Photon Solar Power

What Happens to Your Solar PV System during a Grid Outage

2011-09-22T09:24:00.000-07:00

As we all just went through the significant power outage that impacted all of San Diego County, I received a number of questions about the role of solar PV systems under such conditions. I thought it would be useful information to share. Unfortunately, most PV systems also shut down in a grid outage. All grid-tied solar inverters have to meet the UL1741 safety requirement, which is known as "anti-islanding." This means that if the inverter does not detect presence from the grid, it has to shut itself down in a millisecond, and it would not be operational in a grid outage. However, it is possible to keep the inverter working if you create your own "artificial autonomous grid" usually from batteries, or a generator, which has to be decoupled from the public grid with a transfer switch. Typically, you would have a separate critical loads sub-panel for the circuits you want to keep powered up, such as refrigerator or lighting. If you have such a system installed with your solar PV system then you would be self-sufficient even during a power outage. As a full-service solar contractor, we have the expertise to design a new system or upgrade your existing PV system with either battery or generator back-up, or both. Do not hesitate to contact us for any further questions.

Local Solar Installer Earns Industry’s Most Prestigious Certification

2011-05-13T10:22:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Pekka Laine, President, Photon Solar Power Inc.

Tel: (760) 556-8170

Escondido, California —Pekka Laine, owner of local business Photon Solar Construction, has earned the industry’s leading recognition of expertise as a certified installer of solar electric systems (aka “photovoltaic” or “PV” systems) from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).

NABCEP is the most respected and well-established national certification organization for renewable energy professionals. Designation as a NABCEP certified solar PV installer is widely recognized to be the most important and meaningful certification of its kind in the renewable energy industry.

“Receiving NABCEP’s Certified Installer status is personally very satisfying,” said Laine. “More important, it means we can offer our customers the added confidence of knowing their installation will be performed to the highest standards in the solar industry.” As an installer, Mr. Laine is excited about the prospects offered by the San Diego market for the solar energy systems. He states, “If you are planning to install leading edge solar systems in Southern California, we have a great team in place to take care of the entire process. Our team consists of professionals who can help you design, build and even finance your solar system.”

To earn his NABCEP certification, Laine was required to demonstrate his competence as a solar PV installer by passing a rigorous exam that covers the multi-craft aspects of being a professional PV installer. He needed to demonstrate knowledge on subjects as diverse as system design, electrical and job safety, the National Electrical Code, roofing and construction techniques, system commissioning, and troubleshooting.

In addition to passing the exam all certified NABCEP installers are required to show that they have real-world experience as a senior person on the installation crew as well as a minimum number of hours of advanced training.

“One thing you can be assured of with NABCEP Certified Installers is that your job won’t be their first,” said Ezra Auerbach, executive director of NABCEP. “Anyone who makes the considerable effort required to earn NABCEP Installer Certification has been required to document their experience and education as part of the eligibility process. They have also made a very real commitment to upholding high standards of ethical and professional practice. We are delighted to welcome Pekka Laine of Photon Solar Construction to the ranks of the industry’s leading solar installers.”

About Photon Solar Construction

Established in 2008, Photon Solar Construction is a Better Business Bureau accredited renewable energy services company engaged in the design, integration and installation of solar power systems and other renewable energy solutions to residential, commercial and government customers with offices in Escondido, California and Evergreen, Colorado. Mr. Laine also serves on the Board of Directors of San Diego Renewable Energy Society, a local chapter for American Solar Energy Society.

For more information about the solar systems installed by Photon Solar Construction, please contact Pekka Laine at 760-556-8170 or visit www.PhotonSolarPower.com.

About NABCEP

NABCEP is a non--‐profit organization governed by a board of directors consisting of volunteer representatives of the solar industry, NABCEP certificants, renewable energy organizations, state policy makers, educational institutions, and the trades. NABCEP’s mission is to develop and implement quality credentialing and certification programs for practitioners by supporting and working closely with professionals and stakeholders in the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries. To learn more visit www.nabcep.org.

Photon Solar Power Showcases Latest Solar Technology in Escondido Home

2010-06-15T14:21:00.000-07:00

Escondido, California - A residence in Escondido has been approved by San Diego Gas & Electric to operate the latest technology in solar electric as well as solar thermal systems by Photon Solar Power, Inc. The house features 26 multi-crystalline photovoltaic modules by aleo solar North America that are embedded with SolarEdge Technologies’ PowerBox DC to DC power optimizers enabling optimized Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) for each module. Unlike traditional photovoltaic installations, this PV system combines the optimization, monitoring and safety shutdown of the individual module, while centralizing key functions such as DC to AC conversion and communication with the utility. Having achieved an unsurpassed 97.5% efficiency rating, SolarEdge DC-AC solar inverters gain recognition as the most efficient single-phase inverters in the US. “We are proud to be confirmed as America’s most efficient single-phase solar inverter,” said John Berdner, SolarEdge General Manager for North America. “It is part of our commitment to our customers world-wide to supply the most efficient, safe, reliable and cost effective PV systems,” he added.

The high efficiency of the SolarEdge PV inverters means not only more power to all users, but also higher incentive payments for system owners in the US, as some incentive calculation methods are directly related to the California Energy Commisions’s (CEC) inverter efficiency rating.

Being the first grid interconnected SolarEdge installation in the United States, the project has raised a lot of interest among the local solar professionals. “We are excited to have partnered with SolarEdge on this project. We see great benefits from this optimized system, and are pleased to be the first installer in the United States to offer this technology to our customers,” says Pekka Laine, President of Photon Solar Power Inc., the solar contractor and integrator for the project. “This is going to be a showcase project for Photon Solar Power in the San Diego area,” he adds.

Also featured in Photon Solar Power’s Escondido project is the latest solar pool heating system and domestic hot water system based on high-efficiency solar thermal collectors supplied by Vaillant Solar Systems. “These collectors are great performers in the mild San Diego climate,” says Dr. Burkhard von Spreckelsen, President of Vaillant Solar Systems, Inc. “This energy-efficient system is using a titanium plate-and-frame heat exchanger that transfers the solar thermal energy via a closed-loop system instead of having to pump the chlorinated pool water on the roof, therefore eliminating leaks on your roof down the road associated with the traditional non-glazed solar pool heaters,” he adds.

Established in 2008, Photon Solar Power Inc. is a renewable energy services company engaged in the design, integration and installation of solar power systems and other renewable energy solutions to residential, commercial and government customers with offices in Escondido, California and Golden, Colorado. As an installer, Mr. Laine is excited about the prospects offered by the San Diego market for the SolarEdge and Vaillant systems. He states, “If you are planning to install leading edge solar systems in Southern California or Colorado, we have a great team in place to take care of the entire process. Our team consists of professionals who can help you design, build and even finance your solar system.

For more information about the solar systems installed by Photon Solar Power Inc., please call Photon Solar Power Inc. at 1-888-SUN-ACDC (1-888-786-2232) or visit www.PhotonSolarPower.com. For SolarEdge Technologies Inc., please contact John Berdner at 530-277-4894. For Vaillant Solar Systems, Inc., please call 858-259-0305. For aleo solar North America, visit www.aleo-solar.com

About Photon Solar Power Inc.

Photon Solar Power Inc. is a renewable energy services company engaged in the design, integration and installation of solar power systems and other renewable energy solutions to residential, commercial and government customers with offices in Escondido, California and Golden, Colorado. Photon Solar Power Inc. has in-house engineering staff and employs NABCEP certified installers. For more information visit www.PhotonSolarPower.com

About SolarEdge

SolarEdge provides the world's first end-to-end Distributed Solar Power Harvesting and PV monitoring solution, allowing maximum energy production at a lower cost. The company works with industry-leading partners to embed its active electronics directly into PV panels. The SolarEdge PowerBoxes™ are DC-DC power optimizers that perform MPPT per individual panel while monitoring performance of each panel and communicating across existing power lines. Moreover, PowerBoxes always maintain a fixed DC string voltage, allowing optimal efficiency of the SolarEdge PV inverter, which is tailor made to work with power optimizers. As a result, the SolarEdge system provides more power from any given installation, eliminates design constraints, provides complete panel-level and whole-system visibility for monitoring and maintenance alerts, solves all safety hazards and provides anti-theft mechanisms, all while reducing the cost of energy. For more information, visit www.solaredge.com.

About Vaillant Solar Systems

Vaillant Solar Systems manufactures solar thermal systems that provide solar hot water for your home, pool, or commercial building. By combining advanced German-engineered technology with American design and installation, Vaillant Solar helps you cut your utility bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and increase the value of your property. For more information, visit www.vaillantsolarsystems.com

Photon Solar Power Chief Engineer becomes a NABCEP Certified PV Installer

2010-04-27T16:27:00.000-07:00

Photon Solar Power Inc. is happy to announce the Professional NABCEP PV certification of its Chief Engineer Jaska Tarkka.

According to NABCEP.org, "consistent with its mission, NABCEP offers certifications and certificate programs to renewable energy professionals throughout North America. NABCEP began that work by creating a certification program for solar electric installers—referred to as the NABCEP Solar PV Installer Certification. As of September 2009, 936 individuals have passed NABCEP’s PV Installer Certification exam."

Don't miss out - last days of solar rebate at $1.10/W

2010-03-23T14:31:00.000-07:00

We are coming down to the wire on Step 6 of the CSI photovoltaic solar rebate at $1.10/Watt. There is only about 1 MW remaining on the residential side. The Step 7 rebate drops down to $0.65/W. The last bit of allocation usually goes very quickly as there is a mad rush at the end for everyone to get their reservation in before it's gone. It could be a matter of a few days before CCSE stops accepting further applications for Step 6.

If you are considering a solar PV installation in the next 12 months, you would need to act quickly now to get locked in at the current rebate amount. Remember, there is no penalty for NOT completing a solar installation even if you have submitted a rebate application (the reservation simply expires after 12 months). You don't even have to make a final decision on the details of the system yet - the goal would just be to get in a reservation for the rebate for a certain size system in your name. I know it's a big decision, but it would be a shame to miss out on the higher rebate if there is a chance you will proceed with an installation in the next 12 months...

Please let us know if you would like to get in your rebate reserveration under Step 6. We'd be glad to help, but we need to hurry!

San Diego County approves property tax financing for solar

2009-12-14T21:04:00.000-08:00

Here is the link about the County approving property tax financing for solar.

It will take awhile for the actual program to be implemented, but the fact that the City of San Diego has already been working on it, it might go faster for other cities to get going since many of the details have already been worked out by others... No info available yet on terms, but I would guess it'll be similar to the City of San Diego "Clean Generation Program" which interest rate will be based on the 20 year treasury + 245bps (=6.89% on 10/21/09). The loan would be attached to the house (passed to the new owner when the house sells) and included as an item on your property tax bill. The loan (up to 20 years, $5,000-50,000) interest would be tax deductible. I'll keep you posted on progress as I hear more ...

$1500 California rebate for propane water heat customers expires 12/31/2009

2009-11-20T09:39:00.000-08:00

We wanted to be sure you were aware of the $1,500 cash rebate available to you under the Solar Water Heating Pilot Program (SWHPP) that is set to expire at year end. As part of the California Solar Initiative, the SWHPP provides incentives to SDG&E business and residential customers who install qualifying solar water heating systems. Although a new statewide solar water heating program is expected to begin in 2010, homeowners who use propane to heat their water will NOT be eligible under that program.

As you may know, solar thermal systems are the most efficient and affordable renewable energy solution for homeowners. A solar water heater will help you:

Reduce your hot water bills by as much as 80% (that’s about $520 in annual savings for propane users)

Lock in your energy rates for the next 25 years

Reduce your carbon footprint by eliminating 125,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions

Qualify for a 30% federal tax credit for 2009

Increase the value of your home by $20 for every dollar in energy savings

Contact Photon Solar Power today at 888-786-2232 (888-SUN-ACDC)

Mission Valley Pools & Spas and Photon Solar Power announce a strategic partnership

2009-11-20T08:43:00.000-08:00

Mission Valley Pools & Spas and Photon Solar Power Inc. are proud to announce their new partnership to provide solar contractor services in San Diego county. In addition to existing pool and spa construction services, they will now also be able to assist you with a complete range of photovoltaic systems (which generate electricity) and solar thermal systems (which generate hot water).

Founded in 1979, Mission Valley Pools & Spas is a family owned and operated leader in the swimming pool industry, with thousands of satisfied customers to its credit with a showroom at 8284 Miramar Road in San Diego. For more information about Mission Valley Pools & Spas, please visit www.mvpools.com

Photon Solar Power (PhotonSolar) on Twitter

2009-11-06T19:58:00.000-08:00

Photon Solar Power (PhotonSolar) on Twitter

Photon Solar Power sponsoring upcoming The Green Expo at Embarcadero next Sunday

2009-10-15T12:25:00.000-07:00

Photon Solar Power is happy to announce its sponsorhip for The Green Expo on October 18 in San Diego Seaport Village. The President and Founder Pekka Laine also will be hosting a workshop titled "Solar technologies for homeowners and California Solar Initiative." For more info, please visit thegreenexpo.net

Photon Solar Power Inc. showcases two houses on the San Diego Solar Homes Tour 2009

2009-09-12T08:20:00.000-07:00

Photon Solar Power Inc. of Escondido, CA is happy to announce its participation on the San Diego Solar Homes Tour 2009 and Kilowatt sponsorship of San Diego Solar Week 2009.

As part of the week's activities, Photon Solar Power Inc. will be exhibiting at both Family Solar Day on September 27th, and Solar Conference on September 29th.

The 10th Annual Solar Homes Tour is scheduled for 10am - 3pm, and Photon Solar Power is showcasing two of its projects on the tour, about 15 minutes apart in Rancho Bernardo and Escondido:

Vaillant solar water heating system at:
3323 Vista Norte
Escondido, CA 92025

Solar electric (photovoltaic/PV) installation at:
17828 Creciente Way
San Diego, CA 92127

For more information please see here

About Photon Solar Power Inc.
Photon Solar Power is a California licensed renewable energy services company engaged in the design, marketing and installation of solar photovoltaic and thermal systems as well as other renewable energy solutions to residential, commercial and governmental customers with offices in San Diego, CA and Golden, CO. For more information, call (760) 556-8170 or visit www.PhotonSolarPower.com

SMA America Provides Custom Solution for Residential Retrofits

2009-09-07T11:53:00.000-07:00

Specially Configured Sunny Boy 4000US can now be Installed on Homes with 100 Amp Service

ROCKLIN, Calif., Aug. 13, 2009—SMA America, Inc. has announced the immediate availability of specially configured Sunny Boy 4000US solar inverters for use on homes with 100 amp electrical service. The unique solution was initiated through customer feedback and is designed to provide installers with greater flexibility on residential retrofit projects.

The electric current output of the custom Sunny Boy 4000US inverters has been factory-reduced to 16 amps to comply with National Electric Code (NEC) standards while providing installers additional system sizing options.

“This solution was developed at the request of our customers and it offers installers a custom solution to a common challenge in retrofit systems.” said Jurgen Krehnke, president and general manager of SMA America. “Now installers have access to a larger range of system sizing options while still using the world’s most popular inverter line in homes with 100 amp service.”

While 200 amp service is the current standard, many older homes only have a 100 amp configuration, creating array sizing challenges in systems between three and four kilowatts. Previously, installers were either faced with upgrading a home’s service to 200 amps, which can be costly and time consuming, or restricting the solar system to 3,000 watts while using the Sunny Boy 3000US inverter.

Specially Configured Sunny Boy 4000U Can Now be Installed on Homes with 100 Amp Service

The current-reduced Sunny Boy 4000US will come pre-configured with 16 amp current output, the upper limit for 100 amp service, and will provide installers with additional power versus the Sunny Boy 3000US. Installers can place orders for the new configuration through their current dealers and distributors.

Listening to customer feedback and providing innovations based on installer project experience are fundamental components of SMA product development. Demonstrating this commitment, the entire Sunny Boy line was recently updated, at the request of SMA’s customers, to accept 20 amp fuses in the AC disconnect as a UL-approved configuration.

Ideally suited for residential and light commercial use, the Sunny Boy models are certified to the UL 1741/IEEE 1547 standard, and lead the CEC list with the highest efficiencies, ranging from 95 to 96 percent. Their longevity is enhanced via their patented OptiCool temperature-management systems and rugged cast-aluminum, outdoor rated enclosures. As proof of their reliability, Sunny Boy inverters are backed by a standard 10-year factory warranty, with options to extend to 15 and 20 years.

The worldwide Sunny Boy lineup includes more than a dozen models, including the Sunny Boy 3000US/4000US and 5000US/6000US/7000US configurations, geared especially toward the American solar market.

About SMA America, Inc.
SMA America, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of SMA Solar Technology AG, based in Germany. SMA is the world leader in solar inverter technology and manufacturing with divisions in ten countries on four continents. SMA is committed to its leadership role, offering exceptional value with the most efficient and reliable solar inverters in the industry. SMA takes special pride in promoting renewable energy solutions at all levels through education, information and support for the general public and solar installers, as well as for small and large businesses worldwide. For more information, call (916) 625-0870 or visit www.SMA-America.com.

About Photon Solar Power Inc.
Photon Solar Power is a California licensed renewable energy services company engaged in the design, marketing and installation of solar photovoltaic and thermal systems as well as other renewable energy solutions to residential, commercial and governmental customers with offices in San Diego, CA and Golden, CO. For more information, call (760) 556-8170 or visit www.PhotonSolarPower.com