The lab features 18 technologies installed in a construction site-type environment that generate data regarding performance, price, installation technique, longevity and quality.
Cupertino Electrics approach of exploring how emerging solar technologies are installed and perform in a real-world project setting combines the best theoretical research principles with practical construction knowledge, said Steve Hoffmann, senior vice president at NRG Energy. That CEI has undertaken this effort to evaluate technology on behalf of its customers in anticipation of their needs is extraordinary. By gathering, analyzing and sharing this type of data, CEI is advancing the industry through knowledge necessary to achieve grid parity. This leadership approach is why we at NRG Energy are working with them on a variety of clean energy projects.
Technologies featured/evaluated
The Technology Evaluation Laboratory features inverters, solar photovoltaic (PV) modules, distributed optimization technology, inverters and racking systems by some of the industrys leading manufacturers. The rooftop PV modules evaluated in the lab include poly crystalline, mono crystalline, thin film, Cd Tl, CIGS and AC modules alongside micro inverters and distributed optimization technologies. Various integrated, elevated and rail racking systems are also being evaluated at the facility.
This first solar technology evaluation laboratory from an Engineering/Procurement/Construction (EPC) perspective enables our customers to make highly-informed decisions regarding their solar projects, said John Curcio, Cupertino Electrics chief commercial officer. While academic and research institutions have previously investigated how solar technology performs, only a company like Cupertino Electric understands how to integrate engineering and technology into what and how systems get built. Researching technologies based on how they perform relative to price and installation is important because we are able to quickly take the knowledge gained from the lab to improve upon the engineering and construction process in the field.
All of the technologies offered at the on-site lab are modeled and monitored through Cupertino Electrics own custom-built asset management platform, along with highly-accurate meteorological data displayed on a kiosk and accessible via the cloud.
