Successful solar project acquisition depends on evaluating the technology and engineering choices made—modules, inverters, racking systems, and production models. This post dives deep into how these decisions provide insights to corporate renewable energy buyers, ensuring the project's viability and performance.
Read MoreIn response to the high demand for infrastructure upgrades and anticipated government policy changes, a leading North American utility sought to stockpile 10,000 pad-mount transformers by June 2024 and turned to Clean Energy Associates (CEA) for a reliable solution.
Read MoreCEA took on the task of monitoring the construction progress for Germany's largest solar carport (16.2 MW). Our mission? To ensure the client met lender requirements and documented code compliance.
Read MoreUS PV module procurement is increasingly complex due to the Uyghur Forced Labor Act and supply chain issues. The Inflation Reduction Act's impact on domestic manufacturing is significant, yet implementation remains challenging. Martin Meyers delves into these complexities, focusing on technological changes and market pricing.
Read MoreToday's global PV supply chains face heightened risk, making knowledge of raw material flow vital. A solar developer utilized CEA's Audit Services for a Virtual PV Supply Chain Mapping Study, revealing the path from polysilicon to solar modules and enhancing supplier transparency and risk management.
Read MoreTaking a rigorous approach to inspection is crucial across the energy storage supply chain. Chi Zhang and George Touloupas of Clean Energy Associates (CEA) explore common manufacturing defects in battery energy storage systems (BESS) and how quality assurance regimes can detect them.
Read MoreClean Energy Associates conducted safety audits on over 600 commercial PV rooftops, revealing safety issues in a staggering 97% of them. Several crucial measures can ensure the safe operation of rooftop solar arrays and allay common safety concerns.
Read MoreThe US solar module supply market is undergoing significant transformations due to shifting regulatory landscapes, technological advancements, and dynamic market conditions. CEA’s Brian Hansen delves into the complexities of module procurement and how buyers can navigate them.
Read MoreExplore the essentials of technical due diligence for solar PV systems. This series begins with a focus on site assessments, addressing challenges from foundation types to weather impacts for both ground and rooftop installations.
Read MoreCEA’s Senior Policy Analyst, Christian Roselund provides key takeaways about domestic content bonuses available under the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act.
Read MoreCEA’s Paul Wormser outlines the key steps to ensure the success of future solar deployment in the developing world. He highlights the importance of carefully considering the environment, available infrastructure, and long-term maintenance issues.
Read MoreFaced with obsolete inverters, BMR Energy collaborated with Clean Energy Associates for a cost-effective repowering strategy at their Bodden Town Solar Plant. They replaced failing inverters with larger units from the same OEM in a phased approach, boosting system capacity and reliability, underlining the value of proactive repowering for aging solar facilities.
Read MoreCell cracking is a hidden performance issue in solar PV systems. The issue often goes unnoticed as it is challenging to detect and measure. In this post, we discuss the causes and consequences of cell cracking and propose potential solutions for addressing this critical problem.
Read MoreCEA’s George Toloupas wrote about scaling challenges of green hydrogen production which requires subsidies and policy support. These challenges include reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and locating projects in regions with abundant low-cost renewable energy.
Read MoreWhile the adoption of C&I solar rooftops has grown extensively, the industry has encountered safety concerns, including fires and other safety risks. CEA has conducted safety audits on over 600 commercial PV rooftops, and has found significant safety problems in 97% of them. Here’s how developers and end-users prevent the common causes before incidents occur.
Read MoreIn a recent interview, George Touloupas - green hydrogen technology expert at CEA - shared his insights on the current state of green hydrogen technology and its future prospects. Here are the key takeaways from this discussion.
Read MoreThe solar industry has been facing significant supply chain turbulence, resulting in various challenges such as contract breaches, project delays, and frayed relationships between module suppliers and buyers. To navigate this complex environment, CEA’s Martin Deak has developed a comprehensive buyer guide that sheds light on the key issues affecting the PV procurement landscape.
Read MoreCEA’s Vice President of Manufacturing Services, Mark Hagedorn, discusses the key factors to consider when selecting a site for clean energy gigafactory.
Read MoreCEA’s Joerg Althaus reports that renewables developers need to be cautious about the high defect rates linked to new factories, given the multitude of new production lines that have been announced following the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the European Union's adoption of President Joe Biden's approach.
Read MoreGeorge Touloupas, CEA's Senior Director for Technology and Quality, analyzes the price premium that solar developers will need to accept in exchange for the LCOE savings offered by the next generation of high efficiency PV panels.
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