BayWa r.e. Solar Systems

CHECK OUT THE RECAP FROM THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE OR WHEREVER YOU GET YOUR PODCASTS: HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS EPISODE: In this special podcast episode, BayWa r.e.’s VP of Product Strategy David Dunlap sits down with David Chang of Qcells and Tim Richmond of Chariot Energy to discuss the future of Qcells, growth in the United States and the navigation of deregulated utilities in the Texas market. In this episode, you can expect to learn: * The strategy and vision behind Qcells, including their focus on growing manufacturing in the U.S. market * How Qcells is creating more job opportunities in the U.S. * Navigation of retail energy rates in markets such as Texas, and the future of deregulated utilities * How these retail energy rate plans affect homeowners and solar installers alike David Chang [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/wp-content/uploads/1553624640152.jpg] DAVID CHANG Senior Director, Head of Sales Qcells Tim Richmond [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/wp-content/uploads/1559146738887.jpg] TIM RICHMOND Sales Director Chariot Energy Browse Qcells Now [https://solar-store-us.baywa-re.com/products/manufacturer/qcells] Qcells YouTube Page [https://www.youtube.com/c/QCELLSNorthAmerica] Qcells Resource Library [https://qcellspartner.us/] BayWa r.e. Solar Systems LLC supplies residential and commercial solar installers in the United States with quality solar + storage components, forecasting, business planning advice, and a community of experts. Visit www.solar-distribution.com [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/] to read our industry insights articles and stream our Solar Tech Talk [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/solar-tech-talk/] and Solar Town Hall [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/solar-r-e-view-magazine/solartownhalls/] podcasts on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2AAI8oDukatvfVMbcu2wyg/videos] and Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2iA5K6BI1f60BNTVCpbTCh]. Follow us on LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/company/BWRESolarUS], Twitter [https://twitter.com/BWRESolarUS], and Facebook [https://facebook.com/BWRE.SolarUS] to stay connected. Ask us [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/about-us/sales-team/] about our Split Pay financing program [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/transform-your-solar-business-with-split-pay/] and use our industry-leading Webstore [https://solar-store-us.baywa-re.com/] to save time, get gear shipped, and get jobs done! Part of the BayWa r.e. Global [https://www.baywa-re.com/en/] family of renewable energy companies. The post Special Sponsored Podcast: How Qcells and Chariot Energy are Creating New Opportunities With Deregulated Utilities in the U.S. [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/solar-r-e-view-magazine/building-a-healthy-business/special-sponsored-podcast-how-qcells-and-chariot-energy-are-creating-new-opportunities-with-deregulated-utilities-in-the-u-s/] appeared first on BayWa r.e. Solar Systems [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com].

CHECK OUT THE RECAP FROM THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE OR WHEREVER YOU GET YOUR PODCASTS: HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS EPISODE: * Introduction to Qcells and their mission to revolutionize solar (2:37) * Why did Qcells decide to break into the energy storage space? (3:24) * The basics and high-level overview of Qcells newest line card addition – the Q.HOME ESS SOLUTION (5:09) * How the Q.HOME stackability and design can improve your solar installation experience (7:02) * Breaking down the instructions for installation spacing requirements for the Q.HOME modules, including the 9540A testing series mentioned in manuals (11:46) * Discussing the challenges that installers have with complying to strict guidelines while working with AHJ’s (13:20) * Where Q.HOME installers can find resources and documentation for spacing requirements (15:35) * How to seek additional support from Qcells when onsite for an install (16:50) * Seeking support when dealing with AHJ’s that are pushing back against certain installation plans or configurations (20:10) * With changes to net metering policies across the U.S., what types of configurations can be used to give installers a great sales strategy when it comes to solar and storage? (21:22) * Why California is not the only state with plenty of opportunity for energy storage growth (27:55) * How Qcells is utilizing strategic partnerships to create more grid stability and opportunities for the state of Texas (29:45) Jeff Gill [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/wp-content/uploads/1673042090803.jpg] JEFF GILL Channel Strategy Development Manager Qcells KAM SIHOTA Senior Product Manager for Q.HOME ESS Solution Qcells Browse Qcells Now [https://solar-store-us.baywa-re.com/products/manufacturer/qcells] Qcells YouTube Page [https://www.youtube.com/c/QCELLSNorthAmerica] Qcells Resource Library [https://qcellspartner.us/] BayWa r.e. Solar Systems LLC supplies residential and commercial solar installers in the United States with quality solar + storage components, forecasting, business planning advice, and a community of experts. Visit www.solar-distribution.com [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/] to read our industry insights articles and stream our Solar Tech Talk [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/solar-tech-talk/] and Solar Town Hall [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/solar-r-e-view-magazine/solartownhalls/] podcasts on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2AAI8oDukatvfVMbcu2wyg/videos] and Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2iA5K6BI1f60BNTVCpbTCh]. Follow us on LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/company/BWRESolarUS], Twitter [https://twitter.com/BWRESolarUS], and Facebook [https://facebook.com/BWRE.SolarUS] to stay connected. Ask us [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/about-us/sales-team/] about our Split Pay financing program [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/transform-your-solar-business-with-split-pay/] and use our industry-leading Webstore [https://solar-store-us.baywa-re.com/] to save time, get gear shipped, and get jobs done! Part of the BayWa r.e. Global [https://www.baywa-re.com/en/] family of renewable energy companies. The post Solar Tech Talk E21: How Qcells is Creating More Opportunity for All Markets with Energy Storage and Virtual Power Plants [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/solar-r-e-view-magazine/building-a-healthy-business/solar-tech-talk-e21-how-qcells-is-creating-more-opportunity-for-all-markets-with-energy-storage-and-virtual-power-plants/] appeared first on BayWa r.e. Solar Systems [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com].

CHECK OUT THE RECAP FROM THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE OR WHEREVER YOU GET YOUR PODCASTS: HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS EPISODE: TEAMWORK MAKES THE DESIGN DREAM WORK: (0:35) Say the name “PanelClaw” and Jason’s ears perk up! As Aaron reminds us, Jason’s first assignment at BayWa r.e. was to run point on PanelClaw’s clawFR hardware platform and clawOS software offerings. Aaron and Jason explain how solar installers can benefit from the special consultation process that BayWa r.e. offers with PanelClaw. “This is a new level of service that BayWa r.e. is offering,” Aaron tells us. For contractors looking to design around PanelClaw components, BayWa r.e. will provide support for the initial design phase to develop the project. [https://solar-store-us.baywa-re.com/panelclaw-info] This hands-on review process makes it easier for our team at BayWa r.e. to interface with PanelClaw, so that installers can get the right design for their job, and BayWa r.e. can source the components called for. “I’ve gotten to work with a ton of our installers doing system designs, getting approved for construction documents — pretty much everything from the initial workflow, doing a couple layouts, all the way through stamping. So it’s been a fun ride, and I’m looking forward to working with more of our customers,” says Jason. “If you need assistance, ping myself or reach out to your BayWa r.e. sales rep [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/about-us/sales-team/], and we can get in touch that way as well!” Paul Bitterolf [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/wp-content/uploads/paul-headshot-scaled.jpeg] PAUL BITTEROLF Vice President PanelClaw PANELCLAW’S EYE ON C&I: (2:58) Here today to give us the latest updates on PanelClaw’s hardware and software offerings is their Vice President of National Sales, Paul Bitterolf [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/?s=Paul+Bitterolfhttps://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/?s=Paul+Bitterolf]. Naturally, Paul leads off with PanelClaw’s clear value proposition for solar contractors tackling commercial projects of any size. “We are the market-share leader in mid to large-scale ballasted racking. We’ve been around since 2008, focused exclusively on mid to large-scale commercial and industrial applications. We do a lot of school districts, stores, distribution centers,” Paul tells our listeners. “And over the last year or so, since announcing our partnership with BayWa r.e., we’ve been able to expand our product line into the small to mid-sized market. If you’ve got contractors that are looking at non-residential applications for flat roofs, our product is a great fit for it.” PanelClaw offers its clawFR platform through BayWa r.e. in two different tilt angles [https://solar-store-us.baywa-re.com/panelclaw-info]: a 10-degree single-tilt with three row-spacing options and a 10-degree dual-tilt. “What’s great about it is that it’s the same platform, so the same essential components can be used in either configuration,” Paul says. That means contractors versed on designing one project using single-tilt can easily translate that knowledge to another project more suited for the dual-tilt. Besides the ample design options, fewer parts and faster build speed is the other big headline here. Contractors build the grid prior to hanging the modules, then the entire grid is assembled with clawFR’s single bolt-hardware kit all to the same torque setting — and modules are hung via PanelClaw’s patent-pending, tool-less attachment engineering. “It’s a rail-based system that lends itself to efficient load-sharing within the system — which translates to fewer ballast blocks, fewer attachments than you need with a non-rail-based system,” Paul tells the team. “The whole grid goes together with one bolt, and the modules are hung without any tools or hardware.” DESIGN-ORDER-BUILD WITH SPEED AND EASE: (5:50) A big leap over this past year has been the continued development of clawOS [https://www.panelclaw.com/clawos] — PanelClaw’s cloud-based structural design platform. Designed specifically for flat-roof PV projects, clawOS lets users create simple array layouts; upload layouts from AutoCAD or Helioscope; generate multiple racking design versions for budgeting purposes; examine structural requirements; and export bill of materials. The platform’s proprietary layout tool, fully automated racking design engine, and index of design inputs allows users to truly experiment with design optimization — with nearly limitless roof and sub-roof level platform load and point load limits. And now that simplicity and versatility is available to any solar contractor sourcing through BayWa r.e. “Get in touch with your BayWa r.e. salesperson and we can get you registered,” Paul Bitterolf says, adding that with our new BayWa r.e.-PanelClaw support partnership, our own Jason Burnett would provide added training insights, sharing his own do’s and don’ts from his own onboarding with clawOS. Opening up clawOS access is a huge step for a design tool inspired by PanelClaw’s own in-house technical expertise — but now available to empower anyone without AutoCAD experience or seasoned engineering knowledge. Paul jokes that clawOS helps answer that age-old design question: “Can you do this project without attachments? And if you need to have attachments, how many of them are there going to be? How heavy is this system going to be?” Now there’s no more speculating, Paul says, with clawOS providing perfect and complete structural information on the front end of the project, along with support ticketing for users whenever design challenges arise, and continuous updates pushed to improve the design interface and technical presets. “If there’s a project that’s not going to work out… you can figure that out in the front end before you spend resources and resources only to come to that conclusion six months down the road.” FOR SOLAR NERDS AND SOLAR NOVICES ALIKE: (16:28) Understanding the spectrum of solar businesses out there, clawOS has been improved to serve those who geek out over design details and those who just want to solve the bottom line. “Some people like to draw every single gas line and drain on the roof. Other people just want to push modules everywhere and start removing them,” Paul says. “There’s no right or wrong, but we’ve built some flexibility into the sequencing around the actual design itself.” And for the power users out there, there is a “clawOS Pro” version, which is what PanelClaw’s in-house team uses. But for most contractors, working through clawOS is sufficient. Once the design is ready and a drawing approved for construction is required, a support ticket can be generated and PanelClaw’s expert staff can help validate the design and produce the drawing. “There’s two different workflows as we move into the issue-for-permit stage of the project,” Paul explains. For the small to mid-sized applications, PanelClaw can generate approved-for-construction drawings, with a state-certification letter that contractors can bring to the structural engineer already certifying the building, who can then review all the inputs and calculations and stamp the plans themselves. Alternatively, if the onsite structural engineer certifying the site roof is not comfortable stamping your racking plans, PanelClaw can take care of that process for you. . WINNING THE WIRING BATTLE: (20:26) Although the clawFR platform is compatible with any off-the-shelf wire management kits out there, PanelClaw has since developed three proprietary wire management solutions [https://solar-store-us.baywa-re.com/panelclaw-info] that make installs even more of a breeze. “For some of these really challenging situations, you might have very little clearance underneath the low side of the module but still want to stay above the deck, especially with the single-tilt systems when you’re running homeruns north-south,” says PanelClaw VP Paul Bitterolf, adding that clawFR wire-management solutions can serve just about any scenario within the footprint of the array. Of course, flexibility only works when there is availability — and this is where the BayWa r.e.-PanelClaw partnership once again brings value to the contractor. “Oftentimes, the racking is procured a month or two months before you’re mobilizing. You’ve been under construction for a couple weeks, and installers realize ‘wait a minute, we gotta wire this thing up — how in the heck are we going to do that?’” Paul says, setting up the scene. “So one of the nice add-ons with our relationship with BayWa r.e. is that the materials are on the BayWa r.e. warehouse shelf — with just a quick phone call [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/about-us/sales-team/] or a jump on the BayWa r.e. Webstore [https://solar-store-us.baywa-re.com/products/manufacturer/panelclaw], you’ll have the homerun solutions, brackets for mounting RSD units, and all sorts of solutions that are proprietary and integrated into clawFR — not a month out, but in a matter of days.” It’s a match made on the flat rooftop — PanelClaw [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/?s=Paul+Bitterolf]’s simple, configurable racking solutions, matched with our BayWa r.e. nationwide warehouse sites [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/ten-reasons-to-choose-baywa-re/#delivery] and coast-to-coast drop-ship reach. There’s so much more to this podcast than the recap above. Watch or listen to the full episode to hear the full conversation — including these topic highlights: * PanelClaw solutions for UL 3741 compliance (22:50) * Solving solar industry’s shared competitor — and the challenges to come over the next decade (27:38) * Taking your first step with clawOS and clawFR (31:39) Partner with BayWa r.e. and PanelClaw [https://solar-store-us.baywa-re.com/panelclaw-info] Browse PanelClaw Now [https://solar-store-us.baywa-re.com/products/manufacturer/panelclaw] PanelClaw YouTube Page [https://www.youtube.com/@PanelClaw/videos] PanelClaw Technical Library [https://www.panelclaw.com/technical-library-1] BayWa r.e. Solar Systems LLC supplies residential and commercial solar installers in the United States with quality solar + storage components, forecasting, business planning advice, and a community of experts. Visit www.solar-distribution.com [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/] to read our industry insights articles and stream our Solar Tech Talk [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/solar-tech-talk/] and Solar Town Hall [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/solar-r-e-view-magazine/solartownhalls/] podcasts on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2AAI8oDukatvfVMbcu2wyg/videos] and Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2iA5K6BI1f60BNTVCpbTCh]. Follow us on LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/company/BWRESolarUS], Twitter [https://twitter.com/BWRESolarUS], and Facebook [https://facebook.com/BWRE.SolarUS] to stay connected. Ask us [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/about-us/sales-team/] about our Split Pay financing program [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/transform-your-solar-business-with-split-pay/] and use our industry-leading Webstore [https://solar-store-us.baywa-re.com/] to save time, get gear shipped, and get jobs done! Part of the BayWa r.e. Global [https://www.baywa-re.com/en/] family of renewable energy companies. The post Solar Tech Talk E20: Designing Simplified for Flat Roof Racking with PanelClaw Hardware and Software [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/solar-r-e-view-magazine/building-a-healthy-business/solar-tech-talk-e20-designing-simplified-for-flat-roof-racking-with-panelclaw-hardware-and-software/] appeared first on BayWa r.e. Solar Systems [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com].

If you didn’t get to NABCEP’s Continuing Education conference in St. Charles, MO this year, you might have missed the best event yet to grace the solar industry. 2023 NABCEP was one for the books – more attendees, vendors, sessions, and fun than ever before and just enough time to take it all in. In episode 19 of our Solar Tech Talk, Jason Burnett and Aaron Bingham, our Solar Tech Talk hosts, sit down with Shawn O’Brian [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnwobrien/], the President & CEO of NABCEP, to discuss their favorite takeaways from this year’s show. CHECK OUT THE RECAP FROM THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE OR WHEREVER YOU GET YOUR PODCASTS: WHAT IS MOST EXCITING? This year, NABCEP launched their Learning Management System (LMS) [https://www.nabcep.org/lms-info/]. The platform will host multiple digitally recorded trainings for virtual learning and accreditation. Look for many of the sessions from the conference recorded there. WHY DO WE LOVE NABCEP? As the Platinum Sponsor for the past 7 years, BayWa r.e. has not only been a huge supporter of NABCEP, but we also contributed 4 different sessions to this year’s conference. Our CEO, Jodi White, delivered the keynote address, and David Dunlap (VP of Product Strategy), Tiernay Marsh (Sales Manager, Key Accounts), Preston Booker (Head of Key Accounts), and Ricardo Queijo (Director of Sales Enablement & Operations) all hosted various sessions about building a healthy, resilient business throughout the conference.  Look for our sessions on NABCEP’s LMS system. Shawn O'Brian [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/wp-content/uploads/Shawn-OBrian.jpg] SHAWN O'BRIAN President & CEO NABCEP BayWa r.e. Solar Systems LLC supplies residential and commercial solar installers in the United States with quality solar + storage components, forecasting, business planning advice, and a community of experts. Visit www.solar-distribution.com [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/] to read our industry insights articles and stream our Solar Tech Talk [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/solar-tech-talk/] and Solar Town Hall [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/solar-r-e-view-magazine/solartownhalls/] podcasts on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2AAI8oDukatvfVMbcu2wyg/videos] and Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2iA5K6BI1f60BNTVCpbTCh]. Follow us on LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/company/BWRESolarUS], Twitter [https://twitter.com/BWRESolarUS], and Facebook [https://facebook.com/BWRE.SolarUS] to stay connected. Ask us [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/about-us/sales-team/] about our Split Pay financing program [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/transform-your-solar-business-with-split-pay/] and use our industry-leading Webstore [https://solar-store-us.baywa-re.com/] to save time, get gear shipped, and get jobs done! Part of the BayWa r.e. Global [https://www.baywa-re.com/en/] family of renewable energy companies. The post Solar Tech Talk 19: NABCEP Recap: The Best Solar Event of the Year [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/solar-r-e-view-magazine/building-a-healthy-business/stt19-nabcep/] appeared first on BayWa r.e. Solar Systems [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com].

Solar Tech Talk is back with another episode! In this installment, we’re talking storage again as we meet the fine folks at FranklinWH (Franklin Whole Home) — the newest manufacturing partner to join our BayWa r.e. line card! Our co-hosts, Jason Burnett [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoburn/] from our technical sales team, and longtime product manager, Aaron Bingham [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronobingham/], remind us why home storage is an essential part of today’s residential solar package — especially since batteries nowadays are actually able to do what the average homeowner expects them to do. That is, provide safe, reliable, on-demand power when there is an outage, be it a weather emergency or a simple grid interruption, plus smart energy management in everyday situations. Other market forces are also driving the future for battery storage: the approaching critical mass of electric vehicle adoption and new net metering policies that really nudge homeowners to own their power. WATCH THE EPISODE ON YOUTUBE OR LISTEN TO IT ON SPOTIFY: HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS EPISODE: NOT TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE: MEET FRANKLINWH: (6:45) Franklin Whole Home [https://www.franklinwh.com/] storage products are now on our BayWa r.e. warehouse shelves, and here to explain the company’s origins and the Franklin whole-home advantage is Justin Hopkins [https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-hopkins-52a9b01b/], National Sales Director for FranklinWH. Justin says “reduced compromise” was one of their design philosophies, thinking of ways for homeowners to put the grid in their back pocket, and truly own their power. The differentiator for FranklinWH [https://solar-store-us.baywa-re.com/products/manufacturer/franklinwh] is the power tech and electronics side, to create something both analog and smart to create a balanced storage-plus-energy management ecosystem. [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/wp-content/uploads/FranklinWH_Colors_03.png] [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/wp-content/uploads/Justin-Hopkins-Headshot.jpeg]https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-hopkins-52a9b01b/ Justin Hopkins [https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-hopkins-52a9b01b/] National Sales Director IT TAKES (ONLY) TWO: AGATE AND APOWER: (10:10) [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/wp-content/uploads/aGate-407x600.jpg]Justin tells Aaron and Jason about the simplicity behind FranklinWH’s two products: the aGate energy manager [https://solar-store-us.baywa-re.com/FWH-AGT-R1V1-US] and the aPower storage unit [https://solar-store-us.baywa-re.com/FWH-APR-05K13V1-US]. “The aGate really is a smart controller,” according to Justin. “Whether it’s solar or generator, or in the future when we see more bi-directional car charging options.” Some highlights of the aGate and aPower pairing: * Especially great for people who already have electric cars or looking to have EVs. * aPower combines LFP (lithium iron phosphate) high-capacity battery with proprietary inverter inside (no need for a separate inverter). * Designed with installers in mind — especially installers who have been frustrated with past storage installs. Units come prefabricated with typically external accessories (CT, ATS, etc.) already built inside. * Batteries readily available across the U.S., since LFP tech manufacturing is already robust and favorable for long-term price stability. “It’s the same prismatic cells you see in the new Tesla Model 3’s… the Chevys and the Ford Lightnings.” * Extremely resilient: “It’s used to being discharged 10%, 20%, five times a day.” * Stackability: Attach up to 15 aPower batteries to a single aGate. “Also, you can stack the batteries up to 160 Amps, or 38.4 continuous output per aGate. It’s essentially small commercial, but 240 volt.” (Jump to 15:23 mark) * The power electronics in the aGate are sophisticated enough to detect bad voltage from the grid and act upon it. “It’s actually a safety mechanism for your home.” SIMPLICITY FOR INSTALLERS, ROBUSTNESS FOR HOMEOWNERS: (18:33) Jason asks Justin the key question: why is FranklinWH worth a look for solar installers? “Across the board, what we’ve really tried to do is to create a paint-by-numbers solution for installers. Whether it’s having accessories that will allow the system to operate off-grid with PV-load side support, even though they have too much solar,” Justin says. “For the budget-minded customer, I really believe we’ve stacked everything up very incrementally, from the most basic of systems, to really advanced, complex systems… we’ve made it really easy to design this to meet customer’s needs.” Other perks: * Options for oversized arrays * The AP Box [https://solar-store-us.baywa-re.com/FWH-ACCY-RCV1-US]: An “external relay CT combiner” to ease any hurdles when designing over existing solar plus storage systems. * Main panel upgrade avoidance: “We have the additional bus rating of 280 Amps. The aGate allows for up to 160 Amps of generation input. So PV, batteries — that can be controlled and selectively routed upstream via our PCS controls. So whole-home backup of 200 panel that’s already maxed out with 40 Amp PV breaker, can now be routed to the load side of the aGate. And additional load-side generation sources — PV, battery — can be added behind the utility meter without actually upgrading the service panel, by using these features.” (Jump to 21:30 mark) * Overcoming black starting: Like the fuel gauge on your car, aPower is designed to still hold a small power reserve even when it appears to be drained, so as to help start the battery system after heavy use during an outage. (Jump to 24:08 mark) * Three smart circuits in the aGate allow customer control over appliances via smartphone app, helping homeowners manage their energy better. CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT: (28:43) For anyone on the fence, Justin lists some of the details that installers have been keen to mention. For example, the waterproof (maybe even hurricane-proof?), error-proof aPower battery is quite heavy at 400 pounds — but while taking extra effort to move, it comes prefabricated so there is less onsite work, and you don’t have to build it onsite. (As the gang laughs: “It’s only heavy once!”) Justin also notes the installer certification program offered by FranklinWH is easy to sign up for, with a 9-module training roughly over 3-hours of time. What else is on the roadmap for FranklinWH? “The industry is changing a lot for storage. Demand response is becoming part of the conversation more and more every day. Virtual power plants. Different programs from utilities where you can sell back the power or provide, essentially, infrastructure support to the grid during high-demand periods. There’s a lot of value in that,” Justin says. ”But, at Franklin we do not compete in the BPP space against our installers.” Justin goes on to say that FranklinWH simply is providing the hardware. “I see installers — especially the high-volume installers — becoming aggregators over the next couple of years, and managing these assets.” Justin has this forecast: “The BPP has potential for these homeowners to maybe get some of these rebates in year one. But in year nine a new program comes out where, by discharging their battery to the grid, they get another benefit. We’re not competing for that capital against our [installer] partners. Rather, we’re supporting with hardware, and saying, ‘Go do this, this is your empire to build, not ours.” “GO DO THIS, THIS IS YOUR EMPIRE TO BUILD, NOT OURS”   There’s so much more to this podcast than the recap above. Watch or listen to the full episode to hear the full conversation. > STT Bonus: Did you miss Justin’s “dare” to industry partners for maxing out the aPower attachments? Go back to the 16:00 mark of our show to catch the laugh. Plus, jump to the 31:45 mark for FranklinWH’s promotion for certified installers, a buy-two-get-one aPower offer, now available through June. Visit our new FranklinWH Webstore Page [https://solar-store-us.baywa-re.com/products/manufacturer/franklinwh] Talk to Your Account Manager About FranklinWH [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/about-us/sales-team/] BayWa r.e. Solar Systems LLC supplies residential and commercial solar installers in the United States with quality solar + storage components, forecasting, business planning advice, and a community of experts. Visit www.solar-distribution.com [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/] to read our industry insights articles and stream our Solar Tech Talk [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/solar-tech-talk/] and Solar Town Hall [https://solar-distribution-us.baywa-re.com/solar-r-e-view-magazine/solartownhalls/] podcasts on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2AAI8oDukatvfVMbcu2wyg/videos] and Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2iA5K6BI1f60BNTVCpbTCh]. 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