Tokyo-based Solar Frontier – the largest manufacturer of CIS (copper indium selenium) thin-film photovoltaic (PV) solar modules – says that its CIS modules will be installed by California-based engineering, procurement & construction (EPC) firm Staten Solar at 16 solar project sites (ranging in size up to 522kW) on farms producing almonds, pistachios and table grapes in Tulare and Kern Counties of California's Central Valley.
Each project has unique characteristics requiring innovative construction techniques and designs including a mix of ground-mounted and Staten Solar's proprietary levee-mounted racking systems. Solar Frontier says that the PV systems integrate cost effectively with the customer's existing facilities, environmental/land requirements and business models. The modules were selected by Staten Solar for their performance in real-world conditions, including high yields in hot temperatures and under partial shading. Three of the 16 projects are currently operational, with the balance expected to be completed by the end of 2016.
Picture: Solar Frontier's CIS modules installed in the Ag-solar installation in Delano, California. (Photo courtesy of Staten Solar.)
"Staten Solar understands the challenges the agricultural communities face and utilizes their solar expertise in aggregated net metering, rate optimization, demand response, peak day pricing, and financing to deliver valuable energy solutions that help farmers reduce their monthly operating costs," comments Charles Pimentel, chief operating officer of Solar Frontier Americas.
"Staten Solar has been impressed with the quality, performance and customer service provided by Solar Frontier," comments Staten Solar's chairman & managing director Sandipan Bhanot. "Our customers expect us to recommend the best product for their needs and for the hot Central Valley - Solar Frontier panels are an excellent choice in terms of superior production and high performance in the field."