SolarPro 10.1

January/February 2017 Introduction to Aerial Inspections
O p t im a l D e s i gn, I n s tal l ati on & Perfor m anc e so la r pr ofe ssi onal . c om
Interactive Inverter
Interconnections
String Inverter
Specifications
158 Inverter Models for
Utility, Commercial and
Residential Projects
State of the Solar

Industry 2017
Thought Leaders Reflect
on Industry Trends,
Challenges and Gains
Projects
True South Solar
Sun Solar
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COURTESY OF
True South Solar

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Ashland, OR f
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Contents January/February 2017 Issue 10.1
Fe a tu re s
44
16 Interactive Inverter
Interconnections:
Identifying the Optimal
Point of Connection
The 2014 and 2017 editions of the National
Electrical Code provide solar companies with more 44 The State of the Solar Industry
interconnection options than previous Code editions Though life is never boring on the Solarcoaster,
did. In this article, we offer an overview of the Code the start of SolarPros tenth calendar year seems
requirements and allowances for interconnecting par- especially eventful. It is the start of a new year, of
allel power production sources, such as PV or energy course, as well as the start of a new administration
storage systems, to premises wiring supplied by a in Washington, DC. This 4-year presidential term
utility or other primary on-site electric power sources. just happens to coincide with the 3-year National
We focus specifically on distributed generation Electrical Code development cycle. To celebrate
applications, where parallel power production sources and reflect upon the confluence of all of these
interconnect at utilization voltage levels in properties milestones and transitions,
with on-site loads. we decided to reach out to
27
BY JASON FISHER some of the industrys best
advocates and brightest
stars to get their take on the
27 2017 Single- and 3-Phase String current state of the solar
Inverter Specifications industry.
Updated for 2017, SolarPros string-inverter dataset COMPILED BY
includes 158 inverter models from 16 manufactur- DAVID BREARLEY AND
ers. The technical evolution of string inverters has JOE SCHWARTZ
been fascinating
to watch. The
gains in efficiency,
design flexibility
and installability
are impressive.
COMPILED BY
JOE SCHWARTZ
16
2 S O L ARPRO | January/February 2017
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Contents 2 January/February 2017 Issue 10.1
D e p a r t m ent s
FRONT END
6
8
Contributors Experience + Expertise
The Wire Industry Currents

60
12 QA Quality Assurance BACK END
Introduction to Aerial Inspections
60 Projects System Profiles
True South Solar, Ashland Food Co-op
Sun Solar, Buzzs Market
62 Advertiser Index
12
f ON THE COVER Lance Aryeff and Ry Heller
(right) from True South Solar interconnect a 27.795 kWdc
SunPower array and Tripower inverter with the existing
3-phase electrical system at Mt. Ashland Ski Area.
Located above SolarPros hometown of Ashland,
Oregon, the nonprofit Mount Ashland Association has
owned and operated the community-focused ski area
8
since 1992. True South Solar supported the PV project
with a sponsorship and a $5,000 equipment donation.
Photo: Courtesy True South Solar
4 S O L ARPRO | January/February 2017

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flawlessly in the most extreme conditions without relying on stow, this proven, rock-solid system utilizes fewer motors per
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in the East-West and 15% in the North-South plane, DuraTrack HZ even rivals the flexibility of single-row trackers.
With the highest module density, fastest installation, zero scheduled maintenance, and lowest levelized cost of electricity,
the DuraTrack HZ will put you on the right track to generating revenue faster than any product on the market.
sales@arraytechinc.com 1.855.TRACKPV arraytechinc.com

Contributors Experience + Expertise

Publisher/Editor Joe Schwartz

Rob Andrews earned a PhD from
Managing Editor Kathryn Houser
Queens University; he specializes
in PV system performance model- Senior Technical Editor/PV Systems David Brearley
ing and optimization. Andrews Technical Editor/PV Systems Ryan Mayfield
works with various international
Engineering Editor/PV Systems Blake Gleason, PE
groups, helping to optimize PV sys-
tem performance and integrate new Creative Services Midnight Oil Design
technologies. He has multiple pub- Copy Editors/Proofreaders Kim Saccio-Kent,
lished articles within the PV sector
Gail Nelson-Bonebrake
that focus on performance model-
ing and prediction technologies. Advertising Directors Kim Bowker, Connie Said
Data Manager Doug Puffer
David Brearley is the senior tech-
nical editor for PV systems at
Proud supporter of:
SolarPro. His solar education began
at the San Juan College Renewable
Energy Program in Farmington,
New Mexico. Brearley became
NABCEP certified in 2004. After
working for a national distributor, he
transitioned to commercial and
residential PV system integration
in Austin, Texas.
Jason Fisher is the principal repre- g C O N TAC T U S

sentative for SEIA on NEC CMP-4, Subscriptions Advertising
and is also a licensed master elec- View subscription offers at: For advertising opportunities, visit:
trician and NABCEP Certified PV solarprofessional.com/subscribe solarprofessional.com/advertise
system Installation Professional. Send subscription questions to: Western States Sales Office
He has earned his living in the subscribe@solarprofessional.com Connie Said, Advertising Director
connie.said@solarprofessional.com
PV industry since 1994 and has
Update your account information at: Direct: 541.326.5773
worked with hundreds of engineers, solarprofessional.com/myaccount
Eastern States Sales Office
installers and inspectors. He is a
Letters to the Editor Kim Bowker, Advertising Director
principal compliance engineer for Email your comments and suggestions to: kim.bowker@solarprofessional.com
SolarCity. editor@solarprofessional.com Direct: 541.858.1791
Industry PR Marketing
Send news and equipment releases to: Promotional opportunities and offers:
Joe Schwartz is the CEO of thewire@solarprofessional.com marketing@solarprofessional.com
Home Power. He serves as the

publisher and editor of SolarPro Copyright 2017 Home Power, Inc. Contents may not be reprinted or otherwise reproduced
and the executive editor of Home without written permission. SolarPro is a registered trademark of Home Power, Inc.
Power. Schwartz worked as a PV, While SolarPro strives to publish only safe and accurate content, we assume no responsibility
or liability for the use of this information.
wind and hydro systems integra-
Interior paper is made from 85%100% recycled material, including 20%30%
tor prior to entering technical
postconsumer waste.
publishing. He holds a Limited
National Electrical Code, NFPA 70 and NEC are registered trademarks of the National Fire
Renewable Energy Technician Protection Association, Quincy, Massachusetts.
license in the state of Oregon.
SolarPro | PO Box 68 | Ashland, OR 97520 | US
6 S O L A R PR O | January/February 2017
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the Wire Industry Currents
Fronius Announces Smart Meter Availability

[Portage, IN] Consumption monitoring is becoming an
increasingly common functional component of com-
mercial and residential PV installations. Fronius recently
announced the availability of its Smart Meter, which
enables consumption and production monitoring, as well
as feed-in management using the dynamic power reduc-
tion feature of Fronius inverters. Used in conjunction
with Fronius Solar.web, the Smart Meter offers a detailed
visual overview of a homes or businesss energy usage.
The Fronius Smart Meter is compatible with all Fronius
inverters that have an integrated Fronius Datamanager
2.0 (RS485 interface for Modbus RTU). The Fronius
Galvo, Primo and Primo Hybrid inverters include the
Datamanager, and technicians can add it to any Symo, IG,
IG Plus or IG Plus A inverter.
Fronius USA / 219.734.5500 / fronius.com
Asset Management and

Performance Conference
Scheduled for January
[Alexandria, VA] In partnership with Solar Power Events, the Solar
Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Smart Electric Power
Alliance (SEPA) are hosting the second annual Asset Management
and Performance Conference at the Hilton San Diego Resort and
Spa in San Diego, California, on January 1920. The event provides
TerraSmart Introduces
specialized content and networking opportunities to engineering,
maintenance and financial professionals responsible for asset Drones for Aerial
management in the solar industry. During the 2-day conference,
nine sessions will cover topics including analytical data collection Site Mapping
and standardization, best practices for PV plant O&M, updates
[Estero, FL] TerraSmart has launched a fleet of High
to standards related to rapid shutdown and smart inverters, and
Precision Aerial Site Mapping (HPASM) service drones to
on-boarding new O&M projects.
measure topographical data and streamline site mapping
Solar Power Events / 703.738.9460 / events.solar/amp
for ground-mount PV plants. Flying the HPASM drones
200 feet400 feet above a project site, TerraSmarts sur-
vey teams can map a site and provide 3D CAD models
to the EPC firm for optimizing array and racking system
layouts. The drones can cover 50 acres80 acres in an
ASSET
hour and can map, process images and create a detailed
MANAGEMENT site topography for a 5 MW plant in only 48 hours.
& PERFORMANCE TerraSmart / 239.362.0211 / terrasmart.com
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the Wire
Lumos Solar Announces

Bifacial System
[Boulder, CO] Lumos
Solar has announced its
new module system,
which combines bifacial
cells and frameless
glass-on-glass module
construction with an
integrated weather-
proof mounting system
that completely con-
NEXTracker ceals junction boxes
and conductors. The
Launches Tracked tamper-resistant
mounting approach
Solar-Plus-Storage locates the GSX module
junction boxes and
Solution whips within the rack-
ing systems mullions.
Module front-side maxi-
[Fremont, CA] NEXTracker, a Flex company, mum power electrical
has launched the NX Fusion Plus system, specifications are 275 W STC, 8.88 Imp and 31.8 Vmp. The 60-cell
which integrates its self-powered single-axis modules have a 12-year power-output warranty at 90% and a
tracker with a battery, inverter and software 25-year power-output warranty at 80%.
to improve PV asset return on investment. Lumos Solar / 877.301.3582 / lumossolar.com
Tracked arrays widen the generation curve
of PV power plants. The addition of storage
further widens a plants generation curve
AEE Solar Hosts Upcoming

by shifting excess energy from peak periods
to later in the day. The addition of storage
enables a plant to utilize generation that it
would otherwise have lost to clipping under
high-irradiance conditions. The standard NX Dealer Conference
Fusion Plus configuration couples a 25 kWdc [San Luis Obispo, CA] AEE Solar will host its ninth dealer conference
array integrated with a NEXTracker NX at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina in San Diego, California,
Horizon tracker and data acquisition system on January 2527. The event kicks off with a networking dinner cruise on
with a 25 kWh Avalon VF (Vanadium flow) January 25, followed by 2 days of NABCEP-registered training classes
battery and a 30 kW Ideal Power SunDial that cover technical, sales and marketing topics. In previous years, this
Plus 3-port inverter. event has attracted a diverse group of experienced solar designers and
NEXTracker / 877.201.2101 / nextracker.com installers, and offered excellent opportunities for sharing hands-on
lessons learned and best practices from the field.
AEE Solar / 800.777.6609 / aeesolar.com
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QA Quality Assurance
Introduction to Aerial Inspections
PV
systems present unique phantom losses, which reduce energy minute and do not require physical site
challenges to system yield and economic performance. access or regulatory approval for the
operators, particularly System operators can benefit from flight plan. On the other, unmanned
since these systems are often physi- new methodologies and technologies aerial vehicles (UAVs) have slower flying
cally large or distributed over a large for detecting system faults. Aerial speeds, lower-resolution cameras and
geographic area. In utility applica- inspections, which capture IR and limited battery life; as a result, inspec-
tions, for example, a PV system may visible imagery, approach this problem tions with UAVs take more time and
integrate 40,000 to 8 million individual from an entirely new vantage point generally require multiple flights per
modules along with the correspond- namely, from the air. site. A UAV inspection also requires
ing fuses, combiners and conduc- physical site access and regulatory
tors. Portfolios of customer-sited PV Aerial Inspection Process approval for the specific flight path.
systems, meanwhile, often include Manned aircraft, unmanned aerial Fault detection. Energy balance is
hundreds of distributed systems, vehicles or aircraft systems (drones), the basic principle behind the ther-
many of which are roof mounted, and even balloons are all potential mal component of aerial inspections.
each with its own set of components platforms for the flyover component of Generally speaking, the surface of all
and site-access restrictions. The sheer an aerial inspection. The main factors the modules at a given site receive
scale of these systems and portfolios is influencing vehicle selection include approximately the same amount of
inherently challenging for the system inspection time, accuracy, repeatability irradiance. Modules that are operating
operators and asset managers tasked and scalability. On one hand, aircraft properly convert roughly 15%20% of
with monitoring and managing these with a pilot on board can inspect a PV this incident energy into electricity.
assets and distributed fleets. system at a rate of 0.5 MW1 MW per Those modules that are not operating
The relative inaccuracy of per-
formance measurements and data Figure 1 This composite image, combining IR and visible imagery, shows
analysis tools further compounds these some of the common fault modes found in crystalline silicon PV modules. Ele-
issues. According to Sandia National vated temperatures in multiple adjacent modules indicate a string-level failure.
Laboratories 2008 report, Comparison Elevated temperatures associated with individual cell strings indicate a submod-
of PV System Performance-Model ule fault, such as a bypass diode failure. Cell-level hot spots may indicate a high-
Predictions with Measured PV System resistance connection within a PV module or module junction box.
Performance, the absolute accuracy
of data modeling is on the order of
5%10%, and the accuracy of rela-
tive measurements is on the order of
3%5%. This means that site operators
do not have visibility into any on-site
performance issues that reduce system
output by an amount lower than these
margins of uncertainty. To address this
lack of visibility, operators often rely on
manual field testsincluding I-V curve
traces and thermal images captured
with handheld infrared (IR) camerasto
locate defects within the array. Since
Co u r t e s y H el io l yt ic s
these tests are labor intensive and costly,

operators generally inspect only 10%
25% of the modules per site annually.
These combined factors mean
that PV systems can incur undetected
properly convert that same energy reveal resistive losses within
into heat. The end result is that under-
Aerial inspections can largely replace modules, perhaps due to
performing or nonperforming mod- cell cracking or solder joint
ules are warmer than the surrounding
manual dc measurements as part deterioration.
operational modules. Compared to c-Si PV
Aerial inspections provide system
of an annual preventative maintenance systems, thin-film arrays gen-
operators with IR measurements for erally have shorter source cir-
all the modules in a roof- or ground-
scope of work. cuits and require more series
mounted PV system. These thermal strings for the same power
images allow operators to precisely systems deployed with crystalline capacity. As a result, aerial inspections
identify and map underperforming silicon (c-Si) modules include string- tend to reveal relatively higher rates
portions of the array. When properly level failures, submodule failures of string failures in thin-film systems.
implemented, an aerial inspection and cell-level hot spots. String-level IR inspections of thin-film arrays can
campaign can identify a wide range of thermal signatures indicate some type also identify isolated hot spots, major
dc fault mechanisms. As such, aerial of open-circuit condition, perhaps due differences in module efficiency caused
inspections can largely replace manual to a blown or missing fuse, an open by differential degradation rates, or
dc measurements as part of an annual fuseholder or module interconnec- internal variations in thin-film deposi-
preventative maintenance scope of tion, or a failure within a module or tion quality.
work. IR inspections can detect any source-circuit conductor. Submodule To complement the IR imagery,
fault mode that causes a significant thermal signatures, often involving 33% aerial inspections should also capture
decrease in module output. of the cells within a module, generally high-resolution images in the visible
Common faults. As shown in Figure 1, indicate that a bypass diode is engaged spectrum. These conventional aerial
the most common fault modes in PV or has failed. Cell-level hot spots can images can reveal the presence and
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solarprofessional.com | S O L A R P R O 13
QA
but also allow operators
to characterize an entire
plant under consistent
operating conditions.
Where operators rely
exclusively on manual
preventative maintenance
tests, technicians gener-
ally characterize only a
representative subset of
C ou r te sy He l i o l y ti c s
source circuits at a site
each year. Because it takes
a lot of time to conduct
manual tests, especially
C ou r te sy H e liolytic s
on multimegawatt sites
that cover hundreds if not Figure 3 By mapping diode failure to
thousands of acres, the serial production batches, Heliolytics
test conditions are inher- was able to identify a serial defect at a
ently more variable, which 20 MW solar farm.
Figure 2 Aerial inspections that simultaneously cap- complicates the process of
ture both visible and IR imagery, as shown here, pro- comparing and analyzing failure rates represent losses associated
vide system operators with complementary data sets. the results. This piecemeal with faults that are slipping through the
approach can result in cracks because traditional data analyt-
undetected losses. ics and manual inspections are inca-
distribution of soiling, locations or Enhanced visibility. Heliolytics has pable of or ill-suited to identifying all
regions requiring additional vegetation inspected more than 2.5 GW of PV proj- the phantom losses that sap PV system
control, physical damage to racking, ects internationally. We performed a performance and revenue.
site erosion, encapsulant degradation comparative analysis on 1.6 GW of this By contrast, annual aerial thermal
or discoloration, and so forth. As shown portfolio across 280 sites, ranging inspection results provide technicians
in Figure 2, investigators can correlate from 60 kW to 250 MW, which is repre- with data that are both granular and
these datasets to add further insight sentative of systems from across North highly actionable. Aerial IR imagery
into failure modes and allow more- America, and filtered that selection tells technicians exactly where to
accurate root cause analysis of failures. to exclude systems with failure rates locate and remedy dc performance
over 10%. Analyzing these representa- problems within an array. Because
Benefits of Aerial Inspections tive data in the aggregate, we find that string-level failures are relatively con-
The value propositions associated phantom dc capacity losses are as high sistent throughout the life of a system
with aerial inspections include more- as 1.25% of installed capacity across and account for the majority of the
comprehensive site coverage, enhanced all sites, based on the expected per- expected capacity losses, technicians
visibility into plant performance issues formance impacts of observed faults. can quickly repair these problems and
and improved site safety. The average capacity losses for projects increase system production.
Comprehensive coverage. Operators under 10 MW are 1.29% versus 1% Since aerial surveys can identify
can use high-quality aerial inspections for projects over 10 MW. String-level 100% of the faults at a given site,
in lieu of labor-intensive preventa- failures account for 84% of the capacity operators can use these data to clas-
tive maintenance activities, including losses, with module-level faults making sify all the fault mechanisms at a site
manual I-V curve traces, voltage and up the balance of the phantom losses. and potentially identify systemic or
current measurements, handheld IR Most importantly, all these data serial issues. Figure 3, for example, is
thermography, module electrical con- come from sites with active O&M a map for a 20 MW solar farm where
nection tests and visual inspections. and data analysis programs in place. each color corresponds with a specific
In comparison to these manual tests, In most cases, technicians had con- manufacturing batch and the letter X
aerial inspections not only identify ducted I-V curve traces and handheld identifies locations of diode failures.
dc performance issues with a higher IR inspections for 10%25% of the Whereas the overall diode failure rate
degree of accuracy (and less labor), modules at each site. Therefore, these was only 0.2%, we observed that the
inverters to conduct periodic visual and post-survey data processing, if the IR
IR inspections, the hazards associated inspection system has a resolution of
with these visual inspection activities at least 15 cm/pixel. To detect minor
are less severe than the hazards associ- temperature fluctuations between
ated with physically accessing busbars modules, the IR camera should have a
and fuseholders to perform electrical noise equivalent temperature differ-
characterization tests. ence (NETD) rating of no more than
20 mK.
Best Practices For visible measurements, image
For optimal visibility into plant perfor- resolution is the key metric. I rec-
mance, operators can perform annual ommend using an imaging system
aerial inspections that cover 100% with a minimum resolution of 3 cm/
of the modules for a given site, then pixel. With this level of resolution, it
supplement these data with targeted is possible to identify small amounts
module-level I-V tracing. Technicians of surface soiling, such as vegetation
majority of these failed diodes were should regularly capture supplemental or bird droppings, which can cause
associated with a specific manufactur- I-V curve traces for a constant subset of localized hot spots. The identification
ing batch (dark orange). Identifying modules that represent all of the major of hot spots due to actual cell damage
this systemic issue allowed the owner serial number batches deployed on- requires data processing to compare
to prosecute for warranty remediation site. For best aerial inspection results, IR and thermal imagery, then filter out
proactively, before the data acquisi- operators should pay careful attention those hot spots associated with soiling
tion system even had visibility into the to both data collection and post-survey or other external causes.
progress of this fault mode. data processing. Data processing. This is the most
Site safety. When operators use Data collection. Relatively steady critical part of an aerial inspection. The
aerial inspections in lieu of manual dc high-irradiance conditions are required data processing methodology must
inspections, technicians spend less time for the flyover component of an aerial be able to not only detect faults and
accessing combiner boxes and inverters. inspection. As is the case with commis- distinguish between fault modes, but
This effectively reduces worker expo- sioning or performance tests, the mini- also accurately locate the faults within
sure to electrical hazards. Technicians mum irradiance for an aerial inspection the array. It is not enough to know that
are exposed to electrical shock hazards is 600 W/m2. Ideally, the irradiance faults exist. For technicians to remedi-
whenever they open a combiner box or should not vary by more than 100 W/m2 ate problems efficiently, aerial survey
inverter; in large-scale systems deployed during the survey, as steady-state con- results must locate faults within the
with central inverters, technicians are ditions allow for a better comparison of array down to the module level.
also potentially exposed to dc arc-flash results across the site. Since the processing software tra-
hazards. (See Calculating DC Arc- An aerial survey should collect ditionally used for non-PV site surveys
Flash Hazards in PV Systems, SolarPro, both IR and visible imagery. The qual- is not compatible with IR imagery
February/March 2014.) ity of these data must be adequate to from PV systems, the technician or
While it is possible to control these allow for fault detection. Data qual- analyst needs to either process these
risks with personal protective equip- ity depends on both image resolution data manually or process them using
ment, there remains opportunity for and sensitivity. Image resolution is custom, proprietary software. Manual
human error or equipment failure. In a function of the size of each pixel, data processing requires that some-
the long term, the more effective and with smaller pixels resulting in a more one scroll through the recorded video
sustainable safety practice is to simply detailed image. Sensitivity, meanwhile, feeds looking for and locating faults.
eliminate unnecessary manual inspec- is a function of a cameras ability to As a result, this technique is prone to
tion activities wherever possible. Viewed distinguish between small variations error and may require a follow-up visit
from this perspective, aerial inspections in temperature (IR camera) or light to verify results in the field. By com-
provide operators and organizations (conventional camera). parison, operators can use validated
with an opportunity to implement a To detect major module faults dur- automated techniques directly for field
higher level of hazard control in accor- ing an aerial site survey, an IR inspec- remediation, warranty prosecution
dance with OSHAs hierarchy of controls tion system needs to have a resolution and system planning.
methodology. Though workers may still of at least 19 cm/pixel. It is possible to Rob Andrews / Heliolytics /
need to open combiners, disconnects or identify defects on a subcell level, after Toronto, ON / heliolytics.com
Interactive Inverter
Identifying the Optimal Point
C ou r te sy Bor re go S ola r
By Jason Fisher
T
he 2014 and 2017 editions of the National Electrical
Service drop or
Code provide solar companies with more intercon- service lateral
nection options than previous Code editions did. In
this article, I offer an overview of the Code require- Service point
ments and allowances for interconnecting parallel
power production sources, such as PV or energy storage sys-
tems, to premises wiring supplied by a utility or other primary
Service-entrance
on-site electric power sources. My goal is to help solar company
conductors
personnel identify the most appropriate point of connection
(POC), which is specific to both the system and the site.
To cover the maximum number of interconnection sce- Service equipment
Service disconnecting means and OCPD
narios in as much detail as possible, I have chosen to focus
specifically on distributed generation applications, where
parallel power production sources interconnect at utilization
voltage levels in properties with on-site loads. I assume that Feeders, panelboards, busbars and so on
readers have a working knowledge of and access to the NEC,
which contains many important definitions and references. Premises wiring
In the interest of brevity, I italicize on first use those terms
that the NEC defines; if you are unfamiliar with any italicized Figure 1 A basic level of Code literacy will improve your deal-
terms in this article, especially those in Figure 1, please refer to ings with AHJs and inspectors. The NEC provides definitions
Article 100, Definitions, or to the NEC index. I provide Code for terms essential to the proper application of the Code. The
references in square brackets throughout the article, indicat- italicized terms shown here are particularly relevant to inter-
ing the 2014 or 2017 revision cycle where relevant. connected systems.
Interconnections
of Connection
any equipment or locations that provide potential intercon-

POC Options nection opportunities. As shown in Figure 2 (p. 18), the Code
allows for two basic types of interconnections: supply-side
NEC Article 705 details the basic safety requirements for connections [705.12(A)] and load-side connections [2014-
interconnected electric power production sources. Though 705.12(C); 2017-705.12(B)]. Note that the delineation point
distributed PV systems are a common parallel power pro- between supply- or load-side connections is the disconnect-
duction source, other sources include on-site generators, ing means for the utility-supplied service; this is an impor-
fuel cells, wind electric systems and some energy storage tant distinction, as feeders rather than services supply some
systems. Regardless of the power source, qualified persons buildings or structures.
must install these systems [2014-705.6; 2017-705.8] using As illustrated in Figure 2, multiple potential interconnec-
approved equipment, such as listed interactive inverters cer- tion opportunities exist on both the load side and the supply
tified to UL 1741 [2014-705.4; 2017-705.6]. side of the service disconnecting means. Generally speak-
The first step when planning a safe interconnection is to ing, cost and complexity increase as the POC moves from
document relevant PV system equipment ratings. The ess- left to right. I have generally organized the following scenar-
ential data for Code compliance include utility-interactive ios accordingly, from the most common and least complex
inverter output circuit ratings [690.8(A)(3), 705.60(A)(2)] and options to those that are less common and more complex. In
the associated overcurrent protection device (OCPD) rat- most cases, I provide a formula that you can use to evaluate
ings [690.9(B), 705.60(B)]. Where multiple inverters inter- the Code compliance of different interconnection methods
connect to a single POC, it is useful to record individual using existing equipment. You can easily adapt these formulas
inverter output circuit currents as well as the sum of these to evaluate potential equipment modifications or upgrades,
currents wherever you combine inverter outputs. while that is beyond the scope of this article.
The next step is to assess the configuration and condition Though I focus here on a few key metricsmost nota-
of the existing premises wiring, paying special attention to bly, supply overcurrent device ratings, panel busbar ratings
Inverter Interconnections
Add Add Tap Add Add Conductor Approved

breaker lugs conductor load-side lugs line-side lugs connection connection
Utility
supply
Panelboard Feeders Service Service Service- Other

busbars equipment* disconnecting entrance equipment
means conductors
(*Some service equipment may include panelboard busbars.)
Figure 2 This diagram summarizes some of the POC opportunities on both the load and the supply side of the service discon-
necting means. Whereas load-side connections are generally simpler and more cost effective, supply-side connections allow
for higher-capacity systems.
and feeder conductor sizesa thorough site survey is a CONNECTIONS TO BUSBARS

prerequisite for identifying the optimal POC. Ideally, this All else being equal, the simplest and most cost-effective
survey identifies the locations and ratings of the utility interactive inverter interconnection is to connect to a pan-
transformer, revenue meter, service entrance conductors, elboard busbar by adding a circuit breaker. In addition to
main service panel, service disconnecting means, ground- providing a Code-compliant POC, this new breaker also pro-
ing electrode, subpanels, supply breaker ratings, on-site vides overcurrent protection for the inverter output circuit
power production sources and even load breaker ratings. and often serves as the PV or interactive system discon-
In addition to photographing and taking notes on the gen- nect. The NEC details five different methods or scenarios for
eral as-built conditions, be sure to take pictures of any elec- interconnecting an electric power source to a busbar, each
trical equipment labels, as these data will invariably prove of which is potentially useful in a subset of real-world situ-
essential later. ations. Note that while the following examples assume the
Note that often a manufacturer-applied label on the pan- use of circuit breakers, the Code also allows for the use of
elboard identifies the busbar or mains rating for existing fusible disconnecting means.
equipment. In some cases, however, you may need to find Power sources do not exceed busbar rating. Where appli-
the original equipment documentation to deter- cable, this is likely the easiest
mine this value. If you are unable to docu- Source and most cost-effective POC.
ment a busbar rating conclusively, the As long as the busbar rating is greater
generally accepted practice is to use the rating of than or equal to that of the primary
the associated OCPD. power source (the busbar OCPD
rating) plus the sum of the parallel
power sources (125% of the inverter
Load-Side Connections output circuit currents), the Code
does not limit the locations or num-
The 2014 and 2017 editions of the NEC provide ber of sources or loads connected
detailed requirements for making load-side PV to a panelboard busbar [2014-
connections to busbars in panelboards or to 705.12(D)(2)(3)(a); 2017-705.12(B)(2)
load-side conductors [2014-705.12(D)(2); 2017- (3)(a)]. Since any inverter OCPD loca-
705.12(B)(2)]. The additional load-side connection tion is acceptable, the Code does not
guidelines, compared to those in earlier Code edi- PV require a warning label adjacent to a
tions, are beneficial for system designers and AHJs. backfed breaker in this scenario.
The most significant change, however, is the direc- Though opportunities to use
tive to use 125% of the inverter output circuit cur- the busbar interconnection method
rent, rather than the interactive inverter breaker Figure 3 No restriction on the shown in Figure 3 are relatively
rating, for load-side ampacity calculations. inverter breaker location. uncommon, they do exist. For
Source
example, a site evaluation might identify a Code-Making Panel was able to extend
residential panelboard with a 225 Arated the 120% allowance to commercial
busbar but a 200 A main breaker, or a com- and industrial applications by requir-
mercial main distribution panel with a ing that the primary power source
busbar rating higher than its main OCPD. In (utility) and parallel power sour-
this type of scenario, you can use Equation 1 ces (interactive inverters) connect to
to confirm that a proposed interconnection opposite ends of the busbar, as shown
is Code compliant: in Figure 4.
Whereas earlier Code editions used
Busbar Supply OCPD + the inverter OCPD rating in calculations
(Inverter Current x 125%) [1] related to the 120% allowance, calcula-
tions under NEC 2014 and NEC 2017
120% allowance. This is the busbar are based on 125% of the inverter output
interconnection method familiar to circuit current [2014-705.12(D)(3)(b);
PV
most solar professionals. Since 1987, 2017-705.12(B)(2)(3)(b)]. You can use
the Code has included some version of Equation 2 to confirm that a proposed
the 120% rule, which allows primary Figure 4 Locate sources of power interconnection complies with the
and parallel power sources to exceed a at opposite ends of the busbar. 120% allowance:
panelboards busbar rating under cer-
tain circumstances. This allowance origi- Busbar (Supply OCPD + (Inverter
nally applied only in residential applications, where load Current x 125%)) 120% [2]
diversity prevents overload conditions. Eventually, the
Since the physical location of the inverter OCPD pre- interconnection method that applies specifically to center-
vents any potential overload conditions, the Code requires fed panelboards in dwellings. With a center-fed panel-
a warning label to alert someone not to inadvertently move board, the main breaker is located in the middle of the bus-
this device in the future: bar, rather than at the top. This center-fed configuration
makes it impossible to locate the utility
WARNING: and inverter supplies at opposite ends
POWER SOURCE OUTPUT of the busbar as required to comply with
CONNECTION Source the standard 120% allowance. Due to the
DO NOT RELOCATE THIS diversity factor that applies to residential
OVERCURRENT DEVICE. loads, the Code-Making Panel determined
Limit load and supply OCPDs. This calcula-

tion method is unique insofar as it ignores
the rating of the overcurrent device pro- PV
tecting the busbar and instead evaluates Load
the total rating of all the applied load and
supply OCPDs. In this scenario, a proposed PV
POC is Code compliant as long as the pan- Source
elboard busbar rating is greater than or Load
equal to the sum of the attached OCPDs,
regardless of whether these connect to PV
loads or inverters [2014-705.12(D)(3)(c);
2017-705.12(B)(2)(3)(c)]. Since an overload Load PV
condition cannot exist in this scenario, the
Code does not limit the number or locations Figure 5 The busbar is rated Figure 6 Inverter supply allowed at only
of load or inverter breakers, as illustrated for the sum of load and parallel one end of the center-fed busbar.
in Figure 5. In this scenario, you can use supply OCPDs.
Equation 3 to confirm Code compliance:
that it is safe to apply the 120% allowance (see Equation 2,
Busbar Load OCPDs + Inverter OCPDs [3] p. 19) to center-fed panelboards in dwellings, provided
that the inverter POC is located at only one end of the bus-
This new method of interconnection is particularly bar [2014-TIA 14-12; 2017-705.12(B)(2)(3)(d)]. In Figure 6,
advantageous when you are adding a new panelboard to for example, you could connect a parallel power source
aggregate multiple inverter output circuits, as might be the to either the top or the bottom of the busbar, but not to
case on a commercial project deployed with 3-phase string both ends.
inverters or a residential project deployed with microinvert- Solar companies that encounter center-fed panelboards
ers. Since this method accommodates load breakers, you are will welcome this new interconnection method. Since
free to add breakers to an inverter aggregation panel to sup- center-fed panelboards are relatively common in California,
ply power to monitoring equipment or equipment servicing it is not uncommon for solar customers there to incur
receptacles. You could also use this method to connect an $2,000$3,000 service upgrades in order for system integra-
interactive system to a lightly loaded subpanel. Note that tors to interconnect even small residential PV systems. The
you must include a warning label to ensure that the installa- new 120% allowance for center-fed panelboards in dwell-
tion remains Code compliant in the future: ings eliminates these expenses where they are otherwise
unnecessary. In August 2016, the National Fire Protection
WARNING: Association issued a rare Tentative Interim Amendment
THIS EQUIPMENT FED BY MULTIPLE SOURCES. (TIA), 14-12, which retroactively adds the center-fed panel
TOTAL RATING OF ALL OVERCURRENT DEVICES allowance to NEC 2014 as 705.12(D)(2)(3)(e).
EXCLUDING MAIN SUPPLY OVERCURRENT DEVICE It is a good idea to speak to your AHJ prior to mak-
SHALL NOT EXCEED AMPACITY OF BUSBAR. ing this type of connection under NEC 2014. Though this
is an official change to the 2014 Code edition, the revised
Center-fed panels in dwellings. During the 2017 cycle of language will not appear in hard copy of the Code, which
revisions, the Code-Making Panel introduced a new busbar could cause some confusion. Code does not specifically
require a warning label, but it is advisable to add such a Option 1: Make sure that power sources do not exceed
label alongside the inverter breaker to ensure that the conductor ampacity. The first protection option is based on
installation remains compliant in the future. This warning the logic that the downstream conductor is protected as
label might read: long as it is rated to carry power from all sources. In other
words, the connection is compliant as long as the sum
WARNING: of the primary power source (the main OCPD rating) and
POWER SOURCE OUTPUT CONNECTION the interactive power source (125% of the inverter out-
DO NOT RELOCATE THIS OVERCURRECT DEVICE. put circuit current) does not exceed the ampacity of the
DO NOT ADD SOURCE AT OTHER END OF BUSBAR. feeder, specifically between the POC and the loads [2014-
705.12(D)(2)(1)(a); 2017-705.12(B)(2)(1)(a)]. Figure 7 illus-
Multiple-ampacity busbars. Panelboards with multiple- trates this schematically.
ampacity busbars are primarily found in industrial applica- Note that this conductor connection method effectively
tions and do not fit neatly into any of the previous catego- assumes two different feeder ampacities. The ampacity of
ries. Since there is no practical limit to as-built conditions, it feeder A, which is upstream from the POC and protected by
is necessary to evaluate each situation individually to ensure
that a proposed POC is safe. To make a Code-compliant con-
PV Loads
nection to a multiple-ampacity busbar [2014-705.12(D)(3)
(d); 2017-705.12(B)(2)(3)(e)], a supervising engineer must
evaluate busbar loading and available fault currents.
Inverter
output
CONNECTIONS TO CONDUCTORS circuit
Although connections to conductors are less common
than connections to busbars, the NEC allows them under
certain conditions. This method of interconnection is perhaps Source
most common when a suitably sized feeder is significantly OCPD
closer to or more accessible from the proposed inverter loca-
tion than a suitable panelboard is. In such a scenario, con- Feeder A Feeder B
necting to the feeder conductor results in meaningful savings.
When evaluating a conductors suitability as a POC, sev- Figure 7 Downstream feeder rated for inverter supply.
eral general rules apply. Where you are making an inverter
connection to a feeder or tap, the ampacity of the conductor the primary supply breaker, needs to be greater than 125% of
must be equal to or greater than 125% of the inverter output the inverter output circuit currents. Since there are loads at
circuit current [705.60]. Inverter output circuit conductors the other end of the feeder, however, the ampacity of feeder B
must be protected in accordance with Article 240 [705.65], and any downstream busbars must account for both the pri-
and the number and location of OCPDs must provide pro- mary and the parallel power sources. You can use Equations
tection from all sources [705.30]. Any feeder or feeder tap 4a and 4b to verify Code compliance in this scenario:
conductor supplying loads must have adequate ampacity to
supply the loads [215.2(A)(1)]. Conductor ampacities must Feeder A Inverter Current x 125% [4a]
account for actual conditions of use, including ambient tem-
perature and conduit fill [310.15]. Note that the formulas in Feeder B Supply OCPD + (Inverter Current x 125%) [4b]
this section will determine the minimum conductor ampac-
ity before the applicable conditions of use. Opportunities to take advantage of this feeder connection
Provided that the system meets these general criteria, option are relatively few and far between, simply because it is
the Code allows for direct connections to feeders or indirect uncommon to come across oversized conductors and busbars
connections via tap conductors [240.2]. in the field. Generally speaking, it is cost prohibitive to upgrade
Connections to feeders. Solar professionals routinely con- the downstream feeder conductor unless its length is short and
nect PV systems to the end of a feeder, opposite the primary the downstream panelboard already has an oversized busbar.
source OCPD. The Code also allows for a connection to other Option 2: Add an OCPD on the load side of the feeder. The
locations in a feeder, provided that the conductor on the second, and generally more practical, option uses an overcur-
load side of the inverter output is protected [2014-705.12(D) rent device to protect the downstream feeder. In this scenario,
(2)(1); 2017-705.12(B)(2)(1)]. System integrators have two the POC is compliant so long as the ampacity of the feeder is
options for protecting this portion of the feeder. greater than or equal to the OCPD rating on the load side of the
PV Loads PV Loads
Inverter
Inverter output
output circuit
circuit
Source Source
OCPD OCPD Load
tap
Feeder Feeder
Figure 8 The OCPD protects the downstream feeder. Figure 9 Load tap with protection for the busbar.
inverter connection [2014-705.12(D)(2)(1)(b); 2017-705.12(B) that some portion of the tap conductors is located indoors.
(2)(1)(b)]. Figure 8 shows a connection with a breaker added to Moreover, some general rules apply that merit reviewing.
protect the downstream feeder and busbar. You are allowed to tap feeder conductors but not other
Note that the size of the OCPD on the load side of the tap conductors [240.21(B)]. You are generally not allowed
inverter POC must also take the downstream loads into to tap branch circuits [210.19]. You are not allowed to tap
account. One way to install an OCPD in the feeder is to add a inverter output circuits [240.4(E), 705.12(D)(1)]. You must
new panelboard at the POC to enclose the inverter breaker and size any conductors serving loads, including taps, to supply
the load breaker. Alternative methods could use wireway with the load [Article 220, Part III]. You must provide overcur-
fused disconnects. Either way, this interconnection method rent protection for panelboards connected to tap conduc-
likely involves splicing and extending the feeder with the pos- tors [408.36].
sible addition of tap conductors, which are subject to unique Example 1: New tap for loads. This option is worth inves-
Code requirements (discussed next). You can use Equations 5a tigating if you want to connect to a feeder but avoid upsiz-
and 5b to ensure that this type of connection to a feeder con- ing the downstream feeder and busbar. Instead of adding
ductor is Code compliant: overcurrent protection at the POC, as illustrated previously,
you may prefer to add a circuit breaker or fused disconnect
Feeder Ampacity Inverter Current x 125% [5a] directly ahead of the busbar serving the downstream loads.
This approach, shown schematically in Figure 9, essentially
Load-Side Breaker Feeder Ampacity [5b] converts the downstream portion of the existing feeder,
between the inverter connection and the loads, into a
Connections involving tap conductors. The ability to con- tap conductor.
nect to feeders using tap conductors offers solar profes- If the tap does not exceed 25 feet and meets Code-
sionals additional flexibility when optimizing site-specific mandated minimum size and installation requirements,
interconnections. The Code provides multiple allowances, you can use Equations 6a and 6b to verify that the connec-
based on tap length or location, for tapping feeder conduc- tion is compliant:
tors without overcurrent protection at the tap [240.21(B)].
New language in Article 705 clarifies how these general tap Feeder Ampacity Inverter Current x 125% [6a]
rules apply where inverter output connections use tap con-
ductors. Specifically, the Code requires that you base the Load Tap Ampacity (Supply OCPD +
OCPD rating used to determine the ampacity of tap conduc- (Inverter Current x 125%)) x 33% [6b]
tors per 240.21(B) on the sum of the source OCPD and 125%
of the inverter output circuit current [2014-705.12(D)(2)(2); Example 2: New tap for inverters. This option comes in
2017-705.12(B)(2)(2)]. handy where you would like to locate the inverter overcur-
The following examples illustrate how to apply tap rent device some distance away from the feeder, perhaps
conductor rules where you are using taps for downstream to make it readily accessible. In this scenario, illustrated
loads, inverters or both. These specific examples assume in Figure 10, the tap conductors serve the interactive sys-
that the tap conductors are not longer than 25 feet and tem only.
PV Loads PV Loads
Inverter Inverter Load

tap tap tap
Source Supply
OCPD OCPD
Feeder Feeder
Figure 10 Inverter feeder tap conductors. Figure 11 The OCPD protects the downstream feeder.
Where the tap does not exceed 25 feet and meets Code- Inverter Tap Ampacity (Supply OCPD +
mandated minimum size and installation requirements, you (Inverter Current x 125%)) x 33% [7b]
can make a compliant connection by sizing the tap conduc-
tor to the worst-case scenario as determined by Equations The larger of these values determines the size of the inverter
7a and 7b: tap conductor.
Example 3: New taps for both inverters and loads. This
Inverter Tap Ampacity Inverter Current x 125% [7a] option is worth investigating where an existing feeder is
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available to serve both a new inverter system and a new pertaining to service conductors [Articles 230, 250.92, and
load, but you would like to locate these at some distance so forth]. This is consistent with the revised language in NEC
away from the end of the feeder and avoid adding a pan- 2017 [690.13(C)]: If the PV system is connected to the sup-
elboard. The strategy here is to make two Code-compliant ply side of the service disconnecting means as permitted in
taps, where one feeder tap conductor serves the inverter 230.82(6), the PV system disconnecting means shall be listed
and the other feeder tap conductor serves the load. Figure 11 as suitable for use as service equipment. Understand, how-
(p. 23) illustrates this two-tap scenario. ever, that a new disconnect for parallel power production
To ensure that the connections are Code compliant, size equipment does not meet the Code definition of a service
the inverter feeder tap conductor according to the larger disconnecting means [Article 100]; therefore, the inverter
value as determined by Equation 7a and 7b, and size the load disconnect does not count as one of the six switches allowed
feeder tap conductor according to Equation 6b. per set of service entrance conductors [230.71(A)].
As part of the 2014 revision cycle, the Code-Making Panel
added a new section limiting the length of unprotected
Supply-Side Connections conductors in a supply-side connection. Specifically, it now
requires overcurrent protection within 10 feet of the POC
The NEC language pertaining to supply-side connections is [705.31]. An exception allows for the use of cable limiters
concise and not overly prescriptive. In short, the Code allows at the POC if you cannot locate overcurrent protection for
for connections on the supply side of the service discon- power production source conductors within 10 feet of the
necting means provided that the sum of the parallel power connection point.
source overcurrent devices does not exceed the rating of the
service [705.12(A)]. A definition in 705.2 clarifies that power
production equipment does not include the utility-supplied Connections to Other Equipment
service, but rather consists of other sources of electricity,
such as generators and interactive systems. The preceding examples intentionally assume a relatively
When planning an interconnection on the supply side generic set of circumstances, as my goal is to provide high-
of the service entrance disconnecting means, it is impor- level guidance for making Code-compliant connections. In
tant to establish or verify equipment ownership and con- the real world, you will encounter a great deal of variety
trol. Technically, the service point (see Figure 1, p. 16) is the in terms of service types, equipment configurations and
demarcation point between the serving utility and the prem- as-built conditions. Some facilities will provide multiple
ises wiring, per the definition in Article 100. In practice, the opportunities for a safe connection; others will present
location of this demarcation point varies depending on the many obstacles. In some cases, you will need to upgrade
utilitys policies and the type or conditions of the service. the service or some of the existing electrical equipment to
Furthermore, ownership and control do not always go hand connect interactive systems in a way that satisfies the AHJ
in hand. For example, the utility generally controls metering and the NEC. Though it is beyond the scope of this article
equipment even when customers own some or all of this hard- to consider all of the methods and opportunities to con-
ware. In most cases, AHJs want to verify that you are making nect at existing equipment, some common scenarios and
the proposed supply-side connection in a manner consistent challenges merit discussion.
with utility requirements applying to services. As such, it is a Connections to subpanels. The NEC does not restrict your
good idea to start the planning process by obtaining a copy of ability to connect to a panelboard based on its location or
the serving utilitys design standards. hierarchy in the premises wiring. Any panelboard fed by
Connections to service entrance conductors. The Code allows feeder conductors is a potential POC, provided that you
for splicing or tapping service entrance conductors [230.46] and evaluate any busbars or feeders between the primary power
connecting power production equipment on the supply side of source and the inverter interconnection according to the cal-
a service disconnect [230.82(6)]. In some cases, you may be able culation methods detailed previously. Pay special attention
to make a connection inside the existing service equipment; in to breaker location and labeling requirements, as these also
other cases, the AHJ or utility design criteria may require that apply to upstream equipment. There should no longer be any
you add a new enclosure to make a connection. confusion about what ratings to use in upstream calculations,
While the Code does not explicitly state that you must since the default value is now 125% of the inverter output cir-
treat the wiring on the line side of the inverter disconnect as cuit current rather than the backfed breaker rating.
a set of service entrance conductors [see 230.40, Exception 5], Adding lugs to busbars. The NEC does not specify how
it is generally considered a best practice to install this wiring to make mechanical connections to busbars. Where it is
in accordance with the long-established Code requirements not possible or practical to add a circuit breaker for this
purpose, you may be able to No service upgrade
add lugs to accommodate an required Green
inverter connection. When Mountain Powers cus-
adding lugs, you must do so in tomers in Vermont can
a way that does not violate the purchase ConnectDER
product listing. meter socket adapters
To add lugs, you do not sim- directly from the util-
ply make a mechanical connec- ity. Since the product
tion wherever there is room to allows for a supply-side
do so. Drilling a hole in a busbar connection, it can both
to accommodate a mechani- eliminate costly service
cal connection removes con- upgrades and increase
C ou r te sy Gre e n M ou n ta in P o w e r
ductive material. This type of the capacity of fielded
field modification could violate systems relative to a
the product listing or result load-side connection.
in unintended consequences,
both of which increase liability
exposure. Moreover, many AHJs
will not approve a modification
that the manufacturer does not
specifically allow or that was
not designed under engineering supervision. to repair or replace equipment due to poor workmanship. In
Some manufacturers identify approved locations and some cases, you may encounter equipment that is subject to
methods for adding lugs and may even provide hardware a recall or is generally known to be faulty.
for this purpose. Feed-through lugs are perhaps the most Most AHJs grandfather existing conditions to some
common example of an opportunity to add lugs to a bus- extent, meaning that you do not have to upgrade everything
bar using manufacturer-provided hardware. At sites with to the most recent Code requirements to perform a limited
larger, custom-built panelboards, it may prove more chal- scope of work, such as adding a power production source.
lenging to add lugs to a busbar. Engineering supervision However, a grandfather clause does not automatically
and field labeling may be required where the equipment extend to existing equipment that you plan to modify or
vendor does not have instructions and recognized hard- use as a POC. Especially in older dwellings, it is not uncom-
ware kits for this purpose. mon to encounter legacy wiring methods or electrical
Adding lugs to other equipment. On either side of the ser- equipment that AHJs will ask you to upgrade before making
vice disconnecting means, it may be possible to add lugs an interconnection.
or studs to existing equipment, including disconnects, Also, keep in mind that the Code addresses minimum
meters, meter sockets, connector blocks and so forth. safety requirements only. Once you touch the existing
Many of these options are highly site specific, based on the equipment, you own itcertainly as far as the customer is
equipment and jurisdiction. Relatively recently, equipment concerned. Every veteran contractor is familiar with this
manufacturers and even utilities have begun to offer meter complaint: Everything was working fine before your crew
socket adapters or solar-ready panelboards specifically worked on it. If you spot a potential reliability issue with the
designed to provide the capacity and termination points existing equipment, you should either create a budget to fix
needed to make a Code-compliant connection. While it, or bring it to the customers attention and have that cus-
equipment upgrades are unavoidable in some cases, an tomer sign off on leaving it as is.
increasing number of vendors are developing listed solu-
tions for making a Code-compliant interconnection at g C O N TAC T
existing equipment.
Jason Fisher / Solar City / Charlottesville, VA / stc.jason@gmail.com /
Adequacy of existing equipment. When planning intercon-
solarcity.com
nections, it is important to evaluate the adequacy of the
existing equipment or service. As-built conditions could
prove unsuitable for an interconnection where equipment
is damaged, perhaps due to a previous overload condition,
or where it is not rated for the environment. You may need
2017
Single- and 3-Phase String Inverter Specifications
C ou r te sy F ron iu s US A
Compiled by Joe Schwartz
U
pdated for 2017, SolarPros string-inverter dataset g C O N TAC T
includes 158 single- and 3-phase string inverter Joe Schwartz / SolarPro / Ashland, OR /
models from 16 manufacturers. A Nationally joe.schwartz@solarprofessional.com / solarprofessional.com
Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) has listed
Manufacturers
all the products in the table to the UL 1741 standard. All
ABB / 877.261.1374 / abb.com/solarinverters
of the manufacturers represented maintain one or more Chint Power Systems / 855.584.7168 / chintpower.com/na
established US sales and technical support offices. Delta / 510.668.5100 / delta-americas.com
The technical evolution of string inverters has been fas- Fronius USA / 877.376.6487 / fronius-usa.com
cinating to watch in recent years. The gains in efficiency, Ginlong Solis / 866.438.8408 / ginlong-usa.com
Growatt / 818.800.9177 / growatt-america.com
design flexibility and installability have been nothing HiQ Solar / 408.970.9580 / hiqsolar.com
short of impressive. A few years back, not many integra- Huawei / 214.919.6000 / huawei.com/solar
tors would have imagined a 7.6 kWac single-phase inverter Ingeteam / 408.524.2929 / ingeteam.com
with a CEC efficiency of 99% that weighs 25 pounds, or a KACO new energy / 415.931.2046 / kaco-newenergy.com
Pika Energy / 207.887.9105 / pikaenergy.com
125 kWac 3-phase string inverter certified for 1,500 Vdc Schneider Electric / 888.778.2733 / schneider-electric.com
applications that, at 143 pounds, is light enough for two SMA America / 916.625.0870 / sma-america.com
installers to lift and mount. Today, the range of applica- SolarEdge Technologies / 877.360.5292 / solaredge.us
tions for string inverters stretches from small residential Sungrow USA / 510.656.1259 / en.sungrowpower.com
YaskawaSolectria Solar / 978.683.9700 / solectria.com
systems to multimegawatt PV plants.
String Inverter Guide
2017 Single- and 3-Phase String Inverter Specifications

Input Data (dc)
Max. recommended Maximum

PV power at STC open-circuit PV start Operating voltage No. MPP MPPT
Manufacturer Model Topology (W) voltage voltage range trackers voltage range
ABB UNO-2.0-I-OUTD-S-US-A isolated 2,100 520 200 2 90520 1 170470
ABB UNO-2.5-I-OUTD-S-US-A isolated 2,600 520 200 2

90520 1 200470
ABB UNO-7.6-TL-OUTD-S-US-A non-isolated DNR 600 200 2 90580 2 165480
ABB UNO-8.6-TL-OUTD-S-US-A non-isolated DNR 600 200 2

90580 2 185480
ABB PVI-3.0-TL-OUTD-S-US-A non-isolated 3,500 600 200 2 90580 2 160530
ABB PVI-3.6-TL-OUTD-S-US-A non-isolated 4,150 600 200 2

90580 2 120530
ABB PVI-3.8-TL-OUTD-S-US-A non-isolated DNR 600 200 2 90580 2 140530
ABB PVI-4.2-TL-OUTD-S-US-A non-isolated 4,820 600 200 2

90580 2 140530
ABB PVI-5000-TL-OUTD-US-A non-isolated 5,300 600 200 2 90580 2 145530
ABB PVI-6000-TL-OUTD-US-A non-isolated 6,400 600 200 2

90580 2 175530
ABB TRIO-20.0-TL-OUTD-S1-US-480-A non-isolated 22,000 1,000 360 2 200950 2 450800
ABB TRIO-27.6-TL-OUTD-S1-US-480-A non-isolated 30,000 1,000 360 2

200950 2 520800
ABB TRIO-50.0-TL-OUTD non-isolated DNR 1,000 360 2 250950 1 520800
Chint Power Systems CPS SC14KTL-DO/US-208 non-isolated 19,000 600 300 180580 2 300540
Chint Power Systems CPS SC20KTL-DO/US-480 non-isolated 27,000 600 300 260580 2 300550
Chint Power Systems CPS SCA23KTL-DO/US-480 non-isolated 31,000 1,000 330 300900 2 480800
Delta SOLIVIA 3.0 TL non-isolated 3,600 600 120 120550 1 200500
Delta RPI H7U non-isolated 8,400 500 35 30500 4 160470/185470
Delta 15kW TL non-isolated 18,000 1,000 DNR 1301,000 2 450900
Delta M80U non-isolated 106,000 1,000 250 2001,000 2 600800
Fronius USA Galvo 1.5-1 isolated 2,400 420 140 120420 1 120335
Fronius USA Primo 3.8-1 non-isolated 6,000 600 80 80600 2 200480
Footnote Key
1
Per MPP tracker 5
MPPT 1/MPPT 2 10
Nominal dc-input voltage 15
570800 @ 400 Vac
2
Default, adjustable 6
Connector approved as load-break disconnect 11
String-level MPP tracking 16
98% CEC efficiency @ 400 Vac
3
Wiring boxes available in multiple product variants 7
Supplies PV power at < 550 Vdc 12
DC disconnect dimensions: 11.7 7.3 7.5 in. 17
Module-level MPP tracking
4
Fused string input, terminal block and MC4 8
With optional PSD disconnect 13
DC disconnect weight: 8 lbs. 18
-40140F version available
connector wiring box options 9
PV Link S2501 subarray optimizer specification 14
With SMA Connection Unit 1000-US DNR = Did not report
Output Data (ac) Operation
Max. number Max.

dc source usable input Max. Rated power Nominal Number of CEC-weighted efficiency Ambient temp. range
circuits current 1 short-circuit current (W) output voltage phases Max. output current (%) (F)
2 12.5 15 2,000 208/240/277 1 10 95.5 -13140
2 12.8 15 2,500 208/240/277 1 12 95.5/96/96 -13140
4 2 24 2 30 7,600 208/240/277 1 36.5/32/27.5 96.5 -13140
4 2 24 2 30 8,600 240/277 1 36/31 96.5 -13140
4 2 10 2 12.5 3,000 208/240/277 1 14.5/14.5/12 96 -13140
4 2 16 2 20 3,600 208/240/277 1 17.2/16/16 96 -13140
4 2 16 2 20 3,800 208/240/277 1 16 96 -13140
4 2 16 2 20 4,200 208/240/277 1 20 96 -13140
4 2 18 2 22 5,000 208/240/277 1 27/23/20 96/96.5/96.5 -13140
4 2 18 2 22 6,000 208/240/277 1 30/28/24 96/96.5/96.5 -13140
8 2 25 2 30 20,000 480 3 27 97.5 -22140
8 2 30.9 2 36 27,600 480 3 36 97.5 -22140
2, 12, 16 1 100 144 50,000 480 3 61 98 -13140
8 2 25 2 45 14,000 208 3 39 96 -13140
8 2 35 2 45.5 20,000 480 3 24 97 -13140
8 2 25 2 41 23,000 480 3 27.7 98 -22140
8 2 29 2 48 28,000 480 3 33.7 98 -22140
8, 10 2 35 125 36,000 480 3 43.5 98 -22140
15 3 36 3 50 50,000 480 3 60 98.5 -22140
15 3 38 3 60 60,000 480 3 72 98.5 -22140
2 18 24 3,000 208/240 1 15.6 97.5 -13158
2 20 24 3,800 208/240 1 19.7 97.5 -13158
4 2 15 2 24 5,200 208/240 1 27 97.5 -13158
4 2 18 2 24 6,600 208/240 1 34.3 97.5 -13158
4 2 20 2 24 7,600 208/240 1 39.6 97.5 -13158
4 4 10 4 13.9 6,000/7,000 208/240 1 28.8/29.1 97 -13140
6 2 18.5 2 23 15,000 277/480 3 20 98 -13158
6 2 22 2 27 20,000 277/480 3 26 98 -13158
6 2 24.2 2 29 24,000 277/480 3 30 98 -13158
6 2 28.3 2 34 28,000 277/480 3 34 98 -13158
16 4
2 70 DNR 80,000 480 3 100 98.5 -13140
3 13.4 16.7 1,500 208/240 1 7.2/6.3 94/94.5 -40122
3 17/17.9 22.4 2,000 208/240 1 9.1/8.3 94.5 -40122
3 16.1 20.1 2,500 208/240 1 12/10.4 95 -40122
3 18.7/20 25 3,100 208/240 1 14.1/12.9 95.5 -40122
4 2 18 2 22.5 3,800 208/240 1 18.3/15.8 95 -40131
4 2 18 2 22.5 5,000 208/240 1 24/20.8 95.5 -40131
4 2 18 2 22.5 6,000 208/240 1 28.8/25 96 -40131
4 2 18 2 22.5 7,600 208/240 1 36.5/31.7 96 -40131
4 2 18 2 22.5 7,900/8,200 208/240 1 38/34.2 96.5 -40131

Integrated Disconnects and Combiners Mechanical Listing and Warranty
DC AC Fused Enclosure Dimensions Warranty

disconnect disconnect combiner Arc-fault Cooling NEMA HWD Weight Listing std./ext.
Manufacturer Model standard standard standard protection method rating (in.) (lbs.) agency (yrs.)
ABB UNO-2.0-I-OUTD-S-US-A yes 3 no no 3 yes 3 passive 4X 30.3 14.4 6.3 43 CSA 10/15, 20
ABB UNO-2.5-I-OUTD-S-US-A yes 3

no no 3
yes 3
passive 4X 30.3 14.4 6.3 43 CSA 10/15, 20
ABB UNO-7.6-TL-OUTD-S-US-A yes 3 no no 3 yes 3 passive 4X 29.3 22.9 8.8 82 CSA 10/15, 20
ABB UNO-8.6-TL-OUTD-S-US-A yes 3

no no 3
yes 3
passive 4X 29.3 22.9 8.8 82 CSA 10/15, 20
ABB PVI-3.0-TL-OUTD-S-US-A yes 3 no yes 3 yes 3 passive 4X 33.8 12.8 8.7 47 CSA 10/15, 20
ABB PVI-3.6-TL-OUTD-S-US-A yes 3

no yes 3
yes 3
passive 4X 33.8 12.8 8.7 47 CSA 10/15, 20
ABB PVI-3.8-TL-OUTD-S-US-A yes 3 no yes 3 yes 3 passive 4X 33.8 12.8 8.7 47 CSA 10/15, 20
ABB PVI-4.2-TL-OUTD-S-US-A yes 3

no yes 3
yes 3
passive 4X 33.8 12.8 8.7 47 CSA 10/15, 20
ABB PVI-5000-TL-OUTD-US-A yes 3 no yes 3 yes 3 passive 4X 41.4 12.8 8.6 60 CSA 10/15, 20
ABB PVI-6000-TL-OUTD-US-A yes 3

no yes 3
yes 3
passive 4X 41.4 12.8 8.6 60 CSA 10/15, 20
ABB TRIO-20.0-TL-OUTD-S1-US-480-A yes 3 no yes 3 yes 3 passive 4X 41.7 27.6 11.5 157 CSA 10/15, 20
ABB TRIO-27.6-TL-OUTD-S1-US-480-A yes 3

no yes 3
yes 3
passive 4X 41.7 27.6 11.5 168 CSA 10/15, 20
ABB TRIO-50.0-TL-OUTD yes 3 yes 3 yes 3 yes 3 active 4X 28.5 58.7 12.4 209 TUV 10/15, 20
Chint Power Systems CPS SC14KTL-DO/US-208 yes yes yes option active 4X 41.6 21.4 8.5 141 ETL 10/15, 20
Chint Power Systems CPS SC20KTL-DO/US-480 yes yes yes option active 4X 41.6 21.4 8.5 141 ETL 10/15, 20
Chint Power Systems CPS SCA23KTL-DO/US-480 yes yes yes option active 4X 39.4 23.6 9.1 122 CSA 10/15, 20
Chint Power Systems CPS SCA50KTL-DO/US-480 yes yes yes yes active 4X 39.4 23.6 10.2 157 CSA 10/15, 20
Chint Power Systems CPS SCA60KTL-DO/US-480 yes yes yes yes active 4X 39.4 23.6 10.2 157 CSA 10/15, 20
Delta SOLIVIA 3.0 TL yes no yes yes passive 4 17.5 15.8 8.5 43 UL 10/15, 20
Delta RPI H7U yes no no yes passive 4X 23.3 20.1 6.9 60 ETL 10
Delta 15kW TL yes no yes yes passive 4X 29.5 21.7 9.5 110 UL 10/15, 20
Delta 20kW TL yes no yes yes passive 4X 29.5 21.7 9.5 110 UL 10/15, 20
Delta 24kW TL yes no yes yes active 4X 29.5 21.7 9.5 110 UL 10/15, 20
Delta 28kW TL yes no yes yes active 4X 29.5 21.7 9.5 110 UL 10/15, 20
Delta M80U option 4 no option 4 yes active 4X 35.4 24.2 10.8 181 4 ETL 10/15, 20
Fronius USA Galvo 1.5-1 yes no no yes active 4X 24.7 16.9 8.1 36 CSA 10/15, 20
Fronius USA Primo 3.8-1 yes no no yes active 4X 24.7 16.9 8.1 47 CSA 10/15, 20
C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 3 2
Hot or Cold, 1GW
in America today!
Challenge us... TO U G H.
chintpowersystems.com
855-584 -7168

Input Data (dc)

Fronius USA Symo 10.0-3 208/240 non-isolated 13,000 600 200 200600 2 300500
Fronius USA Symo 12.0-3 208/240 non-isolated 15,500 600 200 200600 2 300500
Fronius USA Symo 10.0-3 480 non-isolated 13,000 1,000 200 2001,000 2 300800
Ginlong Solis Solis-2.5K-2G-US non-isolated 2,900 600 120 100500 2 125500
Ginlong Solis Solis-3K-2G-US non-isolated 3,500 600 120 100500 2 150500
Ginlong Solis Solis-1P6K-3G-US non-isolated 6,900 600 120 100500 3 200500
Ginlong Solis Solis-1P7.6K-3G-US non-isolated 8,700 600 120 100500 3 190500
Ginlong Solis Solis-6K-US 6 non-isolated 7,200 1,000 330 200980 2 200800
Ginlong Solis Solis-10K-US 6

non-isolated 12,000 1,000 330 200980 2 200800
Ginlong Solis Solis-15K-US non-isolated 18,000 1,000 330 200980 2 200800
Growatt 4000 MTLP-US non-isolated DNR 600 150 100600 2 120500
Footnote Key
1
Per MPP tracker 5
MPPT 1/MPPT 2 10
570800 @ 400 Vac
2
3
4
Max. number Max.

6 33/18 5 41.3/22.5 5 9,995 208/240 1 48.1/41.6 96 -40140
6 33/18 5
41.3/22.5 5
11,400 208/240 1 54.8/47.5 96 -40140
6 33/18 5 41.3/22.5 5 12,500 208/240 1 60.1/52.1 96 -40140
6 33/18 5
41.3/22.5 5
13,750/15,000 208/240 1 66.1/62.5 96.5 -40140
6 25/16.5 5 37.5/24.8 5 9,995 208/240 3 27.7/24 96.5 -40140
6 25/16.5 5 37.5/24.8 5 11,995 208/240 3 33.3/28.9 96.5 -40140
6 25/16.5 5 37.5/24.8 5 9,995 480 3 12 96.5 -40140
6 25/16.5 5
37.5/24.8 5
12,495 480 3 15 97 -40140
6 50 75 15,000 208 3 41.6 96.5 -40140
6 33/25 5 49.5/37.5 5 14,995 480 3 18 97 -40140
6 33/25 5
49.5/37.5 5
17,495 480 3 21 97.5 -40140
6 33/25 5 49.5/37.5 5 19,995 480 3 24 97.5 -40140
6 33/25 5
49.5/37.5 5
22,727 480 3 27.3 97.5 -40140
6 33/25 5 49.5/37.5 5 23,995 480 3 28.9 97.5 -40140
2 10/10 5
2 15.6 2,500 208/240 1 13.3 96.5 -13140
2 10/10 5 2 15.6 3,000 208/240 1 15.7 96.5 -13140
2 10/10 5
2 15.6 3,600 208/240 1 16 96.5 -13140
2 10/18 5 15.6/23.4 5 4,000 208/240 1 21 97 -13140
3 10/18 5
15.6/23.4 5
4,600 208/240 1 23.8 97 -13140
3 10/18 5 15.6/23.4 5 5,000 208/240 1 23.8 97 -13140
3 3 10 3 15.6 6,000 208/240 1 31.7 97 -13140
3 3 10 3 15.6 7,000 208/240 1 37 97 -13140
3 3 10 3 15.6 7,600 208/240 1 40.1 97 -13140
4 4 10 4 15.6 8,000 208/240 1 42.3 97 -13140
4 4 10 4 15.6 9,000 208/240 1 47.6 97 -13140
4 4 10 4 15.6 10,000 208/240 1 45.9 97 -13140
4 2 15 2 23.4 6,000 480 3 10 96.5 -13140
4 2 18 2 23.4 10,000 480 3 16.7 96.5 -13140
4 2 18 2 28 15,000 480 3 25.1 97.3 -13140
4 2 18 2 28 20,000 480 3 30.4 97.3 -13140
8 4 18 DNR 25,000 480 3 33.3 97.5 -13140
8 4 18 DNR 30,000 480 3 39.7 97.5 -13140
8 4 18 DNR 36,000 480 3 47.8 97.5 -13140
8 4 18 DNR 40,000 480 3 53 97.5 -13140
4 2 18 42 4,000 208/240/277 1 16.7 96 -13113
4 2 18 47 5,000 208/240/277 1 21 96.5 -13113
4 2 18 56 6,000 208/240/277 1 25 96.5 -13113
4 2 20 47 7,000 208/240/277 1 29 97 -13113
4 2 20 47 7,600 208/240/277 1 31.7 97 -13113
4 9.5/9.5/19 5
DNR 8,000 208/240 1 33.5 97 -13140


Fronius USA Primo 10.0-1 yes no yes yes active 4X 28.5 20.1 8.9 83 CSA 10/15, 20
Fronius USA Symo 10.0-3 208/240 yes no yes yes active 4X 28.5 20.1 8.9 92 CSA 10/15, 20
Fronius USA Symo 12.0-3 208/240 yes no yes yes active 4X 28.5 20.1 8.9 92 CSA 10/15, 20
Fronius USA Symo 10.0-3 480 yes no yes yes active 4X 28.5 20.1 8.9 77 CSA 10/15, 20
Ginlong Solis Solis-2.5K-2G-US yes no no yes passive 4X 25.9 13.3 6.5 33 ETL 10/15, 20
Ginlong Solis Solis-3K-2G-US yes no no yes passive 4X 25.9 13.3 6.5 33 ETL 10/15, 20
Ginlong Solis Solis-1P6K-3G-US yes no no yes passive 4X 22.4 13.3 9.3 34 ETL 10/15, 20
Ginlong Solis Solis-1P7.6K-3G-US yes no no yes passive 4X 22.4 13.3 9.3 34 ETL 10/15, 20
Ginlong Solis Solis-6K-US 6 yes no no option passive 4X 26.1 16.9 9.3 64 ETL 10/15, 20
Ginlong Solis Solis-10K-US 6 yes no no option passive 4X 26.1 16.9 9.3 64 ETL 10/15, 20
Ginlong Solis Solis-15K-US yes no no option passive 4X 26.1 16.9 9.3 71 ETL 10/15, 20
Ginlong Solis Solis-20K-US yes no no option passive 4X 26.1 16.9 9.3 71 ETL 10/15, 20
Ginlong Solis Solis-25K-US yes no no option passive 4X 27.9 20.9 14 130 ETL 10/15, 20
Growatt 4000 MTLP-US yes no no yes passive 4X 28.7 15.8 8.5 69 ETL 5/10, 15
Growatt 8000 MTLP-US yes no no yes passive 4X 27.3 14 8.3 66C O N T I N ETL
U E D O N 5/10,
P A G15
E 42
Central inverter power meets
string inverter flexibility.
The TRIO 50.0 represents the best of both worlds. It combines

the performance and price advantages of a central inverter with the
flexibility and ease-of-installation of a string inverter. With three-phase,
transformerless technology, modular concept and installation versatility,
the TRIO 50.0 was designed specifically for commercial and utility-scale
decentralized installations. So if youre looking for the flexibility of a string
inverter with the power and cost advantages of a central inverter, then look
no further. Visit www.abb.com/solarinverters/trio-50 to learn more.

Input Data (dc)

Growatt 33000 TL3-US non-isolated 41,250 1,000 250 2001,000 2 480800
HiQ Solar TrueString TS208-5k75 non-isolated 12,000 1,000 200 200850 2 325525
HiQ Solar TrueString TS480-8k non-isolated 16,000 1,000 200 DNR 2 425850
Huawei SUN2000-25KTL-US non-isolated DNR 1,000 200 200950 3 560850
Huawei SUN2000-30KTL-US non-isolated DNR 1,000 200 200950 3 560850
Huawei SUN2000-33KTL-US non-isolated DNR 1,000 250 2001,000 4 460850
Huawei SUN2000-45KTL-US-HV-DO non-isolated DNR 1,500 650 6001,450 4 8801,275
Ingeteam INGECON SUN 3Play 24TL U M480 non-isolated 32,200 1,000 200 200820 2 200820
Ingeteam INGECON SUN 3Play 40TL U M480 non-isolated 53,600 1,000 200 200820 2 200820
KACO new energy 2.0 TL1 non-isolated DNR 600 7 150 125550 1 190510
KACO new energy 5.0 TL1 non-isolated DNR 600 7

150 125550 2 215510
Pika Energy X3001-NA non-isolated 4,000 420 9 60 380 10 varies 11 60360 9
Pika Energy X7600 non-isolated 10,000 420 9 60 380 10 varies 11 60360 9
Pika Energy X11400 non-isolated 15,000 420 9 60 380 10 varies 11 60360 9
Schneider Electric CL18000 NA non-isolated 22,800 1,000 DNR 2501,000 2 300800
Schneider Electric CL25000 NA non-isolated 31,800 1,000 DNR 2501,000 2 500800
SMA America SB 3.0-US non-isolated DNR 600 125 100550 2 155480
SMA America SB 3000TL-US non-isolated 3,200 600 150 125500 2 175480
SMA America SB 9000TL-US non-isolated 11,250 600 360 DNR 1 300480/345480
SMA America SB 10000TL-US non-isolated 12,500 600 360 DNR 1 300480/345480
SMA America SB 11000TL-US non-isolated 3,750 600 360 DNR 1 345480
Footnote Key
1
Per MPP tracker 5
MPPT 1/MPPT 2 10
570800 @ 400 Vac
2
3
4
Max. number Max.

4 9.5/9.5/19 5 DNR 9,000 208/240 1 37.5 97 -13140
4 9.5/9.5/19 5
DNR 10,000 208/240 1 42 97 -13140
8 2 36 2 45 33,000 480 3 44 98.2 -13140
8 2 36 2 45 36,000 480 3 48 98.2 -13140
8 2 36 2 45 40,000 480 3 48 98.2 -13140
2 2 10 30 5,750 208 3 16 97 -40150
2 2 10 30 8,000 480 3 16 98 -40150
6 3 25 DNR 25,000 277/480 3 33.1 98 -13140
6 3 25 DNR 30,000 277/480 3 39.7 98 -13140
8 3 22 3 30 33,300 277/480 3 40.1 98.5 -13140
8 3 22 3 30 36,000 277/480 3 48.2 98.5 -13140
8 3 22 3 30 40,000 277/480 3 53 98.5 -13140
8 3 22 3 30 45,000 600 3 48.1 98.5 -13140
4 2 27 DNR 24,000 480 3 29 98 -13149
4 2 40 DNR 40,000 480 3 48 98 -13149
1 11 13 2,000 208/240 1 9.7/8.3 96.5 -13140
2 2 11 2 13.2 3,000 208/240 1 14.5/12.5 96.5 -13140
2 2 11 2 13.2 4,000 208/240 1 19.2/16.7 96.5 -13140
2 2 11 2 13.2 4,600/5,000 208/240 1 22/20 96.5 -13140
varies 11 13 DNR 3,000 240 1 13 96 -4140
varies 11
30 DNR 7,600 240 1 32 97 -4122
varies 11 30 DNR 11,400 208 3 32 97 -4122
8 32 2 36 18,000 480 3 25 97.5 -13140
8 26.5 2 36 25,000 480 3 33 98 -13140
2 10 18 3,000 208/240 1 14.5/12.5 96/96.5 -13140
2 10 18 3,330/3,800 208/240 1 16 96.6 -13140
3 10 18 5,000 208/240 1 24 96.5/97 -13140
3 10 18 5,200/6,000 208/240 1 25 96.5/97 -13140
3 10 18 6,660/7,000 208/240 1 32/29.2 96.5/97 -13140
3 10 18 6,660/7,680 208/240 1 32 96.5/97 -13140
4 2 15 36 3,000 208/240 1 15 96.5 -40140
4 2 15 36 3,330/3,840 208/240 1 16 96.5/97 -40140
4 2 15 36 4,000 208/240 1 20 96.5/97 -40140
4 2 15 36 4,550/5,000 208/240 1 22 96.5/97 -40140
4 2 15 45 5,200/6,000 208/240 1 25 96.5/97 -40140
4 2 18 45 6,000/7,000 208/240 1 29.2 96.5/97 -40140
4 2 18 45 6,650/7,680 208/240 1 32 96.5/97 -40140
6 31/27.1 45 9,000 208/240 1 43.3/37.5 98 -40140
6 35/30.2 45 10,000 208/240 1 48.1/41.7 98 -40140
6 33.3 45 11,000 240 1 45.8 98 -40140


Growatt 9000 MTLP-US yes no no yes passive 4X 27.3 14 8.3 66 ETL 5/10, 15
Growatt 10000 MTLP-US yes no no yes passive 4X 27.3 14 8.3 66 ETL 5/10, 15
Growatt 33000 TL3-US yes yes yes option active 4 31.1 17.1 10.4 110 ETL 10/15
HiQ Solar TrueString TS208-5k75 yes 6

yes 6
no yes passive 6 18.7 13.2 3 24 MET 10/25
HiQ Solar TrueString TS480-8k yes 6 yes 6 no yes passive 6 18.7 13.2 3 24 MET 10/25
Huawei SUN2000-25KTL-US yes no no yes passive 4X 30.3 21.7 10.6 121 CSA 10/15, 20, 25
Huawei SUN2000-45KTL-US-HV-DO yes no no yes passive 4X 23.6 36.6 10.6 143 CSA 10/15, 20, 25
Ingeteam INGECON SUN 3Play 24TL U M480 option no option yes active 4 28 29 10.5 129 ETL 10/15, 20
Ingeteam INGECON SUN 3Play 40TL U M480 option no option yes active 4 28 29 10.5 138 ETL 10/15, 20
KACO new energy 2.0 TL1 option no option yes passive 3R 31.9 14.5 8.6 8 45 8 ETL 10/15, 20
KACO new energy 3.0 TL1 option no option yes passive 3R 31.9 14.5 8.6 8
48 8
ETL 10/15, 20
KACO new energy 4.0 TL1 option no option yes passive 3R 31.9 14.5 8.6 8 48 8 ETL 10/15, 20
KACO new energy 5.0 TL1 option no option yes passive 3R 31.9 14.5 8.6 8
48 8
ETL 10/15, 20
Pika Energy X3001-NA no no no yes passive 3R 15 15 6 26 ETL 5
Pika Energy X7600 yes no yes yes active 3R 24.5 19.25 8 63 ETL 10/20
Pika Energy X11400 yes no yes yes active 3R 24.5 19.25 8 63 ETL 10/20
Schneider Electric CL18000 NA option 3

no option 3
option 3
active 3R 42.3 26.5 10.5 152 CSA 10
Schneider Electric CL25000 NA option 3 no option 3 option 3 active 3R 42.3 26.5 10.5 152 CSA 10
SMA America SB 3.0-US yes no no yes passive 3R 28.5 21.1 7.8 57 UL 10/15, 20
SMA America SB 7.0-US yes no no yes active 3R 28.5 21.1 7.8 57 UL 10/15, 20
SMA America SB 7.7-US yes no no yes active 3R 28.5 21.1 7.8 57 UL 10/15, 20
SMA America SB 3000TL-US yes no no yes passive 3R 20.5 19.3 7.3 12

53 13
UL 10/15, 20
SMA America SB 3800TL-US yes no no yes passive 3R 20.5 19.3 7.3 12 53 13 UL 10/15, 20
SMA America SB 4000TL-US yes no no yes passive 3R 20.5 19.3 7.3 12 53 13 UL 10/15, 20
SMA America SB 5000TL-US yes no no yes passive 3R 20.5 19.3 7.3 12

53 13
UL 10/15, 20
SMA America SB 6000TL-US yes no no yes active 3R 20.5 19.3 7.3 12 53 13 UL 10/15, 20
SMA America SB 7000TL-US yes no no yes active 3R 20.5 19.3 7.3 12

53 13
UL 10/15, 20

53 13
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Input Data (dc)

SMA America STP 12000TL-US non-isolated 15,000 1,000 188 1501,000 2 300800
SMA America STP 30000TL-US non-isolated DNR 1,000 188 1501,000 2 500800
SMA America STP 60-10-US non-isolated DNR 1,000 DNR DNR 1 685800 15
SolarEdge SE3000H-US non-isolated 4,650 480 varies 17 380 10 varies 17 varies 17
SolarEdge SE3800H-US non-isolated 5,900 480 varies 17

380 10
varies 17
varies 17
SolarEdge SE7600H-US non-isolated 11,800 480 varies 17

400 10
varies 17
varies 17
SolarEdge SE3000A-US non-isolated 4,050 500 varies 17 350 10 varies 17 varies 17
SolarEdge SE3800A-US non-isolated 5,100 500 varies 17

350 10
varies 17
varies 17
SolarEdge SE5000A-US non-isolated 6,750 500 varies 17 325/350 10 varies 17 varies 17

350 10
varies 17
varies 17

325/350 10
varies 17
varies 17
SolarEdge SE9KUS non-isolated 12,150 500 varies 17

400 10
varies 17
varies 17
SolarEdge SE10KUS non-isolated 13,500 980 varies 17 840 10

varies 17 varies 17
SolarEdge SE14.4KUS non-isolated 19,400 600 varies 17

400 10
varies 17
varies 17
SolarEdge SE20KUS non-isolated 27,000 980 varies 17 840 10 varies 17 varies 17
SolarEdge SE33.3KUS non-isolated 45,000 980 varies 17

840 10
varies 17
varies 17
Sungrow USA SG30KU non-isolated 34,100 1,000 300 280950 2 480850
Sungrow USA SG36KU non-isolated 41,000 1,000 300 280950 2 560850
Sungrow USA SG60KU-M non-isolated DNR 1,000 300 300950 4 550850
Sungrow USA SG125HV non-isolated DNR 1,500 860 8601,450 1 8601,250
YaskawaSolectria PVI 3800TL non-isolated 4,580 600 150 120550 1 200500
YaskawaSolectria PVI 23TL non-isolated 31,000 1,000 330 300900 2 480800
Footnote Key
1
Per MPP tracker 5
MPPT 1/MPPT 2 10
570800 @ 400 Vac
2
3
4
Max. number Max.

8 14 2 33 2 43 12,000 480 3 14.4 97.5 -13140
8 14
2 33 2 43 15,000 480 3 18 97.5 -13140
8 14 2 33 2 43 20,000 480 3 24 97.5 -13140
8 14
2 33 2 43 24,000 480 3 29 98 -13140
8 14 2 33 2 43 30,000 480 3 36.2 98 -13140
1 110 150 60,000 480 15

3 87 98.5 16
-13140
2 8.5 45 3,000 240 1 12.5 99 -13140 18
2 10.5 45 3,800 240 1 16 99 -13140 18
2 15.5/13.5 45 5,000 208/240 1 24/21 99 -13140 18
2 16.5 45 6,000 240 1 25 99 -13140 18
2 20 45 7,600 240 1 32 99 -13140 18
2 9.5 45 3,000 240 1 12.5 97.5 -13140 18
2 13 45 3,800 240 1 16 98 -13140 18
2 16.5/15.5 45 5,000 208/240 1 24/21 97.5/98 -13140 18
2 18 45 6,000 240 1 25 97.5 -13140 18
2 23 45 7,600 240 1 32 97.5 -13140 18
2 33/30.5 45 9,980/10,000 208/240 1 48/42 97/97.5 -13140 18
2 34.5 45 11,400 240 1 47.5 97.5 -13140 18
2 26.5 45 9,000 208 3 25 96.5 -40140
2 13.5 45 10,000 480 3 12 98 -40140
3 38 45 14,400 208 3 40 97 -40140
2 26.5 45 20,000 480 3 24 98 -40140
3 40 45 33,300 480 3 40 98.5 -40140
10 2 33 2 40 30,000 480 3 40 98 -13140
10 2 33 2 40 36,000 480 3 48 98 -13140
16 DNR 200 60,000 480 3 80 98.5 -13140
DNR 150 DNR 125,000 600 3 120 98.5 -13140
2 20 DNR 3,300/3,800 208/240 1 15.8 97.5 -13122
4 2 15 DNR 5,200 208/240 1 25/21.6 97.5 -13122
4 2 18 DNR 6,600 208/240 1 31.7/27.5 97.5 -13122
4 2 20 DNR 6,600/7,600 208/240 1 31.7 97.5 -13122
8 2 25 2 45 14,000 208 3 39 96 -13122
8 2 35 2 45.5 20,000 480 3 25.5 97 -13122
8 2 25 2 41 23,000 480 3 27.7 98 -13122
8 2 29 2 48 28,000 480 3 33.7 98 -13122
8 2 35 2 50 36,000 480 3 43.5 98 -13122
15 3 36 3 50 50,000 480 3 61 98.5 -22140
15 3 38 3 60 60,000 480 3 73 98.5 -22140


SMA America STP 12000TL-US option 14 no option 14 yes active 3R 25.6 26.2 10.4 121 UL 10/15, 20
SMA America STP 15000TL-US option 14

no option 14
yes active 3R 25.6 26.2 10.4 121 UL 10/15, 20
SMA America STP 24000TL-US option 14

no option 14
yes active 3R 25.6 26.2 10.4 121 UL 10/15, 20
SMA America STP 60-10-US option no option no active 3R 29.1 22.2 11.8 165 ETL 5/10, 15, 20
SolarEdge SE3000H-US yes yes no yes passive 3R 17.7 14.6 6.8 25 ETL 12/20, 25
SolarEdge SE3000A-US yes yes no yes passive 3R 30.5 12.5 7.2 51 ETL 12/20, 25
SolarEdge SE7600A-US yes yes no yes active 3R 30.5 12.5 10.5 55 ETL 12/20, 25
SolarEdge SE9KUS yes yes no yes active 3R 30.5 12.5 10.5 80 ETL 12/20, 25
SolarEdge SE14.4KUS yes yes yes yes active 3R 30.5 12.5 10.5 106 ETL 12/20, 25
SolarEdge SE33.3KUS yes yes yes yes active 3R 30.5 12.5 10.5 106 ETL 12/20, 25
Sungrow USA SG30KU yes option yes yes active 4X 34.6 25 9.8 143 CSA 10/15, 20
Sungrow USA SG36KU yes option yes yes active 4X 34.6 25 9.8 143 CSA 10/15, 20
Sungrow USA SG60KU-M yes yes yes yes active 4X 36 26.2 10.9 154 CSA 10/15, 20
Sungrow USA SG125HV yes yes yes yes active 4X 30.3 27.2 12.6 143 CSA 10/15, 20
YaskawaSolectria PVI 3800TL yes no yes yes passive 4 17.5 15.8 8.5 43 ETL 10
YaskawaSolectria PVI 5200TL yes no yes yes passive 4 26.8 15.8 8.5 65 CSA 10
YaskawaSolectria PVI 14TL yes yes yes yes active 4 41.6 21.4 8.5 141 ETL 10/15, 20
YaskawaSolectria PVI 20TL yes yes yes yes active 4 41.6 21.4 8.5 132 ETL 10/15, 20
YaskawaSolectria PVI 23TL yes yes yes yes active 4 39.4 23.6 9.1 104 CSA 10/15, 20
YaskawaSolectria PVI 28TL yes yes yes yes active 4 39.4 23.6 9.1 104 CSA 10/15, 20
YaskawaSolectria PVI 36TL yes yes yes yes active 4X 39.4 23.6 9.1 121 CSA 10/15, 20
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POWERED BY
The State of the So Interviews Compiled by David Brearley and Joe Schwartz
T
hough life is never boring on the Solarcoaster, the
start of SolarPros tenth calendar year seems espe-
cially eventful. It is the start of a new year, of course,
as well as the start of a new administration in Washington,
DC. Adding to the excitement, the 4-year presidential term
just happens to coincide with the 3-year National Electrical
Code development cycle. This means California has finally
adopted NEC 2014, and Massachusetts and others have leapt
boldly into NEC 2017.
To celebrate and reflect upon the confluence of all of these
milestones and transitions, we decided to reach out to some
of the solar industrys best advocates and brightest stars to get
their take on the current state of the solar industry. Against
C ou r te sy S ola r E n e r gy I n te r n a tion a l
a backdrop of what at times may feel like an ever-revolving

series of new challenges, many of these experts project that
the US solar industry will continue to make big gains. As a
Nobel Laureate in literature once said: For the loser now will
be later to win, for the times they are a-changin.
Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA at seia.org)

Dan Whitten, vice president of communications
As the national trade association in the US, SEIA represents all organizations that
promote, manufacture, install and support the development of solar energy. SEIA people lose their jobs and rooftop solar applications plum-
works with its 1,000 member companies to expand markets, remove market met due to a dismal policy decision. In September, the com-
barriers, strengthen the industry and educate the public on the benefits of solar mission reversed its initial stance on grandfathering and
energy. Dan Whitten was previously an energy reporter for Bloomberg News and adopted regulations that protect the investments of NV
Platts, and is now SEIAs vice president of communications, overseeing all of its Energy customers who installed a solar system or submitted
internal and external communication efforts. an interconnection request prior to December 31, 2015.
Which developments or events in 2016 had noteworthy positive What are SEIAs priorities as we move into the new year?
impacts on the US solar industry? Its vital that we continue our education efforts so those
This was a landmark year for the solar industry on a in office fully understand the benefitsboth economic and
number of fronts. We celebrated policy successes in several environmentalthat solar energy provides our nation. You
states, from Massachusetts in the north to Colorado in the will see us continue to push for pro-solar policies in a num-
west and Florida in the south. In each of those states, vot- ber of states. We expect to work in close collaboration with
ers or policy makers took action to expand potential mar- state affiliates and other interested groups toward priorities
kets for the solar industry. We also marked an incredible that make a difference to all of our members.
milestone1 million solar systems installed in the USand In Washington, DC, there will be a large number of new
were already rapidly accelerating toward 2 million. In 2016, policy makers in the executive and legislative branches. Its
prices continued to decline, making solar a cost-effective going to be increasingly important that we expand our edu-
option for a growing number of Americans. We also saw cation efforts and demonstrate that communities all over
solar jobs grow to an impressive 209,000 strong. America are seeing increased jobs and more economic activ-
ity, thanks to the burgeoning solar industry.
What event stands out as having had a negative impact on We also will continue to advance and expand our efforts
the industry? in codes and standards, PV recycling, consumer protection
The Nevada Public Utilities Commissions decision in and solar energy finance. We are aiming these particular
early 2016, which changed the states net-metering rules efforts at establishing a strong base on which to grow the
and rates, was a tough pill to swallow. We saw thousands of solar industry.
lar Industry
What is SEIAs current membership profile? Has it changed notably in

recent years?
As the industry has matured, our membership has grown
increasingly diverse. Our member companies consist of
installers, project developers, manufacturers, contractors,
financiers and nonprofits. Going forward, lines are going to
start to blur, especially as community solar and commercial
projects expand.
How does SEIA balance initiatives to support what may be competing

interests among its various member groups?
SEIA represents all sectors of the solar industry, whether
they be utility scale or distributed generation, and those
lines are starting to blur. Its true that there is intense com-
petition in our industry among companies.
However, we are stronger together than apart, and we
will continue to fight vigorously for policies that advance
the entire solar industry, to the benefit of all of our members.
Co ur t es y S EI A
What recent state-level solar policy efforts have been particularly

effective or notable?
Californias January 2016 decision extending net-energy
metering (NEM) through at least 2019 was a big step for us, Exponential growth Whereas it took decades for
and we were proud of the role we played in providing expert the US market to reach 1 million installations, SEIA
witness testimony and advocacy. In New York, we have expects the market to pass the 2 million installation
worked with a coalition to maintain net metering for rooftop mark by 2018.
Solar Industr y
customers until 2020; establish fair, value-based compensa- have also stepped up our research with our Beyond the Meter
tion for larger solar projects; and establish a community series, which focuses on the grid integration of distributed
solar market in the state. technologies. In the coming months, we will release reports
The defeat of the deceptive utility-backed Amendment 1 on microgrids, distributed resource planning and electric
in Florida was also extremely notable. It let our detractors vehicle charging. Our 51st State Initiative has produced
across the country know that while we might not have their strategies and a recognized, effective process for market
bottomless bank accounts, public support is on our side. The transformation. In the com-
resounding rejection of Amendment 1 should send a mes- ing year, we hope to see one or
sage across all states that you cannot curtail solar choice. more states adopt this model In the bigger
as the foundation for their
Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA at sepapower.org) own market evolution.
picture, utilities
Julia Hamm, president and CEO are increasingly
Created in 1992, SEPA is an educational nonprofit founded to help utilities deploy How has SEPAs mission evolved
and integrate solar, storage, demand response and other distributed energy over time?
seeing solar,
resources. Its current 1,000 members include utilities, independent system Our most recent rebrand- storage and
operators, large energy users, corporations and nonprofits. As the president and ing is not our first. We were
CEO of SEPA since 2004, Julia Hamm has 15 years experience advising and col- originally called the Utility
other distributed
laborating with utilities, manufacturers and government agencies on renewable Photovoltaic Group, or UPVG. technologies
energy and energy efficiency strategies and programs. Our new name, Smart Electric
Power Alliance, allows us to
as potential
What recent developments have had positive or negative impacts on build on a brand with wide rec- grid assets.
the US solar industry? ognition in the industry and
Certainly, a core issue that has dominated the news and continue to grow. We are proud
minds of many in our industry has been the ongoing state- of our history and remain ded-
level discussions about rate reform and net metering. On icated to helping utilities make smart solar decisions. We
the negative side, some of these discussions continue to be want to become a platform for all industry stakeholders, a
framed as a basic conflict between the solar industry and place where they can share diverse views and ideas, and find
utilities, and some utilities continue to be viewed as anti- the collaborative new solutions that are needed to reframe
solar, even as they interconnect thousands of new solar the narrative of our industry. The expanded scope of our mis-
rooftops and add new utility-scale or community-shared sion directly addresses the challenges of solar integration on
solar projects to the grid. On the plus side, we are also seeing the grid and the role of distributed technologies in ensuring
more negotiated settlements in these casesfor example, that solar continues to thrive.
in Colorado, Minnesota and Montanaas a result of active The growth of community solar is in part a result of the
efforts to engage all industry stakeholders in the process. industrys customer-centric focus, and SEPA continues to
And in some instancesmost notably in Hawaiiwe are play an active role in helping utilities design these shared
seeing that, given specific market economics, a change from solar programs. However, the process of change is uneven
retail rate net metering does not automatically mean that and uncomfortable; both utility and solar industry business
the solar market nosedives. The fact is, solar has become a models will likely continue to evolve. The research, collab-
mainstream source of power generation that when smartly orative processes and market transformation models SEPA
deployed will increasingly offer benefits to customers, utili- has developed and supports are all aimed at ensuring that
ties and the grid; prices will continue to drop; and rate even as these important and necessary changes unfold,
reform will be part of that evolution. our energy markets remain vital and provide real benefit
economic, environmental and socialfor all.
As we enter 2017, what initiatives is SEPA prioritizing?
In the past year, SEPA has rebranded from the Solar Many of your members are utilities. How would you compare utility
Electric Power Association to the Smart Electric Power perspectives on energy storage versus solar assets?
Alliance. This reflects our expanded mission to echo the In the bigger picture, utilities are increasingly see-
evolution of the solar industry itself, from its initial focus ing solar, storage and other distributed technologies as
on solar deployment and market growth, to a wider view potential grid assets. We are seeing many utilities launch-
encompassing a range of distributed energy technologies, ing solar-plus-storage pilots to test out how to optimize
such as storage, demand response and electric vehicles. We these technologies to provide both customer and grid
Amicus Solar Cooperative (amicussolar.com)
Stephen Irvin, president
Amicus Solar Cooperative, founded in 2011, is a jointly owned and democrati-
cally managed purchasing cooperative of PV installers, integrators, EPC firms
and developers who benefit by collaborating to lower customer acquisition
costs, streamline project financing and drastically improve operational efficien-
cies. Stephen Irvin moved from Namast Solar, where he was CFO, to serve as
C ou r te sy G re e n Po w e r E MC
president of Amicus. Irvin has a background in environmental economics.
Which developments or events in 2016 stand out as having had nota-

bly positive or negative impacts on the US solar industry?
Two major positive influences were the extension of the
federal investment tax credit and the significant decrease in
module pricing due to the overcapacity of module supply in
the second half of 2016. These two developments sustained
Solar Power Player Green Power EMC won SEPAs 2016 the growth and prosperity of our member companies. We
Cooperative Utility of the Year award for helping 38 electric also saw some impactful negative influences, such as some
cooperatives in Georgia implement a comprehensive solar state-level policy changes regarding net-metering laws and
strategy. Each year, SEPA ranks the top US utilities for community solar rules that represented challenges to the
solarbased on both annual installed capacity and watts per solar industry. Further, the SunEdison bankruptcy had a
customerand hands out five Solar Power Player awards. ripple effect resulting in lower investor confidence, which
directly impacted sources of project financing. We saw more-
stringent underwriting criteria that put downward pressure
benefits. At the other end of the spectrum, rooftop solar on EPC pricing and necessitated additional guarantees, such
has been a challenge for some utilities primarily because as system uptime and warranty wraps.
they cannot see or control behind-the-meter assets and the
impacts these technologies may have on local distribution As we move into 2017, what initiatives is Amicus prioritizing?
systems. Cross-industry collaboration and partnerships are Amicus plans to invest heavily in creating more oppor-
beginning to offer potential solutions to this challenge. For tunities to share best practices and learn from each other.
example, SEPA recently partnered with Nexant on a report Well also add new members to expand our coverage across
laying out a practical model for calculating the locational the US.
value of solar and other distributed technologies, which is a For the last 2 years, several member companies have been
critical need for integrating distributed energy resources in working to charter a proposed Clean Energy Credit Union,
utilities distribution resource planning processes. which will be an independent entity, to provide financing for
products and services such as residential solar, electric vehi-
As the industry scales, how would SEPA like to see rate design and cles and energy-efficiency home improvements. Credit unions
market opportunities for DERs evolve? What changes might best align are financial cooperatives, backed by the federal government,
our policies to ensure maximum stakeholder benefit? and are thus very safe places to deposit funds. As we continue
As an educational nonprofit, SEPA does not promote or to see more customers seeking loans over leases, this is a
endorse any one approach or strategy for rate design, but timely entrant to the marketplace. Clean Energy Credit Union
we have laid out basic doctrines, structures and concepts for (cleanenergycreditunion.org) expects to receive its federal
market transformation that actively involves all stakehold- charter and begin operations in early 2017.
ers. As detailed in our recent report, Blueprints for Electricity Lastly, Amicus received an award through the Depart-
Market Reform, the four basic doctrines are: promote ment of Energys (DOEs) SunShot Initiative to form the
efficiencies; clearly define roles; identify principles of rate Amicus O&M Cooperative, which will support the O&M
making; and foster customer choice. The four concepts needs of commercial and utility PV systems across the US by
that grow out of those doctrines are flexibility, incremental- identifying co-op members who are located in close proximity
ity, affordability and transparency, or FIAT. FIAT can be an to system sites for rapid response, with all members operating
extremely effective tool in helping ensure that stakeholders under standardized services, pricing and contract terms. We
are focusing on real, actionable and meaningful transitions will require all member technicians to complete our certified
for the industry. training programs to ensure a standard quality of work.
Solar Industr y
Amicus Solar is a member-owned cooperative. Why did Amicus opt

for this business structure? Are any of Amicus Solars individual
members employee owned?
Three of our member companies, including one of the
founding companies, are employee-owned cooperatives.
What makes cooperatives unique is that the members are
also the owners. Rather than rewarding outside investors
with its profits, a cooperative returns its surplus earnings
in proportion to how much members use the cooperative.
This democratic approach to business results in a powerful
economic force that benefits cooperative members and the
communities they serve.
Amicus Solar and some of its members are Certified B Corporations.

What is a B Corporation and what value does the certification offer?
B Corporations are certified by the nonprofit organiza-
tion B Lab (bcorporation.net) that their business practices
genuinely create social good for employees, customers, the
community and the environment. The certification repre-
sents a rigorous, third-party assessment, and it is a power-
ful sales tool for customers who believe in voting with their
Th e S ola r F ou n da tion
dollars. It helps companies attract and retain talent. The B
Corp brand is well known within the socially responsible
investor community and helps attract funding. Additionally,
it brings these companies into another community of
forward-thinking business leaders, where people work
together to bring about meaningful change. We are proud
Solar jobs The soon-to-be-released 2016 Solar Jobs Census
to say that 14 of our members (34%) are currently B Corps,
will provide the latest information on solar employment down
including Amicus itself, with several other members now
to the city, county and district level, while also breaking down
interested in the certification.
the jobs data by industry sector, diversity within the solar
workforce and industry wages.
Many Amicus members point to the information exchange that the
group facilitates as one of its most valuable aspects. How is this
exchange facilitated, and why do members feel comfortable sharing is the lead on The Solar Foundations annual National Solar Jobs Censusreport
business information that may be considered proprietary? series and frequently presents on practical solar best practices.
We provide several ways to facilitate information sharing
among members: we hold two in-person retreats per year, What recent developments is The Solar Foundation most excited about?
we manage an online communication tool where people Just in the last year, weve seen solar take off at an unprec-
pose questions and the brain trust answers, and we have edented pace. The sharp drop in the cost of solar modules
monthly conference calls on dedicated topics such as mar- and related components, combined with the growth of both
keting practices and general business questions. We care- corporate renewables procurement and wholesale distrib-
fully manage individual member information to preserve uted generation, has provided new life to the small utility-
confidentiality, and when we share it, we always present it scale and large commercial and industrial sectors. On the
in aggregate form. residential side, were seeing more and more homeowners
looking to finance their solar installations with loans and
The Solar Foundation (thesolarfoundation.org) other products that allow them to keep more of the financial
Andrea Luecke, president and executive director benefits of the system.
The Solar Foundation is a nonprofit organization with a reputation for impartial- All of these developments represent the evolution of an
ity and high-quality, objective research on solar markets, economic impacts and increasingly healthy and mature solar market. Of course, a
the workforce. The foundation works with decision makers in the government, big wild card will be the impact of the 2016 election on US
business and nonprofit arenas. Founded in 1977, it relaunched in its current form energy and climate policy. The bottom line, though, is that
in 2010. As president and executive director since the relaunch, Andrea Luecke solar provides a clean and abundant C O N T I N U E D O N P A G E 5 0
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Solar Industr y
energy source that is increasingly popular and very cost and many opportunities for advancement. In some cases,
competitive. Im very optimistic that these trends will con- individuals can start out in an entry-level installation posi-
tinue into 2017 and beyond. tion and then, with a lot of hard work and the right attitude,
double their salary when they are promoted a year later. The
What are your priorities as we enter the new year? Interstate Renewable Energy Councils Solar Career Map
Early in the year, well be releasing the annual National (irecsolarcareermap.org), which outlines career opportuni-
Solar Jobs Census. We first released our National Solar Jobs ties based on job category and education level, is a useful
Census in 2010, so this is our seventh annual jobs census resource for job seekers.
report. We will also be ramping up several programs funded
by the US DOE SunShot Initiative, including two major What is The Solar Foundations Solar Training Network?
initiatives to strengthen the solar workforce. One is the In our Solar Jobs Census, we found that one in five solar
Solar Training Network, which will build connections employers reported it was very difficult to find qualified
between solar job seekers, employers and training providers. employees. The Solar Training Network, which we launched
Another is Solar Ready Vets, which helps transitioning milit- in 2016, aims to bridge the gap between supply and demand
ary personnel gain access to solar training and employ- in the solar workforce. It will strengthen connections
ment opportunities. between job seekers, training providers, workforce develop-
Another one of our priorities will be to help the solar indus- ment boards and solar employers. It will also facilitate new
try reduce soft costs, which now represent up to two-thirds of research to better understand the solar workforce and the
the cost of an installed residential system. We lead a program benefits of solar training for employers.
called SolSmart, which provides no-cost technical assistance
and national recognition to help cities and counties cut red North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
tape and demonstrate that they are open for solar business. (NABCEP at nabcep.org)
Thats a way to create jobs and economic development at the Rebekah Hren, NABCEP Board of Directors
local level, and at the same time provide more residents and Since its founding in 2012, NABCEP has developed and administered the most
businesses with the opportunity to go solar. widely known and respected personnel certifications for the solar and small
We will also be moving forward with the CivicPACE wind industries. Rebekah Hren started her solar career as a wrench, an electri-
program, which supports expanded solar energy deployment cian installing solar. She is a licensed electrical contractor, as well as an instruc-
by bringing property assessed clean energy (PACE) financing tor and curriculum developer for Solar Energy International (SEI) and a technical
to tax-exempt organizations, including afford-
able housing, schools, nonprofits and faith-
based institutions.
Are there results from the 2015 Solar Jobs Census that
might surprise US solar industry professionals?
Solar employment in the United States
reached 209,000 workers as of 2015, hav-
ing grown at least 20% for each of the last 3
years. This job growth is happening nation-
wide. In 2015, states that saw their solar
workforce grow by 30% or more included
not only California and Massachusetts, but
also Florida, Maryland, Tennessee, Oregon,
Nevada, Michigan and Utah.
C ou rt es y US D OE
Are there specific areas within the industry that offer

more job opportunities than others?
Project installation is the industrys largest
employment sector, with 119,931 solar work-
ers as of 2015. However, other jobs are avail-
able in sales, marketing, project management, Solar training for veterans In January 2016, the Department of Energy
engineering and much more. Solar industry expanded the total number of Solar Ready Vets program locations to five,
jobs come with relatively few barriers to entry with the addition of Hill Air Force Base in Utah and Fort Drum in New York.
The days of consultant for SEI Professional Services. In Certification allows employers to hire educated general-
December 2015, NABCEP appointed Hren ists and confidently invest in more-specialized training and
the solar general- to its board of directors. advanced certifications. This is why NABCEP is rolling out
ist are drawing specialty credentials, including one for the quickly growing
From your perspective, what were field of solar O&M.
to a close, and the most notable developments
the days of the in 2016? Do you have any advice on how students can qualify training provid-
As reported by The Solar ers, whether to meet NABCEP continuing education requirements or
solar specialist Foundation in its 2015 National to improve job prospects?
are here. Solar Jobs Census, the solar The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) sets the
industry is already three bar for accreditation for solar training providers. Always look
times larger than the coal for IREC-accredited training providers and certified instruc-
mining industry. A develop- tors when choosing solar training. Each year, NABCEP holds
ment related to solar jobs growth is an increase in training an industry-leading continuing education conference tar-
programs targeted specifically to veterans transitioning to geted towards certified PV Installation Professionals. The
careers in the solar industry. For example, the DOE launched next conference is scheduled for March 2123 in Dallas,
the Solar Ready Vets program as a pilot program in 2014, and Texas, and will consist of an excellent mix of industry expert
The Solar Foundation took over the administration of this panels, equipment-manufacturer technical trainings and
program in 2016, under the Solar Training and Education day-long in-depth seminars.
for Professionals (STEP) funding program. As a separate
initiative, Solar Energy International (SEI) and the Midwest Solar Energy International (SEI at solarenergy.org)
Renewable Energy Association (MREA), both nonprofit train- Kathryn Swartz, executive director
ing organizations, received US Department of Veterans Affairs SEI was founded in 1991 as a nonprofit educational organization to provide
approval for training courses in 2016. Both organizations now industry-leading technical training and expertise in renewable energy. SEI
offer solar training to transitioning vets through the use of offers hands-on workshops and online courses in solar PV, microhydro and
GI Bill education benefits and are actively recruiting vets for solar hot water. One of the more than 50,000 alumni of SEI, Kathryn Swartz
solar training. has been its executive director since 2012. She has a background in envi-
ronmental education.
What initiative is NABCEP prioritizing as we move into 2017?
NABCEP is developing PV Specialty credentialssome- What recent developments stand out as especially good news for the
times called micro-credentialsin design, installation, and US solar industry?
commissioning and maintenance. NABCEP has also devel- From a policy perspective, the Federal Energy Regulatory
oped a PV System Inspector credential intended for indi- Commission (FERC) ruling in support of rural electric
viduals performing system inspections for AHJs, utilities, co-ops was one of the most important events. FERC affirmed
incentive programs, investors or others responsible for pho- the right of Delta-Montrose Electric Associationwhich
tovoltaic quality assurance and code compliance. happens to be SEIs electric co-opto buy electricity out-
In May 2016, the US DOE SunShot Initiative awarded side the Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association.
NABCEP a $1.1 million cooperative agreement. As one of FERCs ruling in support of cooperatives ability to buy elec-
the DOE STEP awardees, NABCEP has been updating and tricity from qualified facilities significantly increases the
expanding upon its personnel certification programs to prospects for distributed energy in rural America, which has
address the changing needs of solar professionals and their over 900 electric co-ops. In Delta County, Colorado, where
employers and stakeholders. SEI is based, this ruling creates the opportunity for large-
scale local renewable energy systems, including PV, micro-
As the industry scales, is the role of certification and training more or hydro, biogas and coal-mine methane.
less important? Additionally, Tesla Motors CEO and founder Elon Musk
The days of the solar generalist are drawing to a close, has brought much attention to the potential of energy storage
and the days of the solar specialist are here. Solar special- and roofing tiles, which other companies have tried to do for
ists have particular skill sets: financial analysis, sales, legal, years. The general public, although sometimes misinformed
PV system design and engineering, construction and project from a technical perspective, is actively discussing renewable
management, performance modeling and analysis, or O&M. energy and storage, and its incredibly exciting. Regardless
However, every solar specialist needs a base upon which to of what happens with Tesla, Musks announcements have
stand, and that base is solid training in PV fundamentals. spurred innovation and growth within the industry.
Solar Industr y
years ago, we mostly trained home-

owners who were seeking energy
independence through off-grid liv-
ing. As the industry has changed,
so too have our participants. They
come to SEI for solar training for
a multitude of reasons. Some are
driven by a desire for energy inde-
pendencethat hasnt changedor
are seeking financial opportunities
and career development. Others are
concerned about geopolitical and
global conflict pressures or fasci-
nated with the technologies driving
the clean energy sector. Weve seen
C ou r te sy N F PA
a significant increase in the number

of veterans we are serving. Though
weve always been an international
training nonprofit, weve seen a
Signs of mainstreaming The 2017 editions of the NEC and the NEC Costbook are major increase in the number of
available now, and both covers prominently display solar arrays. students from both the developing
world and emerging markets.
Lastly, the National Fire Protection Association put PV Has the focus of SEIs training programs evolved in recent years?
modules on the cover of NEC 2017, which is a testament to Though grid-connected applications obviously make up
how far we have come as an industry. Regardless of what the bulk of the US solar market, SEI has always maintained
one thinks about the major rapid-shutdown overhaul, the a comprehensive energy storage program. We now have over
industry is working more closely than ever with stakeholder 175 hours of energy storage curriculum that we continue
groups, such as firefighters, and that benefits all of us. to change as new technologies emerge. Weve also spent a
lot of time on our O&M trainings, and we will be launching
Moving into 2017, what initiatives is SEI prioritizing? an online O&M course in the spring of 2017. Geographically
This year, SEI is prioritizing the expansion of our interna- weve expanded with the addition of our Programa Hispano
tional outreach efforts, including expanding our scholarship training for Latin America and our new Middle East Program.
funds so that no person is denied the opportunity for quality We have a team of ten people working on not only updat-
technical PV training. In 2016, SEI gave over 80 scholarships ing our online and in-person trainings, but also developing
to people from around the world, including members of the new courses.
Masai tribe in Kenya; refugees from Syria and Sudan; students
from India, Iraq, Nigeria, Ecuador, Belize and Colombia; and What training opportunities does SEI offer for solar professionals?
US veterans who no longer had access to GI Bill funding for SEI offers a variety of high-level trainings for profession-
training. We are also in the process of developing interna- als already working in the solar industry, from hands-on
tional hands-on training centers, which we will model off SEIs O&M, to advanced one-day conference trainings, to on-
flagship campus in Paonia, Colorado. People from around the demand online continuing education courses. All of SEIs
world take our online courses. However, theres no substitute training provides NABCEP education hours for certification
for in-person, hands-on training. By developing international or continuing education credits for recertification. We also
satellite training locations, we can bring our hands-on quality offer the SEI Solar Professionals Certificate Program (SPCP),
training to even more people. which creates a pathway to graduation requiring more than
200 hours of training and multiple tracks of emphasis. Many
SEI has more than 50,000 alumni of its training programs. How has of our SPCP graduates go on to get NABCEP certification.
the profile of SEIs training participants changed?
To date, we have provided training to people from all 50 SEI launched SEI Professional Services and SEI Engineering in 2015
states and 190 different countries through our online campus and 2016, respectively. What technical services is SEI offering and what
and in-person trainings. When we founded SEI more than 25 businesses or groups could leverage and benefit from these services?
SEI launched these two for-profit entities because of the permit and begin construction on very complex utility solar
many requests from our alumni, who wanted additional projects in a matter of a few weeks.
support as they began businesses or took on more compli-
cated projects. Not only are we supporting our alumni and What products or services are coming to market that are potentially
their business growth, but we are also providing profes- game changing or particularly important incremental advances for
sional growth opportunities for SEI staff and instructors the US solar industry?
who work on a wide variety of projects, and that feeds back From both a design and an O&M perspective, we like using
into keeping our curriculum cutting-edge. In addition, the tracker systems that operate without the need for drive shafts
profits support SEIs nonprofit mission and fund our schol- or external power supplies. In terms of plant design, this pro-
arship program. vides significantly more flexibility, particularly in areas chal-
SEI Professional Services offers third-party commission- lenged by terrain, wetlands or other obstacles that prevent
ing, performance verification, design, consulting and feasi- regular power block shapes. The efficiency of O&M activities
bility services. SEI Engineering provides electrical and civil improves because the O&M team can drive module-washing
permitting and construction documents for projects ranging and weed-control equipment straight through the row with-
from residential to microgrids to utility scale. Weve worked out having to turn around in the middle, which also allows
with companies from around the world, from start-ups to for tighter spacing between rows and improves ground cover
established multinational corporations, to provide them ratio. Other incremental improvements include steel pile
with the tools they need to implement successful projects, product and wire harness advances, increased string inverter
and weve only just begun. capacity and 1,500 Vdc utilization voltages.
Blue Oak Energy (blueoakenergy.com)

Bill Reaugh, director of engineering
Blue Oak Energy is a Davis, Californiabased engineering and construction firm
that has fielded more than 1 GW of solar capacity across more than 900 sites
since its founding in 2003. Bill Reaugh, the companys director of engineering,
has worked in the PV industry since 2002, specializing in technology develop-
ment and regulatory policy.
How does the future of the US solar industry look from Blue Oak
Energys perspective?
The 20182020 business outlook is staggering. We owe
that to the extension of the Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The
ITC provides a stable tax incentive framework for projects,
which helps ensure long-term industry stability and growth.
As an engineering and construction firm that supports
developers, financiers, contractors and product manufac-
turers, we see firsthand how the ITC extension has improved
the outlook for all of our partners.
How has Blue Oak Energy adapted its business model and services
over time?
One of the primary adaptations we have made is the
addition of a full-service civil engineering team. Utility-scale
C ou r t e s y Te s l a
solar projects have taken over a large percentage of our engi-

neering capacity. Getting the civil aspects of a project right
from the very beginning of a development effort is essential
to delivering a successful project on schedule and within
budget. We have also seen project schedules compress as Solar roof tiles While Tesla created a lot of buzz with its
the industry matures. Having a full-service civil engineer- Solar Roof announcement, it remains to be seen whether the
ing team in-house working closely with our electrical and company can succeed where so many others have failed
mechanical team members creates a cohesive system design not to mention what firefighters will make of camouflaged
across all boundaries. As a result, we can now fully engineer, solar arrays.
Solar Industr y
You have some experience with tile- and roof-integrated solar prod- Tesla introduced with advanced features. Prior
ucts from your tenure at OCR Solar & Roofing, which PetersenDean Solar Roof tiles, not to the creation and adop-
acquired in 2009. What lessons did you learn about the residential shingles as many tion of Rule 21, inverters were
new construction market? What do you make of Teslas new Solar outlets reported. required to trip offline when
Roof products? the grid became unstable for
Many media reports about the October 28 announcement any reason. Outside the US,
are inaccurate. Tesla introduced Solar Roof tiles, not shingles countries with large penetra-
as many outlets reported. Roof tiles, on one hand, are typically tions of renewable generation sourcessuch as Germany
made of concrete, clay or slate. Even trained roofers have a and Denmarkdecided that the flexibility inverters pro-
difficult time handling roof tiles as they are heavy and brittle. vided was beneficial to the grid, and those countries devel-
Shingles, on the other, are made of asphalt and other petro- oped standards for when and how inverters could support
leum byproducts, so they are exceptionally inexpensive to the grid. In the event of an abnormal voltage condition,
manufacture, durable and easy to install. for example, you might want interactive inverters to ride
Elon Musks claim that his solar roof tiles will be cheaper through the event rather than disconnecting from the grid
to produce and install than traditional roofing materials and exacerbating those conditions, which could potentially
may be accuratewith a very large emphasis on may lead to a blackout.
but much depends on the details. When I worked with a Rule 21 is among the first efforts in the US to develop and
roofing contractor doing solar roofs integrated with tra- follow similar standards on a grid-wide basis. Prior to imple-
ditional roofing tiles, we used a product manufactured by mentation of Rule 21, it was possible to allow the additional
BP Solar precisely because it installed identically to roofing flexibility, but only on a case-by-case basis and only through
tiles. What many have observed, but not necessarily thought special operating agreements between the plant operators
about, is that while roofing tiles are nearly uniform, roofs and utilities, which limits these functions to large-scale solar
are not. Therefore, roof tile installation needs to be flexible projects. Rule 21 now pushes those options down to systems
to accommodate changes in roof shape and pitch. To inte- as small as 15 kW.
grate easily with roofing tiles, solar roof tile installation As of December 2014, the investor-owned utilities in
must also provide flexibility. While the BP Solar tiles were California (PG&E, SCE and SDG&E) had adopted Phase 1
flexible, a competing product at the time was not, which of Rule 21 statewide. As of September 2016, UL developed
led to some compromises that could cause long-term issues testing standards to certify inverters as having advanced
with the roof. inverter functionality. Inverter manufacturers are now
Elon Musk and his team have proven to be incredible inno- getting equipment certified to the new Advanced Inverter
vators and have disrupted multiple industries with technolo- Standard and will have commercially available products
gies that achieve economic scale. It is also true that venerable soon. Inverter manufacturers are required to complete the
companies such as BP Solar, Dow Solar, SunPower, Unisolar certification process no later than September 2017.
and many others have ventured into this particular solar
niche with varying degrees of success. Based on that history, California Solar Energy Industries Association
it will be difficult for Tesla to achieve the level of success it (CALSEIA at calseia.org)
has attained in other areas. We will simply have to wait to see Bernadette Del Chiaro, executive director
what comes out of Buffalo. CALSEIA is a California nonprofit organization created to promote the growth
of the solar industry and expand the use of all solar technologies in the state
Before joining Blue Oak Energy, you represented KACO new energy through policy development, advocacy, education, networking and business ser-
in some of the Rule 21 proceedings. What was that process like and vices.Since 2013, Bernadette Del Chiaro has served as the executivedirector,
where do things stand? coming to CALSEIA with more than a decade of policy and advocacy experience
According to the California Public Utilities Commission, on renewable energy issues in California.
Rule 21 is a tariff that describes the interconnection, oper-
ating and metering requirements for generation facilities to What was the good news out of California in 2016?
be connected to a utilitys distribution system, over which The biggest policy event of 2016 was the strong NEM 2.0
the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has juris- decision issued by the CPUC. Despite fierce opposition from
diction. The process of creating Rule 21 started in 2011 Californias large and powerful utilities, and in the face of a
and is ongoing in 2017. During the development process, three-to-two vote of the Governor Brownappointed board,
stakeholders decided to break the rulemaking into three the CPUC adopted a strong successor program that will
phases: Phase 1 deals with autonomous functions, Phase 2 allow customer-sited solar to continue to grow over the next
deals with communication requirements, and Phase 3 deals several years.
smart inverters and storage systems, such as rebates to
drive up demand and drive down prices, as well as consumer
and contractor training and information to build the knowl-
edge base to take this next big step into a clean energy future.
What is CALSEIAs current membership profile and has it changed

notably in recent years?
CALSEIA is in a major growth phase. Over the last 3 years,
weve quadrupled our membership, and we show no signs of
slowing down. Well start 2017 with over 430 members, and
C ou r te sy C A L S E I A a n d Th e S ol a r Fo unda ti o n
we aim to exceed 500 by the middle of the coming year. Our

membership is broad, with contractors and developers mak-
ing up about half of our companies. The other half is a mix
of manufacturers, financiers, software developers and other
support service providers. Given this growth, we are able to
represent the industry in every major decision-making forum
from the CPUC to the state legislature to OSHA. We are also
able to help our members with more day-to-day business,
such as local permitting and HOA battles that can add up and
become quite the thorn in the industrys side.
What is the status of Californias Self-Generation Incentive Program?

Still on top Though California has led the US market for
Extending the Self-Generation Incentive Program was an
decades, it is still adding solar jobs at an impressive rate.
important accomplishment of the 2016 legislative session, as
Over the last 3 years, CALSEIA has quadrupled its membership.
it effectively kept the lights on for distributed storage proj-
ects. However, the program is not big enough, and the new
Did the California solar industry lose any fights this year? funds are likely to be subscribed by mid-2017, leaving a gap
The state suffered market losses in utility territories gov- in funding for an industry that is trying to get off the ground.
erned by local municipal utilities and irrigation districts. Rate structures that truly value storage, along with other
Alameda, Imperial, Modesto and Palo Alto are just some grid-support services such as smart inverters, are still a ways
of the local utilities that have turned their back on rooftop away. Without a stand-alone incentive program to give the
solar, essentially killing the solar market going forward by industry and consumers alike consistent support to drive up
effectively eliminating net metering. demand and drive down prices, Californias emerging storage
market will remain expensive, serving only a niche market.
What are CALSEIAs top priorities this year? This is exactly what happened to the solar PV market in the
Our number one priority in 2017 is our Storage and Smart early 2000s, before adoption of the California Solar Initiative
Grid Project, which aims to usher in Grid 2.0, enabling high in 2006. Creating a market-transformational initiative for
levels of distributed solar and ensuring that the customer- Californias storage industry in the next 3 years is critical.
sited solar market continues to grow. Specifically, we will
work to improve interconnection processes, create new California has always been a leader in solar policy and market devel-
tariffs for grid support services, launch a market transfor- opment. As individual states work to develop or expand their solar
mation initiative for storage, and ensure that the next gen- industries, do you have suggestions for areas of focus?
eration of NEM tariffs clears the way for continued growth The most important thing this industry can do is build up
of distributed solar. our outside game. Having and mobilizing strong public and
coalition support, to match strong advocacy and regulatory
How will these initiatives benefit your members, customers or the work, is critical. Money still talks, and this industry, despite
industry as a whole? our recent growth, cannot match the resources of our oppo-
Making storage paired with rooftop solar a reality for nents. Our number one resource, besides the sun itself, is
everyday consumers is the single most important thing we people power. It is what delivered a strong NEM 2.0 deci-
can do to promote the future growth of the solar indus- sion in California, and it is what will always be the founda-
try. This vision will come about through a combination of tion of successful policy outcomes. Just look at Florida and
storage-friendly rate structures that give market value to Amendment 1. The utilities understood the power of public
Solar Industr y
support for solar and tried to harness it for

their own deceitful self-interests. It looked like
we were going to lose until the utilities were
caught in their lie and the public was made
aware with the help of the media. This recent
story demonstrates the importance of the out-
side game.
Vote Solar (votesolar.org)

Adam Browning, executive director
Since 2002, the nonprofit organization Vote Solar has
worked to remove regulatory barriers and implement key
policies needed to bring solar to scale. It works at the state
level across the country, with staff in California, Colorado,
Massachusetts, Maryland and Washington, DC. Adam
Browning co-founded Vote Solar in 2002 and serves as its
executive director. He previously worked for the EPA.
Were there any big wins for team solar in 2016?

There are now more than a million solar
installations in the US. The fact that we will
double the number of installations over the next
2 years is a bellwether of where we are going.
Reaching 1 million solar installations this year
was largely thanks to market-building policies
at state levels in addition to declining costs and
solars broad, bipartisan support.
We made major strides in market-building
policies this year, helping drive solar progress
in more than a dozen state legislatures and
C ou r te sy S E I A
regulatory forums nationwide. In California,
we defended and won fair net metering credit
for solar customers, and we carried the torch
forward for net metering across the country,
Top solar users The utility-market segment accounts for more than half
including notable wins in Arizona, Colorado
of the total US solar market, and the list of the top businesses using solar
and Massachusetts.
includes some of the biggest and highest-profile US corporations.
2016 saw more support for expanding
access to solar in low-income communities
than ever before, with dedicated programs and policies California in multiple regulatory proceedings to craft mod-
taking shape in California, Colorado, Maryland, New York ern grid policies. Transitioning away from the fossil-based
and elsewhere. We partnered with GRID Alternatives and infrastructure we rely on today will require intentional
the Center for Social Inclusion to launch the Low-Income planning and investment, and its a tremendous opportu-
Solar Policies Guide and our own low-income solar access nity to optimize solar, storage and other distributed energy
program aimed at growing this critical market segment for resources integration onto the grid.
the industry. What about the challenges facing the US solar industry?
Community-shared solar made headway all year, with There were more utility-led attacks on solar in 2016 than
dedicated programs from coast to coast and nearly 100 MW ever before. In Nevada, NV Energy took aim and fired on solar
in installed capacity. We worked toward building commu- last year by implementing punitive fees and curtailing net
nity solar policies in half a dozen states this year, including metering, which eliminated thousands of local jobs overnight
Colorado, Georgia and Maryland. and undermined customers rights to energy choices and
Finally, were neck-deep in utility reform, both in New clean generation. Our coalition successfully reinstated net
Yorks Reforming the Energy Vision proceeding and in metering for 30,000 existing customers, C O N T I N U E D O N P A G E 5 8
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Solar Industr y
but were still working through the legislative, regulatory and Are there other rate design structures that might better serve stake-
legal avenues to bring solar back to future customers and holders in high-penetration scenarios?
rebuild Nevadas once thriving clean energy industry. Net metering remains the gold standard policy as a
Another emerging trend this year was the rise in the fair and simple way to credit solar customers for the
number of utilities that sought to penalize ratepayersand clean, homegrown power that they send back to the grid.
especially solar customerswith demand charges and other The fact is, study after study in nearly a dozen states has
unjust rate hikes. Weve defeated demand charge proposals in found that net metering provides a net benefit to the grid
Arizona, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Mexico and elsewhere, and customers.
and we will continue to fight unfair rate increases in 2017. While net metering is a simple and straightforward
Utilities across the coun- compensation mechanism, like most residential rates, it
try also launched attacks on doesnt account for the time value of electricity on the grid.
Becoming a free the Public Utility Regulatory Thus, regulators and stakeholders are investigating how the
member of Policies Act (PURPA), a 1978 industry can move beyond net metering to a rate design
federal law that requires utili- that better ties the value of excess generation to the value
Vote Solar is the ties to purchase renewables of electricity to the utility at any given time. The goal is to
lowest barrier when theyre available at cost- structure a far more sophisticatedand complicatedrate
competitive rates. PURPA design. California, New York and a handful of other states
to entry to is more relevant than ever have undertaken the ambitious task of utility business
engaging in for community and utility- model reform.
scale development in both
solar advocacy. mature markets such as North Solar consistently performs well in public opinion polls, with roughly
Carolina and emerging mar- 90% of respondents indicating that they are in favor of expanding
kets in the Northwest. We solar generation capacity. What can we do as an industry to leverage
petitioned the Montana Public Service Commission and this broad support?
FERC to protect PURPA in Montana and to seek to prevent Get engaged in policy, especially in states where your
future utility attempts to undermine this important market- company operates. Democracy is a contact sport, and rep-
building policy. resentatives need to hear from local businesses. Businesses
and individuals should proactively develop relationships with
As we move into 2017, what initiatives will Vote Solar be prioritizing? their state and federal representatives. Companies should
In 2017, well tackle net metering and fair rate design, also join national and state industry associations that are
low-income solar access policies, community-shared solar dedicated to protecting and opening solar markets.
programs, solar market drivers and building a modern grid. On an individual level, becoming a free member of Vote
Well also ramp up our geographical reach in 2017, expand- Solar is the lowest barrier to entry to engaging in solar advo-
ing into the Midwest in addition to our ongoing campaigns in cacy. We simply let you know when you can participate in
the Northeast, Southeast, Intermountain West and Coastal campaigns or policy actionssuch as signing a letter, sending
West. We also plan to double down in the Southeast with a your legislator an email or joining a rallyin your state. We
dedicated rates expert to support our legislative advocate. especially rely on solar workers to speak out about threats to
solar markets and opportunities to make them even stronger.
Are there specific states or utilities that you think have implemented Were up against industries and business models with
model or equitable rate designs for distributed solar? powerful lobbiesnot to mention deep pocketsthat a
Regulators and lawmakers in both California and New 21st-century clean energy economy threatens. Now more
York have launched initiatives to establish equitable rate than ever, the solar industry needs all hands on deck to build
design for distributed energy resources, including solar. and protect markets and defend against charges, fees and
Importantly, both states have taken steps to ensure broad other attacks that undermine the competitiveness of solar.
stakeholder participation and availability of the full suite of Unlike sunshine, solar policies dont fall from the sky.
facts and data. In a recent report, the National Association
of Regulatory Utility Commissioners validated this approach g C O N TAC T
to rate design, acknowledging the value of distributing David Brearley / SolarPro / Ashland, OR /
energy on the grid. david.brearley@solarprofessional.com / solarprofessional.com
Joe Schwartz / SolarPro / Ashland, OR /
Vote Solar is a vocal advocate in favor of net metering. As distributed
joe.schwartz@solarprofessional.com / solarprofessional.com
generation scales, are there structural limitations to net metering?
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Projects System Profiles
True South Solar

Ashland Food Co-op
C ou r te sy Tr u e S ou th S ola r (4)
Overview
DESIGNER AND LEAD INSTALLER:
T he Ashland Food Co-op has a long
history of supplying healthful organic
food to Southern Oregons Rogue Valley
larger low-tilt high-density array would
allow the Co-op to offset a greater portion
of its annual consumption.
Ry Heller, designer and field manager, and beyond. The Co-op started as a buying Initial discussions weighed relocat-
True South Solar, truesouthsolar.net club in 1971 and has grown into a full- ing the original system to another area
DATE COMMISSIONED: service cooperative grocery and deli with on the building or property. However,
October 26, 2016 over 8,000 owners. It emphasizes locally when the team compared the cost and
INSTALLATION TIME FRAME: produced, organically grown and ecologi- benefit of moving the old system to
5 days cally sound products. While the Co-op that of replacing it with a new system
LOCATION: Ashland, OR, 42.2N has been operating a rooftop PV system using current modules and power elec-
SOLAR RESOURCE: 4.9 kWh/m2/day for close to a decade, in 2016 it contacted tronics, it made the decision to decom-
ASHRAE DESIGN TEMPS:
Ashland-based True South Solar (TSS) to mission the original system. The Co-op
96.8F 2% average high, 17.6F
evaluate options for expanding the array. plans to donate the equipment to the
extreme minimum New equipment choices, coupled with Ashland Emergency Food Bank in coop-
ARRAY CAPACITY: 39 kWdc
decreases in cost, can make high-density eration with TSS, which will donate the
array designs that maximize annual labor required to install the system at
ANNUAL AC PRODUCTION:
production of rooftop systems attractive its new location.
45,572 kWh
to integrators and their customers. The Determining the layout of the new
original Co-op array included three rows Co-op array was tricky due to all the
of nine modules mounted at a 30 tilt rooftop HVAC equipment and required
angle, with large gaps between rows to setbacks. When TSS considered the
minimize interrow shading. This section of locations of the HVAC equipment, the
the array occupied a prime solar resource shading and the orientation of the metal
area on the buildings flat upper roof. A roofing panels that run roughly east-west,
Equipment Specifications
MODULES: 150 SolarWorld Sunmod-
ule Pro-Series SW 260 Poly, 260 W
STC, +5/-0 W, 8.37 Imp, 31.4 Vmp,
8.94 Isc, 38.4 Voc
INVERTERS: 120/208 Vac 3-phase
service, six HiQ Solar TrueString
TS208-5k75 inverters, 5.75 kWac,
1,000 Vdc maximum input, 325 Vdc
525 Vdc MPPT range, 3-phase 208
Vac output
ARRAY: 1214 modules per source
circuit, (3,640 W STC, 8.37 Imp,
439.6 Vmp, 8.94 Isc, 537.6 Voc for
14-module source circuits), two
source circuits per inverter, 39 kWdc
array total
it determined that an array orientation of provide many string length options. ARRAY INSTALLATION: Low-profile
112 with a 10 tilt was optimal. Orienting To minimize installation complexity, roof mount, standing seam metal
the array at 180 would have locked the TSS opted to group the six HiQ invert- roofing, Sunmodo Standing Seam
attachment spacing with the spacing of ers together and mount them on a AceClamp A2N Nail Down Kit,
the standing seams, which would have strut platform under the far western SnapNrack 100 Roof Mount System,
created more small subarrays, reduced array. This location is close to the 112 azimuth, 10 tilt
the overall number of PV modules and systems point of interconnection and INVERTER CIRCUIT COMBINERS:
increased labor costs. The arrays consist required only a short ac conduit run. Two HiQ Solar AC Splice ACSPL-60,
of nonpenetrating Sunmodo AceClamps, Colocating HiQ inverters with two HiQ each combining ac outputs of three
HiQ Solar TrueString inverters, unfused
SnapNrack racking and Oregon- Solar AC Splice boxes allowed TSS to
assembled SolarWorld modules. use the inverter ac whips to parallel the SYSTEM MONITORING: HiQ Solar
The buildings 120/208 Vac 3-phase inverter output, without any additional gateway with integrated web server,
web-based string-level monitoring
service and lack of space to mount ac raceways or wiring.
inverters in the electrical room or on The Ashland Food Co-op is a very inte-
the building's exterior narrowed the gral and positive part of our community. Do you have a recent PV
inverter options considerably. TSS Designing and installing a PV system for the or solar heating project
determined that HiQ Solar inverters Co-op was a true honor. Its been a wonder- we should consider for
were a great choice for the application ful experience helping increase the size of publication in SolarPro?
due to their 3-phase output and mount- this locally owned and operated renewable
Email details and photos to:
ing location flexibility. Each 5.75 kWac energy system. projects@solarprofessional.com
inverter has two MPP trackers that Ry Heller, True South Solar
Advertiser Index
Company Page Company Page
ABB 35 PV Labels 23
AEE Solar IFC Quick Mount PV 3
Array Technologies 5 Roof Tech 11
Aurora Solar BC Solar Pathfinder 39
Chint Power Systems 31 Solar Power Northeast 43
Continental Control Systems 39 SolarPro subscription 59
Fronius IBC Solmetric 13
GameChange Solar 7 Standing Seam Roof Anchor 19
Home Power subscription 49 The Energy Fair 62
Intersolar North America 57 Trojan Battery 9
Magnum Energy 1 Valentin Software 39
MidNite Solar 39 YaskawaSolectria Solar 26
June 16-18, 2017 Sept. 9-10, 2017

Custer, WI Saint Paul, MN
Solar Professional Pre-Fair
Day Sept. 8
Sponsor Present Exhibit Advertise
Connect with hundreds of Solar Professionals!

Continuing education credit opportunities at both Fairs. Powered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association.
TheEnergyFair.org
Projects
Sun Solar
Buzzs Market
C ou r te sy S u n S ola r
Overview
DESIGNER: Jerry Bergstrom, solar
S un Solar is an integrator with
operations and service regions in
Missouri, Kansas and South Carolina.
JinkoSolar Eagle MX modules with inte-
grated Maxim cell-stringlevel optimiza-
tion from its wholesaler, CivicSolar, in
designer, Sun Solar, ussunsolar.com In September 2016, it commissioned a early 2016. These modules use integrated
LEAD INSTALLER: Chris Neal, installa- 93.28 kWdc system for Buzzs Market, a circuits (ICs) to track MPP at the cell-
tion crew lead, Sun Solar popular family-owned supermarket that string level. The IC isolates shaded cells
DATE COMMISSIONED: has been operating at its current loca- within the module and scales up the
September 14, 2016 tion in Collins, Missouri, since 1996. The output current to match the string cur-
INSTALLATION TIME FRAME: availability of federal tax credits, coupled rent. This arrangement optimizes each
11 days with a $12,500 incentive from Empire cell group to operate independently at its
LOCATION: Collins, MO, 37.9N District Electric Company for commer- unique MPP. JinkoSolar Eagle MX mod-
ASHRAE DESIGN TEMPERATURES: cial PV systems, piqued the interest of ules provide additional design flexibility
93.2F 2% average high, -2.2F Ray Marquis, the grocerys owner. His by enabling uneven strings and even
extreme minimum goal was simplefit as many modules on multiple orientations within a string.
ARRAY CAPACITY: 93.28 kWdc the markets roof as possible. While the rooftop of Buzzs Market
Array shading is a common con- did not have any major shading con-
ANNUAL AC PRODUCTION:
132,126 kWh
cern for many solar projects in south- cerns, roof obstructionsincluding
west Missouri, where PV installations plumbing vents on one of the roof s
often require the removal or trimming orientationscreate some periodic
of nearby trees. Localized shading is shading. The Sun Solar installation
one reason Sun Solar began sourcing team slightly altered the original array
Projects
C ou r te sy S u n S ola r (3)
trackers further optimize the output of
Equipment Specifications its aggregated source circuits.
MODULES: 352 JinkoSolar Eagle MX The installation took 11 days from
JKMS265PP-60, 265 W STC, +3/-0%, start to finish, including the time required
8.88 Imp, 29.8 Vmp, 9.51 Isc, 36.7 Voc
to adjust the arrays design layout. The
INVERTERS: 120/208 Vac 3-phase markets low-slope trapezoidal rib-metal
service, four Fronius Symo 15.0-3 208 roof was a great candidate for S-5!s
inverters (15 kWac, 1,000 Vdc maxi-
ProteaBrackets, and S-5!s PV Kits were a
mum input, 325 Vdc850 Vdc MPPT
streamlined choice for module mount-
range), two Fronius Symo 12.0-3
ing. Sun Solar mounted the six Fronius
208-240 (12 kWac, 600 Vdc maximum
input, 300 Vdc500 Vdc MPPT range)
inverters at ground level, in close proxim-
design configuration to compensate for ity to the buildings utility service. Once
ARRAY: 16 modules per source circuit
the roof obstructions. JinkoSolar Eagle the integrator team members confirmed
(4,240 W, 8.88 Imp, 476.8 Vmp, 9.51
Isc, 587.2 Voc), four source circuits
MX modules are compatible with string the final array capacity of the system, they
per 15 kW inverter (16.96 kW, 35.52 inverters such as the Fronius Symo line worked quickly to get the job installed and
Imp, 476.8 Vmp, 38.04 Isc, 587.2 Voc), designated in the design. The modules commissioned with the utility.
three source circuits per 12 kW inverter allowed Sun Solar to mitigate any losses Buzzs Market is one of the bigger jobs
(12.72 kW, 26.64 Imp, 476.8 Vmp, associated with the roof obstructions, Sun Solar had the pleasure of installing this
28.53 Isc, 587.2 Voc), 93.28 kWdc and the Fronius Symo inverters offer year. The design flexibility of the equipment
array total source-circuit flexibility that made it used made it simple. The combination of
ARRAY INSTALLATION: Exposed easy for Sun Solar to adjust the final JinkoSolar modules and Fronius Symo
fastener trapezoidal rib metal roofing layout and string design. Installation inverters made it easy on us as an installer
panels, S-5! ProteaBracket and S-5! and commissioning procedures for and provides the customer with a high-
PV Kit attachment system, 182 and JinkoSolar Eagle MX modules are identi- performance solution and increased return
2 azimuths, 3 tilt
cal to those for standard modules, and on investment, from which theyll benefit
SYSTEM MONITORING: Fronius they do not have any module-specific for years to come.
inverter-integrated data monitoring, inverter programming requirements. Luke Arthur, chief operating officer,
Fronius Solar.web online platform
The string inverters MPP tracker or Sun Solar
/ Perfect Welding / Solar Energy / Perfect Charging
VISIT THE ALL NEW FRONIUS SOLAR.WEB

AT WWW.SOLARWEB.COM
SOLAR SOLUTIONS YOU CAN BANK ON

THE FRONIUS SOLAR PORTFOLIO
COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL SNAPINVERTERS AVAILABLE FROM 1.5 - 24.0 KW
/ Experience high quality power conversion from a privately owned, bankable technology leader.
/ Fully integrated features include Wi-Fi, SunSpec Modbus, free lifetime monitoring, AFCI, and DC disconnect.
/ Maximize system design and flexiblity with dual MPPT, streamlined technology and multiple grid connections.
/ The only truly field serviceable option for long-term sustainability and security.
/ Conveniently installed in under 15 minutes on a pole, rooftop, or ground mount.
Powerful software for Sign up to learn more
solar sales and design AURORASOLAR.COM

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January/February 2017 Introduction to Aerial Inspections

O p t im a l D e s i gn, I n s tal l ati on & Perfor m anc e so la r pr ofe ssi onal . c om

State of the Solar

True South Solar

AEE Solar Dealer Conference SAVE

Go Online To Register Now:

MICROGT 500 DUAL MPPT INVERTER OFFERS A LOT IN A LITTLE BOX

POWER FOR WORK. POWER FOR LIFE.

Tile Replacement Mount

No messy tile grinding or cutting, so you can install solar faster.

W Tile Mount S Tile Mount Flat Tile Mount

The Wire Industry Currents

4 S O L ARPRO | January/February 2017

sales@arraytechinc.com 1.855.TRACKPV arraytechinc.com

Publisher/Editor Joe Schwartz

Jason Fisher is the principal repre- g C O N TAC T U S

Home Power. He serves as the

SolarPro | PO Box 68 | Ashland, OR 97520 | US

Genius Tracker Max-Span

Ground and Roof Fixed Tilt Racking & Tracker Leader

Fronius Announces Smart Meter Availability

Asset Management and

Well keep breaking the boundaries.

Renewable Remote Inverter Off-Grid Solar Mini-Grids

Available World Wide through Trojan Battery Master Distributor Network

Lumos Solar Announces

AEE Solar Hosts Upcoming

100% Code Compliant

www.roof-tech.us info@roof-tech.us 619.551.7029

Introduction to Aerial Inspections

these tests are labor intensive and costly,

Measure and Maximize your

O&M is critical to the ROI of your

any equipment or locations that provide potential intercon-

Add Add Tap Add Add Conductor Approved

Panelboard Feeders Service Service Service- Other

and feeder conductor sizesa thorough site survey is a CONNECTIONS TO BUSBARS

Limit load and supply OCPDs. This calcula-

Inverter Inverter Load

Solar Warning Labels, Placards, and Signs

Satisfaction Guaranteed! ALTERNATIVE POWER

All Products Designed to Handle the Extreme Outdoor Elements INVERTER W/

Rain or Shine (-40 F to 170 F) N SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC

Ansi Z535.4 colors and formats available and in stock

CAUTION SOLAR CIRCUIT PVLabels.com 760 -241- 8900

2017 Single- and 3-Phase String Inverter Specifications

Max. recommended Maximum

ABB UNO-2.0-I-OUTD-S-US-A isolated 2,100 520 200 2 90520 1 170470

ABB UNO-2.5-I-OUTD-S-US-A isolated 2,600 520 200 2

ABB UNO-7.6-TL-OUTD-S-US-A non-isolated DNR 600 200 2 90580 2 165480

ABB UNO-8.6-TL-OUTD-S-US-A non-isolated DNR 600 200 2

ABB PVI-3.0-TL-OUTD-S-US-A non-isolated 3,500 600 200 2 90580 2 160530

ABB PVI-3.6-TL-OUTD-S-US-A non-isolated 4,150 600 200 2

ABB PVI-3.8-TL-OUTD-S-US-A non-isolated DNR 600 200 2 90580 2 140530

ABB PVI-4.2-TL-OUTD-S-US-A non-isolated 4,820 600 200 2

ABB PVI-5000-TL-OUTD-US-A non-isolated 5,300 600 200 2 90580 2 145530

ABB PVI-6000-TL-OUTD-US-A non-isolated 6,400 600 200 2

ABB TRIO-20.0-TL-OUTD-S1-US-480-A non-isolated 22,000 1,000 360 2 200950 2 450800

ABB TRIO-27.6-TL-OUTD-S1-US-480-A non-isolated 30,000 1,000 360 2

ABB TRIO-50.0-TL-OUTD non-isolated DNR 1,000 360 2 250950 1 520800

Delta SOLIVIA 3.0 TL non-isolated 3,600 600 120 120550 1 200500

Delta SOLIVIA 3.8 TL non-isolated 4,560 600 120 120550 1 200500

Delta SOLIVIA 5.2 TL non-isolated 6,240 600 120 120550 2 200500