Page 22 - North American Clean Energy July August 2015

solar energy

Selecting an Aluminum

Extrusion Supplier

Things to consider

by Mark W. Turley

AS THE SOLAR MARKET CONTINUES TO GROW, managing logistics and supply chains are
essential in order to stay competitive. Working with suppliers, including aluminum-
extruded racking system suppliers, can add value beyond the cost of parts, help reduce
risk, keep construction timelines on schedule, and improve site installation quality. In

order to ensure a solar project will end with the highest quality solar racking systems,
it is important to begin the project with thorough research and enlist suppliers who
help create a strong supply chain.
A solar project developer and the entire team of engineering, procurement, and

construction (EPC) partners with whom they work can mitigate supply chain risk by
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Doing homework on potential suppliers

Special two hour training from module sponsor Solar World Actively managing a supply chain starts with investing time researching potential
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partners. When selecting an extruded aluminum supplier, learn as much as possible
about its manufacturing capabilities, capacity, and inancial health. Look into quality
processes, delivery performance, and successes and failures with PV racking and sup-
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port systems. Ask for references from past projects to get a irst-hand opinion. Seek
performance data that provides insights into increased risk and potential extended in-
stallation time, including product-manufacturing defects, shipping delays, or too much
product shipped at once. Ask about the aluminum extruder’s relationship with its raw

material supplier.
Selecting a manufacturing supplier that has a strong history in the solar market is
equally important. Ideally, the supplier has the necessary resources to support the pro-

ject as well as relevant knowledge of the renewable energy market.
Once a racking support system supplier has been selected, the next step is to meet
with the developer, EPC, and supplier to discuss project details such as, the component
manufacturing timeline, shipping and delivery schedule, and on-site assembly. Ensur-

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ing consensus at the project’s start mitigates risk and helps the solar ield installation
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Determining the optimal racking system

Developers need to factor in power generation needs, site terrain, and location climate
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the best solution for capturing the most solar energy. For example, an installation site

prone to variable weather conditions may require a racking system with moving parts to
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track the sun, and that system may require more maintenance than a ixed tilt system.
Another top consideration for racking systems is cost. When factoring in cost, ex-
amine additional oferings from the chosen supplier. Consider total-cost-of-purchasing

22 JULY/AUGUST 2015
nacleanenergy.com