Here are two basic engineering question that apply to most solar projects. At what tilt should the modules be mounted? Should the orientation be “portrait” or “landscape”? Getting the answers right should be part of every design engineer’s Quality Assurance process. They also are …
Microgrid Simulation and Design for Private Islands
Sizing the energy production and storage components of a microgrid makes a big difference in the performance of the system – both financially and from the perspective of keeping the lights on. A microgrid almost always includes traditional fossil-fuel generation, such as a diesel genset. What’s …
Build Solar Energy Now or Later?
The short answer, for several reasons, is do it now! No amount of price reduction in solar panels will turn waiting into a good investment decision. Cash in your pocket and bank account today is worth more than next year or the year after – the time value, or “Present Value”, of money In …
Solar Island Energy and Azimuth Energy Earn Industry’s Most Prestigious Certification
Marc Lopata, PE, has earned recognition as a "PV System Inspector" ™ from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP®). Lopata already is a NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional ™ since 2009, and now is the only PV System Inspector of commercial PV in …
Getting What You Pay for in Solar Energy
This is the second installment in a short collection of buying affordable solar energy; and still getting quality, safety, and performance. This one is about a common benchmark used across the industry - dollars per kilowatt - and some things that make it go up or down that also affect the safety, …
