Technology and R&D

In the first two quarters of 2018 Tesla deployed 40% more energy storage than all of 2017, with 300-400% growth expected for 2019. Solar power deployments grew 11% to 84 MW over a low Q1 value.

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.

RGS Energy, manufacturer of the Powerhouse 3.0 solar shingle system, has passed UL tests for Class A Fire. Additionally, since June 28, 2018, Powerhouse has received an additional $24 million in ‘written reservations.’

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.

Utility regulator Andy Tobin of the Arizona Corporation Commission has filed a docket to explore the potential role of blockchain technology on the power grid, suggesting that we are entering an age of energy technology convergence.

Solar inverters are turning into the quarterback to the solar modules as wide receivers. And with the need to deliver energy services, talk with the broader power grid, protect first responders and more – the inverter playbook is expanding.

For most people, solar power means solar panels – but that’s not all that goes into a solar installation. We bring you the beauty of trackers, ground screws, l-feet and all that finely machined metal.

Cruising the floor at a solar power conference is always full of ‘oohs and aahs’. New hardware – new software – and new techniques of getting solar into the world!

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