Solar Power World

In our last episode of the Contractor's Corner podcast, we're announcing this year's Top Solar Contractors List. Thank you to Scanifly for sponsoring this podcast and the 2024 Top Solar Contractors List. View the full list at solarpowerworldonline.com.

Utility-scale solar projects are consistently breaking capacity records annually, both in individual project size and overall countrywide output. The sheer scale of these acres and sometimes miles long arrays require an unprecedented amount of worktime to construct, and even before a pile is driven into the dirt, project engineers must spend time designing these systems. PVcase, a software as a service company founded by solar engineers, has for the last decade provided design services for utility-scale solar project globally. David Trainavicius, founder and CEO of PVcase, is on this episode of Solar Spotlight to discuss how the platform is helping solar developers automate processes and reduce work hours.

In this episode, the utility-scale EPC talks about the importance of relationships with manufacturers and hands-on training time for install crews. Sponsored by Scanifly.

Over the last several years, the shape and size of mounts used in residential solar projects have changed to a lower profile attachment that can be installed over the shingle instead of slid underneath like metal flashing sheets. The next obstacle in residential solar design was expanding these top-mounted attachments that could primarily be installed on rafters onto the decking surface of the roof. Ryan Estrada, technical program outreach manager, and Nico Martinez, senior product manager at Unirac, are here to discuss what's new with solar mounting and, more specifically, the advancement of direct-to-deck attachments.

As the effects of a changing climate increase in both frequency and severity, the need for technologies that can decarbonize and support electrical infrastructure is paramount. In this episode of Solar Spotlight, Zolaikha Strong, senior director of policy and regulatory affairs at Generac Power Systems, discusses the significance of energy storage in the contexts of grid stability, individual energy resilience and the greater mission of combatting climate change.

In this episode, Alternative Energy Southeast talks about securing R&D credits for trying new solar tech and the keys to regional solar success. Sponsored by Scanifly and Intersolar North America.

Solar racking manufacturer SunModo will soon debut its latest pitched rooftop mount, NanoRack, to the residential market. On this episode of Solar Spotlight, CEO Steve Mumma discusses the system features and installation considerations built into NanoRack.

The shape of solar mounts is changing, and so too are how they're attached to rooftops. K2 Systems, a solar racking manufacturer, has integrated a butyl sealant onto a new line of roof mounts. On this episode of Solar Spotlight, Brett Nielsen, VP of products and services at K2, is here to share the rationale behind adopting this sticky new flashing for mounting purposes.

Domestic solar is consistently breaking installation records year over year and is slated to keep that pace. Yet, manufacturers and suppliers are still feeling the effects of pandemic supply chain delays. In this episode of Solar Spotlight, Unirac's new VP of operations and supply chain, Lee Ingram, and former guest and VP of Unirac's commercial division, Brandon Carrasco, are here to discuss how the manufacturer is keeping a steady supply of racking for its clientele.

In this episode, Vibe Solar talks about pivoting the residential business to adapt to California's new NEM 3.0 rate structure. Sponsored by Scanifly.

In this episode, Renewable IPP talks about the workforce challenges as the first utility-scale EPC in Alaska and O&M considerations for these far northwestern arrays. Sponsored by Scanifly.

Energy storage is becoming a more common feature on residential solar installations so homeowners can tap into the power they've generated when they need it — not just when the sun is up. Rex Liu, VP of product management at Generac, a manufacturer of batteries for renewable energy applications, is here to share how solar installers can approach pitching and sizing storage for residential PV projects.

With the enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act and its new offerings in tax incentives for solar projects, contractor collaboration and value engineering have become critical components for creating or selling viable solar projects. M Bar C Construction specializes in solar carport installation across a range of applications and building types. Today, we're joined by M Bar C's VP of business development, Erik Krivokopich [Krih-vo-cah-pitch], and eastern division manager, Bobby Bonfanti, to discuss what the company offers as a partner to solar project developers and EPC contractors.

The administration at Emory University, a private school of higher education from Georgia, set sustainability goals for the university, with plans to eliminate carbon emissions production by 2050. Emory has already installed solar arrays across many buildings on its main campus and is nearing completion of a solar canopy PV project at its Musculoskeletal Institute off-campus. Ben Damiani, chief technology officer at Cherry Street Energy, is here to share some details on the development and technology used in Emory's latest solar endeavor.

The inverter is a crucial component on a solar project because it converts the power generated by PV modules into usable electricity. Daniel Friberg, director of product and engineering at inverter manufacturer Sungrow, shares some details on the operations, hardware compatibility and environmental readiness of Sungrow's SG350 line of string inverters.

In this episode, Solar Power of Oklahoma talks about the hurdles of selling solar in an oil & gas state, and the progress the company has made in the past seven years. Sponsored by Scanifly and RE+.

Photovoltaic solar modules continue to grow in wattage, and that often means increasing their size, too, but that doesn't always have to be the case. In this episode of Solar Spotlight, Lucas Moura, product marketing manager for international module manufacturer Trina Solar, discusses the significance of the compact yet electrically potent N-type TopCon solar module.

SnapNrack, a solar mounting and racking manufacturer, is reconsidering the steps to securing solar modules to residential rooftops. Earlier this year, SnapNrack debuted its TopSpeed solar rooftop mounting system, a solution that attaches to solar modules before they reach the roof. Here to discuss the system's features is Andrew Wickham, Director of Products and Engineering at SnapNrack. This podcast is sponsored by SnapNrack

In this episode, BQ Energy talks about how brownfield solar installations have changed over the past decade. Sponsored by Scanifly, Aurora Solar and RE+.

Solar racking manufacturer Unirac launched its Master Installer Program in 2020 to offer its customers hands-on training with solar racking installation, design and system optimization and troubleshooting. In this episode, we're joined by Braden Laumbach, program coordinator, and Zak Kushner, installer sales specialist manager, with Unirac, to explore what the company's customer initiatives like the Master Installer Program have to offer for the solar industry.

In this episode, Sundance Power Systems talks about getting started in 1995 and how the company has forged an unlikely collaboration with North Carolina's biggest investor-owned utility. Sponsored by Scanifly and WAGO.

In this episode, Summit Ridge Energy talks about its partnerships to accelerate solar manufacturing and job growth. Sponsored by Scanifly.

K2 Systems is a racking company that manufactures installation-friendly solar mounting systems tailored to the needs of customers. Andy Neshat, CEO of K2 Systems US & MX, joins Solar Power World in this podcast to talk about the new K2 Quote solution and the company's plans to further cut soft costs. Sponsored by K2.

Microinverters are a common component in residential solar projects that are built to handle the wattage of smaller-scale PV arrays. But like solar modules, microinverters are increasing in capacity and can handle larger electrical loads. For example, inverter manufacturer APsystems' new QT2 microinverter can invert energy from four solar panels at a time, unlike previous models that were installed on single modules. Jason Higginson, head of marketing for APsystems USA, is here to discuss this new breakthrough and the subsequent trend of microinverters entering the commercial and industrial solar market.

In this episode, large-scale solar EPC Black & Veatch talks about its long history in construction and embracing technologies of the future. Sponsored by Scanifly.

In this month's Contractor's Corner podcast, we learn about a small Arizona installer that invests time and money into global volunteer efforts. Sponsored by Scanifly.

A few years on, there is still uncertainty surrounding the solar supply chain. There are likely still modules tied up at shipping ports, and despite Inflation Reduction Act incentives to develop a larger domestic market for solar panels, it will still be some time before we experience it. That is not necessarily the case for solar racking and mounts. Unirac, a manufacturer with more than 20 years in the solar structures space, is geared and ready to tackle commercial solar projects in 2023. We're joined by Unirac's commercial business development director, Ted Bleecker, and director of customer solutions, Brandon Carrasco, to discuss what's ahead for the company in the coming year.

In this month's Contractor's Corner podcast, we learn about the mission of nonprofit Solar One to bring resilient energy backup to at-risk communities. Sponsored by Scanifly.

In this episode of the Contractor's Corner podcast, community solar customer manager Perch Energy talks about the role software plays in making this solar segment accessible to those who can't install arrays on their rooftops. Sponsored by Scanifly.

In this episode of the Contractor's Corner podcast, Michigan residential installer Sumpter Solar Services talks about how the long-term ITC will temper the usual December installation rush, how a foundation of solar repair work has helped build a dedicated customer base and more. Sponsored by Scanifly.

In the past, a fault in a central inverter could mean significant power loss on a solar array. These inverters used in large-scale solar projects convert huge amounts of energy in a single unit. Inverter manufacturer Sungrow is addressing fault issues in central inverters by making their components modular and more approachable for repairs. Today, we're joined by Daniel Friberg, director of product engineering at Sungrow, to discuss the company's latest central inverter model and what that will mean for solar array uptime.

The solar carport market is expanding, meaning this high-profile racking is entering new territories. Canopies are viable structures for energy resiliency; they can deploy atop parking lots and commercial garages and are more frequently meeting financing requirements for power purchase agreements. We're joined by Finn Findley, CEO, and Danny Kraft, director of customer development, at Quest Renewables, a commercial and utility racking company specializing in carports. Finn and Danny are here to discuss how the market is changing for solar canopy systems and how EPCs and developers can anticipate those changes and include carports in their portfolios.

In this episode, Lightsource bp's VP of environmental affairs and government relations talks about the company's deep partnerships with local communities and farmers near the company's solar installations. Sponsored by American Wire Group and Scanifly.

As the residential market shifts from reliance on the greater electrical grid to self-generating energy sources like solar and storage, additional considerations will be necessary for energy load management. In this special edition of the Contractor's Corner podcast, we're joined by Magnus Asbo, senior director of technical marketing in North America for SolarEdge, to discuss the importance of smart energy management systems and the company's latest offering in that space.

In this episode, Solar Power World talks with B Corp residential and commercial installer SunCommon, "a solar company with a purpose beyond profit." Sponsored by Soltec and Scanifly.

In this month's Contractor's Corner podcast, New Energy Equity talks about the new opportunities the Inflation Reduction Act brings for community solar developers. Sponsored by Soltec and Scanifly.

In this episode of Solar Spotlight, we're joined by Elie Rothschild, sales manager of Sollega, a racking manufacturer producing polymer-based supports for commercial rooftop and ground-mount solar projects. We discuss the latest developments at the company, including how Sollega's racking can be used on projects without requiring module-level power electronics. Sollega will be exhibiting at RE+ this year at booth #3847.

In this special edition of Contractor's Corner podcast, rooftop solar racking and attachment manufacturer Roof Tech shares product insights as a company that's produced PV mounts for nearly 30 years. We're joined by Mike Dunlap, general manager of Roof Tech, to talk about the company's product offerings, where rail-less roof mounts are today and what they mean for project inspections in 2022.

In this special edition of Contractor's Corner, we speak to commercial and residential solar contractor Motive Energy about the process of integrating solar construction services at a company level. Eli Edwards, general manager of Motive Energy, breaks down the process of adding solar construction and lays out how the company handles PV installation with new customers. This podcast is sponsored by Nucor Corporation

In this month's Contractor's Corner podcast, Carolina Solar Energy talks about the importance of connecting with local communities to advance utility-scale solar projects. Sponsored by Soltec, American Wire Group and Scanifly.

In this month's Contractor's Corner podcast, Built Well Solar explains how a small solar business has cultivated long-term staying power in Long Island, New York. Sponsored by Aptos Solar and Scanifly.

In this special edition of Contractor's Corner¸ solar tracker supplier Soltec has found success in cutting supply chain delays by having a global manufacturing footprint. Colin Caufield, sales vice president at Soltec, discusses how the company has successfully navigated trade roadblocks like steel tariffs and supply chain delays, and what that means for the U.S. utility-scale solar market.

In this month's Contractor's Corner podcast, C&I EPC Got Electric tells SPW how the company has managed to grow in times of economic downturn. Sponsored by WAGO and Scanifly.

In this special edition of Contractor's Corner, longtime photovoltaic panel manufacturer Jinko Solar discusses why the company has entered the storage market. Adam Detrick, U.S. director of product management and technical services at Jinko Solar, talks about how Jinko is standing out in a crowded storage market and the company reaching a major milestone in panel sales.

In this episode, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) talks about the work it's doing to build solar apprenticeships in the U.S. Sponsored by Scanifly, American Wire Group and DCE Solar. Note: To collaborate with IREC on the Solar Installer apprenticeship standard development process, fill out this form: https://bit.ly/solar-apprenticeships

In this special edition of Contractor's Corner, mounting manufacturer K2 Systems dispels the myth of “flashing-free” solar rooftop mounts and covers the latest in installing solar on tile roofs. K2 Systems is a global mounting provider, and Johan Alfsen, senior director of training, talks through the company's latest innovation in flashing technology — butyl.

In this special edition of Contractor's Corner, Scott Francis, technical sales manager for Westex: A Milliken Brand, talks through the latest in industry-relevant safety codes that should inform the personal protective equipment selection process and the steps to selecting PPE for an industry like photovoltaic solar. Since 1941, Westex has produced flame-resistant and arc-rated fabrics used in PPE across many industries.

In this special edition of Contractor's Corner, Tim Matus, founder and CEO of autonomous vegetation maintenance provider Renu Robotics, discusses the growing landscaping needs of an expanding utility-scale solar market, and how remote robotic lawn care can benefit large-scale solar developers.

In this month's Contractor's Corner podcast, utility-scale EPC Knobelsdorff Enterprises (KE) tells SPW about the challenges of installing solar in Minnesota, navigating the current module shortage and how the company is teaching students from Kindergarten on up about the prospect of a solar career. Sponsored by Aptos Solar and Scanifly.

In this episode of the Contractor's Corner podcast, we talk to Green Lantern Solar about the Vermont developer's dual-use and brownfield projects, including one on a former Cold War-era missile base. An edited portion of the interview is below, but be sure to listen to the full podcast for more insight on the company's hopes for solar recycling breakthroughs and continued dual-use development. Thank you to this month's sponsors, Scanifly and CompanyCam. With CompanyCam, every photo and video your workers take at a job is automatically organized by location and instantly synced from the field to wherever you are. Learn more at companycam.com. And Scanifly is the only drone-based solar software focused on automating the survey and design stages of your solar project's life. Learn more at scanifly.com. https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2022/03/contractors-corner-green-lantern-solar/

Magill Farms in Illinois is home to a barn that was manufactured in 1878. The building is still mostly original, with some updates to roofing and siding. This century-and-a-half old barn is also host to a 25.5-kW solar array. In the sixth episode of The Case for Solar, associate editor Billy Ludt narrates his case study written for the March 2022 issue of Solar Power World. Read the case study here: solarpowerworldonline.com MUSIC "Himalayas" by Mona Wonderlick — bit.ly/youtube-monawonderlick Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free download: bit.ly/himalayas-download