Solar FlexRack, a division of Northern States Metals and manufacturer of photovoltaic mounting and solar tracker solutions, recently announced it has completed shipments of its new TDP 2.0 Solar Trackers to SolAmerica Energy to be installed in eight solar projects located across the state of Georgia.
According to Solar FlexRack, the 2.0 Tracker with BalanceTrac introduces a technology that increases overall system efficiency, array design options and enables increased energy yield. The TDP 2.0 Tracker design expands the number of modules per row (up to 90) and is compatible with 1,000 or 1,500V thin film or crystalline modules. It also enables the installation of shorter piles and a lower per-unit fixed costs for balance of system, significantly reducing project installation costs.
SolAmerica, a leading solar development, engineering, procurement and construction contractor based in Atlanta, developed and managed the construction of the solar project portfolio with the local utility. The projects are part of a distributed generation plan that enables commercial businesses to purchase sustainable, carbon-free solar energy.
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, in 2017, Georgia’s national solar ranking was 22nd. Georgia has aggressively stepped up their solar program and today, the state ranks #10 with over 1.5 GW of solar installed and almost 4,500 employed in the industry.
Georgia’s Foray Into Solar
In February of this year, under a PPA with Georgia Power, photovoltaic systems provider First Solar announced it would begin developing and building the largest standalone PV solar plant in the southeastern United States. Once completed, the 200-MW plant is expected to generate more than 450 GWh of electricity each year.
The plant will be located on 2,000 acres in Twiggs County near Warner Robins, Georgia, about two hours southeast of Atlanta. First Solar says they plan to use more than 500,000 advanced technology thin film solar modules for the facility.
And in September 2017, Georgia Power launched a new Renewable Energy Development Initiative (REDI) for commercial and industrial customers. The voluntary program offers hourly credits matching production as well as solar renewable energy credits from up to 200 megawatts of renewable resources, the electric utility announced.
Commercial and industrial customers with an aggregate 2016 peak demand of 3 megawatts or greater under common ownership and control qualify for the program. Hourly credits will be based on Georgia Power’s actual hourly cost of incremental generation, the utility says. Customers have until Monday, September 25 to submit a notice of intent application online. After that, PPAs will be selected to supply the initiative’s portfolio. “C&I customers will sign a 10- to 30-year contract based on their preference,” according to Georgia Power’s announcement.