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PV demonstrates a commitment to sustainability   However, it is not only for economic reasons that companies want to use their buildings for photovoltaic (PV) power generation or rent their roofs to investors. Solar panel systems on a building are also a way of demonstrating commitment to sustainability and energy independence. Roof-mounted PV systems offer numerous benefits, including reduced energy costs and a reduced carbon footprint. However, businesses and installers must be aware of the potential risks associated with these systems. As the popularity of solar panels continues to soar, understanding and mitigating this emerging risk is paramount.  rooftop solar mounting The risk of fire   PV panels can introduce an obvious ignition source to the roof level, and therefore, increase the risk of fire. Several high-profile fires have occurred in commercial and industrial buildings with rooftop solar PV systems. PV panels installed over a combustible roof system is discouraged as it will almost certainly increase the severity of a loss. The rooftop placement of PV panels means any fire igniting due to the PV panels or cabling is beyond the building’s fixed fire protection and detection systems. This can result in delayed detection of the fire and consequently, delayed manual firefighting operations by the fire department. PV panels generally contain limited plastics however the vulnerability often lies in the frames, mounting systems, cables, and junction boxes. It should be noted that even though PV panels maybe not be the ignition source of a fire, there is a chance they could inhibit the fire suppression and fire fighting activities by means of presenting a shock hazard and preventing wetting of the roof system below. PV Panels continue to produce electricity even when isolated   When firefighters arrive at a burning building, one of their first tasks is to isolate the power supply to the building using a “Fireman’s Switch”. Safely isolating a PV system in a fire situation should ideally result in DC currents and voltages reduced to levels that are no longer hazardous to firefighters. However, this requires isolation of each module with a micro-inverter or by DC switches controlling a limited number of modules in a string. Currently, there is no economically feasible solution for such an isolation tool. If the sun is out, the panels will continue to produce electricity.   PV panels add significant weight to the structure    The installation of PV panels on rooftops can add significant weight to the structure. Over time, this extra load can lead to stress on the roof, potentially causing leaks, sagging, or even collapse in extreme cases. It is vital to have a professional structural assessment before the installation to ensure the roof can support the added weight. Installation and maintenance   A significant risk to PV installations is that there is no code of practice for the wiring of PV installations, thus you need to ensure you use a reputable installer. PV systems should only be installed and commissioned by qualified contractors. PV systems should be inspected regularly by qualified professionals, including looking for potential damage from rodents and other pests, which could compromise the wiring or insulation.   Infrared thermographic inspections should be conducted at least annually to look for “hot spots.” Weather-Related Risks   Extreme weather conditions, such as hail, intense winds, or heavy snow, can damage solar panels. Adequate installation and mounting techniques can help minimize these risks, but it is essential to be prepared for adverse weather events. Insurance and Liability   Adding solar panels to a roof may impact insurance coverage and liability in case of damage or accidents. It is essential to consult with insurance providers to ensure that your policy adequately covers your PV system and potential liabilities.

Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) electric power systems not only produce electricity, they are also part of the building. For example, a BIPV skylight is an integral component of the building envelope as well as a solar electric energy system that generates electricity for the building. These solar systems are thus multifunctional construction materials.   The standard element of a BIPV system is the PV module. Individual solar cells are interconnected and encapsulated on various materials to form a module. Modules are strung together in an electrical series with cables and wires to form a PV array. Direct or diffuse light (usually sunlight) shining on the solar cells induces the photovoltaic effect, generating unregulated DC electric power. This DC power can be used, stored in a battery system, or fed into an inverter that transforms and synchronizes the power into AC electricity. The electricity can be used in the building or exported to a utility company through a grid interconnection. A wide variety of BIPV systems are available in today’s markets. Most of them can be grouped into two main categories: facade systems and roofing systems. Facade systems include curtain wall products, spandrel panels, and glazings. Roofing systems include tiles, shingles, standing seam products, and skylights.  PV modules can be designed as aesthetically integrated building components (such as awnings) and as entire structures (such as bus shelters). BIPV is sometimes the optimal method of installing renewable energy systems in urban, built-up areas where undeveloped land is both scarce and expensive.

Residential solar panel installations in Spain have surged in the last two years. in 2022, more than 200,000 households installed 2.5 gigawatts (GW) of self-consumption, twice as many as in 2021.1 In the last two years, Spain has seen a surge in residential solar panel installations, with a total of 1.5 GW of self-consumption. Most of these are single-family homes, as residential installations are more complex. However, new solutions adapted to balconies are emerging, such as panels or photovoltaic railings tailored to smaller spaces. Housing in Spain is dominated by multi-family buildings (70%) and single-family homes (30%). As a result, most people in Spain live in apartments and cannot install their own PV installations. However, more and more self-consumption solutions that can be installed on balconies or terraces of high-rise buildings are emerging. Since the end of the pandemic, interest in self-consumption and self-production of energy has continued to grow, mainly due to the end of the so-called solar tax, high energy prices due to the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, and a greater awareness of the climate challenge. Among these renewable energy sources, photovoltaic technology is one of the most developed on the market, not only in terms of efficiency but also in terms of increasing economy. With the long hours of sunshine in Spain, the use of solar power has become a “must”.

The installation of solar carports on multi-level parking garages is a unique engineering project that requires careful planning, specialized equipment, and a deep understanding of both structural engineering and solar technology. Unlike solar installations on parking lot surfaces, solar carports on parking garages must take into account the weight of materials and installation methods due to the presence of concrete exteriors as well as ramps and inclined surfaces. solar carport manufacturers This process typically involves mounting heavy-duty steel foundations onto concrete surfaces by drilling holes and possibly using epoxy to secure anchor bolts to base plates connected to the parking garage floor. However, before installation begins, an assessment by structural engineers is necessary to determine if the parking garage is suitable for supporting a solar carport. Specialized scanning techniques, such as laser scans, ground-penetrating radar scans, and rebar scans, are used to evaluate the condition of the structure and identify any potential issues or reinforcements required. Project timelines for solar carport projects on parking garages are often longer than ground-level installations because of the additional coordination needed for handling equipment and materials. Additionally, transporting components to elevated work sites may require the use of cranes, which may involve coordination with neighboring buildings, traffic considerations, and accommodating the garage owner's desire to maintain partial operation during construction. While the installation of solar carports on parking garages presents unique challenges, the market for such projects is growing in popularity. Conducting a feasibility study, reviewing existing plans, and understanding how to connect structures to existing parking garages can help assess the complexity and cost of the project. Despite the potential challenges, with a professional team and thorough planning, solar projects of this nature can be successfully completed.

The United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) has released a Request for Information (RFI) seeking renewable energy solutions to decarbonize its energy supply systems and reduce its environmental footprint. The mission aims to transition to renewable energy sources and achieve the UN Secretary General’s target of reaching 80% renewable energy by 2030. solar mounts Under the RFI, UNFICYP is exploring market options to source renewable energy for its sites from authorized suppliers in Cyprus. The selected supplier will provide approximately 3.5 GWh of renewable electricity annually, delivered through decentralized renewable energy power plants connected to the Cyprus electricity grid. The supplier must possess all necessary authorizations from local authorities to perform the services for a projected period of five years, with a possible extension of an additional five years  

Solar panel mounting systems play a key role in ensuring that photovoltaic (PV) installations operate at their best. They provide the structure needed to hold the panels in place at their optimal angles, allowing them to generate the most electricity. They must be sturdy enough to withstand extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes, monsoon rains, and heavy snowfall.   The mounting structure you choose for your PV installation will have an effect on its temperature control and efficiency — and will determine the cost of the project. Ground-mounted panels receive better airflow than rooftop panels, which makes it easier to keep them cool. Rooftop panels require a different cooling mechanism, so it’s important to use the right mounting structure. How do you choose which mounting structure is the most appropriate for your project? 1. Geological survey The first step is to carry out a survey of the geology of the land where the PV system will be installed. A bore test and tests to understand the soil conditions are essential to understanding the best type of foundation to use. You need to assess: Ability to excavate the site The acidity of the soil, as this will determine whether you need to use a protective coating N values: which measure the relative density of sandy soil and the consistency of clay soils Presence of groundwater Soil forces These variables demonstrate how different sites can require different mounting structures. Measuring them will help you to determine the best type of structure for a specific site’s soil conditions. 2. Plant design Once you understand the geology and topography of the site, you can begin to design the PV plant with the most appropriate structure. Whether you decide to install the panels at a fixed tilt or install trackers to move the panels throughout the day to track the sun will also affect the structure. In complex terrain, you will naturally need to have different lengths for the foundation piles. You can easily account for that in the topography analysis。 3. Ground mounting structure types The different options for mounting structures take into account the soil quality and other conditions at the installation site. These include: Ballast. If the soil conditions are not suitable for excavation or drilling, a ballast mounting system can use a pre-cast concrete block that is fastened to the ground. This mounting structure is often used for residential systems. Helical piles. In sites with weak granular soils, helical piles are driven deep into the ground and attached to the PV panels. They can withstand uplift forces caused by the soil expanding or by strong winds as the helixes in the poles keep them fixed in place. Helical plates provide strong load-bearing capacity, so they do not need to be as long as other types of driven piles, reducing costs. close-up-view-installation-helical-screw-piles Pole mounting. Unlike ballast mounts, pole mounts do not require leveling the land or installing complex foundations. Pole mounting installs steel poles with concrete anchors to support the panels. Depending on the soil and weather conditions, some installations can require special adjustments to ensure the poles remain in place. Multipole mounting installs panels in a single line horizontally rather than separately, providing an advantage for large installations as all panels can be adjusted at once. Ground screws. Also called earth screws, these are suited to sites where the soil is compacted, contains heavy clay, or is rocky close to the surface. Screws have lower torque when driven into the ground and they are less likely to break in harder soil. Screws are easy to adjust in low gradients so that mounting frames can be installed level and require less complicated earthwork and engineering. But screws may not go deep enough for sites with steep gradients and are not suitable for less stable soils. Solar mounting structure construction methods Concrete foundations. Repurposed brownfield sites, capped landfills, and designated wetland sites are ideal for ground-mounted solar arrays, but they require foundation designs to be minimally invasive. These kinds of sites can use concrete foundation racking systems that do not disturb the ground underneath. 4. Structure installation Once you have decided which type of mounting structure is the most appropriate for the site conditions, it’s time to install the system. Decide on the location for each structure and pile, and then mechanically fasten them to the ground. The method will depend on the type of foundation you choose — whether this requires casting cement or hammering poles into the ground.

Installing solar at a large scale requires increasingly bigger plots of land to host acres and even miles of PV arrays on a single tract. Accompanying that growing scale of project scope is the responsibility to implement proper stormwater runoff measures to protect the environments and communities the projects are built in. In any construction project requiring civil work, excavated land that isn’t seeded or is missing topsoil has higher risk for erosion. Stormwater runoff, like rainfall or melted snow, can take substances like pollutants and debris that are detrimental to local waterways and carry them into neighboring land and municipal sewer systems. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) is a federally mandated permit program with measures for stormwater runoff remediation at construction sites. This permit is issued either directly by the Environmental Protection Agency or through an authorized state, which most are qualified as. From there, states can have their own requirements for stormwater runoff remediation at worksites. https://www.sendsheensolar.com/ Any construction project with land disturbance exceeding one acre is generally required to have an NPDES permit. It describes design parameters for building proper stormwater runoff management at a construction site and how to close the permit once a project is complete. “The biggest challenge is managing stormwater to prevent any impacts off site that could impact sensitive habitat,” said Christina Hebb, stormwater pollution prevention plan and vegetation senior manager at McCarthy Building Companies. “The permit language states that we have to do everything in our power during planning designs to really minimize the release of sediment off site.” There are many preventative measures that can be taken to curb stormwater runoff on solar projects. Hebb oversees solar project site preparations for McCarthy, a national construction company with a utility-scale solar installation arm. She said the most important part of preparing solar sites is establishing vegetation on the land before construction begins. “Until you really get vegetation established, you’re not going to have a fully stabilized site,” Hebb said. “Any type of seeding we can do ahead of pile installation is going to significantly reduce your costs, it reduces your risk and it will increase production during construction because you’re not going to work on muddy soil conditions.” Rooted plants stabilize topsoil — the first several of inches of dirt starting from the ground surface. As precipitation and runoff percolate and pass over that soil, the roots of plants prevent it from washing away. It’s nutrient-rich and the ideal place to sow native seed crop. While ground-mount racking and solar tracker systems have become more adaptable to undulating topographies, there’s still the possibility that some grading at a solar project site will be necessary to install the array. If the land must be graded, Hebb implores contractors to save the topsoil they remove, because it can be replaced later. Failing to establish initial seeded topsoil can require additional ground amendments, soil compaction and possibly reseeding multiple times after construction to grow vegetation.

Solar is on the fast track. In 2022, the world installed 239 GW of new solar, finally surpassing the TW-scale. That’s 45% more solar power capacity than the year before. The positive market developments in the first months of 2023 promise another solar boom year, expected to result in 341 GW of newly-added solar to the grid, by the end of the year – equal to 43% growth.   This solar rush comesafter more modest progress in preceding years, which were characterised by pandemic triggered lockdowns, supply chain turbulence, and high productprices along the value chain. However, even in trickier times, the solar industry demonstrated very strong resilience, with newly installed lobal capacities increasing by 19% in 2020 and 18% in 2021. solar mounting clamps   The reasons for this spectacular performance are obvious. It comes down to the unmatched versatility of solar – powering individual energy self-sufficiency and comparatively quick-deploying utility-scale projects at competitive low cost. Despite solar’s levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) sliding upwards – for the first time – due to supply chain issues and inflation, it remains profoundly cheaper to produce electricity from solar than from new fossil fuel and nuclear power sources.   What changed for solar power in 2022 – and why we consider the year an inflection point – is the technology’s newly discovered image by a growing number of policymakers. Solar power now enjoys widespread acceptance as the key tool to achieve local energy security in the midterm. During the recent fossil fuel sparked energy crisis, the International Energy Agency (IEA) used two reports to highlight solar’s critical role to reduce the European Union’s dependence on Russian gas. The EU Solar Strategy of May 2022 even called solar the ‘kingpin’ of the continent’s effort to get off Russian gas. Such geostrategic considerations are applicable for other energy importing countries as well. In other words, solar has now untangled what was previously considered a gordian knot – the so-called energy trilemma of sustainability, affordability, and security of supply.

In the last 10 years, Pennsylvania K-12 schools have nearly tripled the amount of solar installed, according to a new statewide report on schools’ solar uptake published by Generation180, a clean energy nonprofit. The solar capacity installed at statewide schools over the past 10 years grew from 14 MW to approximately 39 MW.   The new report, “Powering a Brighter Future in Pennsylvania, Second Edition,” examines the state of solar at K-12 schools, including how schools are funding it, and local success stories. While a growing number of schools have seen the benefits of solar adoption, less than 2% of Pennsylvania’s 6,000 K-12 schools produce their own solar power, leaving a lot of potential for growth.   “All schools and communities in Pennsylvania — regardless of their size, geography or wealth — should have access to clean and affordable power,” said Shannon Crooker, Generation180’s Pennsylvania State Director. “We are helping schools across the state gain the cost-saving and educational benefits from generating their own clean power.” Generation180 provides free technical assistance to schools interested in exploring how solar energy would benefit them.   A featured case study in the report, Steelton-Highspire School District (SHSD) saved $10 million in energy costs and helped balance the district budget after switching to solar power and making energy efficiency improvements. The district’s 1.7-MW solar array provides 100% of the district’s electricity needs and is expected to provide $4 million in energy savings over the next two decades.   “Our primary goal is to get more funding to offset our expenses, which allows for more programming for our students. Through the addition of a 1.7-MW solar array and our newest project of six electric school buses, our school district can now claim that our electric expenses are offset 100% by solar energy, and our bussing transportation is 100% electric. Due to these two clean energy initiatives, our school district is able to provide more programming and support directly into the classroom,” said SHSD Superintendent Dr. Mick Iskric, Jr.   The report found that state funding programs have played an important role in bringing down the cost of solar energy systems and expanding access for Pennsylvania schools. According to Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection data, state funding programs provided grants or low-interest loans for solar projects at 53 schools, which is close to half of the 114 statewide K-12 schools using solar energy.   Although state funding programs have played an important role in supporting new solar projects at schools in the past, there has not been a consistent source of state funding for Pennsylvania schools in recent years. In 2023, Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler introduced the Solar for Schools Act (HB1032) to establish the first state program dedicated to providing funding for schools to install solar energy systems. Eligible schools would include public school districts, career and technical schools, and community colleges.   “The Solar for Schools grant program would represent a win-win-win-win-win for the state. It would help jumpstart Pennsylvania’s clean energy field by creating new solar jobs, slash schools’ huge utility bills, generate revenue for much-needed infrastructure upgrades, prevent municipalities from having to raise local property taxes, and facilitate STEM and training educational opportunities for students,” said Rep. Fiedler.   New state funding programs could be combined with federal funding opportunities created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) that help schools pay for solar energy projects and other energy upgrades.   “There has never been a better time for Pennsylvania’s schools to pursue solar energy,” said Matt Barron, Program Director for Sustainability at The Heinz Endowments in Pittsburgh. “The federal, state, and local incentives and technical assistance opportunities paired with philanthropic initiatives and support make it possible for most schools to add solar at no cost out of pocket and to begin realizing savings after just a few years. The Heinz Endowments believes that all of our kids deserve safe, clean, resilient places to learn and grow and we are here to help.”top solar mounting products   While there has been statewide growth in solar energy production by schools, it has not been even across the state. Northern and western Pennsylvania have lagged in solar adoption, but that is starting to change. The Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center (GJCTC), a regional workforce training hub serving seven school districts, just became the first school in western Pennsylvania to power 100% of its electricity use with onsite solar energy. Solar and energy conservation measures are expected to generate $19 million in energy savings over 25 years for the seven districts.

The Dept. of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have issued procedural guidance for the 2024 program year of the Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Program under Section 48(e) of the Internal Revenue Code. Treasury also announced the program would open for applications during the second quarter of 2024.     GRID Alternatives   This program through the Inflation Reduction Act provides a 10 or 20% bonus to the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for qualified small solar Mounting  or wind facilities in low-income communities, on Indian land, as part of affordable housing developments, and benefitting low-income households.   In the first year of the program the administration received more than 46,000 applications within the first 30 days from communities across the country, signaling robust demand. This year, the government is unlocking 1.8 GW of additional capacity.   “The first year of implementation saw sky-high demand for solar and wind power investments in underserved communities, and we expect that momentum to continue this year,” said U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo. “These investments are creating jobs and lowering energy costs in communities that have long been held back by lack of investment, as well as providing new opportunities for small businesses in these communities to benefit from the growth of the clean energy economy.”   As provided in previous guidance, the Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Program annually allocates 1.8 GW of capacity available through a competitive application across four categories of qualified solar or wind facilities with maximum output of less than 5 MW.   The 2024 program will initially allocate up to:   600 MW to facilities located in low-income communities; 200 MW to facilities located on Indian lands; 200 MW to facilities that are part of federally-subsidized residential buildings; 800 MW to facilities where at least 50% of the financial benefits of the electricity produced go to households with incomes below 200% of the poverty line or below 80% of area median gross income. For the 2024 program year, at least 50% of the capacity of each category will be reserved for projects meeting certain ownership and/or geographic selection criteria as outlined in Treasury and IRS guidance.

Governor Glenn Youngkin signed SB 253/HB 106 and SB 255/HB 108, patroned by Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax County) and Delegate Rip Sullivan (D-Fairfax County), to improve and expand shared solar access in Dominion Energy territories and create a shared solar program for customers in southwest Virginia. “This legislation enables the continued advancement of shared solar in Virginia and proves that both sides of the aisle recognize the value local energy can bring to their constituents,” said Charlie Coggeshall, Mid-Atlantic regional director for the Coalition for Community Solar Access. “We look forward to implementing these bills at the State Corporation Commission .” SB 253/HB 106 will enable up to 150 MW to be added to Dominion Energy’s shared solar program, allowing certain projects located on rooftops, brownfields, landfills or dual-use agricultural facilities to be eligible for incentives determined by the Virginia Department of Energy. SB 255/HB 108 will create a shared solar program of 50 MW for Appalachian Power Company. Both bills require consideration of the benefits of shared solar to the electric grid and to the state in calculating the minimum bill for each utility. Combined, these bills are far less ambitious than what was originally envisioned by industry at the beginning of the legislative session, however, they represent compromise and incremental progress for shared solar in Virginia. “Many, including myself, have been working diligently to develop a robust shared solar program in Virginia since 2020,” said Majority Leader Scott Surovell. “I’m optimistic that this legislation will make it a reality for the entire commonwealth. Thank you to all of the stakeholders who worked tirelessly to ensure this legislation is sustainable and in the best interest of Virginians.”  solar mounting manufacturer “A lot of effort went into these bills to balance the interests of legislators, advocates and key stakeholders,” said Delegate Rip Sullivan. “I am pleased to have helped drive that process to the finish line. I look forward to seeing shared solar expanded to more customers in Virginia.” This is an achievement for the Youngkin Administration’s 2022 Virginia Energy Plan, which included multiple recommendations on additional energy sources for electricity customers to choose from and emphasized the need to “remove barriers to distributed generation, including shared solar, and increase the ability of Virginians to install power resources on their property.”

The Brighter Tomorrow Act is necessary to spur additional solar development in Maryland, as part of its transition to a clean economy and to strengthen the electric grid for all communities. The state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) had already established a nation-leading mandate to deploy solar that equals 14.5% of Maryland’s electric demand by 2030. Maryland has fallen behind the pace to meet that goal, only meeting 55% of the policy’s intermediate 2022 target.  As passed by the General Assembly, the major provisions of the Brighter Tomorrow Act would: Make it easier for electric suppliers to meet their solar targets by increasing the compliance value for energy generated from certain types of new solar projects, including residential and commercial-scale projects, in the state’s RPS while also spurring the increased development of various types of local solar; Increase energy equity in Maryland by creating a residential solar grant program, administered by the Maryland Energy Administration where low-and-moderate income households could receive as much as $7500 for adopting solar; and Facilitating the adoption of automated, digital solar permitting software for Maryland local governments, which will improve local government efficiency, lower solar installation costs, and set up Maryland communities to help more and more families adopt solar for themselves. “The Moore Administration’s commitment to achieving 100% clean energy by 2035 is more attainable with the Brighter Tomorrow Act. A thriving solar industry is a significant component to creating a clean energy economy for everyone. Mainstream adoption of local solar and battery storage unlocks the lowest cost path to a clean energy future. This is one of the most consequential solar bills to pass in years, and will fuel an expansion of Maryland’s solar workforce.” said Robin Dutta, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Solar and Storage Association (CHESSA). “The Brighter Tomorrow Act demonstrates Maryland’s commitment to clean energy by establishing innovative new pathways for solar development on priority sites. It is the result of tireless work of the Solar Task Force, and I am proud of this deeply collaborative effort,” said District 30 Senator Sarah Elfreth, the primary sponsor of SB783, the Brighter Tomorrow Act, who sponsored the bill to create the Solar Task Force in 2023. District 15 Delegate David Fraser-Hidalgo, who sponsored the House cross-file of the Brighter Tomorrow Act and also served on the Solar Task Force, said, “The Brighter Tomorrow Act was a direct result of the Taskforce to Study Solar Incentives, and over the course of the legislative process it grew to contain four separate bills to encourage solar development in Maryland. One of my other bills, promoting the SolarAPP+ tool, was added to the bill and will help to streamline the permitting process for residential solar. I was incredibly excited to work on this project, and am even more proud to see it pass.”