Solar Power World - JANUARY 2015

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pages 55 - 117 January 2015 www.solarpowerworldonline.com

Technology • Development • Installation

Developments

IN SOLAR MODULES ALSO INSIDE

Removing snow Blogging for business Experiencing a fire test

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THE FIRST WORD Editorial Advisory Board Natalie Holtgrefe Solectria Renewables Jose Gomez Ingeteam Steve Hogan Spire Devon Cichoski SolarWorld Marcelo Gomez Unirac Justin Barnes North Carolina (State University) Solar Center Scott Wiater Standard Solar

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

We’re focused on you Happy new year! Have you made resolutions for 2015? Maybe you’ll anchor yourself every time you work on a roof. Maybe you’ll commit to more frequent Facebook updates (pictures, please). At Solar Power World, we have steered our ship toward one goal. Simply, we want to help you do your job better, starting today. With that mission in mind, we will continue to deliver the most useful information about solar technology, development and installation, while expanding our regular coverage to include software and solar services.

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

Leading companies share the latest on frameless modules, cell efficiencies, solar shingles and integrated modules. Future special sections will focus on racking and mounting (March), inverters and storage (August) and financing and insurance (November).

While modules, inverters and mounting comprise a bulk of the solar industry, as well as our coverage, there is much more to the business.

Software, for instance, is increasingly a game-changer. Financing software helps businesses obtain funding. Design software assists with complex layout decisions. Sales software helps sell solar faster. Our first article discusses how manufacturers use software to help customers—and themselves.

While software deals with intangibles, sometimes a successful business just needs help mowing the grass. Our new section on solar services helps you find the help you need to improve your business, from O&M to engineering services.

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

Finally, with our revised “Projects Spotlight” section, we aim to share stories from the field and what technology is used to make projects successful. All of this is in addition to our insightful marketing, finance and installation columns, features and other unique, highvalue content. Enjoy 2015, and good luck making the most of your solar business. We’ll be here to help you along the way! SPW

Connect and discuss this and other solar issues with thousands of professionals online

@Solar2Steven @SolarPowerWorld

Associate Editor Steven Bushong sbushong@wtwhmedia.com

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Technology • Development • Installation

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E D I T O R I A L EDITORIAL Managing Editor Kathie Zipp kzipp@wtwhmedia.com @SolarKathieZ Associate Editor Steven Bushong sbushong@wtwhmedia.com @Solar2Steven

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CONTENTS

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ON THE COVER ON THE COVER

SPECIAL SECTION: Developments In Solar Modules Find out about frameless designs, the benefits of integrated modules, what’s new with solar shingles

Ja n ua r y 2 0 1 5 • vol 5 n o 1 w w w. so l ar p o w e r w o rl do nl in e .co m

32 34 40 118 22 INVERTER INSIDER 28 RACKING & MOUNTING

Earth screws, tracking and elevated systems

32 BATTERIES, STORAGE & OFF-GRID Microgrid charter school retrofit

34 SERVICES

Snow removal and custom manufacturing

and the importance of miniscule differences in panel efficiencies.

SOLAR LEADERSHIP

Hybrids in the U.S.

38 SOFTWARE

FIRST WORD MARKETING INSTALLATION PRACTICES FINANCING

118 122 124 126

PROJECTS CONTRACTORS CORNER SOLAR SNAPSHOT PRODUCTS SPOTLIGHT

Associate editor Steven Bushong witnessed a panel fire test at UL headquarters and brings us a detailed behind-the-scenes look.

Distribution transformers that feed power from utility lines to homes and businesses could soon change into devices that double as inverters.

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40 ARRAY AFLAME: Viewing a PV system fire test at Underwriters Laboratories

50 TRANSFORMER TRANSFORMATION: Your next solar inverter could be a distribution transformer

Web-based tools

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[MARKETING]

New England Clean Energy shares tips on blogging for new business SPW: Do you talk generically about the industry or specifically about your business?

NECE: The Energy Miser is not a stream of Content marketing has become an important tool in business marketing efforts,

Heather Centorbi

Heather Centorbi is a Marketing Coordinator at WTWH Media, the publisher of Solar Power World.

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

and solar companies are embracing it with blog initiatives. REC Solar, Run on Sun and SolarCity each have popularized their blogs. And perhaps you’ve encountered The Energy Miser from Mark Durrenberger, president of Massachusetts-based solar installation company New England Clean Energy.

We asked the company’s marketing director, Susan Boucher, to share some thoughts on the aim and production of The Energy Miser.

Solar Power World: Why do you think it’s important to blog?

New England Clean Energy: It’s important to blog simply for SEO. Relevant content brings people in and introduces them to our business. In the past 30 days, The Energy Miser has had nearly 1,000 hits. For a small, local installer, we see that as a huge success.

In addition, we’ve always been a company that focuses on education. An educated consumer is our best customer. The blog is a perfect forum for digging into solar issues and developments in more detail than Facebook, Twitter and our e-newsletter allow.

Site stats suggest people are reading full articles.

They spend much more time on our blog pages than our website pages (or maybe they’re just going to get a cup of coffee while the blog is up on their monitor).

SPW: What are some of the key blogwriting guidelines you follow?

NECE: We try to stick to 300 to 500 words and include at least one visual to spice it up. We love data and charts. Content-wise, we shoot for conversational and educational with a touch of humor.

SPW: How frequently do you blog?

NECE: The goal is to blog at least monthly. It usually ends up being slightly less due to lack of time.

Because our blog has in-depth articles rather than a daily diary approach, this frequency seems to work.

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consciousness blog where Mark says what he had for breakfast or reports a funny comment he heard at the bank. We use Twitter and Facebook for brief observations or quips.

While his personality comes through on The Energy Miser, it’s not about him. It’s about solar. We focus on in-depth analysis of solar industry issues seen through the lens of our own experience. Mark interprets issues, technologies or trends, and brings them to life with his own analysis or anecdotes.

SPW: How do you make sure people find your blog?

NECE: We use our social media outlets— Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn—to drive people to The Energy Miser, and we often link to the blog in our e-newsletter. Recently, we added the blog URL to our business cards.

SPW: What’s been your most popular blog so far?

NECE: Our most popular post is, “Tree Math: Solar Panels vs. Trees, What’s the Carbon Trade-off?” It was published two years ago and is still, consistently, our most popular post, even though some of the links have long since disappeared. Our readers find the content still relevant though. Plus, we actively refer people to that post who are debating taking down trees to make solar work.

SPW: Have you ever encountered challenges or complaints about your blog and how did you deal with it?

NECE: One time a customer thought they were portrayed negatively in an example, though no name was given. We didn’t agree—we would never try to cast a customer in a negative light. We were happy to respond by simply removing that reference from the post. SPW

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[INSTALLATION PRACTICES]

Three quick tips for solar mounting Removing nails Nail removal is necessary on most flashings to position the upper edge of the flashing up into the third course of shingles. To remove a nail, use a roofing bar or flat bar and follow these steps:

Jeff Spies

Solar Power World Contributor

Jeff Spies is senior director of policy for Quick Mount PV and Secretary of NABCEP.

See these and other tips performed on video at the Quick Mount PV website, www.quickmountpv.com.

1. Break the shingle seal in the proper location.

Be careful not to damage the shingles. A key consideration is making sure you are at the seal strip area and not separating laminated layers of the shingles.

2. Using a roofing bar, separate the lower shingle from the upper shingle while feeling for the nail locations.

3. Use the wedge tip of the tool to pry the nail up and remove the nail from between the shingles on the course above. You will need to break the seal in the next course upward to remove the nail.

A hole will remain where the nail once was. While flashing will cover the hole, it’s good practice to apply a small amount of sealant to the puncture, completely filling it, but not too much or you could blister the shingle.

Installing wood blocks Sometimes it’s not possible to mount directly to a rafter. When the mount falls between two rafters, it is required that you install wood blocks between rafters. Wood blocking allows installers to place the mount anywhere, without concern for rafter locations.

Wood blocking can be done with two-by-fours, two-by-sixes or four-by-fours. Quick Mount PV recommends a four-by-four as it offers the largest mounting surface and full lag screw engagement with the rafter.

Follow these steps:

2. Inside the attic, measure the distance between rafters where the hole is drilled.

3. Measure and cut the wood block to that length.

4. Insert the block between rafters centered under the holes for each mount.

5. Use screws or nails to secure the wood block to the rafters.

Cutting tile for hooks Often, installers choose to use tile hooks to save time because they don’t require a top flashing. To begin, remove the tiles under which you will work.

For curved tiles, make sure your hook is positioned at the side of the valley of the tile. That minimizes the amount of tile lug—the thicker part of the tile near the edge—that you will have to cut, but make sure you have sufficient clearance under the hook so it will not strike the top of the tile under compression loading. With your tile hook securely installed, position the tile over the tile hook and mark the tile lug on both sides of the tile hook. A tuckpointing blade is best for cutting off this section of the tile lugs. A conventional

Wood blocking allows installers to place the mount anywhere, without concern for rafter locations.

1. Drill a hole where the mount will be positioned.

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[INSTALLATION PRACTICES] diamond blade is best for cutting holes. Safety glasses and a dusk mask are musts for cutting tile.

Rest the tile on a sturdy surface and hold the saw firmly to avoid injury. Use the tuck pointing blade to remove just enough lug to allow the tile to sit back in place comfortably over the hook. If the tile does not sit back down properly, you need to remove more of the lug, or sometimes a bit of the tile further up that might interfere with the upper part of the hook. SPW

How Much Uncertainty Can You Afford?

The "fuel" of a solar project is the most critical factor driving its commercial success or failure. Where is irradiance strongest. How much year-to-year power variability is expected? What are the exceedance values at the site? Without answers to these questions, it is impossible to assess a project's feasibility or manage your exposure to risk. Vaisala accurately answers these questions anywhere on Earth. We provide a systematic progression of services to help you manage the risk of solar resource variability.

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[FINANCING]

Appealing to investors: Tips for a great data room

Haresh Patel

Special To Solar Power World

Haresh Patel is the CEO and cofounder of Mercatus, a provider of cloud-based software solutions that simplify renewable energy investment.

Building strong relationships with energy investors is crucial for solar developers who want to receive financing for projects. One powerful way to speed up project finance, while also building strong partnerships, is to focus on presenting projects in a way that is appealing to investors.

If investors do not provide specific guidelines on how they want to receive information about a project, developers should focus on building a great data room, a place online where companies share business documents. These are my top three rules for a great data room: • Transparency • Transparency • Transparency Here are my best practices to effectively achieve transparency:

Include an executive summary An up-to-date executive summary saves investors’ time. This will be the first document reviewed before logging into your data room. A great executive summary should be three pages at most and communicate the following: • • • • • • • •

What is your ask?

Project size (DC and AC) Estimated total project cost Annual production (kWhr or MWhr) Project location Project merits Developer’s history and experience Third parties involved. Mention if a third party can be substituted. Investors value flexibility and may prefer their own EPC and O&M partners.

• Timeline of target dates for key milestones (site control, key permits, power purchase agreements, interconnection, commencement of construction, commercial operation date, etc.)

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• Key document summaries—a brief paragraph summarizing the status of key documents. For example, you may write, “Interconnection Agreement is expected in December 2015. Facilities Study received in July 2015. Estimated interconnection upgrade cost of $350,000, in which $100,000 due at execution of the Interconnection Agreement and the balance, $250,000, due at commercial operation.”

• Financial summary—as an initial litmus test investors typically look at unlevered pre-tax and after-tax IRRs. Developers can prevent unnecessary back and forth with investors by having a simple, but accurate unlevered pro-forma available.

Note: This is also applicable for a portfolio of projects.

Present an up-to-date and relevant data room Spending hours or days reviewing a data room in detail and then receiving an email with 30 additional documents that should have been there in the first place is extremely frustrating. At the same time, don’t dump every project document you have into the data room. Be comprehensive, but no investor needs to review version 2 of 8 of a Site Lease Agreement.

Create a folder nomenclature Investors greatly appreciate being able to easily navigate a data room. A simple folder hierarchy for a renewable energy project should include the following categories: Site Control, Environmental, Permits, Production, Interconnection, Off-take, EPC, Project Company, O&M, Financials.

Have a document nomenclature Similarly, a simple document naming methodology simplifies the experience for an

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[FINANCING]

investor. Answer the following questions: 1) What is this document? 2) What version is it? 3) What is the date? 4) Is it executed?

An example of an executed Power Purchase Agreement would look like this: PPA_Final_081413_FullyExecuted.

Don’t hide skeletons Developers are often reluctant to share any potentially detrimental information about a project. Nevertheless, hiding information that will eventually be uncovered during the due diligence process destroys credibility and jeopardizes the entire project. Be

upfront with potential project risks and communicate the actions in place to resolve them.

Much of this may seem like common sense, yet we see insufficient organization and transparency every day. At Mercatus, we have appraised over 22 GW of renewable energy assets. Ideally, developers could solicit projects with a score recognized industry-wide, but until that is established transparency is required by developers to unlock capital and get lots of projects across the finish line. SPW

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

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SPECIAL SECTION GENERATION TECHNOLOGIES

on Shedding Solar Shingles

MICHELLE DIFRANGIA ASSISTANT EDITOR

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Apollo solar shingles and tiles are made up of crystalline silicon solar cells and can withstand winds up to 110 mph.

BIPV

is a quickly growing sector of the global solar market.

Transparency Market Research expects this area to grow by 18.7% by 2019, reaching 1.15 GW. One BIPV product picking up popularity is the solar shingle.

By nature of their design, solar shingles are primarily geared for the residential market, said Josh Wimble, communications manager at Dow Solar, manufacturer of the Powerhouse Solar Shingle. This is because sloped shingle and tile rooftops are most often found on single-family homes.

Solar shingles not only look aesthetically pleasing, they also serve a function outside powering the house.

Apollo, a solar shingle developed by building products manufacturer CertainTeed, is designed with waterproofing capabilities.

Solar shingles increase the integrity of the roof over conventional panels by having 10 times fewer roof penetrations and greatly reducing wind uplift concerns.

“The Apollo panels generate electricity from the PV cells and also function as the roof itself by shedding water just like the surrounding shingles or tiles, so you don’t have to install a roof underneath it,” said Mark Stancroff, director at CertainTeed.

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SPECIAL SECTION GENERATION TECHNOLOGIES

“Solar shingles increase the integrity of the roof over conventional panels by having 10 times fewer roof penetrations and greatly reducing wind uplift concerns,” added Wimble.

Perhaps the biggest news in solar shingle technology is the ability to integrate with a wider variety of roofing materials. Initially, solar shingles could only integrate with standard asphalt shingles. But now, Dow has developed its shingles to integrate with cedar shake, concrete and clay tile, polymer and traditional slate.

Another added benefit is that solar shingles don’t use traditional rack mounts, thus are free from configuring balance-of-system technologies into the installation. CertainTeed’s

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SPECIAL SECTION GENERATION TECHNOLOGIES

polymeric frame allows the shingle to seamlessly integrate with the roof and provides hassle-free roof replacement.

“With standard rack and panel, the entire system needs to be pulled off and reinstalled when replacing the roof. But with solar shingles, the system can stay in place and the new roof can be installed around it,” said Stancroff.

Although solar shingles are a viable option when retrofitting existing roofs, Chris Jones, commercial director at Dow Solar, said homeowners receive the greatest financial return when shingles are installed when building new or re-roofing existing homes.

crew can be trained to install the solar shingles and do the installation in only a little more time than it takes to re-roof with ordinary shingles.”

An array of 350 shingles could reduce one's electric bill by 40 to 60%, but it costs upward of $20,000. However, in addition to federal, state and local incentives, companies like Dow Solar and

CertainTeed are finding their own ways to drive costs down and make solar shingles pricecompetitive with rooftop solar. For Dow, customer savings start by working closely with builders and roofers, selling kitted systems with all the necessary parts rather than pricing individual components, and giving region-based quotes that include local labor costs. SPW

With standard rack and panel, the entire system needs to be pulled off and reinstalled when replacing the roof. But with solar shingles, the system can stay in place and the new roof can be installed around it.

Powerhouse shingles, made of CIGS thin-film solar cells, are certified to resist up to 150-mph winds, hail up to 1.25 in. in diameter and heavy rain.

“It allows a homeowner or homebuilder to install a solar array with the same roofing labor, while saving money by off-setting reroofing material costs,” said Wimble.

“With increasing simplicity, a roofing

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SPECIAL SECTION GENERATION TECHNOLOGIES

Integrated solar modules COME WITH

KATHIE ZIPP

MANAGING EDITOR

Power optimizer and microinverter companies are joining with module manufacturers to offer more integrated solutions to the solar market. But what is the difference between these systems and what advantages do they offer solar contractors?

“The microinverter is converting DC into AC, while a power optimizer performs DC to DC conversion, and therefore an inverter (to convert DC to AC) is needed in a grid-connected system,” said Juan Carlos Gonzalez, senior technical manager at Jinko Solar. “Also, optimizers tend to be more efficient, while microinverters tend to have more flexibility.”

Gonzalez added that buying a solar module with an integrated

Some integrated solar module partnerships: Andalay and Enphase Axitec and Tigo Energy Canadian Solar ET Solar and SolarBridge JA Solar and Tigo Energy or SolarEdge Jinko Solar and Tigo Energy Mage Solar and SolarBridge Trina Solar and Tigo Energy Upsolar and Tigo Energy Yingli and Tigo Energy

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electronic offers some advantages for installers rather than buying them separately.

“From a logistics point of view, there are no extra boxes, shipping, warehousing or extra part numbers needed,” he said.

Brian Cox of Axitec Solar added that from a construction standpoint, there is no additional hardware required, no pre-configurations and no additional communication connections required during the installation with integrated modules.

“Less wiring and avoiding having to install the electronics separately makes installation easier,” he said.

Don Hammond, vice president of sales and marketing at Mage Solar, also sees the advantages integrated modules offer solar installers.

“Installers love that integrated panels just plug in to each other without any high voltage DC. This makes installation much safer and panels can be shut down individually if needed,” he said. “Because of their plug-and-play technology, integrated systems can be expanded without problems. This usually eliminates

any initial consumer hesitations because the systems can be scaled to accommodate any budget.

Usually, integrated modules offer the same warranty conditions as a traditional PV module, about 25 years, said ET Solar product manager Zhaoyang Zhang. However, the price can run a bit higher.

Still, while the initial hard costs might be higher in some cases, Hammond says they can be quickly recouped after considering the saved installation labor and time.

“It’s really hard to think of an actual disadvantage these modules might present,” Hammond said. “It’s a relatively young technology and so maybe one of the challenges for the industry is to create more awareness and provide better information about the ease of use and installation for integrated modules.” SPW

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SPECIAL SECTION GENERATION TECHNOLOGIES

Why news OF IN

efficiency are important STEVEN BUSHONG ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Solar panel manufacturers produce a steady stream of news about advancements made in labs. Often, news heralds a higher efficiency solar cell— usually a few tenths of a percent at a time.

“Any corporation out there, from Apple to Ford, wants to show they’re continuing to innovate and answering the needs of their customers,” said Daniel Chang, product manager at Trina Solar. “They’re saying, ‘We’re walking the walk.’”

Sounds good. But, from a technical standpoint, is a few tenths of a percent really that important?

long-term success of solar technology.

“A one-point rise in module efficiency (e.g. 16% to 17%) is worth about 1.5 to 3 cents per watt in installation cost savings,” said Lyle Rawlings, president and CEO of Advanced Solar Products. “In any spaceconstrained project, it can make the difference between a sale and no sale.”

In the 1980s, solar modules sold for $100/watt. Improvements in manufacturing, such as the way a cell is doped or cut from raw material, have cut manufacturing costs to about $.50/watt.

“Every time our industry doubles

data sheets, installation manuals, collateral, sample modules and certifications,” Chang said. “All of those little parts need to be taken care of before we can sell.”

Chang said most reported efficiency improvements eventually make it into manufacturing, especially as the go-to-market process in the solar industry matures. But companies must also consider their manufacturing capacity and the stomach of customers.

“If we were to ask our production team to make something that’s not going to sell, it’s cannibalizing on what we can currently produce,” Chang said. “We’re

A one-point rise in module efficiency (e.g. 16% to 17%) is worth about 1.5 to 3 cents per watt in installation cost savings.

“People seem to think of this like test scores—a 100% versus a 99.5%,” said Tom Thompson, key account manager at JA Solar. “They think, what’s the big deal? But it is a big deal.”

These small improvements have at least two important consequences, according to experts. First, even a small efficiency increase can make a remarkable reduction in installed cost.

And second, they contribute to the 18

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production, costs drop by about 20%,” Thompson said.

For solar installers to benefit from increased solar cell efficiencies, R&D needs to make it into a company’s manufacturing line, and at a price consumers are willing to pay.

A typical module can take three months to two years to complete the whole process, experts said.

“The go-to-market process includes

constantly listening to our customers.”

As the industry matures, it appears customers continue to demand higher efficiencies at lower cost, and module companies are happy to report on their progress, which comes with one more benefit: Higher efficiency modules mean fewer are needed for a target output, and solar can reduce the ecological footprint of energy production even more. SPW

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SPECIAL SECTION GENERATION TECHNOLOGIES

THE

ON

frameless modules KELLY PICKEREL ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The frameless crystalline solar module is gaining traction in the industry. Some customers prefer the way they look and how they perform.

But even with their benefits over their framed cousins, frameless modules haven't picked up much steam in the installation department. Here's a quick summary of what's out there and what's holding them back.

worried about potential induced degradation (PID). Electrical current can’t leak out of a frame that isn’t there, so modules are more efficient.

If it’s a dual-glass module, it has a stronger fire safety rating because there’s no backsheet. Frameless modules also provide a unique aesthetic value for customers who want to blend their solar systems into roofs.

Types A frameless module has a pretty obvious definition—there’s no frame.

A dual glass (AKA glass-on-glass or glass-glass, among other names) is also pretty self-explanatory—solar cells are sandwiched between two pieces of glass. Keep in mind that frameless is not a synonym for glass-on-glass. SolarWorld’s glass-glass module (the Sunmodule Protect) has an aluminum frame.

On the other end, Solaria’s range of frameless crystalline solar panels have a backsheet instead of two glass pieces. So make sure you're dealing with a true frameless module.

Benefits The most notable benefit is no need for grounding. Without a metal frame, frameless modules are less likely to shock workers. Frameless modules are also great for those 20

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Detriments Why aren’t more frameless modules installed in the field? The main holdup is the lack of compatible mounting systems. A number of mounting companies cater to specific types of frameless modules—including Array Technologies trackers and Schletter’s Eco Series laminate clamps—but they’re almost entirely for thin-film frameless modules. A few companies, such as Lumos Solar, manufacture both the modules and the racking systems and have carved out a nice niche for themselves. Lumos’s LSX frameless modules mount with their own racking solution, providing customers a one-stop shop.

Outlook Most companies seem to be dabbling in the frameless pool but are not diving head-first. Trina Solar’s PDG5/

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Duo Max dual glass module has been on the North America market for more than a year. Canadian Solar will release its double-glass Diamond Module sometime in 2015. But as more and more module manufacturers announce their own frameless models, the need for mounting is necessary for market growth.

Lumos Solar has been in a class of its own for a while—offering both the module and the racking. “It's interesting to us to see big guys now offering frameless modules,” says Scott Franklin, president and CEO of Lumos Solar. “I think they've all realized a few things— there's no PID, there's no corrosion of the frames, there are a lot of durability benefits. I think they're just trying to find other niches and areas to push into.

"I suspect you'll see a lot more frameless modules being used in utility-scale installations and larger installations, because they're looking for a lower cost wherever they can. If they can find a smart mounting solution, then they can eliminate the cost of frames.

There's definitely an opportunity." SPW

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INVERTER INSIDER

KATHIE ZIPP

MANAGING EDITOR

How are

inverters used in solar projects?

A hybrid inverter system in a residential installation. Hybrid inverters work with batteries to store power.-OutBack Power.

Hybrid inverters are commonly used in the developing world, but they are starting to make their way into daily use in certain areas of the U.S due to their ability to stabilize energy availability.

A solar inverter’s main job is to convert DC power generated from the array into usable AC power. Hybrid inverters go a step further and work with batteries to store excess power as well. This type of system solves 22

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issues renewable energy variability and unreliable grid structures.

“Inverters for grid-tied applications can only provide power based on what the array can immediately generate from the sun,” explained Bryan Whitton, product manager at Darfon. “Hybrid inverters can store power in batteries and then drawn upon it as needed for energy stabilization.”

Hybrid inverters can vary in size, performance and features. But Mara White, product manager for OutBack

Power, said most models usually operate bi-directionally, meaning they can convert DC power from modules to usable AC power and then convert stored AC from the batteries to power loads when needed. “Hybrids can also remain grid-connected and use a mix of renewable and non-renewable energy to charge batteries and offset loads,” White added.

Some contractors have used hybrid inverters in the residential, remote home applications for the past decade or two. But Allan Gregg, VP of applications engineering at GreatWall— which manufactures Satcon inverters— said the range of applications has expanded over the past few years to include large capacity microgrids as well as grid-connected systems.

Historically, hybrid inverters have been used more frequently in developing countries that do not have access to a reliable power grid.

“In North America and Europe, hybrid inverter-based systems are usually elective,” White explained. “Users choose to use them for storing energy for self-consumption or provide backup power during emergencies. But in the developing world, hybrids are more of a necessity to compensate for weak or intermittent grids or a lack of grid

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INVERTER INSIDER

Grid or Gen Solar Array Load

Energy Storage Hybrid Inverter An example of power flow in a hybrid inverter system.

The inverter can direct power to a load or the grid if needed, or store it in batteries if not. It can also use power from the grid if needed. -GreatWall

electricity all together. Microgrids in places such as India, Asia and Africa are also driving hybrid inverter adaptation.”

Still, Whitton said hybrid models are beginning to be used on a more daily basis in areas of the U.S. where the grid is unpredictable, such as Hawaii, or in states where net-metering has been widely supported. “Applications with less than ideal solar characteristic are also good for hybrid-based systems because they can store power and redistribute it during peak times, improving payback,” he added. “Basically, if the site has the potential for losing the grid frequently, you should consider a hybrid for offgrid operation.”

Having the flexibility of a hybrid system can add initial cost to a project, though experts say this can be offset by the ability to self-consume all of one’s available PV electricity.

There are also important design considerations when using hybrid inverters. For example, Gregg warned that the battery bank voltage should be compatible with the DC input requirements of the inverter, and there should be enough solar capacity to supply the load as well as charge the batteries.

Wiring can also be more complex when using hybrid inverters, especially when panels are dedicated for critical 24

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backed-up loads. “And as with any device that does several jobs at once, a hybrid inverter is usually slightly less efficient,” White added, “although, improvements in other balance-ofsystem components can compensate for

that slight loss easily.”

There are also specific electrical safety issues with any type of energy storage, so White recommended getting specialized training in energy storage techniques and design. “Most available

Another breed of hybrids Another segment of hybrid inverters includes inverters that can use two energy sources. For example, Ginlong offers a PV / wind hybrid inverter that has inputs for both sources, instead of having to use two inverters. In much of the United States, wind speeds are low in the summer when the sun shines brightest and longest.

The wind is strong in the winter when less sunlight is available. Therefore, because the peak operating times for wind and solar systems occur at different times of the day and year, such hybrid systems have the potential to produce power when it’s needed, and reach a higher return on investment.

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INVERTER INSIDER

training is focused on simple grid-tied systems because they have been the majority of U.S. solar installations until now,” she said. “But with incentives changing and the surge in energy storage interest and applications, it’s important to get ahead of the curve and get advanced training quickly.”

Andrew McCalla of Austin, Texas-based Meridian Solar, a Solar Power World top contractor, said he commonly used hybrids in the mid to late '90s when the now standard grid-tie inverter sector was just a glimmer. “I can imagine that, when regulatory hurdles are fabricated to limit the consumer and societal benefits of bi-directional power flow from distributed generation, these batterybased platforms will become far more common. What is old is new again!” SPW

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Solar Hybrid Energy Systems • Patent(s) Pending

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RACKING & MOUNTING

STEVEN BUSHONG ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Mounting Systems tackles a

project with earth screws

Earth screws are a fast and easy way to install a foundation for a ground mount.

The Desert Research Institute, the environmental research arm of the Nevada System of Higher Education, has installed a number of solar arrays to demonstrate what can be accomplished with renewable energy.

One installation, however, proved to be particularly challenging. A facility located outside Reno, Nevada, had plenty of electric demand but limited space to build. An uneven and rocky hillside was the only viable location for its 1-MW array.

Contractor Hamilton Solar needed adjustability, strength and a fast install from its mounting. Solar mounting provider Mounting Systems was able to use a combination of its versatile Sigma II system along with earth screws to provide a 28

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product that met these expectations.

“With the rocky terrain, piles were not a feasible solution,” said Justin Upchurch, business development manager at Mounting Systems. “Earth screws are a fast and easy way to install a foundation for a ground mount system.”

Earth screws use a pull-test similar to what’s used with piles. Rocky terrain may call for pre-drilling, but ground screws are typically much faster than installing in concrete, Upchurch said.

The MSI Sigma II system includes legs that attach to concrete, piles or earth screws. Some projects call for a combination of foundation types on one table. Mounting Systems has also developed adapters that speed up the

racking-to-screw attachment. When properly installed, earth screws allow for vertical adjustment, which can be helpful on uneven terrain.

One of the inherent challenges at the Desert Research Institute project was the variety of tables and the intricacies of managing different table sizes. Mounting Systems tackled the challenge through constant communication with Hamilton Solar and the adjustability offered by earth screws.

“As long as a certain percentage of the earth screw was in the ground, you could modify the height to match Sigma II legs perfectly,” Upchurch said. SPW

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RACKING & MOUNTING

with Mechatron, manufacturer of large solar trackers Mechatron Solar, headquartered in Redwood City, Calif., is an international manufacturer of large photovoltaic trackers. The company’s single-axis, dual-axis and CPV trackers are designed to maximize performance in any climate and terrain condition.

Mechatron’s trackers incorporate patented hydraulic motion mechanisms that offer high rotation accuracy, and the astronomical algorithm of its software platform offers an accurate daily tracking function. We asked Mechatron CEO Michael Fakukakis a few questions about the company’s trackers.

Solar Power World: Mechatron is relatively new to the United States, but the company has more than 3,500 solar trackers operating in Europe.

Why did the company decide to bring its technology to the U.S. now?

Michael Fakukakis: We analyzed the U.S. market potential and decided that our product innovation, project development experience and track record in Europe were unique and decisive factors for the company to expand its footprint in the U.S. marketplace. In the beginning of 2014, we established a legal entity and commenced technical assessment trials at the PV USA facility in Davis, Calif., run

by PV Evolution Labs. As of September 2014, we have officially started sales and marketing activities and building the assembly facility necessary to develop products for U.S. customers.

SPW: We know trackers deliver up to 40% increased performance over fixed-mount systems. Beyond that, what is the key benefit of Mechatron’s solar trackers?

MF: Mechatron has developed a unique technology for its rotation mechanism, which is protected by international patent.

It incorporates zero backlash capability,

SPW: What interest has Mechatron received from the U.S. solar market?

auto-protection slippage in extreme torque situations, auto-stow and returnto-tracking software routines under windy conditions or power outages. The ideal combination of mechanics and software algorithms guarantees uninterrupted operations that are immune to external conditions, minimizing downtime and maintenance requirements and maximizing electricity production for the duration of PPA contracts.

Also, our tracking mechanics, which use quadruple optical conductors and position-based tracer, offer the highest accuracy. Our standard PV dualaxis tracker, D170, was measured by PV Evolution Labs at ±1 of a degree for both azimuthal and zenith movements while our CPV tracker was measured at ±0.1 of a degree accuracy, making the C140 the most accurate tracker in the CPV marketplace.

MF: Mechatron has enjoyed a great positive reaction from developers, EPCs and solar investors in the California and Arizona areas. We have signed agreements with regional solar developers and have started developing technical studies for a number of medium size projects in excess of 15 MW capacity.

SPW: In Europe, where do you typically see Mechatron trackers?

MF: Mechatron’s majority of installations are in utility projects with the offtaker being the state-owned electric company. Because the concept of net metering was not incorporated in the EU countries, almost all on-grid solar farms deployed with Mechatron trackers were selling their electricity production to local utilities. The recent introduction of net metering will enrich the opportunities to implement Mechatron’s trackers in large commercial and agricultural installations.

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RACKING & MOUNTING SPW: A Mechatron tracker is a very large piece of equipment. The dualaxis machine spans 55 feet. What considerations regarding labor and cost must be made when a developer is looking at this technology?

MF: Mechatron is transferring its long projects management and deployment experience from Europe to the U.S. market by training the technical teams of its customers to optimize the installation time per tracker in the field. Average installation time per dual-axis tracker, including panel installation and cabling, is less than one day with four technicians. In addition to labor costs savings, if the terrain requires earth-moving and flattening, Mechatron’s trackers are immune and indifferent to land conditions due to their ballasted-base small footprint.

SPW: What kind of regular maintenance is required?

MF: The unique technical characteristics of our trackers with rock-solid rotation mechanism, zero backlash capabilities and slippage protection are the reasons Mechatron’s tracker require minimum to almost zero maintenance efforts.

SPW: Finally, we come to money.

What is the average installed cost per watt for a Mechatron tracker?

MF: The cost in terms of $/W of the trackers depend greatly on the wattage installed on the trackers and can vary from $0.49/watt to as low as $0.42/ watt. The higher the DC power installed on the trackers, the lower the purchase cost for both the azimuthal (single-axis) and dual-axis models. The retail price for the D170 is $14,700 and $10,700 for the azimuthal S140. Evaluating the total cost in $/W of a solar system incorporating the D170 and comparing it with an equivalent using fixed-tilt mounting system, the additional cost in capital expense is less than $0.30/W. The additional capex is amortized within three years depending on the tariff schedule the project operates, while it produces additional revenues, higher return on investment or IRR (12 to 45%) and dropping the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) to as low as 6.6 c/W. SPW 11-14 DPW-SPW

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RACKING & MOUNTING

SunModo system goes it all An installer in Hawaii used the SunBeam system to hover over a multitude of air conditioning units on the Kauhale Makei Condominiums.

Rare is the flat and unadorned rooftop. Solar companies often face roofs resembling an obstacle course made of vents, pipes and uneven surfaces. What’s a solar contractor to do?

Mounting company SunModo listened to clients asking for a strong system capable of bridging obstructions and putting modules on a single plane, which eliminates shading.

SunModo developed the EZHelio SunBeam commercial rooftop mounting system to fill this need.

“Our customers were struggling to find a good racking solution that could be elevated,” said SunModo account executive Brandon Gwinner. “We engineered a solution to meet this basic need, and it turned out to be a huge success.”

By spanning over obstacles, SunBeam takes full advantage of roof space to maximize system size, increasing ROI. Its aluminum construction reduces stress on the building structure while withstanding wind loads and salty air. A heavy duty beam allows longer spans, which reduces the number of posts.

Posts require cutting into the roofing material to the substructure and attaching. Gwinner recommends using the original roofer to apply flashing and boots around the penetration to keep the roof warranty intact.

A California-based contractor used SunBeam on a commercial roof complicated by an air conditioning unit and multiple skylights. The roof pitch was also asymmetrical.

“The SunBeam system made for a smooth and straightforward installation,” said David Brown, solar consultant at Southwestern Solar Systems. “We were able to easily customize and adjust the racking leg lengths to account for multiple roof pitches on the site.”

Designing a SunBeam system is often a collaboration between installer and the SunModo team. While the components are standard, the number of posts will change due to wind load, snow load, height, tilt degree and obstructions. There is some customization that goes into each project.

“Preferably, a customer will start by sending us a roof diagram with modules,” Gwinner said. “Sometimes they will give me a roof diagram and ask, ‘How many modules can you fit?’”

A 20° tilt will often lead to a layout with modules three, four or five high. A no-tilt system, such as the one at Kauhale Makei Condominiums in Hawaii, can have unlimited modules on a single plane.

Contractors may worry about the effect of putting modules above vents, especially if they’re from a kitchen. Cliff Schrock, solar engineering consultant at SunModo, says 24 in. will probably be enough room for wind to disperse heat. Most vents have deflectors, too. SPW

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BAT TERIES,STORAGE & OFF-GRID

Remote Charter School Gets A Renewable

STAR School’s retrofit started in September 2013 and finished in August 2014.

A rural Arizona school near Navajo Nation gets a new solar and wind microgrid to power its growing demand.

Issues with getting power to areas out of utility reach in third-world countries are commonly discussed. But people don’t always realize many areas within the United States also face this problem. Off-grid solar has become a popular solution to provide power in these zones.

This is the case for STAR School, a pre-K through 8th grade charter school located in a rural desert-area 25 miles outside of Flagstaff, Ariz. It is out of reach for connecting with utility lines, and installing them would be an expensive project. Yet, the site was the perfect location for the school because of its proximity to a Navajo reservation where many of its students live.

The Navajos and surrounding community value sustainable living and self-reliance. To solve its power needs, the school installed a solar system and seven wind turbines 32

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over 15 years. But three wind turbines were destroyed by cyclonic winds and the solar array wasn’t performing as planned. The school was forced to pay as much as $5,000 a month to run a 30-kW propane generator.

After receiving a Native American Preference Grant, the school decided to invest in its power system and turned to Mark Snyder Electric (MSE) and Elsa Johnson, director of IINA Solutions, for help. Snyder’s Southern California-based full-service electrical contracting and alternative energy business came out to examine the project. At first look, founder Mark Snyder was taken aback by how poorly the existing system was installed.

“This was one of the worst systems I’ve seen,” Snyder remembered. “I was shocked to find residential solar equipment where commercial should have been used. The system was cobbled together and wind turbines destroyed.

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BAT TERIES, STORAGE & OFF-GRID

Solar panels were too close to the roof and each other, and the batteries were on the verge of failing because of insufficient charging performance.”

After the atrocious assessment, Snyder formulated a retrofit plan with four key improvements. He planned to set up a microgrid with AC coupling, convert the system to high-voltage strings, recondition the existing batteries and convert the system from single phase power to a balanced three-phase system while keeping the remaining four turbines.

Making the school a microgrid Creating a robust microgrid for STAR School meant integrating several sources of power. The coordination of all power sources is handled by SMA’s Sunny Island battery-based inverter, which can be programmed to operate in several different modes, in this case offgrid. The Sunny Island and Sunny Boy inverters can communicate with SMA’s monitoring system, which allows Snyder to manage the system remotely over the internet and make sure it’s performing properly, even though the site is hard to visit regularly. Students enjoy how the SMA system records how much CO2 the system has saved the planet.

Snyder also installed 245 Kyocera, Sharp and Schott solar panels on the ground and the roof. Many of the panels and Unirac, Prosolar and other racking systems used were donated.

Benefits of AC coupling MSE used an AC coupling method to optimize output. Traditionally grid-tied inverters that are programmed for off-grid applications or microgrids must convert electricity into usable AC power. In AC coupling, loads and energy sources are directly connected to a conducting AC bus bar, so additional DC to AC conversion is not required, increasing system efficiency.

AC coupling also reduces battery usage and strain because it converts DC to AC power directly, rather than sending electricity into a battery and drawing it out again. This approach minimizes highcurrent, low-voltage DC connections and reduces installation costs and complexity.

Results of the retrofit

Snyder also converted the system to three-phase power to allow the use of higher-efficiency motors for air conditioning and submersible pumps, and to provide for the school’s rapidly growing power demands.

By retrofitting the school’s array, MSE was able to increase the system’s output by 70%, saving the school thousands in propane costs.

Solar power is the primary source of energy during the day, while wind turbines generate power at night and during storms when the solar panels may not. The nearly 450 kW on average generated every day by the solar and wind systems runs all computers, lights, kitchen appliances and even the well and pump that bring water into the school.

“It’s a mini power plant,” said the school’s co-founder and director Dr. Mark Sorenson in a student-made documentary.

Snyder said MSE, working with Elsa Johnson’s non-profit IINA Solutions, trained local Native Americans to work on the project and other nearby installations. “We aren’t just creating green power,” Snyder said. “We’re creating green jobs.”

Snyder said this retrofit approach can work in many systems. “If your solar array was installed before 2005, expect a nearly 50% greater output when upgrading to a high-voltage microgrid at a fraction of the cost of additional solar panels.”

Sorenson expressed in the student documentary how the successful microgrid could work for any school.

“If we can set up our school to be powered on solar, and we aren’t rich and we don’t have a whole lot of resources, then I think other schools can too,” he said. SPW

Converting to higher voltage MSE replaced the school’s 80-V installation with a 600-V system.

Because power consumed by wires increases with current, upgrading to a higher voltage reduces current and transmission losses while increasing the system’s efficiency. The extra voltage helps provide 25% to 50% more power on cloudy and extremely hot days, compared with the old system.

Bringing batteries back to ife Part of the microgrid system also involves battery backup, but first Snyder had to decide what to do with the existing batteries. “After poor test results I really wanted to replace them,” he said, “but it wasn’t in the budget.”

Snyder was forced to turn to plan B, which was working with engineers on an equalization protocol to bring the batteries back to life. This involved measuring specific gravity, charting the batteries cell by cell and then replacing water. The team charged and discharged batteries for two months on a high equalization level to burn off built-up sulfation. This rehabilitation and the AC coupling will help prolong existing battery life, but once more money is available, MSE plans to completely replace the batteries with Crown Battery models, which Snyder says have tested well in similar environments.

Power generated from the solar and wind system is either directly used during the day or stored in battery banks and drawn as needed, such as on days with little wind or sun. If there are consecutive days where the renewables can’t generate enough power and the battery backup power doesn’t fulfill the school’s power needs, Snyder installed a propane generator for emergency backup power.

The project won a Governor’s Award For Excellence in 2001 for being the first off-grid charter school in the U.S.

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SERVICES

KELLY PICKEREL ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Look Out

Safety is a top concern when removing snow from solar panels.

Removing snow from solar panels has been a regular debate for the last decade. Various studies claim only a small percentage of production is lost from snowfall. Is it really worth tacking on snow removal O&M costs?

Janitorial solar O&M companies, like Solar Maid, say yes, but not for production claims. Safety concerns are becoming louder in the solar industry. While experts (and Solar Maid) suggest giving Mother Nature time to melt snow off tilted panels, that falling snow can be problematic, especially on public solar arrays like carports.

“It’s becoming a pretty big issue now,” said Jay Welsh, general manager of Solar Maid. “We’ve really seen a spike this year in business.”

Founded in 2003, Solar Maid specializes in janitorial solar O&M—panel cleaning, landscaping, pest abatement—and is headquartered in Pittsburgh but has affiliates in nearly every major 34

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market in North America. Snow removal from a safety standpoint is more prevalent on residential and commercial projects. Utilityscale solar arrays turn to Solar Maid in the winter specifically because of production losses.

“Some of those bigger sites lose $80,000 a day when those things aren’t producing,” he said. “They’ll pay us $5,000 or $10,000—it’s certainly a cost benefit.”

Solar Maid uses its own snow rakes to push and pull snow off arrays. Pricing is based on type of snow—wet, heavy snow is more expensive than light, powdery snow just because of time involved to remove it.

“Carports are easier. You just pull the snow off, then we use a plow and push it out of the way of the parking lot,” Welsh said.

“Our rooftop commercial jobs are a bit of a challenge because you have a lot of wires and cabling between the panels, so there’s really no place to put the snow. We’ll set up tarps, push

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SERVICES

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snow on the tarps and then drag the tarps to the edge of the roof and then dump them. Every site is going to present some challenges.”

Solar Maid has been installing more snow guards on its residential arrays to prevent snow and ice from falling off the roof.

“Typically, snow falls and then the sun comes out and warms up and that bottom layer of snow starts to melt,” Welsh said.

“It may not melt enough to push the snow off, but then it freezes again. Then you have a sheet of ice, and it snows on top of it. It’s likely not going to stay in one place.

If the panels happen to be on the front of your house, if you slam your front door shut, the snow avalanches.”

“Block guards” are randomly placed and clamped to the edge of panels to stop ice sheets, while the typical “snow guard” acts as a lip, attaching to the end of panels to hold back snow.

Solar mounting manufacturer EcoFasten Solar and its sister company Alpine SnowGuards offer a snow management system for solar panels—Solar SnowMax. Made of aircraft-grade aluminum fabrication, it’s strong and rugged and clamps directly to the solar panel frame.

“This snow management system was designed to impede a sudden avalanche of snow,” said Brian Stearns, president and founder of EcoFasten Solar and Alpine SnowGuards. “Snow will still crest, rise up and over the top of the snow management system and fall to the ground in a controlled manner. Solar SnowMax allows smaller, managed amounts of snow to drop to the ground slowly, without that massive rush of snow shooting off the roof that you sometimes see in the phenomena of a roof avalanche, especially on frictionless surfaces, such as solar panels or metal roofs.”

So while production losses on small residential and mid-size commercial projects aren’t worrisome when snow falls, it’s wise to keep in mind all safety concerns. Find a snow-specific O&M company in your area, buy your own snow removal gear or install snow guards to gain some peace of mind. SPW 36

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STEVEN BUSHONG

SERVICES

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Contractors can

with metal fabricators on custom jobs Custom mounting solutions can save developers and contractors money, especially those working on large utilityscale projects. But money isn’t always the chief concern. Sometimes the aesthetic value of a project takes priority. Other times, environmental and geographical factors require a unique mounting design.

Whatever the case, contractors and developers can approach metal formers with their needs. Companies offer a variety of services. Some provide basic manufacturing only, while others tackle design, testing, project management and fabrication.

For utility scale developers, a custom solution—one that solves logistical challenges and comes together faster— could save a developer labor and material costs, said Jason Weber, director of business development at SAPA North America, a global aluminum manufacturer.

However, a custom system is just an option. Many times off-the-shelf solutions work well, Weber said.

“There is no hard and fast rule that says if you’re going to buy 2 million pounds of material, it will be worth your while to have a custom system,” Weber said.

Alexandria Industries, a Minnesotabased provider of aluminum extrusions, provided custom mounting for the Nevada Solar One site, a 64-MW concentrated solar power plant. The site required 8 million pounds of aluminum product, fabricated over nine months and shipped to the desert.

“The developer had a solution he was not happy with,” said Mark Turley, renewable energy market leader at Alexandria Industries. “A company

DPW Solar manufactured this custom solution for a mountain-top repeater station.

developed another system, but they had no manufacturer. That’s where we stepped in. We took it from the drawing board to manufacturability.”

Steel fabrication, completed by feeding material through a series of rollers that bend it to a specified shape, can be an expensive process. A set of rollers often costs between $80,000 and $200,000.

Manufacturers can construct systems with steel from standard pipe to avoid the cost.

Aluminum extrusion requires a die that costs about $500. For contractors looking for an entirely custom solution at a small scale, such as an installation at a sports stadium, for example, aluminum is a good option. It won’t necessarily drive down cost, said Turley, but it could complement certain architectural desires.

Both the contractors and extruder benefit from such projects.

“It might only be a thousand pounds of aluminum, but it’s a high-profile situation,” Turley said. “And extruder can put their name on it and they were a part of the project.”

DPW Solar, a New Mexico-based subsidiary of Performed Line Products and manufacturer of mounting solutions, also provides custom manufacturing, often for the off-grid market.

A common installation for DPW Solar might be a mountain-top telecommunications site with harsh snow and wind loads. In these cases, the company often uses its off-the-shelf Top-of-Pole mount, but then fabricates a custom sub-structure with galvanized pipe, said Jeff Randall, vice president of engineering at DPW Solar.

“Everybody is concentrating on the

grid-tie market, where there is a lot of product and standardization, but in off-grid you have challenges like severe weather or solid rock, or a remote location where it’s difficult to deliver large components,” Randall said.

The company also creates custom enclosures for batteries and inverters—boxes that will be the right size for the technology and appropriately designed for the climate, Randall said.

Whatever type of system a contractor is looking for, metal formers—who work with both contractors and mounting companies—request that clients don’t present samples of another system and ask a duplication.

“Number one, you’re taking another company’s intellectual property,” said SAPA's Weber. “The other thing is, a lot of people don’t understand all the engineering work that goes into a system. There are tolerances and specifications, such as alloys and tempers. You can’t just copy a system. It probably wouldn’t work.”

The question of who takes liability for a custom system is also important. Often, it’s the engineering firm that designed the system, not the company that manufactured it. SPW

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STEVEN BUSHONG

S O F T WA R E

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Manufacturers use

software to help customers and themselves Solar manufacturers, especially those selling inverter and mounting products, have added web-based tools to their websites that help contractors design and buy systems.

The tools benefit contractors and manufacturers alike. Contractors can use them to ensure they’re buying the right product; and as a result, manufacturers are less likely to sell the wrong one. Selling the wrong product could, at best, mean a time-consuming exchange or, at worst, a fault on a rooftop.

“Having an installer pick the right components and do the installation the right way helps all parties,” said Michael Rogerson, marketing manager at SolarEdge. “The homeowner, installer and service team all have a good experience.”

For its part, SolarEdge offers Site Designer, a tool that recommends the number of strings for an array as well as each string’s length. It also suggests

needs to be an on-ramp.”

IronRidge also has an online tool, Design Assistant. Users input array dimensions and the program compiles a Bill-of-Materials and provides engineering values, such as the loads and forces a solar array can be expected to endure.

“At SolarEdge, they’re talking about electrical characteristics,” said David Briggs, marketing director at IronRidge.

“With us, we’re interested in the mechanical dimensions—such as how much surface area there is, how thick the frame is.”

Briggs said Design Assistant gives contractors all the information they need to procure a system, at least one from IronRidge. The information lets contractors quickly quote a customer and start a project faster.

Another benefit, Briggs said, is the tool provides enough engineering information for

Having an installer pick the right components and do the installation the right way helps all parties. inverter and power optimizer selections based on site size and module selection.

After a customer finishes the process, he can print a Bill-of-Materials for the design.

Rogerson said SolarEdge has long been an engineering-focused company, steeped in technical detail.

“It’s somewhat daunting if you’re new to the technology,” Rogerson said. “There 38

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1 • 2015

contractors to tweak variables and try their hand at design optimization.

“We were the first to come out with a tool in 2009,” Briggs said.

“Customers thought IronRidge was so easy, why would they use other stuff?

And over the last five years, we’ve seen more companies come out with similar products.” www.solarpowerworldonline.com

Another manufacturer to develop software is Solmetric. The company sells the Suneye, a tool that uses a fisheye lens to map the sunpath at any location and determine how much sunlight or shade the location will receive throughout the year.

Accurate on-site shade analysis allows system designers to optimally place arrays, as well as make more informed selections of module, inverter and BOS components. Using shade data from the SunEye as a graphical gradient overlaid onto proposed CAD roof sections, the company’s software,

1/20/15 9:32 AM

S O F T WA R E

PV Designer, provides an intuitive interface to select components and place arrays with real-time yield estimation updates.

“PV Designer is not necessarily associated with the hardware product—you can use it without the hardware—but it’s a natural progression of taking shading data and using it in a convenient way,” said Kevin Myers, applications engineer at Solmetric.

As the future unwinds, manufacturers say the goal of software will be to reduce soft costs and go from sale to install quicker. Part of the process will be the adoption of more mobile software tools.

“Mobile is a big part of what we’re doing,” Briggs said. “You can do a lot with a smartphone app. Instead of someone downloading Site Designer for their PC, maybe they have it in their hand, on the field, checking the order as it comes.” SPW

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STEVEN BUSHONG ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Viewing a PV system fire test at Underwriters Laboratories ”If a roof with installed PV modules is exposed to a fire, will the solar array help or hinder the flames?”

Until now, solar installers were left with less-than-perfect answers for this question. They could talk about how well a solar module responded to fire. They could talk about the flame-resistant properties of a mounting system. But none could cite laboratory tests for how a combined system—panels and mounting together— might respond to a building fire. The subject has received attention recently due to a few high-profile fires involving solar.

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Solar mounting systems are diverse in material and structure. They can change the way a rooftop fire burns. Research by UL, in collaboration with the Solar ABCs, confirmed the fire performance of a module alone is not a good indicator of the fire performance of a whole system.

According to new language in the 2012 International Building Code, a solar PV system must be fire-rated at the same level or better than what is required for the building. So if a building is required to have a roofing system rated Class A for fire, then the solar system— modules and mounting rack together—should have the same certification.

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Underwriters Laboratories technician Demetrius Preston, senior project engineer Nathan Wang and business development manager Scott Jezwinksi (listed left to right) observe a system fire test from the control room, a precaution taken due to the inherently dangerous nature of fire testing, as well as fire’s vulnerability to small environmental changes, such as a laboratory door opening and closing. A clock on the wall behind Preston shows how long the test has been in progress.

As a result, experts developed new tests to determine fire classifications for rooftop PV systems—those installed on flat roofs with symmetrical or asymmetrical configurations, as well as installations on steep sloped roofs with asymmetric mounting. When tested, systems can achieve an A, B or C PV System Fire Classification rating.

While solar manufacturers look to the future to comply with 2016 IBC requirements that will be progressively

adopted across jurisdictions, some key jurisdictions are moving more quickly.

In these places, the authorities having jurisdiction, or AHJs—the local officials who permit and approve projects—will be enforcing new requirements sooner.

In fact, California started requiring Class A fire ratings for all systems on January 1, 2014. By February of that year, however, it became clear the solar industry wasn’t prepared to deliver enough tested systems to cover demand, and the state suspended the Because UL technicians can’t safely observe the underside of a roof deck during testing, a video camera is mounted beneath it, monitoring whether fire has breached the roof decking material. This television is mounted in the control room.

requirements for Class A and B systems until January 1, 2015. For buildings in California requiring only Class C roofs, the PV module-only rating of Class C will be accepted until October 25, 2016.

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Since then, mounting manufacturers—especially those in the California market, which has the most Class A and B requirements—have been busy buying time in testing laboratories and getting products certified.

Recently, I traveled to Underwriters Laboratories—the global company behind the ubiquitous UL-in-a-circle logo that not only tests more than 20,000 products but also works with industries to develop the standards that make them safe—to see a PV system fire test first-hand. UL is one of about a dozen companies capable of testing solar equipment. Others include TÜV Rheinland, DNV GL and Intertek.

Visiting UL The Underwriters Laboratories headquarters is located on a 100acre campus in Northbrook, Ill., just north of Chicago. The main building holds corporate offices as well as chemical and electrical labs. Other buildings dot the campus, including

www.solarpowerworldonline.com

1/20/15 9:37 AM

Calibrated brands are used in the “burning brand test.” Pictured are the A (12” x 12”), B (6” x 6”) and C (1 1/2” x 1 1/2”) brands. Brand selection for testing depends on the desired system rating.

The brands are stored in a cabinet with controlled temperature and humidity.

Humidity has a significant impact on how a brand will burn. To the right, UL consumer safety director John Drengenberg holds an A brand.

one boxy structure that measures electromagnetic radiation from electrical devices and another with rooms large enough to hold two fullsize houses. In fact, it has, and then they were burned down, room by room, in the name of science. I was told by

more than one person at UL that fire is “capricious,” and the company studies it extensively using computer modeling and highly monitored real-life tests, such as the one I came to witness.

A marketing specialist took me to a building in the back corner of the

campus where they do much of the fire testing on commercial and industrial products, including bank safes, flooring, steel beams, doors and, yes, solar PV modules and systems.

On the outside, the building has large air-evacuation tubes, running

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1 • 2015

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from the rooftops, down the side of the building into a central area where dirty air is cleaned before it is released. UL is active in environmental safety, as well, noted because they burn a wide variety of toxic objects.

Equipped with goggles and a hard hat, I followed my guide down hallways and passed a room resembling a lumberyard where they build dozens of slabs of roof decking to precise specifications. I heard a lot about “precision” and “calibration” during the tour. Officials at UL show careful attention to detail to ensure that every test is identical. “Calibration is in our DNA,” one said.

We ended up inside the large building where UL does the majority of its fire testing.

Testing in process The firing rooms are constantly occupied.

Later, as I was leaving, representatives from a well-known panel manufacturer were about to set fire to a whole pallet of systems, one by one. They were scheduled to work until midnight.

The testing area is dark and grungy.

Ash coats everything. The room smells like a campfire. Apparently, people have commented on its rough appearance because UL consumer safety director John Drengenberg chimed in before I said anything.

“This is a working lab,” he said.

A piece of machinery, black like its surroundings, looking a bit like a commercial oven, will spit fire where you might slide in a pizza. Attached was one of those roof decks I saw piled high a few hallways ago, angled at 22.5° (a “steep slope” test, compared to 2.4° for a “low slope” test). Typically, I’m told, three deck pieces are burned to establish control—more calibration.

As the calibration test began, fire crept over a hinge from a gas burner. At first, the asphalt shingles held up well.

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1 • 2015

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But about six minutes into the test, they started combusting. One by one, the shingles caught fire, and flames crept up the roof.

The test finished in 10 minutes. The technician extinguished the fire. The roof decking was lowered to the ground, and the burn marks were measured. If everything was consistent with previous tests, the next roof section acquainted with the burner would have a solar system attached to it.

“Why 10 minutes?” I asked.

UL standards are written by large groups of stakeholders. Tests,

5

Fire safety is nothing to take lightly, as solar mounting manufacturer SolarDock explains in the list below, which originally appeared on the company’s blog, available at www.solardock.com.

California Building Code.

International Building Code. National Electrical Code. Each of these have strengthened their requirements for what is required of PV systems. Some states have already adopted the changes, and some will in the coming years. A system that doesn’t comply with code runs the risk of not being permitted or passing inspection, leading to costly delays.

Sell more systems by putting customer safety first Whether you are selling to a family or a big corporation, you can't go wrong by showing them you've put their safety first. Educating them about the fire testing and rating of a system will alleviate concerns about fire safety.

UL Feature 1-15_Vs10SBKZFINAL.indd 46

of five years of deliberation and more than 100 experimental tests. The realworld answer to the question, however, is the “balance of interests” believed fire fighters would arrive to most scenes within 10 minutes.

Senior project engineer Nathan Wang and other technicians installed the next roof deck, which included a solar PV system, mounted just the way it would be in the field. They placed the system at the prescribed distance from the edge of the roof deck. The system used rail-less mounting and a multicrystalline panel.

reasons PV system fire testing is important

Avoid costly delays by installing code compliant systems

4 6 SOLAR POWER WORLD

such as the ones I saw at UL, are prescribed with exact detail, such as what type of wire will hold a burning brand in place. Involved parties for developing PV tests include solar PV and mounting manufacturers, roofing industry experts, fire fighters, building inspectors, permitting authorities and insurance companies, the latter of which has become increasingly sophisticated about solar technology.

The menagerie of inputs is described as a “balance of interests.”

Details such as test length, mounting angle and offset are the result

1 • 2015

Reduce your risk if something goes wrong When an accident or disaster strikes, people will always start looking for the cause, assigning blame, pointing fingers. Fires are no exception.

PV systems are incredibly safe, and it is unlikely they will be the cause of a fire.

That, however, doesn't mean that you should neglect to give fire safety the attention it deserves.

Make it easier and cheaper to finance the system PV finance companies have a long term interest in the safe and reliable operation of the systems in their portfolio. Solar equipment that has been fire tested helps finance companies reduce their risks and increases the bankablility of the solar array.

Keep PV system insurance rates low Upfront financing costs aren't the only concern.

You also need to worry about keeping Operations and Maintenance costs low, and insurance is part of that equation.

Insurance companies are becoming increasingly aware and concerned about the fire rating of the systems they insure.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Connect and discuss this and other solar issues with thousands of professionals online

www.solarpowerworldonline.com

1/20/15 9:38 AM

The fire started again, burning at 1,400°F. A 12-mph wind fanned the flames.

The system showed no sign of damage until two minutes passed, when the module frame began to gather soot, and parts of the white backsheet turned brown. Five minutes in, fire touched the panel.

The question being answered was, “Does the solar array aid the fire?” In a nearby control room, with windows to watch the test, a technician carefully monitored the time and spread of flame, often referred to as “SOF.” Video cameras captured everything on film.

The construction of an array is important because seemingly minor details can change the course and intensity of flames, which are powered, in part, by the 12-mph breeze. If a mounting system and panel, in conjunction, channel flames in just the right way—or, more accurately, the wrong way—the fire could blast its way up to the top of the roof. A PV system can restrict the flow of hot gases and confine flames close to the roof, not allowing them to dissipate as they would if there were no PV system.

That’s why significant changes in the design of a product require re-testing.

In the case of this system, the flames inched up the shingles just the way they did during the calibration test.

Eventually, much of the panel backsheet burned and dissolved into ash. Overall, however, the panel and system stayed intact, did not contribute to the spread of flame and earned a Class A rating.

Burning brand A brand is essentially many dried, rectangular pieces of wood, nailed together to make a porous block. Three sizes of brand are available: A, B and C. The fire rating being sought determines which size brand is used in a test.

Technicians used a Class A brand— the biggest one, at 12 by 12 inches—in the demonstration I saw. The brand was

set afire on all sides with a device that looked like a backyard grill before being placed on top of the PV system, where it will burn for 10 minutes.

A brand simulates burning debris, such as what a PV array could encounter if it were near a wildfire. The test addresses whether a system contributes to a brand penetrating a fire-rated roof and igniting construction materials in an attic, which are often highly flammable.

The question is, what is the reaction of the system to the fire?

The brand on top of the module turned the silicon cells a glowing orange, eventually melting the glass encasing and burning a smoldering hole through the panel. The brand dropped through the hole and onto the roof surface.

A video camera placed under the roof deck captured the following

TOP: During a burning brand test, the brand often burns through the module and ignites roof decking. Performance of the module and roof deck together is evaluated. The critical criteria is whether the flame permeates the roof into the underlying construction.

BOTTOM: UL technician Demetrius Preston ensures that the placement of an A-class brand is in accordance with UL1703. Preston used a small grill to set the brand on fire. Holding the brand with tongs, he rotated it on the grill a specified number of times, exposing each side to flame until the brand met requirements. A soft iron wire is hung across the module to keep the brand in place.

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Photo courtesy of UL

Steep Slope Flame Spread Test

PV Module

Baseline Avg. - 12”

Class A Composition Shingle Roofing System

22.5°

E

LAM

TF

TES

ECK

TD

TES

FLAME TEST APPARATUS

The UL1703 steep slope “flame spread test” configuration is pictured and diagrammed here. The system edge is placed away from the test flame at a position known as the “baseline average minus 12 inches.” A baseline average is determined by burning three test decks and averaging the distances the flames spread. The edge of the system—including a deflector, if the system has one—is placed 12 inches below that average. Calibration, an important aspect of any type of testing, accounts for variability in roofing materials.

Diagram courtesy of solarabcs.org

What is required in California now?

• For areas of California that require Class A or B fire performance, PV modules will need to be installed as a part of a Class A or B fire rated mounting system using the new UL1703 requirements.

• For areas requiring Class C fire rated roofing, existing Class C PV modules could be installed.

• The Office of the State Fire Marshal in California has published a new informational bulletin outlining how to enforce the requirements that are now effective in 2015. This can be accessed at http://osfm.fire.ca.gov.

Source: www.solarabcs.org

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moments. If flames appeared, the test would be a failure. In the demonstration, the brand did not burn through the Class-A rated deck.

A second burning brand test put the fiery block under the panel, directly on top of the roof deck. This simulates ignited debris, which is a danger for roofmounted arrays. To a casual observer, it may seem like this test is more about the roofing system than the solar array, but the altered air flow could impact the fire, adding energy, and flames could appear beneath the roof material.

Again, this combination of panel and mounting passed the test.

tests are done to exact specifications, which have been deliberately written to address an obvious problem—the lack of system-level fire tests.

“Will a specific solar system help or hinder the resistance of a roof to fire?” Installers now have a way to answer this question, and the answer should be “no.” SPW

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Not that complicated While making sense of local building codes and how a solar system fits into them can be complicated, the science of fire and research has been translated into a straightforward test methodology. The

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1/20/15 9:38 AM

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YOUR NEXT

SOLAR INVERTER could be a

distribution

TRANSFORMER THE DEVICE SITTING ATOP THE UTILITY POLE OUTSIDE YOUR HOUSE COULD BEGIN TO LOOK MORE LIKE A SWITCHING POWER SUPPLY THAN A TRANSFORMER IN YEARS TO COME. THE RESULT WOULD BE BIG CHANGES IN HOW RESIDENTIAL SOLAR PANELS AND ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGERS HOOK INTO THE UTILITY GRID.

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THE

Is this where future solar inverters will sit? Indications are that today’s poletop distribution transformers will start to be replaced by solid-state equivalents that double as inverters for solar arrays and charging circuits for electric vehicles. One indication of the trend: A Duke Energy pilot project includes Grid Energy Routers from Grid Bridge (inset) which are transformer/ solid-state hybrids.

distribution transformers that feed power from utility lines to homes and businesses are soon going to change. Their replacements are solid-state devices that could double as inverters for solar panels and as chargers for electric vehicles, eliminating the need for separate devices providing these functions.

Today’s distribution transformers do little more than convert kilovolt-level power to a low voltage, useful for powering buildings. The solid-state transformers (SSTs) that replace them are likely to be adept at sending power back to utilities from residential solar panels and other sources of distributed energy.

SSTs won’t just route energy back and forth.

Once decentralized solar PV generation becomes commonplace, the highly erratic nature of PV power could compromise grid stability. SSTs will play a role in regulating grid voltage and stabilizing operations in this scenario. Protoype SSTs on the drawing board also have a simple DC interface to integrate energy storage devices that will be useful for smoothing the PV output.

To manage all these tasks, tomorrow’s power distribution devices will effectively serve as local power grid managers, able to adjust the power factor of the buildings they serve, as well as managing the loads and distributed power sources in ways that prevent difficulties for utility substations.

For a glimpse of what tomorrow’s SSTs could look like, consider the work going on at the FREEDM (Future Renewable Electric Energy Delivery and Management) Systems Center associated with NC State University. Working under a grant from the National Science Foundation, the center has developed electronics aimed at handling bidirectional power flows as would arise in communities with a high concentration of renewable energy sources.

“The core of the research has been to develop an SST as a key enabling technology for the utility architecture of the future,” said Alex Huang, NC State distinguished professor and the center’s founder.

The work at FREEDM depends heavily on its research to develop SiC semiconductors able to operate at high voltages. Present-day SiC devices can handle up to 1.2-kV applications and Huang expects NC State researchers will be able to devise SiC circuits handling up to 30 kV.

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TRANSFORMER

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A Breakthrough in PV Mounting Technology The Revolutionary S-5-PV Kit • Non-penetrating DirectAttach™ PV mounting solution for standing seam metal roofs.

• Fits the majority of solar panels on the market.

• Standard grab fits field conditions; new EdgeGrab™ further simplifies end conditions.

• S-5!® attachment clamps and brackets fit almost all rails and metal roof profiles on the market, including trapezoidal.

• SST mounting disk is ETL-1703 and UL-2703 listed for module-to-module conductivity.

Huang’s group is approaching SST designs as special-cases of switchmode power supply topologies. In that regard, they are devising pulse-widthmodulation control schemes operating at frequencies in the range of 30 to 50 kHz. The attraction of SiC semiconductors is that they make possible switching power supply topologies that are simpler and more efficient than those built with conventional silicon power devices.

Still, there are a lot of technical challenges to fielding a pure SST able to replace the devices now sitting atop utility poles outside most houses. “I think it will take some time before a medium-voltage version of an SST will come to market,” said Huang.

Some of the challenges of commercializing SiC SSTs are at the circuit level. Because medium-voltage SiC power circuits are relatively new, there are still lessons to be learned about handling sharp current and voltage spikes and how to mitigate the resulting electromagnetic interference.

The high isolation voltages involved can also be challenging. “Here we have some good solutions. We can take isolation voltage up to 20 or 30 kV, but this also drives up costs,” Huang said.

• Reduces cost by eliminating the need for inter-module copper wires and lug bonding.

• Savings in time and materials is often sufficient to pay for the entire attachment system.

Connect with us! @S5_TheRightWay /S5TheRightWay

Under development at NC State's FREEDM Center is the A 7.2 kV/25 kVA SST prototype modeled here.

To find out more, visit www.S-5-Solar.com/SPW or call 888-825-3432.

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INSIDE A SOLID-STATE DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMER

Designs for SSTs combine the functions of a conventional transformer with those of a solar inverter and a charging station for electric vehicles, as is evident in this design conceived at NC State’s FREEDM Systems Center. Sources of distributed power generation, such as solar modules, connect directly to the SST without the need for an intervening inverter. A DC/DC stage provides both galvanic isolation and voltage step up/step down. A detail of the SiC H-bridge rectifier circuit reveals the configuration of the13-kV SiC MOSFETs and junction-barrier Schottky diodes that FREEDM researchers used in their SST prototype. Also evident is an LCL ac filter circuit necessary to attenuate switching frequency harmonics to meet grid codes.

One lesson to come out of SST development efforts is that the industry may have to rethink expectations about the lifespan of such equipment.

“Technology is changing so fast that a 10year lifespan might be enough rather than the 30-year life of today’s transformers,” said Huang.

And though prototype SSTs have been described at technical conferences, their design details are far from being set in stone. “Many of the SST circuits we’ve demonstrated use well-understood circuit topologies,” said Huang. “For SiC semiconductors, those topologies might have to change significantly to make the best use of these devices.”

Though SSTs are still a research topic, the first steps toward their commercialization are already in place.

Electric utility Duke Energy, for example,

is now testing advanced electrical distribution devices that approximate many of the features of solid-state distribution transformers. Some of the devices in the Duke pilot project are made by a firm called GridBridge, a 2012 spin-out from the NC State labs. Huang, who is also a GridBridge cofounder, said the firm’s version of an SST isn’t as technologically aggressive as the SiC prototypes coming out of the FREEDM Lab. GridBridge’s devices, dubbed grid energy routers, capture many of the functions of an SST without replacing the transformer itself with solid-state electronics.

In field tests with Duke, GridBridge grid energy routers will demonstrate grid management techniques that include conservation voltage reduction (basically managing voltage

back to the substation to maximize efficiency) and volt/VAR optimization (basically managing line voltage and inserting either capacitive or inductive reactive power to optimize efficiency).

These adjustments can take place either to meet conditions programmed into each grid energy router or in response to commands coming from the utility.

The GridBridge equipment will also help manage power line quality by canceling out harmonics and damping transients.

“We want to create reliability so buildings or residences getting power from a substation aren’t affected by events upstream,” said GridBridge CEO Chad Eckhardt. He also says that GridBridge has a product roadmap for how its grid energy routers will evolve as technology advances.

One thing is for sure: There’s a big

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Kipp & Zonen USA Inc. 125 Wilbur Place • Bohemia NY 11716 • T: 631 589 2065 kipp.usa@kippzonen.com • www.kippzonen.com

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In the SST test environment at N.C. State's FREEDM Center, the prototype SST sits on a table in the background.

The big step-up transformer next to it serves as a way of generating grid-level voltages for testing the SST.

market for the kind of smart transformers companies like GridBridge are making. “We’ve seen a strong response from utilities,” said Eckhardt. “An average utility might buy 20,000 distribution transformers annually and we think some of these will start to be energy router-type devices in the relatively near future.”

But much remains to be done before energy routers can be deployed widely. Equipment standards, for example, will need to evolve so they can be applied to solid-state transformers hooked up to the grid. Today, one of the principle standards for distribution transformers is IEEE C57.12.20-2011, but it is meant to cover only mineral-oil-immersed transformers, not the type of solidstate hybrids created by companies such as GridBridge.

Moreover, standards organizations are only now beginning to think about modernizing some of the applicable requirements for grid-connected gear. In the case of solid-state distribution transformers, Matt Wilkowski, chair of the IEEE Power Electronics Society’s standards committee, has been dormant. “We are trying to reactivate the committee now. The initial steps will be to create a forum of experts from utilities and energy router technologists who will determine what standards should apply and what specifics are needed.”

Wilkowski said there are many similarities between grid energy routers and electric vehicle chargers, at least in terms of requirements. So these similarities might serve as a starting point for new standards. SPW 5 4 SOLAR POWER WORLD

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Nominate the company you think has provided leadership in the solar industry.

Did you know that the U.S. installs another solar project every 2.5 minutes? The industry just wrapped up another record year, in fact the best year for U.S. solar to date with 7.4 GW installed in 2014.

This level of success wouldn’t be possible without the innovation, ingenuity and determination of the people who drive it: leaders. These individuals and companies are working for the growth of the entire solar industry.

VOTE

The future of the industry will build on the foundation of today’s efforts.

Solar Power World would like to acknowledge such achievements on the following pages. These accomplishments in racking-andmounting, inverters, modules and more are what drive those gigawatts and create jobs.

We think they deserve recognition from you, too. Vote online for one or more of the companies listed through October.

ONLINE

solarpowerworldonline.com/leadership Nominate the company you think has provided leadership in the solar industry.

www.solarpowerworldonline.com

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Affordable Solar Distribution located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA, designs and distributes renewable energy systems for residential and commercial use through its distribution locations across the country.

Affordable Solar is committed to helping

Why we are a leader:

installers grow their business by offering innovative financing and credit solutions,

In a competitive industry, Affordable Solar Distribution does more for the same dollar. Our goal is to offer the most cost effective and valuable solution for our installers.

providing the best value on the highest quality solar energy system components, and creating

We make it easy for installers to do business with us. Installers to upload simple job information like roof layout, and electrical characteristics into an online application. We do the rest. This includes designing a bill of materials (BOM) and allocating material so that it is available when installers need it. We automate most of the procurement and logistics process to drive down installation costs further. We plan and coordinate logistics well before the job needs to ship in order to prevent shortages and delivery problems

business solutions that enable installers to increase their local market share. We empower individuals, businesses, and communities with opportunities to contribute to a sustainable future and clean energy economy.

Our leadership team is made up of industry professionals who have grown both residential and commercial installation companies. Our solar industry experience allows helping installers grow their business to be a key part of our business strategy. Affordable Solar has innovative credit plans that improve liquidity for installers and allow them invest money into growth rather than inventory. We also offer sales and product training to help struggling or inexperienced sales teams reach their peak performance.

After 16 years in business, Affordable Solar understands what it takes to run a successful installation company better than any other distributor. We have successfully grown several smaller installers into market leaders. Affordable Solar is more than a distributor, we are a business partner.

Affordable Solar Distribution 4840 Pan American East Fwy NE Albuquerque, NM 87109-2220 Toll Free 1.800.810.9939 Domestic 505.244.1154 International +1-505.244.1154 Fax 505.244.9222 www.affordable-solar.com

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Founded in 2001, the Company is a designer and manufacturer of integrated solar power systems. The Company has been a pioneer in the concept of integrating the racking, wiring and grounding directly into a solar panel. The company’s Instant Connect® solar panel reduces the number of components for a rooftop solar installation by approximately 80% and lowers labor costs by approximately 50%. This Instant Connect® panel, which won the 2009 Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Award, has become the industry’s most widely installed Instant Connect solar panel. The Company currently sells its new generation “Instant Connect®” products which provide the best combination of safety, performance and reliability.

With Andalay as your solar system provider, you are assured a hassle-free installation. The precise alignment resulting from the integrated racking and splice system enables electrical wiring to be automated using plug & play connections that are formed as panels are mechanically interlocked. This unique capability is available only from Andalay Solar. By integrating racking directly into the panel, you no longer need to procure and assemble separate rack systems which are unsightly and time consuming to construct.

The “Instant Connect®” is the industry’s firs UL-approved solar panel with a grooved frame that integrates racking, wiring, and grounding for a quicker, hassle- free installation.

Andalay Solar, Inc. 2071 Ringwood Ave., Unit C San Jose, CA 95131 408-402-9400

For an AC system, each of Andalay’s panels includes a built-in microinverter and T-cable that eliminates trunk cable and bulk wire management issues. Andalay’s partnership with Enphase, the industry’s leading manufacturer in microinverters, resulted in streamlining the installation process by having microinverters installed

directly in the back of the panel. With these inverters, the Instant Connect® panel is able to generate solar energy at a more efficient rate than most competitors. Shading, debris, or snow lines on any one panel does not disproportionately reduce the output of the entire grid. Simplicity in design, streamlined wire management, and ease of use are factors introduced with the “Instant Connect®” solar panel.

Andalay Solar has a rich company history that highlights its extensive experience in the solar industry. The Company now has over 25 issued and pending patents. Over the years, the Company has received broad industry acclaim for pioneering integrated racking, wiring, and grounding directly into the solar panel. Since its creation, it has generated over $100 million in sales.

Andalay Solar products can be found at Amazon.com, Lowes.com, and at www.andalaysolar.com.

www.andalaysolar.com Steven Chan – CEO schan@andalaysolar.com

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Technology doesn’t stand still.

Neither do we.

APS is a worldwide leader in the development, manufacturing and marketing of microinverters based on our proprietary, leading-edge solar technology. Representing

APS was founded in Silicon Valley, USA, in order to bring the most advanced microinverter technology to the solar PV market.

APS in the US market, APS America is based near Seattle.

A global leader in renewable energy solutions, APS ranked No. 2 among top microinverter suppliers worldwide by shipments in 2013 (source: GTM Research). APS remains committed to innovation, keeping microinverter technology at the forefront of the industry and putting more power and efficiency into your solar array.

Two years ago, APS introduced the industry’s only dual-module microinverter, the APS YC500, offering outstanding power output while lowering balance of system costs. It’s now our flagship product, the microinverter of choice for reliability and ease of installation.

This year APS rolled out another industry first, the YC1000, a native 277/460, 3-phase microinverter that handles an unprecedented four modules per unit. It’s specifically designed for demanding large-scale applications, bringing all the advantages of microinverter technology for the first time to the commercial segment.

APS’s advanced microinverter products have earned recognition in leading journals like Solar Power World. APS installations, as well. And with distribution through leading U.S. and international channels, APS microinverters are available on three continents.

What comes next? You won’t have to wait long to find out. With more than half our employees engaged in R&D engineering, we’re more invested than ever in innovation — making tomorrow’s solar microinverter technology available today.

APS America 1015 Hostmark St. Suite 104 Poulsbo, WA 98370

APS knows what the future looks like.

We design it.

P: 844.666.7035 www.apsamerica.com

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Array Technologies, Inc. is a solar industry pioneer and one of the leading manufacturers of innovative, cost- effective, reliable and robust solar tracking and racking systems. Our customers include utilities, corporations, small businesses, and homeowners.

Headquartered in Albuquerque, NM for over 20 years with more than 2 GW delivered, Array Technologies provides its customers with unequaled solar tracking expertise. Our ground mount solutions are manufactured in the USA and shipped worldwide.

Experience Drives Innovation There’s a reason Array Technologies, Inc. (ATI) is a global leader: proven experience that comes from more than two decades of deploying tracking and racking systems, from residential neighborhoods to utility-scale power plants. With more than 2 gigawatts of product shipped and installed in over 250 projects to date, ATI offers its customers unmatched experience and reliability.

How do you capitalize on this experience in order to provide the solar industry with the highest quality tracking systems year after year, project after project?

Innovation. Array Technologies will release a newly designed version of our best-selling DuraTrack HZ single-axis solar tracking system this year, as we once again set the industry standard for solar tracking systems.

Evolving the Industry Standard The newly designed DuraTrackTM HZ v3 is not just an evolution of our innovative single- axis horizontal solar tracker, but incorporates revolutionary new features found nowhere else in the industry. These optimized design features will deliver the lowest LCOE PV tracker on the market today, providing our customers with a clear competitive advantage.

From Concept to Construction

Array Technologies, Inc. 3901 Midway Place NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 Phone: 505.881.7567 Fax: 505.881.7572 info@arraytechinc.com arraytechinc.com

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We help you customize, install and complete each large-scale solar project successfully with included engineering and project management services.

Engineering support features customized solutions, site-specific calculations, and wet-stamped drawings. You will also have an experienced project manager dedicated to training, logistics, and installation assistance working with you every step of the way. The result of integrated services is successful project completion and long term reliability.

Array Technologies’ ground mount tracking and racking systems optimally balance performance with high durability, long-term reliability and minimal operation and maintenance, to maximize the ROI for competitive solar projects around the world.

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Aurora Bearing Company was founded in 1971 and manufactures the world’s most complete range of rod end and spherical bearings. Configurations range from 2-piece economy commercial and molded race construction through 3-piece precision designs.

Aurora also produces a full line of military

Aurora Bearing Co’s new LCOM Spherical Bearings outperform “LS” bearings Like all Aurora Bearing spherical bearings, the LCOM series features a one piece steel raceway, swaged around the ball for a smooth, precise, close tolerance fit, along with the benefit of the strength and vibration resistance of steel. In addition, this series is optionally available with Aurora’s proprietary AT series PTFE liner, for a zero clearance, self lubricating fit.

spec rod ends,spherical bearings, and journal bushings. Custom designed rod ends, spherical bearings, and linkages are a specialty.

Aurora LCOM Spherical Bearings were designed to offer a higher level of performance with dimensional interchangeability for the “LS” spherical bearing category; a market segment which has remained largely unchanged since the 1950s. “LS” bearings are characterized by being of 3 or 4 piece construction, with an inner ball, an outer ring, and a one or two piece brass, bronze, or copper alloy race between. Since the early 1950’s users of these bearings, which are also marketed with a “FLBG”, “RS”, or “VBC” prefix, have had to accept the low strength and poor vibration resistance of these bearings do to the low strength race material.

Aurora’s LCOM bearings incorporate superior materials and manufacturing processes to overcome the performance deficiencies associated with “LS” bearings.

COM-M Bearings are stronger choice for DIN ISO 12240-1 applications Metric spherical plain bearings built to DIN ISO 12240-1 (formerly DIN 648) schedule K often are made with inner races or rings made of brass, bronze or copper. For many low demand applications these bearings have proven to give satisfactory service. However, in applications with high loads and/or high vibration levels, they can quickly develop excess clearance do to the deformation of the relatively soft race material.

Aurora Bearing Company 901 Aucutt Rd. Montgomery, IL 60538 Phone: 630-859-2030

This weakness is addressed in the Aurora Bearing Company’s COM-M series spherical bearings. Like all Aurora inch dimension spherical bearings, these metric bearings all feature a 1 piece steel race way, cold formed around a chrome plated, alloy steel ball for strength, precision and structural integrity. Aurora COM-M series bearings are available in sizes from 3mm to 30mm., and follow the dimensions of DIN 648 schedule K. Bearings are optionally available with Aurora’s self lubricating AT series ptfe liner, for a smooth, zero clearance fit that is self lubricating and maintenance free..

Fax: 630-859-0971 www.aurorabearing.com

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Maintenance free & corrosion resistant rod ends from Aurora The Aurora CM/CW-ET series rod ends offer a combination of features unique in the rod end industry. Instead of the low strength steels typically found in stainless rod ends, the ET series features bodies made from heat treated 17-4PH material. Not only do they offer excellent corrosion resistance compared to conventional rod ends, they provide greater load capacity, strength and durability as well.

The ET series comes standard with Aurora’s exclusive AT2100 PTFE liner. This, combined with a heat treated 440C stainless ball, gives a durable, zero clearance, self lubricating, maintenance free bearing interface to go with the benefits of the heat treated body. Their two piece design allows these high performance features to be exploited at an economical price. The Aurora ET series bearings can be used to enhance the performance of equipment in wash down, marine, and other environments that require extra corrosion resistance. www.solarpowerworldonline.com

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Headquartered in Germany, AXITEC has been one of the qualitatively leading global manufacturers of solar panels since its establishment in 2001. German experience met U.S. dynamic in 2012 when AXITEC USA was established. The core competence of both companies comprises the complete process chain for solar modules from development and manufacturing through quality assurance to sales and service. With 14 years of manufacturing experience, AXITEC has proven itself to succeed while withstanding many changes throughout the global PV market.

E NE RGY]

High Quality German Engineering AXITEC uses the highest quality German engineering while manufacturing solar panels. With industry leading testing results and certifications, AXITEC tirelessly looks to improve all aspects of engineering.

Innovative New Technology AXITEC recently partnered with SolarEdge to manufacture the AXIplus module, which includes a built in SolarEdge DC optimizer in the junction box.

Product Versatility Our polycrystalline and monocrystalline modules come in multiple different sizes and designs. From black frame to silver frame, we have the most cost efficient module to benefit any size installation.

Great Partners AXITEC partners with some of the leading global distributors in the solar industry.

Through these distribution channels AXITEC is able to reach any level of installation providing a seamless transition to the completed project.

AXITEC, LLC 75 Twinbridge Drive, Suite E Pennsauken, NJ 08110 Phone 856-813-9386 or 856-701-2187 info@axitecsolar.com http://www.axitecsolar.us

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With headquarters in Germany, AXITEC had the advantage to first hand be a part of the exponential growth in solar for the European market in recent years. As the industry evolves, and different parts of the globe begin to benefit more and more from solar, AXITEC uses their vast experience and knowledge to contribute throughout the world. This strong foundation is what sets Axitec apart as a top solar panel provider as the US Market continues to flourish.

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Optimizing design solutions that work for the industry.

After 31 years in business Baja Construction has perfected the craft of optimizing the process of “Design to Implementation”. Baja’s “All In’ or “Turnkey” Approach to Implementing Renewable Energy projects have led solar the industry for a decade.

Facilitating opportunities with existing customers as well as creating new relationships are the motivating factors in Baja’s continued success.

As the Industry strives to create new opportunities and open the door for increased capacity, the demand for experienced implementation is essential. Baja Construction is dedicated to supporting the industry and welcomes the opportunity to lead the industry in setting the standard. Baja is focused on the future of sustainable energy and will continue to pave the way for success.

Baja Construction Inc.

Matthew R. Harrison

Corporate Headquarters:

Eastern Region Direction of Operations

223 Foster Street

631.750.9258 (Work)

Martinez, CA 94553

631.352.9214 (Mobile)

T: 1-800-366-9600

mharrison@bajacarports.com

F: 1-925-229-0161

1744 Church St.

www.bajacarports.com

Holbrook, NY 11741

Baja Construction Co. Inc | is a California Corporation established in 1981 and serving the entire United States, Canada, Mexico as well as Puerto Rico and all of the Caribbean Island region. Our professional staff provides Design, Engineering and Turnkey Construction services for Solar Support Structures to a wide range of public and private clients on both engineering and building projects.

The Company was created out of the desire to better serve the Client by being a “project advocate” acting in ways, which are ultimately in the Client’s best interest.

We are committed to quality and have incorporated it into our core principles. We are proud of our service and performance for our clients. Our repeat selections and contract extensions attest to our ability, our commitment to provide quality construction related services and products, our understanding and command of the nature of work to be performed, and our desire to be responsive to all task assignments related to our scope of work.

The Mission of Baja Construction Co. Inc | is to provide the highest quality construction services and products to all Clients including Municipalities, Agencies, Developers, Designers, and Contractors. In other words...all Project Shareholders.

We want to help achieve their goals related to the project in an ethical, creative, and cost-efficient manner by applying effective construction management and sustainable construction techniques to the planning, design, engineering and construction of a project from inception to completion for the purposes of controlling time, cost, and quality while enhancing the quality of life and the environment.

www.bajacarports.com

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Building on decades of experience, Campbell Scientific has developed increasingly powerful dataloggers that have achieved worldwide use in environmental, research, and industrial markets for diverse applications. Over the years, Campbell Scientific has also established itself as a reputable manufacturer of numerous related product lines for the measurement field, including a wide variety of sensors, as well as devices for the collection, storage, communication, and retrieval of data.

Systems for Site Assessment, Performance Monitoring, and Advanced Solar Monitoring Campbell Scientific offers automated data-acquisition systems specifically designed for solar monitoring applications.

Preconfigured systems, designed to meet CAISO standards for solar telemetry, are available for photovoltaic and concentrated solar technology projects of all sizes. Our engineers work closely with the customer to design highly customized stations, advanced research and development stations, and custom application programming interfaces (API) for data collection.

Campbell Scientific, Inc. 815 West 1800 North Logan, Utah 84321-1784 USA 435.227.9000 435.227.9001 (fax) Email: info@campbellsci.com Website: www.campbellsci.com

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Canadian Solar is a leader for the following 10 reasons:

Canadian Solar Inc Founded in 2001 in Ontario, Canada, Canadian Solar is one of the world’s largest and foremost solar power companies. As a leading

10) Canadian Solar has established itself as a global, bankable brand.

manufacturer of solar photovoltaic modules and provider of solar energy solutions, Canadian

9) Canadian Solar has dedicated customer support teams staffed by experienced technical support engineers and customer service representatives. With over 150 professional solar experts who speak a combined total of 10 languages, Canadian Solar is always ready to meet your needs.

Solar has a geographically diversified pipeline of utility-scale solar power projects, as well as a track record of successful solar deployment boasting over 7 GW of premium quality modules installed in over 70 countries. Canadian Solar is committed to providing high-quality solar products and solar energy solutions

8) Canadian Solar’s modules are backed by a world-wide, 25-year linear power performance warranty.

7) Canadian Solar has a No. 1 PTC rating among 12,472 pieces of Polycrystalline modules: 91.96% on their 60-cell modules and 91.94% on their 72-cell modules.

to customers around the world. For more information about our company, products and

6) Compared to other panel manufacturers, Canadian Solar’s PV modules perform at a 6.4% higher performance ratio by PVSYST.

projects please visit www.canadiansolar.com.

5) Canadian Solar manufactures products that are of the highest quality, ensuring customers’ ROI. Our products are internationally certified by 3rd party institutions such CSA, VDE, PVEL, TUV, Intertek, and INMETRO. 4) Canadian Solar’s products pass stringent quality control and testing, such as ISO14001 and ISO16949.

3) Canadian Solar is committed to developing efficient and innovative products. Not only do our Quartech modules have proprietary 4busbar cells, the poly 72 cell module has power output up to 310W. Canadian Solar (USA) Inc.

2) Canadian Solar has been publically traded on NASDAQ since 2006 (CSIQ).

Audrey Lin Marketing Specialist, Canadian Solar

1) Led by Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and CEO of Canadian Solar, our company has an experienced multinational executive team with a proven track record of successful operations and strategic leadership.

Audrey.Lin@canadiansolar.com (888) 998-7739, x4842

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Inverter Leadership - Lowering Your Costs

Leadership – “Value.”

Reducing the cost of solar is what we do. Generating

Performance and innovation that will surprise you. Did you know we have been developing inverters in America, in Texas, since 2009? Our 1000Vdc, 23 and 28kW models have 98% CEC and 98.5% peak efficiencies, and our 1-phase residential line has dual MPPT for 3,4,5 and 6kW power levels. Can anyone beat our 14kW 208Vac 3-phase string platform for power density and convenience? The 20kW 3-phase string model has Photon Labs A,A ratings – one of the best models ever tested.

“Value.” is what you can expect from CPS America, part of the $5 billion dollar Chint Group. With solar inverters installed in 23 countries and over 1GW of production including residential, commercial and utility scale applications Chint has the scale to drive costs down – leading the industry to new inverter cost benchmarks.

Inverter Leadership - High Performance And, just when you recover from amazement about cost savings, you will see that the CPS products also lead the industry in high performance and design flexibility. Feature-rich standard models, with dual MPPT’s, integrated switches, fusing, wire-box, ARC- fault protection and efficiencies as high as 98.5%.

Chint Power Systems America 7060 Koll Center Parkway #318 Pleasanton, CA 94566 AmericaSales@ChintPower.com HOTLINE: 855-584-7168

Cost. No one has a better combination of $5B scale and supply chain efficiency to yield the best blend of features and low cost. Our supplier proximity and co-location of manufacturing and development in Shanghai saves logistics costs and improves speed to save money. Equally, Chint Group vertical integration means than many components are developed and manufactured within the company.

And, our strategy of feature rich, flexible products means you lower overall installed BoS costs beyond the inverter as well.

Bankability you can count on... our $5 Billion scale and business diversity protects us, and you, from the bumpy solar road. Just ask a top financier such as Wells Fargo or independent experts such as Photon Labs or BEW about CPS. Then, give us a call because we are here to support you!

www.ChintPower.com/na

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DPW Solar, located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Preformed Line Products (PLP). We are a major manufacturer of innovative and reliable PV mounting hardware

PV Mounting Solutions for any Application

solutions since 1993.

DPW Solar, and The POWERFAB® brand of racking systems offer provides superior strength, longer life and lower installation costs. We design and manufacture field proven solutions for securing most PV solar modules in a variety of applications for utility scale, commercial, residential, government and industrial markets. Installers from coast to coast rely on the strength and easy to install assembly of our PV mounting structures, plus the added value our customers receive through engineering expertise and unparalleled customer support. Our 20 years of PV solar industry experience coupled with lean manufacturing capabilities allow for a quick, precise response to customer needs.

DPW Solar 4000 Vassar Dr. NE Albuquerque, NM 87107 Phone: 505-889-3585

Roof Mount Systems include:

Power Rail™ — Residential and Commercial POWER XPRESSTM Ballasted Power Rail™ Power Rail™ KTS — Side Tilt

Ground and Pole Mount Systems include:

Power Peak™ — Utility Scale Multi-Pole Mounts (MPM-G2) Large Ground Mounts Top-of-Pole Mounts Side-of-Pole Mounts

Email: info@power-fab.com www.DPWSolar.com

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You can always Count on the reliability of our USA manufactured products, and the dedicated service of DPW Solar’s people day in and day out, year after year.

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The global quality and value leader in fractional horsepower motion control is the result of combining precise German engineering and award-winning design with a highly skilled Black Forest workforce and state-of-the-art automated production.

Dunkermotor is the North American sales, technical support and logistics subsidiary of Dunkermotoren GmbH, now part of AMETEK Precision Motion Control. For over 60 years, Dunkermotoren is the world market leader in customized, configurable sole-source motion control solutions composed of long-life brushed motor products and the industry’s largest portfolio of integrated intelligence brushless motor+controller solutions with connectivity to CANopen, Profibus, Profinet and Ethercat fieldbuses, as well as linear motors, AC electric motors, planetary and worm gearheads, controls, encoders and brakes.

Headquartered in Bonndorf, Germany with production and/or logistics facilities in Europe, Asia and Mount Prospect, Illinois, Dunkermotoren employs 1000 globally and produces over 3 million motors annually for the automation, packaging, medical, solar, and agricultural/mass transportation industries.

Dunkermotoren USA Inc. 1500 Bishop Court Mount Prospect, IL 60056 Phone (773) 289-5555 info@dunkermotor.com www.dunkermotor.com

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Dunkermotor is a global manufacturer of Brushed DC motors, Brushless DC motors and gear motors with output power ranging from 1-550 Watts (over 2/3 hp). For over 60 years, the German based company has been on the leading edge of technology and innovation – not only in terms of product design, but also automated production. This has led to success as the largest supplier of fractional horsepower motion control products in Europe, with rapid growth in the US and Asian markets.

The award-winning German engineering firm is recognized for its high quality, long-life brushed motor product line, and its portfolio of highly integrated brushless motor/controller solutions. In addition to being the world market leader in supplying gearmotors to the entryway access and sun management markets, Dunkermotor also successfully serves the factory and commercial automation, medical and laboratory equipment, agricultural and mass transportation, solar PV and power, and packaging and food processing machinery markets.

THE REASONS FOR SUCCESS: Through the years, Dunkermotor has developed components based on a modular approach that includes brushed DC, brushless DC and AC motors, planetary and worm gearboxes, magnetic, incremental and absolute encoders, power-on and power-off brakes, and a variety of integral as well as separate electronic drives and controllers.

This innovative configurable modular component approach creates thousands of motion solution possibilities providing fine-tuned answers to unique challenges using readily available, fieldproven components either in a standard or customized configuration.

In addition to manufacturing excellence, Dunkermotor provides extensive technical and application support, recognized by customers as an extension of their own engineering or R&D teams. As a result, customers shorten project development time, reduce their list of components and vendors and realize sizable cost saving

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on not only components and integration but also assembly and inventory. Being an innovative, all-in-one technical and commercial partner, Dunkermotor is committed to developing strong, longlasting relationships with its customers.

OVER A DECADE OF INTEGRATED INTELLIGENCE MOTOR INNOVATION: Dunkermotor has accelerated the development of the truly all-in-one concept of intelligent brushless DC motors.

Significant investment in research and development, extensive testing, validations, and unique new production tools were required to achieve today’s technologically advanced integrated brushless product line that presents a best value solution for OEMs. The result is a BLDC motor, drive, controller, feedback device, bus protocols, gearbox, and brake in one compact package. The Original iBLDC ™ !

Dunkermotor introduced their new Brushless DC product line with Profibus interface to complement its CANopen portfolio and then expanded further with a newly introduced range of solutions with Ethercat fieldbus. Recently, Dunkermotor introduced its new line of high performance linear motors, actuators and modules to the U.S. market.

A COMMITMENT TO SERVICE: There is nothing more important to Dunkermotor than to solve the problems of its OEMs and to help them be more successful, whether by providing them with strong application engineering, out of the box thinking, prompt delivery of prototypes, on-site assistance or global footprint logistics and manufacturing solutions. OEMs want speed and precision; Dunkermotor delivers both every day. The latest addition to their Mount Prospect, IL facility is a Same-day shipping service for most of Dunkermotor’s Stock-Program, featuring 1000+ of their most popular motion solutions. Customers can also conveniently buy directly from the manufacturer’s online DunkermotorExpress, or contact a local distributor.

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EagleView Technologies offers Pictometry® Intelligent Images® and analytical tools for accurate pre-contract assessment. The high-resolution images provide top-down, north, south, east and west views to easily identify shading and roof obstructions. With image libraries covering the U.S. and Canada, neighborhoods in any geographical area can be evaluated right from the desktop. After the sale, EagleView Solar Roof Reports use patented, 3D technology to deliver detailed measurements including orientation, tilt and total square footage and provide CAD files that can be imported into existing workflows for precise solar design and installation.

Solar solutions for contractors from prospecting to system design EagleView Technologies is the leading provider of powerful technological solutions in the GIS, measurement and analytical space and has specialized in automating manual processes through SaaS technology solutions for over five years. The company has more than 50 patented technologies to provide scalable, efficient and highly accurate analytical solutions that are critical for success in the solar market.

EagleView Technologies 3700 Monte Villa Parkway, Suite 200 Bothell, WA 98021 866-659-8439 www.eagleview.com

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After a 2013 merger with Pictometry International, the company that invented the technology behind aerial oblique image capture, EagleView now offers a vast library of high-resolution, Pictometry orthogonal and oblique imagery that is georeferenced, allowing for the extraction of data and measurements, a must have for prequalifying solar projects. With 90% of the populated areas in the U.S. captured and a broad reach into Canada, solar contractors can evaluate and assess a property from anywhere using powerful, cloud-based tools or take advantage of the many available integrations. New images are captured on an ongoing basis and the technology continues to advance, offering unsurpassed image quality as well as mobile solutions for optimum efficiency.

EagleView invented patented software that produces 3D models resulting in aerial roof and wall measurement reports that are extremely accurate and detailed. The Solar Roof Reports deliver all measurements needed for any solar job, including azimuth, square footage, line lengths and a CAD file of the property. As the market leader in both the construction and solar markets, EagleView continues to introduce innovations that allow contractors to operate more efficiently, increase profitability and grow their businesses.

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Industry leader EcoFasten Solar® works closely with the top solar developers, racking system providers, roofing manufacturers and commercial installation companies to develop breakthrough mounting solutions that are watertight, versatile, simple, and secure. All of the products in the EcoFasten line are manufactured in-house in Morrisville, Vermont, which allows complete control over the product design, development and manufacturing phases. Comprised of a team rich with talent and ability, EcoFasten Solar produces reliable systems that do what they say they’ll do.

Committed to the connection We all know that to mount a solar panel to a roof, you need to know as much about the roof construction as you do about the panel function. In fact, you need to know more.

Founded by a former roofer with decades of hands-on experience, EcoFasten Solar® is the company that was born to bridge the gap between the people who design the solar arrays and the people who install them.

EcoFasten Solar roof mounts and components utilize the same patented watertight compression technology that has been used by its Sister company in the rooftop mounted snow retention industry since the mid-1990’s. This simple, yet secure technology creates an impermeable moisture barrier under even the most extreme conditions.

EcoFasten Solar®

All EcoFasten Solar products are rugged by design, employing fabrication and quality manufacturing principles that maintain the integrity of the roof without voiding roofing manufacturer’s warranties. Every EcoFasten product meets or exceeds roofing industry best practices, as well as International and State Building Codes.

289 Harrel Street

There’s a reason the top 3 installers in the U.S. rely on EcoFasten Solar:

Morrisville, VT 05661 Phone: 877.859.3947 Fax: 888.766.9994

• Fastest, easiest, most straightforward installs in the industry • Most cost-effective solutions available

info@ecofastensolar.com www.ecofastensolar.com

• Versatile designs for all roof types – new or retrofit • Patented, watertight compression technology • Made in the USA using recycled materials

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Enphase Energy is the world’s leading microinverter company, delivering microinverter technology for the solar industry that increases energy production, simplifies design and installation, improves system uptime and reliability, reduces fire safety risk and provides a platform for intelligent energy management. Our semiconductor-based microinverter system converts energy at the

Leader in Solar Technology Innovation

individual solar module level and brings a systems-based, high technology approach to solar energy generation. Enphase has shipped over six million microinverters across the world and expanded its global footprint with offices in North America, Europe and Australia.

Revolutionizing solar power generation, Enphase Energy introduced the solar industry’s first commercially distributed microinverter in 2008. Four generations later, Enphase announced its commitment to the commercial market with the C250 Microinverter and O&M services. A few short months later, Enphase unveiled a new energy management system designed to intelligently integrate the critical technologies needed to solve solar energy challenges at scale: smart grid intelligence, communications, big data analytics, and storage. The Enphase Energy Management System is built on the foundation of solar’s first-ever bi-directional power flow microinverter—Enphase S275 Microinverter—which allowed for the development of Enphase’s ground-breaking AC Battery.

Enphase’s explosive financial growth has positioned the company as a Deloitte Technology Fast 500 winner two consecutive years. Enphase was also named the #1 residential inverter supplier in the Americas for 2013 by share of revenue by IHS Research, as well as the #1 power electronics monitoring provider in the world for 2013 by number of new sites, according to GTM Research.

Enphase is transforming the global energy landscape and bringing quantifiable benefits to society and the environment. Enphase technology has offset over 1.7 million tons of carbon emissions and contributed to the addition of 1.4GW (DC) of solar across the world. Through Enphase’s web-based software platform, Enlighten, Enphase receives real-time field performance verification from over 200,000 solar systems around the world.

Enphase Energy 1420 N. McDowell Blvd Petaluma, CA 94954 P: (877) 797-4743 www.enphase.com

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Envect provides a unique venture consulting offering to help product and service providers launch new businesses and operations in the North American Solar markets. We engage on a long term basis as embedded team members who share the risk and reward of success.

Envect Inc. 906 Harriman Rd Bend, Oregon 97701 www.envect.com info@envect.com

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ET Solar is a global provider of smart solar

Since 2005, ET Solar products have been constantly contributing clean energy to our planet. As a recognized innovator, our success in production, technological development, quality control, and product performance distinguishes us as one of the most reliable solar companies in the world.

With more than 3.5GW of shipments, ET Solar modules are proven to belong to one of the world most reliable brands and are best choices in terms of high quality, excellent performance. ET Solar modules have been consistently ranked in the top five by PHOTON. All ET Solar products are fully approved and certified by recognized global standards and laboratories.

energy solutions devoted to meeting customer needs. Our knowledge, experience, and continual innovation have lead to highly successful gigawatt solar system installations and hundreds of turnkey megawatt power plants worldwide. By integrating research and development, manufacturing, and commercial expertise across the entire solar value chain, ET Solar provides industryleading solar energy solutions that not only include components manufacturing, but also package services throughout the entire life cycle of solar power plants, from project

ET solar believes the intangible power hidden in technological innovations can generate unlimited value for customers.

This is why we commit to leading change in the industry through innovation.

design, financing, engineering, procurement, and construction management through operations and maintenance services.

ET Solar is not purely a module manufacturer; we also provide energy solution to customers around the world. ET Solar delivers leading smart solar energy solutions with proven success references from more than 300MW of installations around the world. As one of the globally recognized solar module suppliers and an end-to-end lifecycle solar power plant services provider with more than 3.5GW of experience, ET Solar delivers superior system-level results over competitors. With German quality and expertise across the entire solar energy supply chain, we deliver more predictable and bankable PV energy solutions that increase energy yield, reduce LCOE, and provide stable grid integration, resulting in system solutions that maximize value and minimize risk for our customers.

ET Solar Inc. 4900 Hopyard Road #310 Pleasanton, CA 94588 Tel. +1 925 460 9898 x 202 Fax: +1 925 460 9929 Email: sales@etsolar.us

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Exosun Founded in 2007, Exosun is an expert in solar tracking for utility-scale solar plants.

Global leader, Exosun designs, develops and supplies highly reliable and robust solar tracking systems, named Exotrack®, with the lowest life-cycle cost on the market.

Exosun accompanies its clients and partners by providing a full range of tailored product associated engineering services.

The company’s mission is to drive down the cost of the solar kWh and help customers achieve the best LCOE. French pioneer, Exosun has a subsidiary in the US (San Francisco) and in South Africa (Cape Town), and representation offices in Mexico and Portugal.

French pioneer with expanding international presence and expertise Exosun has supplied more than 150 MW of solar trackers for utility-scale PV plants worldwide and has designed more than 2 GWp of pre project studies.

Simple yet innovative design for reduced CAPEX and OPEX expenditures Exosun’s team is made up of highly qualified professionals motivated by a common industrial vision which is to drive down the cost of the solar kWh and to achieve the best LCOE for its customers.

Our tracking systems have been designed for fast and simple installation, as well as for minimal preventive operation and maintenance actions.

Exosun Inc. 395 Oyster Point Blvd, Suite 307 South San Francisco, CA 94080

Furthermore, Exosun’s engineering team optimizes plant design by finding the perfect balance between upfront costs, plant configuration, and energy yield.

Highly reliable and bankable Exosun’s long term reliability and durability have been confirmed by technical due diligences from references such as Black & Veatch, and through extensive testing of our solar trackers by independent third parties.

Our flagship product, the Exotrack® HZ horizontal single-axis tracker, was the first solar tracker worldwide to earn UL 3703 compliancy.

Partnering with our customers to accelerate their ROI In addition to building world-class tracking technology, Exosun offers its clients customized support services covering the complete life cycle of a solar plant, from project development up to tracker commissioning and O&M.

Phone: 415-422-9625 contact.usa@exosun.net

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Festo is a leading global manufacturer of pneumatic and electromechanical systems, components and controls for process control and factory automation solutions, with more than 55 national headquarters serving more than 180 countries. With over 40 years of innovation in the United States and over 80 years globally, Festo has continuously elevated the state of manufacturing with innovations and optimized motion control solutions that deliver

We are the Engineers of Productivity!

Festo is globally recognized as a symbol of expertise in factory automation and process control. We can help decrease process costs by engaging Festo as an extended workbench and benefitting from our expertise with regard to preassembled pneumatics, customized product designs, and system solutions.

higher performing, more profitable automated manufacturing and processing equipment. Our dedication to the advancement of automation extends beyond technology to the education of current and future automation and robotic

Festo enables its partners to obtain more intelligent automation solutions from a single source. In addition to tried and tested pneumatic drive units, Festo also provides both servo-pneumatic and electric drive units.

designers with simulation tools, teaching programs, and on-site services.

Our intelligent systems for status monitoring and machine diagnosis (condition monitoring solutions) are made up of sensors, software, controllers, and visualization. These solutions can greatly reduce maintenance and servicing costs.

With a comprehensive line of automation components, custom components and complete electromechanical and pneumatic motion controlled multi-axis systems…

Festo

Festo can support your most complex automation requirements.

Phone:: 800.99.FESTO Fax: 800.96.FESTO E-mail: customer.service@us.festo.com www.festo.com/us

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Folsom Labs: Leading the Way in Reducing Soft Costs

Folsom Labs develops HelioScope, cloudbased design software for solar PV systems.

HelioScope combines easy-to-use design tools with bankable mathematics, allowing system engineers to quickly design and evaluate potential projects. HelioScope is robust enough to be trusted by the most sophisticated engineering firms, who report that the software makes them 2x-5x faster in designing and modeling a solar array. Yet it

HelioScope helps solar developers dramatically improve their operations in deploying high-quality PV systems.

By combining CAD functionality and energy simulation, HelioScope reduces the time it takes to design a solar project, while still providing rigorous results, with a 1% bill of materials tolerance to AutoCAD, and a 1% energy yield tolerance to PVsyst.

is also intuitive enough to be used by frontline sales teams to quickly and effectively generate bankable designs and performance estimates. For more information, visit www. folsomlabs.com.

HelioScope automates many of the steps that engineers take to design a solar array: setting building takeoffs based on applicable codes, calculating row spacing automatically based on the location’s sun angles, and showing voltage drop in real-time based on the conductor sizes and distances.

Furthermore, HelioScope’s ease of use also enables a broader set of individuals to design solar arrays. This enables non-engineers (sales, operations, development, etc.) to take on the system design and modeling tasks that could previously only have been done by engineering. The sales team is more effective because they can now generate their own commercial proposals, while the engineering team is more effective because they can focus on projects under contract.

Finally, HelioScope enables advanced system optimization and value engineering. By combining the physical layout with the energy yield calculations, the software can automatically calculate tradeoffs between the physical array design and the resulting energy yield, helping engineers determine the lowest-cost approach for constructing an array. In recognition of the impact this optimization can have on system costs, Folsom Labs has been awarded a grant under the SunShot program to accelerate the development of optimization tools.

Folsom Labs

HelioScope helps installers build better systems, improve their productivity, and close more sales.

info@folsomlabs.com www.folsomlabs.com

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Fronius USA is headquartered in Portage, Indiana and is a leader in solar inverter technology in the United States. Fronius has a long tradition of technological innovation, founded in 1945 in Austria. In addition to technological innovation, the family-owned tradition of Fronius is highly value-driven and quality focused. Fronius USA has three divisions: Perfect Welding, Solar Energy and Perfect Charging and one goal which is to shift the limits of what is possible. Through innovation Fronius USA has become a resource for quality service, products and data communications to the growing solar industry. For more information, visit www.fronius-usa.com.

Fronius USA opened its doors to solar in the United States in 2002 in Brighton, MI and in 2013 moved to a 400,000 square foot facility in Portage, Indiana to better serve all its growing divisions and manufacturing needs. The facility houses Fronius USA’s over 100 employees and has recently installed a rooftop array. The large array not only serves the large facility’s energy demands, but assists in the company’s product research and development in the US. Fronius USA is the leader the inverter industry, with a full product line that compliments the needs of all aspects of solar: from the small family home to the largest of commercial facility or solar farm. The Fronius SnapINverter line up features string inverters from 1.5 kW to 24 kW and the key differentiating design of the hinge mounting capability. This allows for these lightweight units to be mounted in less than fifteen minutes as well as several mounting options available.

Fronius USA recently developed a new technology in the industry that features the strength of the string inverter integrated with the module-level monitoring technology seen in many smart solar systems. The Fronius FE Inverter Line allows for design flexibility, shade mitigation and module-level monitoring on the ground and works seamlessly with optimizers or Tigo’s Tier 1 smart module manufacturers.

Fronius USA also offers free lifetime monitoring for its products, typically unseen from other inverter manufacturers. The inverters communicate wirelessly with Fronius’ Solar.web and other third party protocols, securing accurate data measuring and monitoring.

Fronius USA LLC 6797 Fronius Drive Portage, IN 46368/ USA Main: +1 (219) 734-5500 Direct: +1 (219) 734-5601 www.fronius.com

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Positively Bankable for the Next 25 Years and Beyond 25 years is a really long time. Many solar companies are offering promises they don’t know if they can keep. Many haven’t even existed for 25 years. Hanwha has. With a 60 year history over many different industries, Hanwha is equipped with the necessary experience to last over the long term. Industry standard warranties are all 25 years now; who are you going to trust to remain standing at the end to honor those warranties?

Geographic Diversity There have been so many twists and turns in the solar trade case that even seasoned trade attorneys are dizzy. Why deal with a module manufacturer who has all its capacity in China--all its eggs in one basket! A knockout tariff from the Department of Commerce might leave you, the customer of a Chinese made panel, with a worthless warranty, or worse, an unfulfilled order. Hanwha, with the new merger of its SolarOne and Q CELLS entities, will have module capacity spread throughout China, Korea, Malaysia, Germany, Poland, and Canada. That’s true flexibility.

New Corporate Headquarters With the new HQ in South Korea and the technology HQ in Germany, we are pairing strategic decision making with world class technology. This is an unbeatable combination. Ask us how we can help you grow your business.

Hanwha SolarOne USA 2424 Walsh Avenue Santa Clara, CA 95051 us.sales@hanwha-solarone.com 714-689-6868

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Helical Products Company, Inc Manufacturer of flexible couplings, u-joints, and the HELI-CAL Machine Spring®. The HELICAL ® Flexure makes bar stock flexible. The flexure can be manufactured from materials such as stainless steels, aluminums, Delrin® to titanium.

Helical Products is the originator of the HELICAL ® Flexure, a coil pattern that can be

Leading the way in customer service

designed to meet the specific performance requirements of a customer’s application.

Using a proprietary process to vary the coil

At Helical Products Company Inc. superior leadership qualities are demonstrated every day by our entire team of application engineers. Their engineering support of our customers is unparalleled and exemplified by our tagline Engineering Expertise.

characteristics, coupling ratings such as torque capacity, torsional stiffness, angular misalignment, parallel offset and axial movement can be optimized. With the HELICAL Machined Spring this proprietary process

Like most engineering departments, application engineers must perform many functions to solve customer problems, including other departments within our own company. We ensure that all employees understand our technical products. The task of educating our sales staff falls to our application engineering team. They often hold two and three day seminars for groups of 10-20 salesmen.

They will also accompany the sales staff on calls and use those opportunities for additional training. On the shop floor, our team assists with line set-up, educates operators on engineering drawings or clarifies quality control questions.

enables specific compression/extension axial spring rate and/or torsional spring rate.

Applications range from industrial motion control to medical devices and aerospace components requiring precision elasticity.

Whether used in a baseball pitching machine, a surgical robot or a critical component on the Mars Curiosity Rover, Helical’s 8,000+ successful designs and 35,000 satisfied customers prove its ability to service a wide range of challenging applications & industries.

Our team is also expert at managing multiple projects in various stages of development.

We use a CRM system to record the progress of all projects. If a project lead engineer is away from the office, another engineer can use this system to continue it or handle a customer problem or question.

Our staff is always available for customer calls, and the engineers are expert at asking customers questions to determine the correct solutions and help lead them to its resolution. Every detail is important. In addition to inquiring about loads and speeds, our team will also ask about environment, goals, and integration needs.

With customer service as a priority, our company has grown to 120 employees.

And our product line has grown too. If we don’t have the exact product a customer needs, we often have a suitable alternative.

Our application engineering team uses parametric searches based on physical dimensions and performance criteria to find the appropriate solution.

Customers may reach our staff by phone or email: 877-435-4225; engineering@ heli-cal.com.

Helical Products Company, Inc

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901 West McCoy Lane Santa Maria, California 93455 Phone: 877-435-4225 Email: engineering@heli-cal.com

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www.heli-cal.com www.MachinedSprings.com

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About IronRidge

IronRidge Design Assistant™ automatically generates codecompliant engineering calculations and a complete bill of materials based on basic design information. These outputs are complemented with pre-stamped engineering letters to facilitate permitting.

IronRidge designs and manufactures mounting hardware for residential and commercial solar systems. For more than 15 years, IronRidge has worked closely with installers and integrators to build products that are simple, reliable and help minimize the total cost of installation.

Hardware Trusted by Solar Professionals Solar professionals across the country know the quality and durability of IronRidge products.

Since 1996, IronRidge has focused on engineering products that increase the structural strength of solar arrays while also minimizing the total cost of installation. This focus has resulted in new features, such as integrated grounding, as well as new products, such as an All-in-One flashing, anchor and stand-off.

Most recently, IronRidge expanded its XR Rail Family to include three rail sizes, all featuring the company’s signature curved profile. The new offering empowers solar designers to increase the strength of mounting systems while reducing cost by as much as 15-20%.

Software that Tackles Soft Costs IronRidge was the first mounting company to offer software that streamlines the design and permitting process.

IronRidge Inc. 1495 Zephyr Avenue

IronRidge has continued advancing Design Assistant with new features that make it easier to toggle between multiple “whatif” scenarios, in order to help minimize materials cost, reduce weight on the roof, or optimize system layout.

This integration of software and hardware empowers installation companies to increase project profitably while delivering better value to customers.

Experts in Customer Success IronRidge’s experienced Sales and Service teams provide a range of technical support and engineering services to help customers in all facets of their business.

Whether preparing a permit package, planning a construction schedule, or responding to an inspector, customers trust IronRidge to partner with them in achieving success.

As well, IronRidge has built a robust network of regional and national distribution partners to make products readily available, whenever and wherever solar is being installed.

Hayward, CA 94544 800.227.9523 www.ironridge.com

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Some key advantages of working with JA Solar:

JA Solar Holdings Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ: JASO) is a world-leading manufacturer of high-

• Scale & Ownership: JA has over 3 GW of solar cell and solar module manufacturing capacity at our seven (7) manufacturing locations. JA uses no 3rd party manufacturers.

We make all of our own solar products. Our industry leading financial strength, corporate reliability, customer care and warranty support ensures bankability.

performance solar power products that convert sunlight into electricity. Founded in 2005, JASO was listed on the NASDAQ in February 2007.

• Global Brand: Over 3 GW of shipments in 2014 & over 11 GW of cumulative shipments; bankable, rated Tier 1 by all major analysts and financial entities.

JA Solar has been the world’s leading solar cell producer since 2010 and is a firmly established, Tier 1 module supplier for residential, commercial and utility-scale power applications. Capitalizing on our superior solar cell technology – and in

• Quality-Focused: JA continued to expand investments in solar cell R&D, factory automation, QA/QC Systems & continuous performance improvement processes in 2014.

This will continue as our products become more efficient and cost effective.

• Competitive Pricing: JA combines the best of large-scale, automated, semi-conductor manufacturing processes with high efficiency solar cell technology to allow for continued cost reductions across the value chain.

combination with our commitment to R&D as well as continuous performance improvement – JA modules deliver unparalleled conversion

• Financial Strength: The JA Board of Directors takes their fiduciary responsibilities seriously – as evidenced by our significant cash reserves and the lowest debt levels in the industry – making JA one of the healthiest among Tier 1 Chinese manufacturers.

efficiency, power production and reliability.

• Reliable Supply for North America: The US Market is important to JA Solar. Regardless of the tariff resolution, JA remains committed to the North America market and will utilize its global, manufacturing capacity to assure a continued supply of high quality, costcompetitive JA solar modules.

• People: The JASO team is global and local and it is comprised of committed, solar professionals. We are here for you.

• Bankable & Transparent Partner: JA’s factories and processes have been thoroughly vetted and evaluated by the world’s leading independent engineering and financial advisory organizations. Our doors are open. Come to Shanghai. Visit our factories and see for yourself! You are welcome most any time!

JA Solar USA. Inc. 2570 North First Street Suite 360,

Headquartered in Shanghai, China, JA Solar is an international company with a global sales and marketing network including the company’s American headquarters in California’s Silicon Valley, the European office in Munich, German and the Japan office in Tokyo.

San Jose, CA 95131.

Tel: +1 408 586 0000 Fax: +1 408 956 9505 Email: info.us@jasolar.com www.jasolar.com

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JinkoSolar Co., Ltd. Established 2006 in China and publicly listed

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JinkoSolar, Leading the industry today and tomorrow…

on the NYSE in 2010, JinkoSolar Co., Ltd. is a rapidly growing solar PV manufacturer with 14 full-service regional offices, sales in 38 countries, and over 10,000 employees.

JinkoSolar has built a vertically integrated solar product value chain, with an integrated annual capacity of 2.3 GW for silicon ingots and wafers, 1.8 GW for solar cells, and 2.8 GW for solar modules, as of September 30, 2014. JinkoSolar sells electricity in China and distributes its solar products to a diversified customer base in the global PV market.

JinkoSolar (U.S.) Inc. 595 Market Street Suite 2200 San Francisco, CA 94105 Tel:+1 415 402 0502

JinkoSolar Co., Ltd has a proven track record of being a best-in-class solar panel manufacturing company with the most competitive cost structure and highest quality products. With over $1 Billion in annual revenue, JinkoSolar is recognized as one of the most bankable manufacturers in the solar industry, financed by many substantial renewable investors in the United States.

Subsequently JinkoSolar’s U.S subsidiary, JinkoSolar (U.S.) Inc., is now currently the fastest growing PV supplier in North America, quadrupling sales from 2012 to 2013 and again from 2013 to 2014.

Fax:+1 415 402 0703

KEY FACTS • Listed on NYSE: May 2010 (NYSE:JKS) • #1 — Industry leader in cost structure, profitability, and investor returns • Over $1 Billion (USD) in annual revenue • Tier 1 Bankability — Financed by many of the top renewable investors in the US • 2nd in Photon Outdoor Module Tests since 2012 • 4th in PWC’s PV Sustainable Growth Index • 4th Largest global PV module manufacturer • Quality and endurance validated by third-party laboratories

us@jinkosolar.com http://www.jinkosolar.com

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KACO new energy is amongst the world’s

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KACO new energy is a partner in San Antonio’s seven phase, 400 megawatt solar project, “Alamo,” which will be powered exclusively by KACO inverters. KACO new energy has delivered 40mW, twenty KACO 2.0mW Integrated Power Stations, to Alamo Five, the fifth part of the solar project, by June 2015, all 100mW of IPS units will be delivered. Once the entire Alamo project is complete, KACO inverters will be providing energy for 10% of all San Antonio homes, around 70,000 residential dwellings

largest manufacturers of solar inverters. With 850 employees and offices in 16 countries, the company offers inverters for every array size from the smallest homes to the largest solar farms of hundreds of Megawatts.

KACO new energy’s US headquarters is based in San Antonio, TX and the production

KACO new energy’s new product line includes the Ultraverter, blueplanet TL3, and blueplanet TL1.

The Ultraverter, combines the best of string and micro inverters by conditioning and inverting at low voltage on the PV module, then managing the grid and all communications in a single, outdoorrated, light-weight, wall-mounted Flexgate. The blueplanet TL3 offers all-in-one features like an integrated AFCI detector, multiple MPPT channels, AC and DC overcurrent protection, and an AC and DC disconnection means with lock-out-tag safety; representing a range of installer time saving features never before seen from a leading global inverter manufacturer. With five different feature packages, customers can get exactly the right inverter for your project. KACO new energy’s blueplanet TL1 is a transformerless, single phase, residential inverter whose compact design and entire composite enclosure will completely eliminate the need for equipment ground connections thus saving the installer on time and cost.

facilities there, in Germany and Asia have supplied nearly 7 Gigawatts of inverters since 1999. The company was the first inverter manufacturer to achieve fully carbon-neutral production and is rapidly heading towards power self-sufficiency.

KACO new energy Headquarters, North America 4036 Binz-Engleman Road, Suite 208 San Antonio, TX 78219 USA Phone- +1 210 446-4238 Fax- +1 210 437-3452

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Kipp & Zonen provides class-leading instruments for measuring solar radiation and atmospheric properties in Meteorology, Climatology, Hydrology, Industry, Renewable Energy, Agriculture and Public Health.

Kipp & Zonen is the specialist in the measurement of solar and sky radiation, from the ultraviolet to the far infrared. We offer a

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Organisation Kipp & Zonen is an independent organisation with its head office in Delft, The Netherlands.

This is where the heart lies of our passion for the profession with the following specialised departments: Research & Development of products, technology and software • Marketing & Sales

complete range of high quality instrumentation

• Service & Calibration

and accessories, from reliable cost-effective

• Manufacture & Quality Control

products to the best performance available.

• Logistics, Purchase & Finance

Our pyranometers, for example, are used in

World wide network To support the countless and various Kipp & Zonen customers around the world, we have offices in:

meteorological networks around the world.

Furthermore, our expertise and close links with

• France

the scientific community have led to high-end

• The United States of America

solutions for the measurement of atmospheric

• Singapore

properties such as stratospheric Ozone, UV

Our international network of distributors provides local sales and service in over 40 countries.

Spectra and evapo-transpiration.

SMP10 Pyranometer

Kipp & Zonen USA Inc.

The SMP10 is a secondary standard pyranometer that combines the sensor technology from the CMP 11, the Smart interface from the SMP11 and the low maintenance from the CMP10.

125 Wilbur Place Bohemia, NY 11716 USA T: +1 631 589 2065 F: +1 631 589 2068 kipp.usa@kippzonen.com www.kippzonen.com

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The SMP10 has an internal drying cartridge that will last for at least 10 years if the housing is not opened. This minimizes maintenance significantly.

The interval for dome cleaning can be extended, and the quality of measurements maximized, by fitting SMP10 with the CVF4 ventilation unit.

The SMP10 has Modbus® interface, amplified analogue output, improved response time and temperature corrected measurement data. The wide and low power supply range from 5 to 30 VDC makes integration in meteorological and solar energy stations easy. The SMP10 is protected against over voltage, reversed polarity and short circuiting.

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G. LUFFT Mess- und Regeltechnik has been dealing with the production of climatological measuring equipment since its foundation by Gotthilf Lufft in 1881.

The precision workmanship of highly skilled specialists has enabled the LUFFT label to be known and the products to be purchased worldwide. The LUFFT products and equipment are to be found wherever atmospheric pressure, temperature, relative humidity and other environmental factors require to be measured or recorded.

To keep in pace with the market and the modern technologies, electronic devices have been developed parallel to the mechanical products Innovation”.

LUFFT WS Family weather stations fill critical requirements for commercial and utility scale solar projects. This is important to project owners and operators as well as installers, electrical contractors and systems integrators. No matter where you are in the world, electrical utilities require accurate weather data reporting for solar projects.

Weather data is necessary in order to monitor project performance and protect the solar farm investment. Project owners also require weather data alongside electrical production data in order to assure panel efficiency, predict project performance. A local grid operator needs information from panel performance with weather to know how much energy a project will product, thereby protecting and regulating the local electricity grid. Integration of weather measurement used to be a bothersome requirement to complete a solar project.

Now with LUFFT all in one Weather Stations, weather data is easy to install and integrate into any SCADA or datalogger system.

Lufft USA Inc. 820 E Mason, Unit A Santa Barbara, CA 93103 www.lufft.com 888.519.8443

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In 2009 LUFFT’s innovative “WS Family” of weather sensors entered the Global Solar Industry. The introduction of the new WS501, WS503,WS301 and WS303 with integrated Kipp and Zonen CMP3 pyranometer created a high level of interest being the only integrated weather station with high end pyranometer available on the market. February 2015 the W5510 will become available adding a “Secondary Standard” pyranometer option to the Lufft all in one suite. The new LUFFT solar instruments along with seven other WS Family members created an overwhelmingly positive industry response.

Currently there are hundreds of weather stations installed in the field with thousands on the order books 2015. The WS Family of sensors have no moving parts and are maintenance free. LUFFT offers a standard two year warranty and in-house calibration lab with DKD certified temperature/humidity chamber and two fully automated wind tunnels. This year 2015 Lufft also offers field calibration check service as an option to customers. These benefits and superior customer service make LUFFT an industry stand out.

Customers talk and LUFFT listens. Features like integrated external temperature sensors with adhesive for measuring panel temperature, RS-485 MODBUS-RTU communication (along with 4 other available protocols) and an optional external rain gauge add to the appeal of LUFFT WS Family weather stations.

Additional features such as plane of array measurement will be available Q2 2012. New sensors such as the WS100 stand-alone pyranometer with MODBUS-RTU will also enhance the offering later this year.

according to the basic principle “Tradition and

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PV Panel soiling in dusty environments is not a new issue, but as people begin to realize the extreme effects a dusty panel can have on a panels performance, it is no longer something that can be ignored. Lufft offers within its weather station portfolio and all in one with unique integrated rain gauge. Measuring the rainfall at a project location may be a way to know just how often a panel will need to be cleaned. This could save on project maintenance costs.

To keep in pace with the market and the modern technologies, electronic devices have been developed parallel to the mechanical products according to the basic principle “Tradition and Innovation”. Meaningful contributions to the Solar Industry are very important to LUFFT as a company. Listening to customers, executing new ideas and having the technical ability to meet the demand of a growing industry help LUFFT keep up with customer wants. This is the goal of LUFFT and what makes LUFFT a leader in the Solar Industry.

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Magerack designs and manufactures solar mounting products for solar system installations. Its Magerack Solar Mounting System is turn-key solar mounting solution including all components from rail and clamps to roof attachments. It is reliable, easy-to-install and cost-effective used by major solar installers in California. The system is UL 2703 Listed and has Class ‘A’ file rating with integrated bonding and grounding.

In particular, its patented innovative L-foot with flashing is easy to install and absolutely waterproof at very competitive price. Magerack has become one of the leading solar mounting manufacturers. It continues to innovate and provide exciting new mounting products.

Magerack Corporation 4453 Enterprise Street Fremont, CA 94538

Jason Xie founded Magerack Corporation and has been president of the company.

Under his leadership, Magerack has become one of the leading solar mounting system manufacturers and its Magerack Solar Mounting System has been used by major solar installers in California.

Jason is the inventor of the innovative L-foot flashing, which significantly reduces installation time and cost. Magerack L-foot with flashing is the most cost-effective L-foot with flashing available. Since the flashing is one piece of aluminum without any holes on the surface where water runs off, it is absolutely waterproof. After L-foot is aligned and attached to rafter, the flashing can be installed by simply inserting under upper roofing materials and then attached to the L-foot with a provided bolt. It is so easy and straight forward to install that it is almost impossible for installers to make mistakes and install it incorrectly.

Jason also participated in the design of the Magerack Solar Mounting System for pitched-roof solar system installation. The system is UL 2703 Listed and has Class ‘A’ file rating. The components have integrated bonding capability so the system is bonded and grounded without using any WEEB or bonding jumper. It helps installers significantly reduce installation time and cost. The pricing is very competitive and the overall cost for solar mounting is one of the lowest in solar installation industry.

Phone: 510-656-6661

Jason pioneers direct sales strategy and has established close relationships with contractors and installers, who have provided invaluable feedbacks and help Magerack continue to innovate and grow.

Fax: 510-656-6664 info@magerack.com www.magerack.com

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About Megger Established in the late 1800s, Megger has been the premier provider of electric test equipment and measuring instruments for electrical power applications.

The trademark was first registered in May 1903 and is guarded by the company. Although we’re best known for our world famous range of insulation testers, Megger provides a full service solution to meet your electrical test and measurement needs. Manufacturing insulation testers is where Megger started; the Megger brand name is so well known today that maintenance professionals often incorrectly use it as a verb when they refer to doing an insulation test on wiring. This famous name dates back to 1889, when the first portable insulation tester was introduced with the MEGGER brand name on it.

Megger MIT400 Series, 1-kV Insulation Testers The MIT400 Series of insulation and continuity testers have been designed for electrical testing by power utilities, industrials, telecommunication companies, commercial/domestic electricians and anyone with unique test voltage requirements. The wide range of features also makes the units ideal for maintenance technicians and engineers.

Model MIT430 One of the units in the Series, the model MIT430, is ideal for testing insulation resistance in PV systems, giving you the confidence that DC or AC currents are not finding destructive paths to ground. Used in the commissioning and maintenance process, the MIT430 is a workhorse for making sure PV systems are functioning properly.

Features, Advantages, and Benefits • Adjustable insulation test voltages provide 250 V to 1000 V or 50 V to 1000 V. • Dual digital display readout allows display of complimentary test information simultaneously.

• Exceptional measurement range from 20 G-ohm to 200 G-ohm is the highest insulation test range available on the market.

• Choice of 20 mA or 200 mA continuity testing allows user to select lower continuity range, increasing battery life considerably.

Valley Forge Corporate Centre

• Continuity auto-test capability enables two-handed operation without the need to press the test button.

2621 Van Buren Avenue Norristown, PA 19403 USA

• Adjustable continuity limit alarm allows pass/fail limits to be sent to speed testing.

T: 1-866-254-0962 F: 1-610-676-8610

• Allows the user to automatically perform PI and DAR tests.

www.megger.com

• True RMS voltage measurement allows accurate voltage measurement on noisy lines.

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• Auto ranging voltage measurement automatically adjusts range from millivolts to 600 V AC or DC, eliminating the need to keep changing range.

• Live circuit warning automatically warns of contact to a live circuit, voltage is displayed and testing is inhibited.

• Auto fuse warning alerts of fuse failure automatically. No need to test the fuse manually.

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Mounting Systems Founded in 1993, Mounting Systems is a global leader in the design, engineering and manufacture of sophisticated support structures for photovoltaic and solar thermal systems for customers around the world. With over twenty-one years of experience, Mounting Systems GmbH in Rangsdorf, Germany (just south of Berlin) and Mounting Systems, Inc., in West Sacramento, California have developed extensive experience and capabilities in providing highly cost-effective systems for a wide array of applications and markets.

Why is Mounting Systems a leader in solar?

Systems for any application: Mounting Systems’ product portfolio includes PV mounting systems with unique features and advanced capabilities for applications ranging from residential roofs of virtually any type and covering, innovative ballasted and standard racking systems for flat roofs and a wide selection of ground mount systems for PV arrays of a few kilowatts through multi-megawatt, utility-scale systems Sophisticated Engineering: Our Engineering team strives to continuously improve our products and produce the highest quality mounting systems on the market. One of Mounting Systems’ key design philosophies is the extensive use of pre-assembled components. Pre-assembly substitutes our more efficient, lower-cost production for more expensive, on-site labor which is usually performed under less than ideal conditions. The recently introduced Lambda Light East-West+ flat roof system, with its unique assembly techniques is an example of the innovative product solutions Mounting Systems has been known for.

Mounting Systems, Inc. 820 Riverside Parkway West Sacramento, CA 95605 Toll free +1 855 731 9996 Fax +1 916 287 2269 Info-us@mounting-systems.com www.mounting-systems.us

Service: With office locations in Germany, the USA, the UK, France and Japan, Mounting Systems strives to be sensitive to our customers’ needs, responsive to their requests and to be a responsible, long-term partner for both current and future endeavors

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Experience: With over 21 years of experience Mounting Systems is a strong business partner offering an uncompromising level of quality, service, years of experience and an in-depth understanding of the customer’s needs. As a dynamic, international company with product installed in over 40 countries around the world, we offer quality, service and delivery reliability. Our goal is to develop, produce and deliver innovative products, system solutions and services for our customers.

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• SOLAR FASTENER EXPERT.COM was created to provide a site where Installers, Integrators, Manufacturers and Maintenance contractors could easily obtain all the Stainless Steel Fasteners needed in their projects at a single source.

• 4 decades of experience in fastener distribution means customers benefit from the long-term relationships developed with the best fastener

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• Mudge Fasteners, family owned and operated since 1975, has been providing a large selection of fasteners, fastener tools and adhesives to customers in a broad range of industries for almost forty years. As the demand for solar-specific fasteners grew, Mudge realized the need for solar installers to have an easy to use central location to purchase all of their solar fastener parts, and therefore created SolarFastenerExpert.com.

SalesFastenerExpert.com is designed with the solar installer in mind, providing quick and easy access to the information and parts they need.

• Since its launch, Solar Fastener Expert has utilized its strong manufacturer relationships to provide its customers with the leading solar fastener products from some of the most wellknown and respected industry leaders, including EJOT®, HellermannTyton®, and ELCO®.

SolarFastenerExpert.com’s product offering reads like a spec sheet, including solar flashing kits, clips, ties, labels, self-drilling screws, lag bolts, hex bolts, hex nuts, security screws and more.

manufacturers in the world.

• Guaranteed quality products at factorydirect pricing is what customers find at SolarFastenerExpert.com • SolarFastenerExpert.com is committed to be the best source for Solar specific fasteners and accessories including Fall Protection

• In addition to the SolarFastenerExpert.com website, Solar Fastener Expert products are now available through various online retailers, including WalMart, Sears, Amazon and Menards.

Gear, Mounting Systems, Wire Management, and Sealants.

• Respected among its consumers, SolarFastenerExpert.com’s commitment to customer service, on-time delivery, competitive pricing and quality products has allowed it to grow and become the fastener source for small businesses to large corporations, nationally and internationally.

Mudge Fasteners sales@mudgefasteners.com www.mudgefasteners.com www.solarfastenerexpert.com (800) 634-0406

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Hanwha Q CELLS is the largest European photovoltaics provider, known for solar modules, systems and complete power plants of superior quality “Engineered in Germany”.

The company also offers long-term financial stability as part of Hanwha Group – a Top-Ten South Korean conglomerate and a “FORTUNE Global 500” company. At its headquarters in Germany, Hanwha develops its own solar cells as well as leading quality products, which are then manufactured in Germany, Malaysia, Europe and Asia. Thanks to its truly international setup, high quality products and financial stability, Hanwha Q CELLS is THE reliable partner for PV customers around the globe.

The Q stands for Quality.

Since founding the Q CELLS brand in 1999, the company has become the innovation leader in the PV industry, while offering sophisticated premium products and systems at the best price-performance ratio. At its R&D center in Talheim, Germany, more than 200 engineers research, develop and test the ideas of tomorrow. Our engineers developed the 6-inch solar cell and the full-square monocrystalline solar cell, to name a few. We strive to constantly improve the efficiency of our solar cells and manufacturing processes, which results in numerous world records: in 2013, our Q.PRO-G2 module came out as the best polycrystalline module in the year-long, in-field yield test by prestigious journal PHOTON. The Q.ANTUM technology set a new world record, with a 19.5% efficiency for a polycrystalline cell and 18.5% efficiency on a 60-cell polycrystalline module.

But our modules offer much more than that. Over the years, we have developed proprietary technology that ensures a full set of Q CELLS quality features, such as guaranteed anti-PID technology, Hot-Spot Protect, traceable quality and outstanding low-light performance.

We design our modules to generate more power in real-world conditions, and we back this up by one of the best warranty in the industry, with a 12-year workmanship warranty and minimum 83% power output after 25 years.

Backed by the strength of parent company Hanwha Group, a top-ten South Korean conglomerate and FORTUNE Global 500 company, Hanwha Q CELLS will continue to develop cutting-edge technology, and be at the forefront of the photovoltaics industry.

Hanwha Q CELLS Katie Kim 8001 Irvine Center Drive, suite 1250 Irvine CA 92618 Tel: +1 949 748 5996

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SolarRoofHook.com is a division of Quickscrews International Corporation. Established over 28 years ago, the company is best known for innovation and creativity in bringing solutions to the Furniture Manufacturers, Cabinetmakers, and Woodworking industries. After the recession, Quickscrews set out to find a new industry it could enter, and it found the solar industry. Its first customer helped the company develop a flat tile roof hook that could be used without drilling any holes in the tiles. Today, SolarRoofHook. com has a wide range of innovative products for mounting solar panels onto residential roofs. Products are stocked in Livermore, CA and Rock Hill, SC, so that SolarRoofHook.com can meet the needs of any company nationwide.

5830 Las Positas Road Livermore, CA 94551 Phone: 844-671-6045 Fax: 800-689-7975 E-mail: jwiener@quickscrews.com

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The formula Quickscrews used for success was easy - find out what the customer is using, learn what they do not like (find the pain) and develop a new product that fixes the problems. SolarRoofHook. com has set out to repeat those steps to make installing solar panels easier. SolarRoofHook. com has the most innovative roof mounts for solar installation on residential roofs. They stock hooks and mounts for flat tile, curved tile, asphalt shingle & stone coat steel rooftops. SolarRoofHook.com has a wide range of products, including many adjustable hooks to make the installation process easier for the user. The All Tile Hook, which works on both flat and Spanish tile and with or without batons, is just one example of the adjustable

hooks. They have the best options for stone coat steel (calpac), with five different hooks, including two adjustable ones. SolarRoofHook. com’s asphalt shingle solutions include a flashed l-foot system and the patented QuickBOLT system, which are less hassle, extremely easy to install and very competitively priced. The company now stocks flashing for its widebased hooks on curved tile roofs, for installers in counties where flashing is required. Solarroofhook. com can produce custom products from start to finish in 60 days and are continually working with installers to deliver the exact products needed for any type of roof. SolarRoofHook.com will pay the freight on orders over $100 on its online store.

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Radian Generation is a dedicated asset manager for solar projects. The company provides a comprehensive solution for owners and investors that covers financial management, contract compliance, monitoring, and operations management.

Given the management team’s significant development, financing and operating experience, RadianGEN offers numerous services that aid developers, owners and investors in acquiring, developing, operating or selling projects successfully and setting up the right systems to run them well. RadianGEN also performs additional audit services to evaluate the technical aspects of an operating solar project recommending optimization of O&M practices so that a project produces the expected amount of energy.

RadianGEN knows what it takes to develop, finance, build and manage a successful, profitable portfolio of projects. As owners and operators the team managed operations and financial compliance activities for 42 MW of solar projects in nine states, which all exceeded their benchmarks. They have closed over $1.1 billion of capital (tax equity and debt) for solar PV assets from institutional investors. The RadianGEN team has over 50 years of collective technical & solar asset management experience and was founded in January 2013 by a group of former project developers/asset owners from SunEdison, FRV, and MMA Renewable Ventures.

RadianGEN’s mission is to deliver predictable, long-term results for their customers as the industry leading solar asset manager. Their effective solar asset management focus reduces project complexity, corrects underperformance issues, increases energy production, decreases operational costs, and provides leadership, accountability and transparency. RadianGEN reduces risk for solar project owners, investors and developers and is more cost-effective than an in-house team.

222 Columbus Avenue, Suite 420

RadianGEN uses a proprietary asset management database technology and process (RadianCOR) to track KPIs, fulfill compliance obligations, and generate reporting. They also have a strong internal engineering team to help with optimization, technical issues, production monitoring, etc.

Radian currently manages 180MW of commercial and utility projects located in both the US and Canada. The company is backed by Quietstream Financial, which is a well-capitalized platform of specialized asset managers.

San Francisco, CA 94133 Main Phone: 415-901-3430 info@radiangen.com

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Vote for RBI Solar- 2015 RBI Solar, Inc. is the leading turnkey solution provider for solar mounting systems. RBI takes single-point responsibility for the entire project including complete structural & foundation design, engineering, manufacturing, nationwide installation, and technical support. The company has in-house engineers registered in all 50 states and nationwide contractor’s license. RBI Solar engineers incorporate and analyze data from available certified geotechnical reports, on-site pile testing, wind tunnel testing, and all applicable codes and loading considerations, when designing the most cost-effective structure for you. RBI Solar is one of the few racking companies in the industry which offer all the possible foundation solutions to meet your project needs. Three of RBI solar mounting systems are ETL classified to UL subject 2703.

As an integrated structural specialist in ground mount, roof mount, carports, landfill and specialty structures; RBI focuses on providing best-in-class solar mounting systems and project management capabilities to serve its customers

Corporate Headquarters 5513 Vine Street Cincinnati OH 45217

Starting January 2015, RBI Solar is adding a new manufacturing facility in Temecula, California and extending its’ Ohio operation by adding 65,000 sq-ft more space close to the head-office. These new facilities will increase production and reduce shipping costs. RBI Solar is also offering improved and more competitive ballasted landfill solutions. Leveraging more than eight decades of experience in the commercial design-build specialty structures market, RBI Solar works with clients to identify the most economical, low maintenance, and robust solar mounting structures. RBI solar mounting systems continue to be the best choice for highly engineered and robust structural design which is backed by excellent end-toend technical support and a 20-year product warranty. RBI Solar is committed to offering a durable, functional, and cost-effective solar racking solution.

Telephone: 513-242-2051 Fax: 513-242-0816 E-mail: info@rbisolar.com Web: www.rbisolar.com

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About ReneSola Founded in 2005, and listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 2008, ReneSola (NYSE:SOL) is an international leading brand and technology provider of green energy products. ReneSola currently has 42 warehouses, and 27 offices around the world which offer local sales, warehouses, technical, and logistics services for the commercial, utility and residential sectors.

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A Total Solutions Provider with a Global Presence: ReneSola America is among the top renewable energy product suppliers to the USA, deploying over 324 MW in 2013. The Company maintains an industry-leading logistics platform, allowing for quick and easy delivery to anywhere in the United States. Choosing ReneSola as a partner means robust support from 80+ local employees, equipped with the expertise to optimize customer experience.

ReneSola OEM Capacity= Customer Savings and Flexibility ReneSola boasts an OEM module capacity of over 1 GW, allowing production capability in countries such as South Korea, India and Turkey. ReneSola OEM partnerships are built to ensure universal and consistent levels of product quality and performance while allowing customers products which comply with local government trade rules.

Total Solutions

Naveed Hasan Marketing Manager, ReneSola America 415 852 7428 marketing.us@renesola.com

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ReneSola’s renewable energy product bundled packages consist of industryleading modules, inverters, and racking and LED lighting solutions, making installing reliable residential systems fast and easy. The full line of PV products are available for financing through the company’s recently launched residential financing program

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Put your trust in the mounting solution innovators.

Over 45 years of innovation and 400,000 installed projects stand behind Roof Tech, the first U.S. subsidiary of Yanegiken, Japan’s leading developer of roofing technologies.

Since 1968, Yanegiken has designed roofing

Innovative products that embody the elegance of Japanese design. Lightweight, compact mounting solutions. Watertight performance in the most extreme weather. These are just some of the qualities that make Roof Tech the new leader in PV mounting solutions. Consider our three signature products:

solutions and solar panel fittings to withstand the most extreme weather conditions. Now Roof Tech products are available for the U.S. market, all based on Yanegiken’s own development and manufacturing capabilities.

• All the parts for a 2kW system? It’s in the bag! RT-[E] Mount™ brackets are compact by design. All the parts for an entire 2kW system fit in a single, lightweight bag. It’s easy to carry and simple to install. And thanks to butyl rubber flashing, RT-[E] Mount delivers watertight performance that stands the test of time.

With headquarters in Novato, California, Roof Tech now has a sales team ready to provide unique PV mounting solutions to distributors,

• All-in-one. Rail-less. Perfect for microinverter installations. RT-[E] Mount AIR™ provides three inches of clearance from the roofing surface to promote efficient cooling in warm climates. The RT-[E] Mount AIR can be shipped with its own microinverter mounting bracket, a microinverter wire harness mounting bracket, and an array skirt.

installers and solar panel manufacturers throughout the U.S.

• The patented PV frame that’s poised for partnership. U set Solar® is designed for efficient installation with fewer parts to save time and reduce shipping costs. We are now offering exclusive partnerships to PV manufacturers who wish to adapt their products to the U set Solar design.

Roof Tech Inc

Takashi Chiyoda

Smarter PV mounting solutions

General Manager

from top of roof to bottom line®

taka.c@roof-tech.us

92 Hamilton Drive, Suite A

Milton Nogueira Jr.

Novato, CA 94949

Business Development Manager

(415) 382-1036

milton.n@roof-tech.us.

www.roof-tech.us

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All Roof Tech products are 100% code compliant and have earned PE reports from 25 states with more to come. Our sales team is ready to provide distributors, installers and solar panel manufacturers with the ideal PV mounting solutions and superior service that make Roof Tech a true industry leader.

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For decades, S-5!® has produced innovative attachment solutions that make metal roofing the most cost-effective platform for rooftop ancillary attachment.

S-5! has achieved international notoriety by designing easy-to-use products that outlast the roofs to which they are mounted, providing durable, trouble-free service.

Manufactured in the U.S. to the highest quality standards at the lowest possible cost, S-5! clamps are made of compact, lightweight aluminum that is compatible with today’s Al-Zn coated sheet used for roofing. S-5!, with its unique innovations, tested holding strength, metallurgical compatibility, and do-no-harm attachment philosophy is the most trusted name in metal roofing attachment.

Why S-5! Is the Leader in Solar Since S-5!® innovated the first non-penetrating roof clamp more than two decades ago, it has been trusted on over 1.5 million roofs and is recognized as the international authority on ancillary attachment in the metal roofing industry.

Founder and CEO, Rob Haddock, is universally recognized as one of the top metal roofing experts in the world. Frustrated with rooftop ancillary attachments that were difficult to install and performed poorly over time, Haddock transformed the industry with the innovative clamps that employ round-point setscrews that compress the seam material against the opposite wall of the clamp creating a mechanical interlock that protects the roofing material rather than penetrating or damaging it.

S-5! is now known as the metal roofing industry’s leading evangelist for the proven advantages of mounting solar panels onto metal roofs. Factors such as compatible service life, durability, and efficiency all contribute to making standing seam roofing and PV a “perfect marriage.”

Solar integrators around the globe trust S-5! clamps for permanent attachment of solar panels to metal roofs.

More megawatts have been mounted with S-5! than any other attachment product in the metal roofing industry.

S-5! Attachment Solutions 8655 Table Butte Road Colorado Springs, CO 80908 (888) 825-3432 (719) 495-0045 (fax) info@s-5.com

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The S-5-PV Kit is the easiest, most cost-effective way to install solar panels directly to standing seam metal roofs, automatically providing a grounding path for the module frame. With no lugs or wiring required except to connect one string of modules to another and to ground the system, the S-5-PV Kit provides savings in labor and materials sufficient to pay for the entire attachment system.

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SAB North America is the North American

(PVC, Polyurethane, Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), Silicon, Polypropylene, FEP, ETFE, XLPE) and any combination of components such as power, control, signal, communication, and coax. Additionally adding pneumatic, hydraulic or air hoses are a possibility to make any cable perfect for your specific requirements. We have designed more than 2,000 specialty cables in the past year with great success in an assortment of diverse functionalities. SAB’s long history of flexible cable manufacturing enables us to provide cables for almost any application.

sales, distribution, and service center of SAB Bröckskes located in Viersen, Germany- the leading manufacturer and distributor of cables worldwide since 1947. We house a wide-ranging line of European and Domestic products in stock for immediate delivery and have the shortest manufacturing lead times in the industry.

For over 60 years SAB has not only provided our customers with a wide array of wire, cable, & accessories but also impeccable, unmatched service. Call one of our representatives or visit our website to experience our commitment to solving your problems faster than you think.

SAB North America is known in more than 40 countries and often specified by name. SAB’s adherence to product quality has proven itself in thousands of the world’s most demanding applications.

Our products are produced at our facility in Viersen, Germany ensuring a strictly controlled manufacturing environment producing consistently high quality products. They have been intensively tested for over 60 years and have proven to have a longer service life and are of an overall better quality than similar products on the market.

SAB North America 344 Kaplan Drive Fairfield NJ 07004 Tel: 973-276-0500 Fax: 973-276-1515

SPECIALTY: The strength of SAB lies in the development and manufacturing of special products that meet and exceed our customers’ exacting specifications. Many capabilities can be achieved by selecting different combinations of jacketing, shielding, conductor, and insulation materials.

Our competences are extensive including various jacketing materials

Toll Free: 866-722-2974 Email: info@sabcable.com www.sabcable.com

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ACCESSORIES: SAB also offers an extensive inventory and product line of high-quality cable accessories. The variety of polyamide and nickel plated brass Cord Grips, EMC Cable Glands, and other accessories complement our flexible control and automation cables perfectly.

SERVICE: With unmatched levels of customer service and an extensive in-stock inventory, SAB North America offers immediate off-the-shelf delivery on most of its cables. Specialty cables can be designed, manufactured, and delivered in just a few weeks.

For clarifications, details or explanations about any of our products and how they can be used in your specific applications, give one of our experienced Sales Staff a call.

Visit our website, www.sabcable.com, to experience our commitment to solving your problems faster than you think possible.

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STANDARD: At SAB North America, we stock a wide ranging line of European and Domestic wire, cable, and cable accessory products available for immediate delivery from our location in Fairfield, NJ. Our catalog contains a line of cables ranging from Flexible Control Cables and Continuous Flex Cables to Tray Cables and Halogen-Free Cables to name a few. SAB is pleased to offer worldwide approvals including UL, CSA, CE, and VDE Certifications to most of the product line.

1 • 2015

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Sabre Building Systems by CellXion is one of the largest shelter manufacturers in the United States. We offer a full line of concrete, structural steel, and aluminum shelters including Envolock Building Systems. Our wide range of shelters and building systems provide virtually limitless applications and solutions.

Sabre Building Systems by CellXion, Sabre Industries’ buildings division, is located in Bossier City, Louisiana. Our facilities are spread out over 60 acres, and include a 250,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art shelter manufacturing plant, a fully-equipped 60,000 sq. ft. steel fabrication facility, and an 80,000 sq. ft. equipment installation facility. We have the ability to design and manufacture customer-specific shelters with unique loading, physical plant and aesthetic requirements.

Sabre Building Systems by CellXion 5031 Hazel Jones Road Bossier City, LA 71111 Phone: 318-213-2900 Toll-Free: 877-213-2900 Fax: 318-213-2919 www.sabrebuildingsystems.com

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As one of the largest shelter manufacturers in the United States, Sabre Building Systems by CellXion offers a wide range of shelters and building systems providing virtually limitless applications and solutions. Available in concrete, steel or aluminum, our buildings are designed to provide critical equipment with durable, maintenance-free protection. We manufacture concrete buildings that can be custom designed to include intrusion, ballistic and fire resistance ratings. Our structural steel and aluminum shelters provide secure, durable options when site accessibility is the governing factor. The pre-eminent alternative to conventional wood or steel stud framing, the Envolock Building System, provides a sturdy and flexible system built in-house or delivered in kit form ready to assemble on-site.

Sabre Building Systems’ engineering team supports customers’ requirements, while providing value-engineering and seamless integration of our products into their projects. Engineering documents are produced utilizing the latest CAD systems.

Computer modeling allows complete loading analysis, testing of constructability, and product documentation. Product approval programs are administered by our engineering department with dedicated staff to focus on regulatory approval and to support local permitting efforts. Sabre Building Systems is currently approved by all states with regulatory programs. In addition, our shelters are inspected and labeled by a third party agency.

Sabre Building Systems by CellXion has established a solid reputation for providing quality products and services. Our broad range of products allows us to provide integrated solutions across many industries. Designed to protect critical equipment, our buildings are perfect for power conversion stations. They are factory assembled and include customer-furnished power generating equipment, transformers, control systems and heat management systems. Supplying thousands of stations in the United States, Sabre has the experience to custom engineer, manufacture and deliver buildings that meet your specifications. www.solarpowerworldonline.com

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What makes Seaward Group a Leader?

With over 75 years of experience in all aspects of electrical safety testing, Seaward Group USA specializes in the manufacturing of electrical safety testing and has applied that expertise to the Solar Photovoltaic field.

Seaward has developed the most advanced PV Installation Test Kit to fulfill every installer / commissioning engineers needs by keeping up with the electrical safety tests requirements in many US states.

Leading the way in the development of test tools for the renewable energy market with our leading Seaward Solar brand aimed solely at providing solutions for PV Installers in the

The Solarlink™ Test Kit meets all of the commissioning test requirements of IEC 62446 and those of local, national and best practice guidelines such as NABCEP. It combines the Seaward Solar PV150 installation tester with the advanced Solar Survey 200R multifunction irradiance / survey meter; offering a complete solution to PV installation testing.

USA and Canada.

Our product range bears all the hallmarks of our expertise and helps installers to quickly and easily meet the key requirements of testing standards such as IEC 62446, as well as many national (NABCEP) and state requirements.

The Solarlink™ test kit includes all of the necessary equipment to measure the electrical safety and performance of photovoltaic (PV) systems as well as capturing real time irradiance and ambient / panel temperatures through a wireless RF connection from the SS200R survey meter.

Transforming the way that PV systems are tested, the PV150 replaces the three separate instruments which are ordinarily used for commissioning tests; combining ground continuity, insulation resistance, open circuit voltage, short circuit current, operating current (uses supplied AC/DC current) and DC operating power test functions into one handheld unit. The kit includes MC4 adaptors (other adaptors available on request) which enable safe and easy connection of the tester to the installation PV modules, strings or array.

Seaward Group USA 6304 Benjamin Road Suite 506 Tampa, FL 33634 Tel: 813-886-2775

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SIC USA LLC: From phone support and diagnostic services to on-site service and priority parts replacement, SIC USA has a flexible suite of support services specifically designed to keep your inverters operating at maximum performance.

SIC USA offers 11 power ratings of Satcon® invertersranging from 30kW to 1MW (UL and Ce Certified) Help Desk Technical Support

SIC USA LLC North America Inverter Sales, Parts and Service, Distributor 780 Montague Expressway #104 San Jose, CA 95131 408-456-6779 or toll free: 1-866-925-6971 www.satcon.com e-mail: sic.usa@satcon.com or sic.usa@skwentex.net

• Phone support from 08:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST • Diagnostic services • Engineering consultation • Communication support All Satcon® system owners may continue to take advantage of our one hour free technical phone support through the end of February 2014. Tiered hourly support packages are available. Our staff will troubleshoot and work with you on your inverter issues to assist you to make the repair yourself or determine when an on-site technician is needed.

Onsite Service • Technical support and services • Parts replacement • Rapid and cost effective faulty equipment replacement • Commissioning and control servicing • Priority access to Satcon® technical resources

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Rapid Response Service • Onsite technical support • Onsite service personnel dispatched within 24 hours • 24/7 phone and web-based support SIC USA LLC www.satcon.com or www.skwentex.net

www.solarpowerworldonline.com

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SIC USA LLC: From phone support and diagnostic services to on-site service and priority parts replacement, SIC USA has a flexible suite of support services specifically designed to keep your inverters operating at maximum performance.

SIC USA offers 11 power ratings of Satcon® invertersranging from 30kW to 1MW (UL and Ce Certified) Help Desk Technical Support

SIC USA LLC North America Inverter Sales, Parts and Service, Distributor 780 Montague Expressway #104 San Jose, CA 95131 408-456-6779 or toll free: 1-866-925-6971 www.satcon.com e-mail: sic.usa@satcon.com or sic.usa@skwentex.net

• Phone support from 08:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST • Diagnostic services • Engineering consultation • Communication support All Satcon® system owners may continue to take advantage of our five hour free technical phone support through the end of February 2014. Tiered hourly support packages are available. Our staff will troubleshoot and work with you on your inverter issues to assist you to make the repair yourself or determine when an on-site technician is needed.

Onsite Service • Technical support and services • Parts replacement • Rapid and cost effective faulty equipment replacement • Commissioning and control servicing • Priority access to Satcon® technical resources

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Rapid Response Service • Onsite technical support • Onsite service personnel dispatched within 24 hours • 24/7 phone and web-based support SIC USA LLC www.satcon.com or www.skwentex.net

www.solarpowerworldonline.com

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SimpleRay: We Simplify Solar SimpleRay is a one-stop solar distributor.

From the beginning, the company has partnered with the biggest and most respected names in the industry, offering competitive prices on the latest and highestquality technology.

Large and small-scale solar installers, as well as do-it-yourself enthusiasts looking for parts, can expect timely and accurate advice,

Superior Industry Experience

project management and engineering Technical understanding and regulatory know-how to expeditiously meet clients’ needs.

services, as well as high-quality after-sales support. SimpleRay offers:

Best Products Through a strict selection process, SimpleRay offers an extensive line of the latest and best solar products to meet the needs of any project.

Unsurpassed Service Provides any service necessary to obtain solar permits fast, as well as complementary system quotes.

Project Management Services SimpleRay, LLC

Complete engineering with customizable permitting packages including three line and site diagrams.

705 Raymond Ave Suite 220

Electrical diagrams and structural engineering documents to comply with local permitting authority requirements.

Saint Paul, MN 55114 Call - 800-952-3235 Fax - 888-265-6375

We are getting better all the time:

Sales Inquiries: sales@simpleray.com

SimpleRay has been ranked No. 318 on the annual Inc. 500|5000 List, an exclusive ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America.

SimpleRay also ranked No. 12 among the top renewable energy companies, and fifth among all companies in Minnesota, as measured by Inc. Magazine.

Webmaster: info@simpleray.com

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Geoff Stenrick, founder and CEO, encapsulated the company’s mission: “We started in 2007 with the knowledge that adopting solar for the average consumer was still a daunting and intimidating endeavor, and we wanted to make it simple. We feel the explosive growth over the last several years at SimpleRay, and the solar industry in general, supports our belief that now more than ever people are looking for advice and guidance on how to offset their utility use with solar.” This is exactly what SimpleRay strives to do – make solar simple.

www.solarpowerworldonline.com

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SMA America is the U.S.-based subsidiary of global PV leader SMA Solar Technology AG. SMA is a power conversion, energy management and service support provider for residential through utility-scale photovoltaic systems. Currently, SMA is the only company that offers off-grid and gridtied solar inverters spanning all power classes— from residential to utility-scale—and all module types, resulting in the largest solutions portfolio in the industry.

With more than 30 years of experience and 30 gigawatts of installed capacity, SMA leads the industry with unmatched technological innovation and top-ranked service.

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The same company that introduced the industry’s first mass-produced, grid-tied PV inverter continues to offer the world’s most popular inverter solutions and develop new innovations for a dynamic market.

SMA’s Sunny Boy TL-US series of transformerless, residential inverters feature Secure Power Supply. An industry first, Secure Power Supply allows the inverter to provide up to 1,500 W of daytime standby power in the event of a grid outage for charging laptops, cell phones and more, without batteries. The Sunny Boy TL-US is available in seven models (from 3,000 to 7,700 watts), including two specially designed for service-constrained systems, offering installers the right fit for any residential PV application.

SMA also offers commercial and hybrid solutions, including the recently released ReadyRack and award-winning Fuel Save Controller. The ReadyRack is a fully integrated, preassembled and prewired roof-mount racking solution for decentralized, commercial rooftop PV that meets UL and NEC 690.12 rapid shutdown requirements. Winner of the Intersolar Award 2014, the Fuel Save Controller allows PV to be easily and efficiently integrated into diesel grids.

SMA America, LLC 6020 West Oaks Blvd.

Rocklin, CA 95765 Tel: 916-625-0870 Fax: 916-625-0871

For utility-scale applications, SMA offers the new Utility Power System, an integrated, compact DC-to-AC system solution. Available in 1,000 VDC and 1,500 VDC models, it delivers higher energy yields, reduced CAPEX and OPEX and optimum levelized cost of energy. SMA also provides developers, EPCs, utilities and investors with the PV industry’s best financial backstop with plant-wide O&M. Also available for commercial systems, SMA O&M increases performance ratios, protects power production and simplifies long-term planning for maximum financial returns.

Toll Free: 1-888-4SMAUSA www.SMA-America.com Info@SMA-America.com

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SnapNrack Solar Mounting Solutions offer a Solar module installation solution that has been developed by veteran solar engineers and installers to lower the total cost of ownership simply by reducing labor costs. Utilizing unique “Snap-In” pre-assembled hardware, only a single tool is needed for installation of the system, removing the need for cutting or drilling.

The system is designed to withstand extreme environmental conditions and has achieved the strict UL2703 certification for grounding/bonding and fire, giving installers and homeowners the satisfaction of knowing their system will last for years to come.

SnapNrack is reducing install times, lowering install costs and doing more with less.

SnapNrack is an industry leader because we are committed.

Committed to Our Customers At SnapNrack, we recognize the importance of our customers satisfaction as vital to our success and the happiness of the homeowner. We work every day to ensure that we are providing the best possible customer experience along with an excellent product.

Solar Mounting Solutions SnapNrack Solar Mounting Solutions 775 Fiero Ln, Suite 200

Committed to Innovation In an industry focused on continuous reduction in installation costs in order to reach grid parity and beyond, SnapNrack’s team believes that the mounting system is the key to driving down labor time, resulting in quicker and less expensive installations. SnapNrack’s team of veteran solar installers and engineers are committed to providing innovation while never sacrificing aesthetics, ease of use and product quality.

San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Phone: (877)732.2860 Email: contact@snapnrack.com www.snapnrack.com

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Committed to Excellence Our experience of providing more than 350+ MW of racking product for solar installations in the United States has allowed us to deliver the highest quality racking product to our customers. We use the most up-to-date materials and technology to ensure that all our products meet the highest quality standard available.

Committed to Solar SnapNrack’s vision is to make solar electricity part of the mainstream energy supply.

We strongly believe that solar energy can make an important contribution to a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable world. We are passionate about making that vision come true, one home and one installation at a time. www.solarpowerworldonline.com

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Solar SpeedRack Inc. is a California Corporation founded in 2012 and headquartered in Santa Ana, CA. The Company is a developer and marketer of innovative installation products and systems for the solar industry. Its product lines include the Solar SpeedMount™ system for use in residential applications, Solar GroundMount™ for use in utility and medium to large ground installations and Solar SpeedTrack™ which we designed for use with Prism Solar’s Bi-Facial Frameless solar panels and various mounting accessories which can be used with any available roof mounting system.

Solar SpeedRack® Inc. 2615 S Orange Ave

Shane Shamloo CEO shane@solarspeedrack.com

Santa Ana, CA, 92707 Local (714) 966-2551 Toll Free: (888) 275-2249

Michael Salvati Vice President msalvati@solarspeedrack.com

http://solarspeedrack.com/ Vincent Salvati CFO vsalvati@solarspeedrack.com

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Solar SpeedRack Inc. was founded in response to what we saw as a need to modernize the method by which solar panels are installed. With the price of solar panels declining, the cost of the racking systems and installation has become a larger percentage of the project. The industry norm requires the installer to carry multiple parts and tools up to the rooftop to be able to complete the installation of the solar project. Solar SpeedRack’s response was to develop an innovative fully adjustable shared rail system which has all of the required installation hardware pre-installed on the rails, which includes integrated grounding and wire management, thus the installer need only to bring a 5/16” socket to affix the panels to our racking system.

Our rails can be adjusted at the job site to fit any panel ranging in size from 32 to 50 mm, so ordering is made easier for our customers as we eliminate any concerns about ordering the right size racking to fit the specific panel being used. Our focus is to make installation quicker and easier thereby reducing overall project cost. All of our products are designed with these characteristics and modified based on feedback from our customers to further improve on the speed of installation. We continue to innovate and introduce new products, the latest being the Solar SpeedFoot™, an innovative weight distribution block, which reduces the number of roof penetrations and again adding speed to the installation process.

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Solect Energy Development is a full-service solar photovoltaic (PV) project developer based in Massachusetts, delivering smart solar solutions to help businesses and organizations reduce energy costs. As an industry leader in commercial solar energy, Solect takes a practical approach to the development, installation and on-going support of each system. We partner closely with our customers, providing strong financial insight and solar technology expertise to optimize their investment while creating a positive impact on the environment. Solect currently has installed 12 MW (megawatts)

Smart Solar. Smart Business.™

of commercial PV systems, with a primary focus on commercial, light industrial and

Solect Energy Development is a leading commercial solar installer in Massachusetts with over 12 MW of solar energy installed, totaling over 100 projects. Our team leverages over 75 years of experience in finance, regulatory and policy management, engineering & operations, and solar technology expertise to deliver smart solar solutions to help businesses and organizations reduce energy costs.

institutional properties in New England.

Our focus is on establishing meaningful partnerships. Solect owns and operates several solar PV systems and we understand what it’s like to go through the financial and installation process firsthand. This unique perspective allows us to properly assess a project’s feasibility from the customer’s point of view, ensuring that it’s in the best interest of our customers and community. Our collaborative and practical approach of developing “smart solar” solutions ensures simplified and reliable results that best fit our customers’ needs, and has earned Solect a reputation for integrity and quality.

Solect Energy

We’re committed to advancing the solar industry through education. Solar incentives and regulations are constantly changing and are often complex. Solect makes the process of installing solar easy to understand, and our customers tell us we do a great job at simplifying the economics of solar. Our team frequently provides classroom education at the college and high school levels and hosts webinars to advance the understanding of the technical and financial aspects of solar PV.

89 Hayden Rowe St, Hopkinton, MA 01748 (508) 598-3511 www.solect.com

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Community is important to us. Solect donates solar systems, goods and services to support several local non-profits and charities. In addition, we’re committed to building a culture of excellence through the development of our employees and creating a work environment that inspires innovation and teamwork.

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Solectria Renewables, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yaskawa America, Inc., is a leading U.S.-based grid-tied PV inverter, combiner & web-based monitoring manufacturer for residential, commercial & utility-scale solar projects. Solectria’s products include 3.8 to 750 kW inverters. Solectria is backed by 100 years of power electronics and inverter experience. All of Solectria’s 3-Phase commercial & utility-scale inverters are made in the USA. PV System owners, developers and EPCs rely on the high performance, reliability and bankability of Solectria – A Yaskawa Company.

Why we’re a leader in Solar Solectria Renewables has been in the power electronics and inverter industries since 1989. The Company is one of the most established and consistent inverter manufacturers today with greater than 90% CAGR in megawatts delivered over the past 10 years.

Solectria continues to be at the forefront of the solar market in product introductions, innovations and successes. Since 2009, the Company has grown its employee base and manufacturing space by more than fifteen times. In July 2014, Solectria was acquired

by Yaskawa Eletric, a $4 Billion company and one of the largest Japanese PV inverter manufacturers.

Solectria Renewables, LLC Headquarters 360 Merrimack Street Lawrence, MA 01843 (USA) tel (978) 683-9700 fax (978) 683-9702 inverters@solectria.com

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Solectria has always focused on customer needs, increasing system reliability, serviceability and reducing total installed cost and labor at PV job sites. Solectria is the only company with a sealed power electronics stage, which is easily swapped in the field. Its inverters have the highest peak and CEC efficiencies in the industry and are extremely customizable (the PVI 50-100KW inverters have over 500 ways they may be customized from monitoring to subcombiners to enclosure and beyond). Solectria inverters integrate some of the most advanced inverter technologies and offer advanced grid control features demonstrated by research partnerships with EPRI and the DOE. Solectria offers one of the most comprehensive product suites today, ranging from 3.8 kW single-phase inverters through multi-megawatt solar stations with integrated medium voltage transformers. All of Solectria’s three-phase, central inverters are MADE IN THE USA. Learn more at www.solectria.com.

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Sollega Inc, is a leading solar PV racking manufacturer specializing in ballasted commercial flat-roof and ground mount racking solutions since 2009. As the first company to introduce polymers to the PV racking industry in North America, we pride our selves on innovation. Our mission is to provide the easiest to install and most cost effective solar PV mounting solutions available. Our goal is to enable the installation of solar PV on every suitable flat surface in the world.

With the introduction of the FastRack510 (FR510), Sollega continues to improve the first truly universal one-piece ballasted mounting systems for framed PV modules. As with all Sollega mounting systems, the FR510 is lightweight and stackable, ships efficiently, and is quick and easy to stage and install. Our combined support systems and ballast pans arrive on site ready, with no assembly required. All module attachments are top-down and require just one tool, and UL-467/2703 bonding is integrated into every system. The new FR510 is injection molded with the advanced material Ultramid–a glass reinforced nylon–and was designed in partnership with BASF, a world leading plastics manufacturer. The new material and manufacturing process allow for a stronger system and shorter lead times. The FR510 is capable of mounting framed modules at 5° or 10° with the same intuitive installation procedure. Built in reference tools ensure perfectly aligned arrays, while improving installation time and ease. The ability to attach rail internally, provides for increased load sharing, and, for hybrid systems, flexibility in mechanical anchor installation.

Sollega Inc. 2588 Mission Street, Suite 210 San Francisco, CA 94110 (855) 725-RACK www.sollega.com

Sollega designs and manufactures mounting systems with direct distribution. We offer full engineering support services with every project, including layouts, ballast and optional anchor plans, and detailed calculations, with optional PE wet-stamps. We have atmospheric boundary layer wind tunnel testing, providing calculations compatible with all current ASCE 7 requirements. Sollega provides an industry leading 25-year warranty.

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Solmetric is the leading test and measurement company in the solar industry.

Solmetric’s award-winning SunEye has become the industry standard tool for shade analysis and made Solmetric the world leader in shade measurements. Our PV Designer software enables installers to quickly and easily design residential PV systems. Our PV Analyzer is the leading US I-V curve tracer used for field verification applications such as commissioning, auditing, and troubleshooting of PV arrays. It is recognized as the fastest and most accurate field testing device on the market. Solmetric’s top-notch engineering and management team is committed to producing the highest quality products. Our background includes extensive experience in the solar installation industry and in the development of high precision test and measurement tools.

Solmetric Corporation 117 Morris Street, Suite 100 Sebastopol, CA 95472 USA Tel: +1 (707) 823-4600 Fax: +1 (707) 823-4620 Toll-free in US: +1 877-263-5026 email: info@solmetric.com Web: www.solmetric.com

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Solmetric is the leading test and measurement company in the solar industry.

Solmetric’s award-winning SunEye has become the industry standard tool for shade analysis and made Solmetric the world leader in shade measurements. Our PV Designer software enables installers to quickly and easily design residential PV systems. Our PV Analyzer is the leading US I-V curve tracer used for field verification applications such as commissioning, auditing, and troubleshooting of PV arrays. It is recognized as the fastest and most accurate field testing device on the market. Solmetric’s top-notch engineering and management team is committed to producing the highest quality products. Our background includes extensive experience in the solar installation industry and in the development of high precision test and measurement tools.

Solmetric Corporation 117 Morris Street, Suite 100 Sebastopol, CA 95472 USA Tel: +1 (707) 823-4600 Fax: +1 (707) 823-4620 Toll-free in US: +1 877-263-5026 email: info@solmetric.com Web: www.solmetric.com

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SPIDER-RAX As the solar industry continues to grow, so does the growing demand to provide innovate ways to compete and provide consumers with the highest quality products, at a consumer friendly price point. Spider-Rax is clearly securing it’s place in the solar industry, by providing sound solutions for the installer, the solar company and the consumer.

Quickly making a name for itself as a leader in the solar industry, Spider-Rax’ innovative and unique product offerings provide proven time saving capabilities for installers and cost saving opportunities for solar companies. Started by solar installers, Spider-Rax is a solar racking company that has a passion and a vision to not only revolutionize the solar mounting industry, but to simplify solar racking solutions in a manner that would not only benefit the installer, but the solar companies and the customer as well. Providing solutions that will save solar companies on labor costs, Spider-Rax delivers a fresh, innovative way for the solar mounting industry to grab hold of new technology.

Spider-Rax offers the fastest installations on the market, as well as a variety of different mounting systems to fit any roof, such as Spider-Rax’ studless and railless system which has all of the solar racking bases covered. Spider-Rax’ approach to the solar mounting industry, is revolutionary and will undoubtedly secure its place in the industry for years to come.

Spider-Rax www.spiderrax.com 844-773-7729

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To find out more about Spider-Rax innovative new technology and how it can save you time and money, visit us online at www.spiderrax.com.

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Stion is a leading U.S.-based manufacturer of high-efficiency thin-film solar modules and provider of solar solutions. Stion was founded in 2006 and is backed by Khosla Ventures, the largest institutional investor in clean technology in the U.S. Stion’s 700,000+ square foot manufacturing plant in Hattiesburg, Mississippi (MS) is one of the largest and most advanced solar manufacturing facilities in the United States. The plant is the first thinfilm solar factory in the Southeast US, and its first phase includes 150 MW of annual production capacity. Commercial shipments began in March 2012, just one year after Stion began construction. In all, the factory can accommodate 600+ MW of capacity.

Stion Josh Moore jmoore@stion.com

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Stion is advancing the industry by dramatically improving the cost and performance of solar energy through superior manufacturing and R&D technology. Stion’s Elevation 4 module utilizes Stion’s proprietary Circuit Protection System (CPS)TM which provides significantly improved moisture resistance and lifetime durability over crystalline silicon modules. This dual glass frameless module provide exceptional energy yield due to an anti-reflective coated glass and industry leading temperature coefficient of -0.26%/oC. Stion’s Elevation Series modules currently range from 13-14% efficiency (135 – 150 W). Stion’s modules have outperformed both c-Si and CdTe in real world application in terms of kWh by 5-10% on average, directly improving the Levelized Cost of Energy and IRR for its customers’ around the world. Many leading developers, EPCs, and IPPs have recognized this value and in 2014 Stion, completed shipments to several MW scale projects, setting the stage for very rapid growth in 2015.

Stion’s unwavering focus on technological excellence has attracted a team comprising some of the most experienced and innovative scientists in the industry. Stion is a recipient of the Department of Energy’s PV Incubator and Sunshot Initiative to scale-up ultra-high efficiency thin-film modules based on proprietary tandem junction technology.

The R&D team has successfully produced a 23.2% efficient tandem lab cell, a 20% efficiency 20x20 cm2 device, and a 16% efficiency full size tandem module. Stion has filed over 200 patents and over 75% of their R&D staff has Ph.D.’s. This ongoing investment in R&D enables Stion to push the boundaries of today’s PV while also creating the next generation of possibilities.

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Innovative products:

Sungrow is the 2nd largest PV inverter manufacturer in the world, and also

Sungrow is one of the few remaining pure-play PV inverter manufacturers. By not being part of a large conglomerate, we are not weighed down by bureaucracy and can both bring new products to market and change existing products quickly. This quickness, combined with our large size, helps ensure that our products are the most innovative. Innovation improves performance and reliability while lowering costs and keeping up with constantly changing requirements.

manufactures wind converters and energy storage equipment. Founded in 1997, Sungrow employs over 1,100 people globally, of which over 30% are R&D engineers. Sungrow has over 8,000MW of inverters installed globally in over 50 countries. For the North American market, Sungrow provides inverters ranging from 30kW to 2MW. More information can be found at www.sungrow.ca.

Our industry-leading innovation can be found in our 56kW (featuring 4 MPPTs) and 60kW (featuring 99% peak efficiency & built-in MC4 connectors) string inverters, which have the highest power density and are optimized for DG and utility projects respectively, as well as in our 1MW central inverter (featuring full power at 55˚C and .9 PF).

Sustainability: Most inverter manufacturers rely on other business units or markets with temporarily high incentives for profits. Sungrow is perhaps the only one who can sell inverters profitably in all markets. As margins get even lower, many will drop their inverter businesses in markets where there are no profits, leaving customers with stranded inverters. As is said, “if you can be profitable in China, you can be profitable anywhere.”

Sungrow’s leadership in reliability is demonstrated in our vast experience with central’s (>10,000 deployed) and 3-phase string’s (>12,000 deployed). Making inverters is not difficult, but making high performing ones over the long-term is something that can only be learned through experience.

With >8GW deployed over the last 17 years, we’ve learned more than most.

SunGrow Ben Marcus 510-324-6125 ben.marcus@sungrow.ca

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SunModo Corp., a Washington based solar panel mounting company, was formed with the mission of driving down the total cost of installation through product innovation and system integration. Founded by highly skilled engineers, SunModo develops, manufactures and sells innovative innovative solar panel mounting solutions (structural BOS) to residential solar system contractors, commercial installers, industrial system integrators, and PV distributors in North America. From its inception, customers quickly recognized SunModo as a trusted provider of high quality products and

Product Innovation

services that make installations faster and more

True leaders innovate. Innovation, however, requires a significant commitment of resources to create the absolute best solutions. At SunModo, we are committed to designing better, simpler, and more cost-effective mounting systems.

cost-effective. In addition, SunModo prides itself in offering affordable engineering service including complete system design, permitting documents and custom engineering, all with the intention to make installer’s job easier.

Our best-selling EZ Roof Mount kit is the perfect example of working closely with our customers to find the best flashed mount solution for composite shingle roofs. Because of its innovative and cost-effective design, the product has become an all-time customer favorite. After many years of extensive research and development, what began with a clean sheet of paper evolved into the next generation of full line solar racking solutions, both residential and commercial.

Going the extra mile means leading the way for innovation and setting the industry standard.

Customer Satisfaction

SunModo 1905 E 5th Street, Suite A, Vancouver, WA 98661 Tel: +1 (360) 844-0048 Fax: +1 (503) 863-3878 Email: info@sunmodo.com

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SunModo strives for efficiency, quality, and best pricing, along with valuing the feedback we receive from the “boots-on-the-roof” professionals. We regularly survey our customers to determine what we are doing right and what could use some improvement. By constantly listening to feedback from customers, we are continually exploring ways to improve our racking products to minimize the total cost of installation.

Our customers report that SunModo provides them the best value racking solution and complete customer satisfaction experience compared to competing solutions. By providing innovative and cost effective racking products and value added service, we are able to help customers save the total cost of racking and increase profit margin. www.solarpowerworldonline.com

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Sunvelope solar thermal energy collectors achieve low cost and high efficiency water heating. Innovative and elegant, the stainless steel systems self-manage temperature extremes for less expensive and more reliable energy collection.

Hot water, Simple.

Sunvelope has done something no other solar thermal company in the world has done before: made solar hot water simple. Through revolutionary advances in its solar thermal collector and balance system architecture, Sunvelope has removed many of the complicated and costly elements enabling an elegant, simplified water heating solution.

Sunvelope’s system is freeze-tolerant, easy to install and integrate with existing equipment, eliminates the need for glycol and heat exchangers, and significantly lowers cost for commercial and residential projects alike.

Sunvelope is re-awakening the Solar Thermal market.

Sunvelope Solar Inc. 96 Glen Carran Circle #105 Sparks, Nevada 89431 President, August Lemaire 775-331-2728 www.sunvelope.com

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Swinerton Renewable Energy offers turnkey solar power solutions for utility-scale and distributed generation projects throughout North America, specializing in Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Operations and Maintenance. Swinerton provides singlepoint project responsibility from start to finish.

Its team is focused exclusively on building best-in-class solar systems that are costeffective and will provide reliable, clean power for many years to come.

Swinerton Renewable Energy 16798 West Bernardo Drive San Diego, CA 92127

E NE RGY]

Swinerton Renewable Energy (SRE) offers Engineering, Procurement, Construction (EPC), Operations and Maintenance (O&M) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) services for solar photovoltaic plants throughout North America to a diverse range of clients who demand exacting performance.

Over 125 years of building landmark projects, Swinerton has forged a reputation for unsurpassed safety, workmanship, on-time delivery and customer satisfaction. Today, our team takes pride in building best-in-class, cost-effective solar systems that will generate reliable, clean power for many years to come. SRE has delivered over 400 MW solar projects via turnkey EPC services and our Technical Services Team manages over 700 MW of PV plants across the country. On every new project, our engineering approach is informed by feedback from our frontline construction teams and by real-time analysis of plant performance on over 20 utility-scale installations. Insight gained from this robust data-set allows us to optimally balance first-cost, life-cycle maintenance and energy yield objectives. Our unique perspective across the full project cycle - from engineering through construction, operations and performance monitoring – enables us to deliver comprehensive, long-term asset optimization.

We have successfully interconnected solar systems with multiple utilities, including: PG&E, SCE, LADWP, SDG&E, SMUD, PacifiCorp, PNM, CPS, HECO, HONI, JCP&L, PJM and NIPSCO. Swinerton Renewable Energy is a division of Swinerton Builders, a 100% employeeowned company.

George Hershman, VP, Division Manager

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Shoals Technologies Group is a leading manufacturer of balance of systems (BOS) solutions. Consistently providing customers with innovative designs and superior quality products has directly contributed to the exponential growth since its founding in 1996. With over 15 GW+ of balance of system (BOS) products deployed globally, Shoals maintains a diverse portfolio of PV BOS products, including, combiner/re-combiner boxes, disconnecting combiner boxes, custom harnessing solutions, junction boxes, PV wire, in-line fuses, racking, tracking and PV monitoring solutions. Synapse Wireless, Inc. delivers proven Internet of Things (IoT) solutions designed to revolutionize business.

The IoT is the interconnection of devices enabling intelligent analytics to be collected in real-time, resulting in improved efficiencies and better insight into operational functions. Synapse developed its award-winning SNAP® wireless mesh network operating system which can be deployed an enterprise-class platforms, distributing intelligence to the edge of its customers networks. .

Why is SNAPshot a leader?

The 6 year strategic partnership with Shoals and Synapse has resulted in innovative solutions that provide a holistic active management system for solar installations. This ecosystem, called SNAPshot, is changing the way solar field owners and operators manage their installs through increased productivity and efficiency through a number of methods, including identifying underperforming components, alerting owners and operators to malfunctioning parts that can be replaced under warranty, and streamlining ongoing maintenance.

Shoals Technologies Group 1400 Shoals Way, Portland, TN 37148, USA T: +1 (615) 451-1400 F: +1 (615) 325-5252 shoals.com

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At the heart of the SNAPshot ecosystem is a purpose-built cloud-based platform that provides anywhere, anytime access to real-time performance data, providing advanced analytics for enhanced efficiency. Wireless monitoring further extends the functionality of SNAPshot, helping owners and operators increase yield through identification of underperforming zones or strings and proactive repair. The SNAPshot system can be integrated to familiar SCADA systems or can stand on it’s own. SNAPshot can also help get new projects up to speed faster with Velocity Monitoring, which offers precision labor tracking and performance monitoring through the construction and commissioning process.

The UL listed Wireless Arc Fault Solution is also available with the Shoals Smart Combiner Box to increase peace of mind and decrease potential liability by preventing damage and promoting safety.

“SNAPshot helps make sure solar field owners and operators are making the most from their installations. It gives better insight into how much productivity you’re really getting and how to increase efficiency. It’s the future for solar field management, ready today.” said Dean Solon, CEO of Shoals Technologies Group.

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Trina Solar is a global leader in photovoltaic (PV) modules, solutions and services.

Founded in 1997 as a PV system integrator, today Trina Solar drives smart energy together with installers, distributors, utilities and developers worldwide. Its line of innovative solar solutions are lowering the overall cost of solar, and creating value for Trina Solar partners. The company’s industry position is based on innovation excellence, superior product quality, vertically integrated capabilities and environmental stewardship.

Trina Solar is ready to meet the demands of a thriving global solar market.

Trina Solar has successfully developed into a leader in the PV industry because of its superior quality, and reliable modules backed by a strong balance sheet. This has made Trina Solar a trusted solar partner in North America and globally.

Trina Solar is committed to improving efficiencies and competitiveness, and looks to partner with downstream solar companies who share those same values. Trina Solar has worked together with firms across the industry value chain on solutions to lower the overall cost of solar, and drive further sector development.

The company deploys a vertically integrated business model, producing its own ingots, wafers, cells and modules in-house. The control and efficiency achieved from this integrated value chain helps Trina Solar continuously improve the production process as well as ensure high quality products for its end customers. Trina Solar’s manufacturing process includes nearly three dozen in-house reliability tests. The company’s commitment to quality allows it to provide an industry-leading 25-year warranty on the modules it sells.

Trina Solar 100 Century Center Court,

Trina Solar’s leadership is widely recognized. Trina Solar’s high-efficiency Honey module holds a world record on output for a 60-cell module. Trina Solar was the first PV company to receive Underwriter Laboratories’ Client Test Data Program Certification. The company has been at the top of the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition’s Solar Scorecard for the past three years, and Fast Company magazine recognized Trina Solar in their 2013 list of The World’s Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in China.

Suite 500 San Jose, California 95112 http://www.trinasolar.com

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Trojan Battery Company is the world’s

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Trojan Battery is a leader in the energy storage market based on its more than 85 years of battery engineering and manufacturing expertise, and introduction of innovative technologies to extend battery performance. To address the impact of partial state of charge (PSOC) on deep-cycle batteries in renewable energy applications (RE), Trojan’s engineering team developed Smart Carbon™. As the first manufacturer to feature a carbon formulation in deepcycle flooded batteries, Trojan chose its deep-cycle flooded line since this technology is the most used in these applications, is widely available around the world, and has a more economical price point.

leading manufacturer of deep-cycle batteries, offering a complete portfolio of technologically advanced deep-cycle flooded, AGM and gel batteries that provide maximum long-lasting performance to meet the requirements of today’s advancing renewable energy systems. Trojan Battery Company, founded in 1925, is ISO 9001:2008 certified with U.S.-based operations in California and Georgia.

When purchasing deep-cycle batteries for RE applications, cycle life is an important feature to consider. However, many find that their batteries never reach expected cycle life, because the applications often operate at Partial State of Charge (PSOC), in which batteries are often never fully recharged on a regular basis. This quickly diminishes the overall life of a battery, resulting in costly battery replacements.

To address the issue of PSOC, Trojan Battery’s engineering team conducted extensive research on technology and methods to extend the life of its deep-cycle batteries designed for RE, remote telecom and inverter applications. Based on more than five years of R&D, the team created Smart Carbon™, a proprietary formula of carbon additives designed to enhance life and performance of Trojan Industrial and Premium batteries when they are operated in PSOC settings.

Corporate Headquarters Trojan Battery Company 12380 Clark Street Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 800-423-6569 +1-562-236-3000 www.trojanbattery.com/contact-us/

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EXPERIENCE THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE UNIRAC is the leading manufacturer of PV mounting systems in North America. Have confidence with our proven track record of performance with more than 2.8 GW of experience since 1998. Altogether we bring nearly 500,000 installations’ worth of knowledge to your project. Unirac is a Hilti Group company, a worldwide leader in the construction equipment industry.

We provide the best mounting solutions to our customers through high quality, competitively priced products, responsive customer support, industry leading engineering services and excellence in supply-chain management.

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FASTEST INSTALLATION 12 MODULES / MAN HR ROOF MOUNT introduces the Power of Simplicity to the ballasted flat roof solar industry. The system consists of only two major components, minimizing preparation work and installation time. Seamlessly design around roof obstacles, support most framed modules and bond the system with just the turn of a wrench. Industry leading installation speed metrics have been verified by a third party, DNV GL.

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With more than 1 GW of ground mount systems installed worldwide, GFT is the right solution for your project.

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[PROJECTS]

Location:

Racking & Mounting:

Los Angeles County, California

Array Technologies DuraTrack HZ single-axis

Project Size:

Monitoring:

28.4 MW

Trimark Associates

Modules:

EPC:

Canadian Solar CS6X-P (300/305-W)

White Construction

Inverters:

Developer:

Sungrow SG800MX in 1.6-MW power stations

Canadian Solar

West Antelope: One piece of a 12-project partnership The West Antelope Solar Park, also referred to as the TA Acacia facility, is located near the outskirts of Lancaster, Calif. It’s one of 12 solar projects that White Construction and Canadian Solar have partnered on to build during the past two years.

"As the largest project that Canadian Solar has developed, built and sold in the United States, the West Antelope Solar Park represents an important milestone for the company," said

inverter, which was released in the United States in late 2013. The inverters were selected for their performance and grid functionality.

The project also uses Array Technology’s DuraTrack HZ solar tracker, which features a customized 120° range of motion and rotates roughly 94,340 high-performance CS6X-P Canadian Solar modules at this site to follow the sun.

The project includes a 20-year power purchase agreement with PG&E, approved by the California Public Utilities Commission, and was recently sold to Dominion Virginia Power. The total system output will be enough to power more than 6,100 homes and offset a total of 31,500 tons of carbon dioxide.

“The TA Acacia Facility demonstrates that large scale solar PV can be a significant, viable and sustainable component of California’s energy mix,” Qu said. SPW

As the largest project that Canadian Solar has developed, built and sold in the United States, the West Antelope Solar Park represents an important milestone for the company.

Shawn Qu, chairman and CEO of Canadian Solar. "This project demonstrates that large-scale solar PV energy systems can be a significant, viable and sustainable component of California's energy mix."

Though some are wary of Chinese inverter companies coming to the United States, this project also stands as one of the largest installations in the United States and Canada choosing to use them. The project used Sungrow’s SG800MX

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[PROJECTS]

Anti-reflective glass coating improves output GeoPeak Energy worked with financing firm Marina Energy to build a 6-MW project at global science-based company DSM's Belvidere, N.J., manufacturing site. The ReneSola panels were glazed with DSM’s proprietary KhepriCoat anti-

the solar modules and strongly reduces the reflection of sunlight, increasing the energy output of modules by up to 4%.

“This new solar field and the electricity it will generate for the plant stands as a symbol of DSM’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing," said Hugh Welsh, president of DSM North America.

"DSM North America is actively using renewable energy sources in its manufacturing operations to meet its own and its customers’ supply chain sustainability goals."

The solar array is expected to

This new solar field and the electricity it will generate for the plant stands as a symbol of DSM’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing. reflective glass coating, the company’s flagship product for the solar market. The coating is applied to cover the glass of

produce about 40% of the Belvidere plant's electricity needs. To accommodate the large array, 100 trees were moved to another location on the site.

"The DSM solar project is one of the largest solar installations globally at a supply chain site and is a testament to supplier sustainability," said AJ Javan, managing partner of GeoPeak Energy. "With DSM's commitment and support, we developed and delivered this solar project with safety first and in record time. We paired Marina Energy to this project for financing, as part of our turnkey offering to DSM." SPW

Location: Belvidere, New Jersey

Project Size: 6 MW

Modules: ReneSola JC300M-24 (300-W)

Inverters: Advanced Energy AE500NX

Racking & Mounting: RBI Solar ground-mount

Contractor/Developer: GeoPeak Energy

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[PROJECTS]

Locally sourced solar mounting for GM installation A 2.2-MW ground-mount array is now easily viewed by the 49 million commuters who traverse the Ohio Turnpike every year. The installation is at GM’s Lordstown Complex, where the company manufactures the Chevrolet Cruze.

“We applaud General Motors for setting the pace when it comes to automotive manufacturing solar installations and deployment,” said Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association.

The installation, completed in December, comes a year after a 1.8MW array was commissioned on the rooftop of GM’s Toledo Transmission facility, also in Ohio. That array is the largest rooftop array in the state.

Developer Solscient Energy chose Solar FlexRack’s Series G3L ground-mount for the project. The mounting manufacturer is based in Youngstown, Ohio, about a halfhour drive from the plant.

“You don’t often think of the Midwest when you think of ideal locations for solar, but reduced costs and increased utility rates have made sites like Lordstown and Toledo optimal locations to expand GM’s use of solar power,” said Rob Threlkeld, GM global manager of renewable energy.

With the Lordstown project, GM remains on track to meet a company goal of 125 MW of renewable energy deployed globally by 2015. GM’s largest solar facility is in Zaragoza, Spain, where 85,000 thinfilm panels blanket a plant roof. SPW

Location: Lordstown, Ohio

Project Size: 2.2 MW

Modules: ReneSola JC255S-24 (255-W)

Inverters: Advanced Energy AE23TL

Racking & Mounting: Solar FlexRack Series G3L

Developer: Solscient Energy

You don’t often think of the Midwest when you think of ideal locations for solar, but reduced costs and increased utility rates have made sites like Lordstown and Toledo optimal locations to expand GM’s use of solar power.

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Resources I N T E R A C T I V E

It’s hard to believe that there’s more to our already hefty renewable energy handbook, but it’s true! Don’t forget to check out our interactive components on

www.solarpowerworldonline.com.

Interactive Solar Project Map View utility-scale U.S. solar projects state by state with full details including location, size, type, developer, owner, power purchaser and more.

Clean Energy Opportunity Map View state Renewable Portfolio Goals and monitor each one’s progress to fulfilling these initiatives. Browse by state to view information including current renewable capacity, installed MW of wind, installed MW of solar and more.

Solar Panel Selector Tool Browse through U.S. solar panel models by manufacturer and more to find the one that best fits your project.

Wind/Solar_Interactive_2015_Vs3.indd 74

Solar Inverter Selector Tool View lists of solar inverters offered in the U.S. Lists are categorized under Microinverter, String, Central and Off-Grid models and grouped by manufacturer. Compare specifications such as PV array power range, max input and output currents, warranty and more.

Top 400 Solar Contractors Check out Solar Power World’s annual list of the top solar contractors in the North America. Also browse by residential, commercial and utility segments and more.

Solar Racking & Mounting Tool Browse racking and mounting systems by manufacturer with information on system and installation type.

1/20/15 11:36 AM

[CONTRACTORS CORNER]

70-Year-Old Business Shares Keys To Success in Solar A-C Solar, Bakersfield, California

By Kelly Pickerel, Associate Editor

The only way to survive multiple decades of business is to evolve with Katie Van Dyke Katie Van Dyke is sales and marketing manager at A-C Solar

Jeff Petrini Jeff Petrini is energy manager at A-C Solar

the times. Seventy-year-old A-C Electric was approached in the early 2000s to assist contractors on solar projects in California's Central Valley. Ten years later, its spinoff A-C Solar functions as its own EPC with a steady stream of projects out of its Bakersfield, Visalia and Fresno divisions.

"Getting that early start has been very helpful," said Jeff Petrini, energy manager. "It has given us the ability to grow along with the technology."

A-C installs all types of projects but primarily focuses on the commercial, industrial and non-profit segments. The Central Valley is a hub for agriculture and manufacturing, so there is an abundance of businesses that benefit from solar. A-C considers itself a local

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the way we approach our market."

A-C is constantly seeking the best financing options, monitoring utility and rate changes and vetting new products to provide customers with the best overall experience.

"Our customers know that they mean more to us than just a paycheck," Van Dyke said. "It's not just about making money at the end of the day.

It's about making and building communities."

There will be plenty of future opportunities to install solar in A-C's community, Petrini said, even if the ITC is not renewed.

"The bankability of solar and the reliability of solar is becoming more and more attractive to financial institutions, and private business owners want to invest their money long-term in something a little bit different," Petrini said. "I have a feeling we're going to see very lucrative systems until the end of 2016 because the utility rates appear to be on a steep curve right now. Once that ITC drops away, we'll come

It’s important to us to give the best effort that we can because it's more than just a business relationship. All of our relationships extend outside of that into the community. company and attributes its success to building relationships with the community and its customers.

"It’s important to us to give the best effort that we can because it's more than just a business relationship. All of our relationships extend outside of that into the community," said Katie Van Dyke, sales and marketing manager. "That has a really profound effect on

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Bakersfield Christian High School, 500-kW solar carport installation

[CONTRACTORS CORNER]

back to where we are at the moment. The way I see it, the solar future is bright."

The best way to ensure solar continues its upward climb is to be truthful with customers, Petrini said.

"There is a lot of pride in knowing that we are providing a sustainable product and cost savings for our customers," he said. "I've sat in front of customers and recommended that it might not be in their best interest to go with the project. We are a 70-year-old company; we need to make sure we are up-front with our customers and provide all of the knowledge that we have [and] not just trying to sell a

Summer Solar utility-scale project, 16-MW ground-mount solar installation

project. Making sure we provide the most accurate information is part of the challenge."

Van Dyke said she's proud of the work A-C Solar has done.

"With the proper financing, we can get a large-scale institution, with zero out of pocket, saving money from Day 1," she said. "As a school, that means more scholarships, more money in the classroom.

As a business, that means they can hire that new employee.

For us, it's knowing that we're giving them something that is sustainable from an environmental aspect but it's also hugely economically sustainable. We can always feel proud of that as a company." SPW

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[SOLAR SNAPSHOT]

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1/20/15 10:41 AM

[SOLAR SNAPSHOT]

“Solar Snapshot” provides a glimpse of the solar industry in pictures. If you have an infographic you’d like to see on this page, email it to editor Kathie Zipp at kzipp@wtwhmedia.com.

According to SEIA’s Q3 2014 report, the quarter was the second largest quarter ever for solar installations in the U.S With nearly 600,000 solar installations currently installed in the U.S., the country is on pace to reach its 1 millionth installation in 2015. Here’s a look at what happened in 2014, as well as how cell efficiency has grown within various types of solar technology. SPW

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Connect and discuss this and other solar issues with thousands of professionals online

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[PRODUCTS SPOTLIGHT]

Transportable power station deploys equivalent of 340 solar modules The PWRstation contains ten retractable 10-kW PWRstations built into a standard 40-ft long container designed for easy transport.

The rugged standalone powerhouse opens its side panels and deploys the equivalent of 340 standard-sized solar modules in a matter of minutes to deliver 100 kW of solar energy, enough to power a large industrial mining outpost, refugee camp or small town.

The powerhouse also comes in a canopy style version providing shaded space under retractable panels.

“We see industrial, military and humanitarian applications,” said Ludovic Roche, PWRstation’s co-founder and CEO for the Americas. “The powerhouse is self-contained, including panels, inverters and wiring.

PWRstation’s pre-assembled retractable systems engineered in Switzerland and built in the U.S. by Schletter. PWRStation will also eventually offer a 20-ft long, 50-kW version. SPW

Valve for use in solar hot water Peter Paul’s series 70, model 72 two-way normally closed valves have ratings that formerly required valves of a much greater size. These are air, water and other fluidcompatible with standard Buna seals. Hot water, steam, gasoline and some oils may require special seal materials.

The series 70, model 72 is Peter Paul’s largest direct acting (non-piloted) valve. It has a large orifice, high flow and will operate effectively at very low pressures or vacuum. SPW 126

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Wire management clip uses rolled outer edge Nine Fasteners has added the NFI-1306-V90 to its line-up of standard wire management offerings. The clip is Nine’s 90-degree oriented version of the company’s DCS-1306. The clip securely fastens up to two USE-2 diameter (.2 inches, 5.1 mm) wires to the majority of “standard” module frames. The NFI-1306-V90 is manufactured in the U.S. using 410 grade stainless steel. Staying consistent in its goal of delivering the highest-quality wire protection, Nine Fasteners continues to use a rolled outer edge on this clip, as is standard across the entire product line. SPW

www.solarpowerworldonline.com

1/20/15 10:43 AM

March 9–10, 2015 • The Westin Waterfront • Boston, MA

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SALES VP Sales

Regional Sales Manager

Todd Tidmore

Courtney Seel

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440.523.1685

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Key Account Manager

Regional Sales Manager

Jim Powers

Jessica East

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Regional Sales Manager

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LEADERSHIP TEAM Publisher

EVP

Mike Emich

Marshall Matheson

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805.895.3609

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