Live webinar is July 2 at 2 PM Eastern. 

New technologies, including east-west racking, novel inverter designs, and higher-efficiency modules, are rapidly changing the solar industry. System engineers now deal with more complexity when designing solar PV arrays – yet those same engineers are being asked to deploy systems even more rapidly than before.

This webinar will analyze the highest-leverage design choices for reducing system cost, including shade optimization, racking/spacing optimizations, and wiring optimizations. The webinar will also showcase easy-to-use software tools, so engineers can work much more quickly, and even non-engineers can assemble a cost-efficient, optimized solar array for their next project.

Attend this webinar to learn:
–How recent trends in system costs and technologies are changing PV system design
–The most valuable design optimizations to reduce system costs by up to 25%
–How engineers and developers can use commercially-available tools to optimize their system design

Register for this webinar here.

This webinar is sponsored by:

Solar Power World

Sonoma Mountain Village, a mixed-use development, used PACE to finance a 1-MW solar system in Rohnert Park, California, that combined with an older system to allow SMV to cover 100% of its electric needs from on-site renewable power.

In March, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted to make a PACE financing program, called HERO, available to residents. The decision comes as another big example of PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) programs gaining traction as a way to finance solar projects, as well as energy efficiency and water conservation upgrades, on residential and commercial properties.

HERO, like many PACE programs, makes solar installations affordable for property owners by providing long-term, competitive financing through an additional property tax assessment. Payments are made through the property tax bill over as many as 20 years, and interest is tax-deductible.

Participation in PACE programs is voluntary for both local governments and property owners and is cost-neutral for jurisdictions. That’s why more state and local governments are developing PACE programs to create jobs, promote economic development and protect the environment.

“The PACE market has grown exponentially over the last three years,” said Kristina Klimovich, director of communications and market research at non-profit PACENow. “In fact, PACE has become nearly a $1 billion industry.”

Presently nearly 40 PACE programs are active across the country, most have completed projects and more programs are poised to launch in the near future, according to Klimovich. More than 80% of the U.S. population lives in states with PACE-enabling legislation.

Savvy solar contractors can grow their businesses with PACE financing, which can help them close bigger deals.

“Since most contractors have little to offer commercial property owners who want to undertake projects with a 10- to 15-year payback, PACE fills this market gap by providing 100% up-front financing that stretches as long as 20 years,” Klimovich said.

Additionally, solar contractors working in the PPA and solar lease space should know there are innovative structures, such as solar PACE PPAs, Klimovich said. For example, Connecticut’s PACE PPA mechanism helped contractors make sales that were previously impossible and opened up the market to property owners who cannot pay for solar improvements out of pocket.

According to non-profit PACENow, besides California and Connecticut, these are the places to watch in 2015 for PACE programs:

• New programs: Texas, Colorado and Utah have put programmatic frameworks in place and are launching shortly.
• PACE programs in the Midwest reaching scale: Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin are expanding and developing healthy pipelines.
• NY PACE program EnergizeNY has a robust financing vehicle and is poised to grow in 2015 and beyond.

Solar Power World

Solar started as an off-grid industry. But as grid-tied solar grew, most battery-based systems expertise was lost. However, with increased interest in off-grid solar and battery backup for grid-tied applications, adding these services to your business may be a smart move. We spoke with Sequoya Cross, CEO of supplier Backwoods Solar—one of the original off-grid experts in the market—to find out more about why and how grid-tied contractors should expand their off-grid services.

Kathie Zipp: Can you share a little about Backwoods Solar’s roots. Who do you serve?

Sequoya Cross is the CEO of Backwoods Solar.

Sequoya Cross: Backwoods’ roots go pretty deep. We were founded about 37 years ago in far North Idaho. The original owner and his wife found that when they moved to the area, running power-lines to their off-grid home was incredibly expensive. They instead decided to install an off-grid solar system. After their neighbors started to express interest, the couple set out to educate the local community on off-grid power and Backwoods Solar was born.

All our sales people live with the equipment we sell—most with off-grid, battery based systems—so they are able to offer unique and personalized insight into living off-grid. We traditionally work with homeowners interested in installing their own off-grid systems, but we’ve grown to also help solar installers offering battery-based systems for their own customers. Our work extends to state and federal agencies, international governments, non-profits and emerging markets all over world.

KZ: Tell us more about the opportunity you see in the off-grid market, and why contractors who strictly do grid-tied should consider getting involved?

SC: Off-grid solar is growing incredibly fast in emerging markets in other countries; however, I don’t know that strictly servicing the off-grid market in the U.S. makes a lot of sense. But, learning battery system design is paramount. There are changes coming from states considering mandating battery storage for grid-tied systems—it’s a hot topic of discussion at conferences. Understanding how to properly design, install and maintain these systems is a smart business move for installers, because it’s going to put them one step ahead of companies that haven’t even considered battery storage.

KZ: From an installation stand-point, how does installing off-grid and battery backup projects compare to traditional grid-tied projects? Are they more complicated?

SC: Installing for off-grid and battery backup can be more complicated because these projects have three to four times more components to understand and program, as well as more aspects to consider. Many contractors who come to us can easily design grid-tied systems, but they feel a little daunted as they start their first battery-based system.

One of the major differences in designing for off-grid verses grid-tied is that you don’t have a historical guideline, such as a power bill, to start designing from. Grid-tied applications use historical averages for sun hours and temperature based on location. Battery-based systems use calculations based on worse-case scenarios for sun hours within that same location—meaning you have to design around the shortest day of the year. You also have to look at all the loads in the home or business and customize the system around that home’s specific usage. Off-grid is definitely not an “install it and forget it” proposition. Customers living with a system really have to understand how to maintain it themselves, because if something goes wrong in the middle of the night or a component fails, they’re without power.

KZ: What are some common installation mistakes in off-grid and battery-backup installations?

SC: We’ve worked with quite a few installers who have done hundreds of grid-tied systems but never any battery-based systems before. Sometimes they give us a call after they’d started down the path of trying to design one. Often, they forget to design for winter hours, the shortest day of the year. Another common mistake is sizing the battery too small for the required loads, so the system is in a constant state of discharge, or designing the solar array too small to keep the batteries properly charged even in times of low solar resource

We also see a lot of people creating kits for off-grid installations based off a particular kind of home. Those work great for grid-tied installations, but every house has unique demands in an off-grid system. We believe every system should be custom-designed to be confident it is going to work for each family or business.

KZ: What advice or guidance can you give contractors interested in entering the off-grid or battery-based market?

SC: If you are interested in providing these systems, it’s best to go back to the basics. We are seeing so much growth in storage systems with many new entrants to the market, but some of their technology really hasn’t been deciphered—we are finding failures. Look for manufacturers and suppliers that have been in the business for many years that really understand batteries and what components work well with them: OutBack Power, Magnum Energy, Morningstar, Midnite Solar, long-time distributors and, of course, Backwoods Solar are great examples.

We currently offer a learning center on our website with articles and design tips for homeowners and contractors. We also offer free technological help, design and lifetime support for every system that we sell. It may also be a good idea to have classroom training, or if you’re seeking a certification or NABCEP credit, Solar Energy International also offers battery-based online training programs. Our staff participates in these training programs as well to stay up to speed with new developments in the market.

Solar Power World

JinkoSolar Holding Co. has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Andalay Solar, whereby JinkoSolar intends to license and manufacture solar modules using Andalay’s Instant Connect frame technology. With existing residential market demand for the Andalay compatible solution, this new offering will be a valuable addition to JinkoSolar’s current module line up offering. JinkoSolar is targeting to offer the new Jinko-branded modules in the second half of the year.

Solar Power World

Solar FlexRack, a division of Northern States Metals, has provided its G3L preassembled racking systems for two ground mount solar arrays at the Naval Station in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The systems were delivered to World Electric Supply in Jacksonville, Florida who was the supplier of all PV materials to Miller Electric Company, also based in Jacksonville, who was the electrical contractor and installer.

Throughout the 8-month RFP process, Solar FlexRack engineers and designers worked closely with World Electric Supply in turning the government’s RFP narrative into system drawings with PV materials specifications that Miller Electric could use for installing this government design-build project.

“The team within Solar FlexRack was extremely helpful with the various changes and hurdles we had to address in the many engineering steps throughout the design and engineering process,” said Lee Tilka, Sales Manager of World Electric Supply.

The 700kW site consists of (1) 500kW and (1) 200kW ground mounted arrays tied into the utility to supplement power to the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Navy Exchange Building.

A combined 2,556 American-made Suniva 310 watt panels were mounted on Solar FlexRack’s G3L pre-assembled racking systems.

“The final system provided came as pre-assembled racking, which basically unfolded onsite,” said Kenneth Horne, Miller Electric.  “This racking system represented a tremendous labor savings.”

Solar Power World

Mercom Capital Group projects a strong year for solar, forecasting global installations to reach 57.4 GW in 2015.

“We are revising our forecast upwards since our previous update due to positive news coming out of China along with revised installation goals,” said Raj Prabhu, CEO and Co-Founder of Mercom Capital Group.

Mercom expects China, Japan and the U.S. to account for approximately 60% of global solar installations this year. Since Mercom’s previous forecast three months ago, China has revised its solar installation target yet again by 20% to almost 18 GW for 2015. “With the specific steps put forward by the National Energy Administration (NEA) and the 5 GW already installed in the first quarter, 17.8 GW is a more achievable target this year. Omission of a specific installation target for distributed solar projects, which contributed to missing the 2014 goal, is a positive,” further commented Prabhu. China’s solar installation goals were revised numerous times last year, and a similar trend can be expected this year if there are implementation issues on the ground.

Trade skirmishes are now a familiar part of the solar sector. The European Union (EU) announced that it has opened investigations into imports from Taiwan and Malaysia. The EU is following the US-China template where antidumping duties were imposed on Chinese manufacturers, followed by another case against circumvention. The EU recently imposed tariffs on three solar companies for violating the minimum tariff agreement between China and the EU. The EU is also reviewing the current minimum import price agreement which is due to expire in December of this year.

Mercom forecasts Japanese solar installations in 2015 to be approximately 10 GW. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Commerce (METI) announced feed-in tariff (FiT) cuts in March.

Solar PV installations in Germany continue on a downward trend with only 400 MW installed in the first four months of 2015 compared to 622 MW installed during the same time last year. Germany’s forecast has been reduced to 1,300 MW for 2015.

The first auction for large-scale PV projects in Germany was announced in April for 150 MW and was oversubscribed by four times. Under auction rules the lowest bid wins. The auction was implemented as a cheaper alternative to the FiT, but turned out to be a slightly more expensive option. The second auction is scheduled for August and if this trend persists, there is a good chance the program will be modified after this year.

The U.S. is expected to install approximately 8.8 GW of solar in 2015 as projects ramp up to beat the December 31, 2016 federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) expiration; 2015 and 2016 are forecasted to be its two best years prior to the impending deadline.

The U.S. market has been the leader in reducing financing costs by using innovative financing structures like securitization and Yieldcos. In the first half of this year, third-party solar finance companies have raised almost $3 billion dollars in lease and loan funds, on course to make this the best fundraising year for solar lease companies. As the ITC expiration draws closer, we expect this activity to strengthen in 2016.

The U.K. is expected to have its best year for solar installations in 2015 with an expected rush before the April 2015 expiration of Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROC) for projects larger than 5 MW. The market going forward is expected to move towards smaller projects that are incentivized through the FiT program.

Subscribers to Mercom’s weekly Solar Market Intelligence Report will have access to the full update. To become a subscriber, click this link.

Solar Power World

Obtaining better energy harvest and maximizing return on investment are the primary goals for utility-scale solar plant owners and developers.

Today, focus is shifting to solar trackers–motorized structures that orient photovoltaic panels toward the sun in order to collect more direct sunlight throughout the day–as a reliable means to achieve these objectives. According to a recent research report by analyst firm IHS, single-axis trackers will be the preferred type of balance of system ground-mounted structure for PV modules in the USA this year. Indeed, single-axis trackers increase plant production up to 25% in comparison to fixed-tilt installations.

The energy output of a solar plant equipped with single-axis trackers can be further optimized by implementing an efficient tracking process.  Basic yield calculations consider a perfectly flat terrain. However no field is completely flat.  Slopes and terrain irregularities generate production losses that should be correctly anticipated. Solar tracking expert Exosun took into account those variations in the terrain and developed SMARTracking, an intelligent patented two-step tracking process to address the impact of non flat fields and  generate up to 5% additional yield annually, compared to other basic solutions. Let’s take a look at how it works.

Step 1: Offsetting land irregularities during the design study phase

The first step of this process consists of a three-dimensional optimization of the plant layout at the design study phase of the project. Prior to carrying out a 3D study of the plant, a 2D plant layout is created and optimized according to the shape of the plant’s site borders.

The 3D optimization starts with a detailed topographic analysis of the terrain. It allows to determine the perfect height of each tracker pile in order to smooth the surface of the solar modules on the plant as much as possible and to reduce the need for grading. Consequently, mutual shading between tables is reduced, thereby reducing backtracking periods and optimizing the energy yield. In addition, it also avoids on-site piles cutting.

Image 1: piles optimization and surface smoothing

This study results in the creation of a piles booklet, a document in which the three dimensional positioning of each tracker pile on the plant is registered.

Image 2: example of a 3D layout with several solar trackers

Step 2: Implementing individual tracking during the construction phase

Once the piles are driven at the beginning of the construction phase, their real on-site positioning is collected and registered in a document, called as-built survey. The individual tracking program is then developed and implemented based on the registered values. This program corresponds to a custom routine within each motor control unit that includes a backtracking (panel on panel shade avoidance) strategy.

The tracking algorithm, implemented in the centralized PLC, calculates the optimized angle in real time and for every single motor. This angle is determined according to the exact location of the tables of a particular tracker and its neighbors.

Image 3. Example of the individual kinematics of two trackers.
(the orange circles indicate the critical table that defines the tracking angle of the tracker)

Each solar tracker has the best suited position at any moment of the day and its control is individualized, which maximizes received irradiation and improves the energy production compared to a global backtracking approach.

What’s more, the as-built survey is the basis for a gap analysis between the initial piles booklet and the real on-site positioning of the piles. This study aims to detect any default that could result in a mounting impossibility, thus avoiding potential loss of time.

SMARTracking is the result of this two-step process, each one leading to specific energy gains. The two steps are independent from each other.

Case study: SMARTracking on a 6.7-MWp PV plant project in France: a 5% additional production gain

Let’s now put real figures in terms of production and revenue gains on this patented two-step tracking process by looking at a 6.7-MWp PV plant project situated in South West France.

The below table summarizes the project data.

The table hereunder indicates the data related to the site topography.

By implementing the SMARTracking process on this PV plant equipped with Exotrack HZ single-axis trackers, an additional 5% yield increase was achieved annually.  This results in a revenue increase of $880,000 over 20 years, based on a PPA of 100 $/MWh.  The below results were validated by an independent technical advisory firm, kiloWattsol.

This article was written by Laurent Sarrade, global product manager at Exosun. Its flagship product is the LCOE friendly horizontal single-axis tracker Exotrack HZ. With a reduced need for land grading, this innovative tracking system has been designed for fast and simple installation, simplified DC cable management and minimal OPEX. Its unique centralized control system can pilot up to 8 MWp of trackers. Highly reliable and robust, Exotrack HZ is a genuine revenue booster for utility-scale solar plant owners and developers.

Solar Power World

Dunkermotor has been involved in the solar tracking field, providing motors for products, for the last 16 years. The company has heard a lot of feedback from field engineers and installers about tracker systems. The company thinks it’s important to share what it has learned with tracker manufacturers so the solar industry can be more competitive, safer and sustainable.

Here is some of what solar installers have told Dunkermotor:

Reduce or integrate motor-related components for quicker installation.

Solar tracker installers are often hired by developers because they can do the work more cost effectively and faster than their competition. To get the work done quickly, installers prefer the motor and other components–such as the gear reducer, linear actuator, encoder, inclinometer, and anemometer–to be as closely integrated as possible. Mismatched or components that don’t align are a time consuming and costly problem. Solar tracker motors shipped as one unit with an integrated gearbox, encoders, linear or rotary actuators with the inclinometer, if available, would be an excellent time and cost-saving product for installers.

Simplify motor electrical power and control connections for safer installations.

Installers are outside in harsh environmental conditions, and the safety of personnel and motor components are important concerns. Electrical connections with low voltage and DC power are safer and preferred over high voltage AC power. Power connections to the motor from the controller and main bus network that are integrated or reduced to a single cable are safer and preferred. Multiple cable connections may cause unsafe connections, space constraints and more difficult diagnostic testing.

Reduce motor related component weight and bulk, for easy installations.

Installers prefer components that can be installed with one or two workers. Ideally, component installation would not require a crane or other lifting device, which are not readily available in the remote areas where trackers are often installed. Motors and motion control need to be light and compact. From an installer’s point of view, multiple but modular sets of components are ideal. Modular components simplify installation, diagnostic testing and accelerate commissioning. Smaller and modular components can also maintain uninterrupted power generation. This seems to bode well with power providers, too.

Simplify motor and control operations for smoother tracking installations.

The most important part of a tracker installation is to ensure it accurately follows accurately the sun’s movement across the sky. The tracking resolution must be as precise as possible, up to 0.0002°. The greater the precision, the more efficient the project. Installers generally take an inordinate amount of time to achieve this goal. For that reason, installers prefer embedded intelligent sensor technology in the motor. Motors with an onboard computer allow for distributed control and proper execution of mission-critical functions. They also can provide diagnostics to the installers.

Endeavor for lifetime maintenance-free operation of motor components.

Installers don’t like returning to project sites for repairs or re-installations. They want maintenance-free components for the 30-year life of the project. Motors and components are exposed to unforgiving environments and harsh weather. Motors need to survive the extreme high and low temperatures of deserts. They must have comprehensive protection against water and dust. IP67-rated moisture equalizing protective vents are necessary. In areas where heavy saline or chemically corrosive vapors are prevalent, installers prefer that the units be covered by shrink wrap tubing with UL-rated sun protection. Motors and components are expected to last 15 to 20 years.

A note from Dunkermotor: With a pivot to ‘Smart Motor’ technology and the development of STM features, Dunkermotor (USA) has endeavored to provide solutions to some of the most pressing and cost-saving issues present in the solar tracker industry.

Solar Power World

Installing solar roof attachments requires drilling dozens of holes through roofing material, making any roof vulnerable to water intrusion. Given this reality, it’s important to understand how water intrusion (and the resulting building damage) occurs and ways installers can prevent it from happening.

Improperly waterproofing a rooftop solar system is expensive. The labor costs to repair smaller leaks often range between $500 and $1,000. If the problem is bigger, flashed mounts or the whole roof may need replaced. A PV system “remove and reinstall” (often referred to as “R&R”) costs from 50¢/watt up to $1.50/watt depending on roof type and array configuration. This equates to a whopping 20 to 40% of the price of a new PV system.

Before we talk about waterproofing, we need to address roof inspection. Shingle life typically ranges from 15 to 30 years, and the same is true for tile underlayment. Cracked or curling shingles or underlayment is a strong indicator that the roof is beyond middle age. If the roof is more than five to 10 years old, solar installers should recommend roof replacement to customers, as it is a sensible investment. Installing on older roofs may be inadvisable in some cases, but another option is reroofing only on the part of the roof that will be getting solar.

Rooftop water management basics
Two basic strategies exist for eliminating the risk of leaks on roofs: “water-proofing” and “water-shedding.”
Roofs with a pitch below 2:12 (low-slope roofs) will use waterproofing membranes. The two common types are asphaltic “built-up-roofing” or “single ply membranes” made from plastic or rubber sheets. Waterproof membranes work by sealing every seam, crack and crevice. This roofing method results in a watertight membrane that protects in the heaviest rains, even when ponding occurs, for 20 to 30 years. These roofing systems require a qualified roofer to seal every penetration, taking great care for long-term reliability. Biannual inspection and service by a qualified roofer are required to maintain most membrane roof warranties.

Unlike waterproofing membranes, water-shedding systems like tile and asphalt shingles rely on the steepness of the roof for effective waterproofing. Shingles are most effective when the roof has a steeper pitch and they are less effective on lower slope roofs. When the roof pitch goes below 4:12, special waterproofing measures are required, including fully adhered underlayment.

How water gets in
Contrary to popular belief, rainwater does not always flow downhill. Wind blows water up between shingles or tile, and capillary action draws water sideways and even uphill. When water finds even the smallest pinhole, it seeps under the roofing. Over time it soaks and rots the sheathing and rafters, leading to structural damage, weakened attachments and possible mold formation. Larger holes will result in damage occurring more quickly. This is the reason that building codes and roofing manufacturers mandate the use of underlayments below water shedding roofs and require roofing manufacturer-approved flashing for all penetrations.

Choosing proper flashing methods
Single ply membranes like TPO, PVC and EPDM use thermally or chemically welded flashings while torch-down flashings are the norm on built-up asphalt roofs. Most roofing manufacturers require that a qualified roofer perform flashing installation to preserve the warranty. This typically means a licensed roofer would install low slope flashings. Some membranes like granulated rolled roofing may be installed by solar contractors with newer flashing systems, such as sealant pitch pockets or fabric-reinforced polymeric membrane flashings.

Choosing the proper metal for flashings on shingle or tile roofs is critical to the long life of the flashing. A corrosion-resistant material like aluminum is preferred because it can last more than 30 years. Galvanized steel may only be reliable for 10 to 15 years, depending on the climate. In wet climates or corrosive coastal conditions, solar installers often choose thicker flashing metal to combat the effects of frequent wind-driven rain or salt spray.

Elevating the waterproofing seal
The water sealing surface is the critical barrier against rainwater getting under the flashing and into a penetration. Elevating this critical barrier is one of the key elements to reliable, long-term waterproofing. On low-slope roofs, this is accomplished by sealing the base of the flashing to the membrane and elevating the sealing area above the flood line. On steep-slope roofs, elevating the water seal has major advantages. First, it slows down the deterioration of the rubber seal as it reduces water exposure, and the seal dries out faster, preventing deterioration from biological growth. Additionally, ice formation in freezing climates can wear out the seal through successive freeze-thaw cycles. An elevated seal reduces or eliminates ice contacting the seal.

The sheathing of this roof is badly stained from leaks near the ridge. The sheathing and rafters will weaken over time and may need to be replaced.

Sealant considerations
Sealant by itself has poor long-term waterproofing reliability, but when used in combination with manufacturer-approved flashing methods it can provide decades of reliable performance. Sealant is typically applied into all pilot holes and under the flashing around the lag bolt hole.

There are several common sealants used in rooftop solar installations, and it is crucial to verify sealants are compatible with the roofing, flashing seal and any other materials they contact.

Asphaltic roofing cement (mastic) with reinforcing mesh is a code approved method for sealing underlayment flashings below tile, and it is also used as sealant on shingles, but most solar installers rely on roofing sealants like those from Chemlink and Geocel. These synthetic sealants can provide decades of performance when properly applied. Each sealant is unique in its performance characteristics. Some sealants can cure underwater while others prefer dry application. Some can handle temperatures over 200°F while others should never be used in areas with full sun exposure. Research is important to make sure the sealant can last the life of the roof and array.

Proper waterproofing is not always quick and easy. Solar installers are encouraged to get proper education on roofing systems and waterproofing methods. It can take time to master the subtleties of flashing installation but those that make the effort will be rewarded with reliable waterproofing on penetrations for the life of the roof and the solar system.

This article was contributed by Jeff Spies, senior director of policy for Quick Mount PV.

Solar Power World

REC Solar has acquired Stellar Energy, a leading solar provider in the western U.S., through an asset purchase agreement. REC Solar, the only national, fully integrated solar provider focused exclusively on commercial businesses and backed by one of the largest energy companies in the U.S., will provide customers with integrated, turnkey solar solutions ranging from financing and design to operations and maintenance.

Solar Power World

SolarCity and Minnetonka-based solar developer Sunrise Energy Ventures have partnered to create a new community solar program offering that allows renters, schools, municipalities and other current Xcel Energy customers to purchase renewable energy without installing solar panels on their properties. Minnesota’s new community solar program is mandated by law and is expected to be the largest in the nation when completed.

Solar Power World

Fronius USA announced recently the signing of a cooperative supplier agreement with Amicus Solar Cooperative, a national community of independently owned and operated solar PV installation companies. The Fronius line of solar inverters will now be available to Amicus customers across the 50 office locations and 26 states Amicus serves.

“Our cooperative exists to serve the needs of its 34 member companies, and we feel the recently introduced line of Fronius SnapINverters will help our members be more competitive, increase installation efficiencies, and reduce service and long-term O&M costs,” stated Stephen Irvin, President of Amicus Solar Cooperative.

Fronius’ high quality technology and bankability was a key factor in securing the supply agreement. For 70 years, Fronius has specialized in power electronics and boasts a proven track record in solar energy solutions.

“We are pleased to enter this agreement with Amicus Solar,” said Ava Gibson, Southwest Regional Sales Manager, Solar Energy Division. “As a family-owned company, we value the national community that Amicus represents and look forward to supplying our product across the nation to their customer base.”

Solar Power World

SMA is now taking orders for its newest solution for medium to large-scale PV plants: the Sunny Tripower 60-US. This 60 kW inverter combines the advantages of a decentralized system layout with the benefits of a centralized inverter design, bringing together the best of both worlds. It offers high efficiency, industry-leading power density, easy installation, simple commissioning and low maintenance requirements, which all contribute to reduced system cost.

The Sunny Tripower 60-US boasts maximum efficiency of 98.8%, power density 60 kVA at just 165 pounds and DC input voltage of up to 1,000 V. It also provides a scalable PV building block approach and full grid management features, making it ideal for medium and large commercial systems, as well as distributed utility-scale applications. For a complete system solution, the Sunny Tripower 60-US can be paired with the SMA Inverter Manager, Local Commissioning and Service Tool and a combiner box.

“We are thrilled to expand our popular Sunny Tripower line with this 60 kW model, which combines the clear advantages of a decentralized layout with central inverter technology,” said Henry Dziuba, president and general manager of SMA America. “Now, installers have another tool when developing commercial and utility-scale PV plants, allowing for more customized PV design.”

The SMA Inverter Manager is the central communications and control interface for the entire Sunny Tripower system. It handles all important inverter and system management functions for up to 2.5 MW in a single device. The Sunny Tripower 60-US benefits from a self-configuring inverter network with automatic IP configuration and device discovery, which eliminates manual setup. The SMA Inverter Manager also creates a seamless inverter control loop, which enables complete grid management capabilities.

The specially developed Local Commissioning and Service Tool makes commissioning easy, saves time and reduces costs. The inverter is configured by simply selecting the system-specific configuration files and then transmitting them to all inverters. In addition, individual inverter data is aggregated into a single plant profile for comprehensive plant performance analysis.

Solar Power World

SunPower Corp. has started construction on the 102-MWac Henrietta Solar Project in Kings County, Calif. The system will generate power for Pacific Gas and Electric’s customers under a long-term power purchase agreement. SunPower expects the plant to be operational by the end of 2016.

The project will include the SunPower Oasis Power Plant system, which has a robotic panel cleaning capability. 

“With more than 5.8 GW of operating solar systems worldwide, SunPower designs and builds solar power plants to leverage the company’s proven experience and our technology’s outstanding power-producing performance,” said Jorg Heinemann, SunPower executive vice president, global power plants. “SunPower customers rely on the cost-competitive, emission-free power and long-term return on investment that our systems deliver.”

SunPower anticipates that about 350 jobs will be created during construction of Henrietta. Approximately $73 million in local economic impact and an estimated $3.8 million in tax revenue will be generated as a result of the project. Once operational, the Henrietta project is expected to generate enough electricity for more than 22,000 homes, according to estimates provided by the Solar Energy Industries Association.

SunPower is constructing a SunPower Oasis Power Plant system at the approximately 670- acre Henrietta site. Oasis is a fully-integrated, modular solar power block that is engineered to rapidly and cost-effectively deploy utility-scale solar projects while optimizing land use. The technology includes robotic solar panel cleaning capability that uses 75 percent less water than traditional cleaning methods and can help improve system performance by up to 15 percent.

According to estimates provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the completed plant will offset the annual production of almost 128,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, which is the equivalent of removing more than 614,000 cars from California’s roads over the next 25 years.

Solar Power World

Broad, flat, and just as suited to soaking up sunlight as shading whatever’s underneath, carports have emerged as popular platforms for solar arrays.

You might think of them as the logical evolution of ground-mount PV systems: taller, and dual purpose.
For members of the Fort Washington Golf and Country Club in Fresno, Calif., shaded parking is a welcome side-benefit of an ambitious new solar program.

Hogi Selling IV, Valley Unique Electric/Solar Universe president, and Fort Washington Country Club’s new solar carports in Fresno, Calif.

The club recently added six solar carports next to its driving range, the largest offering about 20,000 square feet of productive roof space.

Throw in an existing shed now covered with modules, and the new array totals 36,000 square feet –- about eight-tenths of an acre of glistening solar.

The 529kW system supports the power needs of the Fort Washington clubhouse and operations across the sprawling 18-hole layout.

“This is really forward thinking on the part of the club board,” said Dan Stockton, a retired college football coach and longtime Fort Washington member. “I hope some of the other area clubs will take a look at what we’ve done. It’s a good deal.”

The system was designed and installed by Solar Universe, the PV arm of longtime Fresno contractor Valley Unique Electrical. The company has offered electrical services and industrial-commercial construction management in the Central Valley, Bay Area, Nevada and Central Coast markets across four continuous generations dating back to 1924.
The country club first considered a simple ground-mount array, but Hogi Selling IV, Valley Unique Electrical president and six-year club member, steered the club board toward an advanced carport system through a design-build contract.

The elevated array preserves aesthetics on the picturesque course, an oasis of rolling fairways and swaying palms and eucalyptus trees in the burning San Joaquin Valley.

“The project itself is difficult, but we’re well versed in putting carports up with solar,” Selling said. “The measure of success for us is obviously leaving the end user with what we said we would provide them with, and as long as the energy bills come back annually based on our proposal, everything’s good.”

Designer Jared Paniagua chose SunEdison modules and APS YC1000 microinverters for the 3-phase system. Across the seven rooftops, 429 APS microinverters serve nearly 1,700 modules.

Paniagua also used APS 3-phase microinverters for a recent 85kW ground-mount system powering agricultural pumps at a Fresno-area dairy.

“We use APS religiously on all our commercial projects,” Paniagua said. “(The competing brand’s) trunk cable is very expensive, their splice kits get very expensive, and the one-to-one microinverter-to-module ratio drives costs up. Whereas with the YC1000 and its 1:4 ratio, that’s a real advantage.”

The Fort Washington Country Club solar carport project used APS YC1000 3-phase microinverters. The 529 kW system used 429 APS microinverters to serve 1,760 SunEdison 320W modules.

The Fort Washington project reflects a strong market for commercial and carport installations in the Fresno area.
Value Unique Electric/Solar Universe offers solar carports as an integrated package, and Paniagua has designed installations ranging in scale from 25kW to 2 megawatts.

“It’s easier to install on something designed for the extra weight and size of the PV system than to retrofit,” he said. “The designs vary based on the engineer and contractor erecting the structure. It’s a fairly simple process and one that works well for us.”

It’s all in the swing
Founded in 1923, Fort Washington Golf and Country Club is the oldest private course in the Fresno area.
Membership is currently topped out at the club capacity of 425, “with more people kicking to get in,” said Larry Wapner, club president and 30-year member.

The club has produced top-flight golfers familiar to any follower of the professional circuit. Fred Couples and Mark O’Meara both earned their tour cards on the course, renowned for its challenging hilly layout.

“You wouldn’t think we’d have hills in Fresno, but there are a lot of hills back there,” said Bob Fries, a club member since 1969 who, at age 85, is still considered to have the best swing among a group of retired Fresno City College athletics coaches who frequent the course.

On a recent morning, unfazed by the clatter of carport construction over his shoulder, Fries launched one ball after another down the range, each shot straight and true.

“It doesn’t take muscle,” Fries said, smiling, as his buddies looked on with respect. “I haven’t got any muscle left.”
Adding solar to the popular course had been in discussion for about three years, Wapner said, before Valley Unique Electric/Solar Universe produced the winning design and bid.

The issue was decided by a vote of the club membership, who would have to assess themselves to cover the cost. Support was overwhelming.

Dan Stockton, Len Bourdet and Bob Fries, all longtime Fort Washington Country Club members, meet at the driving range several times a week. The club’s new solar carports (in the background) offer shaded parking while generating power for the club.

“It’s just a big plus,” Wapner said, looking ahead to the dramatic savings in energy costs projected by designer/installer Valley Unique Electric. “In six to 10 years, it’s going to put us in great financial shape, and that’s why we did it. It’s for the future.”

As a bonus, more than 80 parking spaces are now shaded from the punishing valley sun. Club members previously dueled over the handful of spaces shaded by trees, but then had to contend with pitch and debris on their vehicles.
Now they duel for the coveted carport spots.

“If you take a look at the parking we have today, the available spots are all in the sun,” Wapner said. “We expected that. The good thing is we were able to afford to build a (solar) structure that works as a carport. Now we’ve definitely got shade from the sun and exposure to weather.”

Project: Fort Washington Country Club
Location: Fresno, Calif.
Designer/installer: Valley Unique Electric/Solar Universe
Modules: SunEdison 320W
No. of modules: 1,760
Microinverters: APS YC1000 true 3-phase
No. of microinverters: 429
System capacity: 529 kW

Information: www.valleyunique.com, www.fortwashingtoncc.org www.apsamerica.com

Solar Power World

Soligent, solar distribution company has sold  its commercial energy provider, Stellar Energy, to REC Solar through an asset purchase agreement. Duke Energy, the nation’s largest electric utility, recently acquired a majority interest in REC Solar, a national fully integrated solar solutions provider focused exclusively on commercial businesses.

Stellar Energy has expanded rapidly since 2013, growing over 100% year over year. In 2013, Stellar took steps to significantly increase its growth by refining its sales strategy and streamlining operations. As a result, Stellar will bring 60 Megawatts from 62 solar projects completed or in process to the REC Solar portfolio, as well as maintenance contracts for an additional 28 Megawatts across 32 projects. The bulk of the Stellar team and its sales pipeline will also transition to REC Solar.

“By joining with REC Solar, the Stellar team is in a position to build on their great progress over the last two years and to bring solar to more customers than ever before,” stated Mark Laabs, Soligent’s COO.

With the proceeds of the sale, Soligent will further invest in its comprehensive suite of value-added solar services and equipment procurement, which it provides to nearly 5,000 solar installers, energy efficiency firms, electrical contractors and roofing companies across the Americas. Soligent is developing a turnkey software platform to function alongside its solar financing and premium equipment, ensuring that installers have the tools they need to bring solar to every roof in America.

“This sale gives Soligent additional resources to achieve its goal of transforming the distribution space through best-in-class software, financing, and equipment for its solar partners. With this additional investment in Soligent’s distribution business, we will continue to rapidly expand our footprint and offering as we change the way solar is installed in the U.S,” says Jonathan Doochin, CEO of Soligent.

Solar Power World

As much as they’d like to, even the best solar installers can’t control the weather. And even when they watch the reports and anticipate rain and other inconvenient weather patterns, sometimes it just can’t be helped — weather can destroy a solar installation schedule faster than you can say rainstorm.

Solar Power World

Array Technologies is gearing up to showcase its new tracking technology at Intersolar North America in San Francisco, California.

Array’s 1,200-square-foot booth space, 9421, will feature its newest evolution in solar tracking technology. Visitors can expect to learn about ATI’s recently-launched solar tracking product, the DuraTrack HZ v3, which has been specifically engineered to deliver the lowest levelized cost of electricity for utility-scale power plants. The DuraTrack HZ v3 builds on ATI’s 25 years of solar tracking expertise to provide high power density, great reliability, and ultra-efficient installation, all with zero scheduled maintenance.

Booth 9421 will also showcase industry-leading tracking solutions for three market segments, utility, commercial and residential, as well as ATI’s track record of more than 3 gigawatts of product shipped and installed around the world.

As one of the solar industry’s largest events, Intersolar North America provides visitors and exhibitors alike a look at the latest and greatest solar technology available. The show will be held from July 14-16 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, CA.

If you are interested in learning more about Array’s solar tracking technology and would like to schedule a meeting, please contact ATI and stop by booth 9421 at Intersolar North America.

Solar Power World

Applied Energy Technologies (AET), a supplier of commercial and utility-scale racking systems, announced that it will provide its Rayport-G ECO ground mount racking system for an innovative 282 kW highway corridor solar project along Route 44 in Carver, Massachusetts. The project is phase II adding on to the 99 kW phase I development built in 2012. The project will provide 100 percent of the power for the North Carver Water Treatment facility with additional power left over to help reduce the town’s other municipal buildings.

The Route 44 Solar development is a private – public partnership cushioning the Town of Carver from the high cost of electricity in the Northeast. This solar installation is one of the first in the country to be sited alongside a major highway.

“We chose AET for this project because of their reputation for delivering a reliable, quality product at the right price point,” John Scorsone, President of SolareAmerica, said. “This was particularly important for the right customization necessary for this location. AET has been a tremendous partner for us in developing this unique and groundbreaking project.”

“This project represents what may be the future of land use for solar installations,” said Aaron Faust, VP of Business Development at AET. “SolareAmerica and the city of Carver have used the land in an innovative way to bring clean energy resources to their city. We’re proud to have been chosen for this project.”

The Rayport-G ECO is UL 2703 listed and is rapidly becoming an industry standard for developers and EPCs looking for a ground-mounted system that is easy to install and delivers significant savings on total installed costs. The Rayport-G ECO has been engineered to withstand the most challenging environmental conditions. Its light and compact design allows for high shipping density, significantly reducing freight costs and enabling easier handling on the job site.

Solar Power World

This Sunday, June 21 — the longest day of the year (and Father’s Day) — thousands of Americans will participate in the Second Annual National #PutSolarOnIt Day of Action to elevate the growth in solar power across the nation. A national coalition of leading environmental organizations, politicians, and solar companies, came together to plan the second annual day of action.

Last year, on the First Annual National #PutSolarOnIt Day of Action, Americans hosted 65 events across the country and generated tens of thousands of Tweets to support #PutSolarOnIt, including from the official NBA Twitter handle. Given the overlap with Father’s Day this year, the coalition is encouraging people to spend time outdoors enjoying the sun with whomever they call “Dad” and spread the buzz about solar online. There will be about a dozen events across the nation as well as group solar incentive campaigns and online social media contests with prize give-aways.

The coalition also launched a new website — www.putsolaronit.com — where people can sign up for free solar consultations, refer friends to go solar, read solar stories, and easily share the top solar facts and stats on social media.

Between January and April of this year, 82% of new electricity capacity installed in the United States was from renewable energy sources (solar, wind, and water). The industry has installed more solar in the past two years than in the previous 38 years combined. Now, with a new solar installation completed every 2.5 minutes in the U.S., solar jobs are growing at nearly twenty times the national average. There are now approximately 180,000 jobs in the solar industry. The cost of a solar PV panel has dropped over 80% since 2008 and is cost-competitive with other forms of energy in many states.

Solar energy is a win-win for the U.S. economy and environment. All across America, people are promoting solar this weekend and the push to #PutSolarOnIt.

Solar Power World