Federal Contracting Opportunities Workshop

Senior Commercial Project Manager, Orion Bashkiroff and Congresswoman, Zoe Lofgren at the Federal Contracting Opportunities Workshop

Yesterday California 16thDistrict Congresswoman, Zoe Lofgren, hosted a Federal Contracting Opportunities Workshop at the San Jose City Hall.The workshop was well attended by the Silicon Valley small business community; represented were companies from various industries including the software, renewable and telecom industries.   A focus of the workshop was selling green to the Government. SunWize Senior Commercial Project Manager, Orion Bashkiroff was invited to sit on the panel at the workshop. He spoke about his experiences contracting with small businesses on large-scale solar power projects completed for the Federal Government and explained how small business can work with SunWize.“I think it is important for small business owners to be made aware of these opportunities so I was delighted to be here today,” said Bashkiroff.

Key tips for small businesses from the workshop:

  • Do your homework. There is a lot of work available, especially in the renewable industries. The businesses that will be awarded these jobs are going to be the ones who can follow the process for bidding.
  • Attend local workshops. There is major push right now to make government projects more accessible to small businesses. Check with your local Small Business Agency (SBA) branch or visit some of the links below to find out more.
  • Spend some time on the GSA website or consider attending an “Opening Doors” convention. There are several of these large conferences happening in various states. The purpose is to introduce small businesses to larger businesses to facilitate sub contracting relationships.

Happy Solstice – How will your solar electric power systems work on the darkest day of the year?

The darkest day of the year

In the Northern Hemisphere, our winter solstice occurs when the axial tilt of earth is farthest away form the sun. It is our shortest day and longest night of the year, when the sun’s daily maximum elevation in the sky is the lowest. Designing and sizing an off-grid power system for your shortest day and worst case weather is a best practice to insure reliable power year round.

SPI 2011: Success!

Dallas Texas hosted SPI 11

SunWize wrapped up a very successful week at the Solar Power International trade show from October 18-20 in Dallas, TX.

SunWize Booth at SPI

The SunWize show booth housed 10 products from their extensive catalog. One of the most innovative products was the newly launched AUO AC module.

SunWize Dealer Appreciation Event

During SPI 2011, SunWize was pleased to host over 100 of our most valued customers for an evening of spirits, music, and good company! SunWize also used the show as an opportunity to meet one on one with customers.

SunWize Solar Carport Model

Showcasing one of the most popular trends in business and government solar, SunWize displayed a 1/24th scale model of its solar carport in the booth. This is representative of the carports SunWize is installing at the Phoenix VA Medical Center, the largest solar carport system in the U.S. at 4.4 MW.

SunWize Power Ready System Model

To exhibit an example of SunWize’s capacity for industry focused solutions, a scale model of the Power Ready System was on display as well. This model is 1/8th scale.

Lots of excitment at SPI

SunWize employees get ready to greet the first attendees at SPI in Dallas, Texas. Alberto Gonzalez (center) registers a new customer (at left) into our new Leaditure database.

There was a lot of excitement and enthusiasm in anticipation of a successful solar exhibition this year as SunWize introduced our new CEO and unveiled a new trade show booth. Scott Tonn, our new CEO, gave an inspired greeting to all of the SunWIze employees attending the show at an early morning meeting – creating a perfect start to the day! Looking outside the closed entry doors, there were hundreds of participants waiting for the opening of the show. We are all looking forward to meeting new customers and vendors as well as learning about new products and innovations in the solar industry. These are exciting times and we’ll keep you posted with more updates from the trade show floor.

Solar Power International 2011 has finally arrived!

Solar Power 2011

If you’re going to be at Solar Power International 2011 (SPI) you’ll want to visit the SunWize team at booth #2608 on the 2nd floor.

We’ve been looking forward to this for quite a while now. Although last year’s event was phenomenal, we expect Solar Power International (SPI) 2011 to be even better. As a Kilowatt Sponsor, here’s what you can expect to see from SunWize:

  • Over 50 members of the SunWize team in attendance
  • A chance to get your hands on the latest solar power technology
  • A brand new booth with a state-of-the-art document browsing system

After-hours we’ll be hosting an exclusive customer appreciation event. This soiree is by invite only; If you’d like to attend (and who wouldn’t want to sample a Fronius Fizz or a Sanyo-rita?) please get in touch with your SunWize sales manager ASAP.

Some interesting facts about Solar Power International:

  • SPI is North America’s largest solar power trade show and conference, and this will be the largest SPI event to-date
  • Over 24,000 energy industry professionals from 128 countries representing businesses spanning the entire spectrum of the industry will attend
  • Nearly 20% of SPI attendees come from abroad
  • Last year, 34% of attendees were CEOs, business owners, or executive management
  • 74% of exhibitors and nearly 70% of attendees deem SPI a “must-attend” event
  • 62% of attendees agree that SPI plays an important role in selecting products and services to purchase
  • SPI 2011 will have 36 general sessions, 14 workshops, a utility executive roundtable, and keynote speeches by Magic Johnson and Marcus Buckingham

Did we already say we’re excited?

Just The Facts:

  • What: Solar Power International 2011
  • Where: Booth #2608 at the Dallas Convention Center in Dallas, Texas
  • When: Oct. 17-20

See you there!

Fronius IG Plus Inverter String Combiner Tech Tip

Fronius Tech-Tip

Here’s a great tip for the Fronius IG Plus String Combiner from our partners at Fronius USA:

Each Fronius IG Plus inverter comes with a built in string combiner perfect for use when the inverter is in close proximity to your panels (like ground mounts and carports). The use of string fuses in the inverter adds fuse protection to the inverter and panels, and reduces balance of system costs from external fused string combiners.

Calculate the correct size fuses based on NEC rules, and use either Littelfuse KLKD, or Cooper Bussmann PV fuses rated for 600 volts.

Each fused input is capable of handling up to 20 amps and up to a #6 wire. If several solar module strings are combined outside of the inverter into one string, the current of the solar module string may be higher than the current permitted for a DC terminal (20 A). In this case, you have the option of connecting the DC cables to the inverter using a connecting distributor kit as shown in the diagram(SunWize part #158077), or with crimp lugs or a “chair lug”.

For additional product information, please click here.

For a limited time, SunWize is offering Fronius IG Plus 6kW inverters (Sunwize Part #158064) for $2,399. Orders must be shipped by November 1, 2011 to qualify for low promotion price.

Who is AUO? What is an AC Module? And, What Does This Mean for the Solar Industry?

AUO ACUnison combines its premium PV module with reliable microinverter technology

AUO is a large scale, global high tech manufacturer with revenues bigger than Suntech, First Solar, Sunpower, Trina, Yingli, LDK, and CSI combined. They have a 20% worldwide display market-share providing displays for cell phones, tablets, monitors, and televisions to Apple, HP, Vizio, Dell and others. With over 43,000 worldwide employees and over $16 billion in revenue last year, AUO has used their corporate strength to build a vertically integrated solar business that will reach 500MW of module capacity this year.

SunWize is proud to be the distribution partner for AUO’s innovative new integrated AC module, the AC Unison. This first-of-its-kind product offers unprecedented simplicity for solar installers.

  • Installation Simplicity: Since the module and inverter are pre-assembled (and tested) in the factory, it is truly “plug and play”.
  • Eliminates need for in-field assembly of micro-inverters or extra connectors
  • AC module certified to UL 1741 means no NEC DC disconnect or GEC required
  • Modules and inverters are grounded internally eliminating the need for external grounding.
  • Warranty Simplicity: One 25-year warranty backed by a company with over $16 billion in annual revenue covers both the module and inverter.

To find out more:

New LADWP Solar Rebates Available September 1, 2011

LADWP

Customers serviced by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) have not been able to take advantage of solar rebates because the program was suspended in January, 2011.

Beginning September 1, 2011, LADWP will offer new rebates to reduce the cost of going solar.

Read more ...

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