Solar Power International Showcase
The solar energy industry is in high gear and at Solar Power International 2013 (SPI), October 21-24 at the McCormick Place in Chicago, participants can plug into the technologies, personal connections and professional insights that give rise to new business and learning opportunities.
Widely regarded as the can’t-miss industry event of the year presented by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA), SPI draws more than 15,000 professionals in solar energy and related fields from 75-plus countries. Nearly 700 companies representing the entire solar industry spectrum exhibit on 300,000 net sq ft of space.
SPI presents a full range of opportunities to make connections in Chicago and throughout the solar energy industry. Build your network face to face in SPI’s general sessions, conference sessions, receptions and training workshops or as you explore the dynamic exhibit floor.
What follows is a snippet of the products and services exhibitors at SPI will highlight. Stop by their booths and see how they plan to improve the industry for 2014. And also be sure to stop by and chat with the Solar Builder crew at SPI booth 954 and enter our “I Am a Solar Builder” contest!
AP Alternatives
AP Alternatives specializes in modular fixed-tilt ground mount systems. The standard 72-cell system is a modular system, meaning that the racking and solar modules are preassembled before they reach the site, making filed installation very efficient. The racking system is constructed of high strength galvanized steel that has been engineered for maximum material utilization. AP Alternatives’ standard 72-cell system will accommodate any 72-cell solar module and is applicable for most site conditions including high wind loads, heavy snow loads and differences in topography. Visit AP Alternatives at SPI booth 2034 to learn more.
Array Technologies
Array Technologies’ DuraTrack HZ single-axis solar tracker delivers proven performance with extraordinary durability for utility-scale and commercial projects. Employing a proprietary rotating gear-drive system with fewer motors per megawatt, the DuraTrack HZ system reduces installation time and costs with less structural material than other trackers. With its high installation and grading tolerances, the flexible DuraTrack HZ tracker can be deployed on undulating terrain and within irregular site boundaries. The DuraTrack HZ system is the industry leader in solar tracking, with more than 1.5 GW shipped and installed worldwide. Visit Array Technologies at SPI booth 1039 to learn more.
Bonfiglioli
Bonfiglioli designs and manufactures a number of products for the North American utility-scale PV market. The PV product portfolio is designed to shorten the field installation schedule and maximize system uptime, for higher long-term profitability. The RPS Station, a fully integrated, climate-controlled PV power conversion system, is factory-assembled and delivered cabled-ready for simple “drop and play” installation and quick operation. Complete with Bonfiglioli RPS TL-UL inverters and pad-mounted oil-filled transformer, the modular design supports power ratings from 1.0 MWac to 2.8 MWac and can withstand any environment, to meet even the most demanding requirements. Visit Bonfiglioli at SPI booth 1617 to learn more.
CertainTeed
The CertainTeed Solstice Solar Roofing System features rack-mounted highly efficient PV panels in an aesthetically pleasing style, with black cells laminated to a black back sheet and mounting frame. Each durable, easily installed 47-lb module contains 60 high-efficiency monocrystalline solar cells, producing a maximum electric power rating of 250 watts per module. The system is available in AC and DC versions. Each kit contains the panels, racking, mounting clamps, flashing accessories, inverter and an optional monitoring system. Solstice is also backed by one of the most comprehensive warranties in the industry. Visit CertainTeed Solar Roofing at SPI booth 2509 to learn more.
Chint Power Systems America
Chint Power Systems has two new string families on display at SPI.
3-phase: 23-kW and 28-kW, 1,000-Vdc models, shipping now with dual-independent MPPTs, integrated DC fusing, DC/AC disconnects, arc-fault detection, NEMA4, 300- to 900-Vdc range and 98% CEC efficiency. Ideal for commercial and utility applications, displacing large central inverters based on design flexibility, efficiency and lower installed cost.
1-phase: 3-, 4-, 5- and 6-kW family designed and developed in Texas; the 4-, 5- and 6-kW models include dual MPPTs while all models have optional Ethernet/ZigBee communications, arc-fault detection, integrated DC/AC disconnects and fusing. CEC efficiencies up to 97% enable a high reliability, long-life fan-less design. Visit Chint Power Systems at SPI booth 4016 to learn more.
DECK Monitoring
The popular DECK Monitoring solution is now available for residential solar projects at a great price. Customers get the key benefits of the DECK Monitoring solution with just one device: the I-210+c socket meter from GE. This meter includes a cellular modem, so installers won’t have to deal with communications wiring and IT connections. It also includes a five-year data plan from Verizon Wireless Services for a true “plug and play” experience with installation and deployment. A full installation may be accomplished in as little as one hour. Visit DECK Monitoring at SPI booth 4219 to learn more.
DPW Solar and Baja Construction
DPW Solar and Baja Construction announce their new SR Series solar ready shade structures engineered and optimized to site specific applications. The structures feature an integrated PV module mounting system and are available in a variety of structural types and finishes. These solar support structures feature tilt angles up to 10° and optional solutions for water and snow protection. The integrated module mounting system features high strength Power Rail components including the RAD clamping system and certified integrated grounding. PV module mounting is available in portrait, landscape or side-tilt orientations. Baja Construction offers professional, code approved installation services of the SR Series structures for locations anywhere throughout the Americas and abroad. Visit DPW Solar at SPI booth 2807 and Baja Construction at SPI booth 4054 to learn more.
Eaton
Eaton is making cost-effective, reliable solar generation a reality for utility, commercial and residential customers with a complete portfolio of balance of system (BOS) solutions. Engineered for safe, efficient and reliable operation, Eaton equipment and live product demonstrations will be display at two SPI booths. With expanded engineering services and solutions resulting from the acquisition of Cooper Industries, Eaton solutions are helping the industry maximize solar harvest, reduce installation costs, maintain reliable operations and enhance safety. Visit Eaton at SPI booths 1648 and 1655 to learn more.
EcoFasten
GreenFasten by EcoFasten Solar is the most cost-effective solar roof mounting system on the market for composition shingles. GreenFasten assures three levels of watertight protection with a patented watertight seal. GreenFasten can be used on new or retrofit installations, without removing shingles. Easy install with a single lag bolt or even faster installation with a self-drilling fastener. GreenFasten and all EcoFasten Solar mounting solutions can be viewed at ecofastensolar.com. All cut sheets and install instructions are available online for download. EcoFasten Solar designs and manufactures solar mounting solutions for all roof types. All products are made in the United States. Visit EcoFasten at SPI booth 3149 to learn more.
Fronius USA
Fronius USA LLC is the North American sales, support and distribution center for Fronius International GmbH. Specializing in energy conversion technologies, Fronius has more than 65 years of experience and employs more than 3,500 globally. Fronius has developed a revolutionary inverter concept that is used for both grid-tied as well as European stand-alone solar systems and has more than 350,000 Fronius solar inverters installed worldwide. Fronius USA will be launching its newest editions to the Fronius inverter family as well as highlighting its Fronius Service Program at SPI. Visit Fronius USA at SPI booth 625 to learn more.
groSolar
groSolar is celebrating 15 years in business! Since 1998, groSolar has been dedicated to high quality, on-time, and on-budget project performance as this company has focused on providing commercial and utility scale EPC services to its clients. groSolar’s team has experience working intimately with developers, investors, project owners, subcontractors and other partners on multi-megawatt projects from the routine to the complex. Its portfolio contains installations on brownfields, capped landfills, open waste water treatment tanks, commercial and educational buildings, agricultural sites and undeveloped land and manufacturing facilities. Visit groSolar at SPI booth 4522 to learn more.
Intertek
Product failure or less than anticipated performance can result in lost dollars and a tarnished reputation. As a result, bankability testing has become a key sales driver in the solar industry as bankability assessments of PV modules help companies evaluate the long-term performance, reliability and durability of their PV systems. As a leading global testing and certification company, Intertek is one of the first companies to offer bankability testing, which helps companies attract investors and gain subsidies from banks or government entities and ultimately gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Visit Intertek at SPI booth 3011 to learn more.
MK Battery
The renewable energy industry is excited about “energy storage” and the development of new products and technologies that will allow consumers to store electricity for numerous applications. MK Battery invites you to stop by its booth and discuss your specific requirements. MK Battery would also like to present its current platform of DEKA Solar products with the new enhanced cyclic GEL 4D and 8D batteries as well as its high capacity Unigy II platforms. Both of these products, if properly designed and integrated into an approved system, will allow the end user to migrate to new technologies as they are developed. Visit MK Battery at SPI booth 3827 to learn more.
Patriot Solar Group
Patriot Solar Group (PSG) of Albion, Mich., will be showcasing its innovative Ballasted Ground Mount at Solar Power International this year. This mounting system makes it possible for solar arrays to be placed in areas that were previously “off limits” (such as brownfields and landfills), where penetrating the ground is not an option. It also solves a problem that can stifle a solar development by allowing one to place a ballasted mount in an area with challenging soil conditions (such as underground rocks and boulders) that make it impossible to drive a post into the ground. Visit PSG at SPI booth 1056 to learn more.
Quick Mount PV
Quick Mount PV produces 100% code-compliant, waterproof solar roof mounts. Founded in 2006, the company pioneered roofing best practices in the solar industry and provides ongoing training and education. Quick Mount PV offers mounting solutions for composition/asphalt shingle, tile and other roof types. The Classic Composition Mount utilizes patented waterproofing technology — the QBlock Elevated Water Seal — for unsurpassed protection against leaks. Ideal for tile roofs, the Quick Hook USA is the industry’s first flashed tile hook mount, offering superior aesthetics and waterproofing for curved and flat tile roofs. All products are made in the United States. Visit Quick Mount PV at SPI booth 2815 to learn more.
Rennsteig Tools
Rennsteig engineers develop tailor-made, high quality tools for a wide variety of applications and industries that meet and often exceed all quality parameters. New on the market is Rennsteig’s eForce – Battery Powered Crimping Tool. This tool is specially designed for all industries. It comes with one or two Li-Ion batteries in a heavy duty portable plastic case. With this tool you can use all existing Rennsteig Die Sets and Locators. This means it is 100% compatible with the Die Sets of Rennsteig’s Crimp System Tool PEW 12 and the Crimping Machines CM25. Visit Rennsteig Tools at SPI booth 2453 to learn more.
SnapNrack
SnapNrack, a manufacturer of innovative PV Mounting Systems, is continuing to help reduce installation time and costs by introducing a new product to its Series 100 racking system, the Metal Roof Base. A few new features of the Metal Roof Base include a self-sealing mounting base that can be used on common corrugated profiles, compatibility with existing SnapNrack components, and a 5/16-in. stud that has been tested to withstand more than 4,000 lbs of uplift force. The base simply seals to the roof with a recessed EPDM Rubber Washer, and the cap seals over the top of the bolt. The Metal Roof Base adds ease of installation and reliability over the service life to any system. Visit SnapNrack at SPI booth 2812 to learn more.
Solaire Generation
Solaire Generation, a market leader for integrated solar parking structures, recently brought to market its latest carport solution — the Long Span 360. The Long Span 360 covers two parallel parking rows and the internal drive aisle with one contiguous PV-covered canopy. Designed to efficiently maximize any parking lot’s solar production, the customizable structure can be up to 110 ft wide and was recently chosen for a 1.5-MW installation in Gainesville, Fla. The Long Span 360, like Solaire’s other patented canopies, is available as a single or dual-incline canopy with an optional water management system. Visit Solaire at SPI booth 3108 to learn more.
Solectria Renewables
Solectria Renewables introduces the next generation of SMARTGRID inverters, optimized for high efficiency, reliability and economy. Available in two power classes, 500-kW and 750-kW, these inverters are designed for direct connection to an external transformer for utility-scale applications. These outdoor rated inverters can also be configured as 1.0- or 1.5-MW Solar Stations. Available utility-scale options include a plant master controller and advanced grid management features, such as real and reactive power control and voltage and frequency ride-through. Listed to 1,000-Vdc, with a CEC weighted efficiency of 98%, the SGI 500/750XTM inverters set a new standard for large scale power conversion. Visit Solectria Renewables at SPI booth 431 to learn more.
SunLink
With more than 300 MW of Large-Scale GMS to be installed over the next 12 months, SunLink is able to provide the lowest cost solution for ground mount projects of 500 kW and larger while maintaining the highest quality and customer service. SunLink’s Large-Scale GMS features cutting-edge structural engineering and product design that translate into lower cost in large-scale projects. The system offers maximum racking flexibility, efficient design, site-specific optimization and only six components for ease of assembly. In addition, Large-Scale GMS was specially designed to make the mounting of prepanelized three- or four-panel columns as fast as possible whether using SunLink provided mechanical equipment or manual lifting. Visit SunLink at SPI booth 1310 to learn more.
Sunmodo
Sunmodo Corp., a Washington-based solar panel mounting company, was formed with the mission of providing the best value solar racking and mounting solutions for solar power systems. With minimal parts, easy installation and versatile design for unlimited configuration, Sunmodo offers one of the fastest, easiest and most cost-effective solutions on the market today. Sunmodo is developing its fully rail-less pitched roof solar mounting system that uses significantly less material than a traditional flush mount system with rails. Sunmodo will showcase its rail-less products at Solar Power International. Visit Sunmodo at SPI booth 2546 to learn more.
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