All Episodes - Contractors Corner by Solar Power World
Contractor's Corner is part of the Solar Power World network of podcasts. Solar Power World is the premier media outlet for the U.S. solar market and has the largest solar installer, contractor and developer audience in the industry. In this podcast series, Solar Power World editors talk with the U.S. solar industry’s biggest newsmakers.
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Solar Spotlight: Why solar carports make sense for schools
While there is greater oversight for installing solar projects on school grounds, M Bar C Construction has found success in this segment of the market and has done so through building solar carports. Bobby Bonfanti, eastern division manager, and Erik Krivokopich, VP of business development at M Bar C, are on this episode of Solar Spotlight to shed some light on why carports are the ideal solar solution for schools.
Solar Spotlight: Enough backup energy to power any load in the home
The value of energy resiliency is increasing in the face of stronger weather events and natural disasters, and the electrical grid isn’t always prepared to withstand these adverse environmental pressures. Rex Liu, VP of product management, clean energy, at Generac, is on this episode of Solar Spotlight to share how residential solar customers can keep ample backup energy to power everything necessary during a grid outage.
Solar Spotlight: Playing the long game in domestic solar panel manufacturing
Trina Solar US, the domestic arm of the global PV module manufacturer, is ramping up production in the United States. On this episode of Solar Spotlight, Adam Macaluso, national accounts manager for US channel business at Trina Solar, shares an update on Trina’s U.S. manufacturing footprint, as well as the company’s near future plans.
Solar Spotlight: Supplying everything above the roof line — including PV
ABC Supply is a prolific distributor in the North American roofing market and has expanded into solar component distribution as well. James Mason, VP of renewable energy at ABC Supply, is on this episode of Solar Spotlight to discuss the company’s history, motivations for entering the PV market and its ambition to reshape how solar contractors are supplied with solar hardware.
Contractor's Corner: Announcing the 2024 Top Solar Contractors List
In our last episode of the Contractor's Corner podcast, we're announcing this year's Top Solar Contractors List. Thank you to Scanifly for sponsoring this podcast and the 2024 Top Solar Contractors List. View the full list at solarpowerworldonline.com.
Solar Spotlight: Simplifying and automating large-scale solar design
Utility-scale solar projects are consistently breaking capacity records annually, both in individual project size and overall countrywide output. The sheer scale of these acres and sometimes miles long arrays require an unprecedented amount of worktime to construct, and even before a pile is driven into the dirt, project engineers must spend time designing these systems. PVcase, a software as a service company founded by solar engineers, has for the last decade provided design services for utility-scale solar project globally. David Trainavicius, founder and CEO of PVcase, is on this episode of Solar Spotlight to discuss how the platform is helping solar developers automate processes and reduce work hours.
Contractor's Corner: Burns & McDonnell
In this episode, the utility-scale EPC talks about the importance of relationships with manufacturers and hands-on training time for install crews. Sponsored by Scanifly.
Solar Spotlight: Solar mounting hits the deck
Over the last several years, the shape and size of mounts used in residential solar projects have changed to a lower profile attachment that can be installed over the shingle instead of slid underneath like metal flashing sheets. The next obstacle in residential solar design was expanding these top-mounted attachments that could primarily be installed on rafters onto the decking surface of the roof. Ryan Estrada, technical program outreach manager, and Nico Martinez, senior product manager at Unirac, are here to discuss what’s new with solar mounting and, more specifically, the advancement of direct-to-deck attachments.
Solar Spotlight: Scaling energy storage while facing a climate crisis
As the effects of a changing climate increase in both frequency and severity, the need for technologies that can decarbonize and support electrical infrastructure is paramount. In this episode of Solar Spotlight, Zolaikha Strong, senior director of policy and regulatory affairs at Generac Power Systems, discusses the significance of energy storage in the contexts of grid stability, individual energy resilience and the greater mission of combatting climate change.
Contractor’s Corner: Alternative Energy Southeast (AES)
In this episode, Alternative Energy Southeast talks about securing R&D credits for trying new solar tech and the keys to regional solar success. Sponsored by Scanifly and Intersolar North America.
Solar Spotlight: Integrating the benefits of rail into a rail-less solar mount
Solar racking manufacturer SunModo will soon debut its latest pitched rooftop mount, NanoRack, to the residential market. On this episode of Solar Spotlight, CEO Steve Mumma discusses the system features and installation considerations built into NanoRack.
Solar Spotlight: Butyl mounts rooftop solar projects in a flash
The shape of solar mounts is changing, and so too are how they’re attached to rooftops. K2 Systems, a solar racking manufacturer, has integrated a butyl sealant onto a new line of roof mounts. On this episode of Solar Spotlight, Brett Nielsen, VP of products and services at K2, is here to share the rationale behind adopting this sticky new flashing for mounting purposes.
Solar Spotlight: Meeting the growing demand for solar racking
Domestic solar is consistently breaking installation records year over year and is slated to keep that pace. Yet, manufacturers and suppliers are still feeling the effects of pandemic supply chain delays. In this episode of Solar Spotlight, Unirac’s new VP of operations and supply chain, Lee Ingram, and former guest and VP of Unirac’s commercial division, Brandon Carrasco, are here to discuss how the manufacturer is keeping a steady supply of racking for its clientele.
Contractor's Corner: Vibe Solar
In this episode, Vibe Solar talks about pivoting the residential business to adapt to California's new NEM 3.0 rate structure. Sponsored by Scanifly.
Contractor's Corner: Renewable IPP
In this episode, Renewable IPP talks about the workforce challenges as the first utility-scale EPC in Alaska and O&M considerations for these far northwestern arrays. Sponsored by Scanifly.
Solar Spotlight: Choosing the right battery storage for homeowners going solar
Energy storage is becoming a more common feature on residential solar installations so homeowners can tap into the power they’ve generated when they need it — not just when the sun is up. Rex Liu, VP of product management at Generac, a manufacturer of batteries for renewable energy applications, is here to share how solar installers can approach pitching and sizing storage for residential PV projects.
Solar Spotlight: Solar canopy project collaboration with a focus on value engineering
With the enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act and its new offerings in tax incentives for solar projects, contractor collaboration and value engineering have become critical components for creating or selling viable solar projects. M Bar C Construction specializes in solar carport installation across a range of applications and building types. Today, we’re joined by M Bar C’s VP of business development, Erik Krivokopich [Krih-vo-cah-pitch], and eastern division manager, Bobby Bonfanti, to discuss what the company offers as a partner to solar project developers and EPC contractors.
Solar Spotlight: Anatomy of a high-profile solar project
The administration at Emory University, a private school of higher education from Georgia, set sustainability goals for the university, with plans to eliminate carbon emissions production by 2050. Emory has already installed solar arrays across many buildings on its main campus and is nearing completion of a solar canopy PV project at its Musculoskeletal Institute off-campus. Ben Damiani, chief technology officer at Cherry Street Energy, is here to share some details on the development and technology used in Emory’s latest solar endeavor.
Solar Spotlight: Sungrow increases the power of possibilities for string inverters
The inverter is a crucial component on a solar project because it converts the power generated by PV modules into usable electricity. Daniel Friberg, director of product and engineering at inverter manufacturer Sungrow, shares some details on the operations, hardware compatibility and environmental readiness of Sungrow’s SG350 line of string inverters.
Contractor's Corner: Solar Power of Oklahoma
In this episode, Solar Power of Oklahoma talks about the hurdles of selling solar in an oil & gas state, and the progress the company has made in the past seven years. Sponsored by Scanifly and RE+.
Solar Spotlight: Keeping wattage high and footprint low on PV modules
Photovoltaic solar modules continue to grow in wattage, and that often means increasing their size, too, but that doesn’t always have to be the case. In this episode of Solar Spotlight, Lucas Moura, product marketing manager for international module manufacturer Trina Solar, discusses the significance of the compact yet electrically potent N-type TopCon solar module.
Solar Spotlight: Designing a new solar mounting system from the ground up
SnapNrack, a solar mounting and racking manufacturer, is reconsidering the steps to securing solar modules to residential rooftops. Earlier this year, SnapNrack debuted its TopSpeed solar rooftop mounting system, a solution that attaches to solar modules before they reach the roof. Here to discuss the system’s features is Andrew Wickham, Director of Products and Engineering at SnapNrack. This podcast is sponsored by SnapNrack
Contractor's Corner: BQ Energy
In this episode, BQ Energy talks about how brownfield solar installations have changed over the past decade. Sponsored by Scanifly, Aurora Solar and RE+.
Solar Spotlight: Unirac empowers contractors with Master Installer Program
Solar racking manufacturer Unirac launched its Master Installer Program in 2020 to offer its customers hands-on training with solar racking installation, design and system optimization and troubleshooting. In this episode, we’re joined by Braden Laumbach, program coordinator, and Zak Kushner, installer sales specialist manager, with Unirac, to explore what the company’s customer initiatives like the Master Installer Program have to offer for the solar industry.
Contractor's Corner: Sundance Power Systems
In this episode, Sundance Power Systems talks about getting started in 1995 and how the company has forged an unlikely collaboration with North Carolina's biggest investor-owned utility. Sponsored by Scanifly and WAGO.
Contractor's Corner: Summit Ridge Energy
In this episode, Summit Ridge Energy talks about its partnerships to accelerate solar manufacturing and job growth. Sponsored by Scanifly.
K2 invests in software solutions to simplify solar design and sales
K2 Systems is a racking company that manufactures installation-friendly solar mounting systems tailored to the needs of customers. Andy Neshat, CEO of K2 Systems US & MX, joins Solar Power World in this podcast to talk about the new K2 Quote solution and the company’s plans to further cut soft costs. Sponsored by K2.
Solar Spotlight: It's no myth — microinverters work on commercial solar projects
Microinverters are a common component in residential solar projects that are built to handle the wattage of smaller-scale PV arrays. But like solar modules, microinverters are increasing in capacity and can handle larger electrical loads. For example, inverter manufacturer APsystems’ new QT2 microinverter can invert energy from four solar panels at a time, unlike previous models that were installed on single modules. Jason Higginson, head of marketing for APsystems USA, is here to discuss this new breakthrough and the subsequent trend of microinverters entering the commercial and industrial solar market.
Contractor's Corner: Black & Veatch
In this episode, large-scale solar EPC Black & Veatch talks about its long history in construction and embracing technologies of the future. Sponsored by Scanifly.
Contractor's Corner: Arizona Energy Pros
In this month's Contractor's Corner podcast, we learn about a small Arizona installer that invests time and money into global volunteer efforts. Sponsored by Scanifly.
Solar Spotlight: Supporting the structural side of commercial solar
A few years on, there is still uncertainty surrounding the solar supply chain. There are likely still modules tied up at shipping ports, and despite Inflation Reduction Act incentives to develop a larger domestic market for solar panels, it will still be some time before we experience it. That is not necessarily the case for solar racking and mounts. Unirac, a manufacturer with more than 20 years in the solar structures space, is geared and ready to tackle commercial solar projects in 2023. We’re joined by Unirac’s commercial business development director, Ted Bleecker, and director of customer solutions, Brandon Carrasco, to discuss what’s ahead for the company in the coming year.
Contractor's Corner: Solar One
In this month's Contractor's Corner podcast, we learn about the mission of nonprofit Solar One to bring resilient energy backup to at-risk communities. Sponsored by Scanifly.
Contractor's Corner: Perch Energy
In this episode of the Contractor’s Corner podcast, community solar customer manager Perch Energy talks about the role software plays in making this solar segment accessible to those who can't install arrays on their rooftops. Sponsored by Scanifly.
Contractor's Corner: Sumpter Solar Services
In this episode of the Contractor's Corner podcast, Michigan residential installer Sumpter Solar Services talks about how the long-term ITC will temper the usual December installation rush, how a foundation of solar repair work has helped build a dedicated customer base and more. Sponsored by Scanifly.
Solar Spotlight: Curbing central inverter downtime with modular design
In the past, a fault in a central inverter could mean significant power loss on a solar array. These inverters used in large-scale solar projects convert huge amounts of energy in a single unit. Inverter manufacturer Sungrow is addressing fault issues in central inverters by making their components modular and more approachable for repairs. Today, we’re joined by Daniel Friberg, director of product engineering at Sungrow, to discuss the company’s latest central inverter model and what that will mean for solar array uptime.
Solar Spotlight: Understanding the carport market
The solar carport market is expanding, meaning this high-profile racking is entering new territories. Canopies are viable structures for energy resiliency; they can deploy atop parking lots and commercial garages and are more frequently meeting financing requirements for power purchase agreements. We’re joined by Finn Findley, CEO, and Danny Kraft, director of customer development, at Quest Renewables, a commercial and utility racking company specializing in carports. Finn and Danny are here to discuss how the market is changing for solar canopy systems and how EPCs and developers can anticipate those changes and include carports in their portfolios.
Contractor's Corner: Lightsource bp
In this episode, Lightsource bp's VP of environmental affairs and government relations talks about the company's deep partnerships with local communities and farmers near the company's solar installations. Sponsored by American Wire Group and Scanifly.
Solar Spotlight: Managing whole home energy with SolarEdge
As the residential market shifts from reliance on the greater electrical grid to self-generating energy sources like solar and storage, additional considerations will be necessary for energy load management. In this special edition of the Contractor’s Corner podcast, we’re joined by Magnus Asbo, senior director of technical marketing in North America for SolarEdge, to discuss the importance of smart energy management systems and the company’s latest offering in that space.
Contractor's Corner: SunCommon
In this episode, Solar Power World talks with B Corp residential and commercial installer SunCommon, "a solar company with a purpose beyond profit." Sponsored by Soltec and Scanifly.
Contractor's Corner: New Energy Equity
In this month's Contractor's Corner podcast, New Energy Equity talks about the new opportunities the Inflation Reduction Act brings for community solar developers. Sponsored by Soltec and Scanifly.
Solar Spotlight: Racking that makes modules MLPE free
In this episode of Solar Spotlight, we’re joined by Elie Rothschild, sales manager of Sollega, a racking manufacturer producing polymer-based supports for commercial rooftop and ground-mount solar projects. We discuss the latest developments at the company, including how Sollega’s racking can be used on projects without requiring module-level power electronics. Sollega will be exhibiting at RE+ this year at booth #3847.
Solar Spotlight: The history and modern advantages of rail-less roof mounts
In this special edition of Contractor’s Corner podcast, rooftop solar racking and attachment manufacturer Roof Tech shares product insights as a company that’s produced PV mounts for nearly 30 years. We’re joined by Mike Dunlap, general manager of Roof Tech, to talk about the company’s product offerings, where rail-less roof mounts are today and what they mean for project inspections in 2022.
Solar Spotlight: Adding solar installation to your construction repertoire
In this special edition of Contractor’s Corner, we speak to commercial and residential solar contractor Motive Energy about the process of integrating solar construction services at a company level. Eli Edwards, general manager of Motive Energy, breaks down the process of adding solar construction and lays out how the company handles PV installation with new customers. This podcast is sponsored by Nucor Corporation
Contractor's Corner: Carolina Solar Energy
In this month's Contractor's Corner podcast, Carolina Solar Energy talks about the importance of connecting with local communities to advance utility-scale solar projects. Sponsored by Soltec, American Wire Group and Scanifly.
Contractor's Corner: Built Well Solar
In this month's Contractor's Corner podcast, Built Well Solar explains how a small solar business has cultivated long-term staying power in Long Island, New York. Sponsored by Aptos Solar and Scanifly.
Solar Spotlight: Mitigating supply chain delays in the solar tracker market
In this special edition of Contractor’s Corner¸ solar tracker supplier Soltec has found success in cutting supply chain delays by having a global manufacturing footprint. Colin Caufield, sales vice president at Soltec, discusses how the company has successfully navigated trade roadblocks like steel tariffs and supply chain delays, and what that means for the U.S. utility-scale solar market.
Contractor's Corner: Got Electric
In this month's Contractor's Corner podcast, C&I EPC Got Electric tells SPW how the company has managed to grow in times of economic downturn. Sponsored by WAGO and Scanifly.
Solar Spotlight: A panel manufacturer enters the storage market
In this special edition of Contractor’s Corner, longtime photovoltaic panel manufacturer Jinko Solar discusses why the company has entered the storage market. Adam Detrick, U.S. director of product management and technical services at Jinko Solar, talks about how Jinko is standing out in a crowded storage market and the company reaching a major milestone in panel sales.
Contractor’s Corner: Solar apprenticeships are key to meeting renewable energy goals
In this episode, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) talks about the work it’s doing to build solar apprenticeships in the U.S. Sponsored by Scanifly, American Wire Group and DCE Solar. Note: To collaborate with IREC on the Solar Installer apprenticeship standard development process, fill out this form: https://bit.ly/solar-apprenticeships
Solar Spotlight: Waterproofing solar projects on tile rooftops
In this special edition of Contractor’s Corner, mounting manufacturer K2 Systems dispels the myth of “flashing-free” solar rooftop mounts and covers the latest in installing solar on tile roofs. K2 Systems is a global mounting provider, and Johan Alfsen, senior director of training, talks through the company’s latest innovation in flashing technology — butyl.
Solar Spotlight: Picking the right PPE for PV
In this special edition of Contractor’s Corner, Scott Francis, technical sales manager for Westex: A Milliken Brand, talks through the latest in industry-relevant safety codes that should inform the personal protective equipment selection process and the steps to selecting PPE for an industry like photovoltaic solar. Since 1941, Westex has produced flame-resistant and arc-rated fabrics used in PPE across many industries.
Solar Spotlight: The growing needs of landscaping on utility-scale solar
In this special edition of Contractor's Corner, Tim Matus, founder and CEO of autonomous vegetation maintenance provider Renu Robotics, discusses the growing landscaping needs of an expanding utility-scale solar market, and how remote robotic lawn care can benefit large-scale solar developers.
Contractor's Corner: Knobelsdorff Enterprises
In this month's Contractor's Corner podcast, utility-scale EPC Knobelsdorff Enterprises (KE) tells SPW about the challenges of installing solar in Minnesota, navigating the current module shortage and how the company is teaching students from Kindergarten on up about the prospect of a solar career. Sponsored by Aptos Solar and Scanifly.
Contractor's Corner: Green Lantern Solar
In this episode of the Contractor’s Corner podcast, we talk to Green Lantern Solar about the Vermont developer's dual-use and brownfield projects, including one on a former Cold War-era missile base. An edited portion of the interview is below, but be sure to listen to the full podcast for more insight on the company’s hopes for solar recycling breakthroughs and continued dual-use development. Thank you to this month’s sponsors, Scanifly and CompanyCam. With CompanyCam, every photo and video your workers take at a job is automatically organized by location and instantly synced from the field to wherever you are. Learn more at companycam.com. And Scanifly is the only drone-based solar software focused on automating the survey and design stages of your solar project's life. Learn more at scanifly.com. https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2022/03/contractors-corner-green-lantern-solar/
The Case for Solar: An old barn powers the family farm
Magill Farms in Illinois is home to a barn that was manufactured in 1878. The building is still mostly original, with some updates to roofing and siding. This century-and-a-half old barn is also host to a 25.5-kW solar array. In the sixth episode of The Case for Solar, associate editor Billy Ludt narrates his case study written for the March 2022 issue of Solar Power World. Read the case study here: solarpowerworldonline.com MUSIC "Himalayas" by Mona Wonderlick — bit.ly/youtube-monawonderlick Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free download: bit.ly/himalayas-download
Contractor's Corner: SunLight Solar
SunLight Solar started in 2003 as a residential installer, but has now expanded to also serve commercial clients from its headquarters in Orlando, Florida. Although the company is growing and now installing solar from the Florida Panhandle to Key West, listen to this episode to hear how supply chain constraints and interconnection headaches are holding up faster progress. Thank you to this month’s sponsors, Scanifly and CompanyCam. With CompanyCam, every photo and video your workers take at a job is automatically organized by location and instantly synced from the field to wherever you are. Learn more at companycam.com. And Scanifly is the only drone-based solar software focused on automating the survey and design stages of your solar project's life. Learn more at scanifly.com. https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2022/02/contractors-corner-sunlight-solar/
Solar Spotlight: Demystifying the solar sales process
In this special edition of Contractors Corner, solar sales and design software provider Aurora Solar talks about the rights, the wrongs and the needed transparency in solar sales.
The Case for Solar: Long Island's largest community solar rooftop
Long Island, New York is a peninsula stretching for many miles into the Atlantic Ocean. The narrow landmass doesn't have much space for solar on the ground, however, solar installer SUNation Solar Systems managed to build a 1.78-MW array atop a manufacturing facility in the region. In the fifth episode of The Case for Solar, associate editor Billy Ludt narrates his case study written for the January 2021 issue of Solar Power World. Read the case study here: solarpowerworldonline.com MUSIC "Himalayas" by Mona Wonderlick — bit.ly/youtube-monawonderlick Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free download: bit.ly/himalayas-download
Contractor's Corner: New Era Electric
Happy New Year! We're starting 2022 with a new Contractor's Corner host — editor Kelsey Misbrener is in the interview seat in this new chapter. In her first Contractor’s Corner interview, she talks to Southern California commercial subcontractor Sean Bright, president of New Era Electric. Bright took a big risk to start New Era Electric in 2020 amidst a constrained labor market, but found his niche in the small C&I market. Thank you to this month’s sponsors, Scanifly and CompanyCam. With CompanyCam, every photo and video your workers take at a job is automatically organized by location and instantly synced from the field to wherever you are. Learn more at companycam.com. And Scanifly is the only drone-based solar software focused on automating the survey and design stages of your solar project's life. Learn more at scanifly.com. www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2022/01/contractors-corner-new-era-electric
Contractor's Corner: Best of 2015-2021
It’s the end of an era. After more than 75 interviews over six years, Solar Power World editor-in-chief Kelly Pickerel is passing the Contractor’s Corner podcast torch to managing editor Kelsey Misbrener. And since there is a wide collection of episodes to reflect on, Pickerel has pulled together some of her favorite interviews during her tenure as podcast host. While some themes weave throughout — permitting woes are still annoying — it’s nice to remember the hot-button issues of yesteryear and realize just how far the solar industry has come. Interview clips included in today's episode: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2019/06/contractors-corner-peak-view-solar/ https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2018/10/contractors-corner-sun-light-and-power/ https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/03/contractors-corner-paradise-energy-solutions/ https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2017/01/contractors-corner-proving-solar-viable-even-darkest-alaskan-communities/ https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/08/contractors-corner-sunation/ KP misspoke during the last interview clip. She was talking with Scott Maskin at SUNation.
Solar Spotlight: Gibraltar Renewable Energy Group talks customer support across solar lifecycle
In this special edition of Contractors Corner, solar mounting and balance of system products manufacturer, Gibraltar, talks about the benefits of working with the newly consolidated company through the entire lifecycle of a solar project.
The Case for Solar: Covering rust with solar
If you've driven through the American Rust Belt, you've likely seen abandoned steel mills. They're a common sight — some might say a sore one — and often remain untouched and undeveloped once shuttered. However, Scalo Solar Solutions helped reinvigorate a long-abandoned steel mill in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that's shedding new light on the redevelopment potential of these sites. In the fourth episode of The Case for Solar, associate editor Billy Ludt narrates his case study written for the November 2021 issue of Solar Power World. Read the case study here: solarpowerworldonline.com MUSIC "Himalayas" by Mona Wonderlick — bit.ly/youtube-monawonderlick Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free download: bit.ly/himalayas-download
Contractor's Corner: SOLV Energy
Heyo! We have our first repeat interview within KP's Contractor's Corner run. We hope you enjoy today's interview with George Hershman, president of SOLV Energy, the new name of Swinerton Renewable Energy. Today we talk about the industry's top solar installation company and its new name, and so much more, including the recklessness right now around suggested tariffs, what's needed to boost domestic manufacturing and how the big guys are dealing with supply chain disruptions. Check out project photos here: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2021/11/contractors-corner-solv-energy/ Interested in the OG 2016 interview? Check it out: https://soundcloud.com/solarpowerworld/contractors-corner-swinerton-renewable-energy
Contractor's Corner: Aurora Energy
Aurora Energy has established a name for itself in the Washington, D.C., area as a risk-taking, ahead-of-the-curve solar installer. The company has evolved over the last three decades and sees its specialty in commercial projects that may need a little custom engineering. In this episode of the Contractor's Corner podcast Aurora talks about the company's desire to take care of its customers seeking all the financial and environmental benefits that come with installing solar. This has led Aurora Energy to branch out into community solar and take on more unique projects like green roofs. We also talk tariffs and price increases happening right now. Find the story: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2021/09/contractors-corner-aurora-energy/
The Case for Solar: Developing a multi-project solar portfolio
Fulfilling development tasks, arranging an interconnection agreement and designing and then building a solar array is no simple task. But Oakland, California-based solar developer Adapture Renewables did it 10 times over when it acquired a portfolio of projects planned for Western Oregon. In the third episode of The Case for Solar, associate editor Billy Ludt narrates his case study written for the September 2021 issue of Solar Power World. Read the case study here: solarpowerworldonline.com MUSIC "Himalayas" by Mona Wonderlick — bit.ly/youtube-monawonderlick Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free download: bit.ly/himalayas-download
Solar Spotlight: Backless solar trackers maximize yield for bifacial projects
In this special edition of Contractors Corner, solar tracker and racking manufacturer OMCO Solar discusses the company’s latest innovations in bifacial trackers. Sponsored by OMCO Solar.
Solar Spotlight: How fintech can boost solar company margins and ROI
In this special edition of Contractor’s Corner, solar installation business management platform BluBanyan and bank-to-bank payment software firm Paystand talk about how financing technology can help boost solar company margins and ROI. Sponsored by Paystand.
Contractor's Corner: SolareAmerica
Big-name, multi-site contracts can increase a solar installer's standing in the industry, but for SolareAmerica, a partnership with the Wawa convenience store chain only built on the 12-year-old company's legacy. In this episode of the Contractor's Corner podcast, John Scorsone, president of SolareAmerica, talks about the gas-pump solar canopies and ground-mounts involved in the Wawa project portfolio, and how it has provided the company with a front-seat to the emerging EV charging market as well. https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2021/07/contractors-corner-solareamerica/
Solar Spotlight: How one solar carport design can fit all projects
In this special edition of Contractors Corner, solar mounting manufacturer Preformed Line Products (PLP) talks about the advantages of using uniform, building-block-style solar carport designs on all projects. Sponsored by PLP.
Contractor's Corner: Veregy
Veregy is a newish energy services company (ESCO) with a much longer history. The company started in 2019 after six regional ESCOs merged to offer energy optimization and performance contracting to commercial clients nationwide. One of those companies was a commercial solar installer out of Arizona, and the new Veregy now focuses on a holistic energy package for customers — with energy efficiency, solar, smart building integration, maintenance services and more. In this episode of the Contractor's Corner podcast, John Mitman, VP of distributed energy resources for Veregy, describes the joining of knowledge and expertise as a way to better execute on customer goals. Now when K-12 school districts and healthcare institutions want to save money on their utility bills, the Veregy team can create a long-term strategy with multiple phases of energy conservation measures that may include solar arrays. Read the story: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2021/06/contractors-corner-veregy/
Top Solar Contractors Roundtable: Designing for Next-Generation Technologies - Utility-Scale Trends
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Top Solar Contractors list this year, Solar Power World was joined by representatives at McCarthy Building Companies, Inovateus Solar, RPCS and Renu Robotics to discuss the utility-scale market. The utility-scale solar market may seem like an assembly line of tried-and-true installation methods, but most of the industry’s technology advances first arrive on our largest projects. Large-format and bifacial solar modules are tested on new trackers and hooked up to more powerful inverters every day. Utility-scale contractors talk about how they keep abreast on the latest technology designs while building successful projects with a shrinking ITC. Watch the roundtable: https://youtu.be/9ijpFP2GejY
Solar Spotlight: M Bar C on construction evolution over 45 years in business
In this special edition of Contractor’s Corner, solar structure manufacturer and installer M Bar C talks about how the company has adapted to new construction markets and solar technologies over the years. Sponsored by M Bar C.
Solar Spotlight: New techniques for solar mounting and flashing can save time on rooftops
In this special edition of Contractor’s Corner, solar mounting and racking manufacturer SnapNrack talks about its new, Miami-Dade-approved mounting solution that does away with cumbersome metal flashing. Sponsored by SnapNrack.
Top Solar Contractors Roundtable: Community Solar Design & Installation
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Top Solar Contractors list this year, Solar Power World was joined by representatives at Standard Solar, Nexamp and Pivot Energy to discuss the community solar market. One of the fastest growing solar segments involves the community solar model. Instead of one end-user, many customers are involved with the unique solar projects on landfills, townhomes and community fields. C&I contractors involved with community solar will discuss the design, installation and post-project considerations necessary for this quickly emerging market in the United States. Register for future roundtables: www.solarpowerworldonline.com/tsc-roundtables/ Watch the roundtable: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp49LQZG_9s
Contractor's Corner: Cosmic Solar
It's no secret that utilities are having a difficult time in California right now. With wildfires increasing in intensity each year, more utilities are having to shut down power to save their grids. It's pushing even more people to consider solar and storage to create their own microgrids to keep emergency services online. So it's not especially surprising that the state's investor-owned utilities have cried that age-old claim that solar customers are not paying enough for grid upkeep. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is now considering a monthly charge for solar customers, and solar advocates have joined against this attempt by the utilities to "undermine consumer choice." It leaves installers like Cosmic Solar in a precarious position. In this episode of the Contractor's Corner podcast, Solar Power World editor-in-chief Kelly Pickerel talks with Cosmic co-owners Bahram and Judith Shadzi about how they are supporting the "Save California Solar" campaign while also diversifying into roofing and maintenance services to ensure the 13-year-old business stays afloat in the worst-case scenario. https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2021/05/contractors-corner-cosmic-solar
The Case for Solar: Building an off-grid home
The term "off-grid" is often associated with small energy projects located off the beaten path, and while Derrick Zearley's home is remote, it's no small project. He teamed up with South Carolina contractor Firefly Solar to take his new home construction project off the grid with solar + storage technologies after utilities left the site without power. In the second episode of The Case for Solar, associate editor Billy Ludt narrates his case study written for the May 2021 issue of Solar Power World. Read the case study here: solarpowerworldonline.com MUSIC "Himalayas" by Mona Wonderlick — bit.ly/youtube-monawonderlick Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free download: bit.ly/himalayas-download
Contractor's Corner: Silicon Ranch
What started as being a nice neighbor to a regenerative farm has turned into a whole new way of building and maintaining solar projects for Silicon Ranch. With close to 1 GW of installed projects, the utility-scale solar developer and owner was seeing the real impact of using herbicides and pesticides to manage vegetation growth. After siting a new project next to one of the larger regenerative ranchers in the Southeast, Silicon Ranch (whose mission is to be a supportive community member) wanted to ensure it wasn't applying chemicals or contributing to soil erosion that may affect the rancher's mission. With some tips from the rancher, Silicon Ranch dove into regenerative land management practices that could improve the land at each of its solar sites. In this episode of the Contractor's Corner podcast, Solar Power World editor-in-chief Kelly Pickerel talks with Silicon Ranch CEO Reagan Farr about the company's regenerative energy process, and how bringing more native plants and grazing livestock to solar sites can make a big impact on communities. Silicon Ranch is celebrating 10 years in the solar industry, and so is SPW's Pickerel, so listen in as they talk about the decade-club. https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2021/04/contractors-corner-silicon-ranch/
Top Solar Contractors Roundtable - Must-Have Power: Solar + Storage in the Age of Emergencies
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Top Solar Contractors list this year, Solar Power World was joined by representatives at Mortenson, GenPro Energy Solutions and SUNation to discuss solar + storage installations across all markets. The rise of extreme weather has many homeowners concerned about keeping the lights and refrigerators on through extended power outages. And with more utilities looking at energy storage to improve the resiliency of their grids, the storage market has finally hit its tipping point. Panelists described how they’ve incorporated batteries into their service offerings along with the important installation considerations that come with storage systems. Register for future roundtables: www.solarpowerworldonline.com/tsc-roundtables/ Watch the roundtable: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMOOu7Dr350
Solar Spotlight: K2 Systems on the evolution of solar roof flashings
In this special edition of Contractors Corner, solar mounting product manufacturer K2 Systems talks about the evolution of solar roof flashings from “goop and a prayer” to tried-and-true metal solutions and new plastic solutions. Sponsored by K2 Systems.
Top Solar Contractors Roundtable - Residential Solar Sales and the Desire for Mini Microgrids
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Top Solar Contractors list this year, Solar Power World was joined by representatives at LightWave Solar, ReVision Energy and Semper Solaris to discuss the current residential solar market. Panelists discussed best business practices the installation community has adopted for the residential solar + storage market. While COVID-19 sent many in the United States to work and learn at home, utility bills increased along with the interest in solar and storage. Residential solar installers talk about their businesses and where they’ve found success — from sales software, mounting techniques, lead generation, inverter choice, battery backup requests and more. Register for future roundtables: www.solarpowerworldonline.com/tsc-roundtables/ Watch the roundtable: https://youtu.be/b8pBY-f1on4
The Case for Solar: A CEO demonstrates solar + storage at his home
Solar + storage technologies are a growing option for homeowners seeking additional energy security, especially in areas where grid outages are commonplace. Daren Goldin, CEO of Goldin Solar, a contractor based in Miami, Florida, has a solar + storage system installed at his home where he often invites prospective customers to see how it all works. For a state like Florida, where residents endure hurricanes annually, having electricity when the grid goes out is paramount, and Goldin is trying to ensure that it stays on. In this first episode of The Case for Solar, associate editor Billy Ludt narrates his case study written for the March 2021 issue of Solar Power World. Read the case study here: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2021/03/contractor-uses-ceos-home-to-demonstrate-reliability-of-solar-storage-technology/ Read the March 2021 digital issue of Solar Power World here: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2021/03/march-2021-issue-the-residential-issue/ MUSIC "Himalayas" by Mona Wonderlick — bit.ly/youtube-monawonderlick Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free download: bit.ly/himalayas-download
Contractor's Corner: Sunrise Power Solutions
A Generation180 report released in 2020 found that 7,332 public and private K-12 schools in the United States had solar power. Seems like a lot, but that's only 5.5% of schools across the country. Educational institutions are a segment of the commercial solar market ripe with opportunity. In this episode of the Contractor's Corner podcast, Solar Power World talks with the leadership at Sunrise Power Solutions, one company taking advantage of the open K-12 market. The Long Island-based company works with a lot of schools because, as CEO Heather Ingebrigtsen says, they're the ideal customer. They usually have ample space for solar and the budgets to support energy projects. CFO Mike Ingebrigtsen also explains the next installation market ready for takeoff: electric vehicle chargers. SPW editors also talk about Women's History Month and representation in solar. https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2021/03/contractors-corner-sunrise-power-solutions/
Solar Spotlight: Quest Renewables on carport design innovations
In this special edition of Contractors Corner, solar carport manufacturer Quest Renewables talks about emerging trends in the market, including accommodating larger or bifacial panels, incorporating ancillary features like water management and much more. Sponsored by Quest Renewables.
Solar Spotlight: Baja talks carport design from coast to coast
In this special edition of Contractors Corner, Baja Carports talks about design considerations for solar carports from coast to coast. Sponsored by Baja Carports.
Top Solar Contractors Roundtable - Survival Stories: Best Business Practices One Year After COVID
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Top Solar Contractors list this year, Solar Power World was joined by representatives at CS Energy, Borrego, Freedom Solar Power and Scanifly to discuss how the last year affected the solar industry. Panelists discuss lessons learned in 2020 that have changed and improved business going forward. As the world transitioned to online and contact-free interactions, solar companies had to get creative with their sales and installation practices. What new procedures actually increased business and where are we still needing help? Register for future roundtables: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/tsc-roundtables/ Watch the roundtable: https://youtu.be/xhK-e_1mIzE
Solar Spotlight: Fortress Power on sizing solar batteries for system longevity
In this special edition of Contractors Corner, Fortress Power explains the importance of correctly sizing lithium batteries for residential and commercial solar projects. Sponsored by Fortress Power.
Contractor's Corner: Shine Solar
Arkansas is an expanding solar market. Ranked 36th in the nation for installed solar in 2019, the state climbed to 25th in 2020. Some of that growth can be attributed to Shine Solar, a five-year-old installer headquartered in the state's northwest corner. CEO Nick Gorden has approached the Arkansas market with education first, and it's paid off. In this episode of the Contractors Corner podcast, we talk with Gorden about how the company uses educational marketing in smaller cities to gain trust in new markets. Now with the company moving into states like Mississippi and Oklahoma, that education aspect will continue to be important. Don't forget to apply to the 2021 Top Solar Contractors list! https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/top-solar-contractors/ See photos: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2021/02/contractors-corner-shine-solar/
Contractor's Corner: Creative Solar USA
The Georgia solar market is fairly dependable. Consistently in the Top 10 states by installed solar capacity, Georgia has a strong utility-scale pipeline, mostly fueled by large arrays that support major corporations. But the residential and commercial markets are just as strong, said Russell Seifert, CEO of local installer Creative Solar USA. In this episode of the Contractors Corner podcast, Solar Power World talks with Seifert about how Creative Solar has found success in the Southeast market for the last 13 years. Early inclusion of energy storage into its service offerings likely contributed to the company's steady growth. Seifert said over 70% of the Creative Solar USA's solar installations come paired with storage. Be sure to listen to the full podcast for insight into how Creative Solar explains whole-home backup to customers and why representation in local and national solar groups is important. We also have a bonus conversation with all three Solar Power World editors about how new products are transforming the installation process. Thank you to this month's sponsor, Roof Tech. Roof Tech's self-flashing solar mounts, such as the RT-APEX and the RT-MINI, are improving the lives of solar installers with more efficiency and faster installation. Roof Tech, the global pioneer of waterproof flexible flashing since 1994. More information at https://roof-tech.us/ https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2021/01/contractors-corner-creative-solar-usa/
Contractor's Corner: Primoris Renewable Energy
Working on utility-scale solar projects requires a lot of hands, and, depending on the region, it may be difficult to find enough help. Construction firm Primoris Renewable Energy has been able to hire skilled workers formerly in the oil and gas industries on its large solar projects in West Texas, but senior VP Kent James said it is more difficult to find people for foreman and other supervising positions. In this episode of the Contractors Corner podcast, Solar Power World editor-in-chief Kelly Pickerel talks with James about how the public company uses its reputation to recruit and retain experienced engineers into Primoris' solar construction business. Following the employment theme, we also have a bonus conversation with SPW associate editor Billy Ludt about solar representation in consumed media and how it can encourage new generations of Americans to get involved with solar. https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/12/contractors-corner-primoris-renewable-energy/
Contractor's Corner: Sunshine Solar
More women are entering the solar workforce every day, but some areas of the industry are still underrepresented. According to The Solar Foundation, women only make up 26% of the solar workforce. In a largely mechanical and construction-related field, it is nice to hear of a woman-led solar installation subcontractor out of Georgia: Sunshine Solar. In this episode of the Contractors Corner podcast, Solar Power World woman and editor-in-chief Kelly Pickerel talks with Emilie O'Leary, CEO of Sunshine Solar, about her experience working in a male-dominated segment. She started the company in 2016 because she knew solar was a space she wanted to be in. We also have a bonus conversation with senior editor Kelsey Misbrener about Kent State University and women representation in solar. https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/11/contractors-corner-sunshine-solar/
Contractor's Corner: Simple Solar
With a name like Simple Solar, the going-solar process has to be as easy as possible for new customers. And that's what the Missouri installer has done for its residential clients since 2017. Luke Arthur started Simple Solar after working at other installation companies and wanting to pare down all the extra noise. Sales calls are quick, product choices are limited to only what works best, and service is the best in the region. In this episode of the Contractors Corner podcast, Solar Power World talks with Arthur about why he wanted to keep Simple Solar focused even though he could be considered a jack-of-all-trades himself. https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/10/contractors-corner-simple-solar/
Contractor's Corner: Ameresco
As a comprehensive energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions company, Ameresco is dedicated to meeting its clients' energy needs. From school districts to municipalities to healthcare customers, the company approaches each portfolio holistically to ensure load is reduced before suggesting distributed generation options. In this episode of the Contractors Corner podcast, we talk with Dave Anderson, EVP and co-founder of Ameresco, about the company's beginnings 20 years ago and how solar is just one piece of its energy solution puzzle. https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/09/contractors-corner-ameresco/
Contractor's Corner: SUNation
Barely whisper the name "Sandy" on Long Island and PTSD sets in for many residents. The 2012 hurricane cost New York $41.9 billion in recovery and mitigation expenses, and millions in the Northeast were without power for almost two weeks. When Hurricane Isaias hit earlier this month in the middle of a pandemic, concern was high. Calls for energy storage systems increased significantly for Long Island residential and commercial solar installer SUNation, and now demand for batteries is far outpacing the company's supply. In this episode of the Contractors Corner podcast, Solar Power World editor-in-chief Kelly Pickerel talks with Scott Maskin, CEO of SUNation, about this crazy year, from being shut down for 12 weeks at the beginning of COVID-19 to now being overwhelmed with business as the next natural disaster hits. WARNING: There is some mild adult language used in this recording. https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/08/contractors-corner-sunation/
Solar Spotlight: FIMER finds a way through the pandemic
In this special edition of Contractors Corner, solar inverter manufacturer FIMER talks about the status of the solar market in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sponsored by FIMER.
Solar Spotlight: CPS thinks string inverter warranties must evolve
In this special edition of Contractors Corner, solar inverter manufacturer CPS talks about the status of inverter warranties and how they need to improve to better serve project owners.
Contractor's Corner: Goldin Solar
Southern Florida is getting rocked by COVID-19 right now, and local solar installation company Goldin Solar says that has made business busier than ever, except with a twist — more people want battery backup. In this episode of the Contractors Corner podcast, Solar Power World editor-in-chief Kelly Pickerel talks with Daren Goldin, CEO and co-founder of Goldin Solar, about why Floridians, who are used to power outages through hurricane season, suddenly find backup power an essential need during the coronavirus pandemic. https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/07/contractors-corner-goldin-solar/
Solar Spotlight: PLP talks how to handle unexpected solar installation obstacles
In this special edition of Contractors Corner, solar mounting manufacturer Preformed Line Products (PLP) talks about how to deal with unexpected obstacles on both ground-mounted and rooftop solar installations.
Contractor's Corner: DEPCOM Power
DEPCOM Power has always cared for its employees and communities. The utility-scale EPC and O&M company has largely weathered the coronavirus storm and continued to keep its focus on supporting its core team and 2,000 construction contractors. In this episode of the Contractors Corner podcast, Solar Power World editor-in-chief Kelly Pickerel talks with Johnnie Taul, president of DEPCOM Power, about how the utility-scale contractor is pushing through COVID-19 related slowdowns. https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/06/contractors-corner-depcom-power
Solar Spotlight: SMA America on new methods of PV system optimization
We have a special podcast for Contractors Corner listeners this week! In this sponsored Solar Spotlight podcast, inverter manufacturer SMA America talks about the challenges of traditional PV system optimization, and the new solutions available from the company.
Contractor's Corner: Eagle Point Solar
The Midwest solar market was finally starting to hit its stride before COVID-19 arrived. Still, companies like Iowa's Eagle Point Solar are optimistic about the future and plenty busy installing a backlog of projects. In this episode of the Contractors Corner podcast, Solar Power World editor-in-chief Kelly Pickerel talks with Larry Steffen, VP of sales for Eagle Point Solar, about how the company is keeping customers interested in solar + storage from afar. https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/05/contractors-corner-eagle-point-solar
Contractor's Corner: Carlson Electric
Wisconsin isn't the largest solar market (SEIA ranks it 34th in the country by kilowatts installed), but solar installer Carlson Electric is still managing to keep its employees busy working on solar projects throughout the coronavirus shutdown. In this episode of the Contractors Corner podcast, Solar Power World editor-in-chief Kelly Pickerel talks with Tim Dilley, director of business development for Carlson Electric, about how the company is holding up during this COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/04/contractors-corner-carlson-electric
Contractor's Corner: Paradise Energy Solutions
Four brothers started Paradise Energy Solutions 10 years ago to help farmers reduce energy costs in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The company has since grown into six additional states and expanded into the residential and commercial markets. Paradise Energy views its mission as building trusting relationships within its communities. In this episode of the Contractors Corner podcast, Solar Power World editor-in-chief Kelly Pickerel talks with Dale Good, president and CEO of Paradise Energy Solutions, about the company's beginnings in Pennsylvania Dutch Country and its transition into larger markets. https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/03/contractors-corner-paradise-energy-solutions
Solar Spotlight: RBI Solar talks solar trackers
We have a special podcast for Contractors Corner listeners this week! In this sponsored Solar Spotlight podcast, RBI Solar talks about manufacturing solar trackers in house from start to finish using mostly Made-in-America materials. Thanks to RBI Solar for supporting solar installers across the country!
Contractors Corner: Nexamp
Nexamp has established itself as a leader in community solar development across the Northeast, but the company is not just a one-note band. Nexamp is also involved with behind-the-meter, small utility-scale and storage projects and is spreading its footprint across the country. Community solar, though, is the star of Nexamp's portfolio. In this episode of the Contractors Corner podcast Solar Power World editor-in-chief Kelly Pickerel talks with Zaid Ashai, chairman and CEO of Nexamp, about the company's involvement in the community solar market and beyond. Plus, solar sheep. We're always down to talk about solar sheep. https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/02/contractors-corner-nexamp/
Contractors Corner: Citadel Roofing & Solar
With more than 30 years in the roofing business, Citadel Roofing & Solar has also established a niche in the Northern California region for careful solar installations. Since the company is so experienced in roofing and has relationships with home builders, Citadel expects to capitalize on California's mandate that all new homes be equipped with solar arrays. In this Contractors Corner podcast Solar Power World editor-in-chief Kelly Pickerel talks with Aaron Nitzkin, Citadel's executive VP, about the company's reputation in the roofing and solar industries. https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/01/contractors-corner-citadel-roofing-solar
Contractors Corner: Ideal Energy
After more than 12 years in the military serving overseas, Troy Van Beek founded Ideal Energy in 2009 in Fairfield, Iowa, to continue serving others, this time down a path of sustainability. Today the company primarily works on commercial and industrial solar installations under 1 MW. Ideal Energy excels at providing C&I customers with a competitive advantage — whether through good PR, attracting vendors and employees or reducing operating costs, all through solar. In this Contractors Corner podcast, Solar Power World editor-in-chief Kelly Pickerel talks with Troy, Amy Van Beek and Aurelien Windenberger about Ideal Energy's work in Iowa. https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2019/12/contractors-corner-ideal-energy/
Contractors Corner: Alterra Solar
Happy Thanksgiving! This month we're discussing the PG&E power outages with California solar installer Allterra Solar. They're saying the phone's been ringing a lot more with people wanting solar+storage projects. What's been your own experience with the public safety power shutoffs? Read the full story: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2019/11/contractors-corner-allterra-solar/
Contractors Corner: John Mills Electric
Let's go to the southern tier of central New York this month and check in with John Mills Electric. The 75-year-old electrical company also completes residential solar projects and subcontracts on large-scale installs. We talk about the difficulty in finding skilled electricians and why being involved in solar actually gets young people interested in the electrician career. Read the story: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2019/10/contractors-corner-john-mills-electric
Contractors Corner: O3 Energy
We recently talked with O3 Energy about the company's work in the C&I solar market. O3 has an office in Guam, and we talk a little about the logistical benefits of being in the Pacific. Are PPAs still king? Find out on this podcast! Read our story here: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2019/09/contractors-corner-o3-energy/
Solar Speaks special edition: Tackling commercial rooftop solar projects that require longer spans
Preformed Line Products (PLP) has a vast portfolio of mounting products for the solar industry, but it has carved out a specific niche within long-span commercial rooftop projects. The company's POWER RAIL product optimizes roof space to include more solar in tricky areas, like over roof obstructions. In this Solar Speaks podcast, we talk with John Markiewicz and Dustin Graef of PLP about how installers can best work on commercial rooftop solar projects, including why PLP mounting solutions are ideal on projects requiring long spans. See more: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2019/09/solar-speaks-commercial-solar-projects-long-spans-plp
Contractors Corner: Palmetto State Solar
We head south this month, talking with South Carolina's Palmetto State Solar. The audio is a little shaky at the beginning, and we sincerely apologize, but it does get better! Kelly enjoyed talking with PSS about the competitive Carolinas market and the steps it takes to stand out. Read more: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2019/08/contractors-corner-palmetto-state-solar
Contractors Corner: Community Energy
We go big this week, talking to large-scale solar developer Community Energy about its 20 years of work in the fight against climate change. The company first started in wind and eventually transitioned to solar, so we talk about the energy markets in the early 2000s, how PPAs have evolved over the past two decades, and what else needs to be done to get 80% reduction of carbon emissions by 2030. Will we make a difference? KP hopes so. It's so hot in the Midwest right now, we can't ignore the effects of climate change any more. Read the full story: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2019/07/contractors-corner-community-energy/
#TopSolar19 Special Edition: The solar industry's discrimination problem
Racial disparity in rooftop solar PV deployment has historically been attributed to income or home ownership inequality in communities of color. But a study found the problem goes much deeper than that. Read the story that's part of Solar Power World's #TopSolar19 issue at https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2019/07/installers-racial-disparity-rooftop-solar/
Contractors Corner: Peak View Solar
This is one of Kelly's favorite interviews! Join her as she talks with Phil and Nancy Brodhagen, co-owners of Colorado's Peak View Solar. The company has been installing mainly residential solar systems since 2008, but it has seen such a recent uptick in projects that the whole Brodhagen family came on board to help out. We have a frank conversation about U.S. solar panel companies and how batteries are being used in markets outside of California. Read the extended story (and see a picture of a llama, or maybe an alpaca (?), with solar panels): https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2019/06/contractors-corner-peak-view-solar/
Contractors Corner: A1A Solar Contracting
Kelly talks this month with Florida's A1A Solar Contracting. Although electricity prices aren't too bad in Northern Florida, the solar installer still has a big demand for renewable energy projects. We talk SunPower, Tesla and ITC. Read the story: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2019/05/contractors-corner-a1a-solar-contracting/
Contractors Corner: Green Street Solar
This month we head to Delaware to talk to Green Street Solar. Like a lot of residential installers, Green Street is promoting the ITC stepdown to get more fence-sitters to go solar now. Russell Pfaller, Green Street's installation manager, also tells us why his team isn't installing batteries. Check out the story: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2019/04/contractors-corner-green-street-solar/
Contractors Corner: Rosendin
KP is a history buff, so this month's interview is super exciting! Rosendin Electric is celebrating 100 years of electrical contracting this year, and the company has morphed into one of the largest solar EPCs in the business. We talk about how that 100 years of electrical experience has helped Rosendin make some big moves in both utility-scale and C&I solar. There's even a discussion about how labor shortages might affect utility-scale solar in remote areas. Read our story: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2019/03/contractors-corner-rosendin/
Contractors Corner: Conti Solar
February 2019: This month we talked with large-scale EPC Conti Solar about its work across the country. So many landfill installations! Read our full story: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2019/02/contractors-corner-conti-solar/
Contractors Corner: RP Construction Services
January 2019: Super duper excited to talk with RPCS this month about the company's exclusive tracker installation focus. Let's talk utility-scale solar for a little while, OK? Be sure to read the full story: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2019/01/contractors-corner-rpcs/
Solar Speaks special edition: Giving agency to installers with Nuance Energy Group
Nuance Energy Group applied a mounting technology used in other industries to solar with its proprietary Osprey PowerPlatform. The all-in-one ground mount/racking solution comes with ease of use for install, using only simple tools, and has been deployed in utility-scale projects. In this episode of Solar Speaks, we talked to Nuance Energy co-founder and CEO Brian Boguess about the Osprey PowerPlatform, and how it can save installers time, controls cash flow and works in a range of soil types. This podcast is sponsored by Nuance Energy Group
Contractors Corner: Green Solar Technologies
What a fun way to close out 2018! Kells talks to Green Solar Technologies, the only U.S. solar installer to testify in favor of tariffs on solar panels. Does the company regret its decision? And we talk about unique energy storage offerings. GST likes to push natural gas generators. Is that green enough? Read the story: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2018/12/contractors-corner-green-solar-technologies/
Solar Speaks special edition: Community choice aggregation can accelerate local solar growth
Community choice aggregation means putting the power in the public's hands—literally and figuratively. CCA legislation allows cities and counties within IOU service territories to provide electric service to customers. Listen to this podcast to learn the ins and outs of CCAs.
Contractors Corner: Scenic Hill Solar
We're dropping this month's podcast early for all you Thanksgiving travelers. Kelly talks with Scenic Hill Solar out of Arkansas about the company's work with L'Oréal and municipalities. KP even gets a "That's a great question" shoutout, so she's extremely thankful this year for having the opportunity to talk to so many influential people in the solar industry. We're again sponsored by DuPont this month. Check them out! If you want to read the full story on Nov. 26, here's the link: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2018/11/contractors-corner-scenic-hill-solar/
Contractors Corner: Sun Light And Power
This month we talk to Gary Gerber of Sun Light & Power. He started the company back in 1976 and shows no signs of slowing down. Check out some vintage photographs with the full story: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2018/10/contractors-corner-sun-light-and-power
Solar Speaks special edition: Volunteer installation helps Portland's homeless population
The problem of homelessness is unavoidable in Portland, Oregon. So nonprofit solar installer Twende Solar decided to do its first domestic installation for a homeless shelter in its hometown. See the story: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2018/10/case-study-nonprofit-installation-helps-portland-homeless/
Contractors Corner: Atlasta Solar Center
KP is super excited to talk to Colorado's Atlasta Solar Center this month, a company with nearly 40 years of solar installation experience. The audio is a little shaky at the beginning, but it evens out, so hang tight! What other solar companies can say they've been around for four decades? See the story: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2018/09/contractors-corner-atlasta-solar/ Thanks once again to DuPont for sponsoring this month's Contractors Corner!
Contractors Corner: Sun Valley Solar Source
Solar+storage expert Sun Valley Solar Solutions of Arizona integrates demand control solutions into solar projects and has become the go-to battery expert in the state. Read our full story: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2018/08/contractors-corner-sun-valley-solar-solutions/ And thanks to DuPont for sponsoring this month's Contractors Corner!
#TopSolar18 Special Edition: Know your audience when it comes to pricing transparency
Three Top Solar Contractors discuss their business strategy around pricing transparency and how it impacts their solar sales.
Contractors Corner: Fresco Solar
KP talks with Silicon Valley's Fresco Solar about the commercial market in the area. Carports, carports, carports! Read the full story: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2018/07/contractors-corner-fresco-solar/ And thanks to DuPont for sponsoring this month's Contractors Corner!
Ask a Solar Vet: Thinking of storage in a matrix, with ESA's Kelly Speakes-Backman
The worlds of solar and energy storage are coming together more closely all the time, and so is this podcast. We spoke with Kelly Speakes-Backman, CEO at Energy Storage Association. ESA is the trade association for the energy storage industry and the leading voice for companies that develop and deploy the advanced energy storage systems that support the power grid we rely on every day. We speak to the woman behind the voice of energy storage today.
Ask a Solar Vet: The King Midas of solar power, NEXTracker's Dan Shugar
In this episode we speak to one of the OGs of the solar industry, Dan Shugar, CEO and founder of solar tracking company NEXTracker. With more than thirty years in the industry, Shugar has been called a pioneer of the commercial solar market. With impressive success leading companies including Powerlight and Solaria, even before NEXTracker, he’s also been called the King Midas of Solar. Here, we finally connect with the man who says he has silicon pumping through his bloodstream. Read more here: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2018/07/ask-a-solar-vet-designing-innovative-products-building-strong-teams-with-nextrackers-dan-shugar/
Contractors Corner: ReVision Energy
This month we're talking about the Maine solar market with ReVision Energy. Our guest Fred Greenhalgh, creative services director, even give a nice comparison of solar's relationship with utilities to Napster's relationship with the music industry. What? Listen in! This month's podcast is sponsored by DuPont. Read our full story: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2018/06/contractors-corner-revision-energy/
Solar Speaks special edition: Why supply chains matter when choosing a solar supplier
As solar matures, there are a lot of component suppliers to choose from, especially when it comes to inverters. Not only is there a lot to consider as far as what technology works for your project (whether it’s module-level power electronics or string or central inverters), but manufacturers’ supply chains also matter. To find out why, we spoke with Ed Heacox, general manager of CPS America.
Ask a Solar Vet: Somewhere between social work and engineering, Erica Mackie of Grid Alternatives
This month's vet is Erica Mackie, cofounder and CEO of GRID Alternatives, which is the largest nonprofit solar installer in the country. She shares keys to Grid's success, which any solar installer can learn from, as well as what the solar industry can do better. Read more here: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2018/05/ask-a-solar-vet-somewhere-between-social-work-and-engineering-with-erica-mackie-of-grid-alternatives/
Contractors Corner: Strata Solar
This month, Kelly chats with Strata Solar, a North Carolina-based EPC working in the C&I and utility markets. We talk about the company's unique O&M approaches (sheep!) and how the solar panel tariffs are affecting utility projects. Read the full story: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2018/05/contractors-corner-strata-solar/
Solar Speaks special edition: Apply for the 2018 Top Solar Contractors list
The May 25 deadline for the 2018 Top Solar Contractors application is quickly approaching, so SPW editors sat down to talk through some common questions about the list and why all U.S. solar contractors should apply for it.
Contractors Corner: Sunwatt Solar
Solar power is going strong in Rhode Island! Pawtucket's Sunwatt Solar is taking advantage of its Solarize installer standing to make a name for itself in the small state. Read our extended feature on the company: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2018/04/contractors-corner-sunwatt-solar/
Ask a Solar Vet: Michelle Greenfield, female CEO fighting for Midwestern solar
In light of our call to solar installers, developers and EPCs to apply for our 2018 Top Solar Contractors list, we thought it made sense to speak to one for this edition. Not unlike the construction field as a whole, solar installation is a male-dominated industry. Out of 500 companies that made the list last year, only 23 were lead by women. Michelle Greenfield is one of them. She has served as CEO of Ohio-based Third Sun Solar for more than 16 years. In this podcast, she discusses what it’s like to be a female leader in a male-dominated industry, working in a state that isn’t exactly the first that comes to mind when you think of solar.
Solar Speaks special edition: Talking solar inverter trends with IHS Markit Research
You’ve likely heard of IHS Markit in research reports or articles about the solar or storage markets. But in this podcast we get to learn more about the organization as we talked to Cormac Gilligan, research manager of solar and energy storage, and Miguel De Jesus, solar energy analyst at IHS. Listen to learn more about inverter trends, as well as the solar and storage markets overall.
Solar Speaks special edition: 8minutenergy talks solar + storage
We spoke with Martin Hermann, CEO and founder of solar developer 8minutenergy. Prior to founding the company in 2008, Martin worked with solar panel manufacturer Advent Solar, and even owned a semiconductor tools company which he sold to Intel. Martin provides some great insight on the solar and storage markets.
Contractors Corner: EGT Solar
EGT Solar gives us the lowdown on the Idaho solar market. With an expected population increase that is three-times the national rate through 2025, Idaho is going to be a big demand market for new solar. Read our full story: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2018/03/contractors-corner-egt-solar/
Ask a Solar Vet: Marvin Hamon, the man behind the mustache
If you’ve spotted a man with a signature mustache, bow tie and hat walking around a solar show floor, you’ve seen this month’s vet Marvin Hamon, principal and founder of Hamon Engineering. Besides his signature look, Marvin is known for being an expert electrical engineer, writer and supporter of the green energy movement. Read more here https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2018/03/ask-a-solar-vet-marvin-hamon-the-man-behind-the-mustache/
Solar Speaks special edition: Talking AC and DC coupling with Dynapower
We spoke with Chip Palombini, sales and marketing director at Dynapower, for a story on AC versus DC coupling. We wanted to share some of that interview with you. Chip talked about the differences between AC and DC coupling and told us about Dynapower's new DC to DC converter. Listen to learn more and read the whole article here https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2018/03/ac-dc-coupling-use-next-storage-project/.
Contractors Corner: Hannah Solar
We recently talked with Hannah Solar, a mid-sized EPC in the Southeast, about how the company is adjusting to the new 30% solar tariffs (Spoiler alert: not sweating them). We also talk logistics on how to get materials to far away islands in the Pacific. Read our story here: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2018/02/contractors-corner-hannah-solar/
Ask a Solar Vet: Solar's star researcher, Paula Mints
Paula Mints is the founder of global market research firm SPV Market Research. Learn what it takes to be a solar market researcher, her views of the market and how she is looking to help struggling women find a new life in solar in this latest edition. Read more at https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2018/02/ask-a-solar-vet-solars-star-researcher-paula-mints/.
Solar Speaks special edition: What makes a solar sales proposal successful?
Aurora Solar has been researching what makes solar sales proposals successful. The company interviewed homeowners at different stages of the buying process and talked with solar sales professionals to gain insights into the solar sales process. In this Solar Speaks podcast, we talk with Rahul Nihalani, head of growth at Aurora Solar, about what the company learned from this research and how you can apply them to your solar business. See Aurora's blog on its research efforts here: http://blog.aurorasolar.com/what-makes-a-solar-sales-proposal-successful-5-tips-for-proposals-that-close/
Ask a Solar Vet: Bill Brooks, an ambassador for solar
Having trained more than 12,000 installers and inspectors in his 25+ years in solar, Bill Brooks can be called the godfather of solar engineering. However, he chooses to call himself an ambassador for solar technology. Listen to learn more about Bill's journey from the early days of solar in the 70s, to his work with the codes and standards that continue to drive the industry today.
Contractors Corner: Earth Electric
We had a great time talking with Sheryl Lane this month from Earth Electric in San Jose, California. The residential solar installer is about to enter its 10th year--a major milestone for the solar industry! We talk about installing solar in Silicon Valley and why honesty is so important. Read our full story: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2018/01/contractors-corner-earth-electric/
Solar Speaks special edition: How UL is keeping the grid safe and secure for more solar
By now most solar contractors are aware of how interconnection requirements like Rule 21 in California are changing to allow inverters to play an active role in stabilizing the grid. While this can be a positive move to allow more renewable energy capacity on the grid, aspects like security and safety must also be considered. This is where UL comes in. We spoke to Bruce Bailey, VP of renewable energy, and Ken Boyce, Principal Engineer at UL to learn more.
Solar Speaks special edition: SPW editors complete a solar installation
Solar Power World editors complete their first residential solar installation in Kensington, California. Podcast sponsored by EcoFasten Solar.
Contractors Corner: GEM Energy
We chat with Ohio's GEM Energy on its 10-year history of building solar projects in the tough Midwest market. Repeat customers make up a big chunk of GEM's project pipeline. Read the full story: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2017/12/contractors-corner-gem-energy/
Ask a Solar Vet: Uniting women across sustainable sectors with WRISE's Kristen Graf
Kristen Graf spent the last eight years leading Women of Wind Energy (WOWE), and now serves as executive director of the group under a new name: Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy (WRISE). She talks about why the group transitioned, what drives her to passion for renewables and empowering women, and shares her thoughts on the industry now and in the future. Read more here: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2017/12/ask-solar-vet-uniting-women-across-sustainable-sectors-wrises-kristen-graf/
Contractors Corner: Adaptive Solar
This month's guest is Adaptive Solar, a Houston-based solar installer. Founder Richard Sherwood talks about the tough solar market in the middle of oil country and how Hurricane Harvey affected solar and battery sales. Read our full write-up: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2017/11/contractors-corner-adaptive-solar/
Ask a Solar Vet: Surviving in the U.S. solar panel business with Solaria's Suvi Sharma
With the section 201 trade case, it’s very timely to be speaking to a U.S. panel manufacturer. After 14 years at Solaria president and CEO Suvi Sharma has some interesting things to say. At Solaria Suvi was a co-founder of NEXTracker and also founded a CRM provider and a volunteer organization. Listen for more. Read more here: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2017/11/ask-a-solar-vet-…rias-suvi-sharma/
Contractors Corner: Kingspan Energy
This month, we get to know Kingspan Energy and its Irish roots. The company entered the U.S. solar market in 2014 and has found success in the Northeast market. Read more: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2017/10/contractors-corner-kingspan-energy/
Ask a Solar Vet: Selling solar by connecting people with Growatt's Scott Sullivan
This month’s vet, Scott Sullivan, is one of the most well-connected, experienced marketing professionals in solar. He's currently director of inverter sales and marketing for Growatt, but has worked in energy for more more than 20 years. He's also one of the most personable people you'll meet. In this podcast, he shares what he's learned about sales and solar marketing from being employed in many different sectors of solar. Read more: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2017/10/ask-solar-vet-selling-solar-connecting-people-growatts-scott-sullivan/
Contractors Corner: Cromwell Solar
We talk Midwest solar with Cromwell Solar of Lawrence, Kansas, this month. The company has a lot of fans on Facebook; who knew folks in the middle of the country are so supportive of solar? Read more: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2017/09/contractors-corner-cromwell-solar-champion-solar-midwest/
Ask a Solar Vet: Pursuing your passions with SEIA's Abigail Ross Hopper
This month’s veteran is Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of SEIA. As you probably know, Abby came on board in her new position at the beginning of this year. But you may not know that her background in energy goes back much further. Read more: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2017/09/ask-vet-pursuing-passions-seias-abigail-ross-hopper/
Solar Speaks special edition: CPS America explains what you need to know about Rule 21
A new set of interconnection requirements are effect in California as of September 9, 2017. Known as Rule 21, the set of requirements will allow inverters to provide additional functions to help support the grid. Casey Miller, VP of Business Development at CPS America, explained how it works and why you should pay attention even if you're not installing in California.
Solar Speaks special edition: When the eclipse came to Nashville
In this Solar Power World podcast, Kelsey goes to Nashville to watch the solar eclipse at a viewing party sponsored by LightWave Solar. To view the story online: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2017/08/podcast-nashville-eclipse/
Contractors Corner: SunRenu Solar
This month we talk to Arizona's SunRenu Solar and learn about the commercial solar market in the Southwest. Read our full story: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2017/08/contractors-corner-sunrenu-solar-tackles-arizona-commercial-solar-market-smile/
Solar Speaks special edition: Empower Micro Systems streamlining solar + storage
As we enter a smart-home future one company is looking to streamline the deployment of residential solar and energy storage systems without compromising performance or cost. Jon Bonanno, chief commercial officer of Empower Micro Systems discusses some of his company’s innovative technology in this area.
Contractors Corner: Altenergy
This month we talk to Paul Risberg, president of Altenergy. The high-end residential and small-scale commercial solar installer enjoys working on complicated projects in Virginia, Maryland, Idaho and Washington, D.C. Read the full story at: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2017/07/contractors-corner-altenergy/
Ask a Solar Vet: From early PCs to solar energy with Radiance Solar's James Marlow
This month's solar veteran is James Marlow, president and co-founder of Radiance Solar, a commercial, institutional and utility solar EPC based out of Atlanta, Georgia. Radiance Solar has made our Top Solar Contractors list every year we’ve been doing it. Marlow had a busy year back in 2007, in which he left his job at Yahoo, ran for congress and started a new career in solar. In our latest Ask a Vet, we learn how Marlow sees similarities between the early days of personal computers and today's solar market. He also shares his views on the trade case. Read more: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2017/07/ask-vet-early-pcs-solar-energy-radiance-solars-james-marlow/
Contractors Corner: SunEnergy1
We talk with Kenny Habul, CEO and president of U.S. solar developer SunEnergy1, about the company's large-scale projects and involvement with auto racing sponsorships. SunEnergy1 sponsors the No. 24 car in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driven by Chase Elliott as well as the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT3 in IMSA. SunEnergy1 is bringing more awareness to solar in the racing community. Read more: http://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2017/06/contractors-corner-sunenergy1-auto-racing-solar
Solar Speaks special edition: Chint on tips for successful solar component ordering
You can’t build a solar project if you don’t have the components you need. We talked to Gail Hibbert and Janelle Oltman of Chint Power Systems Americas' customer operations for some tips for choosing a good supplier and successfully ordering solar components.
Contractors Corner: SunWork Renewable Energy Projects
We were very excited to hear about SunWork's nonprofit solar model this month. The company uses volunteers to install solar on California homes, saving labor costs and building a sense of community in the process. Just like Habitat for Humanity, but for solar! Read our story: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2017/05/contractors-corner-sunwork/
Ask A Solar Vet: From Birkenstocks to blue suits with IREC’s Jane Weissman
This edition's veteran has a longer solar legacy than anyone we’ve interviewed so far. Jane Weissman recently retired from her position as President and CEO of IREC, starting her days at 5 a.m. for more than 20 years. But her experience in solar is even more diverse, including working in PV in the late 80s, and her involvement with NABCEP in the 2000s. Jane has been recognized with awards for her dedication to solar and policy. She said “It’s been quite a ride to be part of the transformation from Birkenstocks to blue suits and from patronizing head pats to political protagonists.” She’s a solid writer too.
Contractors Corner: Moss
Edwin Perkins, director of solar initiatives with Moss, talked with us about the construction company's involvement in the solar industry and the 1.6 GW of utility-scale solar Moss has worked on thus far. Read the full story: http://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2017/04/contractors-corner-moss-utility-scale-solar-zipped/
Ask a Solar Vet: Balancing business and ethics with Daniel Sullivan of Sullivan Solar Power
“Ask anyone in the local clean-tech industry and they will tell you that Dan Sullivan is the go-to expert for all things solar. Dan is the most passionate, intelligent, dedicated and hard-working person I have ever met. People, including myself, can't get enough of his American Dream rags-to-riches story, of a young entrepreneur with a big vision, that has brought our company to where it is today.” These moving thoughts are from the employees of Daniel Sullivan, president and founder of San Diego solar installation company Sullivan Solar Power. In our latest Ask A Vet podcast, the 13-year solar veteran talks about why he founded his business, the values he instills in his team, some of his favorite projects and more. Read more here http://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2017/05/ask-vet-balancin…ivan-solar-power/
Solar Speaks special edition: SMA discusses solar design decisions
There’s been a lot of talk about centralized “versus” distributed systems, but really the topic may not be so black and white. In fact, there are many variables to consider, which makes system design so important. Ryan LeBlanc (senior application engineer), and Jamie Mordarski (senior manager, O&M North America) discuss those considerations for system architecture in more detail.
Contractors Corner: Elemental Energy and Twende Solar
Portland, Oregon's Elemental Energy started the non-profit Twende Solar to bridge the gap between renewable energy experts and energy-poor communities. Twende Solar has installed solar systems in Guatemala and Cambodia and has more projects in the works, all supported by the volunteer efforts of many in the U.S. solar industry. To read the full story, visit: http://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2017/03/contractors-corner-elemental-energy-twende-solar
Solar Speaks special edition: Tile roof install advice from Quick Mount PV
In this Solar Speaks episode, we chat with Jeff Spies at Quick Mount PV about solar installations on tile roofs, including when solar installers should suggest new roof installs before putting in solar. This podcast is sponsored by Quick Mount PV.
Ask a Solar Vet: Catching the solar bug with SEPA’s Julia Hamm
You may have seen Julia Hamm, president and CEO of the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA), speak at industry shows, but here’s a chance to get to know her and her organization a little better. We spoke with Hamm about why she’s spent practically her whole career at SEPA, her most memorable conversations with utilities and what she remembers about the first Solar Power International (SPI). Read more here: http://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2017/03/ask-vet-catching-solar-bug-sepas-julia-hamm/
Solar Speaks special edition: 2017 Q&A with Canadian Solar
Solar Power World spoke with Vincent Ambrose, Canadian Solar’s general manager for North America, about the company’s manufacturing past, plans for O&M and new products coming to market in 2017. Read more: http://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2017/03/qa-canadian-solar-outlook-2017/
Contractors Corner: Horizon Solar Power
Horizon Solar Power, a Solar Power World Top Solar Residential Contractor headquartered in Temecula, California, got its start in the solar industry around the Great Recession. CEO Frank Kneller said the installer's 650 employees have grown to love solar for its do-good qualities. Read the full story: http://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2017/02/contractors-corner-entering-solar-survival-horizon-solar-power-finds-passion-going-green/
Ask a Solar Vet: The importance of telling a great story with Solar-Log’s Anthony Conklin
In our second edition of our newly launched Ask a Vet podcast, we got a chance to speak with Anthony Conklin, president and general manager for Solar Data Systems North America. Solar Data Systems’ Solar-Log monitoring platform is used in residential and commercial PV projects and is compatible with more than 100 brands of inverters. Conklin is likewise diversified. In 2007, he was brought on as the seventh employee at a New York installation company, hired to “build this thing called solar.” After five years, he moved to a small developer and helped it grow into a multi-million-dollar business before getting into financing and finally tapped to head the North American division at Solar-Log. Conklin also works as a motivational speaker and has had the opportunity to mentor millennial sales executives and share his experiences with professional athletes. Though we may not all have the chance to work in all solar segments (residential, commercial and utility) or inspire players on the New York Knicks or Yankees, Conklin said we can all be an example and tell a great story. Read more here: http://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2017/02/ask-vet-importance-telling-great-story-solar-logs-anthony-conklin/
Contractors Corner: Arctic Solar Ventures
We talk with Stephen Trimble, founder and CEO, and Chase Christie, vice president of business development, both of Arctic Solar Ventures, a young Alaskan solar installation company headquartered in Anchorage. The team works to debunk the myth that solar power can't work in dark, cold Alaska. Read more at: http://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2017/01/contractors-corner-proving-solar-viable-even-darkest-alaskan-communities
Solar Speaks special edition: OMCO features custom solar mounting in new roadshow
In this podcast, we’re focused on the utility market, a market which could use some rebooting in 2017. To learn more about the market and how one manufacturer is adjusting to the needs of the utility sector, we’re speaking with Todd Owen, Director & General Manager of OMCO Solar.
Ask a Solar Vet: Showing solar leadership with Borrego's Brendan Neagle
Even though mainstream solar is still a relatively young industry, some solar professionals have had the opportunity to watch the industry grow and change for decades. Solar Power World has launched a monthly “Ask a Vet” podcast series to highlight these individuals who have spent 10 or more years in the market. Through the podcast and excerpts we will share here in each issue, we hope to provide a platform to share the unique perspectives and insight of these industry veterans. In this inaugural podcast, we spoke with Brendan Neagle, COO of Borrego Solar, who has spent 10 years with the company and 15 in solar. Neagle’s journey to solar started with studying American civilization and environmental studies at Brown University, working for a beverage distributor, becoming a school teacher and eventually selling residential solar in response to the California Solar Incentive program, which was paying rebates at $4.50/W. Read more at http://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2017/01/ask-vet-showing-solar-leadership-borregos-brendan-neagle/
Solar Speaks special edition: SolarEdge discusses its HD-Wave inverter technology
SolarEdge's HD-Wave technology has been turning heads since it was released at Solar Power International 2015. This year it won an Intersolar Award, and we also selected to feature it as a top product technology of 2016. Here to tell us more about this innovative technology are SolarEdge's Mike Rogerson, marketing director north America, and Cameron Stewart, technical training manager North America.
Contractors Corner: Inovateus Solar
Inovateus Solar president TJ Kanczuzewski talks with Solar Power World about the Midwest solar developer's rise to success. Topics include thin-film solar projects, the growth of the Midwest market and Inovateus Solar's partnership with IndyCar driver Stefan Wilson. Read more: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2016/12/contractors-corner-midwest-developer-promotes-solar-national-stage/
Solar Speaks special edition: Magnum talks charge controllers
Today we're discussing charge controllers with Alan Santos-Buch, Western Region Sales and Marketing Manager of Magnum Energy, a Sensata Technologies brand. Find out how to tell what charge controller is right for your system, why heat dissipation is so important, how the company's PT-100 differs from other option on the market and what other design considerations you should ponder in this podcast.
Solar Speaks special edition: What are the advantages of Darfon's G320 solar microinverter?
We spoke with Bryan Whitton, product manager at Darfon America, who explained how the company's G320 solar microinverter allows putting more inverters on a circuit and avoids the need for neutral conductors, along with other advantages for solar contractors.
Contractors Corner: Nautilus Solar Energy
Full-service provider Nautilus Solar recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, and the company has plans to expand into more regional markets. We talked with CEO Jim Rice about the company's longevity in the solar industry. Read more: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2016/11/contractors-corner-nautilus-solar-uses-10th-birthday-expand-new-markets/
Contractors Corner: Sunworks
Sunworks has a storied past, but this year the California-based integrator found its niche and is ready to expand. We talked with CEO Jim Nelson about how the company plans to become more dominant.
Solar Speaks special edition: SEFA, cracking the code to solar financing
There’s a lot that remains to be sorted out in the solar financing world, but did you know there’s an organization working to “crack the code” for financing distributed solar? The Solar Energy Finance Association, or SEFA, is based in California and was formed a few year years ago by those from both the solar industry and capital markets and focuses on increasing capital flow to solar, especially in the the rooftop residential and C&I markets. Mary Rottman, president of SEFA gave us some of her insight into today’s solar financing market.
Solar Speaks special edition: How Solar-Log monitoring products improve solar projects
In this Solar Speaks podcast, we learn about the Solar-Log line of monitoring products, which provide integrated monitoring and plant evaluation for projects of any scope. Solar-Log marketing manager Anne Nelson discusses the ROI of Solar-Log products, as well as how they benefit solar installers.
Contractors Corner: Infinity Energy
We talk with Mark Stacy, CEO of California's Infinity Energy, about the company's two years in business and how its finding success.
Solar Speaks special edition: 6 documents you need to have in place before you can get financing
Obtaining solar project financing can be a complex process, and it’s made trickier if you’re not prepared. Here to discuss tips for solar developers when obtaining financing is Open Energy’s CEO and founder Graham Smith.
Solar Speaks special edition: NEXTracker CTO Alex Au discusses tech innovation and solar trackers
In this Solar Speaks podcast, NEXTracker co-founder and CTO Alex Au offers insight on what's next for NEXTracker, a global provider of solar tracking solutions. He also discusses how the company pushes innovation and recalls inspiring—and vexing—things he saw at SPI 2016.
What's Trending In Solar Panels
Tim Drappi, procurement manager with solar module manufacturer SolarTech Universal, talks about the latest trends in solar panels (PERC, bifacial and more) with Solar Power World at Solar Speaks Live 2016.
Unirac CEO Peter Lorenz Offers Insight On The Business Of Solar Mounting
Unirac CEO Peter Lorenz discusses why he got into the renewable-energy business and provides advice for contractors on how to use the best equipment, even if it costs a little more, in this Solar Speaks Live video, filmed on the tradeshow floor at Solar Power International 2016.
Training Military Veterans For Solar Careers
The Solar Ready Vets program is expertly described by program director Tenley Ann Dalstrom at Solar Speaks Live 2016. The solar job training program recently expanded to more military bases and helps match skilled veterans with nationwide solar installation companies.
Shifting To The C&I Solar Space
Mark Begert has been with Austin-based solar contractor Meridian Solar for almost 10 years. During that time he helped the company move from a residential and commercial solar installer, to an EPC company focusing on the commercial, public and utility-scale markets. During a Solar Speaks Live interview at Solar Power International 2016, Meridian's executive vice president shares his best business practices and why non-profit work is also important to his company.
SEIA Interim President Tom Kimbis Discusses The Balance Of The SEIA Board
Kimbis takes on talk that the SEIA board of directors focuses too heavily on utility-scale solar, in this Solar Speaks Live video, filmed on the tradeshow floor at Solar Power International 2016. He also offers insight on the selection of a new SEIA president and how he views the U.S. presidential candidates, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.
Namasté Solar At SPI
David Vorlage, president of Namasté Solar, joined Solar Power World at Solar Speaks Live 2016 only a few months into his new job at the helm of the company. He talks about Namasté's community work and how to run a successful, employee-owned solar business.
Making Solar Accessible For Low - Income Communities
Since 2001, Erica Mackie, co-founder and CEO of GRID Alternatives, has been making solar practical and accessible for low-income communities that need the savings and jobs the most, but have the least access. During a 2016 Solar Speaks Live interview, Mackie shares her passion for solar and the big issues each small installation can help address.
Large-Scale Solar Installation Trends
Helge Biernath, president and CEO of solar installer Sunstall, joined Solar Power World at Solar Speaks Live 2016 to discuss the changing market of large-scale, ground-mount solar and how the company adapts to new installation techniques.
Jeff Calabro Of Arraycon Discusses The Big Equipment Required To Build Big Solar Projects
Jeff Calabro, senior vice president of business development at Arraycon, offers insight on how ArrayCon was recognized as 2016's Top Solar Construction firm in Solar Power World and the type of equipment used to do such high-quality work, in this Solar Speaks Live video, filmed on the tradeshow floor at Solar Power International 2016.
IREC CEO Details The Organization's Solar Consumer Protection Initiative
Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) President and CEO Larry Sherwood explains its solar consumer protection initiative, how the solar industry can root out bad apples and the similarities between distributed solar and small wind, in this Solar Speaks Live video, filmed on the tradeshow floor at Solar Power International 2016.
Does The SEIA Board Need More DG Solar Companies?
Solar advocate and business owner Barry Cinnamon discusses why he and others believe the board of director at the Solar Energy Industries Association, or SEIA, leans too heavily toward utility-scale solar, in this Solar Speaks Live video, filmed on the tradeshow floor at Solar Power International 2016.
Creating A New Type Of Utility For Solar
Hawaiian solar often makes headlines, but no one knows it quite like Dora Nakafuji. As direct of renewable energy planning at Hawaiian Electric Company, Nakafuji and her team have developed utility programs that are being studied and replicated across the country. During a 2016 Solar Speaks Live interview, she shares her perspective on Hawaiian solar and how a utility built on collaboration and understanding how customers use energy is the best for solar.
APsystems talks new microinverter and mobile tool
We spoke with Jason Higginson, senior director of marketing for APsystems about the company's new microinverter, the importance of its FPGA chip and how its mobile installer tool helps installers on the job site.
CEO of Array Technologies discusses the future of solar trackers
In this Solar Speaks custom podcast, Array Technologies CEO Ron Corio discusses the trend toward using single-axis trackers in utility-scale projects, the future of solar tracker technology and how Oaktree's investment in ATI will move the company and its customers forward.
Sullivan Solar talks net-metering 2.0
San Diego recently became the first city in California to reach the solar cap in its utility’s region. We are speaking with Matt Gordon, manager Of SD Project Development at Sullivan Solar Power. He discusses the impact of San Diego reaching the solar cap, in terms of net energy metering 2.0, California’s Rule 21 and what this milestone will mean for the solar industry.
Contractors Corner: Superior Solar
Solar Power World chats with Florida contractor Superior Solar, which has been in business since 1984 and uses its longevity and presence in the industry to find more customers.
Roof Tech discusses its rail-less mounting system
In this Solar Speaks custom podcast, Milton Nogueira, senior business development manager at RoofTech, a PV mounting solutions provider, discusses the company's rail-less PV mounting system, which you can see for yourself at the upcoming Solar Power International exhibition in Las Vegas in September. Milton discusses how the product works, details its flexible flashing and talks about the future of Roof Tech in this Solar Speaks podcast.
The threat of lightning on solar farms
Damage from direct and indirect lightning strikes on solar arrays can vary from explosive destruction to less apparent, yet accumulative, effects on sensitive electronics. Jim Grasty, engineering manager for systems and services at Alltec, discusses the threat of lightning strikes on solar arrays and the surprising state of lightning protection at solar farms. After listening, check out the article about Alltec’s Protection Pyramid for lightning strike protection on the Solar Power World website.
Podcast: Tips for evaluating your solar supplier, and yourself
How’s your relationship? I’m not talking about your spouse, your parents or your in-laws…don’t worry. I’m focusing in on another important relationship in your life, your relationship with your solar supplier. Ed Heacox of CPS is here in this custom podcast to discuss some considerations for ensuring this relationship is working for your business, as well as for taking a look at how your own company is operating.
Keeping PACE with solar financing
President Obama’s announcement of the Clean Energy Savings For All Initiative is intended to help more homeowners afford solar by opting into solar energy at no up-front cost. In light of this recent news we’re speaking to Ygrene CMO Louis Lalonde and general manager of Solar & Storage Mark Colby. Ygrene has funded nearly $473 million in climate-resilient infrastructure projects across the nation. Louis and Mark will discuss what the White House announcement will mean for the solar industry, especially in relation to PACE financing, as well as what their company is doing to help streamline PACE financing.
Contractors Corner: SouthWest Sun Solar
We talk with Hieu Nguyen, executive director of SouthWest Sun Solar of California, about the company's diversity efforts.
Solar Speaks: NEXTracker Intersolar preview with CEO Dan Shugar
In this Solar Speaks podcast, NEXTracker CEO Dan Shugar discusses what he’s looking forward to seeing and doing at Intersolar North America, happening July 12 to 14 in San Francisco. Shugar also comments on the following subjects: • NX Fusion, NEXTracker’s latest product for mid-sized projects • What’s driving an industry trend toward 1,500-V equipment • How NEXTracker will use its new Center for Solar Excellence, a power plant and field-learning center • What’s pushing developers toward using trackers in the U.S. and globally • NEXTracker’s advanced monitoring technology for trackers in the field • Why NEXTracker is a “differentiated” company Click play to listen and learn.
KACO gives an Ultraverter update
We spoke with Jon Bonanno, Ultraverter specialist at KACO new energy, to get an update on the system, which was released at SPI in 2014. You may have listened to our previous podcast on its debut. The Ultraverter is said to leverage the best of string and miroinverter technology so Jon tells us more about how it’s been received and why it may be a good choice for your residential or commercial project.
SunLink VP Kate Trono discusses VERTEX monitoring platform
In this Solar Speaks podcast, Kate Trono, vice president of products at SunLink, discusses the company’s recent entry into the solar software market with VERTEX. VERTEX is SunLink’s next‐generation, secure total project SCADA and solar performance monitoring platform. Trono also discusses how VERTEX complements the company’s one-year-old entry into operations and maintenance work. Listen and learn as Trono discusses these topics and more.
Solar Speaks: Jeff Spies discusses codes and standards impacting the rooftop solar market
In this Solar Speaks podcast, Jeff Spies, senior director of policy at Quick Mount PV and secretary at NABCEP, discusses the growing complexities of codes and standards in the rooftop solar market and how solar installation companies can address related issues. “Because the industry has grown so significantly, we’ve seen many building officials in the solar-active states take a great interest in how to validate the PV systems being mounted on roofs [to ensure they] comply with building, fire code and electric codes,” Spies says in the podcast. Listen and learn as Spies discusses these topics and more.
Contractors Corner: Southern Energy Management
Bob Kingery, co-founder and president of Southern Energy Management in Morrisville, North Carolina, chats with Solar Power World about the company's Walk-Jog-Run installation process.
CEO of Solar Promotion International discusses upcoming Intersolar North America exhibition
Markus Elsässer, founder and CEO of Solar Promotion International, a global tradeshow company with a focus on renewable energy and energy efficiency, discusses the upcoming Intersolar North America conference and exhibition, which runs July 11 through 14, 2016, in San Francisco.
Contractors Corner: Green Sun Rising
We talked with Klaus Dohring of Green Sun Rising about the Canadian solar market and heard some great stories about installing solar in the Arctic Circle's extreme temperatures and weather conditions.
Solar Speaks: JinkoSolar and GreenSky residential loan partnership
We recently talked with Jeff Juger, director of business development for JinkoSolar, about the panel manufacturer's new partnership with residential loan provider GreenSky. This podcast is sponsored by JinkoSolar
Finding funding for small commercial solar
We spoke with Bryan Birsic, CEO of Wunder Capital to give us some insight into challenges of and solutions for financing small commercial solar projects.
Contractors Corner: Swinerton Renewable Energy
Swinerton Renewable Energy's George Hershman, senior vice president and general manager, talked with Solar Power World about the struggles and successes of being a large-scale solar installer in North America.
S&C shares solar + storage sweet spot
We spoke with Troy Miller, director of grid solutions at the S&C Electric Company to find out more about the company's role in solar + storage, as well as some recent projects. Listen to learn how a solar+storage installation, approaching ribbon-cutting, will help the village of Minster, Ohio.
Contractors Corner: SunPower by EmPower Solar
We talk with SunPower by EmPower Solar CEO David Schieren about the company's new role as SunPower Master Dealer and what's new with the New York market.
Enphase founder speaks on solar and storage
As Enphase celebrates ten years and ten million microinverters shipped, co-founder Raghu Belur shares what he sees as the company's biggest successes and most exciting plans for the future. He also discusses how adding solar and storage to the grid isn't just a matter of nuts and bolts, but an effort to create a better, smarter energy system.
How a Princeton student found his way into solar storage
We spoke with founder of Princeton Power Darren Hammell, who founded his solar storage company in his dorm room. The company now celebrates 15 years. Hammell shares what has made Princeton Power successful, his view of the storage market and advice for other solar startups.
Contractors Corner: Tennessee Solar Solutions
Chattanooga-based solar contractor Tennessee Solar Solutions spoke with Solar Power World about the local market and how the company stands out in the crowd.
Saft discusses solar storage technology
Energy storage, though currently in its infancy, is predicted to be crucial to the growth of solar. To learn more about the market and technology, we spoke with Laurent Mahuteau, Saft’s Technical Sales & Project Manager.
Brewers Association economist: Why are craft brews turning to solar?
Two breweries open every day in the U.S., and 75% of Americans live within 10 miles of one. And as it turns out, many brewery owners are conscience of the environment and energy usage, making them perfect potential solar customers. This is especially true as breweries mature and make plans for their next phase of growth, said Bart Watson, chief economist of the Brewers Association. “It makes good business sense,” Watson said. “Breweries are energy intensive. It’s a manufacturing business. When you’re constantly heating water for your boil kettle or hot liquor tank having a reliable source of energy that over the long term reduces your costs makes sense.” Listen to this Solar Speaks podcast to learn more about the micro-brew business and whether breweries could be good prospects for your solar business. Photo © Brewers Association
Chint Power Perspective, Scaling in America
The latest IHS PV Inverter Customer Insight Survey revealed a growing acceptance of Chinese inverters in the North American market in recent years. To help shed some insight into why more solar contractors are choosing Chinese inverters, we spoke with Ed Heacox of Chint Power Systems. Ed discusses how CPS overcame initial customer hesitation, and grew to have a major market presence in North American.
Contractors Corner: American Sentry Solar
We talk with American Sentry Solar in Bel Air, Maryland, about the solar business and outlook into the future.
The 411 on building codes and solar with SolarRoofHook.com
Michael Wiener, marketing manager of SolarRoofHook.com, shares information about building codes as they relate to sloped-roof solar installations in this Solar Speaks podcast. SolarRoofHook.com is a division of Quickscrews International Corporation. The company offers a wide range of products for mounting solar panels onto residential roofs. In this podcast, Wiener discuses fire, drainage and wind resistance codes. He discusses how IBC code defines roof hooks and how solar installation companies can ensure their projects meet standards.
Contractors Corner: RER Energy Group
RER Energy Group in Reading, Pennsylvania, coaches the community through issues and concerns to bring solar to the masses.
How solar can help combat climate change
There’s been lots of news coming from the 21st Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). We spoke with Lior Handelsman, SolarEdge's VP of Marketing and Product Strategy, who attended the conference. He shares what he heard on the solar side of the discussion at the conference, as well as his view on what the industry can do to help solar be the best solution to climate change it can.
AllEarth Renewables' Andrew Savage discusses the business side of breweries and solar
It's a micro-trend in the micro-brew business to go solar, with breweries nationwide becoming advocates for sustainability. And AllEarth Renewables, a Vermont-based solar tracker manufacturer and developer of solar projects, is becoming a go-to solar firm for breweries in the Northeast, with installations at The Alchemist, Woodchuck Cider and Maine Beer Company. In this Solar Speaks podcast, Andrew Savage, chief strategy officer at AllEarth, discusses the business side of breweries going solar. He talks about the bankability of beer makers, the importance of virtual net metering and how other EPCs should approach breweries with project proposals.
Gridtential's technology could help standardize solar storage
How will storage be important to solar's long-term success? Do contractors know enough about storage? How have utilities responded to solar-plus-storage? We spoke with Ray Kubis, in light of his recent appointment to Gridtential’s board of directors. Ray is a storage veteran, with 35 years of experience in the industrial and automotive sectors of the battery industry. He answered our storage questions, and explained how Gridtential is licencing its storage technology to a network of manufacturers to ramp-up scale and standardize solutions to make them easier to implement.
Solar Speaks: Trina Solar hits 15 GW shipped worldwide
We spoke with Jing Tian, head of global marketing for Trina Solar, about the company's recent milestone of 15 GW of solar modules shipped globally and learn of Trina's future plans.
Solar Speaks: Solar-Log monitoring assists with power curtailment
We chat with Stephen Condon of Solar-Log about a Connecticut solar project that uses Solar-Log monitoring systems for measurement and feed-in management. Stephen also tells us the benefits of these monitoring systems for both end users and solar installers.
SolarSpeaks: How SunLink is preparing for an ITC sunset
In this edition of Solar Speaks, SunLink CEO Michael Maulick discusses the solar mounting manufacturer’s business strategy going toward 2017, when the solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) may expire or be reduced. Maulick discusses international expansion—including a pair of projects in Honduras—global supply chains and how his experience in the tech industry can apply to solar. He also offers clues about a new SunLink product yet to be unveiled. Learn more about SunLink in this Solar Speaks podcast.
Contractors Corner: CBS Solar
SPW talks with the family team at CBS Solar about the emerging solar market in Michigan.
Solar And The Grid
Troy Miller, director of grid solutions for S&C Electric Company, discusses the impact of solar on the electric grid in this Solar Speaks Live video, powered by Unirac, from the 2015 Solar Power International tradeshow.
Vaisala On Site Assessment
Gwendalyn Bender, product manager for assessment services for Vaisala, discusses the range of services and products offered by the company in this Solar Speaks Live video, powered by Unirac, from the 2015 Solar Power International tradeshow. Bender also touches on the concept of accuracy in weather forecasts and how it impacts projects.
DOE On SunShot Initiative Progress
Dr. Lidija Sekaric, deputy director of the SunShot Initiative, discuss the programs latest funding programs and progress in this Solar Speaks Live video, powered by Unirac, from the 2015 Solar Power International tradeshow.
Julia Hamm Compares Missions Of SEPA And SEIA
Julia Hamm, president and CEO of SEPA, met with Solar Power World for a Solar Speaks Live interview at Solar Power International 2015. She explained how SEPA and SEIA operate differently, but both want to see the success of the solar industry.
Decades Of Perspective On Solar
Bill Brooks, principal of Brooks Engineering, discusses solar worker training, array design and the ITC in this Solar Speaks Live video, powered by Unirac, from the 2015 Solar Power International tradeshow.
About Rhone Resch
Rhone Resch, president and CEO of SEIA, talks about his life growing up and how he became interested in solar and policy in this Solar Speaks Live video, powered by Unirac, from the 2015 Solar Power International tradeshow.
Conergy On U.S. Development And The ITC
Andrew de Pass, CEO of Conergy, a global solar developer and EPC, discusses solar development and the ITC in this Solar Speaks Live video, powered by Unirac, from the 2015 Solar Power International tradeshow.
Catching The Sun Director Talks About Documentary
Shalini Kantayya, director of the solar documentary Catching the Sun, discusses the film and the communication challenges present in the solar industry in this Solar Speaks Live video, powered by Unirac, from the 2015 Solar Power International tradeshow.
Making It Easier To Go Solar
During a Solar Power World Solar Speaks Live interview at Solar Power International 2015, we spoke with David Field, who addressed challenges homeowners encounter when buying solar and how his company is innovating to make it easier. Field also commented on the White House's Clean Power Plan and trends he sees going into 2016.
A Call For Standardized Production Estimates
During a Solar Power World Solar Speaks Live interview at Solar Power International 2015, we spoke with Jesse Grossman, CEO of Soltage. He discussed why the industry needs a standardized way to estimate solar power production.
Innovative Solar Financing
Billy Parish, founder and CEO of Mosaic, met with Solar Power World for a Solar Speaks Live interview at Solar Power International 2015.
ABB’s Global View Of Solar
Alex Levran, group senior VP and head of Solar Industry Segment Initiative for ABB, discusses how ABB’s worldwide experience in solar gives the company a unique perspective at SPI 2015.
A Need For Solar Training Basics
Richard Lawrence, executive director of NABCEP, talked with Solar Power World at Solar Speaks Live about trends in training and education, including how the flux of scheduled 2016 projects has affected what and who needs to be taught solar basics.
Challenges Of Solar Financing
Mary Rottman of the Solar Energy Finance Association joined Solar Power World at Solar Speaks Live at SPI 2015 to discuss the latest trends in financing, including how the industry as a whole can join together to standardize financing.
Energy Storage + Solar
John Jung, CEO of energy storage provider Greensmith, joined Solar Power World at Solar Speaks Live at SPI 2015 to talk about the working relationship between solar and energy storage and the challenges with wider adoption.
Jigar Shah On Today's Issues In Solar
Solar industry thought-leader Jigar Shah talked with Solar Power World editor Kelly Pickerel at SPI 2015 about many topics affecting the U.S. solar market, including the federal ITC, energy storage and climate change solutions.
How NEXTracker innovated solar commissioning and O&M efficiency
In this edition of Solar Speaks, Dylan Anderson, senior director of project and quality engineering at NEXTracker, discusses the company's flagship product, the horizontal, individual-row Self-Powered Tracker (SPT). Since 2013, NEXTracker has brought more than 1 GW of trackers to the market, and it has another gigawatt underway. Among the reasons for the company's success is the tracker's innovative technology allowing commissioning during construction and increased O&M efficiencies. Learn more about NEXTracker in this Solar Speaks podcast.
A tea house in the sky, chatting with SolTerra
From a teahouse in the sky, to an underground moss museum, Founder and CEO of SolTerra Brian Heather uses story ideas like these to make sustainability visible in his company's projects. Listen to learn more about the Washington solar company.
Eaton talks solar storage
Other than batteries, what other components make up solar storage systems? What should you consider when selecting these components? We spoke with John Vernacchia, global segment manager for renewable energy at Eaton to learn more.
Leila Madrone, CEO of Sunfolding, discusses new tracker technology
Four years ago, former MIT lab mates Leila Madrone and Saul Griffith started working together to help bring solar to the next level. “Across the solar industry, it was clear the tracker was the unsolved problem,” Madrone says in this Solar Speaks podcast. “Everyone wants tracker performance, but no one wants tracker complexity.” Sunfolding, a new type of solar tracker that has just emerged from stealth, is the outcome of their research and development. The tracker eliminates motors, gearboxes, torque tubes, bearings and wires. “We created a system that has the ease of installation and versatility of fixed tilt,” Madrone says. The tracker uses distributed actuation with a pneumatic drive system that lets solar developers install trackers in small, uniform sections, like fixed-tilt mounting. The drive is made of durable polymers developed by DuPont and already used in harsh automotive applications. Learn more about Sunfolding in this Solar Speaks podcast. Sunfolding is also exhibiting at Solar Power International 2015 at booth No. 7624.
EagleView Technologies discusses aerial imaging for the solar industry
EagleView Technologies uses patented software to produce 3D models from aerial roof and wall measurements that are extremely accurate and detailed. Reports for the solar industry deliver all measurements needed for any solar installation project, including azimuth, square footage, line lengths and a CAD file of the property. Tim Rochman, director of strategic sales, discusses EagleView Technologies' products and innovation for the solar industry in this Solar Speaks podcast.
Solar Speaks: How R&D efficiency records compare to installed solar panels
SPW editor Kelly Pickerel talks with Siva Power CEO Brad Mattson about solar panel companies breaking efficiency records in R&D labs, and how those panels compare to the ones installed in the field.
Contractors Corner: Titan Solar Construction
SPW talks with Omar Melo, director of corporate strategy and development at Titan Solar, about installing solar in competitive California.
Solar Speaks: Women changing the world through solar
Solar Power International offers events specifically for women each year. Perhaps one of the longest running is a panel discussion and reception put on by the Professional Women in Solar Group. We spoke with founder Isabelle Christensen to find out more about the event at SPI and the group in general.
Solar Speaks: How a nonprofit and solar music videos are changing the world
We spoke with Teri Carter, a consultant for global sustainable solutions and community development. She discussed how USOL Energy is making solar panels in Mexico for Mexico, how her non-profit Power of Green L.A. is training and retraining the solar industry, and how she's making solar fun and attracting youth by merging it with entertainment. Listen to learn more.
Contractors Corner: Horizon Solar Power
Horizon Solar Power, a southern California-based solar installation company, was founded in 1998 and has installed more than 2,000 residential installations since 2008. Over the past three years, the company has undergone tremendous growth: 95 employees in 2012 turned into 540 in 2014, and 2/3 of the company's total installation capacity was installed just last year. I spoke with David Kingery, Director of Sales with Horizon to ask what has enabled their success as a company and if any particular challenges came as a result from growing so quickly. The company has offices in Hemet, Redlands and Palm Springs, and offers free solar site inspections, as well as financial analysis, solar system design and panel installation.To learn more, visit them at horizonsolarpower.com.
Contractors Corner: Collegiate Solar focuses on the everyday family
Collegiate Solar, a Buffalo, NY-based contracting company, was started in 2009 by company president Chris Jablonski after 15 years of experience in the roofing industry. With a growing number of employees and a market of primarily residential installations, Collegiate’s basis is its focus on family-oriented business.
Pro-Tech Energy Solutions on dealing with difficult installation conditions
It’s common for solar projects in the Northeast to be situated on difficult terrain. Sometimes installations require tree clearing, access roads, earth moving, even rock blasting! In rural areas, endangered turtles or Indian burial grounds can present problems. And in the city, projects can encounter limited space, people trying to go about their day and thieves. Inclement weather can play the antagonist during any solar array installation. In this Solar Speaks podcast, New Jersey-based Pro-Tech Energy Solutions President Rich Cooper discusses how his company makes the best of a difficult situations while keeping projects profitable. Cooper also touches on the ITC reduction and what will happen after 2017 along the East Coast.
Mortenson speaks on how to know your solar customers better
How do you stay on top of knowing your customers' needs? What are their biggest challenges and how can you help? Is talking to them on the job site enough? We spoke with Trent Mostaert, Vice President and general manager of solar at Mortenson Construction to find out how his company conducts a survey to learn more about the needs of its customers.
Lessons learned: O&M and asset management
Asset management is a buzzword in today's solar industry. But what does it really mean and how does it relate to overall operations and maintenance? We spoke with Ken Kostok of O&M provider Alectris to find out. He shares his lessons learned from over 150 MW of solar installations. He also tells us about a special symposium taking place during Intersolar NA 2015 where you can learn more.
Contractor's Corner: IPS finds longevity in local solar
After 24 years in Minnesota solar, contractor Innovative Power Systems has some insight to share on how to survive in the solar market. We spoke with Eric Pasi, VP of business development to learn more.
Why have installers adopted 3-phase string inverters so fast?
We spoke with Ed Heacox and Casey Miller of Chint Power Systems to discuss the adoption of 3-phase string inverter architecture in North America, and what Chint offers in this space.
Solar Speaks: How will KACO and Ampt's partnership help commercial projects?
KACO new energy and Ampt have partnered to offer KACO’s blueplanet 50 TL3 inverter with an option to pair with Ampt’s string optimizers. This is in an effort to increase energy production and lower costs in commercial solar projects. We spoke with Mark Kanjorski of Ampt, and Bill Reaugh of KACO new energy to find out more.
Contractors Corner: Brightstar Solar
Solar Power World editor Kelly Pickerel spoke with Jon Reese, CEO of Brightstar Solar, based in Marlborough, Massachusetts. The company has grown with the state's solar boom.
All about Intersolar NA 2015
Intersolar North America will return to San Francisco for its eighth year July 14 to 16. We spoke with Markus Elsässer, CEO of Solar Promotion International, which helps organize the show, to learn more about what to expect and why to attend.
Rick Gentry discusses SolarRoofHook.com, provider of solar mounts
In this podcast, SolarRoofHook.com Executive Vice President Rick Gentry talks about the company, its products and why customers would choose SolarRoofHook.com over its competitors. SolarRoofHook.com is a division of Quickscrews International Corporation, offering a wide range of products for mounting solar panels onto residential roofs. The company can produce custom products in 60 days and are continually working with solar installers to deliver the exact products needed for any type of roof. Products are stocked in Livermore, California, and Rock Hill, South Carolina, allowing SolarRoofHook.com to meet the needs of any company or individual nationwide.
New Array Technologies president, Thomas Conroy, on the solar industry vs. the windpower industry
Thomas Conroy, the new president of solar tracker manufacturer Array Technologies, has decades of experience in power generation. In this Solar Speaks podcast, Conroy discusses parallels between the solar and windpower industries. He also discusses technology coming soon from Array Technologies, including a new generation of its single-axis tracker.
Conergy's CEO shares business advice and solar industry insight
As the solar industry goes through its growing pains there’s no shortage of ebb and flow to watch. Some businesses boom, while some lose their place in the market, and still others may stumble but come back stronger than ever. We spoke with Andrew de Pass, CEO of Conergy, about how the company has bounced back after its acquisition by Kawa in 2013, and what other solar professionals can learn from his experience.
Why you should consider adding off-grid services to your business
As the off-grid solar market grows, many solar professionals are considering offering services to this segment as a smart business move. But off-grid projects have different considerations that are important to note for a proper installation. To tell us more, we spoke with Sequoya Cross of off-grid supplier Backwoods Solar.
Why site assessment is so important for solar projects
Site assessment is often discussed as an important step in planning any project, but what exactly do you need to look for? We spoke with Gwendalyn Bender of Vaisala to tell us more. She even touches on why developers of the notable Ivanpah solar project weren't as concerned as the media when the project didn't perform as hoped for its first summer. Listen to learn more.
Solar Speaks: What Distributors Can Do For Solar
We spoke with Jonathan Doochin, CEO of Soligent Distribution. Jonathan discussed what solar installers need to win, the evolution of residential solar financing and the emergency and proliferation of the solar loan, and where to look to reduce soft cost which can save you over 20% of the cost of selling and installing solar.
Solar Speaks: A Discussion with Solar Source
We spoke with Rick Gilbert, vice president of Florida-based solar installer Solar Source. Rick discusses his company, as well as the training and public awareness of solar it provides through the Solar Source Institute. He also shares his thoughts on Florida’s solar market and what it will take to push solar into the mainstream in the United States.
Solar Speaks: HDPV Alliance Aims To Lower Costs
We spoke with Levent Gun, CEO of Ampt. Levent discussed a bit about Ampt and its role in the HDPV Alliance. With some of the biggest inverter, junction box and module makers in the industry, the alliance aims to advance industry adoption of lower cost, higher performance PV systems.
Solar Speaks: Concentrated PV Expands Its Reach
We talk to Paul Robusto, photovoltaic business development manager at Intertek, about the rapidly expanding concentrated PV technology, a subject he spoke on the recent Solar Power International Conference in Orlando.
Solar Speaks: How To Choose A Quality Solar Panel
We spoke with Michael Howe of Canadian solar integrator Eclipsall Energy Corporation. He discussed how the U.S. solar market varies from the Canadian market, as well as the importance of using quality raw materials in solar panels. He tells installers what to look for when talking to manufacturers about panel quality.
Solar Speaks: Crowd Funding Offers A New Way To Invest In Solar
We spoke with Billy Parish, founder and president of Mosaic. The company has made recent headlines with its innovative approach to financing solar projects by allowing the public to invest in solar via an online marketplace.
Contractors Corner: SunHarvest Solar & Electrical
Solar Power World editor Kelly Pickerel spoke with Brandon Cheshire, founder and director of production at SunHarvest Solar & Electrical, based in Phoenix, Arizona. The mostly residential solar installer is active in local and state governments to boost the profile of solar energy.
Creating solar storage out of waste
Remember vanadium from your high school science class? We spoke with Imergy President Tim Hennessey who told us how his company is using a lower-cost vanadium waste product to create batteries that can last longer and hold more power than many other options out there. Listen to learn more.
Higher solar voltages and how to get there
We spoke with Mark Kanjorski of Ampt to discuss why the solar industry is moving toward higher voltages (1500V and more), and various ways of achieving them, including with DC optimizers.
DNV GL discusses solar inverter testing
Testing is essential to helping verify functionality and performance of any component, especially inverters as the “brains of a solar system.” We spoke with Ray Hudson and Michael Mills-Price of DNV GL’s inverter testing segment to tell us more about how the organization's testing expands upon that of traditional national testing facilities.
Solar power optimizers in 2015
Installations of power optimizers are reported to grow significantly through 2020. We’re here with Mike Rogerson of SolarEdge to give us some insight into these power electrics in 2015.
SunLink VP discusses solar ground mount products, the market and supply chains
Yury Reznikov, vice president of product management at SunLink, a solar mounting system provider, discusses trends in the ground mount market, including key product differentiators and supply chain best practices.
Contractors Corner: A-C Solar
Solar Power World editor Kelly Pickerel spoke with Jeff Petrini, energy manager, and Katie Van Dyke, sales and marketing manager, of A-C Solar based in Bakersfield, California. The commercial solar installer has been in the business for over a decade and shares its tips for success in SPW's Contractors Corner.
Solar mounting manufacturer Mounting Systems discusses fire certifications
Two Mounting Systems products, the Alpha+ pitched roof system and the Lambda Leight EW+, were rated in ETL fire tests as Class A with Type 1 PV modules. What does all of that mean? Product manager Don Massa breaks it down for us in this Solar Speaks podcast.
Making solar the new dishwasher in homes
Heating, running water, air conditioning, these are standard features in most homes. What if solar was too? Home builder Lennar is actually teaming up with partners such as Enphase to make this a reality on new homes. We spoke with Paul Nahi of Enphase Energy and David Kaiserman of Lennar to learn more.
Solar Speaks: How Acadia Center is Combating Climate Change
Climate Change is one of the premier issues of our time, but solar can help solve it. We spoke with Jamie Howland, of Acadia Center, an organization which has offices throughout New England, to find out how it too is working to solve climate change and what resources it offers solar professionals. Listen to learn more, and visit acadiacenter.org.
What Would Your Ideal Solar State Look Like?
Take a moment to picture this: You have a 51st state without an electricity market structure in place. How would you build that system from the ground up so that you maximize the amount of solar and other distributed energy resources while ensuring customers continue to have safe, reliable and affordable power? It's a fascinating idea, right? Especially given the fact that utilities have not quite figured out how to do this. In this episode of Solar Speaks SEPA's President and CEO Julia Hamm explains how this idea is the basis of the organization's 51st State Initiative. Anyone can submit their ideas for an ideal electricity market and grid structure that could accomodate solar. These suggestions will inspire more feasible ideas for existing markets who are struggling on how to incorporate solar power. Listen to learn more!
7 Tips For A Solar Project Press Release
Press releases are an essential marketing tool in any industry, and solar is no exception. Still, it can be easy to fall into the trap of going through the motions and churning out news without stopping to consider if you’re really engaging your audience. Here are seven tips for making the most of your press release efforts.
Travelers
What kind of insurance does a solar installation company need? Do electricians have similar exposures or risks to roofers? Knowing how to properly insure your solar business can be confusing. To clear things up, we spoke with Scott Foyer and Matthew Burrows of Travelers Insurance. Listen to the conversation here.
Solar Speaks: Why The U.S. Attracts International Investment
As the European market matures and offers investors slow, steady growth (instead of the spectacular growth of recent years), investors and developers are looking to finance projects in markets that promise growth.
Part Two KACO
Solar Power World brings to you a special edition of our podcast series, in which we take an in depth look at German inverter manufacturer KACO new energy, a tier-one manufacturer with more than 7 GW of solar inverters deployed in all major global market.
Part Three KACO
Solar Power World brings to you a special edition of our podcast series, in which we take an in depth look at German inverter manufacturer KACO new energy, a tier-one manufacturer with more than 7 GW of solar inverters deployed in all major global market.
Part One KACO
Solar Power World brings to you a special edition of our podcast series, in which we take an in depth look at German inverter manufacturer KACO new energy, a tier-one manufacturer with more than 7 GW of solar inverters deployed in all major global market.
Part Four KACO
Solar Power World brings to you a special edition of our podcast series, in which we take an in depth look at German inverter manufacturer KACO new energy, a tier-one manufacturer with more than 7 GW of solar inverters deployed in all major global market.
What’s Really Going On With The New Fire Regulations?
Listen to Jeff Spies, Senior Director of Policy of Quick Mount PV and Mark C. Gies, Vice President, Reliability and Compliance with PanelClaw discuss the pending regulations in great depth with SPW in preparation for the ongoing discussions at Solar Power International.
Solar Speaks: How To Solve The Permitting Mess
We talked to Carlos Moreno, general partner of CNG Solar Engineering, a Woodland Hills, Calif.-based company that handles permitting issues for solar installers in five states. He offers his insights into why the permitting system in the United States is a mess — and what steps can be taken to clean it up.
Contractors Corner: Texas Solar Outfitters
Cal Morton, sales and marketing executive at Texas Solar Outfitters (a 2014 Solar Power World Top 400 Contractor), discusses how the company got its start, what has led to its success and the growing solar market in Houston.
Solar Speaks: Considerations For Landfill Solar
We spoke with Joe Harrison, Senior Project Developer of San Diego, California-based EPC Borrego Solar Systems (No. 22 on Solar Power World’s 2014 Top 400 Contractors list), with lots of experience with landfill solar projects.
Solar Speaks: Is Shortening The Sales Cycle Possible?
We invited Helioscope’s developers — Paul Gibbs and Paul Grana of Folsom Labs — to discuss why they felt the software was necessary and the feedback they are receiving from their current customers.
Solar Speaks: How The HDPV Alliance Is Helping Lower The Cost of Solar
Solar Power World Managing Editor Kathie Zipp checked in with the HDPV Alliance at Intersolar NA 2014 in San Francisco. Representatives had much to talk about as they reported how membership has grown, Bonfiglioli’s HDPV-compliant inverter launch and how HDPV innovation is enabling developers to source a 2,000-V system using 1,000-V components.
Solar Speaks: Do You Know Where Your Solar Modules Rank?
For years, the industry has tried to figure out how to rank solar panels by the amount of energy they produce, but it’s been difficult to decide what criteria should be used. The Principal Solar Institute, a leading educational organization created by public utility Principal Solar, has created just such a ranking system — and Matthew A. Thompson, the institute’s executive director, dropped by Solar Speaks to talk about it.
Solar Speaks: Is Principal Solar Ready To Take Off?
Principal Solar announced it had reached the financial critical mass it needed to purchase and finance multiple solar projects, which fits into its overall strategy to become a distributed solar utility. We talked to Michael Martin, executive vice president, business development at the Dallas-based, publicly traded solar energy holding company, about what this means for the company’s future.
Solar Speaks: Exosun VP On The Company, Its Tracker System And Reliability Testing
In this Solar Speaks podcast, Exosun’s Vice President of Business Development, Jay Johnson, discusses: Why the company entered the U.S. market The Exotrack HZ single-axis tracker How Exosun tests its products for reliability The advantages of manufacturing in the U.S. Differences between the U.S. and French solar markets What Exosun is planning for the future
Solar Speaks: Why You Should Attend Intersolar NA 2014
From new training programs, to conference sessions, to speakers, to networking events, Solar Promotion International has big plans for its Intersolar North America 2014 event. The event organizer’s CEO Markus Elsässer spoke with us about what else to expect as the show returns for its seventh year in San Francisco, California July 7 to 10.
Solar Speaks: Solmetric And Vivint Team Up On Solar Testing
You may have heard of Solar Power World Top 250 Contractor Vivint Solar’s acquisition of solar testing equipment manufacturer Solmetric. And if the possibility of Solmetric’s products coming off the market concerned you, rest assured. We spoke with Solmetric’s Keith Rose who cleared up some confusion about the acquisition, and explained how the two companies are working together on some pretty exciting ideas. He also tells us why solar analyzing is so important, and relates his own interesting background of how he got into solar too.
Solar Speaks: Amicus And Locus Energy Discuss Solar Monitoring And Purchasing Cooperatives
Joining us is Stephen Irvin from Amicus Solar Cooperative and Adrian De Luca from Locus Energy.
Solar Speaks: How Should Solar Installers Market To Women?
According to research, women are the chief financial officers in most homes and make 80% of the home improvement buying decisions. Hear what nearly 300 women from 34 states had to say about what you should be doing to reach them.
Solar Speaks: The Coming Boom Of Fleet-Level Monitoring
Adrian De Luca, vice president of sales and marketing, and Michael Herzig, CEO, of Locus Energy, a Hoboken, New Jersey-based solar monitoring company, agreed to dissect this coming solar boom and the role monitoring will play in its evolution.
Contractors Corner: Vivint Solar
Greg Butterfield, CEO of Vivint Solar, talks about what he sees as the best value proposition going today: residential solar power. In this episode of Contractors Corner, Butterfield breaks down the key to Vivint Solar’s explosive growth.
Solar Speaks: Stop Improvising Your Racking Installations
We caught up with Barry Cinnamon, owner and founder of Cinnamon Solar (and former president of Westinghouse Solar), who says he found some important flaws in some of the older mounting systems because installers improvised the systems instead of following the protocols.
Solar Speaks: The Midwest Is The Next Big Spot For Solar
We spoke with Geoff Stenrick, to find our more about his St. Paul-Minnesota based solar distribution company, as well as why SimpleRay is taking part in the Midwest Solar EXPO and why you should too.
Solar Speaks: A Call To Set Solar Inverter Reliability Standards
We spoke with SolarBridge Technologies‘ Craig Lawrence and Paul Parker to see how the microinverter manufacturer is pushing the industry to do something about the issue.
Solar Speaks: Green Charge Networks Helps Solve Energy Storage Issues
Green Charge Networks says it’s come up with a solution to address grid storage challenges by bringing the public and private sectors together. We spoke with the company’s CEO Vic Shao to learn how his company will use Department Of Energy funding to develop agreements that help businesses cut their electricity bills by using a combination of energy storage and predictive algorithms.
Contractors Corner: Run On Sun
In this Contractors Corner podcast, learn how Run on Sun attracts clients, the reason it switched to micro-inverters and why co-founder Jim Jenal wrote a book about commercial solar installation, titled Commercial Solar: Step-By-Step.
Solar Speaks: This Simple Solar Component Is Important
While an enclosure isn’t the most complex component you’ll find in a solar installation, it’s certainly an important one. A proper enclosure protects vital system electronics that can affect uptime, and therefore the system’s return on investment. We spoke with Bill DeRoche of Ohio enclosure manufacturer Allied Moulded Products to find out why enclosures are more than just a box.
Solar Speaks: Software Helps Lower The Soft Costs Of Solar
While solar component costs are decreasing, balance of system and soft costs remain a huge obstacle to completing many commercial solar projects. But concept3D, a Colorado-based software studio and media services company, has partnered with NREL to help lower the soft costs of solar energy. concept3D received $1.3 million in funding from the DOE’s Sunshot Initiative to develop simuwatt Solar a tool that uses 3D modeling to streamline the entire process from sales to engineering, to permitting in a single application. We spoke with the company’s CEO Oliver Davis to find out more.
A Conversation With Arno Harris of Recurrent Energy, Part Two
In the second part of Solar Power World‘s conversation with Arno Harris, CEO of Recurrent Energy and chairman of SEIA, the industry leader discusses what must happen for the solar industry to be considered a mature member of the U.S. energy mix.
Will The Senate Reduce The Solar ITC In 2014?
In light of the Senate’s proposal to reduce the investment tax credit for solar, we spoke with Jamie Hahn, co-founder and managing director of Northeastern solar developer Solis Partners (also a Solar Power World Top 250 Contractor). Jamie helped clarify what this reduction would mean for the solar industry and if it’s likely to pass in 2014.
A Conversation With Arno Harris of Recurrent Energy, Part One
We talked to Arno Harris, Recurrent’s CEO, to get his perspective on what drove the industry in 2013 (including the loosening of financing), and how it feels to have the United States finally competing with with Germany as a world solar leader.
Solar Speaks: SolarCity Lights The Way For Schools Overseas
For every megawatt of residential solar power that SolarCity installs in 2014, the company will bring light to a community by donating a solar power system and battery combination to a school without access to electricity, through its new charitable arm, the Give Power Foundation.
Contractors Corner: Solect, Hopkinton, Massachusetts
In this episode, we hear from James Dumas, a founding principal at Solect, a Hopkinton, Mass.-based solar installer and member of the Solar Power World Top 250 Solar Contractors list.
Solar Speaks: Will GM Transmission Plant Transition U.S. To Solar?
In this episode, we talked to Rob Threlkeld, renewable energy manager for General Motors. GM joined SEIA in February 2013, and in October 2013 they announced that they will be installing a 1.8 MW on their Toled, Ohio, Transmission Plant.
Solar Speaks: Help Homeboy Industries Help LA
We spoke with Youness Scally of Everybody Solar, a San Francisco non-profit that works to protect the environment and strengthen communities through solar energy projects. Youness is here to tell us more about the work his organization does, particularly how Everybody Solar is working with a fellow non-profit, Homeboy Industries, to stop gang-violence.
Solar Speaks: Will CIGS Save Solar?
Today, we’re talking to Brad Mattson, CEO of Siva Power.
Solar Speaks: Cogenra Solar
Today, we’re talking to Gilad Almogy, CEO of Cogenra Solar, which announced last week that it had introduced a ground-mount solar system that installs for 50 cents a watt.
Contractors Corner: Borrego Solar
In this episode, we are speaking with Aaron Hall, president of Borrego Solar.
You Can’t Always Judge A Kid By Its Parents
Today we are talking to Ram Akella, managing director for Centrosolar America. The news surrounding the Centrosolar Group in other parts of the world has presented challenges to the company’s American subsidiary. Akella is here to address the questions he’s received from installers and other industry insiders alike.
Solar Speaks: How Tariffs On China Will Affect U.S. Small Businesses
We spoke with Alan Lee, CEO of ecoSolargy. In light of the International Trade Commission’s vote to allow 24 to 36% tariffs imposed by the U.S. Department of Commerce last month to move forward, Alan offers the perspective of how a small business will be affected by the decision.
Solar Speaks: What Do Utilities Want From Solar?
We sat down with Bob Gibson, vice president of education & outreach for the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA). He offered his thoughts on how utilities view solar and how they are planning to integrate it into their future strategies.
Solar Speaks: Storage Helps Smoothing Out Solar
We spoke with Shaw Lynds, a research and development systems engineer at Maxwell Technologies. Shaw told us about how ultracapacitor storage technology can help solve issues with solar energy’s variability.
Solar Speaks: Canada, The Next California?
In this edition, we talk to Nicholas Fiduccia, vice president of solar at HB White Canada Corp., which has taken a key interest in solar north of the United States, building a a slew of multi-megawatt projects, particularly in Ontario.
Solar Speaks: What Are Consumers Thinking?
We talked to Sara Greenstein, president of Underwriters Laboratories Environment and Information & Insights. They released the 2013 The Product Mindset Report, which examines consumer and manufacturer attitudes and perceptions across a broad range of product-related considerations.
Solar Energy Since the Beginning
In this episode, we spoke to John Perlin, an Author, Lecturer, Consultant on the subject of solar energy. His new book is called Let It Shine: The 6,000-Year Story of Solar Energy, which in bookstores now.
Contractors Corner: SunGreen Systems
In this episode, we are talking with Rick Hsu, founder of Irwindale, Calif.-based SunGreen Systems (No. 145 on the Solar Power World Top 250 Contractors list).
Rhone Resch Says Solar Should Seize Its Moment In The Sun
In a wide-ranging conversation, Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association, discussed a recent White House/DOE study urging the country to stabilize its electrical grid and solar’s potential place in helping that happen.
Solar Speaks: How Inverters Help Support The Grid
We spoke with Rob Masinter, director of product management for solar at Advanced Energy, to talk about how solar inverters can support the grid.
Solar Speaks: The Solar Industry’s Own E-Bay?
In this podcast, we talked to Gary Mull with Solar Exchange.
Solar Speaks: Crowdfunding Is Catching On Fast
We spoke with Billy Parish, founder and president of Mosaic. We last spoke to Billy in May 2013. He gave us an update on the online marketplace that allows the public to invest in solar projects, and what has allowed the company to be named one of Fast Company’s most innovative energy companies.
Solar Speaks: Does Your Commercial Installation Make Sense?
We talk with Nathan Homan, co-founder of Wiser Capital, about the company’s new online tool that will help commercial solar developers decide whether projects are worth funding or not.
Contractors Corner: Signal Energy
In this episode, we are speaking with Ben Fischer of Signal Energy based in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Solar Speaks: It’s Not Too Late: You CAN Still Add Battery Storage
In this episode, we talked to Mark Cerasuolo, senior marketing manager at OutBack Power, about the company’s new whitepaper detailing how homeowners can add a battery back‐up power option to existing grid‐tied PV/solar systems.
Contractors Corner: GeoPeak Energy
In this episode, we are speaking with AJ Javan of GeoPeak Energy based in Somerset, New Jersey.
Solar Speaks: Sunny Rai
In this episode, we talked to Sunny Rai, regional vice president for renewable energy for Intertek, a global testing and certification company. We’re talking to Sunny from the show floor at Intersolar North America 2013.
Solar Speaks: Eaton Expands Product Line At Intersolar North America
In this podcast, we talk to John Vernacchia, segment manager for renewable energy for Eaton. He discussed the company’s expanded solutions as a result of Eaton’s acquisition of Cooper Industries.
Solar Speaks, Intersolar 2013 Edition: Meet The HDPV Alliance, Part Two
SPW sat down at Intersolar North America 2013 to discuss the mission of the recently formed HDPV Alliance, a consortium of companies trying to create standards that will allow all the important components of the solar array to work more closely together, now and into the future.
Intersolar 2013 Coverage, Day 2: Meet The truSolar Initiative
SPW attended an invitation-only breakfast with the truSolar Initiative at Intersolar North America 2013, an organization that came together earlier this year to develop a common language between the solar industry and the financiers so critical to the future strength of the industry. Here what four of the members — PanelClaw, Underwriters Laboratories, Assurant Insurance and Distributed Sun — have to say about the efforts and how you can get involved.
Solar Speaks: Leasing Helps Homeowners Go Solar
We spoke with David Field, President & CEO of OneRoof Energy. David told us about his company and why solar leasing can be a good option for homeowners who want to go solar.
Solar Speaks, Intersolar 2013 Edition: Meet The HDPV Alliance, Part One
SPW sat down at Intersolar North America 2013 to discuss the mission of the recently formed HDPV Alliance, a consortium of companies trying to create standards that will allow all the important components of the solar array to work more closely together, now and into the future.
Solar Speaks: Get Ready For Intersolar North America 2013
We spoke with Markus Elsässer, CEO of Solar Production International, which helps organize Intersolar North America, about the 2013 show.
Solar Speaks: What Is Congress Thinking?
In this conversation, we talk to Dave Holleran, Senior Manager of Module Sales for Motech Americas. Motech took solar’s case to Congress at the 16th Annual Congressional Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Expo + Forum.
Solar Speaks: Can Inverters Mitigate Arc Faults? Fronius Says Yes
We talk to Thomas Enzendorfer, director of sales and marketing for Fronius USA. Fronius launched a new inverter in March 2013 that helps installers and operators meet the 2011 arc-fault requirements of the NEC, and we wanted to find out why.
Solar Speaks: A Little Lug Goes A Long Way
We speak with Jan Middleton of ILSCO, a privately-held, American owned manufacturer of electrical connectors that has become an industry leader as a source of components for grounding, bonding and connectivity solutions to the solar industry.
Solar Speaks: Why Did ABB Buy Power-One?
Solar Power World spoke with Maxine Ghavi, head of ABB’s Solar Initiative. ABB made news when it purchased inverter powerhouse Power-One, marking a new chapter in its commitment to the solar industry — so we decided to find out why.
Solar Speaks: The State Of The Solar Inverter Segment Is Strong
We speak with Tucker Ruberti, director of strategic marketing for Advanced Energy, to get his perspective on where the inverter currently is — and where it is going in the future.
Solar Speaks: What Can Solar Leasing Gain From ACPV?
We spoke with Craig Lawrence, VP of Marketing at SolarBridge Technologies. Craig discussed what the solar leasing industry has to gain from ACPV.
Contractors Corner: Strata Solar, Chapel Hill, N.C.
In this episode, we are talking to John Morrison, COO of Strata Solar in Chapel Hill, N.C., and a member of Solar Power World’s Top 100 Solar Contractors list.
Contractor’s Corner: PPC Solar
In this episode, we are talking to Dan Weinman, president of PPC Solar in Taos, N.M., and a member of Solar Power World’s Top 100 Solar Contractors list.
Solar Speaks: High Performing Solar Stocks
We spoke to Peter Lynch, an advisor to Principal Solar Institute, investment banker and expert in renewable energy.
Contractors Corner: Namaste Solar
In this episode, we are talking with Blake Jones, co-founder/president of Boulder, Colo.-based Namaste Solar.
Solar Speaks: GM Joins The Solar Revolution
We talked to Rob Threlkeld, renewable energy manager for General Motors. GM announced in February 2013 that they were going to be joining SEIA.
Solar Speaks: Festo’s Damon Turley Talks Solar Production Costs
Today we’re speaking with Damon Turley, Solar Business Development Manager, at Festo Corp. He has some interesting ideas on how to bring down the production costs of solar equipment.
Solar Speaks: AllEarth Renewables CEO Discusses Sequester And NIMBY
As solar panel prices “dropped like a rock,” AllEarth Renewables CEO David Blittersdorf shifted his company’s focus from home wind turbines to the AllSun Tracker, a dual-axis solar tracker. “You need to be flexible and operate with speed,” the 30-year veteran of renewable energy says in this Solar Speaks podcast.
Solar Speaks: Why The Sunshine State Isn’t So Solar Friendly
We spoke with Rick Gilbert, vice president of Solar Source (which is one of Solar Power World’s Top 100 Solar Contractors). As a Florida-based solar installer, Rick tells us why, at this moment, the “Sunshine State” is actually one of the least solar friendly. Florida actually lags behind many others on total installed capacity. In fact, Rick says the state actually has policies that block solar development on any kind of medium to large scale.
Solar Speaks: How To Prevent Corrosion At Solar Farms
In this podcast, Richard Grant, principal at Russell Corrosion Consultants, discusses the role coatings play in protecting solar farms from corrosion and how the industry uses the company’s services.
Solar Speaks: Not Your Average Shopping Mall
We spoke with George Caraghiaur, Simon Property Group’s senior vice president of sustainability. Your average shopping mall has food and clothing but George tells why Clay Terrace Mall in Indiana has something more. He describes the mall’s recent electric vehicle charging installation, which combines solar power and battery storage technology to create a plug-in ecosystem.
Solar Speaks: An Interview With Rhone Resch and Julia Hamm at PV America 2013, Part Two
SPW sat down with SEIA President and CEO Rhone Resch and SEPA President and CEO Julia Hamm at the PV America event in Philadelphia in 2013.
Solar Speaks: An Interview With Rhone Resch and Julia Hamm at PV America 2013, Part One
SPW sat down with SEIA President and CEO Rhone Resch and SEPA President and CEO Julia Hamm at the PV America event in Philadelphia in 2013.
Solar Speaks: Advanced Energy Talks LCOE
Matt Denninger, senior marketing manager of Advanced Energy Solar Energy, presented a paper at a conference this year where he talked about his list of eight ways to lower PV costs, and he joined us to discuss it.
Solar Speaks: Reducing Risk for Commercial Solar Projects
We spoke with Robert Forster, Vice President of Strategic Planning at Solarrus Corporation, and Jeanne Schwartz, Vice President of New Venture Commercialization at Assurant. The two discussed how their companies are working together to reduce project risk and improve the long-term financial viability of commercial solar installations.
Solar Speaks: Colored Modules Bridge Gap Between Solar And Aesthetics
We spoke with Paul Wise, COO at Colored Solar. Paul discusses how Colored Solar manufactures colored solar panels to blend in with surrounding architecture and landscape.
Schneider Electric on Solar
Allen Breeze, SVP of Schneider’s U.S. Power Business, has some interesting comments on the future of homes as energy control centers. And Jeffrey Drees, President of Schneider Electric U.S., answers some questions on Schneider’s solar business and shale gas as a threat to renewables.
Contractors Corner: Meridian Solar
In this episode, we spoke with Andrew McCalla, founder and president of Austin, Texas-based Meridian Solar.
Solar Speaks: Inverter Challenges And Insight From Advanced Energy
We spoke with Mike Dooley, Vice President of Marketing at Advanced Energy. Mike discussed a bit about the company, as well as industry trends and inverter challenges he sees in the overall U.S. solar market.
Solar Speaks: The United States Needs A Solar Feed-In-Tariff
We talk to Peter Lynch, who has worked, for 35 years as a Wall Street security analyst, an independent security analyst and private investor in small emerging technology companies. He has been actively involved in following developments in the renewable energy sector since 1977 and is regarded as an expert in this field.
Solar Speaks: OneRoof Energy On Reliable Residential Systems
We spoke with Andrew Duggan, COO of OneRoof Energy, a San Diego-based solar company that develops, owns and operates residential solar systems. Andrew discussed the building blocks of a fully-integrated residential PV package, a topic suggested by one of our listeners. He addressed considerations at the component level to create a no-frill, functional solar system that won’t break the bank.
Solar Speaks: EDF Renewable Energy Expects 100% Growth In Installations in 2013
We spoke with Kristina Peterson, VP of EDF Renewable Energy’s solar business unit. Kristina discussed enXco’s integration into the EDF Group, and also her perspective on the U.S. solar industry in general.
Wide Support For Solar, But Questions About Affordability Linger
When it comes to public surveys, analysts find few subjects that enjoy overwhelming support. Solar is an exception. To hear an analyst talk about the uniquely ubiquitous support for solar power, listen to this podcast.
Solar Speaks: The Principal Solar Institute
We talk to Matt Thompson, executive director of the Principal Solar Institute, an organization designed to educate people both inside and outside the industry on the benefits of solar power.
Solar Speaks: A Discussion With Mike Hall, CEO of Borrego Solar
We spoke with Mike Hall, CEO of Borrego Solar, which designs, installs and finances solar PV systems. Borrego ranked on the Inc. 500/5000 list this year, so Mike discussed what he thinks enabled the company to place, as well as his thoughts on the U.S. solar industry.
A Conversation With Spire Corp.
We speak with Roger Little, president and founder of Spire, leading to SPI 2012.
A Conversation With Westinghouse Solar
We speak with Gary Mull, Vice President, Sales & Marketing for Westinghouse Solar, leading to SPI 2012.
Solar Speaks: Solar in Morocco
We spoke with Saïd Mouline, director of Morocco’s new renewable energy agency, (ADEREE). He discusses Morocco’s renewable energy atmosphere with a focus on solar.
Contractors Corner: LightWave Solar
In this episode, we are speaking with Steve Johnson, President of LightWave Solar, which is headquartered in Nashville, Tenn.
Contractors Corner: Clean Solar
In this episode, we are speaking with Randy Zechman, CEO of Clean Solar in San Jose, Calif. Listen in and find out why he refers to himself as a “serial entrepreneur.”
A Conversation With SolarBridge Technologies
We speak with Craig Lawrence, VP of Marketing for SolarBridge Technologies, in preparation for Solar Power International 2012.
Contractors Corner: New England Clean Energy
In this episode, we are speaking with Mark Durrenberger, President of New England Clean Energy, which is headquartered in Hudson, Mass.
Solar Speaks: Utility Dive, An App for Execs
We spoke with Sean Griffey, CEO of Utility Dive, which has developed a utility-industry web app designed to keep energy and utility executives connected with information that is critical to their jobs.
Contractors Corner: Standard Solar
In this episode, we are speaking with Scott Wiater, President of Standard Solar, which is headquartered in Rockville, Md.
Solar Speaks: A Discussion with SolarReserve
We spoke with Kevin Smith, CEO of SolarReserve, which develops large-scale solar projects. We discussed the company’s recent recognition through the Industry Choice award, and also touched on its Crescent Dunes Project.
Solar Speaks: silevo solar Breaks Rules Of Traditional Module Production
In this interview, we talk to Christopher Beitel, vice president of business development and marketing for silevo solar. Silevo uses its Triex technology to increase the potential efficiency of its solar cells to upwards of 24%.
Contractors Corner: Joule Solar Energy, New Orleans
In this episode, we are talking to Robert Schmidt and Ross Reilly, two of the founders of Joule Solar Energy based in New Orleans, La.
Solar Speaks: Fluor Corporation Live At Intersolar North America
We spoke with with David Eppinger,Vice President for Fluor Corporation’s Power Division and responsible for all global business devepment, strategic planning and marketing. We discussed some of the company’s services for solar, and what Fluor is excited about for the future.
Solar Speaks: Clinic in a Can
We spoke with Daniel White, Assistant Director of Clinic in a Can. He discussed this non-profit organization and its recent completion of the first fully solar-powered medical clinic constructed in shipping container.
Solar Speaks: A New Tool for Solar Financing, Haresh Patel with SCS Renewables
We speak with Haresh Patel, CEO of SCS Renewables, to talk about the company and the solar finance market. SCS Renewables is working on a new online solar finance platform that the company says can revolutionize the way solar projects are financed.
Solar Speaks: Community Solar 101
We talk to Hannah Masterjohn, Community Solar Advocate for Vote Solar, a San Francisco-based solar advocacy group.
Solar Speaks: The Secret Behind Black Solar Cells
Today we are talking to Chuck Provini, President and CEO of Natcore Technology. Natcore was featured in Solar Power World’s inaugural issue in October 2011 for its breakthrough technology of creating solar cells without silicon. Now they’re back to talk about their latest breakthrough: black solar cells.
Solar Speaks: How Do You Get Into Solar?
In this podcast, we talk to Yann Brandt, president of a solar consulting group called Braya Solar Group.
Solar Speaks: A Conversation About Making New York A Solar City
We talk to Karen Parrish, vice president of IBM Industry Solutions & Smarter Cities, to discuss her company’s role in helping New York become a global leader in urban solar energy market analysis and sustainability through an innovative agreement with CUNY Ventures, a City University of New York (CUNY) Economic Development Corp. entity.
Solar Speaks: A Conversation About Marketing Solar Energy
We talk to Tyree Solomon-Philips, chief analyst for Delta Market Research, about their research about the industry’s efforts to educate consumers about the advantages of solar energy.
Solar Speaks: A Conversation With Assurant’s David Schroeder
In this edition, we interview Assurant Solar’s David Schroeder, VP of Operations and Industry Relations.
Solar Speaks: An Interview With Kyle Cobb of Greenbotics
We speak with Kyle Cobb, Co-Founder and CFO of Greenbotics, a Davis, California, company that offers a solar panel cleaning service for utility-scale power plants. Its cleaning service is centered around its highly automated, robotic cleaning vehicles.
Solar Speaks: Zach Shahan, Director/Editor Of CleanTechnica
We’re excited to bring you an interview with the proprietor of one of our favorite clean energy blogs, CleanTechnica. Zach Shahan is director/editor of CleanTechnica, and you can also read his work at PlanetSave, where he is also the director/editor.
Solar Speaks: Off-Grid And Interactive Grid Solar Applications
In this episode, we talk to Mark Cerasuolo, senior marketing manager at OutBack Power, about the exciting grid-connected and off-grid solar solutions in the United States and around the world.