{"id":107946,"date":"2024-12-02T07:00:03","date_gmt":"2024-12-02T12:00:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/\/?page_id=107946"},"modified":"2024-12-02T15:36:05","modified_gmt":"2024-12-02T20:36:05","slug":"2024-large-scale-best-in-show-winners","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/\/2024-large-scale-best-in-show-winners\/","title":{"rendered":"2024 Large-Scale Best in Show Winners"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

There are many ways products can aid installation and deployment in the commercial, community and utility-scale solar markets, whether it’s tracking systems that better conform to undulating landscapes or energy storage systems with fewer components. For the 2024 Top Products, our residential judges assessed products on their originality, market promise and benefits to installers and developers. These are the highest performing products, as averaged by the scoring completed by our judges. Congratulations to the Large-Scale Best in Show winners!<\/p>\n

Also be sure to see our Honorable Mention awards in the large-scale market here.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

Ivy Energy \u2013 Virtual Grid 3.0<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/a>The top-ranked product for the non-residential market as chosen by our judges is the software platform Virtual Grid by Ivy Energy. The product was first publicly released in 2019 and has made a significant impact in 2024 with version 3.0.<\/p>\n

Ivy Energy is a shared solar billing platform designed specifically for multi-tenant real estate. Through advanced algorithms and smart grid technology, the platform fairly distributes solar savings based on individual energy usage.<\/p>\n

Virtual Grid integrates with local utility rate schedules and tariffs, automatically generating monthly billing statements based on each unit\u2019s utility consumption and solar production data. Unlike a flat-rate discount system, Ivy Energy\u2019s algorithms adjust solar benefits to reflect actual consumption. Tenants pay their bills directly to the property owner via the rent ledger, removing extra steps for all parties.<\/p>\n

Traditionally, multi-tenant property owners were disincentivized from adopting solar due to complex billing structures and minimal financial returns, and tenants often saw little to no savings from solar installations on their shared roofs. Virtual Grid makes the process transparent, easy and fair for all parties.<\/p>\n

Ivy Energy\u2019s software has been successfully implemented across multiple states with a core focus on the three main IOUs in California \u2014 PG&E, SCE and SDG&E. Success in one of the most regulated and complex energy markets in the United States proves the effectiveness of the Virtual Grid platform on a large scale.<\/p>\n

When Ivy Energy first launched pilot programs of its platform in 2019, the process originated in customer input from multi-tenant real estate owners and residents, real estate investment trusts and solar contractors. The company has continued to value customer feedback and this year released Virtual Grid 3.0, providing a customer-driven, flexible platform that adapts to the evolving needs of the real estate market.<\/p>\n

\u201cIvy Energy’s Virtual Grid software is a great example of a company thinking creatively to solve a real barrier to adoption for an important market segment where the benefits of on-site PV could be significant. The software has been developed through extensive pilot programs creating a solution to the split incentive problem in multi-tenant properties where, traditionally, property owners were not incentivized to add solar, and tenants saw little savings. Ivy Energy provides a fair energy billing platform that enables both property owners and tenants to benefit. I look forward to their expansion to new markets outside of southern California, enabling multi-family and multi-tenant properties to go solar across the country.\u201d<\/span>Laurel Hamilton, judge<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/blockquote>\n
\n

Nevados \u2013 TRACE All Terrain Tracker<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Tracking systems are a popular choice on large-scale solar projects, so it\u2019s not surprising that a system would receive a Best-in-Show distinction. The TRACE All Terrain Tracker from Nevados is the second generation of the company\u2019s All Terrain Tracker line, and a 2024 award-winner in its first year on the market.<\/p>\n

As its name suggests, TRACE is a single-axis solar tracker system capable of installing on uneven landscapes. This line of All Terrain Trackers can be installed on slopes up to 37% and adjust up to 26% at every post, reducing or entirely eliminating the costly task of grading land for construction.<\/p>\n

TRACE uses a proprietary “disconnected” torque tube architecture that can orient single panel rows at multiple angles at each post point using articulating couplers. This prevents panel rows from being interrupted when the landscape is too irregular.<\/p>\n

Working with natural contours of land reduces the amount of foundational steel necessary to install the system, as well. TRACE is pre-kitted and designed to be installed with ease, using 35% less components than its previous model. According to an independent study, TRACE reduces labor by 38% when compared to other leading solar tracker systems.<\/p>\n

Once it’s installed, TRACE is supported by an in-house operation software that optimizes the system’s performance. Nevados has improved TRACE\u2019s weather damage prevention measures, increasing the angle of its hail stow capability from 52% in the original All Terrain Tracker up to 75% in TRACE. The tracker stows faster in inclement weather conditions, too.<\/p>\n

TRACE is manufactured in the United States using 100% U.S. steel and qualifies for domestic content in the Inflation Reduction Act. This single-axis tracker is designed to minimize impacts on project sites, maintaining the environment and making construction simpler.<\/p>\n

\n

CPS America \u2013 5-MWh Power Block ESS<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/a>Another Best-in-Show product for the non-residential market is the 5-MWh battery energy storage system from CPS America. The containerized solution was designed for North American projects and makes adoption of utility-scale energy storage simple and effective.<\/p>\n

Power Block integrates 12 racks of high-density lithium-iron phosphate batteries within a standardized 20-ft container for easy transportation and installation. It features a liquid cooling system inside to optimize battery performance without the use of bulky, fan-based ventilation systems. The fully-integrated, modular design allows for easy installation and expansion, making it a flexible choice for evolving energy needs. The system supports a maximum continuous charge and discharge rate of 2.5 MW and is equipped with safety features like integrated fault protection and fire prevention mechanisms.<\/p>\n

With global deployment experience, CPS America focused on understanding the needs of the North American market specifically when designing the Power Block ESS. The company chose LFP batteries and advanced thermal management systems, drawing on lessons learned from previous international deployments in various climates. Power Block underwent performance and safety evaluations to ensure compliance with industry standards, but CPS America also spent extra time evaluating the effectiveness of the liquid cooling system to ensure its success.<\/p>\n

Customers have expressed their preference for the containerized format as it leads to quick setup and commissioning, which translates to lower labor costs and faster project completion. Power Block\u2019s plug-and-play style and compact footprint simplifies site installation, making it an attractive solution for both utility operators and energy developers.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen considering utility-scale construction, three key factors for products are reliability, efficiency and performance. CPS checked all those boxes. The improved energy density and advanced liquid cooling system provides the client with the technology required to provide reliable power to the end user. It\u2019s also evident that CPS developed this design with EPC install in mind. The advanced modular design allows for quick and efficient expansion. This reduces install time which translates to earlier project completion and an overall increase on return for investors.\u201d<\/span>Anonymous Judge<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/blockquote>\n
\n

Unirac \u2013 GridFlex 10<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/a>Not to be overlooked, the commercial segment has representation in the Best-in-Show category too. One of the top-ranked products for commercial installations is GridFlex 10, a flat-roof racking platform developed by Unirac that hit the market this year.<\/p>\n

GridFlex 10 was devised to more efficiently lay out solar projects and create more space for higher solar panel density on commercial flat roofs. The racking achieves this by narrowing panel row spacing, giving contractors the option to install them with 10-, 13- or 17-in. gaps. Rails come stamped with measurement guides to reduce installation errors and help contractors spend less time measuring during assembly. Additionally, GridFlex 10 is installed using just one tool.<\/p>\n

This racking is lightweight and made to last. GridFlex 10 components are finished with corrosion-resistant zinc\/aluminum\/magnesium (ZAM) and Galvalume coatings, and the system has been tested to handle high seismic and wind pressures. With its aerodynamic design, Unirac minimized the number of roof penetrations or ballast blocks needed to install GridFlex 10.<\/p>\n

The racking simplifies maintenance with integrated, tool-free wire management and a hinged clamp system that lets technicians swing up modules for under-array access when necessary. This also means single modules can be replaced without interrupting the rest of the array.<\/p>\n

By streamlining installation and maintenance, and with fewer components to install, contractors will spend less time on the roof and reduce project costs. Paired with the racking\u2019s adjustability and higher module density, GridFlex is set to work within the constraints of flat commercial roofs.<\/p>\n

\n

Gripple \u2013 Power-Tie<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/a>Utility-scale cable management takes our final Best-in-Show distinction for 2024. The Power-Tie cable tie solution from Gripple combines the simplicity and convenience of traditional nylon zip-ties with the strength and durability of steel banding and wire ties.<\/p>\n

Power-Tie is a permanent solar cable tie that secures cables directly to PV structures. Made from corrosion-resistant materials, Power-Tie ensures at least a 20-year lifespan, meaning fewer replacements and O&M costs. Working much like a traditional zip-tie, contractors benefit from the tool-free installation, which eliminates health and safety concerns associated with tools required to install some steel banding and ties. With no sharp edges, Power-Tie won\u2019t damage cable insulation, preventing an overlooked point of failure on many projects using steel banding.<\/p>\n

Like a zip tie, wire is fed in one direction and gripped by a ceramic roller. A unique release function allows wires to be adjusted once installed. A UV- and corrosion-resistant HDPE security strap protects cables from abrasion and damage by spreading the weight over a larger surface area.<\/p>\n

Gripple collaborated with EPCs and electrical contractors over a number of years to develop the Power-Tie. Nylon zip ties were cited frequently as an area where a lack of innovation was holding the industry back. Gripple took its decades of experience in wire tensioning and joining to conceptualize a better cable management system. Power-Tie has already been installed on U.S. projects, including a large tracking system site in California. Power-Ties successfully worked in a situation where nylon zip-ties previously could not \u2014 fixing solar string cable to octagonal torque tubes. The tool-free installation resulted in a much faster and better-engineered system.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven \u2018simple\u2019 things like wiring and connectors often cause increased maintenance costs and can lead to catastrophic events like fires. Reliable wire ties that can withstand harsh real-world conditions help keep solar plants running like they\u2019re supposed to.\u201d<\/span> Jenya Meydbray, judge<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/blockquote>\n
\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

There are many ways products can aid installation and deployment in the commercial, community and utility-scale solar markets, whether it’s tracking systems that better conform to undulating landscapes or energy storage systems with fewer components. 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