Solar Panel Direction, Orientation and Tilt Factors

May 25, 2021 | 462 views

For anyone who has owned solar panels in the past, or even many considering solar power installation in the near future, it’s generally understood that direction is important in this field. Specifically, the ability of solar panels to point south, where they will receive the maximum possible sunlight and therefore create the maximum amount of energy, is vital for many solar panel installations – but it’s important to realize that the simple direction of the panels is not the only important variable here.

At Intermountain Wind & Solar, we’re happy to offer both commercial and residential solar panel installation services, including the utilization of the Tesla Powerwall battery backup. We assist our clients with every part of solar panel installation, including important directional and related themes that will play a role in how much sunlight your panels are able to soak up. Today we’ll focus on some of the important variables here, including why south-facing panels are the optimal approach plus several other basic factors to keep in mind when it comes to maximizing panel positioning and direction.

Spotlight

Renew Estate

Renew Estate is an Australian company that develops renewable energy projects which will create long term and enduring benefits for Australia. We are a joint venture between experienced partners with the skills and resources to deliver these projects. Renew Estate is passionate about meeting the goals of all stakeholders and delivering appropriate and considerate use of land, technology and investment. Our goal is to embed sustainable energy into our rural and urban lifestyles and enhance energy security and affordability. We develop utility scale solar farms that are flexibly designed to work with the natural and built environment.

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SOLAR+STORAGE

A vision for renewable energy

Article | April 29, 2021

Right now, renewable energy makes up a very small part of the entire energy sector of Bangladesh. But as we move into the future, and concerns about the environment become too great to ignore, exploring cleaner and greener sources of energy becomes the need of the hour. Our economy is booming, and our population is growing, so it goes without saying that our energy requirements are immense. There is plenty of scientific evidence that burning fossil fuels indiscriminately is not sustainable in the long term, so we do need to up our game in looking at alternatives.

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SOLAR+STORAGE, STRATEGY AND BEST PRACTICES

2020: The Year of Convergence in Corporate Renewables

Article | September 17, 2022

The rapid growth of corporate renewable procurement has been nothing short of a buyer-driven revolution in the United States’ electric sector. Almost 20 gigawatts (GWs) of corporate power purchasing agreements (PPAs) were completed in 2019 across the globe, up from 13 GWs of corporate PPAs in 2018 and triple the numbers from 2017.1,2 And the majority of this growth has come from the United States. Fortunately for those of us committed to renewable energy, we expect this trend to continue. But as should be expected in such a dynamic, buyer-driven sector, we are starting to see some noticeable shifts in the marketplace as it evolves and grows. I wanted to highlight some of the trends Constellation is watching for this year.

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SOLAR+STORAGE

2020 Trends That Will Make Waves In The Energy Industry

Article | April 5, 2021

In the renewable world, energy is generated by weather and the amount of energy that can be produced depends on the current conditions. Energy storage can ensure a power supply is maintained when weather conditions are not optimal for generating energy. While energy storage products have already been introduced to all levels of the market there are several technology hurdles to overcome before energy storage will reach maximum potential. We believe there will be great advancements in 2020 on:

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Solar Power, Great For The Environment? Or Is It The Last Thing We Need?

Article | February 10, 2020

Solar power is an undeniably a green, renewable form of electricity generation - but many organisations with questionable motives (even here in New Zealand) are trying to persuade the public (and Government – hi lobbyists!) that solar power isn’t that environmentally friendly, and that it's even harmful. At the expense of bullish corporate profits, solar power is often thrown under the bus. This article lists the facts - putting an end to the negative spin on solar so often found in the media. When solar panels produce power, they do not; create any air pollution, use zero water, create carbon emissions, noise pollution, and they won’t disturb surrounding ecosystems. Solar power is a renewable energy source, the sun’s rays are infinite, fill your boots.

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Spotlight

Renew Estate

Renew Estate is an Australian company that develops renewable energy projects which will create long term and enduring benefits for Australia. We are a joint venture between experienced partners with the skills and resources to deliver these projects. Renew Estate is passionate about meeting the goals of all stakeholders and delivering appropriate and considerate use of land, technology and investment. Our goal is to embed sustainable energy into our rural and urban lifestyles and enhance energy security and affordability. We develop utility scale solar farms that are flexibly designed to work with the natural and built environment.

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INDUSTRY UPDATES

Capstone Green Energy Secures Order for C1000S Microturbine for Industrial Dairy Plant in Colombia

businesswire | June 01, 2023

Capstone Green Energy Corporation , a global leader in carbon reduction and on-site resilient green Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) solutions, announced today that Supernova Energy Services SAS, its authorized Distributor in Colombia, has secured an order for a C1000 Signature Series microturbine. The system will be operated at an industrial dairy alongside an Alfa Laval steam boiler evaporator, producing 6,200 lbs. of steam per hour. Alfa Laval AB is a Swedish company founded in 1883, providing specialized heat recovery products, and is a Capstone Green Energy approved Network Partner for heat recovery systems. It is expected to be commissioned in October 2023. “For operations like a dairy where any loss of power can result in product waste, the reliability of a Capstone microturbine makes it a natural choice. This is particularly true in locations where electricity from the grid is relatively unreliable. Confidence in Capstone’s reliability combined with the turbine’s low maintenance requirements and compatibility with other technologies, like the steam boiler being used here, continue to prove the value of Capstone’s modular design and engineering as well as its versatility for use in multiple industries,” said Capstone Green Energy President and Chief Executive Officer, Darren Jamison. The Capstone powered energy system will run on high-pressure natural gas (HPNG) to provide power for the dairy’s pasteurization operations. The Alfa Laval boiler will provide steam for the entire plant. Reliability was the top reason the customer selected Capstone, but they indicated that minimal maintenance needs and low emissions were also factors in their decision. The microturbine and steam boiler combination will replace the grid-sourced electricity and a natural gas boiler that the dairy is currently using to run its operations. This is the first dairy that Supernova has worked with in Colombia and the first to use steam rather than absorption chillers in its processes. “Working with a customer who is willing to take a different approach to powering their operations is exciting. Once we knew that reliability was their top priority, the Capstone microturbine was the obvious choice. By combining the Capstone turbine with the Alfa Laval steam boiler, this customer has found an innovative solution that will give them more operational predictability and reduce product waste,” said Nestor Moseres, President of Supernova Energy Services SAS. About Capstone Green Energy Capstone Green Energy is a leading provider of customized microgrid solutions and on-site energy technology systems focused on helping customers around the globe meet their environmental, energy savings, and resiliency goals. Capstone Green Energy focuses on four key business lines. Through its Energy as a Service (EaaS) business, it offers rental solutions utilizing its microturbine energy systems and battery storage systems, comprehensive Factory Protection Plan (FPP) service contracts that guarantee life-cycle costs, as well as aftermarket parts. Energy Generation Technologies (EGT) are driven by the Company's industry-leading, highly efficient, low-emission, resilient microturbine energy systems offering scalable solutions in addition to a broad range of customer-tailored solutions, including hybrid energy systems and larger frame industrial turbines. The Energy Storage Solutions (ESS) business line designs and installs microgrid storage systems creating customized solutions using a combination of battery technologies and monitoring software. Through Hydrogen & Sustainable Products (H2S), Capstone Green Energy offers customers a variety of hydrogen products, including the Company's microturbine energy systems.

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PRODUCTS

Sourceability Launches Order API to Optimize Procurement of Electronic Components

prnewswire | May 30, 2023

Sourceability, a global distributor of electronic components, today announced Sourcengine Order API, an update to Sourcengine's Application Program Interface (API). The innovative tool allows enterprise resource and material requirement planning (ERP/MRP) functions to streamline the procurement process and reach thousands of suppliers globally. The API, designed for mid-sized manufacturers with an ERP/MRP system, helps to eliminate time spent managing suppliers and procurement lists by allowing businesses to research, quote, and purchase electronic components without leaving their internal systems. Unlike its competitors, Sourcengine's API does not limit its capabilities by what it is able to stock. Its marketplace relies on the partnerships the company has established with over 3,500 suppliers worldwide. Additionally, users benefit from third-party integrations with innovative solution providers like CalcuQuote, one of the first integrations for Sourcengine Order API. CalcuQuote offers software and supply chain solutions for the Electronics manufacturing industry. This integration provides direct access to the Sourcengine marketplace to their customers within the CalcuQuote platform. "One of the biggest industry pain points we aim to solve is the amount of time spent searching for pricing and availability of electronic components," said Jens Gamperl, Founder and CEO of Sourceability. "This API update is the next step in digitalizing the supply chain and automates the manual process of checking multiple platforms and sending emails to sales representatives for individual quotes. This software centralizes data so that users can reduce the risk of human error and optimize the procurement process." "The integration to the Sourcengine Order API further provides digital purchasing capabilities to the electronics manufacturing industry that are integrated through CalcuQuote solutions," said Kaitlyn Dotson, CalcuQuote COO. "The industry is continuing to push for more digitalization for ordering and this allows CalcuQuote to support more customers." The new tool marks the next evolution of Sourcengine's innovation by making its marketplace more easily accessible to manufactures – streamlining the procurement process while still allowing users to price benchmark and quickly get pricing from multiple suppliers. About Sourceability Sourceability a global distributor of electronic components offering digital tools, services and data with the power of technology to meet customers' evolving demands. Sourceability combines the expertise of global distribution with the leading e-commerce marketplace in the industry, and works with the largest catalog of suppliers to provide the transparency, robust data and speed that customers need to create a seamless procurement process. The company's global distribution centers in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Miami are supported by regional offices to maintain a holistic understanding of customer supply chain needs. Sourceability continues to build upon its initial success since the company was founded in 2015 by harnessing innovation, customer empowerment, and integrity.

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SOLAR+STORAGE

Vanguard Renewables Announces CFE Seafoods Joins the Farm Powered Sustainability Heroes Program

businesswire | May 18, 2023

Vanguard Renewables is proud to announce that CFE Seafoods, located in Auburndale, MA, is the latest New England food and beverage manufacturer to join the Farm Powered Sustainability Heroes Program (FPSH). The program aims to collaborate on eliminating food waste from landfills by recycling it into renewable energy on regional dairy farms via Farm Powered® anaerobic digestion. CFE Seafoods joins New England Natural Bakers, Fancypants Baking Co., and Sloop Brewing Co. in a shared mission to redirect food waste, fight climate change, and help to support dairy farmers across the region. “We are thrilled to have CFE Seafoods join our Farm Powered Sustainability Heroes program,” stated Neil H. Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Vanguard Renewables. “With a long history of providing grocers and some of the top restaurants around the world with Saltfish, they are committed to the environment and community throughout their business verticals and are a great addition to our Farm Powered movement.” For more than 50 years, CFE Seafoods has met the discriminating needs — and tastes — of some of the top restauranteurs and seafood grocers in the world. From salting cod following the traditional dry-salting technique to grilled salmon on cedar planks, their long seafaring heritage is a part of every seafood product they offer. “As a leader in the salted fish industry we believe in sustainability at every level – from how we source our products to our manufacturing process,” stated Justin McAloon, Director of Operations and Compliance, CFE Seafoods. “Joining the Farm Powered Sustainability Heroes Program is a natural extension of our company’s sustainability goals and we look forward to working with our peers in the food and beverage industry to do our part to help mitigate the climate crisis.” CFE Seafoods credits their employees, the majority of whom have been with the company for more than 20 years, with their success. Each is deeply committed to fulfilling the Company’s mission to provide the industry’s highest quality salted fish products, along with outstanding customer service. The FPSH program, launched in 2022, is a regional chapter of the Farm Powered Strategic Alliance (FPSA) for regional and single-location food and beverage manufacturers throughout New England who are dedicated to repurposing food and beverage waste into renewable energy. It is a pre-competitive collaboration to share best practices to the benefit of the environment. The FPSA was launched in 2020 with Vanguard Renewables, Dairy Farmers of America, Starbucks, and Unilever as founding partners. It has now grown to include more than 15 large food and beverage manufacturers. Vanguard Renewables is dedicated to ensuring that all businesses in the food and beverage industry, regardless of size, can be a part of the Farm Powered movement to mitigate climate change. About Vanguard Renewables Vanguard Renewables, based in Weston, Massachusetts, is a national leader in developing food and dairy waste-to-renewable energy projects. The Company owns and operates on-farm anaerobic digester facilities in the northeast and currently operates manure-only digesters in the south and west for Dominion Energy. Vanguard Renewables plans to expand nationwide to more than 150 anaerobic digestion facilities by 2026. Vanguard Renewables is committed to advancing decarbonization by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from farms and food waste, generating renewable energy, and supporting regenerative agriculture on partner farms via Farm Powered anaerobic digestion. Vanguard Renewables is a portfolio company of BlackRock Real Assets.

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INDUSTRY UPDATES

Capstone Green Energy Secures Order for C1000S Microturbine for Industrial Dairy Plant in Colombia

businesswire | June 01, 2023

Capstone Green Energy Corporation , a global leader in carbon reduction and on-site resilient green Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) solutions, announced today that Supernova Energy Services SAS, its authorized Distributor in Colombia, has secured an order for a C1000 Signature Series microturbine. The system will be operated at an industrial dairy alongside an Alfa Laval steam boiler evaporator, producing 6,200 lbs. of steam per hour. Alfa Laval AB is a Swedish company founded in 1883, providing specialized heat recovery products, and is a Capstone Green Energy approved Network Partner for heat recovery systems. It is expected to be commissioned in October 2023. “For operations like a dairy where any loss of power can result in product waste, the reliability of a Capstone microturbine makes it a natural choice. This is particularly true in locations where electricity from the grid is relatively unreliable. Confidence in Capstone’s reliability combined with the turbine’s low maintenance requirements and compatibility with other technologies, like the steam boiler being used here, continue to prove the value of Capstone’s modular design and engineering as well as its versatility for use in multiple industries,” said Capstone Green Energy President and Chief Executive Officer, Darren Jamison. The Capstone powered energy system will run on high-pressure natural gas (HPNG) to provide power for the dairy’s pasteurization operations. The Alfa Laval boiler will provide steam for the entire plant. Reliability was the top reason the customer selected Capstone, but they indicated that minimal maintenance needs and low emissions were also factors in their decision. The microturbine and steam boiler combination will replace the grid-sourced electricity and a natural gas boiler that the dairy is currently using to run its operations. This is the first dairy that Supernova has worked with in Colombia and the first to use steam rather than absorption chillers in its processes. “Working with a customer who is willing to take a different approach to powering their operations is exciting. Once we knew that reliability was their top priority, the Capstone microturbine was the obvious choice. By combining the Capstone turbine with the Alfa Laval steam boiler, this customer has found an innovative solution that will give them more operational predictability and reduce product waste,” said Nestor Moseres, President of Supernova Energy Services SAS. About Capstone Green Energy Capstone Green Energy is a leading provider of customized microgrid solutions and on-site energy technology systems focused on helping customers around the globe meet their environmental, energy savings, and resiliency goals. Capstone Green Energy focuses on four key business lines. Through its Energy as a Service (EaaS) business, it offers rental solutions utilizing its microturbine energy systems and battery storage systems, comprehensive Factory Protection Plan (FPP) service contracts that guarantee life-cycle costs, as well as aftermarket parts. Energy Generation Technologies (EGT) are driven by the Company's industry-leading, highly efficient, low-emission, resilient microturbine energy systems offering scalable solutions in addition to a broad range of customer-tailored solutions, including hybrid energy systems and larger frame industrial turbines. The Energy Storage Solutions (ESS) business line designs and installs microgrid storage systems creating customized solutions using a combination of battery technologies and monitoring software. Through Hydrogen & Sustainable Products (H2S), Capstone Green Energy offers customers a variety of hydrogen products, including the Company's microturbine energy systems.

Read More

PRODUCTS

Sourceability Launches Order API to Optimize Procurement of Electronic Components

prnewswire | May 30, 2023

Sourceability, a global distributor of electronic components, today announced Sourcengine Order API, an update to Sourcengine's Application Program Interface (API). The innovative tool allows enterprise resource and material requirement planning (ERP/MRP) functions to streamline the procurement process and reach thousands of suppliers globally. The API, designed for mid-sized manufacturers with an ERP/MRP system, helps to eliminate time spent managing suppliers and procurement lists by allowing businesses to research, quote, and purchase electronic components without leaving their internal systems. Unlike its competitors, Sourcengine's API does not limit its capabilities by what it is able to stock. Its marketplace relies on the partnerships the company has established with over 3,500 suppliers worldwide. Additionally, users benefit from third-party integrations with innovative solution providers like CalcuQuote, one of the first integrations for Sourcengine Order API. CalcuQuote offers software and supply chain solutions for the Electronics manufacturing industry. This integration provides direct access to the Sourcengine marketplace to their customers within the CalcuQuote platform. "One of the biggest industry pain points we aim to solve is the amount of time spent searching for pricing and availability of electronic components," said Jens Gamperl, Founder and CEO of Sourceability. "This API update is the next step in digitalizing the supply chain and automates the manual process of checking multiple platforms and sending emails to sales representatives for individual quotes. This software centralizes data so that users can reduce the risk of human error and optimize the procurement process." "The integration to the Sourcengine Order API further provides digital purchasing capabilities to the electronics manufacturing industry that are integrated through CalcuQuote solutions," said Kaitlyn Dotson, CalcuQuote COO. "The industry is continuing to push for more digitalization for ordering and this allows CalcuQuote to support more customers." The new tool marks the next evolution of Sourcengine's innovation by making its marketplace more easily accessible to manufactures – streamlining the procurement process while still allowing users to price benchmark and quickly get pricing from multiple suppliers. About Sourceability Sourceability a global distributor of electronic components offering digital tools, services and data with the power of technology to meet customers' evolving demands. Sourceability combines the expertise of global distribution with the leading e-commerce marketplace in the industry, and works with the largest catalog of suppliers to provide the transparency, robust data and speed that customers need to create a seamless procurement process. The company's global distribution centers in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Miami are supported by regional offices to maintain a holistic understanding of customer supply chain needs. Sourceability continues to build upon its initial success since the company was founded in 2015 by harnessing innovation, customer empowerment, and integrity.

Read More

SOLAR+STORAGE

Vanguard Renewables Announces CFE Seafoods Joins the Farm Powered Sustainability Heroes Program

businesswire | May 18, 2023

Vanguard Renewables is proud to announce that CFE Seafoods, located in Auburndale, MA, is the latest New England food and beverage manufacturer to join the Farm Powered Sustainability Heroes Program (FPSH). The program aims to collaborate on eliminating food waste from landfills by recycling it into renewable energy on regional dairy farms via Farm Powered® anaerobic digestion. CFE Seafoods joins New England Natural Bakers, Fancypants Baking Co., and Sloop Brewing Co. in a shared mission to redirect food waste, fight climate change, and help to support dairy farmers across the region. “We are thrilled to have CFE Seafoods join our Farm Powered Sustainability Heroes program,” stated Neil H. Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Vanguard Renewables. “With a long history of providing grocers and some of the top restaurants around the world with Saltfish, they are committed to the environment and community throughout their business verticals and are a great addition to our Farm Powered movement.” For more than 50 years, CFE Seafoods has met the discriminating needs — and tastes — of some of the top restauranteurs and seafood grocers in the world. From salting cod following the traditional dry-salting technique to grilled salmon on cedar planks, their long seafaring heritage is a part of every seafood product they offer. “As a leader in the salted fish industry we believe in sustainability at every level – from how we source our products to our manufacturing process,” stated Justin McAloon, Director of Operations and Compliance, CFE Seafoods. “Joining the Farm Powered Sustainability Heroes Program is a natural extension of our company’s sustainability goals and we look forward to working with our peers in the food and beverage industry to do our part to help mitigate the climate crisis.” CFE Seafoods credits their employees, the majority of whom have been with the company for more than 20 years, with their success. Each is deeply committed to fulfilling the Company’s mission to provide the industry’s highest quality salted fish products, along with outstanding customer service. The FPSH program, launched in 2022, is a regional chapter of the Farm Powered Strategic Alliance (FPSA) for regional and single-location food and beverage manufacturers throughout New England who are dedicated to repurposing food and beverage waste into renewable energy. It is a pre-competitive collaboration to share best practices to the benefit of the environment. The FPSA was launched in 2020 with Vanguard Renewables, Dairy Farmers of America, Starbucks, and Unilever as founding partners. It has now grown to include more than 15 large food and beverage manufacturers. Vanguard Renewables is dedicated to ensuring that all businesses in the food and beverage industry, regardless of size, can be a part of the Farm Powered movement to mitigate climate change. About Vanguard Renewables Vanguard Renewables, based in Weston, Massachusetts, is a national leader in developing food and dairy waste-to-renewable energy projects. The Company owns and operates on-farm anaerobic digester facilities in the northeast and currently operates manure-only digesters in the south and west for Dominion Energy. Vanguard Renewables plans to expand nationwide to more than 150 anaerobic digestion facilities by 2026. Vanguard Renewables is committed to advancing decarbonization by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from farms and food waste, generating renewable energy, and supporting regenerative agriculture on partner farms via Farm Powered anaerobic digestion. Vanguard Renewables is a portfolio company of BlackRock Real Assets.

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