PES Solar 1 2022 new

SOLAR/PV EKO Stäubli Endeas Intersolar Europe 2022 Balancing supply Raising standards for Ramping up What to expect at the and demand amidst safety and reliability production of PV world’s leading solar rapid growth exhibition A regular look at the latest innovations and technological advances from across the solar and PV sector. As growth continues, hear from several of the industry’s pioneers and leading names on what might come next. PLUS Our regular dose of opinion, insight, data and analysis POWER AND ENERGY SOLUTIONS • ISSUE 40, 2022 EVOLVING ENERGY LANDSCAPE

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EDITOR’S NOTE SOLAR/PV EKO Stäubli Endeas Intersolar Europe 2022 Balancing supply Raising standards for Ramping up What to expect at the and demand amidst safety and reliability production of PV world’s leading solar rapid growth exhibition A regular look at the latest innovations and technological advances from across the solar and PV sector. As growth continues, hear from several of the industry’s pioneers and leading names on what might come next. PLUS Our regular dose of opinion, insight, data and analysis POWER AND ENERGY SOLUTIONS • ISSUE 40, 2022 Editor’s note EVOLVING ENERGY LANDSCAPE A very warm welcome to the first edition of PES Solar for 2022. I’m very much looking forward to what the next 12 months brings for the industry and to sharing news, views POWER & ENERGY and expert opinions with our readers. SOLUTIONS Renewable energy is now very much in the spotlight of course. With energy prices soaring Directors around the world, alternatives to fossil fuels are being sought in ever greater numbers Stuart Gillies and solar, for the moment at least, is coming out on top in terms of cost as well as many Mark Wilson other advantages. Stefann Perrigot Client Liaison Manager Research from climate and energy think tank Ember revealed that wind and solar Vikki Birch generated 10% of global electricity for the first time in 2021, as demand for electricity Editor grew at a record pace following the pandemic. Solar and wind and other clean sources Elaine Perrigot generated 38% of the world’s electricity, with a share that has doubled since 2015, when [email protected] the Paris climate agreement was signed. Associate Editors Stephen Pearson This switch is being driven not only by cost of course, but also by concerns over keeping Zachary George the rise in the world’s temperature under 1.5°C this century, with net zero targets coming Design ever further into focus. There have been renewed calls very recently from the UN’s Andrew Jenkins Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), for countries to refocus their efforts [email protected] on their carbon neutral targets. The war in Ukraine, soaring prices and increasingly Production unpredictable weather patterns are all adding to this sense of urgency. Paul Lawson [email protected] For the world of solar that means it’s time for stepping up in terms of innovation, quality Sales Enquiries and efficiency, so as the reliance on this form of energy grows our industry is ready. [email protected] There’s lots of talk around the possibilities of solar panels for our homes and even to General Enquiries charge our cars. And, of course, as the demand for solar grows, where can we put all [email protected] those solar panels? There are challenges ahead with all of these for the manufacturers, Media Partnership Enquiries installers and innovators in our industry to overcome. [email protected] Advertising Opportunities A major talking point currently too, is focused on how to bring circularity to the solar [email protected] panel industry. For the energy transition to be truly sustainable, panels ideally need to be PES is published by P&G Media Ltd fully repairable, upgradable, and recyclable at high value at end of life to support. In this issue we take a look at some of the technologies and production processes coming about P&G Media Ltd to make this happen. PO Box 310, Bristol, BS10 5WT, There’s no doubt that solar energy will be a key player in the transition to a new United Kingdom generation of renewable energy reliance, driven by many of the valuable innovations and insights we are fortunate enough to cover within this issue. A fully circular lifecycle with This publication is copyright © 2017 P&G Media Ltd and minimum waste creation may just catapult its popularity into the future. may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without the prior permission of P&G Media Ltd. Time will tell and whatever happens, we will continue to bring you expert opinion and While every care has been taken during the preparation of analysis over the coming months. For this first issue of the year, we are delighted to this publication, P&G Media cannot be held responsible for bring you insight from a number of industry pioneers, offering a glimpse into the future the accuracy of the information published herein or any of solar and, as ever, there is regular comment, analysis and views on the hottest topics consequence arising from it. in our industry. From sustainably managed forests. Elaine Perrigot For more information visit: www.pefc.org Editor www.pessolar.com WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 3

CONTENTS 76 The economics of solar power look 28 PES caught up with Guido As the market for PV grows and increasingly favourable, so there is naturally a Volberg, Senior Consultant 115 production ramps up with it, rush to invest and expand. PES was delighted Product Regulatory Affairs, at keeping productivity levels high to hear from Kees Hoogendijk, Managing Stäubli Renewable Energy to find is important yet not without its Director, EKO Instruments Europe, to ask him out more about the issues and challenges. PES discussed the how any potential imbalance in the supply and challenges facing the PV industry common issues and how they demand of experienced or qualified experts in terms of emerging standards can best be overcome, with can be avoided at a time of such rapid growth. and regulations in testing for Jyry Hyvärinen, Sales Manager safety, compatibility and reliability. at Endeas. SOLAR/PV EKO Stäubli Endeas Intersolar Europe 2022 Intersolar Europe 2022, the world’s leading exhibition 8 for the solar industry, takes place from May 11 to 13, Balancing supply Raising standards for Ramping up What to expect at the and demand amidst safety and reliability production of PV world’s leading solar at Messe München. Its focus on photovoltaics, solar rapid growth exhibition thermal technologies and solar power plants couldn’t come at a better time. PES takes a look at what visitors A regular look at the latest innovations and to the show can expect. technological advances from across the solar and PV sector. As growth continues, hear from several of the industry’s pioneers and leading names on what might come next. PLUS Our regular dose of opinion, insight, data and analysis POWER AND ENERGY SOLUTIONS • ISSUE 40, 2022 12 PES was fascinated to hear from Piotr Markowski, Chief Executive Officer at Corab, about the company’s transition from satellite dish production to PV systems. How is it putting its expertise in the manufacture of steel and aluminium products to good use? EVOLVING ENERGY LANDSCAPE PES essential 23 As the drive to mitigate climate change 92 Renu Robotics has developed 83 W hile installing a solar system is the continues, PES caught up with Cemil innovative autonomous technology Seber, Vice President, Global Marketing, for the solar and energy industries, first step of going solar, maintenance Product Management & Corporate including an all-electric vehicle that can is also a big part in keeping the system Strategies at REC Group, to hear of mow during the day or night, cutting running well. That’s where the concept their plans for maximising solar panel vegetation management costs and of truck roll comes in. But these performance in order to close the carbon emissions. PES spoke to CEO instances in which a technician needs emissions gap Tim Matus to find out more to be dispatched can be expensive endeavours. In this feature, Hoymiles 40 Electric vehicles play a key role in 110 As solar develops, customer behaviour explores some cost and time saving alternatives. society’s drive towards net zero. But the and demands are changing, so it cost of charging them is likely to be a was timely for PES to catch up with Ask the experts barrier to their popularity. PES spoke to Eturnity’s CEO Matthias Wiget, to get Alfred Karlstetter, General Manager at his take on things. What factors are 18 The name EnduransTM Solar may be SolarEdge Europe about the possibility driving the market and what tools and of EV charging using solar technology solutions can help, particularly in terms relatively new to some readers, but the of technology? team and the portfolio will be familiar 48 PES was delighted to speak to to many, as it was formerly part of DSM 118 Solar measurement forms an important Advanced Solar. With the company Geotechnical Engineer Thomas Berglin doubling its growth last year thanks at FTC, discussing the importance of part of the data landscape, particularly to a new generation of backsheet foundation design for solar projects. so as power plants increase in size and technologies, PES sat down with After all, without a solid foundation, output. So PES was keen to learn from founding member Vivek Chaturvedi the grandest structures imaginable will Roman Affolter, Technical Head of to find out more not stand the test of time, much less a Meteorological Services, CSP Services simple solar rack about the latest bankable solar resource assessments for high-quality regional irradiance mapping 4 PES SOLAR

CONTENTS 36 132 Since speaking to Steve Davies, EMEA Corporate focus 106 Optimising solar panel performance PV Market Manager at DuPont Teijin 36 Increasing the sustainability of the often comes down to ensuring they Films and Alessandro Anderlini, are clean. Harsh weather conditions Business Manager responsible for PV Photovoltaic energy is a crucial and other heavy soiling can lead to the EMEA markets in Coveme’s PV element of energy transition and on its inefficiencies due to the blocking of Solar and Specialty Films Divisions way to becoming the leading renewable light transmission. ChemiTek argues last year, how are the issues around energy. This is where being innovative that ensuring modules are free from sustainability and reliability of products really makes companies stand out, contaminants while protecting them being addressed and what more can we argues Soltec from the elements should be an expect in 2022 and beyond? important part of the maintenance cycle 86 Austrian-based company my-PV has 138 The rising cost of energy has been been successfully developing smart making headlines throughout Europe technology for the intelligent use of and beyond in recent months. But is solar energy for over a decade. Now heating the forgotten element in the the company has moved into its new drive towards net zero and can solar headquarters in Sierning, the design of help drive down costs and take us a step which was inspired by the sun. The PIKO closer to a greener way of living? PES CI commercial inverter from KOSTAL touched on the subject with Dr Heiko forms part of this pioneering project Schwertner, Vice President Logic Swiss WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 5

CONTENTS 126 Talking point 66 Can the Internet of Things (IoT) help Think tank 32 Renewable energy is globally on the provide preventative maintenance 44 Our energy infrastructure is a very to allow for the timely replacement rise, but a key question remains: Where of faulty modules and enhance the fragile and sophisticated system. to install all the renewable energy efficiency and performance of long- It must be ensured at all times that sources which need significantly term power production? LanneSolaire sufficient energy is available to meet more space than fossil-based looks at how this technology can help demand. We as users must not be energy production? Is centralised or improve return on investment affected by this, because who wants to distributed best, asks Merck think about whether to take a shower or 72 Many of us dream of an idyllic lifestyle, put a pizza in the oven, asks Solar Log 54 Increasing the sustainability of the PV far away from the hustle and bustle of 96 Despite the promising market outlook market is crucial as it grows. PES takes city life. A place where your nearest a look at some of the research and neighbour could be miles away and you for solar energy, PV manufacturers face development taking place to help make awaken each morning with clear skies numerous challenges. They must strive this a reality. PHOTORAMA is an EU and an awe-inspiring vista. Soltaro to lower their production costs while funded project focusing on improving discusses how solar and renewable enhancing the efficiency and quality recycling of PV panels and recovery of energy could help make this idyll a reality of their solutions. To keep up with the raw materials competition, market players are poised 122 As the cohesiveness of the European to adapt their technology to constantly 58 The worldwide installed base of changing needs, says 3D-micromac and USA PV value chain evolves, so photovoltaic capacity currently is too does access to new thinking and 100 Even a small failure can have wide- around 890 GW, generating 994 TWh ways of designing, manufacturing, solar energy in total. A growth of more and operating to move from recycling ranging consequences for the ongoing than 200% is expected until the end to circularity, where we stop waste operation of a solar project. By of 2026, translating to an installed being produced in the first place. understanding what caused the failure, PV capacity of around 1,900 GW by Norwegian Crystals argues that this steps can be taken to prevent it from 2026. MBJ Solutions asks, how can signals a potential big shift in thinking happening again. But with the rapid manufacturers ensure that PV modules and redesign of componentry and expansion of the solar industry, pinning perform to expectations? manufacturing processes for solar PV down the cause of a failure can be a major challenge, argues DNV 126 Smart and scalable local energy generation solutions including solar are in high demand. While many still believe that installing solar panels on top of an existing roof is a good solution, there are better alternatives, according to Solarstone 6 PES SOLAR

SOLAR DOES NOT HAVE TO BE BORING COLORQUANT HTTPS://COLORQUANT.CERAMIC-COLORS.DE/EN/ © Ceramic Colors Wolbring GmbH

CONFERENCE CALL Ready, set, solar Intersolar Europe 2022, the world’s leading exhibition for the solar industry, will take place from May 11 to 13, 2022, at Messe München. Its focus on photovoltaics, solar thermal technologies and solar power plants couldn’t come at a better time. Under the motto ‘connecting solar business’, and solar power plants. Today, Intersolar Europe is the most manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, important industry platform for the solar service providers, project planners and After more than three decades of working industry, where the industry’s pioneers and developers and start-ups from around the towards a sustainable energy supply for the innovators meet. Since 2018 the exhibition world will meet in Munich to discuss the latest future, Intersolar celebrated its 30th has been a part of Europe’s largest platform developments and trends, explore anniversary in 2021. It all started more than for the energy industry, The smarter E innovations first-hand and meet potential 30 years ago with the local Solar ’91 Europe, and this year 920 exhibitors from all new customers. exhibition in Pforzheim, Germany, and the over the world are expected. With all of The vision of a solar-powered future and a more smarter E Europe events together that totals The international exhibition focuses on environmentally friendly energy supply. Only 1,450 exhibitors. photovoltaics, solar thermal technologies five exhibitors took part in Solar ´91. 8 PES SOLAR

CONFERENCE CALL Intersolar Europe comes just at the right time Intersolar Europe will focus on technical In April 2021 industry representatives from innovations such as the use of artificial agriculture, the solar industry, research and PV production is currently experiencing a intelligence in the operational management certification bodies agreed on DIN SPEC renaissance in Germany and throughout of PV power plants, more efficient cell 91434, which will serve as the basis for Europe. The political framework is changing, concepts, bifacial modules, higher efficiency developing a full DIN standard. In October and new players, products and business levels and higher performance modules, e.g. 2021, the German Federal Network Agency models are taking over the market. the Trina module, 600 watts. For example, (BNetzA) used this specification to define bifacial modules, which also exploit solar the agrivoltaics requirements for its There is a great need for sharing knowledge, radiation on the backsheet and lead to even innovation tenders, scheduled for spring information and networking. The 12 exhibition higher solar power yields. 2022. In its coalition agreement, Germany’s halls of The smarter E Europe 2022 at Messe new federal government announced that it München are almost fully booked. Intersolar When used in combination with single-axis plans to promote greater use of agrivoltaics Europe comes just at the right time. tracking systems in large free-standing as part of its 200 GW solar target. installations, bifacial modules have an The world’s leading exhibition for the solar especially high potential to lower electricity Frequently hailed as the third pillar of the industry presents solutions, companies and production costs. global solar market, floating PV plants are products which show up close how the new also gaining traction around the world. Local German government’s plan for a solar Bifacial modules are also experiencing strong projects examining the potential of this acceleration package can be implemented in growth in applications for agrivoltaics and technology are currently underway in more practice in Germany. floating PV. The International Energy Agency than a third of all nations around the globe, (IEA) expects bifacial modules to reach a 50 and estimates suggest there are around 400 A lot needs to happen in the next few years if percent market share by the end of 2023. plants already in operation in more than 40 Germany is to continue to lead the PV market countries, with a total capacity of more than in Europe and reach an installed PV capacity Dynamic development in agrivoltaics and 3 gigawatts (GW). of 200 gigawatts (GW) by 2030. Using new floating PV space for PV will be key. Companies such as Over the next four years, experts predict Goldbeck Solar GmbH and IDEEMATEC Agrivoltaics and floating PV are business that floating PV capacity will see an annual GmbH will present their solutions in the area models which use available space and in doing increase of more than 20 per cent worldwide, of agrivoltaics and BayWa r.e. AG and Intech so drive the expansion of photovoltaics. One with two thirds of this growth expected in GmbH & Co. KG in the area of floating PV. of the key advantages of agrivoltaics is that it markets such as China, India, Indonesia, prevents land usage conflicts with agriculture South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. by increasing solar power production using ground mounted PV systems. Over the last five years, Europe too has seen a growing trend towards floating solar plants – a This can be seen in many European countries. development that is hardly surprising given Italy, for example, has already pledged EUR the enormous potential of this technology. 1.1 billion to promote agrivoltaics, including installing 2 GW of agricultural PV capacity. According to Dutch researchers, there is the Fruit farms and vineyards offer enormous potential to generate 25 GW of capacity using potential for agrivoltaics. The land becomes inland waterways and 45 GW out at sea. dual purpose and, moreover, the solar Moreover, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar modules help protect the crops against hail, Energy Systems (ISE) in Freiburg, Germany, has heavy rainfall, sunburn and frost. calculated that the artificial lakes at former brown coal mines in Germany alone have the The modules can even replace existing technical potential to generate up to 56 GW. structures such as hail protection systems and polytunnels. Innovation tenders will likely BIPV and PPAs at Intersolar Europe 2022 boost agrivoltaics development in Germany. BIPV is another important area of application WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 9

CONFERENCE CALL that will be presented at Intersolar Europe. GW joined the grid in 2021, out of a total May 11 to 13, as part of The smarter E Europe The German market is where the greatest added capacity in new photovoltaic 2022 at Messe München. Intersolar Europe in technical potential lies. Cities generate 75 installations of 3.8 GW. Solar PPAs are also Halls A1 - A6 and B3 - B4 of Messe München per cent of carbon emissions worldwide. The experiencing a strong upsurge in northern and the accompanying Intersolar Europe redesigning of cities and the building sector European countries such as Germany, Conference, both major sources of inspiration will therefore play an important role in the Denmark, Sweden and Poland. for the solar industry, will be dedicated to the transformation to a climate-neutral society. exciting areas of floating PV, agrivoltaics, Thus, according to the current EU-Market building-integrated PV (BIPV) and PPAs. The building sector is responsible for as Outlook from SolarPower Europe, PPAs have much as 40 per cent of all carbon emissions since become the third important pillar of PV The Intersolar Europe Conference will start worldwide and for around 30 per cent in growth in Germany alongside invitations to the day before the exhibition and will take Germany. A range of measures are in place to tender and self-consumption. place on May 10 and 11, 2022, in the ICM reduce the carbon footprint of cities and (International Congress Center Munich). buildings, use surface areas efficiently and Intersolar Europe and the Intersolar Europe Visitors can learn everything there is to know strengthen sustainable development in Conference put photovoltaics center stage about markets, technologies and financing urban areas. for PV projects. This year’s Intersolar Europe will be held from The wider use of solar energy and particularly This year, besides technological innovations, BIPV can also play a key part in achieving this. the main focus will be on market By integrating photovoltaics into roofs and development in Europe and the top five façades, existing and newly-built surface markets, of which Germany is one. The areas can be used for multiple purposes. BIPV presentation on the Global Market Outlook is incorporated into building envelopes and is for Solar Power 2021-2025 by SolarPower an important driver of the transition to Europe will also reveal various scenarios for cleaner energy. the future of the international solar industry. Solar parks are one of the most important Awards ceremony at Intersolar Europe 2022 drivers of the PV market. These are increasingly financed with partners from the One of the biggest highlights of Intersolar industrial sector through multi-year power Europe 2022 will take place on Tuesday May purchase agreements (PPAs). Under the new 10 at 6pm in the ICM Hall 1 of Messe German Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), München: To celebrate innovation in the the marketing of PPAs and their applications industry, this year three awards will again be are more important than ever before. presented, Intersolar Award, ees Award and The smarter E Award, at The smarter E Financing through PPAs enables companies Europe. These will once again be presented to hedge against rocketing electricity prices to companies whose ideas and technologies from fossil and nuclear power plants and take are helping drive a smart, sustainable and practical steps towards reaching their affordable energy supply. PV-related climate targets. Spain is by far the most projects competed for, among other things, important market for solar PPAs in Europe. the Intersolar Award. According to the current EU Market Outlook www.intersolar.de for SolarPower Europe, PV installations financed by PPAs with a capacity of almost 3 www.thesmartere.de 10 PES SOLAR



ASK THE EXPERTS 12 PES SOLAR

ASK THE EXPERTS Playing a role in the solar revolution PES was fascinated to hear from Piotr Markowski, Chief Executive Officer at Corab, about the company’s transition from satellite dish production to PV systems. How is it putting its expertise in the manufacture of steel and aluminium products to good use and what are the similarities in terms of quality, safety and now, market demand as well? PES: It’s lovely to welcome you to PES Piotr. Piotr Markowski It would be great to begin with a brief introduction to Corab for readers who may but a conscious one driven by the concern not be familiar with your name. about the planet and future generations. Piotr Markowski: It’s great to be here. PES: How is business at what is a time of Corab is a leading European company growth for the industry? producing photovoltaic systems. We have been present in the photovoltaic market for PM: Energetic transformation works and over a decade now. We began locally in takes place in the sphere of consciousness. Poland, and are now present across Europe. For several years now we have seen an Annually we deliver roughly 1.5 GW in PV increased interest in obtaining electricity systems. from renewable sources. Financial aid programs offered in support of the PES: You’ve been producing steel and photovoltaic industry by the Polish aluminium products for many years, but government have helped to develop the began with work in the satellite industry, is branch tremendously. Grants and incentives that right? have significantly contributed to the unbelievable growth of this sector. PM: Yes, indeed. We initially manufactured satellite dishes and then gradually expanded In Poland we started to see a particular trend our area of expertise into steel and for solar electric energy and it is hard to imagine aluminium products used in renewable a newly built building without a PV installation. energy, although satellite dishes are still part This growth in interest has translated to placed of our portfolio. We exported our dishes to 45 countries and even now, 30 years on, they are still visible and working well on rooftops all over the world. This shows the great deal of care we put into the quality of our products. PES: How did the cross over to photovoltaic systems and renewable energy come about? PM: Our founders have always been interested in renewable energy, seeing it as a future-oriented growth area. Thanks to a widespread network of contacts, and by looking at international trends, the decision was made to invest in manufacturing photovoltaic systems and to work with companies involved in renewable energy sources. As time has shown, the decision was right. It was not only a business choice, WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 13

ASK THE EXPERTS orders, from individual clients with family Poland, exporting our products to 20 bring and how can Corab help address them? homes, to businesses, photovoltaic farms, and countries, where they have a good agriculture businesses. reputation. We partner with Arcelor Mittal PM: The global energy transformation is to give our products its Magnelis anti- accelerating and China, the biggest PV PES: What changes have you seen in the corrosion coating. This means the products component manufacturer, is gradually industry over the past few years? Are solar are long-lasting and the long-term warranty moving towards solar energy. Without a farms getting bigger in size? includes both the above-ground doubt it will be a great challenge to ensure construction elements and those placed the uninterrupted flow of raw materials and PM: Yes, farms all over Europe, including beneath the ground. components to producers, distributors and Poland, and solar parks are becoming a assembly companies. natural part of the landscape. Let the PES: What challenges do these changes numbers speak for themselves. In January 2022 installed capacity of renewable energy sources in Poland was above 17.4 GW. Compared to January 2021, there was an increase of as much as 37%. We will exceed 10 GW this year in the photovoltaic alone. For a country which until has been dominated by the use of fossil fuel, it’s a hands down revolution. We are pleased that Corab is playing a part in the energy transformation. A vast majority of photovoltaic farms built in Poland are based on the systems produced by our company. This is perhaps not surprising, as over the years we have been improving steel and aluminium production, we partner with the world’s top suppliers, and have our own R&D department which cooperates with leading scientific centres. This all means we are able to provide our clients with products that are long-lasting, well-made, and are a great fit in the variety of farms. In fact, we are not limited to 14 PES SOLAR

ASK THE EXPERTS There is no doubt that previously known and facilitates an increase in the energy yield of to the city ring road. Our products are tested supply chains will need to be up to 30% compared with using traditional manufactured in Bartoszyce and the factory is profoundly adjusted to the current reality. I photovoltaic solutions. one of the most modern of its kind in Europe. think that customers will be paying even more Our products are used in 20 countries and we attention to the quality of products and the CORAB TRACKER WS T-001 system can regularly participate in trade fairs all over the assembly time when it comes to photovoltaic track solar radiation through optimal world, including Intersolar in Munich. systems. I must admit that there is an positioning of the modules. The system is opportunity for us to grow rapidly. As Europe entirely automated and maintenance-free. It We also value education, both in terms of slowly turns its back on fossil fuel and from is characterised by clampless installation, increasing staff competence and spreading year to year, EU member countries must meet with the possibility of using any desired PV knowledge across the market and sharing our the relevant standards regarding pollutant modules and has an advanced sensor unit for expertise with installers. We value emission, regulated by specific legislation and weather monitoring. All this gains the innovativeness and full transparency. acts. Europe is focused on production in its maximum yield from the installation. We have member countries, and our local content created an advanced system which stands PES: What do you think the next big thing in basically covers 100% of the production. out due to its small number of components. photovoltaic technology will be? PES: Durability and corrosion resistance are PES: It would be great to hear about one or PM: Emphasis will be placed on product of particular importance for solar farms, two real-life examples of Corab products availability and quality. Customers will value a aren’t they? being put to use if you have any? European warranty and efficient service. No less important is the safety of use and PM: We are aware of the potential that lies PM: We are seeing a high demand for PV resistance to extreme weather conditions. within photovoltaic farms. That’s why we constructions applicable in the AGRO We have reasons to be proud; our have developed freestanding construction business. We have designed the SLIDE-IN constructions undergo rigorous tests and are lines, which prove themselves in multiscale solution, a method for securing modules ideal for difficult conditions. We are certified investments. They apply to traditional without using screws and tools, which by the European entities and we cooperate systems directed south, but also east-west ensures quick and easy assembly and with universities and module manufacturers. or tracker systems. reduces investment cost. Assembly of the All this to maximise the safety of use. module takes 30 seconds, and both PES: Are you seeing an increased demand securing and grounding can be done in one Correctly assembled constructions are for higher output? How can a photovoltaic step. The cost of assembly is reduced by resilient to powerful windstorms, for tracker help meet this? 30%, so it is appreciated by installers, and example. And regardless of whether our even more by investors. system is dedicated to roofs or constitutes a PM: A photovoltaic tracker is an advanced free-standing construction, it is always device, which helps to significantly increase PES: So although you’re headquartered in designed with the same amount of energy yield from the PV installation. Poland and your work is global, is that right? meticulousness and accuracy. Research conducted by the Polish Academy of Sciences shows that using the tracker PM: Yes. Our headquarters and logistics hub www.corab.pl/en are in Olsztyn, in a well-connected spot, next WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 15

The World’s Leading Exhibition for the Solar Industry MESSE MÜNCHEN, GERMANY From solar cells and solar power plants to inverters Access international markets and new business models Key technological innovations and industry trends Meet 50,000+ energy experts and 1,450 exhibitors at four parallel exhibitions



ASK THE EXPERTS Opening a new window of opportunity with backsheets © Endurans™ 2022 Endurans™ Solar Technology Lab While the name Endurans™ Solar may be relatively new to some in the solar industry, the people and portfolio behind it will be familiar to many, having previously been part of DSM Advanced Solar. Last year, the company doubled its growth, thanks to a new generation of backsheet technologies that break the mould in terms of performance and sustainability, all while remaining cost competitive. Clearly, the market has spoken. So, we sat down with the company’s founding member, Vivek Chaturvedi, to discover more. PES: Welcome back to PES Vivek. Could you various adhesives, coatings, extruded films, In fact, we have almost quadrupled our briefly introduce Endurans™ Solar? and laminated products since 1866. capacity in co-extruded backsheets in the Headquartered in New Hampshire in the United last 18 months. Vivek Chaturvedi: Endurans™ Solar is a States, we really are a global organization. subsidiary of Worthen Industries, a US PES: It is a relatively new name in solar, manufacturing company that has been In addition to production in the US, we also but you have quite a heritage in this applying science and technology to develop have major operations in Europe and China. industry, is that correct? 1 PES SOLAR

ASK THE EXPERTS VC: Indeed, we all previously worked at DSM that home ruined very quickly. This can be used in everything from Advanced Solar for many years, which was residential rooftops to e-vehicles. divested to Worthen Industries in 2021. So, you So, as module efficiencies continue to rise, could say that with Endurans™ Solar we now and we see installations happening in more PES: Let’s start with the Endurans™ HP. offer the best of both worlds: the renowned extreme climate locations, the choices that Why was it developed? innovation and R&D capabilities of DSM, PV manufacturers make today are more combined with Worthen Industries’ know-how important than ever. VC: We created this technology in direct of polymer processing and its long heritage of response to the cost-down trend that has put commercializing materials-based solutions. PES: Can you very briefly summarize the every component in the PV module under backsheet technologies and solutions from extreme price pressure, including the PES: Endurans™ Solar is a specialist Endurans™ Solar that tackle this challenge? backsheet. More than ever, we have seen backsheet company. Before we get into the mainstream players reducing the thickness of details of your portfolio, why has the role of VC: We have developed two specific backsheet protective layers and compromising the backsheets become so significant? solutions. Firstly, our Endurans™ HP, or on material choices across all the layers and High Performance, backsheet is a novel adhesives in order to save money. VC: A backsheet represents less than 5% of solution for conventional PV modules, the total module cost, yet it can really make based on both an innovative material stack The result: greater risks to PV plant or break a PV panel over the 25-plus years of and processing method. performance, higher failure rates and lower its life. To use an analogy: you can build a returns. To put that into perspective, some multi-million-dollar home, fully insulated and Secondly, our Endurans™ CB, or 9% of all module failures are related to the protected from outside elements like heat, Conductive backsheet, bringing greater backsheet component, according to the IEEE. rain and dust. But if you leave just one small efficiency and cost-effectiveness to In 2020 it is estimated that this resulted in window open, it can render everything inside high-power density back-contact modules. $260m of invested capital being lost. WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 2

ASK THE EXPERTS PES: So, what makes your high performance PES: Clearly, the technology is more Vivek Chaturvedi backsheet the superior choice? effective. But is it cost-effective? PES: Speaking of customers, can you VC: The answer is twofold. The backsheet is VC: We understand that for manufacturers, talk about some of the names using based on a more efficient and cost-effective changing their bill of materials is a big step. your products? material stack. This is then manufactured But costs simply cannot be cut any more using a unique, lamination-free, co- from the conventional backsheet VC: The technology has gained real traction extrusion process that enables superior manufacturing process, even while the risks now. In Japan, for example, Sharp, a protective qualities. continue to rise. We therefore created a long-standing customer, is now introducing flagship product called the Endurans™ HP modules with our Endurans™ HP D15 PES: In fact, you are now the market leader D15 to tackle this challenge. This is the backsheet for residential rooftops in their in co-extruded backsheets. Why has your ultimate ‘all-purpose’ product, enabling local market, probably the most demanding technology succeeded where others in the manufacturers to remain on the cost-down past have failed? curve while safeguarding their investment. VC: The material we create from our PES: So, risk is reduced? co-extrusion process is built around the strongest core layer on the market, made VC: Yes, not just risk to the integrity of the from a modified functional polymer called backsheet itself, but the inherent risk in the high-performance polyolefin (HPO) instead entire manufacturing process. A of PET. Polyolefin is naturally and intrinsically conventional, laminated backsheet contains better suited to long-term protection than three pre-manufactured films, glued PET, a fact that is now increasingly together by adhesives, often all from recognized in the market. different vendors. That creates challenges in the supply chain, and the material Our Endurans™ HP therefore has much composition and quality is difficult to control. better water barrier properties and retains its mechanical properties for far longer. But With our co-extrusion technology we have the proof is in the performance data. There total control of the value chain, from raw are now 20 million modules installed materials to end-product. Everything is worldwide featuring these backsheets, with under one roof, manufactured to a high, zero failures over seven-plus years. It’s consistent quality in a single process. In proven beyond all doubt. post-pandemic times especially, this is a great benefit to customers. © Endurans 2022 Endurans HP production site Suzhou 20 PES SOLAR

ASK THE EXPERTS © Endurans™ 2022 only using the Endurans™ CB in its standard Panel material stack with Endurans™ HP PV modules, but also developing and testing various exciting new module concepts. and evolved in the world; as well as for solar an essential component of high-power panels in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. back-contact modules being mass- PES: One critical topic for the solar industry manufactured worldwide, using both MWT is of course sustainability. What does your In India, our Endurans™ HP D15 backsheet is and IBC cells. backsheet technology contribute here? being used by several Tier 1 manufacturers. PES: Can you outline some of the In North America, premium module applications for this technology? VC: Our backsheet technology offers the manufacturer Silfab Solar is a customer. VC: In the residential rooftop segment, our lowest carbon footprint in the market and full Meanwhile, in Europe, the Endurans™ HP D15 North American customer, Silfab Solar, has recyclability. While backsheet production backsheet is being evaluated as part of launched the Silfab Elite SIL-370/375/380 waste is usually landfilled or incinerated, our SolarDuck’s offshore floating PV module, a premium offering featuring the waste is re-used. That will start to have a demonstrator, where it is included in Endurans™ CB backsheet. In e-mobility, the major impact once module end-of-life CHINT modules. product is being used by our customer volumes explode in 10 years’ time. Lightyear as part of an Integrated Photovoltaic PES: The other key technology is the (VIPV) solar roof in its Lightyear One model. Our backsheets do not contain any fluorine, conductive backsheet. In fact, you are Another customer is Energyra, which is not PFAS or adhesives. To put that into now the merchant market leader in this perspective, if the percentage of fluorine in technology too. Can you tell us more © Endurans™ 2022 the polymer waste fraction rises above 1%, about it? Endurans™ HP backsheet the cost of incineration jumps sixfold. I’m pleased to say that our backsheets do not VC: This has been a real innovation journey contribute to this in any way. because in many ways we are creating a whole new market. Back-contact technology, i.e., PES: Finally, what does the future hold for with no busbars, tabbing and stringing on the Endurans™ Solar and its customers? front of the solar cell, has always been a compelling concept because of its potential to VC: Our ultimate goal is to become the generate instantaneous and lasting gains in one-stop shop for customers by offering a energy yield of 3%, while also enabling a clean family of durable PV polymers that contribute aesthetic effect on the front of the PV module. to better solar modules. So, for example, we can now also offer customers a range of The challenge faced by the industry was insulator sheets, patches and specialty always striking the right performance/cost encapsulants, since we took over the product balance to drive mass adoption, which we’re portfolio of the Tomark-Worthen joint- now solving with our Endurans™ CB venture, last year. backsheet. Meanwhile, our innovation work continues, PES: So how and why does the Endurans™ helped by our broader geographical reach CB backsheet unlock the potential of which now enables us to respond much faster back-contact technology? to customer and market needs. Ultimately, the market is moving fast. Legislation is VC: Our team created a unique cell- evolving. Customer needs are constantly interconnection concept that minimizes changing. Our goal is to stay ahead of the optical and electrical losses and offers the curve and give our customers the best highest module power density available chance to succeed. today. As a result, the Endurans™ CB is now www.endurans.com WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 21

YOUR SOLAR智囊团 2022OmUeTdiNa OdaWta WORLD COVERED Mounting Systems Silfab Solar Natural Power Conference call EKO Stäubli Endeas Intersolar Europe 2022 CSP Services Howmet Fastening Systems Campbell Scientific Conference call Developing safe and Itai Suez, PhD, gives his PES Speaks with We look forward to Solar Balancing supply Raising standards for Ramping up What to expect at the We hear from Birk Kraas, An insight into installation and We are delighted to PES looks ahead to one reliable carport systems exclusive insight Hannah Staab and Power International and demand amidst safety and reliability production of PV world’s leading solar Commercial Head of system deployment solutions hear from Derek Jones, of the Solar Industry’s Seán Manley (SPI), Energy Storage rapid growth exhibition Meteorological Services Renewable energy most anticipated International (ESI), and Group Manager annual events North America Smart Energy Week SOLAR/PV We are delighted to bring you the very latest product SOLAR/PV innovation & developments from across the global SOLAR/PV Solar/PV industry, along with looking into some of the As always, we are delighted to present you with the A regular look at the latest innovations and major policy developments across the sector. We are latest product & technology innovations as well as technological advances from across the solar and excited to bring you some of the thoughts & views from project developments and advances from a number PV sector. As growth continues, hear from several of several of the industry’s key players & leading names. of key mover’s and shaker’s in the market. the industry’s pioneers and leading names on what might come next. PLUS, enjoy our latest helping of incisive insight, PLUS, our regular helping of opinion, industry opinion & analysis insight & analysis PLUS Our regular dose of opinion, insight, data and analysis POWER AND ENERGY SOLUTIONS • IS SUE 37, 2020 POWER AND ENERGY SOLUTIONS • ISSUE 40, 2022 POWER AND ENERGY SOLUTIONS • ISSUE 38, 2021 SMART SOLAR We take a look at how an already smart industry just got smarter. Technology advances and service advancements help to optimize projects and continue to drive us toward a very bright future INDUSTRY EVOLVING ENERGY OPTIMIZATION LANDSCAPE Latest streamlining technologies and services are equipping solar/PV professionals with improved systems and solutions for higher energy yield, greater efficiency and lifetime reliability. SOLAR ENERGY’S ESSENTIAL MEDIA DESTINATION 24,000+ READERS EXTENSIVE ONLINE AND MOBILE REACH BIG NAME INTERVIEWS NEWS, VIEWS AND ANALYSIS UNMISSABLE FEATURES AND AGENDA-SETTING COMMENT email [email protected] today www.pessolar.com 42

ASK THE EXPERTS Maximising rooftop output WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 23

ASK THE EXPERTS As the drive to mitigate climate change continues, PES was keen to catch up with Cemil Seber, Vice President, Global Marketing, Product Management & Corporate Strategy at REC Group, to hear of their plans for maximising solar panel performance in order to close the emissions gap. PES: Welcome to PES Cemil, it’s great to In 2021, we launched REC Alpha Pure, a Cemil Seber touch base with you. Perhaps it would be high-power density successor, but even timely to begin with a brief introduction to more sustainable as we eliminated lead, important is solar power from your REC Group, for readers who may not be allowing us to offer a RoHS compliant solar perspective in helping guard against familiar with the name? panel to the cautious consumer. climate change? Cemil Seber: Of course. We began 25 years ago in Norway with hand-washed wafers. In 2022, with the new product, we will CS: Solar power is a key pillar to mitigate Today, we are a global solar energy company, continue to focus on high power density climate change. The efficiencies are known for our patented innovations, innovations while also providing a more continuously increasing, the generation award-winning products and reliable sustainable solar panel. The newest REC costs plummeting, it doesn’t require big long-term performance. We manufacture in solar panel will specifically target rooftop infrastructures like LNG terminals or Norway and Singapore, but have regional customers who are extremely cautious about pipelines, it can be deployed fast and can be hubs in North America, Europe, and getting the best out of their roof space, such put almost everywhere, on rooftops, on the Asia-Pacific. as homeowners, and making the best ground or even on water. We are dedicated to empowering consumers environmental contribution. with clean, affordable solar power and drive In early 2016, right after the Paris Agreement, global energy transitions. We understand After 25 years in this industry, we know two we asked ourselves ‘What does this that this can only happen with bold things for sure: firstly, only with bold agreement mean for our industry? How much innovations and through high-quality solar innovations bringing the highest power solar PV capacity is needed?’ We put these panels with a leading power density. We have densities, will we be able to mitigate climate questions into the hands of our best analysts. always been committed to a low carbon change and have a chance to reach the Paris The outcome was our COP21 study, with a footprint in our solar materials and panels Agreement and limit temperature increase proposed ramp-up for solar PV capacities and believe that as the solar industry grows in to 1.5°. worldwide and in certain countries in order to importance, so does our responsibility to be get us on track within ten years to reach the even more sustainable. Secondly, as the solar industry grows in targets of the Paris Agreement. PES: After the impressive launch of the REC importance, we need to be more Alpha Series at Intersolar Europe in May sustainable too. This means increasing The results have been amazing and shocking at 2019, REC Group is launching a new product energy yield to offset more CO2 emissions, the same time. To be on track by 2025 to close at this year’s Intersolar. What can the but as a manufacturer also reducing our the emissions gap, the global solar capacity industry expect from REC’s new solar panel? own water, energy and waste consumption ramp-up had to be up to 480 GW per year above CS: The REC Alpha Series was a bold as much as possible, getting rid of the 2015 forecast. revolution in 2019. At the time, it was the hazardous materials and increasing highest power solar panel in a 60-cell format, circularity. REC stands for all of this and we While we have been extremely ambitious but also had an outstanding power density. hope that this year’s product launch will be with our target by 2025 and the required We achieved this because we took a bold another inspiration for the industry. ramp-up was far beyond any forecast at this decision and went for HJT on mass, one of time, the global solar PV markets have seen the most advanced cell technologies. PES: Indeed, hardly a week passes where we continuous uptrend in recent years. In line do not have climate change warnings from with this, IRENA calculated that 500 GW per REC Alpha Pure Series, featuring a gapless cell layout scientists, that we are off track to reach the year until 2050 will be needed. REC expects Paris Agreement or natural disasters like that under an optimistic scenario, the the severe floods in Australia. How industry can get close to 300 GW of new solar PV installations in 2023. 24 PES SOLAR

ASK THE EXPERTS The high-power density REC Alpha Pure solar panel is based on HJT, one of the most advanced cell technologies PES: 500 GW per year. Does this mean that better savings on the resources and less to industry to be going in? we need the highest power output solar recycle after its end of life. panels possible? CS: Again, a clear no. But we need to consider CS: No, it means that we need the highest Apart from the power density, technologies more aspects when choosing the right solar possible power density solar panels. The 500 allowing bifaciality and lower temperature panel. The pure watt class should not be the GW every year still has to go somewhere. coefficients, like the HJT cells in the REC one and only selling argument. As said, power Take the example of the REC Alpha Pure with Alpha Pure solar panel, allow higher energy density matters far more, the guaranteed 222W/m2: comparing this with a standard yields per m2 and are therefore critical. energy yield over the lifetime of a solar panel, panel, I can save 10% of space or get 10% as this makes the business case for the more power. On top, packing in more power PES: Over the last few years we have been consumer, and the sustainability aspects into the same format solar panel means seeing wafers getting bigger and bigger in make the business case for the environment. order to get higher power solar panels. Do REC Alpha cell production in Singapore you think this is the wrong direction for the Larger wafers have their advantages, but also their limits, e.g currents to be handled by inverters, size of the panels to be handled by the installers, in particular for the rooftop segments. As REC continues to be highly focused on high-efficiency solar panels for the rooftop customers, we will not just go bigger. This is too simple and not our solution. PES: You mentioned also the environmental aspects of manufacturing solar panels. What should installers and consumers look for and what are you doing specifically in this regard? CS: Silicon is the most energy intensive manufacturing step of a solar panel. So it matters where the production of this is taking place. For example, REC has a silicon production site in Norway, a country which uses mainly clean hydro power. You can assume that the carbon footprint of silicon manufactured in China will probably be different. The same for manufacturing cells and solar panels. Another aspect: When sawing wafers from silicon blocks, 30% of the silicon is waste. WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 25

ASK THE EXPERTS Our Norwegian colleagues invented a proprietary technology to recycle this to solar grade silicon at such a quality that it can be used again in the solar PV production process. This allows us to reduce the carbon footprint of our silicon by 96% compared to the standard Siemens process as mainly used by Chinese manufacturers. And it helps to reduce mining activities. Also important to know: different cell technologies require different processes, manufacturing steps and energy consumptions. HJT has some advantages here because there are fewer manufacturing steps at lower temperature levels. This requires less energy. At our modern manufacturing site in Singapore, we are using Industry 4.0 practices and running continuous energy, water and waste reduction programs. We are collecting all kinds of components for recycling during the manufacturing process REC eliminated lead in its Alpha Pure Series, making it a RoHS compliant solar panel REC Alpha Series launch at Intersolar Europe 2019 and disassembling scrapped modules into their components, also for recycling. This again saves resources. When designing new solar panels, we design them to be as easy as possible to recycle after their end of life in 25 or 30 or more years. That’s why we eliminated lead in the REC Alpha Pure Series, because the issue is not when the solar panel is on the roof but when it is taken down. All of these efforts are translating into more sustainable REC solar panels, such as the lead-free and LCF Alpha Pure. We are proud that we have two solar panels certified as LCF solar panels by the French Certisolis, Alpha Pure and TwinPeak 4, and all our solar panels received EPDs by the Norwegian EPD association, Alpha Pure, TwinPeak 4 and N-Peak 2. This is really Responsible Solar. PES: It does sound like big strides are being taken in the right direction. So what’s next for REC after Intersolar and over the coming months? CS: As the solar industry and the demand for REC solar panels is continuously growing, our key priority for the rest of the year, and probably beyond, are our expansion plans. Together with our new owner, Reliance Industries Limited, we are looking to significantly expand our capacity in several locations around the world. We are talking about multiplying our current production capacity over the next couple of years. Our production in Singapore is already expanding. We will also have factories in India and other locations are under discussion. www.recgroup.com 26 PES SOLAR

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ASK THE EXPERTS Avoid-cross-mating Well connected PES was delighted to speak to Guido Volberg, Senior Consultant Product Regulatory Affairs, at Stäubli Renewable Energy to find out more about the issues and challenges the PV industry is facing in terms of misinterpretation of test reports and false expectations regarding compatibility. PES: Thank you for taking the time to speak renewable energy sector is progressing quite committed to keeping up with this dynamic with us Guido. We first spoke shortly after fast and particularly in the PV industry, the and is motivated to be a farsighted partner. you joined Stäubli in 2020. How have things market development pace is very high. On Many things are happening in the regulatory been progressing for you and the company the one hand, we are seeing the emergence area in particular, where we are very actively since then? of new names and, on the other, the involved. Not least in order to fulfill our strengthening of existing players. responsibility as the market leader for Guido Volberg: Personally, things have been PV connectors. very interesting since joining Stäubli. The Stäubli Renewable Energy is more than ever 28 PES SOLAR

ASK THE EXPERTS PES: So, for Stäubli the focus is on electrical that could be problematic or even unsafe cost of electricity (LCoE), is that right? connectors for the solar industry, of course. do you think? GV: Definitely. Before a connector drops As the PV market grows, is it a concern that out, the contact resistance on the power there remain no established standards for GV: We note that there is an expectation carrying parts increases and the connector design and technology in the among market participants regarding the performance decreases. The operator will field of photovoltaic? compatibility of connectors from different need time to go onsite and detect why there manufacturers. Another factor also plays a is a loss and where it occurred. The GV: We have established standards in the PV role here. The Stäubli MC4 PV connector was defective connection needs to be replaced. industry, product standards such as IEC considered an industry standard by market This is time consuming and the operator 62852:2014 + A1:2020 or UL6703 and participants after its market launch in 2002. faces unexpected costs on top of missing installation standards IEC 62548 or IEC But this is not correct. Because the MC4 is a revenue due to reduced performance. There 60364-7-712. These standards were written protected trademark of Stäubli and not a might even be legal costs when it comes to for connectors of the same type or type definition in terms of design or technology. clarifying liability regarding severe hazards family from one manufacturer. They refer to Unfortunately, there are also numerous copy and performance losses. the tested connection of socket and plug cats in the market, which are technically and PES: Are there not test institutes within a type family and not to the respective in terms of quality far less equal to our commissioned to check combinations of PV individual parts of a connector. product design. connectors of different brands though? GV: Yes, you are right, there are. But what So, based on these existing standards the We also have to note that not all market standards are these tests based on? There isn’t notified bodies or accredited certification participants are aware of the fact that the any standard for the testing of the combination institutes are signaling the tested and MC4 is not an industry standard and that there of connectors of different manufacturers. certified safety and quality of a type series is no such thing as compatibility. Even though These types of tests are solely being done of products for long-lasting operation in a we have already done a lot of educational work based on the requirements by the PV plant. in this regard in recent years. However, we commissioning customer. And by the way, if must continue to intensify this work. there was a technical compatibility of PV PES: What challenges do you see this connectors, the respective products would presenting? Are shortcuts being taken In addition, dangerous situations also arise need to be designed completely differently and when PV connectors from different would be much more expensive. manufacturers are mated, just because it PES: And can these tests be relied on? appears to fit. What is not considered in GV: No, because such one-time analysis is these situations, is e.g. the functionality of performed only on individual samples and the contact technology on the inside or the such a test report from individual test results mutual influence of different plastic or metal is not a certificate. It only describes the alloys materials that cannot be seen. actual condition of the present sample. As a consequence, it is misleading and So, to summarize, yes, there are shortcuts dangerous to conclude based on such individual that can cause unsafe situations in PV plants. test reports a safe and long-term operation regarding the combination of PV connectors PES: As you mention, one quite common from different manufacturers in a PV system. error is the cross-mating of PV connectors Besides the international established from different manufacturers. Why is this a technical report IEC TR 63225, there are problem and what’s the risk? many other international studies showing that cross-mating different connector GV: I would like to briefly remind readers that brands hugely increases the technical, but the pluggable connection in a PV plant is also legal risks in the PV plant. expected to last reliably for more than 25 years. And these small PV connectors are Guido Volberg transmitting very high currents and high voltages. Therefore, it is important that all elements of the plug and socket perfectly match and are designed for each other, to ensure constant low contact resistance. On one hand, we can look at the outside where we have elements such as the insulation and the plug face. On the other hand, we have to consider the inside, where we have the metal parts of the contact technology. But as I mentioned, it cannot be assumed that what looks like a match from the outside will also be a seamless and reliable match on the inside. This might cause technical issues, failures of connectors, loss of performance, downtimes of strings that connect the modules, and even downtimes of arrays and plants. The worst case is fire damaging the entire system, the environment, nature and also humans. PES: As well as the potential for connector failures, power loss and the safety hazard, cross-mating could also have a negative impact on the return on investment and the WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 29

ASK THE EXPERTS The difference between type approval certificate and individual testing There are internationally recognized type PES: And the testing institute isn’t liable? Is GV: The creation of such a product approval certificates that are issued by it the installer who is ultimately responsible specification is a very demanding, complex accredited certification institutes or notified for damage and malfunctions? task that has to take into account a wide bodies. These certificates report the tested variety of parties with diverting interests. safety and quality of an entire type series. They GV: Absolutely. The test institutes have noted include, beside the safety tests, a vast range of a disclaimer and are not liable. The same goes In addition, it is difficult to design in other aspects that are inspected, such as the for the manufacturer as its products are not compatibility in all directions in the small size production process, the handling of the being used as described in their intended use. of a PV connector and to keep the costs for respective raw materials and also the quality A bankable manufacturer excludes the its production low. Just imagine, that a PV management of the respective manufacturer. combination with third-party products. connector in general has to be designed and produced to transfer the high power and to This comprehensive testing is repeated at PES: Is there a legal risk involved in withstand harsh environments outdoors, regular intervals and is performed on cross-mating too? resist salt spray, high solar irradiation, strong extensive sample quantities, usually selected rain and humidity, high temperatures and by the expert of the institute. This procedure GV: Ignorance does not protect from perform at altitudes sometimes over 200 m ensures a consistent quality of the products. responsibility. The party who caused the above sea level. All these challenges have to damage can be held responsible. In fact, be considered. It is doubtful that bankable There is a difference between a type approval there have already been such legal cases connector manufacturers would buy-in to or design certificate and an individual test highlighted in the media. such a concept. report as shown in the table above. PES: How can Stäubli assure its customers Basically, if we manage to achieve more PES: Are these individual tests open to that its products are quality and worth awareness that there is no compatibility for misinterpretation that PV connectors of investing in? PV connectors, this aspect could be taken different manufacturers would be a safe into account at the very beginning of a and long-term connection? GV: Stäubli has always and will continue to project, in the planning stage. point out that the Stäubli MC4 PV connectors GV: The difference between the procedure for are not to be mated with connectors of PES: And for Stäubli in particular, what are individual tests and type approval certificate different manufacturers. And further, there your plans for the remainder of 2022? is quite evident, that these individual tests is only one original MC4 PV connector; MC4 is can’t make a statement on safe and reliable not a generic term. GV: Stäubli Renewable Energy can rely on more long-term performance. Basically, a reputable than 25 years of experience in the PV industry testing institute will make a clear statement As a bankable partner, we are absolutely and will use this broad expertise to invest in about this in the test result. It should do committed to improving the safety of PV product enhancements and the development everything possible to ensure that test installations and we stick to the valid rules and of comprehensive product and service reports on individual tests of cross- standards. We will therefore continue to raise solutions. We will strengthen our partnerships connections do not lead to false statements awareness and provide more active information in the PV industry and enhance our activities to that are used deceptively or fraudulently. through as many channels as possible. create awareness for the importance of the small components in the PV system by However, sometimes we have the impression PES: How do you see this market developing addressing all levels involved in a PV project. that such individual test results are over the next year or so? Do you think misinterpreted on purpose. official standards will come? www.staubli-renewable-energy.com 30 PES SOLAR

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TALKING POINT © Exasun Colored solar-roof in the Netherlands Aesthetics and efficiency combined Words: S ebastian Barth and Marc Hunger, Business Development Managers, Merck Renewable energy is on the rise globally, with solar and wind becoming the cheapest way of generating energy in more and more countries, according troedIEucAt.ioItnisanadlsoenimerpgoyrtinadnet pfoerndmeanncye.cHoouwntervieesr,aasnaimkepyorsttarnatteqguyesfotiroCnO2 remains: where to install all the renewable energy sources which need significantly more space than fossil-based energy production? Is centralized or distributed best? 32 PES SOLAR

TALKING POINT The advantage of centralized energy have a major share in achieving our goals to modules can become invisible, or they can production by renewables is in the very low climate neutral economy. But do we want to stand out, it’s up to the city planners, cost of big utility solar power plants live in cities with all dark facades and roofs in architects and designers to decide. compared to distributed installations. the future? Or a landscape with visible black However, this advantage slowly weakens areas everywhere? Several technologies have been developed with the rising cost of distributing the Typically, the acceptance of solar in highly to achieve less optical impact of solar centralized energy. visible areas is rather low, which leads to a low modules. One example is dielectric stacks usage of solar modules in the following three deposited via chemical or physical vapor In addition, solar power plants are competing areas. Modern architecture is full of flexibility deposition on glass or an additional with the use of farmland, which directly leads of design and colors. The use of black or dark interlayer. This can selectively reflect one to other strategic problems of the future use blue solar modules leads to a low acceptance part of the visible spectrum and give a bright of land. by many architects and building developers, color impression of solar modules. This simply because dark colors are not common usually leads to a remaining efficiency of Distributed solar energy, for example on in European architecture. 90% of the solar modules, but comes at a private or commercial buildings, has the clear The usage of photovoltaics in historically high cost of the technology. advantage that energy is produced where it is preserved areas is also problematic. The also used. spirit of old cities with a long history, like In addition, the color typically shows a high Paris, Barcelona, Milano, Lisbon, partly lies in dependency on the viewing angle. Another A study from Fraunhofer ISE and the KIT their historic buildings and their unique example is printing the module glass with shows the potential in Germany to be over appearance. If we now change this absorbing pigments embedded in a binder 1000 GW of possible installations on appearance significantly, their inhabitants system. This technology has the advantage buildings. This is important as buildings in would feel like they have lost a huge part of of creating a huge possibility of different Europe consume around 40% of the total their culture. colors and designs, but the colors are not primary energy and thus produce around A third area photovoltaics face low bright, and the module efficiency is usually 36% of Europe’s greenhouse gases, acceptance is in the use of daily things. This greater than 80% compared to an according to the European commission, starts from solar chargers over self- uncolored module. Energy use in buildings. powered lights and also cars. Vehicle integrated photovoltaics are becoming a hot With ColorQuant™ the advantages of both Generally, installing photovoltaics on topic, but as private cars are also a status systems are combined, to create high quality suitable facades and roofs could therefore object, optical appearance plays a key role in colors for the modern use of solar modules. the purchasing decision. If the design is not taken into consideration, vehicle integrated The technology is based on the principle of photovoltaics can limit the acceptance of coloring by interference, whereby the rays this new technology, if it brings too many of sunlight are split like in a prism. The changes to the optical appearance we are colored layer lets through only the light that used to. the solar cell needs to generate energy, However, the development of smart meaning that only the wavelengths that technologies offering broad design options produce the color are reflected. The result is can help to increase the acceptance of solar a beautiful color effect, with minimal loss of technologies. A common way to increase the solar module performance. acceptance of solar modules is to harmonize them with the design of a building. The Together with our partners we validated two different routes. One way is the © Exasun implementation via a ceramic glass color printed on the module glass before the hardening process. This enables a high WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 33

TALKING POINT ‘With over 30 years’ experience in the automotive paint industry, Merck uses its long-lasting history to develop ColorQuant™ technology as a solution to comply with the requirements of solar application and industry.’ Accelerated aging of colored solar modules flexibility in colors and module forms, even at ColorQuant™ is based on RGB coloring like in processes for pigments used in the solar low project size and is perfectly suited for modern TVs or the human eye. By a variation industry we and our partners ensure that we high end architecture and customized of the ratio of different tones the color can can reproduce the color of broken modules in building integrated photovoltaics. broadly be varied in a very wide color range, facades and also ensure a good performance so the efficiency of solar modules typically of colored solar modules over their long The glass color can be applied via screen remains above 90% compared to an lifetime without fading colors. printing or roller coating, which is a uncolored module. standard technology used in the European Picture 2 shows the performance and glass industry. For more designs we can further adopt the electroluminescence of a light grey and color and even achieve bright grey colors terracotta colored solar minimodule after UV A second way is the implementation via a mimicking brushed steel or aluminum, preconditioning and damp-heat testing for colored encapsulant. The encapsulants terracotta or red tiles and even golden over 2000 hours without any major impact on used are the same as the standard surfaces with a remaining module efficiency efficiency or color. encapsulants used in standard photovoltaic above 80%. As we reflect light over a wide modules, EVA for glass/backsheet modules viewing angle the color impression stays ColorQuant™ technology offers beautiful and polyolefine for glass/glass modules. nearly neutral, independent of the incoming color effects with minimal loss of solar This leads to a very competitive cost light angle and the viewer’s position. module performance. It is validated for structure of colored solar modules. long-lasting use in solar applications and can Stability and reproducibility of colors is also a be integrated in solar module technology in a Due to a certain batch size for every color in key competency. With over 30 years’ cost-effective manner. production, the flexibility of colors and experience in the automotive paint industry, shapes is more limited compared to the Merck uses its long-lasting history to develop https://colorquant.ceramic-colors.de/en/ ceramic print, making it the ideal choice for ColorQuant™ technology as a solution to more standardized colors and modules. comply with the requirements of solar References application and industry. In contrast to the broadly known CMYK 1K. Fath, Technical and economic potential concept used in the printing industry today, With close quality control and dedicated for photovoltaic systems on buildings 34 PES SOLAR

Towards sustainable PV panel recycling PHOTORAMA aims to ensure better PV panel recycling and raw material recovery by using innovative technologies, contributing to improved waste management of PV panels From this... To this @photoramaeu www.linkedin.com/company/photorama-project THIS PROJECT HAS RECEIVED FUNDING FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION’S HORIZON 2020 RESEARCH AND INNOVATION PROGRAMME UNDER GRANT AGREEMENT NO 958223.

CORPORATE FOCUS PV energy: the present and future of energy transition Photovoltaic energy is a crucial element of energy transition. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) solar power is on track to set a record for new global deployments from 2022, with an average of 125 GW of new capacity planned globally between 2021 and 2025. Photovoltaics is on its way to becoming the leading renewable energy due to its rapid development in recent years and the low cost of its development. 36 PES SOLAR

CORPORATE FOCUS Within this context, some pioneering operates in 16 countries, with its main trackers in the accumulated, with an companies known for their vision and markets being Spain, North America and international presence in countries on five commitment to solar energy are paramount Latin America. continents, of which it is the leader mainly in to the development of this industry. Soltec, a Spain, Chile and Brazil. company specializing in vertically integrated Supplying the latest technology available, solutions in the photovoltaic solar energy the company has a team of over 100 In addition to the Spanish market, it is worth sector, plans to promote this industry engineers worldwide and over 35 mentioning that Latin America is a world through innovation, research and social international patents. Founded by its CEO region where Soltec’s presence and business commitment. The company, based in Murcia, Raúl Morales, Soltec has been offering prospects are more significant, with a market Spain, has actively developed photovoltaic cutting-edge products to the market for 18 share of 31%. The solar energy company is a technology since 2004 and currently years due to its commitment to innovation market leader in countries including Brazil, and it is now the third global supplier of solar Mexico and Chile, where projects of up to 300 or 400 MW are being developed. In addition, it also operates in Australia, China, India and the United States, amongst others. Innovation and new launches One of the characteristics making Soltec a leading company within the industry is its commitment to innovation and development of new technologies which strengthen the solar tracker market. With that aim, Soltec inaugurated in 2018 BiTEC, the first Bifacial Tracking Evaluation Center worldwide in Livermore, California (USA). It continues to be a sectoral driver with the launch of the SF8 multidrive tracker, which revolutionized the solar tracking market in 2020. Furthermore, its bifacial configuration can generate up to 8.6% more energy than the remaining solar trackers. This tracker of elegant design and reinforced structure, 22% more robust than the SF7, facilitates installation and favours high performance on any terrain. Soltec recently entered the distributed generation segment with its product Solarfighter, which is the first complete kit consisting of product and comprehensive service to ensure successful commissioning of distributed generation projects of photovoltaic tracking of up to 12MW. The company is also promoting work lines which include green hydrogen and storage, amongst others. Convinced of the relevance of solar energy self-consumption for hydrogen generation, it became a founding member of AHMUR (Murcia Region Green Hydrogen Association) and has already undertaken some projects in this field. In its long career of innovative products, the most recent is its tracker SFOne, which it launched in 2021 in response to market demand. With this new model, Soltec recovered its commitment to 1P technology, developed in 2009 with its follower SA Series. SFOne is made up of two rows connected to a single axis and has been specially designed for longer modules, 72 and 78 cells. It is self-powered thanks to its dedicated module, which translates into a lower operational cost. In addition, it has the most advanced technology, Dy-Wind, which presents the most advanced methodology for the design of wind resistant tracking structures, and the optimization of the Diffuse Booster system for low light conditions. WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 37

CORPORATE FOCUS ‘Innovation is part of Soltec’s DNA,’ explains compensation of the carbon footprint in projects are carried out. Raúl Morales, CEO. ‘This is a value that is the plants it develops, for example. intrinsic to all our products and actions of ‘Our job is not only to create products and the company, and we can do this thanks to Under these new criteria, the company services for photovoltaics, but also to the investment we make in research and undertakes to create local job offers, also contribute to the energy transition in all development and the team of professionals favouring groups with difficulties in finding a possible aspects, taking this type of energy we have who work constantly to develop job. It also gives priority to contracting further. Among other things, improving the technology. most cutting-edge that offers nearby goods and services, except for environment in which we develop our the market solar trackers that adapt to all non-market conditions and the use of projects, as well as helping the people who terrains and that have an efficiency above national components or services for at least live in that place or designing products in the market.’ 50% of the total cost of the project, giving such a way that the impact on the priority to local and regional suppliers. And, environment is minimal,’ said Morales. The continual investigation of new ways to finally, it undertakes to domicile the vehicle improve the photovoltaic sector has led companies in the municipalities where the www.soltec.com Soltec to be a clear reference in the sector. Since its inception, it has supplied trackers for projects with a total of 11.8 GW to date and expects its product to have a 40% penetration rate by 2025. Ecovoltaic as a new PV generation Ecovoltaic is a new concept that encompasses a series of requirements that certify that the development of photovoltaic plants achieve a harmonious balance between the economic and social development of local communities and the preservation and care of the environment. In this way, Soltec undertakes to guarantee the implementation of the circular economy, the criteria of respect and integration of the environment and biodiversity, agrovoltaics, landscape integration, etc. and the national 38 PES SOLAR

Know your resource Solar Resource Assessment Accurate solar radiation measurement for all phases of a solar power plant: from development to operation Turnkey measurement campaigns Continuous monitoring by experts Bankable data quality Standard or customized measurement hardware Global coverage Your experts in solar resource measurement. www.cspservices.de | [email protected] Cologne, Germany | Almería, Spain

ASK THE EXPERTS A greener future for EV charging Electric vehicles play a key role in society’s drive towards net zero. But the cost of charging them is likely to be a barrier to their popularity. PES was delighted to hear from Alfred Karlstetter, General Manager at SolarEdge Europe about the possibility of EV charging using solar technology. Could our cars be powered by the sun in the not too distant future? 40 PES SOLAR

ASK THE EXPERTS PES: Welcome to PES Alfred. Let’s start AK: A high percentage of EV owners are with a little bit about SolarEdge to get us up interested in the convenience of workplace to date if we may? charging. As a matter of fact, Glassdoor and other employee review portals are Alfred Karlstetter: As you probably know, rating EV charging as an important SolarEdge is one of the world’s leading employer incentive. There are a number of providers of solar energy solutions for benefits for employers to provide solar residential and commercial applications. powered EV charging services. These Our PV systems consist of intelligent include green tax government incentives, inverters that manage solar production, promoting EV charging as part of the Power Optimizers that implement company’s sustainable energy program, module-level DC optimization, and a and offering free EV charging to attract and monitoring platform for real-time, online retain employees. module-level performance tracking and remote maintenance. Imagine a carport covered with solar panels providing both shade and free sun powered SolarEdge has helped companies around the EV charging to the cars below. world, of all sizes, move to profitable and clean renewable energy. In fact, more than PES: How can EV owners who charge their 30% of Fortune 100 companies have company cars at home get reimbursed for SolarEdge PV systems. Our commercial solar EV charging? solutions address a broad range of applications and installation types including AK: SolarEdge has a solution that supports commercial rooftops such as carports, gas reimbursement for home EV charging. Many stations, shopping centers, and hotels; employers give their staff cards that they can industrial rooftops for manufacturing sites swipe at charging stations, so the company and factories; farming and agriculture; public Alfred Karlstetter buildings; ground mount projects and floating systems. PES: Let’s focus on EVs. How can electric cars help overcome energy uncertainty? AK: There is an interesting synergy going on now between the transition in the automotive industry to electric vehicles and fuel prices. On one hand, rising oil costs and supply uncertainty could easily encourage motorists to check out the latest EV models. On the other hand, electricity rates are also increasing, which of course impacts EV charging costs and the total cost of EV ownership. For example, you could buy an EV today and expect to pay 0.30€ per kWH to charge it, while in 10 years the cost could be double or more. At SolarEdge we’re enabling EV owners to mitigate the risk of rising fuel costs today and tomorrow with solar-powered EV chargers. Unlike fossil fuels and electricity, the cost of sunlight is predictable and solar systems have relatively low OPEX over the system’s lifetime. Our new SolarEdge EV Charger is a Mode 3 charging station with up to 22kW charging power, which can be used for single and three phase installations in both indoor and outdoor use. SolarEdge EV Chargers are part of our new residential SolarEdge Home smart energy ecosystem and we are also beginning to deploy them in small scale commercial and industrial applications. This represents an increasingly important component in the PV system value chain and a great opportunity for installers to expand their commercial and residential customer offerings. PES: What types of EV charging-related incentives can companies offer their employees? WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 41

ASK THE EXPERTS pays for the energy. The SolarEdge EV which can lead to higher retail sales. powered EV charging stations in as many charger can work with these corporate cards applications as possible. so employees can swipe at home and fuel up, In addition, EV manufacturers such as Volvo, either on solar power or late at night on grid BMW and Mercedes, in partnership with EV PES: How does SolarEdge see the power when the tariffs are at their lowest. charging networks, are offering their buyers convergence between green energy SolarEdge Home system owners will be able limited-time free EV charging and/or EV production and commercial EV mobility? to generate detailed EV charging reports via charging at fixed advantageous rates. the mySolarEdge app, export them and send AK: Our SolarEdge e-Mobility division is them to the employer for reimbursement PES: How does EV charging impact the working to bring together solar energy each month. power grid? production, energy storage, decentralized energy autonomy, and EV charging and usage. We are also offering the option of AK: The electrical infrastructure in use today The division has launched the Telematics generating EV charging records in was designed at a time when people only platform for vehicle manufacturers and compliance with EU MID-metering, a drove cars with internal combustion engines electric fleet managers. Connecting vehicles standard required by some companies for (ICE) and used far less electricity than today. to the Telematics platform collects data from reimbursing employees. In the future, we They were not built to handle the exponential the main EV components: Batteries, ECUs, plan to offer another billing method via the growth of electric vehicles and the charging inverters, on-board chargers, etc. This data OCPP communication protocol, which we they require. According to Bloomberg, the is stored in the Cloud where a data analytics developed as a cloud application that number of electric vehicles is expected to engine produces and reports on all integrates our EV Charger into the reach 40 million by 2030. actionable insights. mySolarEdge app. According to the IEA ‘increasing EV uptake EV manufacturers can offer this data PES: What kinds of commercial can overload distribution networks and platform as a value-added service to fleet opportunities are there for EV Charging in necessitate local power grid upgrades such managers, resulting in recurring revenue, retail environments? as transformer replacements and cable feature customization and deeper reinforcement.’ Sustaining the rapid growth customer relationships. For fleet managers AK: There are tremendous opportunities for in electricity demand and building more it means data-driven predictive retailers to leverage EV charging as a reliable grids would take quite a long time and maintenance, less vehicle downtime and customer incentive. It could be tied to would be very expensive. lower total cost of ownership. loyalty programs or applied in a variety of other business models. EV charging Controlling the charge power based on the PES: What is SolarEdge’s role in the future constitutes a highly visible commitment to locally available PV surplus and the import growth of EV Charging? sustainability, which can build customer limit, as well as dynamic time-of-use preference and loyalty. We are already tariffs will reduce the impact of EV AK: SolarEdge is uniquely positioned to lead seeing businesses like IKEA and Starbucks charging on to our electricity grids. the green EV charging revolution. We provide in the US and Lidl and Aldi in Germany Bi-directional EV charging will further both residential and commercial solutions for beginning to provide EV charging services contribute to grid stability by enabling solar production, storage, and e-Mobility, to their patrons. homeowners to discharge their EV coupled with over 15 years of experience and batteries to the grid in return for financial presence in more than 130 countries. We may find in time that charging an EV incentives from the utility. keeps customers in store for longer periods, Our new SolarEdge Home 24-hour personal All of this points to the need for solar energy management system optimizes both solar energy production and consumption. Its scalable ecosystem enables the homeowner to add new features and capabilities according to their energy needs, including integrated EV charging. We welcome opportunities to partner with companies that would like to join us in helping the world drive on sunshine. www.solaredge.com Biography Alfred Karlstetter is General Manager for SolarEdge Europe, which he joined in 2015. Prior to that, he was the Vice President of Global Sales for Samil Power, a global inverter company headquartered in China. From 2009 to 2012, Alfred was the Vice President of European Sales and Global Accounts for SMA, the leading inverter company at the time. Before entering the PV industry, he held senior technology and sales positions in the semiconductor and electronics industry at KEMET Electronics and Epcos. Alfred resides with his family in Germany. 42 PES SOLAR

The 1P Tracker by Soltec soltec.com PATENT PENDING

THINK TANK Peak shaving Our energy infrastructure is a very fragile and sophisticated system. There needs to be sufficient energy to meet demand at all times. We as users must not be affected by this, because who wants to think about whether to take a shower or put a pizza in the oven? To enable planners to respond to volatile demand, standard load profiles for various consumer groups have been created based on a multitude of data from trade associations and network operators. This makes it possible to estimate the energy and power demand relatively well and cover it by means of the available power plants. Capping peak loads at the grid connection point Due to their large number of consumers, hotels, supermarkets and DIY stores have a high electricity demand. This can be completely or partially covered by using a photovoltaic system with electricity storage. This reduces the electricity demand from the grid and lowers CO2 emissions. But these institutions also have other problems: due to the high number of consumption points, the base load that these consumers permanently draw from the grid is very high. In addition, spikes in consumption can occur as a result of people switching on or temporarily operating other high loads. To serve these consumption spikes or peak loads, capacities must be kept available in the infrastructure for our energy network. This in turn has to be paid by the consumer through a separate fee in the form of a capacity charge. Depending on the region and grid operator, this capacity charge ranges between €40 and €180 per kilowatt (kW) provided. The charge can very quickly become a high proportion of the total electricity costs. 44 PES SOLAR

THINK TANK For hotels, supermarkets and DIY stores, Example: costs for providing more power to New grid connection power: the development of e-mobility becoming 5 charging stations 110 kW + 180 kW = 290 kW increasingly important. Current grid connection Costs for providing power: €24,650 pa This has two aspects. Firstly, by enabling power: 180 kW Additional costs due to e-charging customers to charge e-vehicles on site, Current capacity charge: €85 per kW infrastructure: €9,350 pa e.g. during their stay or when shopping, Costs for providing power: €15,300 pa customer service can be improved and thus The simultaneity factor of 1 required by the customer loyalty can be enhanced. This in 5 charging stations, each with 22 kW standards is problematic in this analysis. This turn can generate higher sales. charging power assumes that in extreme cases all charging 5 x 22 kW = 110 kW stations are operated at maximum power. Secondly, these additional consumers create The assumed simultaneity factor according However, this case is hardly achievable in extra demand on the connected load and to DIN VDE 0100-722 corresponds to factor 1 reality, as the charging stations will be further power peaks at the grid connection. charging at different powers at all times and This adversely affects the energy costs and charging will not always take place at all increases capacity charges, or creates the charging stations. need to further expand the grid connection, which can quickly incur considerable costs. But the power of the sun in the form of a photovoltaic installation can also help here. By using a PV system in conjunction with a large storage unit and a clever control system, the connected load at the grid interconnection point can be reduced. Solar-Log has developed a solution that makes this possible. Our existing high compatibility with various components on the market enables us to regulate a large number of components with one another. This is particularly true for PV systems and the inverters installed in them. By using the Solar-Log control system for peak shaving and load management, the PV system can be used in conjunction with a qualified* commercial storage unit to reduce the connected load at the grid connection point and continue using sustainable energy for e-mobility. WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 45

THINK TANK The Solar-Log Base enables users to not only monitor their PV systems or realise a grid-compliant connection to the medium- voltage grid; with the new control system, they can also include an e-charging infrastructure and a commercial storage unit in the intelligent load management. Is it worthwhile? Let’s assume that the user succeeds in reducing the connected load by 60 kW, by using the Solar-Log control system. What effects would this have? Firstly, the power actually required from the grid is reduced, which provides active relief in the grid and helps ensure a stable energy infrastructure. 60 kW less power demand also means a reduced capacity charge: in our case: 60 kW * €85/kW/pa = €5,100 per annum. By using an intelligent control system, the simultaneity factor of ‘1’ may be reduced according to DIN VDE 0100-722, e.g. to 0.75, since it is assumed that only 75% of the maximum power is consumed simultaneously. Result from our example 110 kW connected load for the e-charging infrastructure with simultaneity factor 0.75 -> 82.5 kW maximum connected load Reduction of the total connected load by 60 kW -> 202.5 kW new maximum grid connection power. New capacity charge: €17,212 pa Savings compared €7,438 pa Advantages at a glance with before: • A solution for monitoring grid connection and peak shaving / load management • High compatibility with PV inverter systems for maximum flexibility • C lever control for making maximum use of PV energy and reducing grid connection power • Cost savings and increased convenience for your customers • A ctive support of the energy transition and energy grid www.solar-log.com/en Solar-Log Intersolar 2022 Munich: 11th - 13th May Hall B5 - Booth 520 https://www.solar-log.com/en/company/ trade-fair-and-exhibition-dates/ 46 PES SOLAR

Have you discovered the solution that outperforms traditional optimizers? Systems with SMA ShadeFix optimization deliver: • Greater annual energy production • Higher reliability with fewer component failures • Reduced service risk with paramount service support Watch the video at SMA-America.com/ShadeFix “We recommend SMA to homeowners because SMA’s ShadeFix optimization technology produces more energy on an annual basis than module level optimizers.” Michael Brown, President/CEO Solar-Ray, Inc. www.solar-ray.net

ASK THE EXPERTS Building on solid foundations PES was delighted to learn from geotechnical engineer Thomas Berglin at FTC, about the importance of foundation design for solar projects. After all, without a solid foundation, the grandest structures imaginable will not stand the test of time, much less a simple solar rack. PES: Thomas it is a pleasure having you with challenging aspects of a solar project? Testament according to a guy then called us. Would you like to begin by giving our Levi. He would later be called Matthew. readers a brief overview of who you are and TB: Let me first share what I find to be the Paraphrased, it says ‘the wise person builds your background? most enjoyable aspects of solar projects. on stable ground and the foolish person The most enjoyable aspect to me is taking builds on unstable ground.’ Thomas Berglin: Thank you, it’s a pleasure to complex technical information and helping be here. I grew up in a large family in North people from all backgrounds to understand it In my opinion, in each case, the ground isn’t Pole, Alaska and graduated from the in familiar terms. the problem. Ignorance of ground conditions University of Alaska, Fairbanks in 1998. One is the problem. So, knowing ground of my passions is frozen ground, or Now, the most challenging aspect of the conditions going in is extremely important. permafrost engineering. I own drilling solar industry, at least for me, is balancing equipment and have practiced foundation economy and stability with limited PES: What are the basic guidelines for engineering around the world in many information and limited time in a very designing foundations? climates and in many cultures. competitive market. Related to that is applying oversimplified and highly TB: Knowing ground conditions is the PES: How long have you been in the conservative building structural codes to the starting point. From there, foundations must solar industry? design and construction of solar trackers. be designed and constructed to resist the loads imposed on them by mother nature, TB: I left international heavy mining, mostly PES: How important is foundation design? without overstressing the materials out of open pit for precious metals, to join the solar which they are made, e.g. steel and concrete industry in 2015. TB: When people ask me questions about and the materials upon which they are the importance of foundation design, I founded, e.g. earth and rock. PES: What would you say are the most usually cite something out of the New 48 PES SOLAR

ASK THE EXPERTS PES: Would you say that the solar and PV sometimes steel channels, or ‘C’-shaped Thomas Berglin industry is changing? sections, are used. Front/back are often also channels. Just smaller. Load testing can be accomplished with a TB: Oh yes, very much. The ground mount couple of basic aims. When a predesigned solar industry had very humble beginnings. Helical piers, a long pipe with a circular plate steel section with a predesigned height Some early ground mount solar panel bent into a helix and welded to the bottom, above grade and a predesigned embedment foundations were little more than glorified are also sometimes used as monoposts if depth is installed at the site of interest and fence posts that had precious little they are stiff enough, usually 5+ inch loaded to the ASCE 7 or other design loads to engineering involved. diameter, where soils are especially weak, or see if it can resist them, it is sometimes uplift loads are large. called a validation or a ‘proof’ test. This is Since then, solar farms have grown from a effectively a full-scale load test in that the few kilowatts to up to a gigawatt and larger, Where soil is deep and of sufficient strength, actual foundation that is tested is the same and modules have grown much larger along W-sections are driven directly into the that will be used in construction. with them. Much more research and ground. Where bedrock is shallow, a pilot development is going into the design of solar bore that is slightly smaller than the In contrast, performance testing is trackers than ever before, including load hypotenuse in diagonal dimension, of the accomplished irrespective of the factored testing, wind tunnel testing. Engineering W-section, or channel, can be pre drilled into design loads and is used not to validate the scrutiny of design has increased along with the rock with a rock drill, and the steel section capacity of a given predesigned post to resist the size and cost of the farms. can then be rammed into the undersized bore, think Sword in the Stone. The solar industry is not only changing internally, it is also changing public Front-back systems can also be supported by perception about energy consumption and ground screws in soils that contain excessive energy diversity, and helping the planet to cobbles and boulders, though pre drilling is become more energy conscious. usually required for ground screws as well as monoposts. Directly driven steel sections PES: Can you tell us more about are by far the most common and least foundations? expensive of the options available. TB: Driven foundations for ground mount PES: What is load testing? solar usually come in two basic configurations. A single-post, or monopost support, which is TB: That’s a great question, as there is some a post sticking up out of the ground, and a confusion in the solar industry about this front-back configuration, which, as the name subject. Load testing involves installing a suggests, has two supports, one in front and number of test posts at various locations one in back, like two legs supporting a half of a across a site of interest and then loading table. Both connect to the structural frame them axially, or vertically, and laterally, or supporting the solar panel. Monopost horizontally, to impose the environmental foundations usually consist of driven loads that the tracker could feel during a wide-flange, ‘W’ sections, or ‘I’-beams and design event. WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 49

ASK THE EXPERTS a design load, but instead to measure how the way to a 90 per cent design. PES: Can you explain how foundations work much load it takes to overload the soil. With in different geographies? For example, is the soil capacity known, a steel post can then However, most geoconsultants often tend to there a difference with how foundations be sized using appropriate safety factors to apply conservative safety factors to are designed for North, South, East and prevent soil overloading. analytical designs. When load tests are West coasts? available (either proof or performance) lower With this approach, the foundation can be safety factors can be applied, resulting in a TB: Geology, climate, and geography each optimized, usually resulting in a reduction of more economical design. Further, owners play an important role in driven foundation steel and commensurate cost savings. Put sometimes feel safer relying on load tests for design. Climate is mainly responsible for another way, if a proof test holds the design their own peace of mind. driving forces. Examples of driving forces are loads, it only tells you that the foundation wind loads, snow loads, seismic loads, and you’ve estimated is adequate. It won’t frost action loads. Geography, e.g., sloping necessarily tell you that your section could terrain, can also contribute to driving forces. have been shallower, or lighter. Geology and geologic processes affect the resisting forces. PES: Why is load testing important? Take a given soil, let’s pick sand. Sand in a TB: During early stages of project coastal setting or near a stream bank will development, a geotechnical consultant is usually, when loaded, behave very usually retained to go to a site and explore differently than the same sand which once ground conditions. They’ll use a drill or a had a half mile of ice parked on top of it for a backhoe to get samples of what’s down there few million years. Sand that is disturbed by and to try to get at the strength of the moving water or wave action will be weaker. subsurface materials using some form of Sand that once had an ice sheet (or the lobe standardized test, which can be related to of an ice sheet) crushing it will be very dense information contained in the engineering and very strong. So back to your earlier math books. question about the importance of foundations. Knowing the environment, Most commonly used in the western geography, and the geology are critical to hemisphere is the Standard penetration test, the design of stable foundations. so called, because a lot of engineers early on agreed it should be called standard. It PES: Does the size of the foundation affect involves hammering a length of steel pipe the performance? into the ground to get an idea of how strong it is. From these details, design information is TB: Foundation size does affect the derived using mathematical formulas performance. The larger the foundation, the developed over the years. This is called an less it deflects under a given horizontal, e.g. analytical approach as it uses a combination wind, seismic load. And the larger the section, of soil mechanics theory and engineering the more surface area is available to resist judgement, and depending on the level of axial load, through side friction or adhesion. experience of the engineer, it may get you all Because the size also impacts cost, it is 50 PES SOLAR