Rev SPW May 2016 Vs1 Red

May 2016
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Technology Development Installation
TRENDS IN
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Gamechange 3-16.indd 1 5/26/16 10:21 AM
THE FIRST WORD
EDITORIAL
ADVISORY
San Francisco just signed up as
BOARD president of the U.S. Solar Fan Club
Jim Jenal San Francisco is known as a progressive city, change and the reduction of our reliance on
Run on Sun but when the solar industry arrives there for fossil fuels, said Supervisor Scott Wiener in a
Intersolar North America this July, it will find statement. Activating underutilized roof space is
Brad Dore itself amid a whole new level of progression: a smart and efficient way to promote the use of
SMA America
Almost every new building will be outfitted with solar energy and improve our environment.
solar starting next year. For those unwilling to install solar, there is an
Rick Gilbert
Solar Source In late April, the San Francisco Board of exit clause in the legislation that would allow for
Supervisors unanimously passed legislation to the addition of gardens and living roofs instead. The
Natalie Holtgrefe require either solar panels or solar thermal systems requirement echoes one made last year in France,
Yaskawa be installed on new residential and commercial where new buildings in commercial zones must
Solectria Solar building construction that is 10-stories or fewer. either be partially covered in plants or solar panels.
California law already required all new buildings The urgency behind this bill comes from
Scott Franklin within the same height parameters to designate the impacts of excessive CO2 emissions on the
Lumos Solar
15% of their roofs as solar readyno shading coastal city, which have already caused significant
or obstructions allowed. San Francisco took it erosion, increased impacts to infrastructure during
Wendi Littlefield
SunLink one step further by mandating solar actually be extreme tides and caused the city to expend funds
installed on all new buildings. to modify the sewer system.
Scott Wiater These new rules make San Francisco the We have the feeling that as climate change
Standard Solar first major U.S. city to require solar panels on new becomes more undeniable and its effects are felt by
construction (a few smaller California towns have other major cities both on the coasts and in-land,
Meghan Vincent- passed similar laws, including Santa Monica well see more legislation like this to mandate the
Jones which currently requires all new installation of solar. And hopefully these arent just
Quick Mount PV
buildings to be equipped with feel-good promises. Its been suggested that the
solar). The regulations go number of 10-story (or shorter) buildings rising up
into effect Jan. 1, 2017, and in San Francisco is low, so the amount of new solar
will help the city meet going in may be unsubstantial. But at least the city is
its ambitious goal of a taking steps to curb climate change and the effects
greenhouse-gas-free on the environment from an increasing population.
electric system by 2030. We cant expect the world to go solar
By increasing our overnight, but we hope San Franciscos
use of solar power, pioneering solar policy will encourage other big
San Francisco is cities to adopt planet-friendly regulations.
once again leading Our team is eager to get to San Francisco
the nation in the this summer and feel the buzz of a city excited
fight against climate about solar! SPW
@SolarKellyP A s s o c i at e E dit or Kelly Pi ckerel

@SolarPower Wo rl d k p i c ke re l@wt wh m e d ia.com
4 SOLAR POWER WORLD 5 2016 www.solarpowerworldonline.com
First Word_5-16_Vs2kp.indd 4 5/26/16 10:37 AM

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APsystems 5-16.indd 7 5/26/16 10:13 AM
Follow the whole team on
Technology Development Installation
Twitter @SolarPowerWorld
E D I T O R I A L S T A F F
EDITORIAL GRAPHICS VIDEO
Managing Editor VP of Creative Services Videographer

Kathie Zipp Mark Rook John Hansel
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@SolarKathieZ @wtwh_graphics @wtwh_jhansel
Associate Editor Art Director Videographer

Steven Bushong Matthew Claney Kyle Johnston
sbushong@wtwhmedia.com mclaney@wtwhmedia.com kjohnston@wtwhmedia.com
@Solar2Steven @wtwh_designer @wtwh_kyle
Associate Editor Graphic Designer Videographer

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Ph: 888.543.2447 Fax: 888.543.2447
6 SOLAR POWER WORLD www.solarpowerworldonline.com
Staff page_SOLAR_5-16_Vs2.indd 6 5/26/16 12:37 PM

Altech 6-16.indd 17 5/26/16 10:12 AM

Methode 9-15_Vs1.indd 105 5/26/16 10:22 AM

[NEWS BRIEFS]
Solar around the U.S. 5 The right direction

Allendale, Michigan
A guide to recent projects, legislation and Days after it closed seven Michigan
coal plants, Consumers Energy began
research throughout the country operations at its first large-scale solar
project on 17 acres at Grand Valley
State University in April. The utility
also operates two wind farms.
6 $1 million pledged
5 Cupertino, California
PG&E announced a $1 million
49 commitment to support rooftop solar
1 2 systems on nearly 100 homes with
8 17 different Habitat for Humanity
6 7 local affiliates throughout Northern
3 and Central California. Over 11 years,
PG&Es Solar Habitat Program has
provided more than $10.6 million.
7 Public lands go solar

Baker, California
This year, Solar Energy The 287-MW Soda Mountain Solar
International will be Project on public lands has been
celebrating their 25th approved and will count toward
anniversary in conjunction meeting President Obamas Climate
with Solar Battle of the Bands. Action Plan goal of 20,000 MW
of power from renewable energy
projects on public lands by 2020.
1 Solar turns it up 3 Learning languages 8 Difficult days

San Francisco, California San Jose, California Maryland Heights, Missouri
Solar Battle of the Bands, an industry The SunSpec Alliance secured SunEdison will attempt to right-
party and musical competition $1.64 million in federal funding size its balance sheet after filing
occurring during Intersolar, will to establish data standards for for bankruptcy protection. Our
hold its sixth annual event at the the solar industry. By making it decision to initiate a court-supervised
Mezzanine on Wed., July 13, at 8 p.m. easier to share solar data, the restructuring was a difficult but
Produced by Quick Mount PV, tickets program could enable rapid important step to address our
are available from event sponsors data exchange, helping reduce immediate liquidity issues, said
only, including Solar Power World. solar project soft costs. Ahmad Chatila, SunEdison CEO.
2 Underestimated rooftops 4 Saying goodbye 9 Friendly utilities

Golden, Colorado Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C.
An NREL analysis shows a technical SEIA CEO Rhone Resch Southern California Edison topped
potential of 1,118 GW of capacity on announced his decision to step SEPAs list of top utilities friendly
rooftops in the U.S., which supplants its down effective May 31. I am with solar, having connected 1,258
previous estimate of 664 GW. With this honored to have been able new megawatts of solar power
data, stakeholders will have a much- to contribute to building an to the grid in 2015. Utilities are
improved starting point for PV research industry that has such a positive responding to consumer interest in
and policymaking, said Pieter Gagnon, impact on the U.S. economy, solar with cost-effective, innovative
an engineering analyst of solar policy our energy security and the programs, said Julia Hamm, SEPAs
and technoeconomics at NREL. environment, Resch said. President and CEO.
5 2016 SOLAR POWER WORLD 9
News in Brief_5-16_Vs1.indd 9 5/26/16 10:54 AM

CONTENTS M a y 2 0 1 6 vol 6 n o 3
w w w. so l ar po w e r w o rl do n l ine .co m
42 20 34 38 74
ON THE
ON THE COVER
COVER 20 PANEL POINTS
Under-the-radar U.S. panel
manufacturers finding success
SPECIAL SECTIONS:
This being the Intersolar issue, 42 24 TRENDS IN TECHNOLOGY,
and with Intersolar located in BUSINESS & MARKETS:
26 INVERTER INSIDER
San Francisco, we thought it Grounding regulations dont Most often, trends in solar
appropriate to feature one necessarily translate to solar are timely innovations or
of the worlds most solar- processes used by a growing
supportive cities and a 30 MOUNTING portion of the industry,
couple of its hardworking Whats up with solar ballast? usually with the goal of
contractors on our cover. spurring more projects by
reducing their cost. Trends
Cover image courtesy of San Francisco
Public Utilities 34 STORAGE take many forms, including
Questions you should ask battery technological, mechanical
manufacturers and financial. Starting on
4 FIRST WORD 16 FINANCING page 42, find 24 trends
9 NEWS BRIEFS 74 CONTRACTORS happening now that are
12 INSTALLATION CORNER 38 SOFTWARE driving the solar industry
PRACTICES 76 AD INDEX An easy way to track utility rates toward its bright future.
Table of Contents 5-16 Solar_Vs3SB.indd 10 5/26/16 2:13 PM

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[INSTALLATION PRACTICES]
A few things
to know about
installing solar
shingles
Solar shingles technically fall under and provide long-term value to homeowners. If
the umbrella term building-integrated you can install a roof-mounted PV system, you
photovoltaics (BIPV) because they are can install solar shingles.
integrated into the building envelope. Other Solar shingles are installed in an overlapping
examples of BIPV include photovoltaic pattern to ensure water sheds as it would on a
modules integrated into skylights, ceilings, typical roofing system. Flashing and underlayment
facades, awnings or canopies. BIPV products are supplied with each system to minimize
primarily attempt to do two things: Integrate custom fitting and save installation time.
into the building structure to provide a CertainTeeds Apollo II systems come with a
more aesthetic solar installation and replace starter strip that secures the first course of solar
traditional building materials, thereby saving shingles or solar tiles to the roof, and wind clips
material cost and labor to install those to fasten one course to another. Integrated wire
materials separately from the PV system management with industry-standard connectors
(without compromising functionality with makes it easy to connect solar shingles or solar tiles
Christopher Fisher respect to the building structure). and prevent damage during installation. The result is
What sets solar shingles and solar tiles apart a clean, tightly packed system.
Christopher Fisher is the product from most other BIPV products is that they are
development leader of photovoltaics designed for the residential market and can be Time and labor savings
at CertainTeed integrated into more than 85% of residential roofs. Solar shingles can help save time during
installation by eliminating the need to locate
Easy installation rafters as required with many traditional rack-
Solar installers who have never worked on mounted PV systems. Solar shingles and solar tiles
a BIPV project may be surprised with the attach directly to the roof deck using standard
simplicity of installation. Solar shingles, corrosion-resistant deck screws. The systems low
CertainTeeds Apollo II systems included, are profile prevents wind from getting underneath the
engineered to maximize installation efficiency system and creating significant uplift.
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facebook.com/darfonsolar Booth #7145
San Francisco
www.darfonsolar.com July 12 - 14, 2016
Darfon (2) 5-16.indd 7 5/26/16 10:18 AM

[INSTALLATION PRACTICES]
Because each module is small (roughly

4 ft by 1 ft) and can be arranged in non-
rectangular array shapes, solar shingles give
installers flexibility to use available roof space
as effectively as possible. And because solar
shingles and solar tiles weigh about the same
or less than traditional roofing material, theres
typically no need to do a structural evaluation Apollo II and Apollo Tile II details
of the roof. However, when attaching directly
to the deck, it is important to ensure that the Available for the most common U.S.
roof deck is clean, flat and dry, and that the roofing systems (including asphalt
decking material is in good shape. shingle, synthetic slate and flat
Solar shingles and solar tiles are designed concrete tile).
to be independent of the surrounding roof. Tested to solar industry standards
They can be added to an existing roof. They and roofing industry standards for
can also be left in place during the removal fire, wind and rain protection.
and replacement of traditional roofing Roof slope must be 4:12 or
material. This allows for a clean separation greater (3:12 for tile system). Solar shingles are installed
of solar and roofing trades and means the in an overlapping pattern to
ensure proper water runoff.
operating life of the solar shingles or solar
tiles does not have to match the life of the
traditional roof.
Many homeowners say solar shingles and
solar tiles are more aesthetically attractive
than traditional rack-mounted systems. This can add to the
resale value of the home, and it becomes especially important
if the roof is visible from the curb or the home is governed by a
homeowners association. Installers who offer solar shingles and
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SOLAR POWER WORLD4/5/2016
Installation Practices_5-16_Vs2kp.indd 15 5/26/16 11:50 AM

[FINANCING]
Three questions to ask your solar financier

on behalf of your customer
As solar professionals take an increasingly building(s)), they may require consent from the
involved role in helping their customers current mortgage lender. Without much reason
secure loans, it is important to have a thorough to approve this request, refusal from a current
understanding of how various options can affect mortgage lender is common and could short-
a client. Financing offers can vary greatly from circuit your project.
one lender to the next, particularly in the small- Some solar-specific lenders, like Wunder
to medium-sized commercial space. Small but Capital, will use a fixture filing so that in the
important variations in a lenders approach can event of default, they would own all equipment
result in significantly more work for you or your associated with the system and the power being
customereven worse, your project could be produced from the system. Collateralizing the
stopped in its tracks. Here are three questions loan in this way can avoid both the common
you should ask and understand the answers to issues discussed above and often allows
when speaking with new lending partners. lenders to service a wider range of customers.
Concerns that have arisen with this form of
Katie Lynch How will the loan be collateralized? lien in the past were often due to a customer
Most lenders are going to want to establish a being unaware of its existence, or the collateral
Katie Lynch is the director of project legal claim to some form of collateral, which description not appropriately specifying the
development at Wunder Capital they would receive in the event of a default. The limitations of the claim.
mechanism used to establish this legal claim
is often a lien, which might take one of several What are your prepayment policies and fees?
forms discussed below. These liens are typically While not usually a deal-breaker, prepayment
secured with a UCC-1 financing statement, which policies can be very important to borrowers. This
is filed with a state or county agency and then is particularly true in the solar industry, where
made public to other current and future lenders. customers are often expecting to see at least
If the lender is securing their loan with an one incentive payout after project completion.
For example, if borrowers
want to use their ITC benefits,
Small but important variations in a lenders approach can SREC income or state rebate
to pay back a portion of their
result in significantly more work for you or your customer loan ahead of schedule, it is
even worse, your project could be stopped in its tracks. important to ask a potential
lender how they treat early or
unscheduled payments. Some
may not allow it at all, while
all assets lien, the loan would be considered others will charge fees.
recourse debt, allowing them to recoup losses If your customer has a large cash incentive
by laying claim to any of the borrowers assets. on the way that they would like to put toward
Sometimes, if the borrower is a small business, the project, make sure you understand the
the owner will be required to sign a personal prepayment fees of their potential loan. Your
guarantee, submitting their own personal assets customer may want to consider the possibility
as collateral, as well. of reducing the loan request by the expected
If a lender is securing their loan with a incentive amount and floating that cost
lien on the customers real property (land and themselves until it pays out.
Financing_5-16_Vs2.indd 16 5/26/16 11:53 AM

SOLTEC 5-16.indd 7 5/26/16 10:31 AM
[FINANCING]
What does contact with the lender

look like after contract execution
and loan disbursement?
While securing financing for the project
might be the last hurdle for you, it is
just the beginning of the customers
relationship with their lender. You dont
want to work hard creating a happy
customer only to hand them off to a
difficult lender that will sour their solar
Solar for every

experience.
When working with large lenders,
ask about the account management and
roof.
customer service team. If something
goes wrongbank account information
needs to be changed or a late payment
reconciledwill the borrower know who
to turn to?
When working with smaller lenders,
ask about their internal processes. Will
your customer be able to schedule
automatic transactions? Will they be
able to perform basic self-service
tasks like updating their billing address,
connecting a payment account or
checking their balance?
Knowing the answer to these three
basic questions can save you and your
customer a lot of time in this step of
the process. Not to mention, it serves
as a differentiator in an increasingly
competitive sales market and makes you
a better partner for financiers. SPW
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18 SOLAR POWER WORLD 5 2016
Financing_5-16_Vs2.indd 18 5/26/16 11:54 AM

Sungrow 5-16.indd 7 5/26/16 10:32 AM
PANEL POINTS KELLY PICKEREL
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Under-the-radar
U.S. panel manufacturers finding
SUCCESS in competitive market
Although the United States was influence. German-headquartered 2% of the global supply. It could seem
listed as the worlds fifth-most attractive SolarWorld has been the largest U.S. daunting today to start a U.S.-based
country for module manufacturing solar manufacturer for 40 years, with a panel manufacturing company when
by GTM Researchs Global PV 530-MW capacity manufacturing facility
Manufacturing Attractiveness Index in Oregon. Thin-film CdTe powerhouse Mission Solar Energy of San Antonio, Texas,
began panel production in 2014. The companys
(PVMAX), there arent many purely made- First Solar has manufacturing lines in the
manufacturing process (above and below)
in-the-USA panels available. Almost all United States and also much larger ones
starts with polysilicon materials from its parent
companies have some type of Chinese in Southeast Asia. Having manufacturing company OCI Company.
or European influence. sites spaced across the globe
Suniva, a 2008 U.S. startup, is is common for larger U.S.
the larger exception. The company companies, SunPower included.
announced last year it would increase But what about U.S.-
its Georgia plant manufacturing capacity based companies without the
from 150 MW to 400 MW in 2016 and capability for huge production
reach its full 200-MW capacity at its lines across the planet? How do
Michigan plant. SolarCity has also thrown they compete with established
itself into the made-in-the-USA mix after Chinese names?
acquiring Silevo in 2014 and building a According to numbers from
1-GW plant in Buffalo, New York, to bring REN 21 Global Status Report 2015,
the Chinese technology state-side. The Asia produced 87% of worldwide
facility should be completed in 2017. PV modules in 2014 (including
There are other USA-made success 64% from China alone). The
stories, although with more international United States only manufactured
Panel Points_5-16_Vs2kp.indd 20 5/26/16 12:04 PM

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PANEL POINTS
international companies clearly have

dominance and recognition, but some
local manufacturers have taken on the
challenge.
SolarTech Universal
Riviera Beach, Florida
SolarTech Universal is a Florida
manufacturer of 285-W monocrystalline
and 300-W bi-facial modules. The
company opened its 80-MW facility
in November 2015 and is currently
WHEN IT CAME TO shipping panels. Nathan Rosenstein,
marketing director, said SolarTechs
SECURELY ATTACHING niche in the market is producing solar
panels with a busbar-less, SmartWire
5.38 MW OF SOLAR Technology-infused design.
We wanted to provide a premium
PANELS TO THEIR ROOF, panel to customers and clients thats
better in every way compared to other
panels around the world, Rosenstein
TOYSRUS DIDNT
said. Quantum Series solar modules
allow for a highly efficient panel thanks to
PLAY AROUND.
SmartWire Technology. SmartWire allows
for lower operating temperatures while
creating greater power due to its 18-cell
strings rather than the typical busbar
design seen on most panels today. It also
mitigates and helps with microcracks, so
even if you were to obtain a crack on the
cell, our panel would continue to allow
the flow of electricity to go through the
entire line of cells in that row.
As to why the company, which
licenses its technology from Swiss-based
Meyer Burger, chose to locate in Southern
Florida, Rosenstein said producing a
U.S.-made, premium-quality panel was
important for integrators looking to take
advantage of various credits and rebates
across the country. Also, the location is
great for entering emerging markets.
American made S-5-PV kits and clamps The facility here is close to a wide
are the industry standard in metal roof variety of different ports so it gives us
mounting hardware. Thats why the really easy access for shipping, especially
biggest names in business rely on our
for South America and the Caribbean,
solar mounting solutions. They know that
its only secure, if its S-5! secure. Rosenstein said. Were also in works
for a second facility in Puerto Rico,
developing a larger 72-cell panel.
SolarTech has future plans to
become vertically integrated, so it
believes it has a lasting spot in the U.S.
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Fronius 5-16.indd 7 5/26/16 10:20 AM

PANEL POINTS
Colored Solar Ventura, Mission Solar Energy

California San Antonio, Texas
Colored Solar also believes Mission Solar Energy is attempting
its niche product establishes to steal a large share of the made-
the companys home in the in-the-Untied-States market from
market. The company began manufacturing giant Suniva. The
manufacturing UL-certified Texas-based manufacturer is one
colored solar panels (forest green of the only newbies to the market
and tile red are popular choices) in that can compete with Sunivas
California in 2012 and finds more scale. Mission Solars 200-MW
than enough business within the capacity plant began producing
state. CEO Mike Mrozek said many n-type monocrystalline panels in
building designers and homeowner September 2014.
associations like working with 200 MW in the U.S. is very
Colored Solar to provide building competitive. Theres not many
owners with camouflaged solar manufacturers in the U.S. that
rooftop options. even have 100 MW of capacity,
Our primary focus is not on said Sam Martens, senior manager
costs and [being] cost competitive of planning and production
with others in the industry, control. In terms of globally, yes,
because thats just a fight that were smaller than these Chinese
we will never win, Mrozek said. players, but we definitely look to
Theyre making gigawatts and be competing on the same playing
were doing kilowatts. We decided field with Jinko or Trina, not only in
to go after a market that needs the U.S. but in global markets.
some aesthetics, that offers Mission Solar was able to
customers a choice. start production in a big way
Colored Solar is able to because of its parent company and
Colored Solar manufactures aesthetically pleasing panels match almost any color out partnering relationships. Its part
out of California. The companys goal isnt to be competitive there, but right now its focusing of the OCI family of companies,
with big names, but instead to make a niche product. on where the demand istile red headed by South Korean chemical
roofs reign supreme in California. conglomerate OCI Company. OCI
Mrozek said adding color to entered the U.S. solar market first
solar panels is not inherently as a project developer (OCI Solar
difficult, but hes still not worried Power) in San Antonio contracting
about bigger-named panel huge solar farms for local utility CPS
manufacturers stealing Colored Energy. The Korean company had
Solars industry identity. long produced polysilicon and sold it
to solar panel manufacturers across
In terms of globally, yes, were smaller than the world when it decided to take its
product downstream. Mission Solar
these Chinese players, but we definitely look to was formed to produce modules
using OCIs materials for OCI Solar
be competing on the same playing field. Power projects.

We start with raw silicon wafers,
we produce the wafers into solar
Right now, theres less than cells, and then we turn the solar cells
1% penetration in solar in general, into completed solar modules all
he said. If maybe in a few years at our facility here in San Antonio,
somebody might come out with a Martens said. For Mission Solar, our
colored solar competitive product, main focus has been supplying to
then thats great. Theres plenty of our customer, OCI Solar Power, for
market share out there. these solar farms in Texas.

PANEL POINTS
While the large majority of its

modules have gone to OCI Solar
Power projects in the San Antonio area,
Mission Solar has no exclusivity to OCI.
It can and is finding other developers
to work with.
Having a strong partner like OCI Solar
Power and a strong pipeline built out with
CPS Energy was a big boost to get us on
our feet, Martens said. It would have
been challenging to come in and build a
200-MW facility [without them].
Mission Solar has faith that demand have the same challenges that are faced SolarTech Universal uses SmartWire technology
for U.S.-manufactured panels will by companies that have been doing this to produce busbar-less panels in Florida. The
continue to creep up, along with the for a while, Martens said. A lot of the company is one of the newest U.S.-based
need for North American raw materials. raw materials still come from overseas, manufacturers, opening in late 2015.
Obviously the supply chain but we are starting to see some interest
surrounding solar manufacturing in the in setting up some parts of the solar food
United States is still relatively weak. We chain in North America. SPW
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INVERTER INSIDER EMILY HWANG
SENIOR APPLICATIONS ENGINEER, YASKAWA SOLECTRIA SOLAR
The effective GROUNDING conundrum

Utilities are increasingly requiring effective PV-plant grounding
to limit risk of temporary overvoltage, but their regulations
dont necessarily translate to the solar inverter market.
With the increase of PV generation fault on the phase voltages (VA, VB, VC) effective grounding requirements as
on the grid, utilities are growing more and line-to-line voltages (VAB, VBC, VCA) conventional generator plants. The
concerned about the risk of temporary for ungrounded, solidly grounded and difference between conventional
overvoltage (TOV) possibilities on their effectively grounded systems. In this generators and PV inverters is important
lines. Significant TOV can cause great example, a line to ground fault occurs to note since IEEE 142 (the Green Book)
damage to distribution systems and on phase A. For ungrounded systems, defines effective grounding as the ratios
connected equipmenton both sides there will be no fault current; however, between the zero sequence reactance
of the meter. Some utilities, such as single phase loads may be damaged (X0) and the zero sequence resistance
PG&E, already employ overvoltage due to overvoltage. In solidly grounded (R0), with the positive sequence
protection for PV systems. Others that systems, there will be high fault currents reactance (X1) as follows:
have notNGRID, XCEL, HECO and that could damage equipment and
PacifiCorpare increasingly turning some fault protection relays may be
to effective grounding as their TOV desensitized. Finally, with effectively 0 < X0/X1 <= 3, 0 < R0/X1 <= 1
solution. Effective grounding uses grounded systems, the impedance limits
impedance grounding, via the use of overvoltage to <1.39 p.u., eliminating These definitions for the sizing of a
grounding banks or reactors, to limit the harmful overvoltage and high fault PV systems effective grounding solution
fault current while allowing a limited and currents. Effective grounding also helps do not take into consideration the lack
safer amount of overvoltage. protection relays to recognize faults. of an industry-standard definition for
The figure shows the before (left) In the utilities attempt to protect the output impedance of an inverter.
and after (right) effects of a ground their distribution lines from TOV, some Impedance is the AC equivalent to
require PV plants to abide by the same DC resistance, but it contains both a
magnitude component (resistance) and
Entropys 18-MW Glynn Solar Farm

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SolarSolar
Power World full1 page.indd 1 1/12/16 10:28
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RBI 5-16.indd 5/26/16 AM
INVERTER INSIDER
a phase component (reactance). For
conventional generators, otherwise
known as synchronous generators,
measured physical winding impedance
from the rotor and stator windings is
used to calculate for X1. Because the
inverter has little to no rotational inertia
and no winding impedance there exists
no one-to-one industry accepted value
equivalent for X1 in PV inverters. Some
inverter companies use rated voltage
and the measured maximum output
current during a fault condition to derive
X1 (Vrated/Irated). Other inverter companies
use the output filter impedance.
This lack of consistency generates
confusion for utilities hoping to use the
IEEE definition for effective grounding.
To avoid this, some utilities, such as
HydroOne and Green Mountain Power,
acknowledge the difference between
synchronous generators and inverters,
and define zero sequence reactance
without the use of the positive sequence
reactance, as seen in the definition below.
X0 = 0.6 10% p.u.

Another point of contention stems
from a fundamental difference between
conventional generators and grid-
connected PV inverters. Conventional
generators can be regarded as voltage
sources; inverters, on the other hand,
are considered current sources where
the plants terminal voltage is dependent
on the grid. This difference is important
because it raises the question of whether
a PV inverter could generate significant
TOV. The National Renewable Energy
Laboratory (NREL) is currently performing
comprehensive testing and research
into inverter load rejection overvoltage
and inverter ground fault overvoltage
testing. The hope is with more data the
PV industry will be able to prove the need
for a standard method to protect utility
lines from TOV, or disprove the need for
effective grounding on PV systems entirely.
Until then, it is the installation
companys responsibility to know whether
their utility calls for effective grounding.
While these requirements are more
common for larger systems, theyre not
unheard of on smaller projects. Before
starting to budget for a PV project, be sure
to understand the local utilitys effective

INVERTER INSIDER
grounding requirements for the specific project size and location/substation.
Ignoring this possible requirement can lead to expensive retrofits, change
orders and delays. For most utilities, these requirements can be found in the
interconnection policy.
For more information, Yaskawa Solectria Solar offers an effective
grounding design tool on its website to help calculate the size of the grounding
bank or reactor. You can also learn more in its white paper Effective Grounding
For PV Plants. SPW
References:
Hong, Soonwook; Yoo, Il Do; Bruno J. M., Terry; Zuercher-Martinson, Michael.
Solectria Renewables. Effective Grounding for PV Plants.
IEEE Std 142-2007, IEEE Recommended Practice for Grounding of Industrial and
Commercial Power Systems.
Advanced Energy. Neutral Connections and Effective Grounding.

Nelson, A.; Hoke, A; Chakraborty; Chebahtah, J; Wang, T; Zimmerly, B. National
Renewable Energy Laboratory and SolarCity Corporation. Inverter Load Rejection
Over-Voltage Testing (SolarCity CRADA Task1a Final Report). February 2015.
Hoke, A; Nelson, A; Chakraborty, S; Chebahtah, J; Wang, T; McCarthy, M.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory and SolarCity Corporation. Inverter
Ground Fault Overvoltage Testing. August 2015.
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MOUNTING KELLY PICKEREL
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
The precise organization of concrete

ballast blocks can be seen on this
rooftop solar installation.
Photo courtesy of Ecolibrium Solar
Whats SOLAR BALLAST?

Ballast is a common alternative A licensed structural engineering
used on solar installations unable to professional engineer (P.E.) should
penetrate either the roof or the ground. determine the size/amount of ballast since the beginning of solar installations.
On low-sloped, flatter rooftops, many needed, Schwartzman said. If a racking But project and racking design has led
building owners dont want to poke company has a P.E. on staff, then they can to the biggest evolution in ballastless
holes through the roof. Temperamental offer this service. If not, the customer or is best. By using wind tunnel analysis,
ground-mounts have some of the same racking company can source a consultant the amount of ballast weight needed
concerns; solar arrays installed on top of P.E. to perform the calculation. on todays solar projects is less than
landfill caps cannot penetrate that liner. Common rectangular-sized ballast before. Changing how panels are
Thats where ballast comes in. blocks can be purchased at a home interconnected allows for increased
Concrete blocks are placed throughout a improvement store or anywhere that load sharing, and an overall drop in
project to secure an array to the ground carries masonry blocks. The sources for needed ballast. Racking companies
or the roof and prevent wind lift or other unique block shapes and sizes specific to incorporating wind deflectors makes an
movement, all without having to make a certain racking system are provided by array more aerodynamic and less ballast
any (or as many) penetrations. the racking manufacturer. is needed to hold everything down.
Cael Schwartzman, lead solar The racking design will dictate the An emerging issue with solar ballast
design engineer at Orion Racking, maximum size of ballast blocks that can is the breakdown of the concrete. Sam
explained there are many factors be used, Schwartzman said. A system Veague, vice president of commercial
sales at Ecolibrium Solar,
A system should be able to hold multiple blocks in

said common concrete
landscaping pavers can
each ballast pan such that weight can be added to

deteriorate through exposure
to UV light, moisture and
freezing/thawing.
or subtracted from a specific spot on the array. Depending on the
design of the racking
system, cracked or broken
that go in to determining how much should be able to hold multiple blocks in ballast blocks may fall out of the racking
ballast a solar array needs. Most are each ballast pan such that weight can be and end up with some or all of the
pretty obvious: size and orientation of added to or subtracted from a specific ballast laying on the roof, Veague said.
array; physical project location (wind, spot on the array. This is necessary Thus [the ballast] is no longer doing
seismic factors); roof shape, height because ballast weight isnt necessarily its job of adding weight to the system
and strength; and type of racking uniform throughout an array. More to hold it in place. Broken chunks of
used. Project jurisdiction must also be weight may be required at corners or concrete on the roof can damage
considered, as Schwartzman pointed specific areas compared to other areas. the roof membranemaintenance
out, since different jurisdictions have The core element of ballast personnel step on the pieces, grinding
different code requirements. concrete blockshasnt changed much or tearing the roof membrane.
Mounting_5-16_Vs2kp.indd 30 5/26/16 12:25 PM

11961_SUNLINK_VertexAppAd.indd 1 4/5/16 10:33
2:07 PM
Sunlink 5-16.indd 7 5/26/16 AM
Introducing SystemEdge from OutBack Power
OutBack pioneered the concept of pre-configured and pre-wired systems with the
acclaimed FX-based FLEXpower Seriesand solar installers responded by making it a
best seller in the demanding off-grid market.
Now, OutBack is doing it again with SystemEdge, a line of advanced solutions

that bundle a purposefully designed integrated system and energy storage
with system management that take the guesswork out of any installation.
Available in 4 or 8kW models, solutions are UL-1741 listed from OutBacks rooftop
FLEXware ICS combiner box to EnergyCell Nano-Carbon batteries.
SystemEdge is based on OutBacks FLEXpower Radian with Grid/Hybrid technology

and advanced features including GridZero and Advanced Battery Charging.
When optimized with OPTICS RE system monitoring and control
FLEXtime settings allow a user to master any utility situation. Your customer
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Your time is valuablewith SystemEdge from OutBack Power you can spend less time on balance-of-system,
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Outback 5-16.indd 7 5/26/16 10:24 AM

P A N EMLO UP NO TI NI NT GS
Depending on a systems layout, more ballast may be needed in

certain areas (like here along the perimeter) to ensure a system is
securely attached to a roof.
Photo courtesy of Ecolibrium Solar
Veague recommends ensuring solar installers use

concrete that has the appropriate rating for the local
environmental conditions. Concrete is available in a
range of ratings and quality levels, so a little homework
can lead to years of solar success. Using high quality
racking components also helps with ballast installations.
Use a racking product with a ballast pan that fully
supports the ballast block, Veague said. This means in
the case of cracked or broken concrete, it is still held
captive by the racking system.
While there have been ideas for alternative ballast
materials (jugs of water have been considered),
concrete ballast isnt going anywhere any time soon.
Essentially simpler to install than penetrating systems
mostly from fewer pieces of hardware and less skill
neededballast systems do require some technical
know-how. With the right dedication to installation
precision, ballasted solar systems can be a successful
alternative to penetrating systems. SPW
DESIGNED
WITH THE
ROCK-IT
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INSTALLER
RAIL FREE SOLAR
IN MIND
ROOF MOUNT
Mounting_5-16_Vs2kp.indd 33 5/26/16 12:25 PM

STORAGE DEAN MIDDLETON
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES AT SIMPLIPHI POWER
10 questions SOLAR INSTALLERS

should ask when buying a battery
With new storage options frequently power capacity, cycle life, depth and rate cobalt can lead to thermal runaway
coming to the market, understanding of discharge, operating temperature and and fires. Thermal runaway can take
and comparing them can be confusing. a host of other performance parameters. place regardless of the internal battery
But contractors can learn a lot by The internal architecture and power management system, ventilation and/
inquiring about the right things. Here are electronics built into some batteries or cooling built into a battery. The
10 questions solar installers should ask serve to leverage or mitigate the intrinsic external environmental and ambient
manufacturers before buying a battery. qualities of the chemistry and form temperatures where the batteries are
factor. Different project requirements, housed must also be monitored and
1. What is the battery chemistry? such as peak shaving, back-up power, controlled. This adds to the complexity
Knowing the battery chemistry and the load shifting, frequency and voltage and costs associated with lithium-
cell level form factor (the physical shape regulation impact the relative efficacy ion with cobalt battery installations,
of the battery and its terminal) is the of one battery type over another for the particularly within the context of the
first step in understanding the relative application at hand. levelized cost of energy. Although the
strengths and weaknesses of different earlier generation lithium-ion batteries
batteries and their performances. 2. Does the battery chemistry using cobalt are fundamentally more
Specifically with lithium-ion chemistry, contain cobalt? energy dense per lb/kg on a chemical
form factors range from cylindrical and Cobalt is a toxic material. Cobalt oxide level, the heat mitigation techniques that
prismatic to pouch. Each form factor type cathodes are also what generate must be incorporated to manage and
creates a different layer of specifications the heat commonly associated with safeguard against heat build-up, thermal
in combination with the chemistry that lithium-ion batteries. Unmonitored,
impacts the efficiency rate, available
34 SOLAR POWER WORLD 5 2016 www.solarpowerworldonline.com Photo courtesy of Exosun
Storage_5-16_Vs3.indd 34 5/26/16 12:28 PM

solar plus storage
(heres the plus)
Solar Battery Grid Loads
The Pika Energy Island

The Pika Energy Island makes solar plus storage simple. This single-inverter solution uses REbus 380VDC technology to
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Full page v14.indd

7 1 4/25/16 10:27
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Pika 5-16.indd 5/26/16 AM
STORAGE
runaway and fire offset this fundamental advantage and create

lithium-ion cobalt batteries that are heavier, larger and more
costly over time.
3. What is the cycle life?

Cycle life is the number of times the battery can be fully
charged and discharged before it runs the length of its
useful life. Each time a battery is charged and discharged,
chemical or physical changes occur within the battery
(also known as the memory-effect). Cycle life varies among
chemistries and form factors.
4. What is the energy density?

Energy density is the amount of energy stored in a given
battery per unit volume. Ask questions related to how
much of the total energy stored in the battery is actually
The SMP10 Pyranometer available at any given time for use (the actual power
capacity) versus nameplate capacity, which would be the
the smartest way to measure solar radiation maximum rated output.
5. What are the charge and discharge rates?

Ability to withdraw power from the battery at both low
current and high current rates is critical to getting the
maximum use out of a battery. Some batteries provide low
current, long duration discharge but fail in high current, short
duration applications. Ideally, look for a battery that provides
the widest variety of charge and discharge rates without
the concomitant degradation of capacity and cycle life over
time. This ensures the batter can be used across a range of
applications that might require both long duration and short
duration discharge and charge profiles, without damaging its
ISO 9060 Secondary Standard pyranometer overall performance and longevity.
No change of desiccant for 10 years
Smart, more than just digital 6. What is the round-trip efficiency?
A batterys round-trip efficiency rate indicates how much
RS-485 Modbus communication
of the energy generated on site is captured or lost in a
round trip between the battery being fully charged and
fully discharged to meet electrical loads. Efficiency losses
are generated by the internal resistance of the chemistry,
A perfect combination of two of our recent successful launches combined in one
form factor and power electronics, but they can also
come from heat mitigation measures, ventilation or
instrument; a low maintenance pyranometer with smart digital signal processing.
cooling. Depending on the use cases and various charge
Now with all-new Smart Sensor Explorer software that allows for set-up with
rates and depths of discharge or duty cycles, the batterys
RS-485 to USB or TCP/IP converters and data logging to a computer. efficiency can vary.
www.kippzonen.com 7. How many products does a company have in the

field, for how long and what is the failure rate?
Products at work in the field are a critical measure as
to the credibility of a technology beyond specification
sheets and product presentations. Learning the answer to
these questions can provide insights into the number of
successful installations, how long they have been selling
into actual markets and the relative success rate or efficacy
Kipp & Zonen USA Inc.
of their storage technology.
125 Wilbur Place Bohemia NY 11716 T: 631 589 2065
kipp.usa@kippzonen.com www.kippzonen.com 36 SOLAR POWER WORLD 5 2016

P A N E LS TPOORI NA GT SE
8. Is the battery management batteries. Talk with that installer about of the battery impacts its weight
system (BMS) included in the the project. Was technical support and footprint. Thus, a battery which
manufacturers ROI calculations? required and/or provided, and how maximizes efficiency while maintaining
The BMS can erode or improve the helpful were they? lower weight and footprint stores
efficiency rate. Often the BMS is a more energy per dollar spent. SPW
separate unit, for a price additional 10. What is the true cost of the
to the cost of the battery unit itself. energy storage system?
Asking about the BMS can open the Very often the low up-front price
door for learning about other hidden point or cost of some batteries is
costs and equipment a given battery significantly reduced or entirely
might require. eliminated by the batterys installation,
shipping and logistics. This includes
9. Can you connect with someone many of the elements discussed in
who has installed a system? this article, such as weight and square
Installations are not always as footage requirements, ventilation
straightforward as sales people and cooling systems, efficiency rate,
would have you believe. See if they short cycle life and name-plate versus
can connect you with someone in usable power capacity. The impact of
your area who has installed their these elements in the overall efficiency
Backwoods
Solar

S O F T WA R E STEVEN BUSHONG
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Energy Toolbase,
ALWAYS TRACKING UTILITY RATES,
offers timely financial analysis
Adding to the challenge is the particular solar power and energy

that utilities modify their pricing storage systems and quantifies the
structures and rules all the time (and potential savings. Developers then take
sometimes significantly, as is the case this information to the bank.
with NEM 2.0). Tracking all of this is A number of end-to-end solar
quite an undertaking. Fortunately, a software programs integrate an analysis
few companies have popped up that tool like Energy Toolbase, including
do this work for solar firms. Sighten, SolarNexus and MODSolar.
One company is Energy Our tool is kind of on the end
Toolbase. By providing financial of the spectrum where its really
analysis for solar developers, Energy powerful and robust and used in more
Toolbase helps them anticipate long- sophisticated applications, Gerza said.
term financial outcomes, as they relate We think the utility rate piece is so
to the variousand often complex important in and of itself, its a required
utility rate structures. The subscription- stand-alone solution.
Thousands of utilities run power based platform is hosted on the cloud The typical Energy Toolbase
grids across the country, and each has and updated almost every day. customer is a sophisticated C&I
its own electricity rate structures and Its a never-ending process, developer, such as SunPower or NRG,
rules for customer-sited solar power said Adam Gerza, vice president of Gerza said. But that could change as
generation. Regional and national solar business development at Energy complex NEM 2.0 structures emerge.
developers, who already have their Toolbase. As utility rate tariffs get In fact, the Energy Toolbase team is
hands full with financing, permitting and updated, were literally going to a page working now to make the application
construction issues, can be hard-pressed and transcribing those values into a more usable for residential teams.
to understand utility rates and rules, too. database record. Utilities are rolling out more
Our tool is kind of on the end of the spectrum where its really
powerful and robust and used in more sophisticated applications.
Energy Toolbase uses all the data dynamic rate structuresNEM 2.0,
it collects to generate two primary dynamic pricing, Gerza said. Now
outputs that go hand-in-hand: a residential teams need a more robust
utility rate analysis and an avoided tool to run that analysis and present it
cost analysis. The utility rate analysis clearly for a customer.
recreates a customers utility bills Now theyve developed a tool that
based on their load profile and utility financiers themselves are using, Gerza said.
rate schedule. The avoided cost When those guys are underwriting
analysis then takes into consideration a project, they look at any number of
38 SOLAR POWER WORLD 5 2016 www.solarpowerworldonline.com Photo courtesy of istockphoto.com
Software_5-16_Vs2.indd 38 5/26/16 3:01 PM

Tech Trends in Solar
The solar industry is reported to grow to $4.4 billion in the next five years. EagleView Technologies surveyed over 200 industry
professionals to better understand the trends in technology that are impacting contractors across the country. Weve summarized
our findings in our eReport entitled Solar Contractors Technology Investment Trends 2016. We invite you to download your free
copy here and be on the lookout for additional solar trend reports on other important topics to be released in the coming months.
Visit www.eagleview.com/solartrends to download your free copy

or stop by Intersolar booth 7849.
866.447.3741 | www.eagleview.com
Eagleview 5-16.indd 7 5/26/16 10:20 AM

OMCO 5-16.indd 7 5/26/16 4:18 PM
P A N ES LO FPTOWI NA RT SE
Connecting with utilities

Solar developers were once able to rely on monthly utility project-level inputs to produce that final underwritten
bills to do a simple calculation revealing the economic contract, and weve established a name for ourselves
benefits of a solar system. But the rise of time-of-use as a bankable avoided cost calculation, Gerza said.
rates, the increasing use of energy storage systems and Were doing it correctly, objectively. But at the end of
new NEM 2.0 rules require more complete, hour-by-hour the day you have to be transparent and able to defend
data to paint an accurate picture of how a solar system that number.
might benefit a customer. Energy Toolbase, which debuted at Intersolar 2014,
Enter UtilityAPI, a service that helps software was founded by John Gurski, who had been in project
providers and individual solar developers connect with development for 10 years. Gerza met him eight years
utilities to access raw, granular customer data. We asked ago and has a background in utility rate analysis.
CEO Elena Lucas to update us on the latest. This is the tool we wish we had when doing
commercial development eight years ago, Gerza said. SPW
SPW: Why is accessing granular utility data for potential
solar customers important?
Lucas: It's the best way to give a customer an accurate
proposal. Hourly, interval data is important, but so are
demand charges and the timing of electricity usage.
Hourly data provides the most comprehensive picture of
electricity usage and allows for a sophisticated evaluation
of solar savings for a customer.
How can solar developers access the data, and is it

integrated into other products?
They can use UtilityAPI. Each utility has implemented
Green Button data differently, so it's difficult for solar Keep Inverters Where You Want Them.
companies to deal with different requirements for
connecting to Green Button. Plus, Green Button doesn't
provide the type of data that DERs (distributed energy Its easier to mount, connect and
resources) need. protect inverters when you can
Green Button, of course, is an industry-led effort place them anywhere and keep
responding to a White House call-to-action, which was them off the roof:
to provide electricity customers with easy access to their
Fully assembled for faster
energy usage data.
installation
Is it difficult to convince utilities to share this type of data? Easy access to mounting bolt
We get explicit authorization from the utility account
Fast, easy inverter installation
holder. Utilities are required to provide data when their
Another way you can make solar
customers ask for it. The customer is the owner of the data. more affordable.
Shown with optional
wire management and
Which utilities are currently sharing their data, and do grounding clip
you expect this list to grow?
UtilityAPI currently services 12 utilities (we don't own the
data and only act as a data intermediary). The IOUs in
California (PG&E, SCE and SDG&E) each have some kind
of Green Button implementation, but there is still a long
way to go to make it easy for the utility itself to provide
the data to DERs. 860-351-0686 | www.aceclamp.com
A2 Micro L-Foot SolarPowerWrld

MAY2016.indd 15 2016 4 1 11:03 AM
SOLAR POWER WORLD 3/17/16
Software_5-16_Vs1.indd 41 5/26/16 12:31 PM

TRENDS IN
TRENDS INTRO_5-16_Vs1.indd 42 5/26/16 1:13 PM

Most
often,
trends in
solar are timely
innovations or
processes used by
a growing portion
of the industry, often
with the goal of spurring
more projects by reducing
their cost. Trends take many
forms, including technological,
mechanical and financial. The
following pages detail 24 trends
happening now that are driving the
solar industry toward its bright future.
Photo courtesy of San Francisco Public Utilities / Carmen Magana 5 2016 SOLAR POWER WORLD 43
TRENDS INTRO_5-16_Vs1.indd 43 5/26/16 1:13 PM

Truth is, youve already
WON THE LOTTERY
The Original
POWERBALL
We simply invented a better way to collect your winnings.
Booth 8521 w w w. s o l a r e d g e . u s
SolarEdge 5-16.indd 7 5/26/16 10:29 AM

TRENDS IN
Community solar providing growing market opportunity
TREND IN COMMUNITY SOLAR
C
ommunity solar has evolved into a real and growing opportunity to access previously unreachable solar demand
opportunity for solar developers, according to a from both large and small customers. Small developers are
spate of reports from leading research firms released starting to offer niche, la carte services that align with
earlier this year. utilities needs.
A recent NREL report outlined market potential of up Formalizing community solars place in the market, several
to $16 billion in investments and up to 11 GW of cumulative leading energy companies have announced the formation of the
installed capacity through 2020. Successful community Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA).
solar models are operating
across the United States
with a beneficial role for all
Estimated market potential of onsite and shared solar distributed PV capacity
parties in the partnerships
forged between subscriber, 10
developer and utility. 9
Sometimes called shared 8
Annual US PV Demand (GW)
solar, community solar has 7

gained a foothold in the 6
market over the last five 5
Shared Solar GW (Historic)
years and shows no signs 4
of slowing, according to a Shared Solar GW (High)
3
report from Deloitte. The Shared Solar GW (Low)
2
report, released in March,
1 Distributed PV Market
counted 111 community
solar projects in 26 states. 0
Solar customers see 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
community solar as a Source: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
way to use renewable

energy even if they dont
have the available roof- or land-space to host solar Community solar is the necessary next step to bringing solar to
panels themselves. Clean Energy Collective, a leading the majority of Americans for whom solar is not yet an option, said
community solar developer, has taken to calling CCSA Executive Director Jeff Cramer. Were meeting a growing need
community solar roofless solar. with a coordinated, collaborative approach that will help expand the
Developers and utilities, on the other hand, see an American solar market benefitting both consumers and business.
But as with the solar industry generally, community
solar will have challenges. The most important factor
DEFINING TERMS is the establishment of enabling legislation that
allows projects to sell power to multiple offtakers,
Community-scale solar: Describes Community, shared or roofless according to a report from CohnReznick.
shared solar systems and other solar: Refers to projects in which Legislation could include specific community
mid-size arrays. This definition output from a solar array is divided solar programs or virtual net metering. To date, 14
includes arrays that are owned by among and credited to multiple states and Washington, D.C., have adopted some
utilities and third-party-owned subscribers or owners. form of shared renewable initiatives. Many more
arrays that sell energy to a utility. Source: Rocky Mountain Institute are considering programs, including New Mexico
and Virginia. SPW
Software companies
T
oday, all stages of solar project developmentfrom
customer identification to asset managementrequire
work on the computer. Once done in Excel and CAD
developing programs, software tools were created specifically for the

solar industry to manage leads, create sales proposals, design
comprehensive tools projects and track operations.

While there has been a lot of innovation in the solar
software market recently, installers are still asking, How does
TREND IN SOFTWARE
TRENDS_5-16_Vs5.indd 45 5/25/16 4:06 PM

TRENDS IN
all of this fit together? said Conlan everything in one place. them a solar-specific CRM, project
OLeary, CEO of Sighten. Most Large developers, such as SunRun, management, quoting platform.
installers need and prefer for that SolarCity and Vivint, have developed Yet ENACT CEO Deep
functionality to be rolled up and put their own internal software programs Chakraborty said thousands of solar
into a seamless package. that handle projects from start to contractors still do not have software
And thats exactly the direction finish. But regional outfits without that does internal workflow processes.
the solar software market is moving resources to develop customized His company has developed software
toward comprehensive software software have been left to piece that manages every detail from when
packages. Offerings in this space together disparate programs that often a client gains a sales lead through to
include MODSolar, ENACT, SolarNexus have trouble design and
and others. But there is one caveat: talking to even financing.
Some software makers, like Energy
Toolbase, have created platforms
each other.
End-to-end
There has been demand You have
to show up on
distinct from others in high functionality
for a specific use. In its case, Energy
offerings have
straightened
for it to all come together. a customers
doorstep.
Toolbase provides in-depth utility rate the project You still have
analysis and avoided cost analysis. path, simplifying a solar installers to show the proposal and convince
I think a lot of end-to-end work, said Michael Palmquist, CEO and a costumer. The human effort is
platforms clearly address the co-founder of SolarNexus. required, but everything you do
residential market, and the whole Theres no shortage of CRM to make these things happen, the
industry knows there is huge demand systems, but CRM is generic, not solar automation in ENACT makes the
and growth opportunity there, specific. So there has been demand process faster, he said.
said Adam Gerza, vice president of for it to all come together, Palmquist Even offerings billed as design
business development at Energy said. Its interesting and gratifying to software often do much more than
Toolbase. He said software choice see the market move toward what just design. Aurora Solar, for instance,
among developers is a function of SolarNexus has been providing. That provides financial analysis, generates
their business class. That light-weight, was always our notion. Were going sales proposals and develops
end-to-end solution is a great fit for a to try to simplify the IT landscape single-line diagrams for permitting
ma-and-pop, long-tail installer doing for solar companies by providing paperwork. SPW
Mounting manufacturers entering

the U.S. solar tracking market
TREND IN MOUNTING
S
olar mounting manufacturers, keen Sixty percent of U.S. ground mount system, TechTrack, uses hydraulics to
to take advantage of the growing projects are built with solar trackers, move 1.2 MW per drive.
U.S. utility segment have entered the according to reports from Greentech Weve been watching this segment
tracker marketsome for the first Media, and this figure is expected with keen interest for quite some time, and
time ever, some for the first time in the U.S. to rise. Trackers are said to increase now thanks to significant gains in module
Schletter, for example, launched its power output by 20 to 25% over fixed- efficiencies, the economics of trackers
first tracker for the U.S., the FS Track-2, at tilt solar arrays,
Intersolar 2015. The company entered the while only adding
tracker market as public support for large about 5 to 10% to
projects was squeezed, making energy system cost.
yield a critical component of system SunLink, like
economics. Popular sentiment about Schletter, was
tracker technology has shifted, too. another company
The industry has seen a dramatic known for its
shift of thought about tracker technology, roof and fixed-tilt
from seeing it as a risky technology to ground-mount
one with high degree of acceptance, said options that entered
David Wallerstein, product manager at the tracker market
GameChange Solar is among several companies
Schletter. The transition of larger systems last year through entering the U.S. solar tracker market, with its
from fixed-tilt to trackers will continue to a technology Genius Tracker, which officially debuted in March.
improve economics. acquisition. The
4 6 SOLAR POWER WORLD 5 2016 www.solarpowerworldonline.com
TRENDS_5-16_Vs5.indd 46 5/25/16 4:07 PM

TRENDS IN
have finally gotten to the point where an investment
made sense for our company and for our customers,
said Michael Maulick, CEO of SunLink. When modules
were just 100 W, a 30% improvement wasnt that great
50% MORE
compared with the cost of the tracker. But when you
get to 300-W modules and you gain 30% of the bigger MODULES FOR THE
SAME AREA
number, it brought the price in line within the right
radiance maps.
Incumbent solar tracker market leader Array
Technologies attributes the rise in solar trackers
to the increased reliability its demonstrated with
its own products, as well as falling module costs.
The company expected to see competitors enter TRACE THE SUN
CAPTURE THE BENEFIT!
the market.
You have a market with rapidly falling costs
and a market where trackers have gained credibility.
That stage has been set over the past 10 years, said
ATI president Thomas Conroy. Its an explosive
growth market, so it naturally attracts competitors.
Reading market trends, Solar FlexRack spent
a year prototyping and delivered the TDP Turnkey
Tracker in December, anticipating strong demand in
2016. The TDP uses a distributed motor architecture,
with each motor turning a single table of panels.
Maulick of SunLink, however, questions
whether developers are installing trackers for the
right reasons.
[Trackers] cost more. But when you figure the
added output, the cost per kilowatt-hour comes
down, Maulick explained. But what Im saying is
people are basing [their purchases] only on that [cost
per kWh], and not taking into account soft costs or
O&M over the long haul, because the owners are
typically different from the developers. SPW
BOS costs
falling rapidly
but still majority Compared to other single axis
of total system trackers, the PST-1AX6 is able to
fit more modules per row,
TREND IN BOS
A
resulting in 50% more modules
verage global PV system installed costs
for the same area. Translating
will fall from $2.16 per watt in 2014 to
$1.24 per watt by 2020, a 40% decline, into using approximately 30%
according to a GTM Research report. less land.
But as time passes, its expected that BOS cost
will make up a larger portion of that per-watt PST-1AX6 Other
total, even if BOS costs themselves drop.
Between 2007 and 2014, BOS costs
decreased up to 64%, depending on market
segment and geography. While these are
promising reductions, BOS costs are not
Learn more at www.sat-energy.com

TRENDS_5-16_Vs5.indd 47 5/25/16 4:07 PM

TRENDS IN
Global Installation Costs vs. Capacity monitoring) continue to merge, and
300.0 $2.50 eliminating the amount of EBOS material
needed to build a solar project will drive
down costs. Reducing the amount of
PV System Installed Costs ($/Wdc)

250.0
$2.00 labor also reduces BOS costs.
Solar-panel-manufacturer-turned-
200.0 solutions-provider SunPower recently
Installed Capacity (GWdc)
$1.50 introduced a full residential system

the Equinoxthat consists of panels,
150.0
mounting, inverters and monitoring all in
$1.00 one to help reduce BOS costs.
100.0 [Panel] manufacturers are trying
to get out a half a penny per watt and
$0.50 youre just scratching and crawling for
50.0
cost reduction, efficiency improvements,
things like that, said Howard Wenger,
0.0 $0.00 president of business units at SunPower.
2013 2014 2015E 2016E 2017E 2018E 2019E 2020E If were going to make solar mainstream,
its got to be taking into account
Global Installed Capacity (GWdc) Global Weighted Installed Costs installation, all the BOS costs, the
Source: GTM Researchs PV Balance of Systems 2015
permitting. We thought, we can design
out a lot of these inefficiencies with a
falling as quickly as module prices, installed costs. Years ago, BOS costs better solution. We can make permitting a
which means the overall makeup were little more than half. lot easier because its a standardized, full
of installed costs is starting to skew In order to eventually reach $1 solution from one company.
heavily toward BOS. per watt, an industry-wide goal set GTM Research expects the global PV
For an average U.S. residential by the Department of Energy, small BOS marketincluding all non-module
PV system installed recently, BOS optimizations will be key. Electrical hardware and soft-cost componentsto
costs accounted for 77% of the total BOS (inverters, wiring, combiners, be valued at $100 billion by 2020. SPW
SEIA taking action to protect, educate solar consumers

TREND IN BUSINESS PRACTICES
SEIA
has had a code Advertising: Claims should be contracts should be clear and
of ethics for accurate, easily understandable and understandable to consumers;
years, but with based on facts; system production contracts should contain all
the booming calculations must take into account material terms; companies should
growth of the industry and companies material factors; projections of allow consumers the ability to
participating in it, last September future utility prices must be based rescind contacts.
the association took further steps in on accepted sources and methods;
protecting consumers by creating its endorsements must be genuine and Earlier last summer, SEIA also
Solar Business Code. The code sets authorized by the endorser. released its Residential Consumer
guiding principles for its members Guide to Solar Power, a free, online
and ideally all solar professionalsto Sales and marketing interactions: guide to help consumers better
ensure consumers receive affordable, Companies must respect consumer understand the basics of solar energy
competitive and ethical service privacy; company representatives and ownership options. Previous
throughout a standard solar transaction. should treat consumers fairly and SEIA president and CEO Rhone Resch
This code especially pertains to honestly. stated in a press release that consumer
transactions with residential and small protection is a high priority issue,
commercial customers. Here are some Contracts: Contract terms should vital to solars future growth across
aspects addressed by the code: reflect verbal representations; America. SPW
TRENDS_5-16_Vs5.indd 48 5/25/16 4:07 PM

DPW Solar 5-16.indd 7 5/26/16 10:19 AM
TRENDS IN
ITC spurring solar+storage

TREND IN ENERGY STORAGE
T
ennessee Solar Solutions sector, but all markets will benefit. can supply energy security to the
has seen a recent uptick in Storage doesnt directly qualify for grid and increase grid stability, he
solar+storage projects for its the ITC, but it can indirectly benefit explained. Increasing utility costs
residential and small-commercial when paired with renewable projects. will cause customers to seek energy
customers in the Southeast. Roden said all of his clients storage alternatives, such as solar+storage,
We have seen a very large increase installations have received the ITC which will increase demand and
in clients requesting storage for their because theyve been installed with a drive down system prices. However,
installs, said company president qualifying solar project. to reach the tipping point faster,
Anthony Roden. We get many, many Still, the IRS is considering including an incentive program, such as the
calls regarding storage. It is definitely a storage in technologies that can qualify ITC, would help accelerate market
Front of the Meter Behind the Meter Total

200 40 250
221
180 35
U.S. Energy Storage Deployments (MW)

160 200
30
140
25 150
120
100 20
80 15 100
60
10
40 50
5
20
0 0 0
2012 2013 2014 2015 2012 2013 2014 2015 2012 2013 2014 2015
topic that has a lot of interest. for the ITC. This would please Roden. adoption, which is necessary to
Some of the growth in storage I would be excited if the policy were further develop the renewable
can be attributed to the ITC changed to mention storage specifically, push on the grid. While the lack
extension last December. GTM he said. As of now, its a bit of a gray of storage inclusion in the ITC
Research reported that energy area. If this happened, I believe we would hasn't necessarily held the storage
storage deployed with renewables see a huge increase in installed systems industry back, it is clear that storage
using a storage installations paired with rooftop
component. solar receiving the ITC are more
I would be excited if the policy Boris von

Bormann, CEO
attractive.
Bornmann pointed to Californias
were changed to mention of storage
solution
oversubscription of existing storage
funds in self-generation incentive
storage specifically. As of now, provider
sonnen,
programs and Hawaiis consideration
of creating a state incentive credit
its a bit of a gray area. acknowledged
how the ITC,
to demonstrate the importance of
providing funding options for storage.
among other Adding storage to the tax credit
would increase by 33% in the U.S. factors, has spurred storage. But he eligibility would accelerate the
because of the extended federal tax thinks specially noting that storage adoption process, enabling utilities
credits. By 2020, GTM predicts 500 could qualify for the ITC could push to more readily and responsibly meet
MW of storage with renewable energy the industry forward even faster. their renewable energy goals and
projects coming online. Most of this Storage is a fundamental part provide customers with a more cost-
growth will be in the non-residential of a renewable energy future and effective alternative, he said. SPW
TRENDS_5-16_Vs5.indd 50 5/25/16 4:07 PM

TRENDS IN
MLPE market growth pushing smart modules to forefront
TREND IN MODULES
IHS
expects MLPE shipment forecast
the global 1,200.0 8.0%
market for
module- 7.0%
Percentage of MLPE Shipments as Smart and AC Modules

level power electronics 1,000.0
(MLPEs), which includes
6.0%
microinverters and power
optimizers, to grow 19% 800.0
Smart and AC Module Shipments (MWdc)
5.0%
per year to reach more
than $1 billion in 2019. GTM
Research predicts shipments 600.0 4.0%
of AC modules and smart
modules (those using 3.0%
400.0
MLPEs) to grow from 73 MW
in 2014 to 1 GW in 2020, an 2.0%
almost 14-fold increase.
200.0
Speaking of smart 1.0%
modules specifically,
many of the top module 0.0 0.0%
manufacturers have a 2014 2015E 2016E 2017E 2018E 2019E 2020E
smart line, including Smart Modules AC Modules Percentage of MLPE Shipments

JA Solar, Jinko Solar, Source: GTM Research Smart and AC PV Modules, 2015-2020
Canadian Solar, Upsolar

and Trina Solar. Most
have partnered with optimizer manufacturers Tigo Energy or
SolarEdge to obtain that smart advantage.
With system owners demanding more from their PV The Simple Solar Racking Solution
systems and installers demanding more in terms of installation
efficiency, module manufacturers can better satisfy the current
market requirements
Module
by embedding power
optimizers, said Lior
manufacturers
Handelsman, founder and
vice president of marketing Visit us at
InterSolar
can better and product strategy for
SolarEdge. Booth #9252
satisfy the New code changes

should give a bump to
current market smart module adoption.

The 2017 NEC updates Fast Rack 510 The simple solar solution for flat roof or ground mount PV installations
requirements by effectively require module-

level shutdown, which then 5 or 10 mounting solution
embedding power essentially forces installers

to use MLPEs to reduce
Simple, modular, one piece design
Universal design compatible with all framed modules
optimizers. voltages. Opinions are

mixed on the safety issues
Fully ballasted, heat welded, anchored and hybrid
options
Roof friendly with round edges and low point loads
considered with the new One size bolt with all top down connections
code standards, but it does appear that smart modules will Injection molded with Ultramid R by BASF
become necessary commonplace on new rooftop installations. Engineering and ballast layout services available
Regulations like NEC 2014 rapid shutdown are driving UL 1703 Class A Type 1 Module
installers and first responders to improve PV safety, UL 467 Integrated grounding
Handelsman said. Solutions like integrated power optimizers 100% Recyclable
allow module manufacturers to offer a solution that will
address these safety concerns out of the box without the need
855-725-RACK www.sollega.org info@sollega.com
for additional equipment or costs. SPW
TRENDS_5-16_Vs5.indd 51 5/25/16 4:07 PM

The Future is Now
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Solar Modules
ENERGY FOR A BETTER WORLD
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- AXIpower 60/72 cells

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Pennsauken, NJ 08110, Phone 856-813-9386, info@axitecsolar.com
Axitec 5-16.indd 7 5/26/16 10:14 AM

TRENDS IN
Online solar training growing in demand
TREND IN TRAINING
M
ichigan-based HeatSpring those savings along to customers, so in are facing a large and growing shortage
has provided clean energy the end everyone wins. of skilled workers, he said. Owners of
and building trade education Miller has seen demand for online contracting companies must improve
for almost a decade. Initially, learning steadily increase in the last their ability to develop their own
it offered training entirely face-to- five years as more people give it a try technicians. Our platform will support
face in three-day seminars across and experience the benefits. Obtaining this and enable companies to build a
the country. But after success with certifications like NABCEP have further culture of learning to support, grow
some experimental online courses, pushed contractors to look for training and retain their employees.
the company decided to move its that fits their schedules. Interplays approach to online
education programs fully online. Comly Wilson, marketing director of solar training allows contractors
We found that an online format another solar education provider, Kaplan to learn in a simulation-based
enabled us to provide better quality Clean Tech Education, said his company environment, kind of like a video game.
education than we could in person, is also seeing demand for online training Simulation-based learning leads to
said Duncan Miller, co-founder of grow. Weve seen more and more faster employee productivity in the
HeatSpring. An expert instructor can contractors becoming comfortable field, reduced in-the-field errors and
get much more in-depth in an eight- with and searching out online training, higher employee retention, Donovan
week online course than in a three-day he said. Though some people still are said. Our training speaks to the new
seminar. Also, most of our students only interested in a classroom where generation of millennials in the work
have full-time jobs, and the self-paced an instructor is in front of them, online place. Additionally, the system helps
nature of our online courses allows training is slowly but surely becoming an reduce management stress of training
them to review the material whenever equally attractive option. and supporting employees. Owners
its convenient. An online course can Doug Donovan, CEO of Interplay are starting to recognize that quality
live for a long timeour instructors have Learning, attributes the increasing training is directly linked to profitability,
seen their up-front investment in course demand for his companys online solar and we seek to support that by
development pay dividends over time. training to owners needing to quickly delivering timely, cost efficient and
Its also helped us reduce costs and pass develop technicians. Technical trades high-quality training. SPW
East-west systems taking a bite out of the south-facing market

TREND IN MOUNTING
E
ast-west or dual-tilt mounting systems, which east-west systems on the U.S. I think east-west systems
were almost unheard of in the U.S. a few years market two years ago, but it are very promising for the
ago, are notable for several reasons. was discontinued when the futureits like a tracker with no
They can save on labor costs. They may price-point was not amiable to moving parts, said Don Massa,
require less ballast. They often produce a smoother customers. The company is now product manager at Mounting
power curve, creating energy early in the morning and redesigning the product. Systems.
late in the eveningamong other benefits.
Solar installers are taking note.
Renusol America launched an east-west
mounting system for the U.S. late last year. Already,
80% of its engineering work for flat roofs in the U.S.
is for east-west systems, CEO Bart Leusink said.
The companys launch was boosted by the
coincidental news, released around the same time, that
SolarCity had developed an east-west system for its
own commercial projects.
When the largest installer in the U.S. makes a
statement like that, its safe to say thats the trend
going forward, Leusink said.
Mounting Systems provided one of the first
TRENDS_5-16_Vs5.indd 53 5/25/16 4:08 PM

TRENDS IN
East-west systems are especially Europe for some time. Everest Solars much area as possible and get as many
poignant in southern states, as is the parent company, Germany-based K2 kilowatt-hours possible off a roof?
case with single-axis trackers, which Systems, has had an east-west product said Julian White, director of marketing
track the sun east to west. Solar on the market for more than five years, and product strategy at Ten K Solar.
irradiance is more direct the farther said Matt Danning, director of product Were really thinking about maximum
south a system is placed. development and technical services at kilowatt-hours out of a fixed space
Primarily driving the uptake of Everest Solar. as opposed to maximum modules or
east-west systems is the declining One recent report noted that maximum unshaded modules.
price of modules. Dual-tilt systems east-west systems can increase energy Aaron Faust, vice president of
allow developers to achieve maximum capacity
kilowatt-hours on a roof. But deciding by 32%
whether thats appropriate for a while only
increasing
I think east-west systems are very
promising for the futureits like
particular project comes down to finer
economic factors, like a customers load cost by 20%.
a tracker with no moving parts.

profile and whether the utility employs Ten K
time-of-use rates, said Brian Park, senior Solar markets
product marketing manager at IronRidge. a system,
East-west is about packing as called DUO,
many modules on the roof as possible, that tilts one panel at 25 and the other business development and co-founder at
and there is still a lot of debate in terms at 16. The company claims its system AET, said his customers have been asking
of the economics of that, Park said. provides 30 to 40% more watts and 37% for east-west systems, so the company
Is it about getting as many modules more kilowatt-hours than a traditional developed one.
on the roof or optimizing the module south-facing 10 system. Customers were looking for this
spacing and tilt? I think theyre still Instead of thinking, How do we and we decided to put the horsepower
trying to sort that out, but the initial make sure every panel isnt shaded? behind making that happen, Faust said.
appeal is higher density. when we look at a roof, we simply The company is planning a marketing
East-west systems, while relatively say, How do we make sure we get the push for the product this year. Its slowly
new in the U.S., have been used in most solar up on the roof, covering as gaining traction. SPW
TRENDS_5-16_Vs5.indd 54 5/25/16 4:08 PM

TRENDS IN
Residential O&M becoming more important
TREND IN O&M
T
he U.S. market for distributed PV asset
U.S. distributed generation O&M forecast management and O&M is expected to
900
reach $803 million by 2020, according to
GTM Research and SoliChamba Consulting.
800 While non-residential O&M is currently the
dominant segment in the United States, its
700 forecasted that the residential segment will make
up 70% of the total market value by 2020.
600 Rick Berube, executive vice president of
Million Dollars per Year
operations at Vigilant Energy Management,

500 said this is not necessarily because residential
systems suddenly need more maintenance.
400 When youre a residential customer,
youre getting a standard industry-wide 10-year
300
workmanship warranty. Theres really no need for
you as an owner, if youre paying cash, to have an
200
O&M contract, he said. I think youre seeing a
large uptick in residential solar O&M for the third-
100
party owners, such as Sunrun, SolarCity, Vivint, etc.
0 Those are the people that own literally millions of
2014E 2015E 2016E 2017E 2018E 2019E 2020E assets. It behooves them to employ small local solar
Residential Non-Residential Total-DG installers as their O&M providers to quickly react to
Source: GTM Research, U.S. Distributed PV O&M and Asset Management things that go wrong to make sure theyre getting
their money back from their investment. SPW
Module demand growing now, prices falling later

TREND IN MODULES
D
ue to the increased global disputes will prevent prices from falling all cell technology types. PV-Tech
solar installation demand (IHS until the end of 2016. research shows that standard c-Si
expects it to reach 65.5 GW GTM Research found that the p-type modules will still have market
this year), demand for modules average price of tier-1 Chinese-produced dominance, but no technology type
will also grow. Module shipments modules reached 57 cents per watt at the is growing at a significant rate over
will exceed 2015 numbers by 10%, end of 2015. The group also predicts that last year. And while n-type cells have
according to IHS, with revenues global prices will fall at an annual rate of received press coverage over the
hitting $41.9 billion. Demand and 5% and reach 44 cents per watt by 2020. last year, they are not as market-
supply restrictions to the United The uptick in demand is mainstream as imaginedbut check
States because of anti-dumping trade reflected on production lines for back in a few years.
PV Pricing Forecast (Industry average module price, Chinese producer)

Industry Average Multi Module Price, Chinese Producer, Q4 2013-Q4 2020E
$0.69
$0.70 $0.64
$0.57 $0.55
$0.60
$/W
$0.52
$0.48
$0.46 $0.44
$0.50
$0.40
Q4 2013 Q4 2014 Q4 2015 Q4 2016E Q4 2017E Q4 2018E Q4 2019E Q4 2020E
Source: GTM Research PV Pulse, March 2016 High Low Base
TRENDS_5-16_Vs5.indd 55 5/25/16 4:08 PM

TRENDS IN
All technology types Annual production by cell technology type
will stay consistent with MW
their market shares over the
next year, but Boviet Solar 75,000
USA CEO Eric Ma believes Thin-film
monocrystalline will eventually
pull ahead in the near future. c-Si p-type Multi Advanced Process
50,000
I think well see
monocrystalline technology c-Si p-type Multi Standard Process
gain traction and market share
c-Si p-type Mono Advanced Process
again due to the implementation 25,000
of cost reduction measures
c-Si p-type Mono Standard Process
within mono cell and wafer
production, he said. I think c-Si n-type Mono
mono and poly costs will be 0
nearly on par within a couple of 2013 2014 2015 2016
years, and I expect to see more
mono in utility-scale applications
PV-Tech & Solar Media Ltd, February 2016
as a result of that coupled with Data taken from Solar Media Ltd.s PV Manufacturing &
Technology Quarterly report, February 2016
its efficiency advantages. SPW
Net metering advocates

continuing battles across the U.S.
TREND IN POLICY
N
et metering, which allows a
solar customers utility meter to
turn both ways, is an important
economic element in todays
solar business. Net metering increases
demand for solar energy systems, which
creates jobs for installers, electricians
and manufacturers working in the solar
supply chain.
Yet utilities, who often have close
relationships with regulators, view
net-metering policies as lost revenue
opportunities, according to SEIA. And
they have demonstrated resistance
to net-metering schemes across the
United States.
Most recently, utilities got their
wayand then somein Nevada,
where the PUC voted in December The Interstate Renewable Energy Council and interconnection policies supportive of solar.
to triple the charges solar customers (IREC) and Vote Solar created this map of grades The website serves as a roadmap to move each
for state net metering policy as part of Freeing state toward an A grade. Policy analysis is
pay to connect their system to the the Grid, a website advocating for net metering provided by EQ Research.
grid, while at the same time cutting
reimbursement for extra generation by
75%. The decision, which even affected I think it stems from the fact that generation profile and economics, many
previous solar owners, put a hold on utilities are having trouble defining what utilities feel threatened by distributed
the states solar industry and led a few the future looks like, said Sean Gallagher, generation. They feel that in part because
national installers to exit the market. vice president of state affairs at SEIA. And they dont know what their business will
Simply put, net metering disrupts while utilities have largely begun to accept look like in five to 10 years.
utilities century-old business model. utility-scale solar because of the attractive To limit the power utilities have
TRENDS_5-16_Vs5.indd 56 5/26/16 2:58 PM

TRENDS IN
over net metering, SEIA and other that promote solar deployment, Hawaii has also been in the news
solar advocacy groups have been Gallagher said. lately. The state has solar penetration
working in individual states to enact Among the bright spots for net rates above 15% and retail rates about
or retain positive net-metering metering is California, which extended $0.40 per kWh. Gallagher said it is
policies. SEIAs team of half-a-dozen net metering for the next three reasonable to look for alternatives to
years in late January. net metering there.
Massachusetts also I had a Hawaii commissioner
I think it stems from the passed legislation that
increased net-metering
say that with 40-cent rates, full retail
net metering was an intelligence
fact that utilities are caps, although at a test for customersthey could get a
having trouble defining

reduced compensation two-year payback on a solar system,
rate for systems above Gallagher said. What Hawaii has
what the future looks like.

25 kW. And a proposal in done now is create a system that
Maine would replace net treats generation consumed on-
metering with a system site as load reduction and energy
that still maintains a transported to grid is compensated
people, supplemented by lobbyists sustainable market, with a provision at a rate that creates a five- to nine-
and lawyers, focuses on states where to revert to net metering if it doesnt year payback to the solar customer.
positive legislation is possible. work as planned. Polling consistently puts
We engage in both state The California example shows consumer support for all forms of solar
legislators and state commission net metering still makes sense as power at more than 80% across the
in our priority state across the a policy mechanism in states with political spectrum. The trick is getting
country to try to establish, maintain high solar penetration and high retail policy makers to also see the tangible
and defend markets and policies rates, Gallagher said. benefits of the technology. SPW
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TRENDS IN
C&I customers saving money with solar+storage

TREND IN ENERGY STORAGE
1800 1,662
1600
Energy Storage Deployments by
1400
Segment (MW)
1,200
1,000
800
600
400
221
200
-
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016E 2017E 2018E 2019E 2020E
Source: GTM Research Utility Non-Residential Residential
P
airing energy storage with solar Combining solar plus energy storage pairing these technologies as a solution
brings many benefits to the can bring additional revenue streams to for variable solar productionmore
end user, especially those in a project including arbitrage and demand consistent flow of energy.
the commercial and industrial response programs, he said. Because A recent successful solar+storage case
space. Vic Shao, CEO of Green Charge most of our customers opt for our shared study involves an installation with electric
Networks, said there are significant savings model, taking advantage of vehicle charging at Californias Mountain
market opportunities right now for these synergies comes at essentially no View Los Altos High School District
solar+storage in non-residential settings. additional cost. Utilities also appreciate (MVLA). Green Charge Networks installed a
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TRENDS IN
combined 1.08 MWh of lithium-ion-based commercial and industrial space fall into offer savings to commercial customers
energy storage capacity at two campuses the following categories: demand shaving, through solar+storage solutions.
in the district. Remotely monitored through time-of-use cost triage, self-consumption "Energy storage adds to the list of
a Green Charge Networks controller, these and microgrid. A second case study in compelling reasons why businesses
energy storage systems help minimize California involves a 100-kW solar system, should go solar," said Al Bucknam, CEO of
spikes in electricity demand from the grid, along with 60 kWh of energy storage, to REC Solar, in a Duke Energy news release.
helping MVLA avoid costly charges. The help the Bear River Casino offset its own "Commercial customers save money by
energy storage systems then recharge from energy costs and demand charges. JLM adding energy storage to reduce their
solar panels on covered parking spaces manufactured, designed, installed and peak demand, which can account for up
during lower-cost off-peak hours. commissioned this system, which also to 50% of their electricity bill."
Shao said solar+storage offers uses wind turbines. Farid Dibachi, CEO and founder
attractive electricity cost savings to It might be scary to contemplate of JLM Energy, also sees solar+storage
businesses, municipalities and government renewable energy, but it really pencils as a great option for more commercial
customers. A cloud passing by at an out economically, said Matthew customers. Solar+storage is absolutely
inopportune time when demand at a facility Mattson, executive director of Tribal the cornerstone of JLM's focus, he
is high can create costly demand spikes, Operations, in a JLM video about the said. Solar+storage is central to our
he said. Adding energy storage to a solar Bear River project. Its something that philosophy of grid-synergistic renewable
array improves the economics of the entire fits with long-term stewardship of our energy. The grid provides us the ability
installation and secures an investment planet, but it also makes business sense. to increase our customers' grid-
against climbing charges. Together, both Green Charge Networks independence while maintaining their
systems work to lower an electric bill. is partnering with Duke Energy ability to use energy from the grid when it
Energy storage applications in the Renewables, REC Solar and others to is the most economical. SPW
Vertical integration competition heating up

TREND IN BUSINESS PRACTICES
F
ull vertical integration is a dream for almost all
solar companies, offering the ability to control
manufacturing, sales and installation and have
a cost-competitive system. First Solar and
SunEdison have it figured out on the large scale,
although SunEdisons recent market troubles bring
uncertainty to its foothold. Now two players in the
residential market are asserting their dominance:
SunPower and SolarCity.
SunPower has been vertically integrated for over a
decade, but its new residential productEquinoxaims to
be a game changer. Consisting of SunPower-manufactured
panels, microinverters, racking and monitoring, Equinox
ships as one full system under one warranty that is quicker
and easier for contractors to install.
The company is evolvingand I think weve gotten
thereto be intensely customer-centric, said Howard
Wenger, president of business units at SunPower. Our
customers and dealers love our panels, but what they
really want is an entire solar energy solution thats been
thought through from A to Z. Weve made the best solar
panels in the world for a long time. Lets now make
the best solar energy solutions in the world with our
customers in mind.
SunPower got to this placefrom starting as a
solar cell and panel manufacturer to now being a
solar solution company thats becoming a solar energy
Intersolar North America 2016, Booth #8716 companythrough key acquisitions. The companys first
integrated system, the Oasis Power Plant for utility-scale
TRENDS_5-16_Vs5.indd 60 5/25/16 4:16 PM

TRENDS IN
projects, came about because of of the solar business, from
SunPowers 2007 acquisition of manufacturing to installation and
large-scale installer PowerLight. financing.
With PowerLights design SolarCity has public
and engineering know-how, recognition on its side, and that
SunPower was able to produce may be because of its media
a full system product using its dominance. The company made
own panels. headlines across all major news
For 10 years, its now part outlets (not just solar publications)
of our DNA to think about a in October 2015 when it claimed
product from the solar cell it had produced the worlds
through the panel through the most efficient rooftop solar
fully engineered solution for panel at 22.04% efficiency, but
the customer, Wenger said. Panasonic rained on this hype
Oasis was our first product to parade not even one week later
do that. Weve had that team with the announcement of a
innovation expertise in the 22.5%-efficient module. But
company for a long time. still, most people remember the
This expertise allowed SolarCity headlines over eight
for the next generation of months later.
integrated products after the While SunPower has a leg
2014 acquisition of microinverter up on the timing with its Equinox
manufacturer SolarBridge. system, once SolarCitys panels hit
The Equinox product took the market in full force, anything
some time to innovate and put could happen to the vertical
together. The integration of integration race to the top. SPW
SolarBridge into our company,
given our roots, fit really well,
Wenger said. We spoke each
others language in terms
of how system innovation
happens, what the steps are,
because weve done it before
on a system basis.
SolarCity has been slowly
acquiring companies and
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TRENDS IN
String inverters replacing central for increasingly larger projects

TREND IN INVERTERS
M
ore installers are choosing size, said Emily Hwang, the companys anytime soon. Central inverters are a
string inverters over central senior applications engineer. When good choice if the installer will own the
models in solar projects the inverter size grows, so does the project after commissioning, and if the
smaller than 1 MW. According maximum size of the projects where site is easily accessed via truck, she
to IHS Technologys PV Inverter Market string
Tracker Q4 2015, three-phase, low-power
(less than 99 kW) inverters accounted for
inverters work
financially. As rooftop solar continues to
about 15% of total shipments to utility-
scale projects in 2015.
Also,
a growing grow globally, installers and EPCs
One reason is that string inverters
are getting larger.
number of
three-phase, are increasingly taking advantage
String inverters are increasing in
size due to advances in technology
low-power
inverter
of the benefits of string inverters.
which can allow increased power manufacturers
densities and smaller sizes, said Cormac are partnering with other PV balance- said. Less parts to a project means less
Gilligan, solar supply chain senior of-system suppliers, especially to fail and thus less truck rolls.
analyst for IHS Technology. This helps mounting companies, to further Carlos Lezana, of the marketing
reduce the weight and physical size of simplify installations. IHS expects these and communications staff at Ingeteam,
inverters so they can install quickly and partnerships to increase in the next another manufacturer of string and
easily in roof- and ground-mount PV couple of years to reduce labor and central inverters, said the final choice
installations. As rooftop solar continues total PV system costs. often comes down to cost. Nowadays,
to grow globally, installers and EPCs While IHS also estimates global string inverters are more economic in PV
are increasingly taking advantage of the shipments of three-phase, low-power plants with an output power up to 1 MW,
benefits of string inverters. inverters will grow from about 13 GW he said. In addition, a distributed scheme
Yaskawa Solectria Solar, which to 30 GW by 2019, central inverters minimizes production losses in case of
offers both string and central models, is are still the popular choice for projects inverter failure. Furthermore, operation
seeing this trend first hand. In todays greater than 1 MW. and maintenance is cheaper and easier
market, the initial price of installing string Hwang doesnt see central with string inverters. But this scenario
inverters is typically more economical inverters disappearing from changes if we analyze PV installations
than central for projects up to a certain commercial and small utility markets with a greater power output. SPW
1-MW installation on California Goodyear

Rubber Manufacturing Facility by REP Solar
with Yaskawa Solectria Solar inverters.
TRENDS_5-16_Vs5.indd 62 5/25/16 4:16 PM

TRENDS IN
Firms innovating the commercial financing realm
TREND IN FINANCING
F
rom 2011 to 2014, residential Capital decided to use technology The problem with so many unrated
solar capacity tripled and utility and automation to make commercial facilities in the mid-scale commercial
quadrupled. Over the same lending 10 times as efficient and open market is that, historically, there hasnt
duration, however, commercial- up the small commercial market. been a simple way to assess risk,
scale projects grew only 25%. Experts In the last quarter of 2015, Wunder according to Megan Birney, director of
say limited available financing in the saw $25 million in funding needs, strategic affairs at Wiser Capital. Yet the
commercial space has been the culprit Birsic said. While regulations prevent broad range of potential solar facilities is
behind its lagged growth. him from disclosing exactly how much astoundingeveryone from non-profits
Thats crazy, said Bryan Birsic, funding Wunder honored, Birsic said it to regional chains to mom-and-pop
CEO of Wunder Capital. Thats a was much less than $25 million. businesses could benefit from solar.
crazy reaction to a similar market We have a lot of businesses that Wiser Capital created the Wiser
dynamic. There is no ostensible reason want to go solar, and our battle is Solar Asset Rating (WSAR) system, which
the commercial space would barely getting enough capital to service their uses an automated process to calculate
the bankability and risk of a solar project
by assigning a score (similar to a FICO
We have a lot of businesses that want score) to help bring investors, developers
and facilities together to understand the
to go solar, and our battle is getting viability of a potential project.
Open Energy has created a loan
enough capital to service their demand. platform that exists entirely online, with a
simplified interface and fast turn-around
times. If you can get a credit card
grow over three years and two other demand, he said. online, why cant you get a solar loan?
portions would grow. Still, Birsic thinks a time will asked Graham Smith, CEO of Open
Birsic and colleagues set out come when securing capital for Energy. Sure, there are different sets of
to determine why financing for commercial solar will be no problem. information you put in, but why not?
commercial projects came up short. If you step outside of solar and look Smith said the average cost of
He discovered that the cost of closing at mature alternative lenders like Prosper, financing is $.30/watt from traditional
a loanwhich is a process requiring OnDeck and Lending Club, once they hit sources, but Open Energy has taken it
extensive legal documentation and a level of maturity, once Wall Street got down to 10 cents.
evaluationswas quite high for over that new marketplace challenge, Thats a big deal because it allows
traditional lenders. almost all of those companies flipped to a project that couldnt pencil before to
In fact, for projects under 500 kW having too much capital, he said. pencil, so it seems like were playing a
(typically $1 million), traditional lenders And when that happens, platforms vital role in helping projects get built,
would lose money on the deal, Birsic like Wunder Capital will provide a way Smith said, noting that demand for
said, so they just didnt do them. for more solar installers to get funding electricity in the C&I sector is three-
We started to realize there wasnt beyond the walls of a bank. and-a-half times that of the residential
a cost-effective way to do solar- Other companies, like Open Energy space. So you kind of know there
specific project financing for deals Group and Wiser Capital, are working is a massive pent-up demand there,
that were below $1 million, Birsic on ways to open the commercial and for it to be realized, you need a
said. Reacting to that finding, Wunder market to financing, as well. solution to financing costs. SPW
Inverters getting ready to manage solar storage

TREND IN INVERTERS & STORAGE
A
s the use of energy storage market matures, inverters increasingly Handelsman, SolarEdges vice president
in solar projects grows, so are taking on roles in grid interaction, of marketing and product strategy.
do inverter responsibilities. safety, monitoring and smart energy With rapid changes in utility billing
Traditionally, inverters were only management. Becoming responsible for infrastructure, Tim Stocker, product
responsible for DC to AC conversion managing storage is a natural evolution manager of energy storage for SMA
and MPP tracking. But as the solar for inverters in PV systems, said Lior America, said battery inverters are almost
TRENDS_5-16_Vs5.indd 63 5/25/16 4:17 PM

TRENDS IN
becoming required to interconnect a PV batteries. This includes having the in the U.S. in 2017.
system and avoid large fees. Many utilities capability to charge and discharge the Stoker said SMA believes in leaving
are enacting changes that require all self- battery according to the set profile and the battery choice up to the installer. With
generation customers to utilize time-of-use monitor its system status, he said. In the rise in support of high-voltage battery
rates, he said. Battery systems allow you addition, inverters that offer backup need architectures, we are seeing a gravitational
to store the energy produced from the PV to have the capability to operate without shift toward batteries that can offer lower
system to be used at a more cost-effective the gird or in islanded mode. system costs, he said. Also, with the rise
SolarEdges storage solution of lithium-ion battery technology, there are
StorEdge is based on a single SolarEdge now many more choices to the customer
DC-optimized inverter that manages and with regards to specific chemistry. Each
monitors PV production, consumption chemistry has its own trade-offs and this
and storage. According to Handelsman, is reflected by the type of application for
using only one inverter eliminates which its being used. With that, its best to
additional conversion from AC to DC and leave inverters agnostic when it comes to
back to AC, which reduces unnecessary battery types and chemistry and to provide
energy losses in conversion, decreases the customer with a list of compatible
system cost and provides a simple design battery partners.
and installation for the contractor. The Other inverter manufacturers
StorEdge is currently compatible with the now offer storage options or will soon.
Tesla home battery Powerwall, and as Enphases AC Battery is a lithium-ion
time when it would otherwise be pushed to more HV-DC batteries are made available phosphate battery from Eliiy Power that
the grid at a lower rate earlier in the day. SolarEdge aims to support them as well. pairs with its microinverters. The Fronius
Therefore, inverter manufacturers SMA released its first SMA Sunny Island Energy Package, which includes its Symo
are working to ensure their products battery inverter in 2001. Currently, its Sunny hybrid inverter and Fronius Battery, is only
have the intelligence to take on this Boy Storage high-voltage battery inverter, available overseas, but the company is
responsibility. Handelsman explained also compatible with the Powerwall, is only planning to launch a similar solution based
inverters need to know how to read available for the European market. But the off its Primo hybrid inverter for the U.S.
home meters and monitor and control company is excited to release the solution market in December. SPW
TRENDS_5-16_Vs5.indd 64 5/25/16 4:17 PM

TRENDS IN
Industry rethinking solar silicon technology
TREND IN MODULES
S
ilicon is the primary building supplementing its use with a fit-
block of solar. Its also the for-purpose alternative.
most expensive component Silicor Materials solar silicon
of a solar cell, a cost that is is created using just two phase
passed all the way down the solar changes: solid-to-liquid and
supply chain. Many manufacturers then back to solid. The process
have already started to rethink does not use toxic materials or
how they produce solar silicon to create toxic byproducts. Instead,
lower the cost of panels. the production of solar silicon
Traditional methods to yields saleable aluminum-based
produce electronic grade silicon byproducts. Overall, Silicors solar
(EG-Si) consist of removing silicon production uses one-
various metals through a four third the energy, one-third the
phase process: solid to liquid, capital costs and half the cash
liquid to gas, gas to liquid and production costs of the traditional
liquid to solid. This is energy- EG-Si method.
intensive, using up to 125 kWh to Solar silicon provides a
produce a single gram of EG-Si. crucial step toward reducing
The process can also be very costs and preserving ever-smaller
toxic, in that byproducts (like margins, said Terry Jester, CEO at
hydrogen chloride and silicon Silicor Materials.
tetrachloride) have to be carefully SunEdison and others use
managed. The traditional method fluidized bed reactor (FBR)
is also expensive, and the silicon technology for silicon production.
is more well suited for consumer Small particles of silicon float in
electronics (solar cells do not a cloud of gas. Silicon in the gas
need this same level of purity to attaches to the particles forming
function efficiently). The process larger beads that eventually
is essentially too complex, too drop out of the cloud like rain. With overall price per watt stalling out in
risky and too pricey for solar- SunEdison claims FBR technology the half-dollar range using traditional silicon
ready silicon purposes. creates 99.99% pure silicon methods, the best bet for lowering solar panel
While effective, EG-Sis and uses 90% less energy than prices further comes with new, safer silicon
hindrances can be offset by competing technologies. technology. SPW
Operations separating from Maintenance

TREND IN O&M
T
he latest O&M report from GTM market, as they usually provide more this could be mitigated through proper
Research found that the O is maintenance than operations. documentation and automated systems
starting to separate from the Katherine Janik, principal at documenting maintenance and issue
M. This may be because many Garnet 3 Consulting, said shes seeing resolution, she said. This would require
of the larger asset owners self- an increase in requests to consider investment in an automated system
perform maintenance or operations separating the two services. and tablets for guys in the field. The
and outsource the other. Research Separating the O from the M would efficiencies of separating the O from the
finds that this is most obvious among result in a loss of efficienciessuch as M seem to only make sense for utility-
inverter companies in the O&M project knowledge and historybut scale projects SPW
TRENDS_5-16_Vs5.indd 65 5/26/16 2:56 PM

TRENDS IN
Customer service augmenting

mounting company offerings
TREND IN MOUNTING
S
olar FlexRack released a new training and customer feedback. The services], but when other people can
tracker late last year, but then- company hired a dedicated training do what we need done at the right
CEO Tom Meola was as eager to manager in 2012. price and in the right way, its better
talk about the new technology as Youve got to want to please the for us and the customer to take
he was about the companys customer customer, said Don Massa, product advantage of that.
service offerings. manager at Mounting Systems. When Michael Maulick, CEO of SunLink,
Our objective is to make the customers have requests that are out said a major driver of customer
customers project easier by providing
a full slate of engineering, project
management, construction and value-
add services, rather than having the
Its a broad and important realmthe
customer engage multiple firms for idea of service is what makes you
more than just a piece of hardware.
these services, he said.
As the mounting industry reaches
a perceived sense of homeostasis,
companies are looking for ways to
differentiate themselves, and customer of the ordinary, our first response is to service offerings is the increasing
service is a big one. see if we can honor that request. Thats sophistication of the industry.
Its a broad and important realm part of the overall attitude heretaking EPCs and developers are getting
the idea of service is what makes you care of the customer is job No. 1. more sophisticated and realizing they
more than just a piece of hardware, When customers ask for very need a solution instead of a bag of
said David Briggs, vice president of specific services, Mounting Systems parts, otherwise they hold liability,
marketing at IronRidge. As a business, has taken the approach of aligning Maulic said. So were offering services
if youre not focused on the service, themselves with expert partners. before the design, then we design, we
youre not focused on the customer. This can be more productive provide the solution, then we provide
Briggs said product education and than trying to take on too much, and the O&M and installation services,
supporting application needs are all extending yourself beyond your areas and thats what we call PowerCare
equal parts of the equation. IronRidge of expertise, Massa said. Thats not suite of services, and I believe that will
has placed a lot of focus on a cycle of to say we wouldnt ever do [various become a trend. SPW
Utility solar soaring while residential faces

threats and commercial awaits opportunity
TREND IN MARKETS
T
he U.S. solar market exploded states the report tracks. Also, 13 states 2016 installations are expected to
last year, installing more solar PV installed over 100 MWdc of solarup increase by 120% over last year
than in any previous year (7,260 from nine states in 2014and six states driving three-quarters of total U.S.
MWdc) for a cumulative PV solar have reached the 1-GWdc mark. solar demand with nearly 20 GWdc in
total of more than 25 GW, according Overall, solar is expected to development.
to GTM Research and SEIAs U.S. Solar continue to grow with renewed policies With dropping PPA prices, utility
Market Insight. More solar came online for the next seven years, though some solar isnt just about meeting RPS
than natural gas in 2015. Thats almost 1 markets face obstacles. Heres a quick requirements anymoreits proving to
million solar projects, and the industry is look at each. be a competitive option to meet utilities
set to surpass that number this year. peak power needs, the report notes.
Most U.S. solar (87%) is Utility Utilities especially in Texas and the
concentrated in 10 states, but solar is Utility solar had a record year with Southeast are retiring their aging coal
growing significantly in 24 of the 35 4 GW installed. With a renewed ITC, fleets and replacing them with solar.
TRENDS_5-16_Vs5.indd 66 5/25/16 4:17 PM

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Intersolar 5-16.indd 7 5/26/16 10:22 AM

TRENDS IN
Figure 1.4 U.S. PV Installation Forecast, Pre-ITC Extension Figure 1.5 U.S. PV Installation Forecast, Current
18,000 18,000
16,000 16,000
14,000 14,000
Installed Capacity (MWdc)
Installed Capacity (MWdc)

12,000 12,000
10,000 10,000
8,000 8,000
6,000 6,000
4,000 4,000
2,000 2,000
0 0
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016E 2017E 2018E 2019E 2020E 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016E 2017E 2018E 2019E 2020E
Residential PV Non-Residential PV Utility PV Residential PV Non-Residential PV Utility PV
Residential average cost of $1.33/Wdc. Utility EPCs actually risen by 7% due to increasing
For the fourth year, residential PV wins and developers continue to focus on customer acquisition costs.
fastest-growing (66% over 2014!) with improving logistics, supply chains and Non-residential projects have similar
2 GWdc installed for the first time. installation practices. Also, soft costs troubles. While hardware costs fell, soft
California accounts for more than half have decreased as much as 37% in this costs still account for about half of the
of these installations, but the market segment. Unfortunately, not all markets system. U.S. Market Insight reports that
is diversifying. Net-metering reform, have had such luck. soft costs can be even higher for projects
however, remains a serious threat to During late 2015, average pricing in areas with stringent labor requirements
residentials impressive growth. For for residential rooftop systems ran about and jurisdictions with tough permitting
example, reforms in Nevada could $3.50/Wdc, with on-site labor, engineering, and interconnection. Developers and
cause it to drop from the fifth-largest permitting and other soft costs making up EPCs react by looking for ways to get as
residential PV market to the 31st. nearly 65% of that. Residential hardware much power out of projects to pay fixed
prices have fallen, but soft costs have costs over the long-term. SPW
Non-residential
While residential and utility solar
have experienced high growth, non- Figure 2.4 Modeled U.S. National Average System Costs by Market Segment, Q4 2014-Q4 2015
residential has remained pretty much $4.00
flat for a third yearactually down 5%
from 2014 (1,011 MWdc). U.S. Market
Insight attributes the segments setbacks $3.50
to states with weak incentive funding
or little development opportunity $3.00
Turnkey Installed Costs ($/Wdc)
for projects 1 MWdc or greater, but

it remains optimistic about non-
$2.50
residentials chances for growth.
California saw growth in this
segment thanks to solar-friendly rate $2.00
structures and new development
opportunities. The state is expected $1.50
to support about one-third of non-
residential demand in 2016. Also,
a triple-digit-megawatt pipeline of $1.00
community solar is expected to assist
non-residentials rebound. $0.50
Pricing
$0.00
Overall system pricing fell by up to Residential Non-Residential Utility Fixed Tilt Utility Tracking
17% last year. The utility fixed-tilt
sector had the largest decline, with an Q4 2014 Q1 2015 Q2 2015 Q3 2015 Q4 2015
TRENDS_5-16_Vs5.indd 68 5/25/16 4:17 PM

TRENDS IN
Increased
string
inverter use 182804 Nine Fasteners Ad:Layout 1 6/4/15 1:27 PM Page 1
transforming
O&M
TREND IN O&M
NFI-1306-V90
S
90 oriented clip intended to
oliChamba suggests that secure two USE-2 wires, up to .20
string inverters could diameter, to standard module frame.
disrupt commercial-scale
O&M practices, as more
are used as alternatives to central DCS-1306
inverters. String inverters are easy Designed to secure two USE-2 wires,
to maintain, in the sense that if up to .20 diameter, to module frame.
one fails, often its easiest to just
replace it with readily on-hand
backup units. And when they do
DCS-1307
fail, they usually have a lower Designed to secure two PV wires, up
impact on production targets, so to .30 diameter, to module frame.
ASAP maintenance isnt necessary,
said Rick Berube, executive vice NFI-1461
president of operations at Vigilant
Designed to secure two Enphase
Energy Management.
trunk cables to module frame.
Its more labor intensive
at commissioningyoure
commissioning 30 to 40 string NFI-1462
inverters versus one or two
90 oriented clip designed to secure two
central invertersbut after the
Enphase trunk cables to module frame.
fact, it pays huge dividends down
the road for O&M, he said. When
one of those go down, you only NFI-1463
have a small fraction of your NEWLY designed clip to secure a single
system [affected] versus half of it
Enphase trunk cable to module frame.
when one of the central inverters
goes down. A lot of the owners
are going that way, and we DCX-2452A
recommend it that way.
Designed to secure two Enphase trunk
But when more string
inverters are on a project, failures cables on to most rail/racking systems.
are more frequent, and more
truck rolls are needed when
maintenance is paramount. For FREE product samples, please reach out to Vin Marino
So O&M contracts have to be
adjusted accordingly when more
vin@ninefasteners.com or 800.539.3939
string inverters are included on a
project. SPW
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TRENDS_5-16_Vs5.indd 69 5/25/16 4:18 PM

TRENDS IN
National lobbying efforts keeping pace

TREND IN POLICY
W
hen it comes to national and to work with Congress to get pro- technologies that can meet the federal
solar issues, itd be easy to solar provisions into any congressional governments renewable portfolio
think the highly visible and energy policy legislation, all while standard, language directing the Energy
hard-fought win for the ITC keeping anti-solar provisions from Department to identify appropriate
extension was a grand finale of sorts getting enacted. costs and benefits for the valuation of
for solar lobbyiststhat the hard work One concern is a broad energy distributed generation solar, provisions
was done and the industry could coast policy bill, the Energy Policy to improve permitting of solar power
on its latest legislative victory. Modernization Act of 2015, the likes plants sited on federal lands, and
But the main lobbying group for of which hasnt been seen since directing the Energy Department to
the solar industry, the Solar Energy 2007. Versions of the bill have been study avian populations and to establish
Industries Association, or SEIA, has passed by the House and Senate. baseline scientific information.
been busy at work since Dec. 18, It is now in a committee of House When it comes to the Clean Power
when the ITC was extended. First, and Senate representatives, where a Plan, Mansour said SEIA is combining
it communicated thanks to solar final, compromise bill will be drafted. forces with other organizations.
advocates from coast to coast, and Once done, it will be sent back to There is the potential to have an
then it focused on new, pressing issues. the congressional chambers for final amendment added to appropriations
I took about 10 minutes off, said approval, and then to the White House to prevent the Clean Power Plan from
Christopher Mansour, vice president of for the presidents signature. moving forward, so were working with
federal affairs. This legislation contains several other associations and groups that are
On the national level, SEIAs main notable wins for solar energy, said supportive of the CPP to prevent those
priorities in 2016 will be to protect and Mansour. Chief among them are the riders from being implemented, he
advance the Clean Power Plan (CPP) inclusion of solar heating and cooling as said. SPW
IN SOLAR, SOMETHING IS ALWAYS HAPPENING:
JAN. 28: FEB. 10: FEB. 13: FEB. 22:

DEC. 18: California
Supreme Nevada PUC U.S. celebrates
Congress Court places implements installing 7.3
PUC votes to
extends ITC temporary stay harmful NEM GW of PV in
continue NEM
on the CPP changes 2015
MARCH 3: APRIL 6: APRIL 15: MAY 3:

SEIA forms
MARCH 11: Massachusetts
CEO Rhone
U.S. celebrates
Oregon Resch
committee turns corner one-millionth
adopts a 50% announces
for mounting on NEM cap solar
RPS resignation
manufacturers problems installation
from SEIA
TRENDS_5-16_Vs5.indd 70 5/25/16 4:18 PM

INN OVATION AN D COLLAB OR AT I O N
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TRENDS IN
Inverters and mounting suppliers

partnering to simplify installation
TREND IN INVERTERS
P
artnerships among microinverter partnerships began in the residential
manufacturers and mounting sector, more commercial and utility
suppliers, like those between suppliers are following suit, such as
Darfon and IronRidge, and SunPowers fully integrated Helix
Enphase and Unirac, are on the rise in system that uses SMAs Tripower string
an effort to make installation easier. IHS inverters, and NEXTrackers single-axis
expects these types of partnerships to tracker NX Fusion with Huawei string
increase in the inverters.
next two years Bryan Whitton, product manager
You have fewer parts to to help reduce
labor and total
at Darfon America, said there are
many advantages for installers using
order, inventory and carry PV system costs an integrated inverter and mounting
up to the roof.
for installers. system, such as the ACRak from Darfon
While these and IronRidge. You have fewer parts
Visit us at
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TRENDS_5-16_Vs5.indd 72 5/25/16 4:19 PM

TRENDS IN
to order, inventory and
carry up to the roof, he
explained. Everything
is in one piece which
allows for faster, safer
installations with less
wear and tear on the
roof from walking on it
during the installation.
Faster installations
allow contractors to
install more systems per
year, therefore enabling
them to save on
labor while increasing
business. Whitton said
DNV-GL is conducting
a study on ACRak to
give definitive answers
to installers wondering
how much labor they
NEXTracker Fusion can save using the
product. SPW
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TRENDS_5-16_Vs5.indd 73 5/26/16 2:54 PM

[CONTRACTORS CORNER]
Evolving into a lean,

successful solar machine
SunPower by EmPower Solar
Island Park, New York
By Kelly Pickerel, Associate Editor
The successful evolution of EmPower Solar has been a constant focus

for CEO David Schieren. When the company formed in 2003, it planned to
install energy storage, but participation in a Dept. of Energy Solar Decathlon
competition led Schieren and COO Greg Sachs to realize the more dependable
David Schieren
effectiveness of solar technology. Solar became the new concentration in 2006,
and the company serves a good mix of customers in the downstate New York
market but mostly relies on residential sales.
David Schieren is CEO of
Commercial is still
SunPower by EmPower Solar.
important to us, and
we have a pretty strong
pipeline and that market
I think that is probably the biggest
is growing, [but] they tend
to be very unique projects
challenge, just to continuously
that require a customized build and improve and make a great
company that is adaptable and flexible
approach, Schieren said.
With residential, you can
and can succeed no matter what.

really create an assembly
line that you can perfect.
This is where were
struggling a little today:
How much resource do we dedicate to each division? Were very proud of what
were doing in the residential space. On the commercial side, were taking on
more targeted accounts and being selective about it.
EmPower is also proud of its latest evolution: becoming a SunPower
Master Dealer. Since entering into the SunPower dealership network in 2008,
EmPower has climbed the dealership ladderfrom Authorized to Premiere
to Elite and now Masterto reach the exclusive top rung. Only about
20 of SunPowers 1,200 recognized dealers are labeled Master.
SunPower has been a fantastic partner since the beginning of
our relationship, Schieren said. They stand behind their product
and they honor their word. Those things are vital when it comes
to delivering to the end user, which is in our case residential and
commercial electricity consumers.
EmPower Solar has been rebranded as SunPower by EmPower Solar,
and Schieren said this new partnership will only lead to good things.
It also puts more rigorous requirements on us as a dealer,
Schieren said of the Master title. Theyre looking very carefully at our
customer satisfaction levels. SunPower carefully reviews those things
and we have to maintain a very high level of service to our customers.
It raises the bar of delivering a fantastic solution to customers.
EmPower installs strictly SunPower equipmentincluding panels
and plug-and-play integrated systemsfor residential customers.
Contractors Corner_4-16_Vs2kp.indd 74 5/26/16 12:35 PM

[CONTRACTORS CORNER]
Its a powerful solution. You have one supplier of the entire

product that the end user needs, Schieren said. Its seamless
from a warrantied perspective. We are a customer-centric
company and industry. If were going to win and make solar the
dominate energy source, we have to make people happy. The
relationship with SunPower is centered on that strategy.
Last year, during the uncertainty of the ITC extension,
EmPower began thinking of ways to reduce its cost structure to
continue providing the best service to its customers. And while
the credit extension has given the industry some breathing room,
Schieren said its still important to become a lean organization.
We need to reduce our costs still by 30% to remain
competitive and grow the business, he said. The industry is
going to move in that direction of consolidation and the quest
for lean and profitable operations such that you can survive
without the tax credit and thrive. Its a really crucial time right
now; we bought ourselves five years, but its not that much
time, and we have to take action today.
Schieren said thats the most important thing for
EmPowerevolving with the times and staying successful.
I think that is probably the biggest challenge, just to
continuously build and improve and make a great company that
is adaptable and flexible and can succeed no matter what,
Schieren said. As long as you have the right people,
you have the right mission and vision and
purpose and passion, and you put
in the right systems, you
can overcome it
all. SPW
Contractors Corner_4-16_Vs2kp.indd 75 5/26/16 12:35 PM

[AD INDEX]
Altech Corporation.........................................................7 Multi-Contact USA..........................................................2

APsystems.........................................................................5 NineFasteners............................................................... 69
Aurora Bearing Co........................................................57 Omco Solar...................................................................40
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Backwoods Solar.......................................................... 37 Panasonic Eco Solutions NA.......................................21
Baja Construction Co. Inc........................................ IBC Pika Energy.................................................................... 35
Campbell Scientific...................................................... 72 PMC..................................................................................41
Chint Power Systems.................................................IFC RBI Solar/Renusol......................................................... 27
Continental Control Systems....................................60 Rev Drill.......................................................................... 25
Darfon Solar............................................................ 13, 14 Rolls Battery................................................................... 28
DPW Solar...................................................................... 49 S-5!.................................................................................. 22
EagleView Technologies............................................. 39 Seaward Group.............................................................. 11
EcoFasten Solar............................................................ 33 Snake Tray.......................................................................15
Ecolibrium Solar............................................................18 Solar FlexRack............................................................... 64
Fortune Energy............................................................. 54 Solar Power International PVA...................................71
Fronius USA................................................................... 23 SolarEdge Technologies............................................. 44
GameChange Solar LLC................................................3 SolarRoofHook/QuickScrews...................................... 6
HiQ Solar, Inc...........................................................Insert Sollega.............................................................................51
Intersolar North America............................................ 67 Soltec Solar Tracking....................................................17
IXYS/Zilog....................................................................... 29 Sun Action Trackers..................................................... 47
Kipp & Zonen................................................................. 36 SUNGROW......................................................................19
MageRack ......................................................................57 SunLink............................................................................31
Marathon Special Products.........................................61 Unirac, Inc......................................................................... 1
Methode Inc.................................................................... 8 VARTA Microbattery Inc.............................................. 59
Mounting Systems Inc................................................. 58 Yaskawa-Solectria Solar............................................. BC
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Ad index_May 2016_Vs2.indd 76 5/26/16 4:59 PM

Visit us at
Intersolar booth #9727
Baja 5-16.indd 7 5/26/16 10:14 AM

Solectria 5-16.indd 7 5/26/16 10:30 AM

Rev SPW May 2016 Vs1 Red

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Technology Development Installation

Cover_May 2016_Vs9.indd 1 5/26/16 4:48 PM

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Staff page_SOLAR_5-16_Vs2.indd 6 5/26/16 12:37 PM

Methode 9-15_Vs1.indd 105 5/26/16 10:22 AM

Solar around the U.S. 5 The right direction

7 Public lands go solar

1 Solar turns it up 3 Learning languages 8 Difficult days

2 Underestimated rooftops 4 Saying goodbye 9 Friendly utilities

5 2016 SOLAR POWER WORLD 9

News in Brief_5-16_Vs1.indd 9 5/26/16 10:54 AM

10 SOLAR POWER WORLD 5 2016 www.solarpowerworldonline.com

Table of Contents 5-16 Solar_Vs3SB.indd 10 5/26/16 2:13 PM

See the PV210 in

Fast and easy I-V curve tracing

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Installation Practices_5-16_Vs2kp.indd 15 5/26/16 11:50 AM

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