Page 21 - North American Clean Energy November December 2019 Issue

have a steady continuous usage of power. It varies and spikes from one moment to the next, and tells us an important story of how electricity is being used in the home at any given point in time. But, it is ultimately variable. When we adjust for the cumulative effect of time on power usage throughout each day, and add up the power being consumed every second in a home for a day, week, month, and year, we discover that home’s energy requirements. (By the way, both are equally important in sizing an energy storage system.) Battery storage & net energy metering Cue the batteries. Lithium-ion (Li- ion) batteries, that is (as opposed to the NEM-facilitated grid ‘battery’). Li-ion batteries are finite in their capacity to hold energy. Contrary to popular belief, they are not 100 percent efficient. However, they do facilitate onsite storage of energy, which is perhaps our most potent antidote to avoid higher electricity costs from disappearing net energy metering (NEM) policies, and the implementation of time-of-use rates. Given that Li-ion batteries have a finite capacity to store energy, the importance of energy and power becomes even more significant. In a world where energy storage is growing increasingly popular and affordable, understanding this point is essential for solar professionals. When we talk about solar plus storage systems, it is important to understand that the power rating of the system is dictated by the kilowatt (kW) size, or rating of the inverter. An inverter’s ability to deliver a specific amount of power at any point in time enables us to deliver on a home’s specific power needs. It is the energy in those batteries that will enable us to power those needs over time. In order to make smarter decisions for our companies and our customers, all of us in the solar industry need to be on the same page. Take the time to really understand the power behind our technology. Remember, when talking energy storage systems, the power is in the inverter, and the energy is in the batteries. Erik Anderson is a Regional Sales Manager with Panasonic Life Solutions and has been a strong advocate and promoter of renewable energy and home solar power for over a decade. Panasonic Life Solutions /// www.panasonic.net Mounting system for flat and low-slope roofs Sunfolding has launched upgrades to the Sunfolding T29 Single-Axis Tracker which make it easy to transport material to the project site and through the field, further reducing project costs, thus improving project profitability. The upgraded Sunfolding T29 uses the same durable materials and advanced manufacturing processes that enable Sunfolding, with just three components, to achieve fast installation times and low operational costs. The upgraded Sunfolding T29 features a strong and light actuator that relies on half the actuator bolts, weighs 20% less, and requires 15% fewer posts per MW compared to its predecessor. Sunfolding trackers, with their low part count and streamlined design, don’t require installation teams to spend time on extensive training or handle expensive custom tools. The upgraded design brings the same sensibilities to improving project site logistics, benefiting installers with reduced costs and timelines from project start to finish. Sunfolding /// www.sunfolding.com Utility inverter solution Ginlong Technologies expands its Solis portfolio with a new utility-scale solution for the U.S. solar market. The Solis 125kW 1500V three-phase string inverter features built-in string monitoring, which measures all string parameters for quick fault isolation and system commissioning. An integrated smart I/V curve scanning feature helps detect such string faults as panel mismatch and shading, decreasing O&M time and increasing system energy yield. DC fuses on both positive and negative inputs protect the inverter and DC cables, while built-in replicable DC and AC Type II surge protection devices (SPD) safeguard during power surges, further ensuring system availability. Lastly, Type I SPD protection is also available to shield against damage from frequent surges and lightning strikes. Ginlong Technologies /// www.ginlong.com ProteaBracketTM & PVKITTM 2.0 ProteaBracket can be used for rail mounting or “direct-attach” with S-5! PVKIT 2.0 PVKITTM 2.0 ProteaBracketTM FEATURES & BENEFITS FEATURES & BENEFITS • Pre-assembled components save time and money • Versatile: same kit for most module thicknesses • Only one tool needed for installation • Installs with module, reducing lay out time • 34% lighter – saves on shipping • Stronger L-FootTM • Load-tested for engineered application • Corrosion-resistant materials • Adjustable – Fits rib up to 3′′ • Peel-and-Stick prevents accidental shifting during installation • Fully pre-assembled • 25-year warranty* • Now made in aluminum The Right Way!TM | (888) 825-3432 | www.S-5.com • All non-corrosive aluminum and stainless steel • Single-piece EdgeGrab installs with ease • Added slots for wire • Low hardware provides • Available in black by special order • 1′′ gap between modules, allowing load reduction per ASCE-7 • UL 2703 Listed *visit www.s-5.com for details on our warranties clean S-5-6/13-Solar-Text-Ad-halfpage-ad-01.indd 1 8/5/19 12:48 PM North American Clean Energy 21