Thanks to use of gallium-nitride power semiconductors, the Yaskawa Enewell-SOL V1 series PV inverter is about 40% smaller than its predecessor. The two inverters are shown here for comparison.

The next generation of solar inverters could squeeze into smaller spaces and be more efficient than those available today. An indication of the trend arose recently with a development by Yaskawa Electric Corp., which it bills as the world’s smallest power conditioner in its class.

The inverter has about 60% of the volume of competing devices, according to Yaskawa, which also owns U.S. commercial PV inverter manufacturer Solectria. The compact packaging comes mainly from the use of a gallium nitride (GaN) power module in the inversion circuitry, rather than conventional power semiconductors based on silicon. The Yaskawa inverter is said to be the first commercial solar inverter to employ GaN.

The GaN semiconductor devices operate at three times higher switching frequencies than silicon-based modules. The higher frequencies allow the inverter electronics to use smaller magnetics and heat sinks than conventional inverters. Yaskawa said the 4.5-kW indoor PV inverter, the Enewell-SOL V1 series, will be distributed in Japan, at least initially. Yaskawa also said it will consider releasing the inverters in other countries later on.

Though GaN has long been used in light-emitting diodes and microwave circuitry, it has only recently come to mainstream power conversion electronics. In 2010 the first enhancement-mode GaN transistors became generally available. These devices are designed to replace silicon power devices in applications where switching speed or power conversion efficiency is important.  Because GaN transistors can operate at much higher temperatures and work at much higher voltages than transistors made with several alternative technologies, they make good power amplifiers.

The Yaskawa Enewell-SOL V1 series PV inverter uses a boost converter driving a half-bridge composed of gallium-nitride power transistors, as depicted in a simplified circuit schematic.

In the Yaskawa inverter, GaN semiconductors bring other benefits, including an overall peak efficiency above  98% and an ability to operate without the need for cooling fans. The GaN semiconductors are made by Transphorm in Goleta, Calif., a firm founded in 2011 and backed by investors including Google Ventures. The Transphorm power module is dubbed the  TPD3215M and was developed specifically for use in the Yaskawa inverter. According to a Yaskawa spokesperson, the GaN module incorporates a normally-off, low-voltage silicon transistor at the input and a normally-on, high-voltage GaN HEMT (high-electron mobility transistor) at the output.

Yaskawa said the inverter uses a conventional circuit topology consisting of a boost circuit and an H bridge, but this circuitry is optimized for the GaN device. And it looks as though more powerful inverters will soon employ GaN power devices as well.

Yaskawa said it has plans to develop and launch an inverter employing GaN modules with a higher power output next year. However, only smaller inverters will likely benefit from GaN in the near future. Yaskawa said the amount of electrical current GaN switching devices can handle limits them to use in applications of 6 kW or less, though future generations of these devices are expected to have better power-handling capabilities.

Solar Power World

Collegiate Solar, a Buffalo, NY-based contracting company, was started in 2009 by company president Chris Jablonski after 15 years of experience in the roofing industry. With a growing number of employees and a market of primarily residential installations, Collegiate’s basis is its focus on family-oriented business.

SPW Assistant Editor Joshua Smalley spoke with Jablonski to hear about the regulatory situation in New York state, as well as his experiences and views on running a business in the solar industry. To learn more, visit them at collegiatebuildersinc.com. Those in Buffalo, NY and surrounding areas can receive a free solar quote by calling (1) 716-380-3301.

Solar Power World

NASCAR and SunEdison jointly announced SunEdison as the Official Solar Energy Partner of NASCAR Green. This new partnership builds on the expanded use of solar technology across the sport, particularly at race team shops and race tracks across the country.

Over the next three years, SunEdison and NASCAR will embark on an effort to educate millions of NASCAR fans on the financial and environmental benefits of solar power use. SunEdison plans to work with NASCAR partners, tracks and teams on commercial-scale solar solutions. The White House cited this newly forged partnership as a prime example of making renewable energy accessible to all U.S. homeowners.

“Solar power is a proven and reliable form of renewable energy and the technology is already making a significant impact throughout our industry,” said Steve Phelps, NASCAR chief marketing officer. “Our strategic partnership with SunEdison will help NASCAR further reduce the sport’s environmental impact and help continue to educate our fans on renewable energy.”

“SunEdison is excited to be partnering with NASCAR to highlight the benefits of solar both at and away from the race track,” said Vikas Desai, SunEdison senior vice president of residential and small commercial. “We look forward to being a strategic NASCAR Green partner and helping fans, partners and the sport save money while reducing their carbon footprint.”

NASCAR has taken a holistic approach across its wide-ranging effort to help protect the environment and has been collaborating in earnest with teams, tracks, partners and fans to do that since 2008. NASCAR’s efforts to champion sustainable behavior align with NASCAR fan values.

According to a 2014 study commissioned by NASCAR and conducted by Research Now, four out of five NASCAR fans believe the earth is going through a period of climate change, and two out of three of these fans feel a personal responsibility to do something about it. The study shows approximately two out of three NASCAR fans who believe there is climate change support buying cost-effective solar panels for the home. For additional information on NASCAR Green, visit www.nascar.com/green

Solar Power World

Beam Energy Group has completed a recapitalization and rebranding of Crider Solar, effective June 30, 2015. Steven Crider, founder of Crider Solar, will serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of the newly formed Beam Energy Group. Beam Energy’s Randy Finch will serve as Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

Beam Energy Group will build on Crider Solar’s 20 year history in the manufacturing and installation of large-scale commercial and industrial solar arrays and related structures, with its specific expertise in the design and installation of solar carports and parking canopies. The Company will offer a broad range of solar power services including:

-Design and engineering
-Manufacturing and procurement
-Installation of racking and panelization
-Operations and maintenance

“Our recapitalization of Crider Solar and rebranding as Beam Energy Group gives us the opportunity to greatly expand our scope of services in the commercial and industrial solar space, and gives us the ability to scale rapidly as solar becomes a primary source of energy in the future” said CEO Steven Crider. “Solar is a relatively fragmented industry at this point, and Beam Energy’s positioning as a seamless, integrated provider of the entire spectrum of solar services make us a natural fit for developers and owners of large-scale projects who are seeking a total solution.”

Randy Finch, Beam Energy’s Chief Strategy Officer is also bullish on the Company’s prospects. “Steven and I have created a platform that will allow us to become a premier brand in the solar industry” said Finch. “My background in energy finance and as a founder of GX Technology Corporation, a leading energy technology company, coupled with Steven’s impressive history and reputation in the solar business gives Beam Energy a solid foundation for growth moving forward.”

Solar Power World

Article by Kevin S. Levey, Partner, Squire Patton Boggs LLP, and Sarah M. Farnham, Associate, Squire Patton Boggs LLP[1]

Photo: SunEdison

Brazil’s intention to further develop its solar power sector in this year’s solar auctions[2] recalls an important lesson of Projects 101: an allocated risk is not necessarily a mitigated risk. To be sure, risk allocation will be on the minds of solar investors seeking to avoid the issues that arose during the hydropower supply shock of 2001-2002, which ensued during Brazil’s last prolonged drought.[i]

As thermal power investors who swept into Brazil during and after the 2001-2002 crisis can attest, even short-term power purchase agreements can collapse in the face of unsustainable risk allocations. As demonstrated by that experience, contractual tariffs can be disputed or altogether abandoned once rains return and provide lower-cost hydropower (especially in the case of thermal power, which unlike solar power, involves highly variable fuel costs),[ii] and foreign-denominated debt obligations can quickly diminish local revenues when hyperinflation weakens the value of the local currency.[iii]

Certainly, much has changed since the energy crisis of 2001-2002: sector reform has matured; the regulatory framework is more lucid; and the energy auction system (recognized as an optimal energy pricing mechanism)[3] has made energy prices far more efficient.[iv] However, as Brazil continues to rely heavily on its hydropower resources (a reliance that still hovers at approximately 65% of the country’s overall power generation),[v] investors would be well-advised to consider the risks of investing in Brazil’s solar power market:

• Inflation has reduced the value of the real by approximately 20% since the last solar auction in October 2014,[vi] and further depreciation is expected;[vii]
• Import duties exceed 20%;[viii]
• Brazil’s equipment manufacturing industry for solar power plants is underdeveloped;[ix] and
• The Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES), a regular source of financing for renewable developers in Brazil, has increased its benchmark interest rate of approximately 10%; this higher rate remains favorable to the country’s market rates, which have soared as high as 50% and are predicted to rise further.[x]

Such considerations may leave some investors asking “what if it starts raining again?”

Even if hydropower never fills the gap between energy supply and demand in Brazil, the outcome of the October 2014 solar auction demonstrates the gravity of these concerns. Indeed, a significant number of the solar projects awarded in that auction may never be developed because the ongoing depreciation of the real has rendered impracticable the foreign-denominated debt necessary to purchase components outside of Brazil.[xi]

Despite these factors, Brazil remains an appealing target for solar power investment:

• At 349 reais (US$103)/MWh, the ceiling price for the upcoming solar auction in August[xii] is approximately 25% higher (in U.S. dollar terms) than the ceiling price of the last solar auction in October 2014, which was 262 reais (US$82.4)/MWh;[xiii]
• By the end of 2024, Brazil plans to leap from the 15 MW of utility-scale solar capacity currently installed to 6.9 GW—a 460-fold increase;[xiv]
• President Rousseff has committed to cut energy bills by a fifth,[xv] which signals her goal to increase and diversify Brazil’s energy supply rather than resort to the stiff rationing mechanisms that further crippled new investment during and after the 2001-2002 crisis;[xvi]
• BNDES is offering lower-cost financing of up to 65% of project costs, and depending upon local content levels, an additional 15% of project costs may be financed by the BNDES Climate Fund Program;[xvii]
• Those solar plants that begin operations by December 31, 2017, will receive an 80% discount on the tariff for use of transmission and distribution systems; [xviii] and
• Several states are offering their own tax-incentive programs.[xix]

In addition to these bright spots in Brazil’s solar power sector, Brazil’s “reserve energy auction” and contract process provide an ideal energy pricing mechanism because it passes the cost of the contracted solar capacity onto both regulated consumers and non-regulated consumers through a fixed charge that is assessed on all energy payments. Through this process, Brazil’s Energy Trading Chamber (CCEE) pays a fixed price for the solar energy produced by the developers who are awarded projects through the auction. CCEE then re-sells the energy on a merchant basis at the spot market price. Any revenues from such sales flow back to consumers in the form of offsets to the fixed charge. As a result, consumers become quasi-investors, and the risks of intermittent energy supply and volatile energy demand is distributed among the entire consumer base.[xx] This mechanism provides a mitigant to the “what if it rains” risk, which proved to be unsustainably allocated for many thermal generation projects developed during and after the 2001-2002 energy crisis.

To be sure, solar energy investors will need to apply their best analysis to maximize their margins and protect themselves against the risks – both new and old – in Brazil’s energy sector. To this end, industry analysts and Brazil’s regulatory experts have already offered some sage advice:

• Invest in a local supply chain;[xxi] and
• Borrow in local currency.[xxii]

In anticipation of the solar auction in August and the solar and wind auction in November, it will be critical to address these points. Indeed, investors should maintain a conservative view of costs and expenses, as well as realistic margins, to avoid underbidding. Commercial arrangements will need to be tailored to capture sustainable risk allocations reflective of the dynamic factors in the Brazilian energy sector. Otherwise, penalties and surrendered financial guarantees await those who are unable to fulfill their awarded contracts.[xxiii]

[1] A special thank you to Luiz T.A. Maurer with the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank Group, for his invaluable insight on this subject and comments to earlier drafts of this article.

[2] The Brazilian Electricity Regulatory Agency (ANEEL) has scheduled two solar auctions to take place this year: the first, scheduled for August 28, will auction only solar power projects (which must be built by August 2017); and the second, scheduled for November 1, will auction solar and wind projects (which must be built by November 2018). See Ben Willis, Hopes high for solar in 2015 Brazil power auctions, PVTech (March 20, 2015) [hereinafter Willis (2015)].

[3] To price energy supplied to its regulated consumers, Brazil uses a hybrid auction system comprised of two phases. During phase I, ANEEL sets a ceiling price, which provides the starting point for pricing in the auction. Bidders then respond with the level of generation capacity that they are willing to provide at this price. As long as the total capacity offered by the bidders exceeds ANEEL’s total target capacity by an undisclosed margin, ANEEL will lower the energy price. Once the price elicits an amount of total capacity within the undisclosed margin of ANEEL’s total target capacity, the auction enters phase II, at which point the remaining bidders submit sealed bids offering to develop a certain capacity at a certain price. Each successful bidder then enters a bilateral contract with the applicable distribution company, or, the in the case of the renewables auctioned through the reserve energy auction described below, with Brazil’s Energy Trading Chamber (CCEE). See Luiz T.A. Maurer and Luiz A. Borroso, Electricity Auctions: An Overview of Efficient Practices, World Bank Study (2011) [hereinafter Maurer and Borroso (2011)].

[i] See Brazilian energy: Rain-checked, The Economist (February 15, 2014) [hereinafter Brazilian energy: Rain-checked (2014)].

[ii] See Adilson de Oliveira, Eric J. Woodhouse, Luciano Losekann, and Felipe V.S. Araujo, The IPP Experience in the Brazilian Electricity Market: Working Paper #53, Program on Energy and Sustainable Development at the Center for Environmental Science and Policy, Stanford University (October 2005).

[iii] See id.

[iv] See Maurer and Borroso (2011).

[v] See Willis (2015); see also Ricardo Luz de Brito Fabiano, Loss Giovani, Sorj Pablo, Werneck Bruno Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advocados, Getting the Deal Through, Electricity Generation 2015, Brazil (2015), available at Bloomberg Law [hereinafter Luz de Brito Fabiano et al. (2015)].

[vi] See Vanessa Dezem, Solar market suffering ‘hangover’ after Brazil currency slumps, The Tribune (Ames, Iowa) (May 15, 2015), available at Bloomberg News [hereinafter Dezem (2015)].

[vii] See Q2 2015: Brazil Country Risk Report, BMI Research (April 1, 2015) [hereinafter Q2 2015: Brazil Country Risk Report (2015)].

[viii] See Rugigana Kavamahanga, Brazil’s Solar Market Marches Forward with Two Solar Auctions in 2015, Breaking Energy (May 14, 2015) [hereinafter Kavamahanga (2015)].

[ix] See Growing Costs to Challenge Solar Power Investment, BMI Research (July 10, 2015) [hereinafter Growing Costs (2015); see also Kavamahanga (2015); Dezem (2015); Financing issues put at risk many Oct solar auction winners in Brazil, SeeNews Renewables (April 22, 2015) [hereinafter Financing issues (2015)].

[x] See Alexandre Spatuzza, In Depth: Soaring solar interest keeps Brazil’s BNDES busy, Recharge (June 1, 2015) [hereinafter Spatuzza (2015)]; Growing Costs (2015).

[xi] See Brazil solar power auction changes date to August 28, SeeNews Renewables (June 19, 2015); see also Kavamahanga (2015); Dezem (2015); Financing issues (2015).

[xii] See Brazil sets bidding terms for solar tender, Business News Americas (July 28, 2015).

[xiii] See Alexandre Spatuzza, Brazil PV tender attracts 382 projects totally 12.5GW, Recharge (June 1, 2015); see also Leigh Collins, Brazil PV tender ceiling prices ‘need to rise by a fifth,’ Recharge (June 10, 2015).

[xiv] See Alexandre Spatuzza, Analysis: Why Brazil still looks at renewables with caution, Recharge (June 16, 2015); see also Jeff Mason and Valerie Volcovici, U.S., Brazil pledge to raise renewable energy in power output, Reuters (June 30, 2015).

[xv] See Brazilian energy: Rain-checked (2014).

[xvi] See Fiona Woolf, Vivek Gambhir, Ivan Londres, and Leo Simpson, Brazil: Brazil’s Electricity Market: A Successful Journey And an Interesting Destination, mondaq (February 11, 2010); see also Luiz Maurer, Mario Pereira, and José Rosenblatt, Implementing Power Rationing in a Sensible Way: Lessons Learned and International Best Practices, Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (August 2005).

[xvii] See Kavamahanga (2015).

[xviii] See Luz de Brito Fabiano et al. (2015).

[xix] See Solar Deals & Company News, Recharge (June 1, 2015); see also Rafael Herzberg, Brazil: the State of Minas Gerais, Latam.SOLAR (May 7, 2015); Brazil’s Minas Gerais extends tax break for solar generation, SeeNews Renewables (July 14, 2015).

[xx] See Maurer and Borroso (2011).

[xxi] See Kavamahanga (2015).

[xxii] See Spatuzza (2015).

[xxiii] See Ross McCracken, Auction house rules, Platts Energy Economist (April 1, 2015).

Solar Power World

In a recent webinar Bob Magyar, a senior business development executive for VARTA Storage Group, presented on the state of battery storage in the U.S. today. Here’s a recap of his presentation, including discussion on who may benefit from battery storage, important regulations to follow and tips for battery sizing. You can watch the full webinar here.

Battery storage covers a large area, from 1-kW systems through 70-MW storage facilities. Magyar described the basic homeowner system as having inverter-based battery storage that feeds from the electrical grid through the main AC panel to the inverter, which then charges the batteries. The feed may also be taken from an AC generator. In the PV-solar industry, the solar inverter feeds the flow of electricity to the batteries.

Who can benefit from battery storage?

• Small business owners: storage can resolve business disruptions when power is lost
• People on medical assist devices (non-critical) who typically do not own generators
• People who cannot or will not use generator due to safety concerns and property restrictions
• Commercial accounts: storage can reduce demand charges
• Areas vulnerable to extreme weather conditions (such as shore and resort properties)
• People who own seasonal or second homes

Changes over time

As many solar industry veterans may know, the battery storage business once consisted solely of non-integrated pieces and parts. “It was tough,” Magyar noted. “You have one company’s batteries, another company’s inverter and charge controller, monitoring from yet another company and then building enclosures, building proper ventilation and so on.”

Then, semi-integrated models began to emerge: factory-made enclosures for the batteries, and “smart heads” with the inverter and the charge controller adjacent to each other, for example.

In the last half of 2012, fully-integrated systems took it one step further. “High-quality cabinets came out, sized and designed to handle the inverters, the batteries and the battery loading,” Magyar explained. “Good things started to come from this approach, including one manufacturer’s warranty for all the component parts.” Fully-integrated battery storage systems were easier to handle and maneuver. Monitoring and communication also improved.

Battery storage versus generators

Magyar went on to speak about the advantages of battery storage systems over generators. “Battery storage systems will eliminate carbon emissions,” he said. “Carbon monoxide poisoning, also tends to be a risk of generators that are improperly used.” Noise, fuel and the possibility of theft are eliminated with battery storage systems.

Battery storage is becoming more popular as it’s increasingly seen as having “multi-faceted value.” Magyar explained that it has “less moving parts,” meaning lower service time and costs. Storage systems can be sited indoors because they don’t have the same emissions issues as generators. This also means they are not subject to outside weather, removing the need to clear snow and ice buildup, as required with generator units.

Business models of today and tomorrow

Today’s business case models for battery storage include both emergency backup and off-grid power, as well as commercial accounts for demand response. “Emergency backup power is fairly uniform across the country; more acute in the Midwest and becoming more acute in the Northeast,” according to Magyar. The off-grid market lies beyond the utility grid, meaning home or property owners in those areas have to provide their own power. As far as commercial accounts go, Magyar explained “There are a number of demand-response programs where the utilities will pay incentives for commercial accounts to leave the electric grid during periods of high demand because of the cost of fuel.”

Proposed models of the future include self-consumption, energy arbitrage and interactive microgrids. Self-consumption with a PV system sends power to the batteries during the day, which can then be used at night, all while still connected to the grid. Magyar noted that utilities are resistant to the concept in the United States, but changes are starting to advance in select parts of the country. The next model, energy arbitrage, consists of buying power during the utility’s cheapest kilowatt hour, and then using it during the high time. Magyar said this is a common strategy in the western United States. Lastly, in the interactive microgrids model, an area would completely take itself off the grid through a combination of solar, heat, battery storage and strong energy efficiency measures. Magyar noted that all three of these future business models would most likely only be used with backup power or off grid power with generators.

Battery storage regulatory landscape

Battery system storage currently falls under NFPA 70 of the National Electric Code (NEC) regarding energy storage systems. NEC has definitions in the code for what is and what is not battery storage. With these rules in mind, Magyar recommended using UL-certified or ETL-certified equipment. The rules are specific and may seem complex to some, however, Magyar gave examples of unsafe battery conditions (pictured) to illustrate the safety concerns Code 70 is taking into consideration. “This is more of a uniformed approach,” he said.

“The key to reading the National Electric Code in section 608 is to know and understand what type of battery storage system that you’re representing or considering buying for your customer,” Magyar said. “To provide a good installation, an installer should understand what type of battery the manufacturer is presenting and how it inter-reacts with the NEC stipulations.”

Importance of proper battery sizing

One of the advantages of generators is simple: you put fuel in it and it’s going to run. “Obviously even then you need to know total wattage, but setting the customer expectation of knowing what they have and what their future wattage will be is simplified by the many online calculators and descriptions of the amount of wattage that varying appliances pull,” Magyar said.

However, if you’re selling and representing battery storage systems, sizing needs to be more targeted: Again, a lot of online software is available. Sellers and installers may use online software for calculating the specific load and use of a system on potential backup. Calculating battery banks, the type of battery, the temperature and depth of discharge is also possible online. “One can always check individual sources, but for the most part, the online calculators are fairly accurate, and they’re good to incorporate in sizing-out systems,” Magyar recommended.

Solar Power World

Tampa Electric, subsidiary of TECO Energy, announced the utility will build the largest solar project in the Tampa Bay area. The 25-MW facility will feature more than 70,000 solar panels on 125 acres of company-owned land at the Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach. Scheduled to be completed in 2016, the solar project will be the largest ever built by Tampa Electric and have the capacity to power more than 3,500 homes.

“Tampa Electric has a long history of pursuing and supporting solar power,” said Gordon Gillette, president of Tampa Electric and Peoples Gas. “With this project, we will have invested more than $50 million in solar since 2000. We’re pleased to be able to demonstrate our commitment to providing our customers with more renewable energy by taking advantage of declining solar system prices and the land we own at Big Bend.

“This large-scale facility will benefit our more than 700,000 customers and showcase how a diversified mix of energy resources delivers affordable and reliable energy to meet Florida’s electricity needs now and in the future,” added Gillette.

Hillsborough County Commission Chair Sandy Murman said, “Siting this solar project at Big Bend is certain to increase the visibility and understanding of solar power in the Tampa Bay area. I commend Tampa Electric for their vision and long-standing commitment to the environment and community.”

The Big Bend site includes Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center (MVC), which has hosted more than 4.3 million visitors since it opened in 1986. That number will increase with construction underway at the Florida Conservation and Technology Center just south of the property.

The Big Bend installation is the second large-scale solar project being built by Tampa Electric. The first, a 2-MW facility at Tampa International Airport, is under construction on the top floor of the airport’s south economy parking garage. Scheduled to be completed by the end of the year, it will be able to produce enough electricity to power up to 250 homes, or roughly the equivalent of the airport’s new 1.4-mile automated people mover.

The large-scale solar installations at Big Bend and Tampa International Airport highlight Tampa Electric’s commitment to clean energy and complement the utility’s existing solar systems that since 2000 have allowed customers to voluntarily purchase renewable energy. Today, the company has installed solar systems at LEGOLAND Florida, the Florida Aquarium, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, the Museum of Science and Industry, the MVC, and two schools (Walker Middle School and Middleton High School). Tampa Electric plans to install another solar PV system as part of its Renewable Energy program this year.

The 25-MW solar facility at Big Bend will further reduce Tampa Electric’s overall carbon dioxide emissions. The utility is an industry leader in emissions reductions, having completed a $1.2 billion agreement to dramatically reduce overall emissions.

Solar Power World

Ambassador Energy (No. 190 on the upcoming Top 500 Solar Contractors list) isn’t the largest solar installer (21 employees and 2.2 MW installed last year), but the Murrieta, California-based residential EPC is making a big difference to some very deserving Americans. Military veterans make up the majority of Ambassador’s staff and President Kelly Smith said she couldn’t be more pleased.

Ambassador Energy’s military veteran installers are distinguished by their American flag-themed hard hats.

“I wish we were bigger so we could help more people,” she said. “If you think about the military, you’ve got logistics, you’ve got people out there doing the hard part and working in inclement conditions—all the things that make them a really good solar installer.”

Ambassador Energy was first introduced to the high-quality workmanship of veterans through its separate NABCEP training and testing division. The company offers solar education for everyone—even competing solar contractors. The Veteran Asset (TVA), a non-profit looking to help military veterans find careers in the renewable energy sector, approached Ambassador Energy for training, and Smith said she wanted to immediately take advantage of their talents on Ambassador Energy’s own installation crew. She cites veterans’ discipline, respect and standard operating procedures (SOPs) as welcome additions to the company.

“They’re very used to their standard operating procedures. We’ve adapted to try and help them work within our organization better,” Smith said. “If they don’t see an SOP in place, we’ve encouraged them to write one. They’ve transformed our warehouse.”

Each of Ambassador Energy’s 11 hired veterans started as installers, and many have been promoted in a short amount of time. Smith said most advancement in the industry comes from within, and military veterans have the skillsets to work their way up the solar ladder.

“If you look at all the different service branches, there’s going to be a high number of people who are physical. The solar industry is pretty physical,” Smith said. “A very large percentage of the military is the people with boots on the ground, and in solar we need a lot of boots on the ground. Many times their talents far exceed just panel passing.”

While hiring capable installers has been a priority industry-wide, the need for good sales teams is just as crucial. Smith said previous military recruiters are perfect for those positions. She also said service members often have a lot of experience with “office work,” whether it’s designing through AutoCAD or completing administrative tasks.
“I’ve seen the inside of places like Camp Pendleton, and I see the jobs they do there. It’s run like a business,” Smith said. “There’s an admin, keeping calendars. There are people at desks pushing papers around. We [in solar] have all this admin stuff—there are rebates, NEMs (net energy metering), all this administrative work. The things they’re doing in the military, they could easily do for a company in solar.”

When looking for future employees, Smith said military veterans will be at the top of Ambassador Energy’s call list. It’s also been great to be a beta test for TVA and its project of getting veterans hired in renewable energy jobs.
“As business owners, we can definitely say that this works,” Smith said. “These guys really are great, and this is what has happened to us and why you, other solar companies, should hire them too. It’s been a wonderful thing.”

Solar Power World

Strathcona Energy Group (SEG), a Canadian-based holding company specializing in vertically integrated solutions for the next generation of photovoltaics, announced it has established new headquarters in Belleville, Ontario. The group’s new 300,000 square foot domicile, a former plant of Nortel Networks Corporation, will also house the administrative offices of group members Strathcona Solar Initiatives and Strathcona Energy International, as well as manufacturing, distribution, and several research and testing laboratories.

As a full-service solutions provider, Strathcona Solar Initiatives will be able to extend its current operational base to accommodate the high demand for premium-yielding PV solar rooftop and ground mount systems that the company designs and installs for municipalities, businesses, and home owners throughout the province. At the new headquarters, employees of Strathcona Solar Initiatives as well of the other companies will be able to enjoy amenities such as a large cafeteria, a 4,600 square foot fitness center, and a game room to relax and unwind.

From the new location, Strathcona Energy International has already started its production of highest-quality photovoltaic (PV) and building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) modules. In its beginning phase 120 workers will be employed to manufacture 60 and 72-cell PV and BIPV modules for the North American and European market, but the company fully expects to hire more workers as capacity is expanded to 200MW by the end of 2016.

“The decision to move our headquarters to Belleville speaks volumes about the economic vitality of the region and of the solar industry,” comments Karl Hollett, CEO of Strathcona Energy Group. “As the group and its subsidiaries grow and prosper, we are confident this is the perfect environment for our various teams today and also far into the future.”

Part of the new campus will also house an innovative economic development initiative called C.H.I.R.P (Canadian Hybrid Incubator Research Platform) for which the Canadian government recently awarded Strathcona Energy Group CAN$350,000 in grant funding through the Eastern Ontario Development Program to spearhead the development.

CHIRP will be Canada’s first and only NBIA-certified “Soft Landings Incubator” and aims at providing technology enterprises from Europe and Asia a solid business operation platform and services in order to enter the North American markets successfully.

Fully operational, the incubator can accommodate 32 new firms, creating over 200 jobs and leverage direct foreign investment. Additionally, a unique program created in collaboration with Loyalist College will allow graduates to utilize the platform as an incubator for their start-up businesses.

Mr. Hollett adds, “It is truly exhilarating to bring everyone together here at the new headquarters and to see our vision come to life. Bringing our associates and businesses together will enable each one to thrive individually but also create a much stronger and powerful aggregate.”

As a renewable energy company with a deep commitment to long-term sustainability and energy efficiency, Mr. Hollett appropriately plans to convert the new headquarters into a net-zero facility.

Solar Power World

High-efficiency silicon technologies are the next wave of solar innovation, raising module efficiencies as high as 24% over the next five years. These technologies will boost the ability of distributed generation (DG) – mainly on residential and commercial roofs – to compete with big utility-scale solar farms, according to Lux Research.

The emerging technologies – such as passivated emitter, rear-contact (PERC) and metal wrap through (MWT) and even more efficient bifacial cells – will push leading module costs down to $0.48/Wp in 2020.

“High-efficiency silicon modules are the key to capturing the distributed generation market because these modules maximize power output in a limited space, helping DG compete with utility-scale photovoltaic plants,” said Tiffany Huang, Lux Research Associate and lead author of the report titled, “Silicon Solar Cell and Module Roadmap.”

Lux Research analysts assessed innovations in solar cell architecture and the emerging landscape. Among their findings:

• PERC will be an early winner. PERC beats incumbent mobile technologies on efficiency and rival technologies on account of its lower capex, emerging an early winner. Major solar manufacturers such as Hanwha Q-cells, Trina, JA Solar and Sun Edison are already commercializing PERC technologies.

• MWT deployment will gain momentum by 2020. Metal wrap through (MWT) products will reach large-scale deployment by the end of the decade, while other high-efficiency technologies like heterojunction and interdigitated back contact solar cells (IBC) will continue to meet demands for even higher efficiencies.

• Bifacial modules will gain niche markets in DG. Solar modules that can absorb light on both the front and the back sides can be useful in distributed roof-mounted installations in high-reflectivity settings or aesthetics-driven building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) markets. They will lose out in traditional roof-mounted installations where back-side generation is limited, however.

The report, titled “Silicon Solar Cell and Module Roadmap,” is part of the Lux Research Solar Intelligence service.

Solar Power World

Back when IQ Power (No. 397 on the 2015 Top Solar Contractors list) formed in Florida in 2007, solar PV wasn’t even on its radar as an install option. The state had no solar incentives, and there were no PPAs available. So the company focused on solar hot water systems and has installed 1,840 units since its founding. Over the years, IQ Power added solar pools, solar attic fans and other renewable energy products to its offering, but the company never ventured into PV.

Solar technology itself was more expensive, and solar thermal was a lot easier to sell, said owner Ivy Gilbert. It was an $8,000 investment versus a $30,000 investment for PV.

But times change. In 2012, spurred by the commotion surrounding PV elsewhere in the country, Gilbert put a solar PV system with battery backup on her own house. She had made a habit of using her house as a test center for the products she sold, making sure she only offered products she believed in.

“I was extremely happy with the result,” Gilbert said. “I saw the results on the electric bill, and I wanted technology that would help me during hurricanes when the grid wasn’t offering energy. I have been able to use that on several occasions.”

Now solar pricing has dropped low enough that customers can get a good ROI without incentives, especially in the sunshine state. In response, IQ Power has changed its business model. Where 70% of its business two years ago was solar thermal, it’s now 70% photovoltaics, said general manager Lloyd Notley.

With the addition of PV, the company has had to adjust its sales process, said Notley. With solar PV came new time frames for sales people and new technology for installers. A solar hot water system could be sold and installed within a week, but a PV system can take several weeks to a month. Installers who were fluent in plumbing now had to work with electric cables.

“It was a pretty hard transition,” Notley said. “We really had to put ourselves into it and understand what we were getting into.”

The other major difference between now and just a few years ago: education.

“Other states are endorsing PV so much that the word is starting to spread,” Gilbert said. “Because word is spreading, and people want to reduce their consumption and dependency on utilities, we’re out their educating the public. With education comes knowledge, and with knowledge comes good decisions toward solar for our clients.”

Solar Power World

ILSCO is excited to announce an expanded offering on our solar combiner nodes. Manufactured from high strength aluminum alloy for maximum conductivity and strength, the additional configurations offer 18 to 42 string inputs and 4 outputs for application versatility. The conductor input side accepts a wire range of 4 – 14 Class B and C conductor, while the output side accepts 1000kcmil – 6 Class B, C, G, H, I, K, M and DLO. This series can be used with mechanical or compression components, and a majority of the connectors have NEMA mounting hole configurations.

Solar Power World

Choosing the right panels and inverters might seem like the most important factor in assembling a great solar project. But equal attention should be paid to the enclosure housing all the important electrical components. If they’re not protected from the elements, then the solar project won’t function.

“Because solar controls can be the second or third largest cost of the solar system, it is in the best interest of the specifier to choose the enclosure best suited for the environment in order to prevent costly downtime,” said Roger Schroder, engineering manager for Stahlin Non-Metallic Enclosures.

Enclosures can be made of metal or nonmetallic materials (like thermoplastics and composites). While metal enclosures have been in the industry the longest, nonmetallic enclosures are making strides at market dominance. Metallic enclosures aren’t ideal for every outdoor application (stainless steel can rust, and aluminum can easily break down), but nonmetallic materials offer several advantages for almost any environment.

“Thermoplastics—such as polycarbonate, polyester, ABS and PVC—offer a degree of corrosion protection but are more susceptible to UV exposure and weathering degradation over time,” Schroder said. “Certain UV stabilizers are now added to extend the life of the thermoplastic enclosure.”

Thermosets/composites are typically made with reinforced fiberglass. These are corrosion resistant and can withstand harsh environments—like the extreme temperature fluctuations of the desert (where most of the U.S. multi-megawatt projects have found homes).

“Thermoplastics typically meet requirements for withstanding extreme temperatures and rain sleet, while protecting against external ice formation,” Schroder said. “Some enclosures can withstand temperatures ranging from -76° F to 274° F and are equipped with a rain shield to ensure that water on top of the cabinet does not fall into the enclosure whenever the door is opened.”

When deciding what enclosure to choose for a solar project, it’s important to take into consideration all environmental impacts and not just go with the cheapest price. Nonmetallic enclosures may initially have a higher cost, but their lack of maintenance to prevent rusting saves money in the long run. Enclosure specification sheets list what the unit is made of, how it’s mounted, its temperature range, flammability rating and chemical resistance.

“It is important to know the environment and the application where the enclosure will be used because there are documented cases where the material selected for the application did not provide sufficient protection for the controls,” Schroder said. “Education on the pros and cons of each of these enclosure materials will aid specifiers in selecting the best choice for the solar controls.”

Solar Power World

Mark Iannucci

In a recent webinar Mark Iannucci, founder of Emergency Management Consulting and Training, discussed concerns of first responders regarding battery backup systems. Here’s a recap of his presentation. You can watch the full webinar here.

Iannucci has been in the fire service for thirty-three years, and mused that what first responders must face at the scene of a fire may exceed their initial expectations. He elaborated that in the past, the fire department “put the wet stuff on the red stuff,” meaning they simply put water on the fire, secured the situation and then left.

In today’s increasingly technological world, it’s not as easy. As battalion chief in the city of Yonkers, New York, Iannucci answered 16,000 alarms a year including medical runs, structure fires, hazardous material incidents and more. When a situation involved battery backup storage, his standard operation procedure was interrupted because water and electrically-charged batteries don’t mix safely.

Residential backup systems

More people are working from home. This new development in the modern working environment changes the standard scenario for fire fighters. “During the daytime,” Iannucci explained, “you used to be able to expect people at work, children at school; more people being home at night than they are during the day. Now we have to plan and train for the possibility of people being home at any time doing anything.” People working from home are also more likely to own battery backups.

First responders are not always aware of the type of backup system a home has upon arrival, or if it has one at all. An outside generator is easier to spot, while a battery system is more difficult. “If a home is backed up through battery storage, responders have concerns coming into the building for a lot of obvious reasons, mostly due to electrical and chemical dangers,” Iannucci said.

Commercial backup systems

Commercial structures are often electrically connected to others, or are part of a busy neighborhood. Unable to shut down the power in these situations, firemen have to wait for a utility company to do so before they can extinguish the fire.

“The biggest problem in the fire service is searching and rescuing people at different times of the day and night,” Iannucci said. “Firefighters unaware of the building’s battery storage or other alternating backup system may electrocute themselves as they crawl through the smoke.” A “re-education” for the fire service and emergency response teams is needed to deal with these increasingly common electrical hazards, mainly including grid power and secondary supply systems.

Air conditioning on backup power

Ventilation systems present another danger to first responders. Since warm air rises, firemen often make holes in roofs to release toxic gases and smoke from the building.  At that point, the electric power to the structure has been turned off. However, if the home or commercial building has a backup system, the ventilation HVAC system may restart itself. “This causes a major change in the incident commander’s plan of attack to fight the fire,” Iannucci explained.

If an HVAC system was to come back on, it would reignite any extinguished flames, which could spread. This happens because the system reintroduces oxygen to the fuel source, growing the fire exponentially. The rapid rekindling and redirection of the fire can maim, hurt or kill anybody inside.

HVAC systems on the roof propose additional problems, possibly compromising the roof structure. Iannucci again reiterated that emergency management must be re-educated to deal with these issues.

Proper warning labels

Labeling for structures that detail the presence of battery backup systems, solar PV systems and other potentially dangerous secondary supply systems would be helpful to first responders, Iannucci noted. Solar systems on roofs pose less of a problem because they are visible to responders, and alert them to a potential storage system inside. However, if the system is purely internal, labels describing the backup and its location externally would eliminate dangerous guesswork.

Labels would also be helpful with hazardous materials such as vapors and chemicals involved in manufacturing processes. In large warehouses with electrical backup generators, if the manufacturing process restarts after the electricity is disconnected, dangerous materials and chemicals may also have to be contained along with the fire.

Important considerations for all time

Despite the changing landscape of electrical power systems and chemicals, some things stay the same. “Smoke detectors are still proven,” Iannucci said. Firemen require every building to have them. “They are the easiest way to save lives.”

Solar Power World

While electric vehicles don’t necessarily always rely on solar power, Chicago contractor Windfree (No. 339 on the 2015 Top Solar Contractors list) often makes the two work hand-in-hand. Working with its partner Green Wheels (an Illinois auto dealership that sells and leases electric vehicles), Windfree installs electric vehicle charging stations and usually customer conversations turn to solar.

“More often than not if someone is putting in a charging station, they’re thinking about solar,” said Bryan Tillman, director of operations at Green Wheels. “They’re thinking, ‘How can I make my energy even cleaner?’”

Tillman and his team have built relationships with Chicago municipalities that have decided to make their city vehicle fleets all electric. Green Wheels has even partnered with Uber to lease all-electric cars to local drivers. While municipalities usually pay for electric charge stations, Green Wheels provides the charge stations for Uber drivers. They are reimbursed for the electricity drivers use through car lease payments.

Green Wheels and Windfree have installed charge stations areas all over Chicago, many at existing solar sites. Tillman said the public’s response has been more than what his team hoped for, and he sees it as a catalyst for both electric vehicles and the solar market.

“There is expected to be thousands of people in our fleet of electric cars each year, so that’s thousands of impressions,” Tillman explained. “Curious passengers are having conversations with drivers about how they’re riding in an all-electric vehicle, often powered with electricity from solar. The drivers tell us how amazed people are that these electric vehicles are running thousands of miles every year, just like their traditional cars, and how quiet they are. They see the availability of the charging stations around town and start to view electric vehicles as a possibility for them. Because of this, the Uber drivers who are going electric have had a good experience, and we anticipate their passengers will give them ratings as good as, if not better ratings than, the rest of the Uber drivers!”

Tillman attributes increasing interest in electric vehicles and solar to a growing knowledge base of the importance of zero emission options, especially in city centers.

“Municipalities and other organizations are starting to understand climate change and health impacts of poor air quality and realizing they need to show leadership in doing what’s best for society,” he said.

Solar Power World

Conergy has recently been awarded a new contract by PetroSolar Corporation (PetroSolar) to build a solar power plant for the Tarlac Solar Power Project (TSPP) in Tarlac City, Tarlac, which will have a total installed capacity of 50 megawatts (MWp).

This is the first collaboration between Conergy and PetroSolar Corporation, a company owned by PetroGreen Energy Corporation and EEI Power Corporation. PetroSolar Corporation was incorporated to carry out the TSPP, and is the latest addition to Conergy’s growing list of customers in the Philippines, a testament to its strengthening foothold in the local market.

PetroSolar President Milagros Reyes said, “PetroGreen Energy Corporation (PGEC) and EEI Power Corporation (EEIPC) continue to carefully select for investments in renewable energy (RE), realizing the huge potential and the benefit of the RE sector in the Philippines. PGEC and EEIPC decided to go into solar energy, and thus incorporated PetroSolar Corporation to undertake the Tarlac Solar Power Project (TSPP). PetroSolar intends for the TSPP to be granted the Feed-in-Tariff for solar projects and is thus geared towards completing the project on time.”

“At Conergy, everything we do is inspired by our mission to power the world by harnessing the power of the sun, paving the way for building greener communities that are less dependent on fossil fuels. For this reason, we very much look forward to working with PetroSolar Corporation to bring this solar plant online. This project will utilize similar solar solutions as what we’ve deployed at our other projects in the country which have performed very well and we expect this project to deliver similar success,” said Alexander Lenz, President, Conergy Asia & Middle East.

Tarlac, being situated in the central plains of Luzon with approximately 75% of its land consisting of flat terrain makes it highly favorable for PV development. The site of the TSPP will be on a 55-hectare property with no trees or mountains in close proximity that could potentially obstruct solar access.

This new free-field installation will have a plant size of 550,003 square meters capable of producing 78,070 megawatt hours per year and providing clean energy to approximately 31,700 households. Moreover, this solar power plant is expected to save over 47,800 tons of carbon (CO2) emissions annually.

Conergy has established itself as one of the leading downstream solar companies in the Philippines. This is the second solar farm that Conergy will construct in Luzon, the first being Raslag in Pampanga, which commenced commercial operation in January of this year and has an installed capacity of 10 MWp. In the Visayan region, Conergy currently has a 63 MWp installed capacity in the cities of San Carlos and La Carlota in Negros Occidental.

The on-ground construction of the new site will be executed in cooperation with local partner Phesco Inc., and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2016.

Solar Power World

Solar Power World, the industry’s leading business-to-business publication, announces the release of the 2015 Top 500 Solar Contractors list.  This is the most recognized annual listing of North America’s top solar contractors working in the utility, commercial, residential and off-grid markets.

Companies on the list are grouped by specific service (construction firms, developers, electrical subcontractors, EPCs, rooftop contractors, solar hot water installers), markets (commercial, off-grid, residential, utility) and states by 2014 installed capacity.

This year, a 24-contractor advisory board was established to assist us in verifying installation claims. The 2015 advisory board was essential to ensuring the Top Contractors list is as accurate as possible. A list of our advisory board is at the bottom of this release.

Solar Power World also received assistance and feedback from SolarReviews. The SolarReviews ‘Pre-Screened Solar Pro’ program is a performance-based quality accreditation for solar installers. Consumers and business owners looking to install solar can trust an installer with this badge, which appears in the print and digital editions of the Top 500 Solar Contractors list.

When it comes to solar hot water installers, this year’s list is determined by the number of residential and commercial projects installed in 2014. Contractors received one point per residential hot water installation and two points per commercial installation.

You can interact with the Top 500 Solar Contractors list many ways. Here are your options:

• Go straight to the web-based Top 500 Solar Contractors list
• See the list as it’s printed in the magazine with our Digital Edition

Contractors by market:

• Top Utility-Scale Contractors
• Top Commercial-Scale Contractors
• Top Residential-Scale Contractors
• Top Off-Grid Contractors

Contractors by service:

• Top Solar Developers
• Top Solar EPCs
• Top Electrical Subcontractors
• Top Rooftop Contractors
• Top Solar Hot Water Installers
• Top Solar Construction Firms

Contractors by selected states:

• Top Arizona Solar Contractors
• Top California Solar Contractors
• Top Colorado Solar Contractors
• Top Florida Solar Contractors
• Top Maryland Solar Contractors
• Top Massachusetts Solar Contractors
• Top New Jersey Solar Contractors
• Top New York Solar Contractors
• Top North Carolina Solar Contractors
• Top Pennsylvania Solar Contractors
• Top Texas Solar Contractors
• Top Utah Solar Contractors
• Top Washington Solar Contractors

 A special thank you to our 2015 Top Contractors Advisory Panel:

AES Distributed Energy, E Light Wind and Solar, Ecological Energy, Energy Independent Solutions, Exact Solar, Florida Solar One, Harmon Electric, Helios Solar, Helix Electric, LightWave Solar, Monolith Solar, New England Clean Energy, Palomar Solar, Photonworks Engineering, Positive Energy Solar, Rosendin Electric, Sierra Solar Systems, Solar Source, Solar-Fit, Solect Energy Development, Sol-Up USA, Southern Energy Management, Standard Solar and Tennessee Solar Solutions

Solar Power World

NRG Home Solar employees volunteer during Global Giving Week to install solar panels atop New Jersey non-profit, HomeFront

NRG Energy’s charitable giving program – NRG Global Giving – today joined forces with HomeFront, a social services non-profit in Central New Jersey, to unveil a newly installed rooftop solar array at the future site of HomeFront’s new headquarters in Ewing, New Jersey. Slated to open in September, the location will be a one-stop social services campus helping families across the region get back on their feet.

The 84 kilowatt solar array, made up of nearly 300 photovoltaic panels, will generate about 50% of HomeFront’s electricity usage in the form of clean, renewable electricity from the sun.

“NRG is thrilled to provide a path for HomeFront to utilize clean energy in order to save on energy costs and reinvest in important programs benefitting New Jersey families,” said Tanuja Dehne, NRG’s Chief Administrative Officer. “At NRG, we are not only working to transform the energy industry – our employees are also working to improve the quality of life for customers and our neighbors.”

The rooftop solar array was donated by NRG Global Giving, designed by NRG Home Solar and installed by more than 30 NRG employee volunteers. At an event today in Ewing, NJ, held at the future site of the HomeFront Family Campus, representatives from NRG and HomeFront celebrated a partnership that will allow HomeFront to take part in the renewable energy movement and power its new headquarters with solar.

“We are incredibly proud to electrify the array this week and join NRG to ‘flip the switch’ and begin producing renewable power,” said Connie Mercer, Chief Executive Officer of HomeFront. “Our partnership is a fantastic example of the private sector and a nongovernment organization working together toward a common goal: making our world a better place, one family and one solar panel at a time.”

In addition to cost savings, the solar array will serve as a learning lab for HomeFront client families, educating them about the power of renewable energy and its potential to provide electricity choices for homes, businesses and non-profits. For NRG employees, the installation was a great hands-on experience to better understand an important part of the company’s business.

Solar Power World

Ideal Power, a developer of innovative power conversion technologies, and Sonnenbatterie, Europe’s leading smart energy storage provider, announced today that Sonnenbatterie has selected Ideal Power’s power conversion systems, utilizing its award-winning Power Packet Switching Architecture (PPSA), for integration with the commercial Sonnenbatterie system. Sonnenbatterie also has placed initial product orders with Ideal Power for delivery in August.

The first product from Sonnenbatterie for the North American commercial market is based on a 30kW and 24kWh building block creating energy storage systems from 24kWh to 240kWh, which will be used for demand charge reduction for commercial and industrial customers.

Ryan O’Keefe, Senior Vice President of Business Development for Ideal Power, commented, “We are delighted to work with Sonnenbatterie, the recognized leader in delivering the latest storage solutions in Europe. As they make their entry into the North American market where peak demand management is a growing issue, Ideal Power was the clear choice to integrate with their system.”

According to Mr. O’Keefe, “The relationship is a major step for both companies, providing an opportunity for further growth and global inroads. We see it as a perfect partnership, marrying the foremost European storage solution with our groundbreaking technology.”

“The U.S. market is ready for Sonnenbatterie’s easy to install, reliable and cost-effective energy storage system,” Boris von Bormann, CEO of Sonnenbatterie USA said. “We have diligently researched power conversion partners and Ideal Power’s technology proved to be the most efficient and reliable available and since it is much smaller and lighter than other power conversion systems we evaluated, it made our choice easy as our Sonnenbatterie systems are designed and engineered with exceptional quality.”

Sonnenbatterie leads the German market in lithium-ion energy storage systems for residential customers wanting a reliable system for self-consumption. Sonnenbatterie also offers applications for backup power, enabling energy independence with alternative energy sources to reduce electricity costs for the U.S. market. For commercial customers, Sonnenbatterie’s system will help reduce demand spikes that lead to costly peak load charges and takes advantage of varying tariff rates.

Solar Power World

 Nextronex is pleased to announce that its Gen 2 Power Podium solar inverter system has been selected by Inovateus Solar for a 2.5 MW AC, ground mounted solar array project for Indiana Michigan Power (I&M), an operating unit of American Electric Power (AEP). The future site of the new I&M solar array is in Marion, Indiana, adjacent to the company’s Deer Creek substation. Groundbreaking for the new project took place July 24th at the site. This solar project marks the first for I&M.

Once completed, the 2.5 MW AC array will provide the grid with the equivalent energy to power over 350 homes, producing the same energy as 7,600 barrels of oil, 43 tankers of gasoline or 18 rail cars of coal per year. The system consists of 9,972 310-watt solar panels and 2 Nextronex Power Podium inverter systems. The Power Podiums delivered to the site are pre-wired and pre-commissioned for “plug-and-play” installation.

“We are excited to be partnering with Inovateus Solar again,” said Jay Troger, CEO of Nextronex. “We know this will be a first class project in every respect.”

“Inovateus Solar is extremely happy to be working with I&M, AEP and Nextronex on this groundbreaking project for our region,” said T.J Kanczuzewski, President of Inovateus. “We applaud I&M’s commitment to solar energy and we are dedicated to making this project a success for everyone involved.”

“I&M is very pleased to partner with Inovateus Solar in building our first utility-scale solar generation facility,” said Paul Chodak III, President and Chief Operating Officer of Indiana Michigan Power.”

Solar Power World