Features

Almost Time for Anaheim
North America’s largest solar business-to-business conference and expo, SolarPower International (SPI) 2009, runs October 27–29 in Anaheim, California. Manufacturers build their calendars around SPI, targeting new products for release at the event. Think there is nothing new under the sun? Think again.
BY DAVID BREARLEY AND JOE SCHWARTZ

PV System Commissioning
Commissioning may seem like an unnecessarily time-consuming and complex exercise, but it is a critical part of a well-installed system. Here we define in detail what is involved in a thorough commissioning process: who does it and what documentation, tasks and tools are required.
BY BLAKE GLEASON

Solar Thermal Hydronics
For decades, thermal collectors have proven themselves to be effective at providing hot liquid for a variety of heating applications. We wade into using SRCC test data to select the optimal collector based on application and climate.
BY BRISTOL STICKNEY AND BOAZ SOIFER

The Resurgence of Microinverter Technology
The introduction of decentralized inverter or MPPT equipment has set the industry abuzz in recent months. The microinverter is the first technology in this product class to make significant inroads into the US PV market. We present a survey of the current landscape for micros.
BY RON BURDEN AND JOE SCHWARTZ

Departments

Q & A Technical Questions & Answers
- New PTC Ratings
- Compliance with Article690.31(A) of the 2008 NEC

The Wire Industry Currents
- DOE Hosts Fourth Solar Decathlon
- US Treasury Cash Payments Can Relpave 30% ITC
- Draker Releases Setalis 800 Monitoring System
- BP Solar Launches 230 Wp Endura Module in US
- Outback Power Simplifies Grid-Tied Battery Backup
- Precigeo Offers Solar Site Analytics
- National Semiconductor Optimizes PV Performance

Interview An Experienced Perspective
- Blake Jones, Namasté Solar

Training Continuing Education for the Pro

Projects System Profiles
- Pearl Brewery, Full Goods Building, San Antonio, TX
- Habitat for Heroes, San Juan Capistrano, CA