Balance of Systems

NEXTracker has sued Sunlink for infringing on a patent for a balanced solar tracker clamp, and a separate patent describing the broader support system of a single axis tracker.

The Wind Solar Alliance has proposed a set of broad market rule refinements to better take advantage of the technical capabilities of solar, wind and energy storage. They argue that these rule changes, plus transmission, can allow for much higher levels of renewables.

Enphase’s 3rd quarter results saw revenues at $78 million with an estimated $10 million sales shortfall due to a component shortage, as the company shipped 204 MW of inverters. Future speculation saw an international play on the IQ8, the SunPower partnership, and energy storage driving growth.

Esdec has acquired EcoFasten Solar, which it says gives it access to a large ecosystem of installers and distributors. The European racking manufacturer launched its US offensive earlier this year.

SmarTrack by Array Technologies, looks to optimize solar electricity production using machine learning algorithms in complex terrains.

As the module level rapid shutdown requirements for rooftop solar come into play for 2019, multiple inverter manufacturers are moving forward with solutions.

Ciel & Terre has completed its fourth and largest system in the United States for a California municipal waterworks. The project is also one of four floating solar projects, totaling 5.3 MW, to be completed in the nation this summer.

The final order from the U.S. Trade Representative includes an interim tariff rate of 10% set to start on September 24.

The microinverter maker is shifting production to Mexico to avoid the pending Section 301 tariffs on inverters and other products from China.

Gibraltar Industries, owner of solar racking company RBI Solar, of Cincinnati, OH has acquired balance of system designer SolarBOS, of California.