The amount of technology and components that have been released to consumers in the past two years is explosive and industry changing. Single axis tracking that can be set up for East/West tracking allows northern climates with less sun hours per day to extend this time and generate more power each day. Bifacial solar PV panels allow back side light generation and (can) generate up to 20% more power a day. In regions with snow, the tracking could have snow shed controls, where the panels are set vertical to shed snow then set to track the sun. IF a hail storm cell passes through the area, impact sensors and programming could help tilt the panels for the least impact of the hail, saving panels from impact cracking. These technologies combined together will allow effective solar PV generation even on cloudy days. Couple this with large regional or local energy storage systems and a resilient renewable system is provided.

“The Northeast is prone to heavy snowfall, with several states receiving the most in the country, like Vermont, which averages about 90 in. annually. Plus, New England has a hilly topography and significantly less landmass compared to other regions.”

This “challenge” reinforces the use of tracking, bifacial and smart control programs to squeeze the most from every photon that falls to earth in the area. Energy storage seems more important here than in other places. Many of these small towns have only one feeder into town, if that goes out with a passing ice storm, being able to island for perhaps a few hours would allow the town the resiliency to store ahead and use later operations that could also, reduce demand charges from the utility.

I’m curious how companies in that area are going to help people who install solar. Maintenance is probably going to be a major factor with the weather, but I’m ecstatic to see the installation boom continue to increase in these areas.