developments, the ESP250 features a low Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), making it one of the most affordable battery options available for large-scale energy storage applications on the market.
Worldwide revenue from energy storage for the grid and ancillary services is expected to total $68.5 billion from 2014 through 2024, according to a recent report from Navigant Research.
Around the world, utilities are also studying storage as an option to manage peak demand and increase grid resiliency. These same utilities are also focused on storage as a way to manage the impact to the grid presented by the increasing penetration of intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind and photovoltaic. Utilities now recognize that long-duration energy storage is the key to solving these issues. Imergy’s ESP250 offers a solution which is typically financially and technically impractical for other battery and storage chemistries.
The ESP250 modules measure approximately 12 meters (two 40 foot shipping containers), with available energy ranging from 2 to 12 hours of output duration. ESP250 modules can be linked together to form Energy Storage Platforms capable of delivering megawatts of power and storing megawatt hours of energy. The system provides power security (can operate in full islanded mode) and power quality (with fast response time for seamless power source transitions, load transients, and photovoltaic system firming).
The ESP250 also incorporates fast charge capabilities and state-of-the-art controls and electronics, and can be remotely managed using secure Linux- and Windows-based integrated dispatch optimization software.
The ESP250 operates within a far wider temperature range than lithium ion or other storage solutions and is air-cooled. The storage duration can be extended by increasing electrolyte concentration and volume. Built in a modular fashion from replaceable components, the ESP250 has a lifetime that is effectively unlimited.
Worldwide customer delivery of the ESP250 will begin in the summer of 2015.
Imergy Power specializes in a proprietary, vanadium based flow battery system, the most cost-effective energy storage technology available today. Flow batteries essentially store energy in a liquid electrolyte that circulates between tanks. The simplicity of the design creates a robust and efficient system that can be cycled an unlimited number of times, and charged and discharged completely without impact on its lifespan. Integrated power electronics manage the charging and discharging processes, providing customers with a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) than other types of batteries. The unique architecture allows the system to be scaled up in size by simply increasing the electrolyte volumes. Imergy’s ESP batteries also inherently last longer: while traditionally lithium ion batteries may have to be fully replaced every five to seven years, an ESP system needs only partial component replacements over 20 years or more of service.
Sollega, overcoming office fire, stresses importance of data back-up
A fire in January at a mixed-use building in San Francisco left one solar company without an office, but thanks to data back-up and some help from the city, Sollega is back on its feet.
The building at 22nd and Mission streets that housed the modular mounting manufacturer suffered an overnight four-alarm fire Jan. 28. Sollega sent a news release soon after that said, “The circumstances are difficult, but thankfully the team is safe and we are a resilient bunch.”
Immediately after the fire, the team continued working from the home of CEO Elie Rothschild. Last week, the team moved to a small temporary office a couple blocks away from the original. The city has helped Sollega and other companies impacted by the fire by connecting them with local businesses that can help.
Sollega received new computers and monitors from LinkedIn, Rothschild said, and furniture from a cloud-computing company. Other businesses impacted by the fire include a florist, dentist and law firm.
“It’s been really comforting seeing the whole community rally behind the businesses,” Rothschild said.
Sollega’s day-to-day business hasn’t been terrifically impacted by the fire, Rothschild said, thanks to the company’s habit of backing up records on the cloud.
Records that were saved include information on projects, engineering and accounting. Rothschild said the records were backed up at 5:30 p.m. the night of the fire, which started at 6:30 p.m.
“A lot of the friends of mine who have businesses in the building didn’t do that,” Rothschild said. “I think in the solar industry, data back up is commonplace, but if anyone is not doing it, they should do it immediately.”
The company hasn’t returned to the building to see what materials survived the fire, as firefighters have sealed the premises, Rothschild said, but Sollega’s inventory of solar panels is probably lost.
Rothschild said the company plans to move into a permanent space like their old one in a few months. In the interim, the company is focused on its increasing business, including a project with First Solar involving mounts for frameless modules.
“We’re busier than ever,” Rothschild said. “It’s good, but it has also been a little frustrating … we’re making do.”
Webinar: Solar Symbiosis-Inverters and Monitoring
Live webinar date is Thursday February 26 at 11:00 a.m. PST/2:00 p.m. EST.
Understanding how solar inverters and monitoring work together is essential for a high-performing and profitable solar project. Join us in a special 1-hour presentation with representatives from Enphase and Locus Energy to find out why monitoring happens at the inverter level, what kind of data is available in different types of monitoring systems, and what you should consider when choosing your monitoring solution.
Attend this webinar to learn:
-Why is monitoring important?
-How do monitoring options differ?
-How should installers use monitoring?
Can’t make the live presentation? Register anyway and we’ll send you the recording!
Solar Speaks: Higher voltages and how to get there
We spoke with Mark Kanjorski of Ampt to discuss why the solar industry is moving toward higher voltages (1500V and more), and various ways of achieving them, including with DC optimizers.
To read more about Kanjorski’s insights into higher voltages and DC optimizers in 2015, read this article.