solar power world - january 2015

8/9/2019 Solar Power World - January 2015

1/135

Technology • Development • Installation

January 2015www.solarpowerworldonline.com

ONLINE NOWGALA OVERVIEW:

2014 Top SolarContractors Gala

Overview Video

PODCAST:

SunLink VP discussesground mount

products, the market

and supply chains

TOP PRODUCTS:

The solar industry hascontinued to see strong

growth in 2014

top100+

PRODUCTS OF 2014

Solar Power World executive

editor Lee Teschler discusses

the durability of SolarWorldpanels with Sebastian Hopfe,

quality engineer at the

company. Hopfe discusses

the construction of the panels

and other technical details.

“Normally you shouldn’t ride a

bike on them,” Hopfe said.

Yury Reznikov, vice president

of product management at

SunLink, a solar mountingsystems provider, discusses

trends in the solar ground-

mount market, including key

product differentiators and

supply chain best practices.

http://dwo.me/1DoMjMY

Much of this expansion is

fueled by innovative products

that show increasingly

improved reliability and

performance. Better

products are the basis for

more efficient and profitable

projects, which contribute to

solar becoming a grater part

of the U.S. energy mix.

http://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fdwo.me%2F1DoMjMYhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fdwo.me%2F1DoMjMYhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fdwo.me%2F1DoMjMYhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fdwo.me%2F1DoMjMYhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fdwo.me%2F1DoMjMYhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com%2F2015%2F01%2Fsolar-speaks-sunlink-vp-discusses-ground-mount-products-market-supply-chains%2Fhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com%2F2015%2F01%2Fsolar-speaks-sunlink-vp-discusses-ground-mount-products-market-supply-chains%2Fhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com%2F2015%2F01%2Fsolar-speaks-sunlink-vp-discusses-ground-mount-products-market-supply-chains%2Fhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com%2F2015%2F01%2Fsolar-speaks-sunlink-vp-discusses-ground-mount-products-market-supply-chains%2Fhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com%2F2015%2F01%2Fsolar-speaks-sunlink-vp-discusses-ground-mount-products-market-supply-chains%2Fhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com%2F2014-top-solar-products%2Fhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com%2F2014-top-solar-products%2Fhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com%2F2014-top-solar-products%2Fhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com%2F2014-top-solar-products%2Fhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com%2F2014-top-solar-products%2Fhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com%2F2014-top-solar-products%2Fhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com%2F2014-top-solar-products%2Fhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com%2F2014-top-solar-products%2Fhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fdwo.me%2F1DoMjMYhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fdwo.me%2F1DoMjMYhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fdwo.me%2F1DoMjMYhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fdwo.me%2F1DoMjMYhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fdwo.me%2F1DoMjMYhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fdwo.me%2F1DoMjMYhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fdwo.me%2F1DoMjMYhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fdwo.me%2F1DoMjMYhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fdwo.me%2F1DoMjMYhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fdwo.me%2F1DoMjMYhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com%2F2015%2F01%2Fsolar-speaks-sunlink-vp-discusses-ground-mount-products-market-supply-chains%2Fhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com%2F2015%2F01%2Fsolar-speaks-sunlink-vp-discusses-ground-mount-products-market-supply-chains%2Fhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com%2F2015%2F01%2Fsolar-speaks-sunlink-vp-discusses-ground-mount-products-market-supply-chains%2Fhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com%2F2015%2F01%2Fsolar-speaks-sunlink-vp-discusses-ground-mount-products-market-supply-chains%2Fhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com%2F2015%2F01%2Fsolar-speaks-sunlink-vp-discusses-ground-mount-products-market-supply-chains%2Fhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com%2F2015%2F01%2Fsolar-speaks-sunlink-vp-discusses-ground-mount-products-market-supply-chains%2Fhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com%2F2015%2F01%2Fsolar-speaks-sunlink-vp-discusses-ground-mount-products-market-supply-chains%2Fhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com%2F2015%2F01%2Fsolar-speaks-sunlink-vp-discusses-ground-mount-products-market-supply-chains%2Fhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fdwo.me%2F1DoMjMYhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com%2F2014-top-solar-products%2Fhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com%2F2014-top-solar-products%2Fhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com%2F2014-top-solar-products%2Fhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com%2F2014-top-solar-products%2Fhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com%2F2014-top-solar-products%2Fhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com%2F2014-top-solar-products%2Fhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com%2F2014-top-solar-products%2Fhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com%2F2014-top-solar-products%2Fhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com%2F2014-top-solar-products%2Fhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com%2F2014-top-solar-products%2Fhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com%2F2014-top-solar-products%2Fhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com%2F2015%2F01%2Fsolar-speaks-sunlink-vp-discusses-ground-mount-products-market-supply-chains%2Fhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fdwo.me%2F1DoMjMYhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=AD&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com


2/135


January 2015

www.solarpowerworldonline.com

pages 55 - 117L E A D E R S H I P I N S O L A R I S S U E

Developments

IN SOLAR

MODULES

ALSO INSIDE Removing snow

Blogging for businessExperiencing a fire test

http://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=Cover&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=Cover&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=Cover&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=Cover&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com


3/135

344 Kaplan Drive, Fairfield, New Jersey 07004 Tel: 973.276.0500 • Fax: 973.276.1515

www.sabcable.com • [email protected]

Call your localrepresentative today

At SAB , our innovative accessories take the flexibilityof our wide range of cables to the next level. In additionto being a focused supplier of cable, offers anextensive inventory and product line of high quality cable accessories.

SAB cables and accessories are manufactur ed to the most demanding specifications setting new standards inthe flexible cable market.

For over 60 years, SAB has been the proven leader inthe development and manufacturing of superior flexibleand continuous flex control cables turning cable cu stomersinto satisfied customers.

For more information or to request a Full LineAccessories catalog or a Flexible Control and AutomationCable catalog, contact us toll free at 1-866-722-2974.

Cord grips

Specialty cables

OUR WIDE VARIETY

OF CABLES AND

ALL THAT GOESWITH THEM

IS WHAT MAKE US

THE REAL

“CABLE GUYS”

SAB

Standard cables

Toll Free: 866. 722. 2974

Variable Frequency Drive Cables

Cord grips

http://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=IFC&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sabcable.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=IFC&exitLink=mailto%3Ainfo%40sabcable.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=IFC&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sabcable.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=IFC&exitLink=mailto%3Ainfo%40sabcable.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=IFC&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sabcable.com


4/135

T H E F I R S T W O R D

We’re focused on you

Natalie HoltgrefeSolectria Renewables

Jose GomezIngeteam

Steve HoganSpire

Devon CichoskiSolarWorld

Marcelo GomezUnirac

Justin Barnes

North Carolina (S tateUniversity) Solar

Center

Scott WiaterStandard Solar

EditorialAdvisoryBoard

1 • 2015 SOLAR POWER WORLD 1

Happy new year! Have you made resolutions for 2015? Maybe you’ll anchor

yourself every time you work on a roof. Maybe you’ll commit to more frequent

Facebook updates (pictures, please). At Solar Power World, we have steeredour ship toward one goal. Simply, we want to help you do your job better,

starting today. With that mission in mind, we will continue to deliver the most

useful information about solar technology, development and installation, while

expanding our regular coverage to include software and solar services.

But to begin, our first issue of the year includes a special focus on modules.

Leading companies share the latest on frameless modules, cell efficiencies,

solar shingles and integrated modules. Future special sections will focus on

racking and mounting (March), inverters and storage (August) and financing and

insurance (November).

While modules, inverters and mounting comprise a bulk of the solar

industry, as well as our coverage, there is much more to the business.

Software, for instance, is increasingly a game-changer. Financing software

helps businesses obtain funding. Design software assists with complex layout

decisions. Sales software helps sell solar faster. Our first article discusses how

manufacturers use software to help customers—and themselves.

While software deals with intangibles, sometimes a successful business just

needs help mowing the grass. Our new section on solar services helps you find

the help you need to improve your business, from O&M to engineering services.

Our first section is a duo of articles featuring snow-removal service Solar Maid andseveral metal forming companies that manufacture custom solutions.

Finally, with our revised “Projects Spotlight” section, we

aim to share stories from the field and what technology

is used to make projects successful. All of this is in

addition to our insightful marketing, finance and

installation columns, features and other unique, high-

value content. Enjoy 2015, and good luck making the

most of your solar business. We’ll be here to help you

along the way! SPW

A s s o c i a t e E d i t o r S t e v e n B u s h o n g

s b u s h o n g @ w t w h m e d i a . c o m

WHAT DOYOU THINK?

Connect and discuss this and

other solar issues with thousands

of professionals online

@ S o l a r 2 S t e v e n

@ S o l a r P o w e r W o r l d

http://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=1&exitLink=mailto%3Asbushong%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=1&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fengineeringexchange.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=1&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fengineeringexchange.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=1&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fengineeringexchange.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=1&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fengineeringexchange.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=1&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fengineeringexchange.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=1&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FSolar2Stevenhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=1&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FSolarPowerWorldhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=1&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fengineeringexchange.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=1&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FSolarPowerWorldhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=1&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FSolar2Stevenhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=1&exitLink=mailto%3Asbushong%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fsolarroofhook.com


5/135


Follow the whole team on Twitter @SolarPowerWorld

E D I T O R I A L S T A F F

WTWH Media, LLC

6555 Carnegie Avenue, Suite 300, Cleveland, OH 44103

Ph: 888.543.2447 • Fax: 888.543.2447

SOLAR POWER WORLD does not pass judgment on subjects of controversy nor enter into disputes with or between any individuals or organizations.

SOLAR POWER WORLD is also an independent forum for the expression of opinions relevant to industry issues.

Letters to the editor and by-lined articles express the views of the author and not necessarily of the publisher or publication. Every effort is made to provide accurate information. However, the publisher

assumes no responsibility for accuracy of submitted advertising and editorial information. Non-commissioned articles and news releases cannot be acknowledged. Unsolicited materials cannot be

returned nor will this organization assume responsibility for their care.

SOLAR POWER WORLD does not endorse any products, programs, or services of advertisers or editorial contributors. Copyright©2015 by WTWH Media, LLC. No part of this publication may be

reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, or by recording, or by any information storage or retrieval systems, without written permission from the publisher.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Free and controlled circulation to qualified subscribers. Non-qualified persons may subscribe at the following rates: U.S. and possessions, 1 year: $125; 2 years: $200; 3 years

$275; Canadian and foreign, 1 year: $195; only U.S. funds are accepted. Single copies $15. Subscriptions are prepaid by check or money orders only.

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: To order a subscription or change your address, please visit our web site at www.solarpowerworldonline.com

SOLAR POWER WORLD (ISSN 2164-7135) is published by WTWH Media, LLC, 6555 Carnegie Avenue, Suite 300, Cleveland, OH 44103.

EDITORIAL

Managing Editor

Kathie Zipp

[email protected]

@SolarKathieZ

Associate Editor

Steven Bushong

[email protected]

@Solar2Steven

Associate Editor

Kelly Pickerel

[email protected]

@SolarKellyP

Executive Editor

Leland Teschler

[email protected]

@DW_LeeTeschler

Assistant Editor

Michelle DiFrangia

[email protected]

@wtwh_michelle

Director, Creative Services

Mark Rook

[email protected]

@wtwh_graphics

Graphic Designer

Matthew Claney

[email protected]

@wtwh_designer

Graphic Designer

Margaret Schneider

[email protected]

@wtwh_meg

Traffic Manager

Mary Heideloff

[email protected]

NEW MEDIA/WEB/BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Web Development Manager

B. David Miyares

[email protected]

@wtwh_webdave

Web Development Specialist

Patrick Amigo

[email protected]

@amigo_patrick

Integrated Media Specialist

John Hansel

[email protected]

@wtwh_jhansel

Video Coordinator

Joshua Jones

[email protected]

@wtwh_josh

Business Development

Manager

Patrick Curran

[email protected]

@wtwhseopatrick

Online Coordinator

Jennifer Calhoon

[email protected]

@wtwh_jennifer

Accounting

Becky Sagadevan

866.930.1640

[email protected]

Director,

Audience Development

Bruce Sprague

[email protected]

MARKETING

Marketing Manager

Stacy Combest

[email protected]

@wtwh_stacy

Marketing Coordinator

Carli Evilsizer

[email protected]

@wtwh_carli

Marketing Coordinator

Nicole Loepp

[email protected]

@wtwh_nicole

Social Media Specialist

Jen Kolasky

[email protected]

@wtwh_jen

Media And Events Coordinator

Heather Centorbi

[email protected]

@wtwh_heather

2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2014 Winner

Crain’s Cleveland Business Fast 50 2014

2 SOLAR POWER WORLD www.solarpowerworldonline.com

http://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fsolarpowerworldonline.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FSolarPowerWorldhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FSolarPowerWorldhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Akzipp%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Asbushong%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Akpickerel%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Alteschler%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Amdifrangia%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Amrook%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Amclaney%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Amschneider%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Amheideloff%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Admiyares%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Apamigo%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Ajhansel%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Ajjones%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Apcurran%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Ajcalhoon%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Abecky%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Absprague%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Ascombest%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Acevilsizer%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Anloepp%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Ajkolasky%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Ahcentorbi%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fsolarpowerworldonline.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FSolarPowerWorldhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fsolarroofhook.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fsolarroofhook.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Ahcentorbi%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Ajkolasky%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Anloepp%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Acevilsizer%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Ascombest%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Absprague%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Abecky%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Ajcalhoon%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Apcurran%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Ajjones%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Ajhansel%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Apamigo%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Admiyares%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Amheideloff%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Amschneider%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Amclaney%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Amrook%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Amdifrangia%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Alteschler%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Akpickerel%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Asbushong%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=mailto%3Akzipp%40wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=2&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com


6/135

J a n u a r y 2 0 1 5 • v o l 5 n o 1

w w w . s o l a r p o w e r w o r l d o n l i n e . c o m

10 32 34 40 118ON THE COVER

CONTENTS

Developments In Solar ModulesSPECIAL SECTION:

Find out about frameless designs,the benefits of integrated modules,

what’s new with solar shingles

and the importance of miniscule

differences in panel efficiencies.

FIRST WORD

MARKETING

INSTALLATION PRACTICES

FINANCING

INVERTER INSIDERHybrids in the U.S.

RACKING & MOUNTINGEarth screws, tracking and elevated systems

BATTERIES, STORAGE & OFF-GRID

Microgrid charter school retrofit

SERVICESSnow removal and custom manufacturing

SOFTWAREWeb-based tools

PROJECTS

CONTRACTORS CORNER

SOLAR SNAPSHOT

PRODUCTS SPOTLIGHT

ARRAY AFLAME:

Viewing a PV system fire test at

Underwriters Laboratories

Associate editor Steven Bushong

witnessed a panel fire test at UL

headquarters and brings us a detailed

behind-the-scenes look.

TRANSFORMER TRANSFORMATION:

Your next solar inverter could be a

distribution transformer

Distribution transformers that feed

power from utility lines to homes and

businesses could soon change into

devices that double as inverters.

01

04

06

08

22

28

32

34

38

118

122

124

126

40

50

SOLAR LEADERSHIP page 55-117


http://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=3&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=3&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com


7/135

4 SOLAR POWER WORLD 1 • 2015 www.solarpowerworldonline.com

[ M A R K E T I N G ]

Content marketing has become animportant tool in business marketing efforts,and solar companies are embracing it with blog

initiatives. REC Solar, Run on Sun and SolarCity

each have popularized their blogs. And perhaps

you’ve encountered The Energy Miser from MarkDurrenberger, president of Massachusetts-based solar

installation company New England Clean Energy.

We asked the company’s marketing director, Susan

Boucher, to share some thoughts on the aim and

production of The Energy Miser.

Solar Power World: Why do you think it’simportant to blog?New England Clean Energy: It’s important to blog

simply for SEO. Relevant content brings people inand introduces them to our business. In the past 30

days, The Energy Miser has had nearly 1,000 hits. For a

small, local installer, we see that as a huge success.

In addition, we’ve always been a company that

focuses on education. An educated consumer is our

best customer. The blog is a perfect forum for digging

into solar issues and developments in more detail than

Facebook, Twitter and our e-newsletter allow.

Site stats suggest people are reading full articles.

They spend much more time on our blog pages than

our website pages (or maybe they’re just going to get

a cup of coffee while the blog is up on their monitor).

SPW: What are some of the key blog-writing guidelines you follow?NECE: We try to stick to 300 to 500 words andinclude at least one visual to spice it up. We love data

and charts. Content-wise, we shoot for conversational

and educational with a touch of humor.

SPW: How frequently do you blog?NECE: The goal is to blog at least monthly. It usuallyends up being slightly less due to lack of time.

Because our blog has in-depth articles rather than a

daily diary approach, this frequency seems to work.

Heather Centorbi

Heather Centorbi is a Marketing

Coordinator at WTWH Media, the

publisher of Solar Power World.

For more marketing advice, go tomarketing.wtwhmedia.com.

SPW: Do you talk generically aboutthe industry or specifically about yourbusiness?NECE: The Energy Miser is not a stream ofconsciousness blog where Mark says what he

had for breakfast or reports a funny comment

he heard at the bank. We use Twitter and

Facebook for brief observations or quips.

While his personality comes through on The

Energy Miser, it’s not about him. It’s about

solar. We focus on in-depth analysis of solarindustry issues seen through the lens of

our own experience. Mark interprets issues,

technologies or trends, and brings them to

life with his own analysis or anecdotes.

SPW: How do you make sure peoplefind your blog?NECE: We use our social media outlets—Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn—to drive

people to The Energy Miser, and we often linkto the blog in our e-newsletter. Recently, we

added the blog URL to our business cards.

SPW: What’s been your most popularblog so far?NECE: Our most popular post is, “Tree Math:Solar Panels vs. Trees, What’s the Carbon

Trade-off?” It was published two years ago

and is still, consistently, our most popular

post, even though some of the links have

long since disappeared. Our readers find the

content still relevant though. Plus, we actively

refer people to that post who are debating

taking down trees to make solar work.

SPW: Have you ever encounteredchallenges or complaints about yourblog and how did you deal with it?NECE: One time a customer thoughtthey were portrayed negatively in an

example, though no name was given. Wedidn’t agree—we would never try to cast

a customer in a negative light. We were

happy to respond by simply removing that

reference from the post. SPW

New England Clean Energyshares tips on blogging for new business

http://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=4&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=4&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fmarketing.wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=4&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fmarketing.wtwhmedia.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=4&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com


8/135

Dedicated to differentiating our customers’ productsDunkermotor is a leading manufacturer of customized rotary and linear motion

solutions providing low-risk product development, lower total system cost and

faster time to market for original equipment manufacturers in the automation,

medical, solar, packaging, semiconductor and transportation industry segments.

1500 Bishop Ct - Mt Prospect, IL

Call: 773-289-5555

www.dunkermotor.com

[email protected]

For Utility-Scale, Commercial Solar TrackersLowest Total Cost of Ownership motion solutions:

integrated inclinometer, now in one compact unit:

The STM TM Series

Most Advanced Tracking Solutions

STM(PV) TM

STM(CPV) TM

STM(CSP) TM POWERED BY DUNKERMOTOR

http://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=5&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dunkermotor.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=5&exitLink=mailto%3Ainfo%40dunkermotor.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=5&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fametekpmc.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=5&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fametekpmc.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=5&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dunkermotor.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=5&exitLink=mailto%3Ainfo%40dunkermotor.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=5&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dunkermotor.com


9/135


[ I N S T A L L A T I O N P R A C T I C E S ]

Removing nailsNail removal is necessary on most flashings to

position the upper edge of the flashing up into the

third course of shingles. To remove a nail, use a

roofing bar or flat bar and follow these steps:

1. Break the shingle seal in the proper location.

Be careful not to damage the shingles. A key

consideration is making sure you are at the seal

strip area and not separating laminated layers of

the shingles.2. Using a roofing bar, separate the lower shingle

from the upper shingle while feeling for the nail

locations.

3. Use the wedge tip of the tool to pry the nail up

and remove the nail from between the shingles

on the course above. You will need to break the

seal in the next course upward to remove the nail.

A hole will remain where the nail once was. While

flashing will cover the hole, it’s good practice toapply a small amount of sealant to the puncture,

completely filling it, but not too much or you could

blister the shingle.

Installing wood blocksSometimes it’s not possible to mount directly

to a rafter. When the mount

falls between two rafters, it is

required that you install wood

blocks between rafters. Wood

blocking allows installers to

place the mount anywhere,

without concern for rafter

locations.

Wood blocking can be done

with two-by-fours, two-by-sixes

or four-by-fours. Quick Mount

PV recommends a four-by-four

as it offers the largest mounting

surface and full lag screw

engagement with the rafter.Follow these steps:

1. Drill a hole where the mount

will be positioned.

Jeff Spies

Solar Power World Contributor

Jeff Spies is senior director of

policy for Quick Mount PV andSecretary of NABCEP.

2. Inside the attic, measure the distance

between rafters where the hole is drilled.

3. Measure and cut the wood block to that

length.

4. Insert the block between rafters centered

under the holes for each mount.

5. Use screws or nails to secure the wood

block to the rafters.

Cutting tile for hooks

Often, installers choose to use tile hooksto save time because they don’t require

a top flashing. To begin, remove the tiles

under which you will work.

For curved tiles, make sure your hook

is positioned at the side of the valley of

the tile. That minimizes the amount of tile

lug—the thicker part of the tile near the

edge—that you will have to cut, but make

sure you have sufficient clearance under

the hook so it will not strike the top of thetile under compression loading. With your

tile hook securely installed, position the

tile over the tile hook and mark the tile

lug on both sides of the tile hook. A tuck-

pointing blade is best for cutting off this

section of the tile lugs. A conventional

Three quick tips for solar mounting

Wood blocking allows installers to place the mount

anywhere, without concern for rafter locations.

See these and other tips

performed on video at the Quick

Mount PV website,

www.quickmountpv.com.

http://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=6&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=6&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.quickmountpv.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=6&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.quickmountpv.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=6&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.com


10/135

[ I N S T A L L A T I O N P R A C T I C E S ]


diamond blade is best

for cutting holes. Safety

glasses and a dusk mask

are musts for cutting tile.

Rest the tile on

a sturdy surface and

hold the saw firmly to

avoid injury. Use the

tuck pointing blade to

remove just enough

lug to allow the tile

to sit back in place

comfortably over the

hook. If the tile does not

sit back down properly,

you need to remove

more of the lug, or

sometimes a bit of the

tile further up that might

interfere with the upper

part of the hook. SPW

www.vaisala.com/renewable

How Much UncertaintyCan You Afford?

Visit our website to learn more

The "fuel" of a solar project is the most critical factor driving itscommercial success or failure. Where is irradiance strongest. How

much year-to-year power variability is expected? What are theexceedance values at the site? Without answers to these questions,it is impossible to assess a project's feasibility or manage yourexposure to risk. Vaisala accurately answers these questionsanywhere on Earth. We provide a systematic progression ofservices to help you manage the risk of solar resource variability.

http://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=7&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vaisala.com%2Frenewablehttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=7&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vaisala.com%2Frenewablehttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=7&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vaisala.com%2Frenewablehttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=7&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vaisala.com%2Frenewablehttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=7&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vaisala.com%2Frenewablehttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=7&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vaisala.com%2Frenewablehttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=7&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vaisala.com%2Frenewablehttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=7&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vaisala.com%2Frenewablehttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=7&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vaisala.com%2Frenewablehttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=7&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vaisala.com%2Frenewablehttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=7&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vaisala.com%2Frenewablehttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=7&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vaisala.com%2Frenewablehttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=7&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vaisala.com%2Frenewablehttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=7&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vaisala.com%2Frenewable


11/135


[ F I N A N C I N G ]

Building strong relationships with energyinvestors is crucial for solar developers whowant to receive financing for projects. Onepowerful way to speed up project finance, whilealso building strong partnerships, is to focus onpresenting projects in a way that is appealing toinvestors.

If investors do not provide specificguidelines on how they want to receiveinformation about a project, developers

should focus on building a great data room, aplace online where companies share businessdocuments. These are my top three rules for agreat data room:

• Transparency• Transparency• Transparency

Here are my best practices to effectively

achieve transparency:

Include an executive summaryAn up-to-date executive summary savesinvestors’ time. This will be the first documentreviewed before logging into your data room. Agreat executive summary should be three pagesat most and communicate the following:

• What is your ask?• Project size (DC and AC)• Estimated total project cost• Annual production (kWhr or MWhr)• Project location• Project merits• Developer’s history and experience• Third parties involved. Mention if a third party

can be substituted. Investors value flexibilityand may prefer their own EPC and O&Mpartners.

• Timeline of target dates for key milestones

(site control, key permits, powerpurchase agreements, interconnection,commencement of construction, commercialoperation date, etc.)

Haresh Patel

Special To Solar Power World

Haresh Patel is the CEO and co-

founder of Mercatus, a providerof cloud-based software

solutions that simplify renewable

energy investment.

• Key document summaries—a briefparagraph summarizing the status of keydocuments. For example, you may write,“Interconnection Agreement is expected inDecember 2015. Facilities Study receivedin July 2015. Estimated interconnectionupgrade cost of $350,000, in which$100,000 due at execution of theInterconnection Agreement and thebalance, $250,000, due at commercial

operation.”• Financial summary—as an initial litmus

test investors typically look at unleveredpre-tax and after-tax IRRs. Developers canprevent unnecessary back and forth withinvestors by having a simple, but accurateunlevered pro-forma available.

Note: This is also applicable for aportfolio of projects.

Present an up-to-date and relevantdata roomSpending hours or days reviewing a dataroom in detail and then receiving anemail with 30 additional documents thatshould have been there in the first place isextremely frustrating. At the same time, don’tdump every project document you have intothe data room. Be comprehensive, but noinvestor needs to review version 2 of 8 of a

Site Lease Agreement.

Create a folder nomenclatureInvestors greatly appreciate being able toeasily navigate a data room. A simple folderhierarchy for a renewable energy projectshould include the following categories: SiteControl, Environmental, Permits, Production,Interconnection, Off-take, EPC, ProjectCompany, O&M, Financials.

Have a document nomenclatureSimilarly, a simple document namingmethodology simplifies the experience for an

Appealing to investors: Tips for a great data room



12/135

[ F I N A N C I N G ]

WHAT DOYOU THINK?

Connect and discuss this and

other solar issues with thousands

of professionals online

investor. Answer the following questions:

1) What is this document? 2) What version

is it? 3) What is the date? 4) Is it executed?

An example of an executed Power

Purchase Agreement would look like this:

PPA_Final_081413_FullyExecuted.

Don’t hide skeletons

Developers are often reluctant to share

any potentially detrimental information

about a project. Nevertheless, hiding

information that will eventually be

uncovered during the due diligence

process destroys credibility and

jeopardizes the entire project. Be

upfront with potential project risks

and communicate the actions in

place to resolve them.

Much of this may seem

like common sense, yet we see

insufficient organization andtransparency every day. At Mercatus,

we have appraised over 22 GW of

renewable energy assets. Ideally,

developers could solicit projects with

a score recognized industry-wide, but

until that is established transparency

is required by developers to unlock

capital and get lots of projects across

the finish line. SPW

http://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=9&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fengineeringexchange.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=9&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fengineeringexchange.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=9&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fengineeringexchange.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=9&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fengineeringexchange.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=9&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fengineeringexchange.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=9&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fengineeringexchange.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=9&exitLink=mailto%3Ainfo%40ecofastensolar.com


13/135

1 0 SOLAR POWER WORLD 1 • 2015 www.solarpowerworldonline.com

SPECIAL SECTIONSGENERATION TECHNOLOGIES

MICHELLE DIFRANGIAASSISTANT EDITOR



14/135

1 • 2015 SOLAR POWER WORLD 1 1

BIPV is a quickly growing sector

of the global solar market.

Transparency Market Research

expects this area to grow by

18.7% by 2019, reaching 1.15 GW.

One BIPV product picking up

popularity is the solar shingle.By nature of their design, solar

shingles are primarily geared for the

residential market, said Josh Wimble,

communications manager at Dow

Solar, manufacturer of the Powerhouse

Solar Shingle. This is because sloped

shingle and tile rooftops are most often

found on single-family homes.

Solar shingles not only look

aesthetically pleasing, they also serve

a function outside powering the house.

Apollo, a solar shingle developed by building

products manufacturer CertainTeed, is

designed with waterproofing capabilities.

“The Apollo panels generate electricity from the

PV cells and also function as the roof itself by shedding

water just like the surrounding shingles or tiles, so you

don’t have to install a roof underneath it,” said Mark

Stancroff, director at CertainTeed.

Solar shingles increase the integrity

of the roof over conventional panels byhaving 10 times fewer roof penetrations

and greatly reducing wind uplift concerns.

Apollo solar shingles

and tiles are made up of

crystalline silicon solarcells and can withstand

winds up to 110 mph.


15/135


“Solar shingles increase the

integrity of the roof over conventional

panels by having 10 times fewer roof

penetrations and greatly reducing wind

uplift concerns,” added Wimble.

Perhaps the biggest news in solar

shingle technology is the ability to

integrate with a wider variety of roofing

materials. Initially, solar shingles couldonly integrate with standard asphalt

shingles. But now, Dow has developed

its shingles to integrate with cedar

shake, concrete and clay tile, polymer

and traditional slate.

Another added benefit is that solar

shingles don’t use traditional rack

mounts, thus are free from configuring

balance-of-system technologiesinto the installation. CertainTeed’s


RBI Solar Inc.| 513.242.2051 | [email protected] | www.rbisolar.com

SINGLE SOURCE RACKING SOLUTIONS

“LET US TALK ABOUT YOUR NEXT PROJECT”

DESIGN ENGINEERING MANUFACTURING INSTALLATION

. . . .

Optimize performance

http://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=12&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=12&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rbisolar.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=12&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rbisolar.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=12&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rbisolar.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=12&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rbisolar.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=12&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rbisolar.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=12&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rbisolar.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=12&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rbisolar.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=12&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rbisolar.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=12&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rbisolar.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=12&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rbisolar.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=12&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rbisolar.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=12&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rbisolar.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=12&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rbisolar.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=12&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rbisolar.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=12&exitLink=mailto%3Ainfo%40rbisolar.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=12&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=13&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2FHeli-Cal.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=13&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2FHeli-Cal.com


16/135

@ Heli-Cal.com

For more information on Custom Couplings,

go to Heli-Cal.com or call (877) 435-4225

© 2014 Helical Products Company, Inc. | www.heli-cal.com

Optimize performance

for your application with

Simplify assembly

Accommodate shaft misalignmentsMaterials for harsh environments

Reliable and accurate performance

Outstanding quality/Made in the USA

http://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=13&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2FHeli-Cal.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=13&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2FHeli-Cal.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=13&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2FHeli-Cal.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=13&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2FHeli-Cal.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=13&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.heli-cal.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=13&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2FHeli-Cal.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=13&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2FHeli-Cal.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=13&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2FHeli-Cal.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=13&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2FHeli-Cal.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=13&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2FHeli-Cal.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=13&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2FHeli-Cal.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=13&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2FHeli-Cal.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=13&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.heli-cal.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=13&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2FHeli-Cal.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=13&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2FHeli-Cal.com


17/135


polymeric frame allows the shingle to

seamlessly integrate with the roof and

provides hassle-free roof replacement.

“With standard rack and panel,

the entire system needs to be pulled

off and reinstalled when replacing

the roof. But with solar shingles, the

system can stay in place and the new

roof can be installed around it,” saidStancroff.

Although solar shingles are a viable

option when retrofitting existing roofs,

Chris Jones, commercial director at

Dow Solar, said homeowners receive

the greatest financial return when

shingles are installed when building

new or re-roofing existing homes.

“It allows a homeowner or

homebuilder to install a solar array

with the same roofing labor, whilesaving money by off-setting re-

roofing material costs,” said Wimble.

“With increasing simplicity, a roofing

crew can be trained to install

the solar shingles and do the

installation in only a little more

time than it takes to re-roof with

ordinary shingles.”

An array of 350 shingles could

reduce one's electric bill by 40

to 60%, but it costs upward of

$20,000. However, in addition tofederal, state and local incentives,

companies like Dow Solar and

CertainTeed are finding their

own ways to drive costs down

and make solar shingles price-

competitive with rooftop solar. For

Dow, customer savings start by

working closely with builders and

roofers, selling kitted systems with

all the necessary parts rather than

pricing individual components, andgiving region-based quotes that

include local labor costs. SPW

With standard

rack and panel,

the entire system

needs to be pulled

off and reinstalled

when replacing the

roof. But with solar

shingles, the system

can stay in place andthe new roof can be

installed around it.

Powerhouse

shingles, made of CIGSthin-filmsolar cells,are certifiedto resist upto 150-mphwinds, hail up

to 1.25 in. indiameter andheavy rain.


http://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=14&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=14&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=15&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sapagroup.com%2FNA


18/135

Global solutions for renewable energy often require a globalapproach to products and supply. When an international Sapacustomer expanded their solar business into North America, theyfound Sapa Extrusions was already here and ready to support them.

With 23 locations across North and South America, the Sapateam was able to coordinate with global colleagues to quicklytransfer the tools, data, and knowledge required to rapidly begin

producing material. Thanks to Sapa, our customer soon had locallyproduced material in hand across multiple regions, faster thandealing with multiple extrusion companies.

From cost-effective regional production of materials, to global

transfer of information between facilities, working with SapaExtrusions offers customers the very best in aluminum extrusiondesign and production.

For more about Sapa and renewable energy: [email protected] • (877) 710-7272

A wide array of aluminum extrusion solutions for solar and wind

Sapa Extrusions North America

GREENER FUTURE

SHAPING A

www.sapagroup.com/NA

SPECIAL SECTION

S

http://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=15&exitLink=mailto%3ANorthAmerica.Sales%40sapagroup.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=15&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sapagroup.com%2FNAhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=15&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sapagroup.com%2FNAhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=15&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sapagroup.com%2FNAhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=15&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sapagroup.com%2FNAhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=15&exitLink=mailto%3ANorthAmerica.Sales%40sapagroup.com


19/135



Integratedsolar modules

COME WITH

KATHIE ZIPPMANAGING EDITOR

Power optimizer and microinvertercompanies are joining with module

manufacturers to offer more integrated

solutions to the solar market. But what is the

difference between these systems and what

advantages do they offer solar contractors?

“The microinverter is converting DC

into AC, while a power optimizer performs

DC to DC conversion, and therefore an

inverter (to convert DC to AC) is needed

in a grid-connected system,” said JuanCarlos Gonzalez, senior technical manager

at Jinko Solar. “Also, optimizers tend to be

more efficient, while microinverters tend to

have more flexibility.”

Gonzalez added that buying

a solar module with an integrated

electronic offers

some advantages

for installers rather

than buying them

separately.

“From a logistics

point of view, there

are no extra boxes,

shipping, warehousing

or extra part numbers

needed,” he said.Brian Cox of Axitec Solar added that

from a construction standpoint, there

is no additional hardware required, no

pre-configurations and no additional

communication connections required

during the installation with integrated

modules.

“Less wiring and avoiding having to

install the electronics separately makesinstallation easier,” he said.

Don Hammond, vice president of

sales and marketing at Mage Solar, also

sees the advantages integrated modules

offer solar installers.

“Installers love that integrated panels

just plug in to each other without any

high voltage DC. This makes installation

much safer and panels can be shut down

individually if needed,” he said. “Becauseof their plug-and-play technology,

integrated systems can be expanded

without problems. This usually eliminates

any initial consumer hesitationsbecause the systems can be scaled to

accommodate any budget.

Usually, integrated modules

offer the same warranty conditions

as a traditional PV module, about 25

years, said ET Solar product manager

Zhaoyang Zhang. However, the price

can run a bit higher.

Still, while the initial hard costsmight be higher in some cases,

Hammond says they can be quickly

recouped after considering the saved

installation labor and time.

“It’s really hard to think of an

actual disadvantage these modules

might present,” Hammond said. “It’s

a relatively young technology and so

maybe one of the challenges for the

industry is to create more awarenessand provide better information about

the ease of use and installation for

integrated modules.” SPW

Some integrated solar modulepartnerships:

Andalay and Enphase

Axitec and Tigo Energy

Canadian Solar

ET Solar and SolarBridge

JA Solar and Tigo Energy or SolarEdge

Jinko Solar and Tigo Energy

Mage Solar and SolarBridge

Trina Solar and Tigo EnergyUpsolar and Tigo Energy

Yingli and Tigo Energy

http://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=16&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=16&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=17&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.satcon.com


20/135

SPECIAL SECTION

S

http://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=17&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.satcon.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=17&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.satcon.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=17&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.satcon.com


21/135



STEVEN BUSHONGASSOCIATE EDITOR

efficiency are important

Why news OFIN

Solar panel manufacturers produce

a steady stream of news about

advancements made in labs. Often, news

heralds a higher efficiency solar cell—

usually a few tenths of a percent at a time.

“Any corporation out there, from

Apple to Ford, wants to show they’re

continuing to innovate and answering

the needs of their customers,” said

Daniel Chang, product manager atTrina Solar. “They’re saying, ‘We’re

walking the walk.’”

Sounds good. But, from a technical

standpoint, is a few tenths of a percent

really that important?

“People seem to think of this like

test scores—a 100% versus a 99.5%,”

said Tom Thompson, key account

manager at JA Solar. “They think,

what’s the big deal? But it is a big deal.”

These small improvements have

at least two important consequences,

according to experts. First, even asmall efficiency increase can make a

remarkable reduction in installed cost.

And second, they contribute to the

long-term success of solar technology.

“A one-point rise in module

efficiency (e.g. 16% to 17%) is worth

about 1.5 to 3 cents per watt in

installation cost savings,” said Lyle

Rawlings, president and CEO of

Advanced Solar Products. “In any space-

constrained project, it can make the

difference between a sale and no sale.”

In the 1980s, solar modulessold for $100/watt. Improvements in

manufacturing, such as the way a cell is

doped or cut from raw material, have cut

manufacturing costs to about $.50/watt.

“Every time our industry doubles

production, costs drop by about 20%,”

Thompson said.

For solar installers to benefit from

increased solar cell efficiencies, R&D

needs to make it into a company’s

manufacturing line, and at a price

consumers are willing to pay.

A typical module can take threemonths to two years to complete the

whole process, experts said.

“The go-to-market process includes

data sheets, installation manuals, collateral,

sample modules and certifications,” Chang

said. “All of those little parts need to be

taken care of before we can sell.”

Chang said most reported

efficiency improvements eventually

make it into manufacturing, especially

as the go-to-market process in the

solar industry matures. But companies

must also consider their manufacturingcapacity and the stomach of customers.

“If we were to ask our production

team to make something that’s not going

to sell, it’s cannibalizing on what we can

currently produce,” Chang said. “We’re

constantly listening to our customers.”

As the industry matures, it appears

customers continue to demand higher

efficiencies at lower cost, and module

companies are happy to report on their

progress, which comes with one more

benefit: Higher efficiency modules mean

fewer are needed for a target output,and solar can reduce the ecological

footprint of energy production even

more. SPW

A one-point rise in module eff iciency (e.g. 16% to 17%) is worth

about 1.5 to 3 cents per watt in installation cost savings.

http://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=18&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=18&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=19&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bajacarports.com


22/135

SPECIAL SECTION

S

http://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=19&exitLink=mailto%3Abol.hayworth%40gmail.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=19&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bajacarports.com


23/135



The frameless crystalline solar

module is gaining traction in the

industry. Some customers prefer theway they look and how they perform.

But even with their benefits over their

framed cousins, frameless modules

haven't picked up much steam in

the installation department. Here's a

quick summary of what's out there

and what's holding them back.

Types

A frameless module has a pretty

obvious definition—there’s no frame.

A dual glass (AKA glass-on-glass or

glass-glass, among other names) is

also pretty self-explanatory—solar

cells are sandwiched between

two pieces of glass. Keep in mind

that frameless is not a synonym

for glass-on-glass. SolarWorld’s

glass-glass module (the SunmoduleProtect) has an aluminum frame.

On the other end, Solaria’s range

of frameless crystalline solar panels

have a backsheet instead of two glass

pieces. So make sure you're dealing

with a true frameless module.

Benefits

The most notable benefit is no need

for grounding. Without a metal

frame, frameless modules are less

likely to shock workers. Frameless

modules are also great for those

framelessmodules

THE ON

KELLY PICKERELASSOCIATE EDITOR

worried about potential induced

degradation (PID). Electrical current

can’t leak out of a frame that isn’tthere, so modules are more efficient.

If it’s a dual-glass module, it has a

stronger fire safety rating because

there’s no backsheet. Frameless

modules also provide a unique

aesthetic value for customers who

want to blend their solar systems into

roofs.

Detriments

Why aren’t more frameless modules

installed in the field? The main hold-

up is the lack of compatible mounting

systems. A number of mounting

companies cater to specific types of

frameless modules—including Array

Technologies trackers and Schletter’s

Eco Series laminate clamps—but

they’re almost entirely for thin-filmframeless modules. A few companies,

such as Lumos Solar, manufacture

both the modules and the racking

systems and have carved out a nice

niche for themselves. Lumos’s LSX

frameless modules mount with their

own racking solution, providing

customers a one-stop shop.

Outlook

Most companies seem to be dabbling

in the frameless pool but are not

diving head-first. Trina Solar’s PDG5/



24/135

1 • 2015 SOLAR POWER WORLD 2 1

Duo Max dual glass module has been on the North

America market for more than a year. Canadian Solar

will release its double-glass Diamond Module sometime

in 2015. But as more and more module manufacturers

announce their own frameless models, the need for

mounting is necessary for market growth.

Lumos Solar has been in a class of its own for awhile—offering both the module and the racking. “It's

interesting to us to see big guys now offering frameless

modules,” says Scott Franklin, president and CEO of

Lumos Solar. “I think they've all realized a few things—

there's no PID, there's no corrosion of the frames, there

are a lot of durability benefits. I think they're just trying to

find other niches and areas to push into.

"I suspect you'll see a lot more frameless modules

being used in utility-scale installations and larger

installations, because they're looking for a lower cost

wherever they can. If they can find a smart mounting

solution, then they can eliminate the cost of frames.

There's definitely an opportunity." SPW

WHAT DO

YOU THINK?

Connect and discuss this and other solar

issues with thousands of professionals online

http://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=21&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fengineeringexchange.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=21&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fengineeringexchange.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=21&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fengineeringexchange.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=21&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fengineeringexchange.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=21&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fengineeringexchange.com


25/135


I N V E R T E R I N S I D E R

How are

inverters used in solar projects?

KATHIE ZIPPMANAGING EDITOR

Hybrid inverters are commonly used

in the developing world, but they are

starting to make their way into daily use

in certain areas of the U.S due to their

ability to stabilize energy availability.

A solar inverter’s main job is to

convert DC power generated from thearray into usable AC power. Hybrid

inverters go a step further and work

with batteries to store excess power

as well. This type of system solves

issues renewable energy variability and

unreliable grid structures.

“Inverters for grid-tied applications

can only provide power based on what

the array can immediately generate from

the sun,” explained Bryan Whitton, product

manager at Darfon. “Hybrid inverters can

store power in batteries and then drawnupon it as needed for energy stabilization.”

Hybrid inverters can vary in size,

performance and features. But Mara

White, product manager for OutBack

Power, said most models usually

operate bi-directionally, meaning they

can convert DC power from modules

to usable AC power and then convert

stored AC from the batteries to power

loads when needed. “Hybrids can also

remain grid-connected and use a mix of

renewable and non-renewable energy to

charge batteries and offset loads,” White

added.

Some contractors have used

hybrid inverters in the residential,

remote home applications for the past

decade or two. But Allan Gregg, VP of

applications engineering at GreatWall—

which manufactures Satcon inverters—

said the range of applications has

expanded over the past few years to

include large capacity microgrids aswell as grid-connected systems.

Historically, hybrid inverters

have been used more frequently in

developing countries that do not have

access to a reliable power grid.

“In North America and Europe,

hybrid inverter-based systems are

usually elective,” White explained. “Users

choose to use them for storing energy

for self-consumption or provide back-up power during emergencies. But in

the developing world, hybrids are more

of a necessity to compensate for weak

or intermittent grids or a lack of grid

A hybrid inverter system in a residential in-stallation. Hybrid inverters work with batteriesto store power.-OutBack Power.

http://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=22&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=22&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solarpowerworldonline.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=23&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2FSMA-America.com


26/135

WITH THE SUNNY TRIPOWER TL-US

With SMA’s proprietary OptiTrac Global Peak MPP tracking, partial

shade and challenging rooftops are no longer a concern. Combine

that with the Sunny Tripower’s class-leading efciency and proven

reliability, and maximize your system’s energy production.

Learn more at SMA-America.com

MORE POWER...

SUNNY TRIPOWER 12000TL-US /

15000TL-US / 20000TL-US / 24000TL-US

http://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=23&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2FSMA-America.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=23&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2FSMA-America.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=23&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2FSMA-America.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=23&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2FSMA-America.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=23&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2FSMA-America.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=23&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2FSMA-America.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=23&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2FSMA-America.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=23&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2FSMA-America.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=23&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2FSMA-America.comhttp://www.solarpowerworld-digital.com/solarpowerworld/january_2015/TrackLink.action?pageName=23&exitLink=http%3A%2F%2FSMA-America.com


27/135

I N V E R T E R I N S I D E R


electricity all together. Microgrids in

places such as India, Asia and Africa are

also driving hybrid inverter adaptation.”

Still, Whitton said hybrid models are

beginning to be used on a more daily

basis in areas of the U.S. where the grid

is unpredictable, such as Hawaii, or in

states where net-metering has been

widely supported. “Applications with less

than ideal solar characteristic are also

good for hybrid-based systems because

they can store power and redistribute it

during peak times, improving payback,”

he added. “Basically, if the site has the

potential for losing the grid frequently,

you should consider a hybrid for off-

grid operation.”

Having the flexibility of a hybrid

system can add initial cost to a project,

though experts say this can be offset bythe ability to self-consume all of one’s

available PV electricity.

There are also important design

considerations when using hybrid

inverters. For example, Gregg warned

that the battery bank voltage should

be compatible with the DC input

requirements of the inverter, and there

should be enough solar capacity to

supply the load as well as charge thebatteries.

Wiring can also be more complex

when using hybrid inverters, especially

when panels are dedicated for critical

An example of power flow in a hybrid inverter system.The inverter can direct power to a load or the grid ifneeded, or store it in batteries if not. It can also usepower from the grid if needed. -GreatWall

backed-up loads. “And as with any

device that does several jobs at once,

a hybrid inverter is usually slightly less

efficient,” White added, “although,

improvements in other balance-of-

system components can compensate for

that slight loss easily.”

There are also specific electrical

safety issues with any type of energy

storage, so White recommended getting

specialized training in energy storage

techniques and design. “Most available

Another breed of hybrids

Another segment of hybrid inverters

includes inverters that can use two

energy sources. For example, Ginlong

offers a PV / wind hybrid inverter that

has inputs for both sources, instead

of having to use two inve

solar power world - january 2015

Documents