Monitoring

The HIT S-Series smart module is being launched via a collaboration between Panasonic and SolarEdge. The pair is aiming to boost the installation speed and total electricity output of solar modules. The initial unit noted is a 330W solar module.

In this op-ed for pv magazine, Mike Winn, CEO and co-founder of DroneDeploy explains the value of drone deployment in solar project development and maintenance.

OhmConnect has joined Googles “Work with Nest” program to increase automation in its home energy management program. Users in OhmConnect’s select marketplaces actually earn a share of the demand response services.

The inverter-optimizer manufacturer has expanded from its residential focus and now gets 40% of its revenue from commercial sales. The company is also supplying a soon-to-be commissioned 53 MW-AC solar power project.

The renewable energy software company will keep the skytron brand and platform, as well as providing services for Draker’s customers.

Green Mountain Power suggests 500 distributed Tesla Powerwalls plus two larger energy storage facilities have saved its customers $500,000 this summer during peak demand hours.

PG&E has filed an interim report on customer-sited behind-the-meter smart inverters. The utility sees strong potential benefit for the grid with this technology, but says more standardization and reliable communication protocols must be established before a broad roll-out can occur.

California’s NEXTracker has acquired key IP from French company Optimum Tracker to “fortify” its current offerings, while opening opportunities for further platform growth.

The three companies are coming together to monitor Huawei’s competitor to SolarEdge and Enphase: the FusionHome Smart Energy Solution.

The U.S. Department of Energy has announced up to $20 million in funding for nine projects to advance early-stage solar power electronics technologies.