• July 07, 2025

In this industry where trust and accuracy are crucial, a senior solar sales representative posed a thought-provoking question: "Why not use drones Dar Hubsch is an outstanding sales representative at Cape Fear Solar Systems, and he speaks frankly about the role of drones in solar energy sales. Any salesperson who wants to achieve excellent sales performance and doesn't have a drone in their trunk at all times is like lifting a rock and hitting their own feet This is a bold statement, but supported by practical experience and convincing results. With the continuous development of the solar energy industry, forward thinking solar sales representatives have found that integrating drone technology into the sales process can not only maintain a leading position, but also fundamentally change the customer experience and ensure their commissions. The real cost of remote design Traditional solar energy sales often heavily (or even completely) rely on remote imagery and LiDAR data for initial system design. Although this method is fast and convenient, there are also significant risks involved. Remote images may become outdated by 1-2 years, have deviations or blurs, resulting in inaccurate evaluations and ultimately leading to order changes, which may result in commission losses. Imagine a scenario where a sales representative uses satellite imagery for contract design, knowing that the team needs to make adjustments upon arrival at the site. The promised 100% compensation was reduced to 80% after precise measurement. What was the result? Customer disappointment, reputation damage, and even contract cancellation and commission losses may occur. Drones: Making Accuracy the Best Closing Tool What I mean is, it's not difficult or complicated, "Hubsch explained. I spent $700 on a refurbished DJI Mini drone at Best Buy. If you earn money through commissions, doing it in the right way from the beginning is a worthwhile investment for your own business. ” Drones are changing the solar energy sales process: Establish an instant reputation Comparing two salespeople - one appeared with a drone and demonstrated a commitment to accuracy, while the other relied entirely on remote imagery - the homeowner's choice was obvious. As Hubsch said, "This is a great soft selling method. It's the natural next step, without any financial commitment Drones have become a powerful differentiating advantage, creating unforgettable moments in sales visits. Once or twice a week, I encounter some great moments where someone watches me operate the drone and the children come out to play with me, "Hubsch shared. Once, I was operating a drone for a potential client when a couple who had just signed a contract two weeks ago walked over and said, 'Well done, someone from the neighbor's house is starting to use solar energy again!' Such moments are often when people sign contracts Cancel the change order and protect the commission By obtaining accurate real-time data during the initial on-si...

• July 04, 2025

The total cost of installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system on a roof depends on factors such as system design and engineering, solar panels, inverters, monitoring equipment, logistics, installation hardware, and labor. Other fees such as licenses and inspections will also affect the total price. Compared to the entire system, the total hardware cost may only account for 5-7% of the final cost, but it should be carefully considered as they will also affect labor, shipping, equipment, and other logistics costs from an overall analysis. From a broader perspective, if you can reduce your working hours by 20% or more, you can accomplish 20% more work. This will also increase revenue and ultimately boost profits. You may want to know how to reduce costs and save time on projects. One approach is to use trackless installation solutions for each metal roof project. Over the years, the trackless installation method of metal roofs has become increasingly popular for obvious reasons. Advantages of trackless systems Trackless systems are much lighter than traditional rail systems, which helps reduce your shelf costs. A high-quality and carefully designed trackless installation system is 85% lighter than most rail systems. Due to an 85% reduction in hardware weight and a significant decrease in shipping costs, the project's carbon footprint and environmental impact have also been significantly reduced. When installing photovoltaic panels, this weight reduction measure is crucial for controlling the budget and meeting the allowable additional load limits of the building structure. Trackless solutions can reduce transportation costs by up to 60% while minimizing the need for on-site loading and unloading and material transportation equipment. The trackless solution adopts a pre assembly method, requiring only three components, while the rail system requires ten or more components, so there are fewer parts to manage from start to finish. In addition, once the installation personnel master the "install and use" installation method, the installation of each module only takes about 90 seconds. S-5! The PVKIT solution is a trackless DirectAttach ™  Solar bracket, suitable for upright locking edges and exposed fixed metal roofs. By utilizing the integrated "guide rails" on the roof, PVKIT solar brackets can be installed quickly and efficiently. This method can also reduce the weight of the support system and use fewer components, achieving a 25% load distribution optimization. PVKIT and all S-5! The fixture is compatible and can be used with almost any S-5! Use in conjunction with the connecting bracket. This affordable and lightweight bracket can replace traditional rail installation, saving time and cost for your next project. The total weight of trackless systems is much lower than that of rail systems, which can significantly save transportation costs. In fact, the components of the 50 kW system are very compact and can even fit into the trunk of a car.

• July 03, 2025

The Oregon State Legislature has overwhelmingly passed a strategy to establish a national first regulatory framework for microgrid construction, making the state a leader in energy resilience. Microgrid is a localized, self-sufficient energy system designed to operate independently of large power grids (known as the "islanding effect") or in coordination with them. This allows the system to continue supplying power even during power outages. Microgrids can also fill capacity shortages during peak demand periods by supplying power to the grid, benefiting not only local communities but also the entire region. There are currently no community owned or operated microgrids in Oregon, and this legislation (HB 2065 and HB 2066) will enable communities to plan, build, own, and evaluate local microgrids and connect them to the main grid. Microgrids can use multiple power sources, but typically rely on local clean energy sources such as solar energy, energy storage, micro hydro power, biomass energy, or wind energy. This is unique in the United States, as most microgrids are currently owned by utility companies, governments, or private enterprises. When we explore how to improve the resilience of the power grid - in response to natural and other disasters - microgrids will play a critical role. If we really want to establish community owned resilience at the community level, we must address this issue, and [HB 2066] will require the Oregon State Public Utilities Commission to do so, "said Congressman Mark Owens of the 60th district. The functions of HB 2065 and HB 2066: ● Request the Oregon State Public Utilities Commission to develop a roadmap and regulatory framework for the construction, ownership, and evaluation of microgrids in Oregon ● Allowing communities to hire third-party experts for grid interconnection research will reduce delays in building microgrids and small-scale renewable energy ● Improve clean energy deployment, power system reliability, and grid modernization ● Improve rural energy independence, power services, economic development, and the ability to cope with power outages ● Reduce rural energy costs during the period of soaring electricity prices ● Reduce the pressure of building expensive transmission infrastructure

• July 02, 2025

Deal Orchards is located in the foothills of the Brushy Mountains in North Carolina, and is a family run orchard that has been passed down for three generations, recognizing the value of creating a more sustainable future. As a result, the company included some of its stone fruit and apple planting areas in the EcoCertified program in 2024. This project is a rigorous, science based commercial fruit tree planting method aimed at protecting pollinating insects, beneficial insects, and environmental resources. Deal Orchards is the first orchard in the southeast to receive ecological certification. Now, the company can include using on-site solar energy to meet 75% of its energy needs in its list of environmental sustainability practices. Pisgah Energy collaborates closely with Deal Orchards to design, develop, and install rooftop solar projects in their roadside markets and packaging plants. The total power of the system is 77 kilowatts, using Qcells and SolarEdge products, and will be used for on-site power generation, generating over 95000 kilowatt hours of clean renewable energy annually. Alan Deal, President of Deal Orchards, said: "We have decided to install solar energy for two very practical reasons - to reduce our carbon footprint and energy costs. Heritage is important to us, and we are able to do the right thing for the future of our community and environment while also saving costs, which is fantastic. We are very grateful for everything Pisgah Energy has done to achieve our vision. ” We are delighted to collaborate with the employees of Deere Orchard, "said Evan Becca, President of Pisga Energy. It's really encouraging to see them expand their management philosophy and incorporate the production of renewable energy. They have set an example for other orchards in the region

• July 01, 2025

The Ohio Power Site Selection Committee approved the 120 MW Fraser Solar Project located in Knox County, Ohio on Thursday. The approval of the Fraser solar project today is a turning point for the clean energy future of Knox County and even Ohio. The decision of the Ohio Power Site Selection Committee comes at a time when the demand for the power grid continues to grow and Ohio leaders are concerned about insufficient energy supply in the state, "said Karin Nordstrom, a clean energy lawyer at the Ohio Environment Commission. Frasier's developer, EPC, and operator, Open Road Renewables, submitted a project proposal to the Ohio Public Utilities Commission in October 2023. According to the project brief, Open Road will construct the array on approximately 840 acres of land in Clinton and Miller towns. The array will adopt a single axis solar tracker project and require additional construction of public facilities such as transmission lines and channels. This project will integrate agricultural photovoltaic practices, including grazing sheep and planting local plants on site. Through Fraser's construction and operation, the local community is expected to receive investments in schools and public services. Nordstrom said, "Through projects such as Fraser Solar, Ohio is taking a bold step towards reducing air pollution and addressing climate change, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future for future generations

• June 30, 2025

The US solar market has experienced significant growth. According to the Solar Energy Industry Association of America (SEIA) and Wood MacKenzie, solar energy will account for 66% of new grid capacity in 2024 alone. The soaring demand for electricity from data centers, generative artificial intelligence, and national residential and industrial electrification has driven this growth. However, the industry challenges faced by solar project developers, EPC (Power Procurement Companies), and IPP (Independent Power Plants) are not only due to the rapid transformation of the industry. These challenges are reshaping the way developers think about system design, procurement, and risk management, prompting the industry to prioritize domestic procurement, supply chain resilience, and supplier collaboration. The return of solar manufacturing industry is not just a response to tariffs or short-term policy changes, but a long-term strategy to reduce the risks of solar projects. Shoals Technologies Group is at the forefront of this transformation. The company is developing a strong autonomous supply chain for its Electric Balance System (EBOS) solution, which manages the critical infrastructure for power flow from solar panels to the grid. The EBOS components include wiring systems, circuit breakers, combiner boxes, and other electrical protection devices, serving as the connection points for each project. They play a crucial role in ensuring system reliability and performance. Shoals has invested heavily in building a 640000 square foot factory in Tennessee to meet the growing domestic demand, which will increase production capacity by over 50%. Shoals' internal production allows us to implement advanced design and engineering while maintaining high quality standards, "said Kevin Boyce, Director of Solar Product Line Management at Shoals, at the recent" Solar World "webinars. In addition to expanding production capacity, Shoals is also establishing strong domestic partnerships. The company has continued its 20-year partnership with First Solar by providing customized junction boxes and wiring harnesses. Shoals' OEM account manager Kyle Garvin said, "We will work together to lead the return of the US solar supply chain and invest in a stronger, more resilient, and American made energy future." This collaboration expands First Solar's influence in the industry and enhances its contribution to job creation and the US economy.

• June 27, 2025

Namaste Solar has completed a 333.54 kW rooftop project for the modular residential factory Boulder Mod in Boulder, Colorado. The factory was built in collaboration with the City of Boulder, Boulder Valley School District, and Flatirons Habitat for Humanity, dedicated to producing energy-efficient, fully electric modular homes that provide permanent affordable housing for low - and middle-income families. This project directly supports the city's comprehensive climate action plan and reduces the operating costs of the all electric Boulder Mod factory by providing solar power. Boulder is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030 and becoming a net zero emission city by 2035. The system aims to offset the expected total electricity consumption of the factory, ensuring that every saved energy cost is reinvested in Boulder's mission to expand affordable housing. This project embodies the strong collaboration between renewable energy and community development, "said Jay Sugnet, Senior Planner and Project Manager of the Modular Housing Factory in Boulder City. By integrating solar energy into the Boulder modular project, we not only reduce our carbon footprint, but also support the production of affordable and energy-efficient housing that our community urgently needs Boulder City has a long-term partnership with Namaste Solar in renewable energy projects. In 2020, Namaste Solar installed 13 systems in its facilities in Boulder, including parking lots and water resource facilities. The smooth implementation of the Boulder Mod solar project is partly due to the incentive measures in the Inflation Reduction Act. Introducing a selective compensation (also known as direct compensation) system, allowing local governments to receive tax exemptions for clean energy projects even as non taxable entities. Through selective compensation and additional subsidies from Xcel Energy's "Solar * Rewards" program for eligible and disproportionately affected communities, Boulder is able to maximize the economic benefits of installing solar projects at this critical facility. The project has received a grant of $333540.00 from the Energy Impact Offset Fund, a regulation that requires cannabis growers to offset 100% of their energy use. Municipal authorities now have more options than ever before to utilize solar energy to reduce costs and cope with rising energy costs, "said Rachel Mountain, co owner and commercial sales director of Namaste Solar. This project is an outstanding example of how renewable energy can empower cities to achieve climate goals while supporting innovative projects like the Boulder Mod. This is a win-win situation for both the community and the environment. ”

• June 26, 2025

As part of its "Solar Employment Path" program, Trina Solar donated 300 solar panels to YouthBuild Global. These n-type TOPCon components will be used in solar installation training laboratories across the United States to provide photovoltaic bracket system installation training for YouthBuild students and provide practical experience that is crucial for the solar installation profession. Some modules will be installed on affordable housing units built by YouthBuild students in YouthBuild Lake County, North Chicago, Illinois, to help low-income families offset their utility bills. The remaining modules will be installed on the roof of CLC, Inc. YouthBuild building located in Fort Worth, Texas, to help offset most, if not all, of the facility's utility bills, thereby allocating more resources to student support and project expansion. Cao Jianjun, Vice President of North American Photovoltaic Business at Trina Solar, said, "This donation is not just about solar panels, but also about creating opportunities for our future leaders. It is crucial to help future generations acquire real skills that will power their careers and community development in the coming years. Trina Solar is honored to collaborate with YouthBuild Global to support this initiative. ” As the headquarters of the youth construction movement, YouthBuild Global has joined forces and collaborated with a vast network of youth construction projects worldwide, supporting young people to achieve their aspirations and fully unleash their potential. In youth development projects, young people who have dropped out of school or become unemployed can regain their education, acquire vocational skills and qualifications, and become community leaders. YouthBuild Global's "Solar Energy Employment Path" program is dedicated to training young people in solar installation skills and providing them with relevant qualifications to help them achieve meaningful career development in the thriving renewable energy sector. By providing students with experience in installing a universal system, the YouthBuild project ensures that participants can proficiently use various solar energy technologies upon entering the workplace. We are very grateful for Trina's generous donation. This is of great significance for our project and the young people we serve, "said John Valverde, President and CEO of YouthBuild Global. This means more practical training, more practical experience, and more opportunities to create the future and community for our next generation The solar employment pathway program is rapidly expanding, with plans to install solar panels in more project locations to reduce operating costs and provide affordable solar solutions for new homeowners.

• June 25, 2025

Greenskies Clean Focus is a national provider of renewable energy solutions, having completed a 1.62 MW solar project portfolio for Hackensack Public Schools (HPS) in New Jersey. This combination consists of eight solar energy systems installed in seven locations, including all four primary schools, one junior high school, one high school, and the Education Commission administrative building. Although most systems are installed on the roof, the roof and carport solar panels of Hakensak High School are combined together. These systems consist of over 3600 solar panels in total. This project demonstrates how the school district can utilize solar energy to achieve financial and environmental goals, "said Bryant Bernhardt, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Greenskies. We are honored to support Hakensak Public School in creating a more sustainable future for its students, faculty, and community The installed solar cell arrays and their respective positions are as follows: Hakensak High School - Total 1 MW Hakensak High School -303 kW Nelly K. Park Elementary School -113 kW Jackson Avenue School (Elementary) -70 kW Fanny Mayer Hilles School (Primary) -41 kW Fairmont School (Elementary) -24 kW Padawano Center (BOE Administrative Building) -65 kW Greenskies is the solar developer for these projects EPC、 The financing party and owner will be responsible for the long-term operation and maintenance of the project. The funding for these facilities comes from a 15 year solar power purchase agreement, which allows HPS to enjoy the benefits of clean energy without upfront investment. By transitioning to renewable energy, we are reducing our impact on the environment and achieving long-term cost savings that can be directly applied to our classroom teaching, "said Assistant Director Andrea Parchment. We also provide students with practical cases of innovation and sustainable development. Every day when they walk into the school, they can witness firsthand how wise energy choices can help education and fulfill environmental responsibilities