• In a League of its Own

    In a League of its Own

    DynoRaxx went about finding what sets it apart from the competition and found it in tool-less, fiberglass mounting and racking systems. In an industry as competitive as solar, it’s important to find your niche. DynoRaxx has established its niche among [...]

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  • Community Impact

    Community Impact

    The feed-in-tariff program in Gainesville, Fla., has provided many leasing and building opportunities for local installer Solar Impact. In January, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) voted to implement a feed-in tariff (FIT) program for 100 MW [...]

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  • Raise the Roof

    Raise the Roof

    Traditional roofers are migrating toward solar with the help of finance providers. By Kirk Mulligan As solar prices have dropped in recent years, traditional roofers are increasingly turning to solar to boost revenues and diversify their business models. Solar systems [...]

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  • Involved in Every Step

    Involved in Every Step

    The United States’ largest panel manufacturer also offers construction services. Did you know SolarWorld does more than just produce solar modules? The company also designs and installs large-scale projects. Solar Builder had a chance to speak with Dave Wallerstein, manager [...]

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  • Underground Network

    Underground Network

    Wiring pre-installed in HDPE pipes and installed under a solar farm speeds construction, increases efficiency and extends the solar system’s lifetime. By Stephen C. Cooper For solar farms, installers are finding that using underground cable in conduit (CIC) made from [...]

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  • Pretty / Handsome / Attractive / Tasteful

    Pretty / Handsome / Attractive / Tasteful

    Solar power systems can be aesthetically pleasing for the end customer, something PHAT Energy encourages with its carport and canopy designs. Almost everyone appreciates the benefits of solar power systems. Almost no one thinks they look attractive — especially residential [...]

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  • Escape from (Fossil Fuels at) Alcatraz

    Escape from (Fossil Fuels at) Alcatraz

    The national historic landmark recently installed solar power in a way that doesn’t change the island’s authenticity but does shrink its carbon footprint. It’s safe to say that Al Capone never saw a solar panel. The solar cell was first [...]

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  • When Should You Worry About Snow on Solar Panels?

    When Should You Worry About Snow on Solar Panels?

    “Prediction of Energy Effects on Photovoltaic Systems due to Snowfall Events,” a report released at the 38th IEEE Phovoltaic Specialists Conference in June 2012 by researchers Rob W. Andrews (Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario) and Joshua M. Pearce (Michigan Technological [...]

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  • New Standard: Three-Phase String Inverters

    New Standard: Three-Phase String Inverters

    Somewhere between micro and central lies a better inverter architecture for commercial rooftops. By Casey Miller Throughout the last few years, solar inverters have become more advanced and efficient enabling new technologies to challenge old norms. Microinverters have made great [...]

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  • Solar Panel Cleaning

    Solar Panel Cleaning

    Crystalline modules are delicate creatures. A few cleanings every now and then will help them live up to their full potential. It’s a few months after your solar project “flipped the switch.” You bought these solar modules because the manufacturer [...]

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