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Agency Confirms IronRidge System For Bonding Solar Modules

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works has confirmed IronRidge’s integrated ground system for bonding solar modules to UL 2703 standards.

Eliminating the need for separate module grounding parts and procedures, the system bonds solar module frames directly to IronRidge XR rails. The heart of the system is the grounding mid clamp, which uses “teeth” to pierce the anodized coatings of both the module frame and the XR rail. This forms a secure electrical bond that is repeated throughout the array. The integrated grounding system has been tested and listed for bonding and grounding to UL 2703 by Intertek.

Craig Carni, chief technology officer and founder of IronRidge, says a collaboration with Los Angeles County is important for avoiding significant long-term safety risks.

“The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works is committed to public safety above all else,” says Mostafa Kashe, chief electrical inspector of the department. “By working closely with me and inspector David Bertrams, IronRidge has forged a new template for designing and evaluating electrical grounding systems for solar applications.”

 

SunEdison Licenses Solaria’s Manufacturing Technology

SunEdison has signed a deal to license Solaria’s manufacturing technology to produce its new line of 400 W solar modules.

SunEdison says its new Zero White Space solar modules reduce the amount of unproductive white space surrounding each cell.

The company says Solaria’s automated manufacturing process will get the modules to market much faster than its existing lines.

 

Sighten Closes $3.5 Million In Funding From Obvious Ventures

San Francisco-based solar software developer Sighten has closed a $3.5 million Series A financing round led by Obvious Ventures.

Sighten offers a software toolset for solar projects from initial lead to ongoing portfolio management.

Andrew Beebe, managing director of Obvious Ventures, will join Sighten’s board of directors as part of the investment. Beebe was previously vice president of distributed generation for NextEra Energy and chief commercial officer of Suntech.

“While we have seen significant advances in solar hardware, financing and sales, software has grown more slowly and still involves horizontal tools and point solutions,” Beebe says. “A complex industry like solar benefits from dedicated software, which acts as a standard platform for all parties in the value chain.”

 

Aalborg CSP Unveils New Steam Generation System For Molten Salt Plants

Denmark-based Aalborg CSP has developed a new version of its steam generator technology for molten salt concentrated solar power (CSP) plants.

The company says the upgraded SGS4 system - the fourth in the series - achieves a 10% reduction in technology capital expenditures. The new SGS4 configuration makes use of proven components to retain operational benefits from the former design.

The most significant feature of the optimized SGS4 technology is that it allows the shell-and-tube design to have molten salt on the shell side of all components while maintaining the option to use natural circulation for optimal and stable operation.

Natural circulation in the evaporator unit eliminates the need for circulation pumps and the initial investment costs associated with them, Aalborg CSP says. System components are also placed in an elevated layout, contributing to automatic venting and achieving easy draining, as the molten salt flows by gravity alone.

 

Greentown Labs Launches $11 Million Expansion Project

Greentown Labs in Somerville, Mass., has announced an $11 million expansion project to boost the creation of energy entrepreneurs.

With the planned expansion and new headquarters, the organization will more than double its space to 93,000 square feet, enabling Greentown Labs to serve as a global center for cleantech innovation.

The expanded location will enable Greentown Labs to not only support start-up growth, but also provide an innovation space for global corporations to form strategic partnerships and conduct research and development projects. In addition, the new center will provide a showcase and meeting space for local manufacturers.

 

SunModo Introduces Self-Grounding System For PV Roof Mounts

Washington-based SunModo Corp. has developed a new system for bonding a photovoltaic racking installation to a grounding source.

SunModo’s Self-Grounding System includes T-bolts with locking features, mid and end clamps, rail splices, shared rail adaptors, and lugs - all featuring grounding pins. The system handles landscape and portrait configurations.

The product line is the subject of two patents and one patent pending. It has completed UL 2703 certification.

“Installers told us one of the greatest hassles to PV installation was managing the clumsy assortment of bonding connections to properly ground the racking system,” says Rick Campfield, president of SunModo. R