SPW, Author at Solar Power World

May 2024 Issue: America’s Solar Manufacturing Boom

SPW — Tue, 07 May 2024 01:25:23 +0000

O&M advancements keep large-scale solar + storage projects humming While the residential solar market has taken a hit from new incentive regimes in the largest solar state, the large-scale solar sector is still on the upswing. IRA incentives for medium and large projects have spurred new proposals — a Berkeley Labs study found developers submitted…

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Philadelphia Solar releases energy storage product

SPW — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 20:37:24 +0000

Philadelphia Solar has introduced a new energy storage technology, Involtek. These lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) batteries are IEC and UL certified, have an integrated BMS and are ideal for both residential and commercial solutions. It has a maximum capacity of 30 kWh. Philadelphia Solar’s decision to venture into battery manufacturing underscores its holistic approach to sustainability.…

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Q&A with Power Factors on large-scale battery O&M considerations

SPW — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 12:00:24 +0000

The operations and maintenance (O&M) of a utility-scale solar project is largely obvious — keep solar panels clean, monitor inverter health, maintain the grounds and check tracker mechanisms for wear. Maintaining large-scale lithium battery energy storage system (BESS) installations takes a different skill set, although they’re largely hands-off and don’t require any weather-related upkeep. But…

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Anker energy storage system certified to UL standards

SPW — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 05:00:05 +0000

The Anker SOLIX X1 Energy Storage System has completed UL 9540A testing and earned certifications for UL 9540, UL 1741 and UL 1973 from the CSA Group. Anker’s commitment to safety goes beyond certifications. The company enforces strict quality standards throughout the production process, from meticulous battery cell selection to rigorous system development and manufacturing.…

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Installation tips: Terafab lends major helping hand to utility-scale solar contractors

SPW — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 11:35:40 +0000

For insight into the “installation aid” segment, SPW talked with Matt Campbell, CEO of Terabase Energy, to learn more about the company’s Terafab automated construction platform that takes most of the manual installation out of utility-scale solar. What is the latest status of the Terafab system? The Terafab system is being tested with partners on…

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Installation tips: Scanifly touts the benefits of drones and aerial imagery

SPW — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 11:00:41 +0000

For insight into the “installation aid” segment, SPW talked with Brad Knudsen, product marketing manager at Scanifly, about how drones and advanced aerial imagery have transformed residential solar design and installation. How does using drones and aerial imagery help solar contractors in eventual hands-on installation? Using photogrammetry-derived measurements from geotagged drone data ensures that final…

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Installation tips: Milwaukee Tool shows off its specialty impact tools for solar

SPW — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 12:15:45 +0000

For insight into the “hand-held tool” segment, SPW talked with Mark Kelly, senior product manager at Milwaukee Tool, to learn more about the various tools used in the installation of solar projects, from residential rooftop arrays on up to utility-scale facilities with millions of bolts. Milwaukee recently released a new torque impact wrench developed with…

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Installation tips: Fluke describes testing tools used in the solar industry

SPW — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 12:15:30 +0000

For insight into the “hand-held tools” segment, SPW talked with Will White, solar applications specialist at Fluke, to learn more about the various electrical testing tools used in the solar industry. What PV testing tools are used during solar project construction and commissioning? There aren’t a lot of tests that are done during construction. The…

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Installation tips: EZ Solar has some thoughts on rooftop wire management

SPW — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 12:37:30 +0000

For insight into the “balance of system component” segment, SPW talked with Ben Wade, founder and CEO of EZ Solar Products, to learn more about cable and wire management on rooftops. Are cable zip ties a viable option for cable management? While plastic zip ties can be a cheap and convenient option in the beginning,…

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Installation tips: Gripple says gloves and glasses are your best friend when working with big cable runs

SPW — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 12:37:11 +0000

For insight into the “balance of system component” segment, SPW talked with Dean Barlow, group product manager at Gripple, to learn more about big cables on big solar projects and how best to keep them moving in the right directions. What are your tools of choice for small and large cable management? When you’re handling…

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March 2024 Issue: Solar For All

SPW — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 12:15:35 +0000

Why tariff court cases are everyone’s problem Never did I think so much of my career covering the solar industry would involve reading hundreds of pages of documents filed in federal courts. One minute I’m poring over the details of the latest midterm review of Sec. 201 trade tariffs on solar panels, and the next…

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Installation tips: Carhartt explains the benefits of UV-rated clothing for solar contractors

SPW — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 12:10:16 +0000

For insight into the “safety and wearables” segment, SPW talked with Kendra Lewinski, senior marketing manager at Carhartt Company Gear, to learn more about how clothing makes the solar installer. What apparel does Carhartt offer that is relevant to solar contractors? Carhartt Company Gear is the uniform solutions arm of Carhartt, offering Carhartt’s durable, quality product that is curated and purpose-built…

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Installation tips: Solar Tools USA impresses the importance of safety gear on roofs

SPW — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 12:00:58 +0000

For insight into the “safety and wearables” segment, SPW talked with Kevin King, president of Solar Tools USA, to learn more about proper safety harness selection and the various installation accessories helping keep residential installers safe on rooftops. What are the essential requirements for fall safety equipment when working on roofs as a solar installer?…

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SPW is now accepting applications for the 2024 Top Solar Contractors List

SPW — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 12:56:24 +0000

The application portal is now open for Solar Power World’s esteemed Top Solar Contractors List. Any solar PV developer, installer or subcontractor working in the United States can begin the application process now on Solar Power World’s website. The deadline to apply to the 2024 Top Solar Contractors List is Friday, May 24, 2024. “The U.S.…

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Hodson Energy receives permit for 80-MW solar project in Virginia

SPW — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 20:51:22 +0000

NYC-based solar developer Hodson Energy has received a permit for an 80-MW solar project in Arvonia, Virginia. The Buckingham County Board of Supervisors voted to approve the project earlier this week. The project should reach completion in 2028. “We are thrilled to receive approval for our 80-MW solar project in Buckingham County, Virginia. Hodson’s Arvonia solar…

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