APA SOLAR RACKING LEADS THE WAY IN LARGE-SCALE SOLAR RACKING, PROVIDING COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTIONS INCLUDING OUR INNOVATIVE FOUNDATION TECHNOLOGY, WITH HELICALS FOR SOFT SOIL AND GROUND SCREWS FOR ROCKY SOIL. CONQUER THE TOUGHEST TERRAIN WITH OUR TITAN DUO™ FIXED-TILT AND A-FRAME™ TRACKER FOUNDATION SYSTEMS. OUR EXPERT ENGINEERING AND INSTALLATION TEAMS GUARANTEE THAT YOUR SOLAR PROJECT GETS OFF TO A ROCK-SOLID START.
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The Solar Snake Max for Single Messenger Wire is our new innovative cable management system for AC and DC cables. The clicks maintain NEC 310.15 free air separation allowing the cables to operate efficiently and yield up to 30-watt hours per meter more energy, far surpassing that of trenched or bundled cables.
• Above ground, free air design requires no bundle or raceway derating of cable, saving large amounts of Copper or Aluminum
• Adjustable clicks can accommodate any size cables up to 1250 Kcmil
• Each tier of cables can accommodate a different cable size, facilitating voltage drop cable size step-ups
• The ample cable separation also makes the system IPC compatible for trunk-bus applications
• Snap-together components require no tools to facilitate easy installation, inspection and maintenance
PUBLISHER
Courtney Nagle cseel@wtwhmedia.com 440.523.1685
EDITORIAL
Editor in Chief
Kelly Pickerel kpickerel@wtwhmedia.com
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Billy Ludt bludt@wtwhmedia.com
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FIRST WORD
A time to reflect
MANY PEOPLE SPEND December reflecting on their accomplishments of the last year before making new goals for the next. Solar Power World is doing the same, and we’d like to celebrate some of the best products on the market and the best people promoting our industry.
Here we unveil the winners of our inaugural Top Products competition, as judged by industry professionals and peers. Eighty products were submitted for judging, and we awarded Best-in-Show distinctions to products in both the large-scale and residential markets. We also recognize Honorable Mentions in popular categories like inverters, mounting and panels. We think these Top Product awards hold a lot of weight, as installers and developers were
the ones to pick them. Only the highestperforming and most beneficial products for installation were chosen as winners, and we’re proud to share them with you.
Solar Power World also celebrates a group of people doing great things in policy, product development and market exposure in a new section we’re calling Rising Stars. These leaders and thinkers are paving the way for advancement in all areas of solar, storage and clean energy, and we’ll be following their achievements, of which we know there will be many.
There’s a lot of good to reflect on this year. Congratulations to the 2024 Top Products distinction recipients and this year’s class of Rising Stars! SPW • WPE
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What’s inside
Solar’s Best Kept Secret
Keep it to yourself!
CableSmart is the fastest, easiest to install, above-ground cable management system on the market. Built for utility-scale solar, it was designed to protect cables for 30+ years, even in harsh environments. Install and tension in minutes with just hand tools.
The only challenge? Keeping it a secret.
Don’t be left in the dark – discover the secret here: www.gripple.com/secret/
SOLAR POWER WORLD is proud to unveil its inaugural winning class of Top Products for the solar and storage industry. The 2024 Top Products contest celebrates the most innovative and significant products available to the U.S. market. The competition was judged by industry professionals with experience in all markets, representing the research, product development and installation sectors. Products were assessed on their originality, market promise and benefits to installers and developers.
Following two market tracks — large-scale and residential — five products were awarded Best in Show. Five additional products in each market track were awarded Honorable
Mentions based on their category. Categories included: solar panels, inverters + power electronics, racking + mounting + tracking, software + apps, energy storage, balance-of-system, installation equipment and solar-plus (items that don’t require solar or storage but still benefit the industry).
Biographies of our 2024 judges are on the following pages. Solar Power World thanks them for their dedication to a fair competition. Judges with a direct connection to a submitted product were prevented from ranking the product. The product’s score was averaged without the conflicting judge’s input.
Congratulations to the 2024 Top Products presented by Solar Power World!
RESIDENTIAL JUDGES
Kevin King, CEO and founder, Solar Tools USA
Kevin’s passion for the solar industry has been a life-long mission. He started and eventually sold one of Idaho’s largest and most successful solar installation companies. Recognizing the need for better tools and safety in the industry, Kevin began inventing specialized solutions to address common challenges faced by solar installers. This led to the creation of Solar Tools USA, an e-commerce company providing solar professionals with a continually expanding collection of unique solar installation tools. Driven by a commitment to education and advocacy, Kevin has served as president of the nonprofit Idaho Clean Energy Association. He also lends his expertise to various industry boards, including the NABCEP JTA Exam and Technical Committees, IREC’s Solar Ready Vets Advisory Board and Solar Energy International (SEI).
Kate Collardson, co-founder, SolarRecycle.org
Kate is currently senior manager of operations for Sunnova’s New Homes division in the central region, while also serving as co-founder of SolarRecycle.org. Kate fused her deep industry knowledge and passion for sustainability to address the solar industry’s need for responsible end-of-life management. SolarRecycle.org’s website empowers stakeholders through centralized information, fostering a circular economy within the solar sector. Prior to joining Sunnova, Kate held positions at Omnidian, BayWa r.e. and CertainTeed Solar.
LARGE-SCALE JUDGES
Laurel Hamilton, general manager, Mayfield Renewables
Although Laurel’s early career included degrees in biological anthropology and global public health, she came to Mayfield Renewables after years of wearing multiple hats in the solar installation field. Her love of the solar industry started in 2014, working under mentorship at a small, reputable EPC in Southern California. She returned to her home state of Oregon to develop a branch office of a Portland-based solar firm. Laurel has tackled everything from marketing, administration and sales to design, project management, installation and operations management. As a NABCEP-certified PV Technical Sales Professional and Subject Matter Expert, Laurel brings a commitment to ethics and the gold standard to every project she touches. She has volunteered her time and expertise to advance solar policy, advocacy and education for the City of Bend and the State of Oregon.
Jenya Meydbray, CCO, Nevados
Prior to joining tracking manufacturing company Nevados, Jenya co-founded PVEL in 2010 and served as CEO for a dozen years. He developed the first extended reliability and performance test protocols for the downstream PV industry as well as innovative methods of evaluating PV performance for power plant level risk assessment and mitigation. Prior to founding PVEL, Jenya was senior quality and reliability engineer at SunPower where he designed accelerated test methods for high-efficiency solar cells and modules. Jenya began his career at NASA Ames Research Center’s hyper-gravity facilities. He also served as VP of technology for Cypress Creek Renewables, a utility-scale project developer.
Commercial and utility-scale solar EPC
Our third large-scale judge wishes to stay anonymous. The person works at a national construction company that offers full-service solar EPC work. The company is involved with Solar Power World’s Top Solar Contractors List and is fully vetted by the editorial team.
IVY ENERGY – VIRTUAL GRID 3.0
THE TOP-RANKED product for the non-residential market as chosen by our judges is the software platform Virtual Grid by Ivy Energy. The product was first publicly released in 2019 and has made a significant impact in 2024 with version 3.0.
Ivy Energy is a shared solar billing platform designed specifically for multitenant real estate. Through advanced algorithms and smart grid technology, the platform fairly distributes solar savings based on individual energy usage.
Virtual Grid integrates with local utility rate schedules and tariffs, automatically generating monthly billing statements based on each unit’s utility consumption and solar production data. Unlike a flat-rate discount system, Ivy Energy’s algorithms adjust solar benefits to reflect actual consumption. Tenants pay their bills directly to the property owner via the rent ledger, removing extra steps for all parties.
Traditionally, multi-tenant property owners were disincentivized from adopting solar due to complex billing structures
and minimal financial returns, and tenants often saw little to no savings from solar installations on their shared roofs. Virtual Grid makes the process transparent, easy and fair for all parties.
Ivy Energy’s software has been successfully implemented across multiple states with a core focus on the three main IOUs in California — PG&E, SCE and SDG&E. Success in one of the most regulated and complex energy markets in the United States proves the effectiveness of the Virtual Grid platform on a large scale.
When Ivy Energy first launched pilot programs of its platform in 2019, the process originated in customer input from multi-tenant real estate owners and residents, real estate investment trusts and solar contractors. The company has continued to value customer feedback and this year released Virtual Grid 3.0, providing a customer-driven, flexible platform that adapts to the evolving needs of the real estate market.
“Ivy Energy's Virtual Grid software is a great example of a company thinking creatively to solve a real barrier to adoption for an important market segment where the benefits of on-site PV could be significant. The software has been developed through extensive pilot programs creating a solution to the split incentive problem in multi-tenant properties where, traditionally, property owners were not incentivized to add solar, and tenants saw little savings. Ivy Energy provides a fair energy billing platform that enables both property owners and tenants to benefit. I look forward to their expansion to new markets outside of southern California, enabling multi-family and multi-tenant properties to go solar across the country.”
– LAUREL HAMILTON, JUDGE
NEVADOS – TRACE ALL TERRAIN TRACKER
TRACKING SYSTEMS ARE a popular choice on large-scale solar projects, so it’s not surprising that a system would receive a Best-in-Show distinction. The TRACE All Terrain Tracker from Nevados is the second generation of the company’s All Terrain Tracker line, and a 2024 award-winner in its first year on the market.
As its name suggests, TRACE is a single-axis solar tracker system capable of installing on uneven landscapes. This line of All Terrain Trackers can be installed on slopes up to 37% and adjust up to 26% at every post, reducing or entirely eliminating the costly task of grading land for construction.
TRACE uses a proprietary "disconnected" torque tube architecture
that can orient single panel rows at multiple angles at each post point using articulating couplers. This prevents panel rows from being interrupted when the landscape is too irregular.
Working with natural contours of land reduces the amount of foundational steel necessary to install the system, as well. TRACE is pre-kitted and designed to be installed with ease, using 35% less components than its previous model. According to an independent study, TRACE reduces labor by 38% when compared to other leading solar tracker systems.
Once it's installed, TRACE is supported by an in-house operation software that optimizes the system's performance.
Nevados has improved TRACE’s weather damage prevention measures, increasing the angle of its hail stow capability from 52% in the original All Terrain Tracker up to 75% in TRACE. The tracker stows faster in inclement weather conditions, too.
TRACE is manufactured in the United States using 100% U.S. steel and qualifies for domestic content in the Inflation Reduction Act. This single-axis tracker is designed to minimize impacts on project sites, maintaining the environment and making construction simpler.
baȷa’s Plate2Plate Solar Support offers an optimum design advantages and flexibility available in both the TEE Post and the Semi/Full Cantilever. Solar Support Structures allows for a clear and unobstructed space with no supporting columns or posts intruding the parking area. The improved functionality provides a more open space concept for parking and versatility with the added value of having ample clearance for door openings.
This robust design utilizes larger foundation and framing members G90 galvanized cold formed steel members, for flexibility, maximized space spans and added durability rust free with minor maintenance.
The Plate2Plate design allows for fast and ease of installation utilizing only four bolted assembly main beam to column connection without the need to perform field welding, additional multi bolted assembly and plates, any special testing equipment, third-party testing lab, and special inspections. This versatile design is a cost-effective money saving and time alternate solution than traditional installation and design methods.
ANOTHER BEST-IN-SHOW product for the non-residential market is the 5-MWh battery energy storage system from CPS America. The containerized solution was designed for North American projects and makes adoption of utility-scale energy storage simple and effective.
Power Block integrates 12 racks of high-density lithium-iron phosphate batteries within a standardized 20-ft container for easy transportation and installation. It features a liquid cooling system inside to optimize battery performance without the use of bulky, fan-based ventilation systems. The fullyintegrated, modular design allows for easy installation and expansion, making it a flexible choice for evolving energy needs. The system supports a maximum continuous charge and discharge rate of 2.5 MW and is equipped with safety features like integrated fault protection and fire prevention mechanisms.
With global deployment experience, CPS America focused on understanding the needs of the North American market specifically when designing the Power Block ESS. The company chose LFP batteries and advanced thermal management systems, drawing on lessons learned from previous international deployments in various climates. Power Block underwent performance and safety evaluations to ensure compliance with industry standards, but CPS America also spent extra time evaluating the effectiveness of the liquid cooling system to ensure its success.
Customers have expressed their preference for the containerized format as it leads to quick setup and commissioning, which translates to lower labor costs and faster project completion. Power Block’s plug-and-play style and compact footprint simplifies site installation, making it an attractive solution for both utility operators and energy developers.
“When considering utility-scale construction, three key factors for products are reliability, efficiency and performance. CPS checked all those boxes. The improved energy density and advanced liquid cooling system provides the client with the technology required to provide reliable power to the end user. It’s also evident that CPS developed this design with EPC install in mind. The advanced modular design allows for quick and efficient expansion. This reduces install time which translates to earlier project completion and an overall increase on return for investors.”
– ANONYMOUS JUDGE
UNIRAC – GRIDFLEX 10
NOT TO BE overlooked, the commercial segment has representation in the Best-in-Show category too. One of the top-ranked products for commercial installations is GridFlex 10, a flat-roof racking platform developed by Unirac that hit the market this year.
GridFlex 10 was devised to more efficiently lay out solar projects and create more space for higher solar panel density on commercial flat roofs. The racking achieves this by narrowing panel row spacing, giving contractors the option to install them with 10-, 13- or 17-in. gaps. Rails come stamped with measurement guides to reduce installation errors and help contractors spend less time measuring during
assembly. Additionally, GridFlex 10 is installed using just one tool.
This racking is lightweight and made to last. GridFlex 10 components are finished with corrosion-resistant zinc/aluminum/magnesium (ZAM) and Galvalume coatings, and the system has been tested to handle high seismic and wind pressures. With its aerodynamic design, Unirac minimized the number of roof penetrations or ballast blocks needed to install GridFlex 10.
The default system layout is northsouth, but with a few extra parts, it can be installed in east-west orientation, as well. Only one measurement is required to install GridFlex 10, and then contractors can get to work.
The racking simplifies maintenance with integrated, tool-free wire management and a hinged clamp system that lets technicians swing up modules for under-array access when necessary. This also means single modules can be replaced without interrupting the rest of the array. By streamlining installation and maintenance, and with fewer components to install, contractors will spend less time on the roof and reduce project costs. Paired with the racking’s adjustability and higher module density, GridFlex is set to work within the constraints of flat commercial roofs.
GRIPPLE – POWER-TIE
UTILITY-SCALE CABLE management takes our final Best-in-Show distinction for 2024. The Power-Tie cable tie solution from Gripple combines the simplicity and convenience of traditional nylon zip-ties with the strength and durability of steel banding and wire ties.
Power-Tie is a permanent solar cable tie that secures cables directly to PV structures. Made from corrosionresistant materials, Power-Tie ensures at least a 20-year lifespan, meaning fewer replacements and O&M costs. Working much like a traditional zip-tie, contractors benefit from the tool-free installation, which eliminates health and safety concerns associated with tools required to install some steel banding and ties. With no sharp edges, Power-Tie won’t damage cable insulation, preventing an overlooked point of failure on many projects using steel banding.
Like a zip tie, wire is fed in one direction and gripped by a ceramic
roller. A unique release function allows wires to be adjusted once installed. A UV- and corrosion-resistant HDPE security strap protects cables from abrasion and damage by spreading the weight over a larger surface area.
Gripple collaborated with EPCs and electrical contractors over a number of years to develop the Power-Tie. Nylon zip ties were cited frequently as an area where a lack of innovation was holding the industry back. Gripple took its decades of experience in wire tensioning and joining to conceptualize a better cable management system. PowerTie has already been installed on U.S. projects, including a large tracking system site in California. Power-Ties successfully worked in a situation where nylon zip-ties previously could not — fixing solar string cable to octagonal torque tubes. The tool-free installation resulted in a much faster and better-engineered system.
“Even ‘simple’ things like wiring and connectors often cause increased maintenance costs and can lead to catastrophic events like fires. Reliable wire ties that can withstand harsh real-world conditions help keep solar plants running like they’re supposed to.”
– JENYA MEYDBRAY, JUDGE
TRINA SOLAR – VERTEX N
PANELS
TRINA SOLAR earned an honorable mention in the solar panels category for its hail-resistant Vertex N solar panels.
Released in 2024, Trina’s new n-type TOPCon solar modules were built to withstand hail and other extreme weather. The 620-W Vertex N offers 23% efficiency and gets its strength from thicker front-glass, larger cavities and optimized materials. Trina’s non-destructive cell-cutting technology also significantly enhances resistance to hidden cracks.
Vertex N modules showed no defects in third-party hailstone tests up to 65-mm at a 60° impact angle. The 3.2-mm/backsheet module is lighter than standard 2/2-mm glass modules, helpful for both shipping and installing. The more robust design also better withstands higher design pressures like wind and snow loads without overbuilt racking.
OZZIE’S –OMH-40 MODULE LIFTER
OUR JUDGES NAMED the OMH-40 Module Lifter from Ozzie’s an honorable mention in the installation equipment category. OMH-40 is an attachment for six-ton excavators that can be used to lift and place PV modules on ground-mounted solar projects.
As the wattage, size and weight of solar modules increases, OMH-40 reduces the physical strain of installation on contractors, especially on large-scale projects. The lift can install modules in up to 35-mph winds and can reach taller racking platforms with ease. OMH-40 also logs every module installed on a project, noting where they’re installed with a GPS location, how they were installed and their individual cycle times.
OMH-40 uses a vacuum system to safely pick up modules and place them on solar racking. It can even lift panels directly from a pallet. The module lifter was developed and tested over two years, and it is currently deployed in solar projects globally.
LARGE-SCALE HONORABLE MENTIONS
CPS AMERICA –
350 KW STRING INVERTER
ANOTHER LARGE-SCALE honorable mention goes to CPS America’s 350-kW string inverter.
CPS set out to create a string inverter strong and flexible enough for utility-scale solar applications. The CPS 350-kW threephase string inverter achieves those goals by operating within a wide voltage range and broad temperature conditions. Inverters are protected by their robust NEMA 4X enclosures that ensure durability in harsh outdoor settings.
The 350-kW inverter comes with 15 MPPTs and 30 unfused PV string inputs, along with various protective functions to maximize uptime. CPS's new inverter achieves a maximum efficiency of 99%.
This powerful string inverter enables developers to optimize project layouts without the limitations of traditional central systems.
Goodbye to Rapid Shutdown DevicesFastRack FR510
The FR510 is your UL3741 certified racking solution for flat roof PV. The simple, one piece, fully ballasted (hybrid) bucket design is quick to ship, stage and install. Proudly made in the USA. Universal design compatibility with large format modules up to 46" width.
SMAPPEE – EV WALL
SMAPPEE'S EV WALL commercial charging solution was selected for an honorable mention in our solar-plus category for addressing critical challenges faced by commercial properties when integrating EV charging infrastructure.
Unlike other chargers that share a single circuit, the EV Wall prioritizes each charger independently, ensuring every EV is charged by its scheduled departure time. This also helps to avoid some costly electrical upgrades.
The Smappee EV Wall includes cascade overload protection, allowing chargers to be installed across multiple panels while balancing the load. It is equipped with an RFID reader for secure access, making it ideal for both private and public use.
Smappee’s solution uses intelligent energy management to determine the optimal time to charge, considering rate schedules, excess solar production and peak demand periods. This capability not only minimizes energy costs but also protects businesses from costly demand penalties, which affect almost all commercial properties.
TIGO
ENERGY –
TS4-X FLEX MLPE
TIGO'S TS4-X FLEX MLPE product line earned another honorable mention in the power electronics category. This line of MLPE was designed to support rising solar module power ratings and meet the increasing demand for higher power density.
TS4-X Flex products offer rapid shutdown compatibility with the Tigo RSS Transmitter with Pure Signal Technology, as well as the option to deploy multi-factor rapid shutdown, providing redundant safety signaling for energy-critical applications. The TS4-X line reduces labor costs through a no-bolt design and no need for additional ground wiring.
The TS4-X series, designed for solar modules up to 800 W, integrates with most third-party inverters. With field-upgradable monitoring capabilities and overcurrent and over-temperature protection, the TS4-X line helps to both protect systems and help them produce as much power as possible.
AURORA SOLAR – LYRA
THE TOP-RANKED product for the residential market as chosen by our judges is Lyra’s plan set, now part of Aurora Solar’s software offering. The product was first publicly released in 2019 but was integrated into Aurora Solar’s popular platform in the summer of 2024, bringing it to a much larger customer base.
Lyra’s software helps solar professionals automate, create and export permit-ready plan sets quickly, typically in less than 60 seconds. Solar permitting can be challenging for homeowners and installers alike. Complex requirements from AHJs and the industry’s reliance on manual data entry contribute to significant delays and costs to solar installations. Lyra alleviates these challenges by providing almost-instant, permit-ready plan set packages.
Lyra uses advanced automation to generate compliant plan sets with minimal
manual input. By integrating Lyra’s technology with Aurora Solar’s platform, solar professionals can deliver projects faster and cheaper, enabling more solar installations.
Lyra’s technology evolved over the past five years through market research, customer testing and product feedback. Lyra originated as SolarDesignTool before transforming into instant plan set software. Throughout the journey that eventually led to an Aurora acquisition, Lyra listened to customer feedback to provide a valuable product to contractors and installers navigating difficult and varied permitting requirements. To-date, Lyra has generated thousands of instant plan sets across the United States, and its recent integration into Aurora Solar’s platform will mean millions of installations in the next few years will save time and money with this important product.
“The industry has been waiting for a tool like Lyra. In just a few minutes, one can create a complete permit package that meets all manufacturer specs, is compliant with electrical, fire and structural codes, and is ready to submit to the AHJ and utility.”
– KATE COLLARDSON, JUDGE
KING PRODUCTS – PERMANENT ROOF ANCHOR
AN INSTALLATION AID for the residential solar market, the Permanent Roof Anchor from King Products is one of this year’s Best-in-Show award winners. The fall protection solution for solar installers was first introduced this year and is a necessary piece of equipment for any solar installer working on sloped roofs.
Reliable roof anchors are difficult to find in the solar industry. Existing options are often incompatible with all roof types, and their installation frequently results in roof leaks due to improperly sealed penetrations. Their temporary nature also means that each time maintenance or cleaning is required, new anchors are installed, adding more holes to a roof and increasing the risk of future leaks.
Due to these challenges, solar installers may instead practice unsafe measures, like tying off to unsecured solar racking
or skipping fall protection entirely. Additionally, ensuring proper compliance with safety inspections has been cumbersome. Logging these inspections has traditionally been unrealistic, leading to missed inspections and non-compliance.
Engineered for long-term, permanent installations, the King Products anchor is compatible with wood and metal substrates and installed with included fasteners and an adhesive membrane backing, ensuring a water-tight seal. The steel D-ring and stainless-steel lags provide durability and meet ANSI’s 5,000lb requirement for safety.
The Permanent Roof Anchor also conveniently has a built-in digital inspection system. By scanning a QR code, users can log and track inspections, streamlining maintenance and compliance processes. The Permanent Roof Anchor is
not just a tool used in solar installation; it's a comprehensive system designed for the future of roof maintenance, cleaning and repairs — services that many residential solar installers are adding to their business offerings.
King Products partnered with Petzl America to gather feedback from solar installers to understand the limitations of existing roof anchors. The input helped shape the Permanent Roof Anchor’s design, and third-party testing ensures it has passed all safety compliance tests.
The Permanent Roof Achor by King Products has already been widely adopted on residential solar installations across the United States. Its permanent nature streamlines future visits, saving time and labor costs and encouraging better safety compliance.
Industry-leading PV and tracker technology Optimized component compatibility
Streamlined procurement Project finance expertise
One point of contact
Cut CAPEX, reduce BOS costs, and lower LCOE For utility-scale, C&I, and community solar projects Your one-stop shop for an optimized bundle of modules, trackers, storage, racking, wiring, and inverters, plus financial support to ensure your long-term success.
INFINITY RACK – CANOPIES AND CARPORTS
CANOPIES AND CARPORTS are growing in popularity for the residential market. Infinity Rack’s small-scale offering is a Best-in-Show winner for 2024.
Infinity Rack offers durable, easy-to-install and aesthetically pleasing designs for even the smallest spaces. The innovative framing of the solar pergolas creates watertight BIPV designs, transforming environments into beautiful, functional spaces. Infinity Rack fully encases all wiring into its framing, and any framed solar module can be used in the setup.
Under development for the last decade, Infinity Rack’s design first started as a custom wood structure before progressing to aluminum glazing to best protect solar equipment for the long-term. Infinity Rack today offers five customized canopies: SunLounge, Aluminum Carport, Cantilever Carport, Dual Cantilever Carport and Super Span. The SunLounge is designed for residential outdoor living spaces, while the carport and super span structures are for multi-car parking areas. All designs center around Infinity Rack’s RoofBeam, a 14-ft (or longer) rafter that holds the solar modules. Modules are further supported by bonding rails, which can accommodate power optimizers and wire management clips. EPDM gaskets slide into slots on the rails’ top caps for a watertight seal, and a wire trough conceals wiring. Post bases can accept conduit or plumbing to bring electric and other utilities directly into the frame.
“Over the years, I have installed numerous solar carports and awnings and have noticed several consistent challenges. First, they often lack aesthetic appeal, as they tend to resemble basic carports. Second, the installation process can be timeconsuming and complex. Third, installers typically have limited control over the design, as manufacturers often provide predetermined specifications, which restricts flexibility and creativity in adapting designs to unique locations.
Infinity Rack offers a refreshing approach with a sleek, modern aesthetic and a watertight design. The modular components simplify installation and accommodate a range of structures, from small awnings to large carports. They also provide discreet options for wiring and the addition of LED backlit lighting. The manufacturer-provided design tool gives installers and designers greater creative freedom, enabling more customized solutions. While many manufacturers have made impressive contributions to the carport and awning market, Infinity Rack introduces valuable innovations that stand out.”
– KEVIN KING, JUDGE
ENERFLO – SALES AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLATFORM
THERE ARE MULTIPLE areas in residential solar that benefit from software optimization, so it’s no surprise that software products would take two Best-in-Show awards this year. Enerflo’s sales and project management platform streamlines workflows to help installation companies close more deals, complete more projects and get paid faster — just as much of a business necessity as solar design software.
Enerflo first came on the scene in 2019, but its latest interpretation bundles canvassing, lead management and design proposals into one offering. The open API software platform built for the residential solar market consists of three primary components: Sales Core supports canvassing through project submission, Wingman supports the install process from project submission to PTO, and Customer Portals support the homeowners’ experience as their dedicated information and communications hub for the status of their solar project.
After experiencing first-hand the inefficiencies in the solar sales and install
process, Enerflo’s co-founders designed their product to be an open API platform from the beginning. Enerflo identified gaps left by siloed apps and tools, and strategically created native platform features to fill in the picture — including its solar finance platform Lendflo and its document and contracting tool Docflo. Because no two Enerflo customers are exactly the same, the Enerflo support, strategy and development teams constantly incorporate partner feedback and suggestions into platform improvements, with the goal of making Enerflo the most user-friendly solar software platform available to solar companies of all sizes.
Enerflo is offered on a volume-based subscription plan that includes unlimited users, proposals, contracts and customer portals. The flat monthly rate ensures Enerflo partners get the most out of the platform with a competitive, predictable bill each month. Solar installers can focus on scaling their business instead of juggling multiple subscriptions to complete one job.
“Enerflo streamlines the solar installation process by integrating every critical platform, from sales to maintenance, into one seamless solution, empowering teams and customers to work together efficiently, ensuring smoother project management for growing companies.
– KEVIN KING,
JUDGE
LUMOS SOLAR – SOLARPORT
AESTHETICS AND EASE-OFINSTALLATION are important characteristics for any top product in the residential market. The SolarPort carport solution from Lumos ticks both those boxes and is a Best-in-Show winner for 2024.
The free-standing SolarPort is equally suited as a carport or backyard pergola and designed to be installed in just one day. The shade structure does not require heavy equipment or special fabrication skills and can easily be assembled through its bolt-together design.
SolarPort only accepts Lumos Vision solar panels, but the resulting sleek appearance is a selling point of this turnkey solution. Developed with almost two decades of experience in building architectural commercial solar carports,
the SolarPort from Lumos fills a hole in the market for beautifully designed solar pergolas in the residential and small commercial segment. SolarPort also includes optional LED lighting, gutter and downspouts for further aesthetic charms. Coming in three colors (black, white, gray) of powder-coated steel, SolarPort is offered in two configurations: SolarPort Single supports 12 Vision solar panels (4.26 kW), and SolarPort Double supports 24 Vision solar panels (8.52 kW). The carport has been installed in multiple residential and commercial applications already and successfully survived 4-ft snow loads and 100 mph wind speeds at a mountainous location in Colorado. SolarPort is built to last.
“SolarPort brings solar covered parking to residential applications. It’s an interesting option for homeowners without carports or garages. With EV charging and built-in LED lights, it provides an option for solar generation on sites that might not have suitable roof space available.”
– KATE COLLARDSON, JUDGE
SMA AMERICA –SUNNY BOY SMART ENERGY
SMA AMERICA’S Sunny Boy Smart Energy hybrid inverter received an honorable mention in our inverters category. This inverter enables both immediate energy use and storage with a single device. The Backup Secure setting, previously known as Secure Power Supply, provides up to 1.9 kW of daytime energy to a dedicated power outlet during grid outages.
The Sunny Boy Smart Energy inverter can be DC-coupled with batteries and is capable of high-speed charging. Flexible DC design windows make this inverter a good choice for repowering projects as well as new installs.
The inverter comes in larger power classes of 9.6 and 11.5 kW and features four MPPTs. Installers can commission the inverter quickly using SMA’s 360° app.
LUMIN –LUMIN SMART PANEL
OUR JUDGES NAMED the Lumin Smart Panel as an honorable mention within the solar-plus category. Lumin Smart Panel is an energy load management system that gives users the option to prioritize and manage energy loads in their homes through an associated app. They can set their own preferences for energy usage, prioritizing certain loads over others as needed.
Lumin Smart Panel can be installed as a retrofitted solution without the need for additional wiring or equipment. The system is product-agnostic and compatible with most inverters, generators, load centers and batteries, and it maintains energy controls to all of a home’s circuits, even during energy blackouts.
Lumin Smart Panel is currently deployed across the United States, helping homeowners reduce their energy costs through energy load management.
PEGASUS – INSTAFLASH2
THE INSTAFLASH2 mounting solution from Pegasus has won another honorable mention in the residential market. The second iteration of Pegasus’ InstaFlash solar mounts debuted in 2024.
InstaFlash2 is a solar attachment for composition shingle rooftops that can mount directly to decking and rafters, sealing any penetrations made during installation using a built-in sealant housed in a protective cage. The sealant is graded to be installed in temperatures between 0° and 170°F and is dispensed when a bolt is driven through the mount.
InstaFlash is designed to simplify installation by using one bolt for attachment and removing the messy step of applying sealant to flash penetrations. All components of this mounting option are inventoried as a single product.
InstaFlash2 was designed with feedback from installers and roofers using Pegasus products. Thousands of the mount have already been installed and it’s backed by Pegasus’ 25year warranty.
CERTAINTEED – SUNSTYLE
PANELS
A COMMON CONCERN in residential solar is aesthetics, and our judges believed the building-integrated photovoltaic shingle SunStyle from CertainTeed deserved an honorable mention. SunStyle has been deployed in Europe for 18 years, and CertainTeed began exclusively distributing it in the United States in 2024.
SunStyle is a solar module and roof covering in one package. These solar tiles are composed of mono-PERC cells and are rated to withstand adverse weather conditions. SunStyle is installed in an overlapping configuration that waterproofs and integrates to the roof and can work around obstructions like chimneys and skylights. Installation is similar to tile, metal or slate roofing.
These solar tiles leave enough space for airflow above the roof deck to maintain proper temperatures for system electronics to function. On-board electrical connectors and wiring meet rapid shutdown requirements. And like traditional PV modules, SunStyle tiles are compatible with batteries and energy storage systems.
BRIGGS & STRATTON – SIMPLIPHI 6.6 BATTERY
STORAGE
BRIGGS & STRATTON’S latest residential battery earned an honorable mention in the energy storage category for its attention to details most requested by installers. The SimpliPHI 6.6 Battery was launched in 2024 and features the proprietary RapidStak connector that includes all communications and power in a single connection.
The company set out to simplify installations with a few elements of the new battery. For this model, engineers eliminated DIP switches and wires between batteries to reduce time spent cutting and terminating wires. A three-module stack can now be assembled in under five minutes.
The SimpliPHI 6.6 is designed in a sleek, compact form factor and is lighter than previous generations at 125 lbs. It’s IP65-rated and can be ground- or wall-mounted indoors or outdoors without the need for additional cabinets. It’s designed for easy integration with Sol-Ark inverters and compatible with all lithium-communicating inverter models.
Rex Liu VP of product management, clean energy, Generac
Solar Spotlight: Enough backup energy to power any load in the home
The value of energy resiliency is increasing in the face of stronger weather events and natural disasters, and the electrical grid isn’t always prepared to withstand these adverse environmental pressures. Rex Liu, VP of product management, clean energy, at Generac, is on this episode of Solar Spotlight to share how residential solar customers can keep ample backup energy to power everything necessary during a grid outage.
A written portion of this podcast is below, but be sure to listen to the full episode on your preferred podcast service.
Can you tell us about Generac and its role in the clean energy space?
Generac is obviously best known for our long-standing position as a resiliency provider. And what most of your listeners probably associate our brand name with is generators. But what people may not know about Generac is part of our focus has been to provide more efficient and sustainable energy for our customers, and we do that with our generators, but we're increasingly focused on doing that in other ways as well, and one of those ways is with our new energy storage system, PWRcell 2. In a lot of different situations, a generator may not work for a homeowner. You might not have room to install it, may not be able to because of HOAs or whatnot. So, when you pair solar and storage in those situations, it's really the best option for resiliency for the homeowner.
What products does Generac offer to support powerful and resilient home energy storage systems?
We offer a number of different products that provide resiliency and power to the home. Obviously, the generator. We are
the leading provider for home standby generators, and those are the ones that are installed at the home with an automatic transfer switch, so when the power goes out, that generator will automatically turn on and it restores power to the home. We also provide a portfolio of portable generators, and these are the ones that you can manually go, connect and turn and connect an extension cord to these and provide power in the event of an outage. But we also provide our PWRcell energy storage system. One of the key benefits with the PWRcell system is that it has a flexible and scalable architecture. That means you can size the system for the homeowner’s needs.
What are the latest trends in solar storage technology?
Solar and storage are increasingly being paired together. Previously, storage had a fairly modest attach rate with solar, but we're continuing to see that grow. More and more homeowners are looking for solutions, and installers are looking for solutions where the solar inverter and the storage system are made by the same company. When the same company is developing and deploying those solutions you're able to optimize a lot of that integration in the performance and behavior between the two different systems
How rapidly is the residential battery market expanding, and what factors are driving this growth?
The storage market is tied directly to the solar market, and while we did see a lot of recent headwinds that have impacted the solar industry, storage adoption has actually increased during that time. It's no secret that high interest rates and NEM 3.0
in California have stymied the solar market over the last couple years. Obviously, we've also seen a couple high-profile solar installers declare bankruptcy and shut down operations, so that's kind of impacted the growth of the market overall. But despite all that, the market still is expanding.
Net-metering policies have changed the way homeowners, particularly in California, think about solar storage. Considering that, how should installers explain the value of solar storage? California is just the first utility group to change these net-metering rules. And this is actually happening in several other markets, like North Carolina, and Illinois is getting rid of net metering. This is really impacting the value proposition for solar, and also it's changing the value proposition for storage. If you think about it, the value proposition for solar has always been to offset your energy costs, but with the change to these rate structures, that offset has become very complicated, and it's very difficult for installers to explain that to homeowners who don't think about energy all the time. All they think about is how much it costs.
The best approach to explaining it to a homeowner — the simplest way for people to think about it — is the cost to use energy from your utility is continuing to increase, and that's true across the country, particularly in places like California. SPW
This podcast is sponsored by
Solar Power World’s
2024 RISING STARS
THE SOLAR INDUSTRY’S exponential growth and continuous innovation is made possible by change-makers at every level. Passionate and driven individuals pushing for new ways of thinking are the heart of this industry, propelling it forward with the help of positive renewable energy policy and research and development efforts.
Solar Power World set out to highlight a few leaders and thinkers paving the way for advancement in all areas of the industry in our inaugural Rising Stars special section. Read about the five standout solar workers we've selected this year.
RISING STARS
BYRON KOMINEK
OWNER OF JACK’S SOLAR GARDEN DEVELOPMENTS
Byron Kominek transformed his Colorado family farm into Jack’s Solar Garden in 2020 to provide his family with financial security, host community events and conduct agrivoltaic research. Kominek was motivated to pursue renewable energy research after working on climate mitigation and forest preservation for the U.S. Agency for International Development in Zambia.
What's a lesson you learned the hard way in this industry?
Financing solar projects is hard. From 2018 to 2020, I was seeking tax equity investors to cover the cost of building Jack's Solar Garden and making my vision come to reality. Unfortunately, I came across a number of “impact investors” that only cared about the impact on their wallet — only wanting ROIs that'd beat the market — and not really caring about the likely impact of our project.
To avoid being financially entangled with characters that didn't share in my vision, I spent some sleepless nights figuring out how else to finance Jack's Solar Garden. I came up with a very different financial structure than other community solar gardens, while also needing to collateralize my family's farm for a significant bank loan. The lesson I
learned was more of a reiteration of an idea I already knew — if the traditional way of getting what you want done doesn't allow your vision to come to fruition, do it differently. There's never only one way to get what you want done no matter what industry you're in.
What's a Big Idea you have about the renewable energy transition?
My biggest ideas that I'm working toward right now is getting cattle within solar arrays. “Cattlevoltaics” will improve the adoption of solar arrays in communities across our country, while providing shade for animals that need it as global temperatures continue to rise. In the western states, shade for select crops and livestock is already at a premium. Imagine 20, 40, 60 years from now when it's 10°F+ hotter in the summers. Shade is only going
to be more valuable for agriculture, our environment and humanity.
Building solar arrays now that can accommodate a diverse array of agricultural practices, like cattle grazing, is a climate adaptation technique that will support the next generation of agricultural workers given that the structural supports of solar arrays should last for over 50 years if built correctly. The second idea I'm working toward is how to incorporate community members with agricultural skills that don't own land into existing solar arrays to showcase the possibility of providing land access for livelihood creations and improving local food security. Existing solar arrays aren't ideal for agrivoltaics, but we can still be innovative and figure out what can be done to enable land access for those that can make good use of it.
Kominek holds a community event at Jack’s Solar Garden. Katie Warnke, Green Earth Photography
GWENDOLY ESPE
PRODUCT MANAGER AT YASKAWA SOLECTRIA SOLAR
Gwendoly Espe is an electromechanical engineer and product manager at Yaskawa Solectria Solar. She found her way into renewables through volunteer work designing solar projects for underserved international communities. Espe has also created her own website called UpTop Solar to provide technical resources for installers.
What accomplishments are you most proud of so far in your career?
My volunteer work with eMi in several developing countries is where I really started to take a deeper dive into how to design PV systems. We would create initial system designs for projects such as a hospital and a vocational school and the local project owners would use those designs to raise funds so that local engineers and construction personnel could be hired to complete the projects, creating local jobs and improving quality of life. I’m proud of the work I have done on four major projects located in Haiti, Guatemala and India and the resulting improvements.
Since starting in the solar industry, I have also taken web development and machine learning courses. I found there were major gaps on tools available to installers or people interested in solar. From this realization, I have developed multiple online tools including string sizing tools and other solar design tools. I find designing tools that can help others work more efficiently very rewarding and I greatly enjoy the challenge.
What's a lesson you learned the hard way in this industry?
Safety is crucial. Always take training seriously and follow safety procedures! I had a close call while testing equipment at a previous job, which was a difficult, but important, lesson. This experience really demonstrated how crucial it is to stay vigilant and stick to safety protocols. Sometimes it’s challenging to find precise answers, the right tools or explanations for why things work the way they do, especially with niche topics or questions. That’s why I started UpTop Solar — to share the hard-earned knowledge I’ve gathered through my experience. I also created online tools to help with solar designs. If I learn something new that is usually tough to find, whether through research or by consulting with my industry network, I make it a point to share it or create a tool to help!
This is a rapidly changing industry, which makes it exciting to work in. Whether it’s updates to the NEC, the introduction or revision of UL standards, or evolving utility requirements, it is essential to stay informed and adapt to these changes. Continuous learning and staying up-to-date in an ever-evolving field are crucial for maintaining your expertise, credibility and passion in the field.
Espe performs a solar inspection with Engineering Ministries International (eMi) in Haiti.
Espe walks through a Yaskawa Solectria site in Massachusetts with site controller Heila and a customer.
RISING STARS
LESLIE CHANG
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGY AND POLICY AT CAELUX
Leslie Chang currently drives all federal, state and local policy engagement for U.S. perovskite manufacturer Caelux. Chang’s background includes conducting fieldwork in the UK, China and East Africa, as well as working with multinational organizations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, World Bank, ministries of health and local non-profits.
What's a lesson you learned the hard way in this industry?
Just because everyone agrees on the importance of decarbonization doesn’t mean everyone will agree on the solutions. I think about how California is often at the forefront of EV and clean air legislation, but how difficult it’s been trying to start a pilot manufacturing fab here, and how eager red states are to attract our business. Private investment flows readily to new technologies such as direct air capture and hydrogen rather than financing projects for existing energy solutions, even though these companies are years from generating revenue and we could easily deploy solar and wind now.
There won’t be a technology panacea for climate change, which means consensus-building, coalition work and privatepublic partnerships are critical vehicles to focus on in the short-term. It emphasizes again the importance of the federal government and having strong industrial policy so that all states, regions and cities can develop resilient infrastructure. But in the meantime, it means I spend a lot of time trying to address these contradictions.
What's a Big Idea you have about the renewable energy transition?
We don’t have time to wait for the promise of future innovations to solve current challenges, challenges that will increase exponentially before technology readiness is where it needs to be.
All the solutions we need to fully transition to renewable energy are already here — what’s missing is stakeholder conversations to develop and build buy-in for transition plans across states, regions and cities. As someone who’s worked both in the private and public sectors, nonprofits are best positioned to convene a cross-section of renewable energy stakeholders to start these conversations. The private sector is best positioned to provide the technology and technical expertise for scaling, but it needs support from community organizations and developers to guarantee offtake and set up projects. Local government, with institutional knowledge and insight into who operates on the ground and where, can help facilitate some connections to build up those necessary private-public partnerships. Municipalities, in particular, can pilot grid transition and share lessons learned for scaling projects across the country.
I mentioned earlier that there won’t be a panacea for climate change. In the absence of “one perfect solution,” we need more dialogue across and within sectors to develop actionable plans for a coalition to implement.
Chang attends the 35th NAACP Pasadena Ruby McKnight Williams Awards Dinner where Caelux was recognized with the Corporate Award.
Chang examines Caelux’s perovskite technology.
NICK KORTH
STRATEGIC MARKETS MANAGER AT HELLERMANNTYTON
Nick Korth is responsible for marketing strategy at cable management manufacturing company HellermannTyton. After getting his start at the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, he has spent his entire career in the solar industry and is a leading voice in the eBOS sector.
What accomplishments are you most proud of so far in your career?
I would say my curiosity and openness is what I am proud of most. I really enjoy talking to my customers every day and understand what they need and want, and in turn I’ve been able to develop innovative parts that have helped push the industry (and eBOS) forward. I have also really enjoyed the podcast I’ve created with Jeff Spies, called The Solar Panel, and my pickleball tournament I’ve hosted the last two years in conjunction with RE+. The friends I’ve made in the industry the past 15 years are countless and I’m happy to have been a small part of this energy revolution.
Who or what has had a major influence on your work in the renewable energy field?
I owe much of my growth to my mentor Amy Heart, who hired me as an intern at the Midwest Renewable Energy Association and remains a close friend still today. Amy, now a VP at Sunrun, is incredibly smart and kind, and her guidance has been invaluable. Early in my career, I also worked with Rex Gillespie at Caleffi, a solar thermal company. Rex gave me the confidence in myself in the manufacturing and solar industries, and my experiences at Caleffi really set me on my path.
Why should young people consider careers in the solar space?
Working in solar means you can have a direct impact on both the economy and climate change. This industry offers diverse career paths and the chance to make a good living while helping to create jobs in communities like the rural area I grew up in. Supporting the manufacturing and installation of solar modules is rewarding work that contributes to a cleaner future. We need young, smart talent to keep driving the industry forward.
Korth reviews Hellermanntyton products in the field.
SAM WEAVER
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF INTERCONNECTION & GRID INTEGRATION POLICY AT THE COALITION FOR COMMUNITY SOLAR ACCESS
Sam Weaver leads CCSA’s engagement in policy discussions and regulatory proceedings related to interconnection, grid planning, cost allocation and grid modernization.
Weaver previously served on the Public Policy and Local Development teams at East Bay Community Energy, one of the largest community choice energy providers in northern California, where she led initiatives aimed at low-income customers and launched EBCE’s first community solar program.
What accomplishments are you most proud of so far in your career?
I am most proud of my experience advocating on behalf of people who want cleaner, more local energy choices, particularly through my most recent work at organizations the Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA) and East Bay Community Energy (EBCE). At CCSA, I spearhead initiatives to remove barriers to connecting community solar to the grid, supporting a goal to quadruple community solar capacity nationwide by 2030. I’ve also led regulatory wins across the country by eliminating technical obstacles and advocating for fair interconnection timelines. One recent highlight was removing Maryland's most significant hurdle to community solar development. At EBCE, I launched the “Connected Communities” program to support
low-income customers, which involved community-based outreach and focus groups to address service disconnection rates, barriers to financial assistance program enrollment and community solar opportunities — all pivotal parts of making clean energy more accessible for underserved communities.
What's a lesson you learned the hard way in this industry?
I’ve learned that success in this field requires both personal clarity and proactive communication of goals. In both career development and policy advocacy, it’s not enough to rely on good work alone. You must clearly articulate your career goals, and in advocacy, having a strategic plan with defined objectives is crucial. In other words, it’s not enough to do a good job every day and expect to be
recognized or expect people to read your mind and know that you’re ready for new opportunities. And in the policy advocacy context, doing your best — and having the most correct argument — doesn’t always mean you’ll win. You must be strategic and have very clear goals, strategies and tactics in mind.
Who or what has had a major influence on your work in the renewable energy field?
I’ve been working in the renewable energy field my entire career. I was influenced by what I learned about climate change science in college and wanted to be part of the solution. After spending some time in the data analysis and research space, I quickly realized that public policy was the space to make the biggest impact.
Sam Weaver and CCSA team members at the 2024 Community Solar Innovation Summit in Denver.
Empowering a Better World with our Solar Solutions
American Wire Group (AWG) is a leading supplier of wire, cable, equipment, hardware, and accessory solutions for the wind, solar, EV, battery storage, and other renewable energy sectors. We have the nation’s largest inventory of wire and cable for the renewable energy markets, and we pride ourselves being able to deliver product in days, not weeks.
AWG offers comprehensive services to our customers around the world, including cable management, cable engineering and design, supply chain management, emergency services, and more.
We are constantly evolving to support our customers in Empowering a Better World!
Emmvee’s new Titanium PV Modules with TOPCon Technology are 75 nm thicker* than the traditional MonoPERC Solar Panels. This meager thickness comes from the Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact layer and the Poly-Silicon layer. These layers significantly reduce electron recombination losses, increasing the efficiency up to 23% allowing more electricity to flow from the panel to your Power Grid.
Power up your projects with Figure’s HELOC
Figure helps contractors eliminate dealer fees, enabling them to offer competitive bids with lower monthly payments.
A Figure HELOC offers an easy 100% online application process with approval in 5 minutes, funding in as few as 5 days* and loan amounts up to $400k.
Learn more about the Figure HELOC at
figure.com/solar
The Ultimate Home Energy Ecosystem
Generac’s suite of residential energy solutions is unmatched in today’s market. No other company offers such a wide range of complimentary products. With solutions ranging from solar batteries to home standby generators, Generac provides the ultimate flexibility for designing a comprehensive system that meets the unique needs of each homeowner.
The PWRcell 2 Home Energy Storage System represents Generac’s next generation of residential battery storage technology. PWRcell 2 features 33% more storage capacity than the industry leader and enough power for virtually any load in the home, including a 5-ton air conditioner. PWRcell 2 also integrates seamlessly with ecobee smart thermostats and Generac home standby generators, enhancing system monitoring and backup capabilities and creating the ultimate home energy ecosystem.
Simplified, Durable, Leak-Free Mounting
The new RT-PLUS is engineered for simplicity and built for durability. Its integrated L-Foot ensures easy leveling and time-saving installation, while its waterproof AlphaSeal® system guarantees maximum protection against leaks. The new mounting system can be fastened directly to rafters or decks (OSB and plywood only), ensuring a secure and efficient installation. Available in a sleek mill finish or elegant black, both options come with slots for 3/8” or 5/16” T bolts, making it the ideal solution for your solar projects. Metal, EPDM, TPO, SBS, & Asphalt compatible.
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
EDUCATIONAL TOOL
Class is in session! Elevate your solar installation skills with S-5-University, brought to you by The Metal Roof Experts™ at S-5! Dive into lessons on metal roofing basics, installation tips, wire management, balance of systems and more. Plus, watch real-world installations on standing seam and exposedfastened metal roofs using railed and rail-less attachment methods.
Upon completion, you’ll earn a certificate that showcases your expertise and sets you apart from other solar installers. This FREE online resource allows you to refine your skills and learn brand new techniques for installing PV modules on metal roofs. Pull up a chair, sharpen your pencils and take your solar and metal roofing skills to the next level with S-5University!
Rafter:
Square Holes
Say Goodbye to Rapid Shutdown Devices - FastRack FR510
The FR510 is your UL3741 certified racking solution for commercial flat roof PV. Injection molded from BASF’s durable Ultramid Nylon 6. Engineered to last and well suited for extreme weather conditions. Meet rapid shutdown without the need of MLPEs or RSDs; code compliant layout services provided (up to 46” wide module). Its one-piece, fully ballasted (hybrid) bucket design ships, stages, and installs quickly. By combining material strength with installation simplicity, we help streamline your project from start to finish. Contact us to learn how the FR510 can enhance your next PV build. Proudly made in the USA.
info@sollega.com • www.sollega.com
Brave the Hail and Reduce Average Annual Losses
Introducing Trinasolar’s hail-and-wind resistant Vertex modules with 3.2mm tempered glass and backsheet using the 210mm n-type TOPCon advanced technology platform trusted most by the solar industry. With thicker glass and added backsheet, the hail-and-wind-resistant Vertex modules deliver more protection to significantly reduce the expected average annual loss (AAL) from hail damage over the system’s lifetime.
Vertex N for utility-scale and C&I applications
• 620W maximum power output
• 23% maximum efficiency
• No module defects in tests with hailstone sizes up to 65mm at a 60° stow angle
Vertex S+ for residential and rooftop applications
• 445W maximum power output
• 22.3% maximum efficiency
• Up to 5400Pa wind resistance and protections against hailstones up to 45mm
• 25/25 TrinaProtect product and performance warranty
• A sleek all-black design
Solobox Rail ~ The Ultimate Junction Experience
The Solobox Rail provides unparalleled flexibility, allowing for installation anywhere on the roof—not just beneath the array—ensuring optimal positioning for any roof configuration. Engineered for quick and effortless setup, it requires just one screw and boasts a removable hinged lid, significantly cutting down on labor time and costs. Its innovative self-leveling clamp secures the junction box flush with the roof, enhancing durability and safeguarding your array panels. Built with resilient Noryl Resin, the Solobox Rail endures harsh weather and supports versatile conduit runs on any roof type, whether upslope or downslope. Universally compatible with all major rails, it is the most competitively priced rail-mounted junction box on the market, delivering exceptional quality without compromising your budget. Elevate your installation experience with Solobox Rail today!
IT’S BEEN 15 YEARS since Windpower Engineering & Development began reporting on the technology and advancements influencing the North American wind energy market, and we’re still finding new areas of focus. A booming construction market in the Midwestern United States transitioned to an emphasis on operations and maintenance to ensure longlasting projects. Now there’s increased excitement around offshore
wind and the larger turbines and transmission lines needed in this emerging market on this side of the Atlantic (and Pacific!).
We’ll continue following the trends and sharing the latest news on the WPED website, in our educational webinars and each month in our exclusive enewsetter to subscribers. We hope you enjoy this last print edition of the magazine, and we’ll see you in 2025 across our online platforms. WPE
How should carbon be valued in offshore wind?
Greg Matzat • VP & Market Director of Offshore Renewables • COWI
THE OFFSHORE WIND industry in North America stands on the cusp of transformative growth, with considerable progress made toward the U.S. goal to deploy 30 GW of offshore wind by 2030. Yet, as the sector races toward ambitious deployment targets, the critical lens of sustainability has, at times, been overshadowed by the immediate objectives of jobs, costs and energy output. We must not lose sight of the core reason for switching to renewable energy sources – decarbonization.
When renewable energy projects were first proposed, the carbon emitted throughout a project’s lifecycle was not considered, simply because the reduction in emissions from its operation compared to the status quo was so stark. But now, as we reach an era where renewable energy is common and grid emissions have reduced considerably, there is a growing need to consider the carbon emissions associated with a project’s design, component manufacturing, component transportation, construction, maintenance and decommissioning, as well as its operation.
It takes a typical offshore wind project one or more years of operation to reach the “break-even” point where its contribution to decarbonization offsets the embodied and operational carbon created by its construction and operation. Material
selection, sourcing, transportation and recycling as well as design can have a large effect on the carbon footprint of a project. Every additional ton of embodied carbon is another ton that ultimately must be removed from the environment.
This reality prompts a reflection on the industry’s traditional success metrics — cost efficiency and energy output — and beckons a more robust dialogue around the role of embodied and lifecycle carbon.
Moving beyond traditional sustainability initiatives
The U.S. Dept. of Energy has a relatively active track record when it comes to driving sustainability within the wind industry, with several initiatives being supported across design and materials, life extension and recycling. For example, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory are developing novel techniques for wind turbine generator design and manufacturing to reduce the amount of material needed. Meanwhile, last summer, $5.1 million in competition funding was announced to help develop a costeffective and sustainable recycling industry for fiber-reinforced composites and rare earth elements.
These efforts are a step in the right direction. However, the embodied carbon
break-even offset point could be achieved so much more quickly if the industry was able to step away from its cost-permegawatt capacity focus. However, as it stands, there are no standards set to minimize embodied carbon at an industry, state or federal level.
The simplest way would be for states to make this change as part of their renewable energy procurements. Currently, some states in their requests for proposals ask for embodied and lifecycle carbon information including how projects are seeking to reduce their carbon footprint, but this is typically informational and not used for scoring and selecting projects.
The end goal though would be to value and award projects based on their cost per ton for removing carbon. This would encourage companies to find more cost- and carbon-efficient ways to construct offshore wind while having a positive trickle-down effect on the supply chain. There are many novel designs, materials and construction methods that could be commercialized given the right environment.
Establishing benchmarks and supply chain transparency
When it comes to assessing and reducing the embodied carbon of projects, a key challenge for the global industry
adobe designer | Adobe Stock
remains in that there is currently no standard methodology for industry to calculate the embodied carbon of offshore wind developments. COWI is currently collaborating in the UK on the development of a carbon assessment process and taxonomy for offshore wind. The aim for this project is to provide a consistent, objective and industry-specific method to consider carbon at both the component and project level. The work also looks to understand how potential carbon emissions can be impacted by design decisions and how to identify opportunities for reduction.
This is a vital first step in properly valuing carbon emissions as part of any offshore wind project. Only through transparency and benchmarking can we understand where the biggest areas of opportunity lie for carbon reductions. At the design stage, the engineering team can work collaboratively with the project developer to understand how design and material and supplier choices impact the embodied carbon of the project. Recyclability must also be considered as it has a large impact on a project’s lifetime carbon footprint. Many older designs are significantly less carbon-efficient than what is possible today, and tomorrow’s designs will see improvements too as we take advantage of innovations such as low-carbon concrete.
The industry will also need to be cognizant of the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act’s domestic content requirements and its influence on sourcing. Already we see a positive shift away from carbon intensive suppliers of steel from countries such as China that typically use coal-powered blast furnaces vs. more efficient electric arc furnaces typical in the United States, despite carbon reduction not being the aim of the IRA. With intention, the impact could be much greater still, although it also poses a risk. It will be important for the United States to continue to invest in lowcarbon research and development and for policymakers to ensure policy does not unnecessarily lock the industry out of new low-carbon options developed domestically or abroad.
Longer-term opportunities
A longer-term opportunity for offshore wind is that of recycling and the circular economy. Recycling will play a critical role in reducing offshore wind’s full lifecycle emissions. Recycling can reduce a project’s carbon footprint by 20 to 25% or more. Offshore wind farms typically have a life expectancy of 25 to 30 years, much less than typical new nuclear or natural gas power plants. This is because offshore wind foundations, towers, blades and other components are fatiguelimited, so reusing foundations and towers and repowering is not viable. Therefore, projects must be decommissioned, recycled and replaced — creating a circular economy. Developing cost-effective ways to remove and recycle monopiles in their entirety, not just the part above the seabed as currently required by BOEM, and buried array and export cables, which are also currently allowed to be left in place, are just a few ways to reduce lifetime carbon emissions. Cost-effective methods to recycle blades are also critical and a key area being worked on.
Uniquely positioned to value carbon
As North America gears up for significant growth in offshore wind, the United States is uniquely positioned to create an industry that properly values the carbon offset contributions of each project. While the country is forging ahead on sustainability, targeted measures are needed to encourage more efficient design and lower carbon materials and construction techniques.
Initiatives such as the forthcoming carbon assessment process offer much-needed transparency on embodied carbon and will serve as a guide for policymakers, engineers and developers to maximize offshore wind’s decarbonization potential. With the country’s very first offshore wind projects now powering homes in the Northeast and hundreds more wind turbines under construction offshore, the time for action is now to chart a greener course for offshore wind. WPE
FIREPROOFING
Fireproofing offshore wind for a sustainable future
Stuart White • Operations Director • Blaze Manufacturing Solutions
THE OFFSHORE WIND sector is critical to achieving net-zero goals and ensuring energy security. As governments around the world hedge their bets on offshore wind being a key driver to meeting those sustainability goals, it has never been more important to ensure that safety is at the forefront of decision-making to keep critical assets online. However, this sector faces unique fire safety challenges that could have significant consequences if not addressed properly.
Unique challenges require unique solutions
Fire incidents on offshore wind assets, particularly on transformer platforms, can have catastrophic consequences. In 2022, 225 high-potential incidents were reported in the UK offshore wind sector, a 10% increase on 2021, and while only a small proportion of these could relate to transformer platforms, it highlights the risks the sector faces.
Offshore wind farms are typically located far from shore, making immediate emergency response difficult and, as a result, the time to reach these remote locations can significantly increase the severity of the incident. They are often unmanned, and any personnel working
on offshore wind farms have limited evacuation options, further increasing the need for a bespoke automatic solution.
Transformer platforms serve as central hubs for multiple turbines, converting the alternating current (AC) generated by the offshore wind turbines to direct current (DC) for efficient long-distance transmission, making them critical nodes in the infrastructure. They house vital equipment that can be highly susceptible to damage from fires, leading to electrical failures, loss of power control and even explosions, resulting in multiple turbines being rendered unavailable. Adding further complexity is the need for specialist equipment and firefighting techniques suited to the mitigation of electrical fires in the marine environment.
The immediate consequence of a transformer platform going offline is a reduction in the supply of renewable energy to the grid and, as we increase renewable capacity, wind farms are increasingly integral to maintaining grid stability.
The sudden loss of power from an offshore wind
farm can strain other parts of the power network, requiring rapid adjustments to maintain grid reliability, and possibly leading to increased use of less environmentally friendly backup power sources like fossil fuels.
Safeguarding these installations is key, not only to protect infrastructure, but to ensure ongoing supply of renewable energy supply to the grid. These unique challenges and their subsequent consequences require unique solutions.
Out with the old, in with the new, right? Wrong. While it feels relatively new, the first offshore wind farm –Vindeby Offshore Wind Farm –was actually built off the Danish coast in 1991. The fixed wind farm was located in water depths reaching only 4 m and didn’t require a transformer platform, but it inspired the development of offshore wind energy over the next three decades.
Now, with offshore wind farms dating back to 2006 still in operation, we should not underestimate the importance of protecting
aging infrastructure alongside new field development. In fact, aging assets — and retrofitting them with appropriate fire detection systems — may pose the greatest challenge.
Fire safety regulations evolve over time, and maintaining aging assets helps ensure they remain reliable and compliant with current standards. This is essential for legal and operational reasons, but regular maintenance and upgrades of fire safety systems can contribute to extending overall asset life, improving long-term viability and performance.
Ultimately, as fire safety technology improves, maintaining and upgrading systems on aging assets allows wind farms to benefit from enhanced detection and suppression capabilities to protect critical infrastructure.
Tapping into the right expertise
Choosing the right partner becomes not just beneficial, but essential — both for new and aging infrastructure.
While the scale and complexity of the fire safety and detection system required on offshore transformer platforms may not be the same as oil and gas situations, the knowledge of working in harsh or remote environments to protect critical infrastructure is.
The offshore wind sector is a cornerstone of the transition to sustainable energy, but it comes with distinct challenges that cannot be understated. Effective fire safety solutions are not just about safeguarding the infrastructure; they are crucial for maintaining the steady supply of renewable energy that modern power grids increasingly rely on. But, to address these challenges, the right partner is vital.
While the oil and gas sector and the renewables industry have not always seen eye to eye, they must work together to tap into vital skills, knowledge and expertise that is unique to these sectors if we are to succeed in achieving a resilient, reliable renewables future. WPE
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