Over the years, solar as an industry has been evolving at an unprecedented speed. It’s no longer surprising to find a family or two in your neighborhood with solar panels on their roof, tapping into the abundant, renewable power of the sun. Today, I am thrilled to share with you one innovation that can dramatically change how we install and use solar arrays for homes: integrated switchboards!
Switchboards, or as solar companies refer to them, switchgear skids, are crucial components for utility-scale solar projects. Their primary role is to collect and tie power from solar inverters into the electrical grid. These switchboards, consisting of transformers, switchboards, and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), have traditionally been assembled and installed on site, which can be quite costly and time-consuming.
But imagine if we can bypass all these hassles by integrating these components in a foreign factory setting? And the good news is – we can! By pre-integrating and pre-assembling these switchboard components offsite, we can save tens of thousands of dollars in costly field labor, conduit, and wire. All while ensuring the highest quality installation for your solar array for home.
How does it work?
To clarify, the switchboard’s components are integrated onto a skid in a factory and later transported to the solar site. This simple yet revolutionary approach comes with several tangible benefits.
Shortest Lead Times: Severe weather, problematic supply chains, and unexpected hitches can often delay solar installation on site. Introducing factory-integrated switchboards significantly reduces these challenges, ensuring the quickest possible construction times. Result? Completion of projects before deadline and increased profitability for solar companies.
Highest Quality Installations: Integrating all components in a controlled factory environment rather than an open field assures better quality control. It also allows for high customization, meeting diverse needs and installation preferences.
Reduced Installation & Equipment Costs: Pre-integrated systems can help save between $9,000 to $20,000 per transformer/switchboard connection. Impressive, right? Also, there’s a massive reduction in cost as there is less material procurement required for the installation process.
Maximum Tax Savings: Under the newly enforced Inflation Reduction Act, “manufactured” equipment with domestic content can be counted as part of the percentage required to qualify for additional tax incentives. When the switchboards are integrated on a skid in a factory setting, solar companies can leverage these tax incentives for better project financial returns.
Simplified Maintenance: Lastly, a well-designed integrated switchboard system simplifies maintenance and troubleshooting. Over time, this ensures minimal interruptions and smoother operation of your solar array for home, creating a win-win situation for both home owners and solar companies.
In conclusion, integrating switchboards in a factory setting before bringing them onsite for solar installation brings numerous benefits. It is just one of the innovative ways in which the solar industry is pushing the envelope to ensure more affordable, efficient, and reliable solar panels for your home. So, as you begin or continue your journey exploring solar companies and options for your home, consider those who are leveraging such innovation in their installations!
I hope you’ve found this post helpful! As always, remain green and keep soaking up the sunrays!
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/07/23/reducing-solar-project-timelines-and-costs-with-integrated-switchboards/
