Solar Operations Solutions aims to streamline solar system interconnection
Solar Operations Solutions (Solar-Ops) has developed myPV ClearSky Interconnection, one of several pad-mount and SCADA products that are specifically designed to help developers and EPCs simplify the construction and operation of large PV solar facilities.
In early 2020, the North Carolina-based solar developer Pine Gate Renewables took decisive steps to streamline standardization of engineering and procurement across a portfolio of 14 projects in Michigan, which represents a fraction of the 500 MW Pine Gate plans to develop in the state.
“Standardizing the interconnection was definitely part of our strategy to be successful in Michigan,” said Matt Massarelli, VP of EPC operations at Pine Gate Renewables. “We wanted to eliminate as much uncertainty from construction and commissioning as possible to ensure timely commercial operation of the entire portfolio. The myPV ClearSky Interconnection product line wrapped the revenue-grade metering, protection and even utility communications these projects required in a single pad-mount delivery.”
With lead-times averaging between 12 to 14 weeks, Solar-Ops was able to quickly specify and propose interconnections for the entire portfolio in a few days. Clearsky Interconnection is available in standard 15kV, 25kV and 35kV models.
The ClearSky Interconnection is designed to remove barriers to commercial operations, electrically terminated in a similar manner to a pad-mount transformer and arriving with pre-configured metering and protection relay.
“A collection of components, and the work product of highly specialized labor, interconnection has historically been seen as a bespoke assembly, not a product. Equipment standardization for portfolio-level purchasing is a proven strategy to simplify procurement, establish repeatable construction practices, and promote efficient commissioning. While racking, modules, inverters and transformers are common bulk buys, the MV interconnection components are often excluded,” the company stated in a press release.
“Having worked together with Pine Gate on individual projects in 2019, the Michigan portfolio was a real opportunity to demonstrate how interconnection standardization can provide value and savings to our customers,” said Ivan Regueira, director of business development, Solar-Ops.
News item from Solar Operations Solutions
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Original Source: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/10/solar-operations-solutions-aims-to-streamline-solar-interconnection/