In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague welcomes Evan Upshur, a senior account representative at Chint Power Systems, to discuss the transformative role of inverters in the solar industry. The conversation delves into the recent introduction of single-phase inverters by Chint, a company renowned for its leadership in three-phase string inverter manufacturing.
Listeners will gain insights into how these innovations are reshaping commercial solar projects, particularly in terms of operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Evan shares his journey into the solar sector and highlights the critical importance of back-end service support that ensures the longevity and reliability of solar systems.
The episode also explores the evolving landscape of operations and maintenance (O&M) in solar projects, emphasizing how a strong service culture can enhance customer satisfaction and project performance. Evan discusses real-world applications, including various configurations for commercial installations, and how to navigate challenges such as electrical code requirements.
Whether you're a solar installer, developer, asset owner, or simply interested in the technical side of solar energy, this episode offers practical insights into the future of solar inverter technology and its impact on the industry's growth.
Social Media Handles
https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-upshur-120672109/
https://www.chintpowersystems.com/
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The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. CPS America has offices in California, New Jersey, and Texas. Learn more at https://www.chintpowersystems.com/
00:00 - Introduction
02:10 - Evan's Journey into Solar
03:44 - The Shift to String Inverters
04:50 - Company Culture and Service Support
06:27 - Operational Costs and O&M Importance
08:40 - Understanding Customer Projects
10:36 - Designing for Commercial Projects
11:30 - Interconnection Requirements
14:54 - DC to AC Ratio Explained and Overstacking Inverters
16:38 - Net Metering Rules
19:22 - Challenges and Opportunities for Customers
23:10 - CPS Inverter Product Lineup
25:53 - Conclusion