After a bumpy first half of 2020 caused by pandemic-related slowdowns, solar microgrids are showing signs of a renewed growing interest. There are several factors at play contributing to the sunny forecast for microgrids, including pandemic-related demand spikes and more favorable statewide policies. EPCs and project developers looking to find new inroads into this rapidly …
Yearly Archives: 2020
The Clock is Ticking on the 2020 Solar Incentive Tax Credit
Commercial solar developers and EPCs looking to kick-start projects now have the perfect opportunity: the upcoming deadline of the federal solar safe harbor tax incentive. Now through the end of 2020, the ITC is 26 percent. However, as of January 1, 2021, the ITC decreases to 22 percent. That 4 percent amounts to substantial savings …
4 Ways Small and Mid-Sized Rooftop Solar Installers can Grow Their Businesses
Residential solar panels remain more popular than ever. To take advantage of this ever-growing market, small and mid-sized rooftop installers need to be agile to grow their businesses. A recent Pew Research revealed 46 percent of U.S. homeowners have given serious thought to installing rooftop solar panels. This is a sizable jump from the 40 percent of …
The Trinasolar September Webinar Series – Mark Your Calendars!
We’re happy to announce two upcoming webinars from Trina Solar in September. The first webinar, “Trina & CPS – How to Optimize Solar C&I Projects,” will run Sept. 3, 2020, at 10 AM Pacific Standard Time (PST). This webinar will focus on how C&I developers and EPCs can: Streamline component procurement Maximize available project …
How to Avoid Unexpected Long-Term O&M Costs With A Smart Solar Solution
A successful solar power installation requires more than just PV modules and the associated balance of system (BOS), it also needs effective operations and maintenance (O&M) management. Maintaining good O&M practices is an important, and often overlooked, aspect of ensuring that a PV system operates efficiently. This, in turn, helps ensure maximum power production and …
What the Recent FERC Ruling Means for Solar Net Metering
In a major victory for residential and community solar, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) dismissed a petition that would have drastically upended state net-metering laws. The action arose from a petition filed by the New England Ratepayers Association (NERA) in April 2020. NERA contended that states did not have the authority to implement retail …
New Study: Bifacial Modules Coupled with Single-Axis Trackers Make For a Cost-Effective Option
For some years now, solar industry insiders have been touting the benefits of bifacial PV modules coupled with single-axis trackers. However, this innovative PV system enhancement has been widely implemented in utility scale operations only recently. Being relatively new in the market, solar financiers, developers and EPCs have been waiting for more testing and a …
Hawaii Poised to Become Solar Powerhouse
Just as the U.S. operates like 50 different experiments in democracy, so too are the states acting as 50 diverse tests for solar energy. Nowhere is this better exemplified than in Hawaii. With 71 percent average annual sunshine, Hawaii makes for an ideal location for solar PV installations. The Aloha State currently sits at 14th …
Across the US, Community Solar Shows Promise During These Uncertain Times
(Photo Credit: Cook County government) As the country rebounds from the shutdown and shelter-at-home orders, a renewed interest has sparked in community solar. Also known as solar gardens or shared solar, community solar is showing resilience during the lockdown. Since it requires low commitment and provides high flexibility, community solar looks more insulated from …
Trinasolar Rated “Top Performer” for Sixth Consecutive Year
For the sixth consecutive year, Trina Solar is proud to announce it has been recognized as a “Top Performer” among global PV module manufacturers. This recognition for outstanding product reliability and performance comes following the release of the 2020 PV Module Reliability Scorecard issued by PV Evolution Labs (PVEL). Yin Rongfang, vice general manager and …
