In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague engages with industry leaders Dr. Zhehan Yi and Ryan Mayfield to discuss the critical topic of safety in grid-scale battery systems. As the demand for renewable energy surges, understanding the safety protocols and standards surrounding battery storage has never been more essential. The conversation delves into the rapid growth of battery installations across the United States, which have skyrocketed from approximately one gigawatt to nearly 17 gigawatts in just four years. With projections that BESS capacity could exceed 100 gigawatts in the US by the end of the decade, addressing safety concerns becomes paramount.

Dr. Yi emphasizes the importance of integrating safety measures early in the design process, particularly regarding thermal runaway risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, which dominate the market. He discusses how engaging with authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) and adhering to fire codes can mitigate potential hazards and foster the successful adoption of these transformative technologies. The episode also covers fundamental safety standards and testing protocols, such as UL 9540 and UL 9540A, shedding light on how companies like CPS America are innovating to enhance reliability and safety.

Ryan Mayfield brings over 25 years of experience in solar PV and energy storage to the table, sharing insights from his work with developers and EPCs (engineering, procurement, and construction firms). He highlights the need for ongoing education within the industry to ensure all stakeholders—from facility owners to grid operators—are informed about the risks and best practices associated with battery systems.

For more information about Mayfield Renewables, visitors can check out https://www.mayfield.energy/, about CPS America check out https://www.chintpowersystems.com/, or follow Clean Power Hour at cleanpowerhour.com.

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Dr. Zhehan Yi
Ryan Mayfield
CPS America
Mayfield Renewables

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The Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email: CleanPowerHour@gmail.com

Corporate sponsors who share our mission to speed the energy transition are invited to check out https://www.cleanpowerhour.com/support/

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. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com

In this episode of Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague interviews Drew Bond, CEO and co-founder of Powerfield Energy, about their innovative solar racking system. The company's flagship product, the PowerRack, represents a significant departure from traditional solar mounting solutions. At its core, it's a highly engineered HDPE plastic tub that holds solar panels at a 25-degree angle, requiring no tools or ground penetration for installation - installers simply fill the tubs with local materials like dirt, sand, or rock. While each empty rack weighs just 17 pounds, it can hold up to 550 pounds of ballast when filled, creating a stable foundation for solar panels.

Founded in 2017 by former AES Solar and SunEdison executives, Powerfield Energy has proven its concept through rigorous testing at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and successful deployment across over 200 installations in the United States. The system offers several distinct advantages over traditional racking, including achieving 33% higher power density (1MW per 2.5-3 acres), lower wind loads due to its low profile design, and flexibility for uneven terrain up to 10-degree slopes. It's particularly well-suited for brownfields and landfills where ground penetration isn't feasible, and its removable/recyclable nature makes it attractive for temporary installations or land that may need future repurposing.

The company is currently expanding its product line to accommodate larger solar panels and has secured significant projects, including a 100MW installation in the southeastern United States. The Power Rack is available through major distributors including GreenTech Renewables, and was recently deployed in Maui for fire relief efforts. Made in the USA and backed by a 25-year warranty, the system exemplifies innovation in solar mounting technology, making installation simpler while potentially reducing both upfront and long-term operational costs.

For more information about Powerfield Energy, visitors can check out powerfieldenergy.com, or follow Clean Power Hour at cleanpowerhour.com.

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Drew Bond
Powerfield Energy

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The Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email: CleanPowerHour@gmail.com

Corporate sponsors who share our mission to speed the energy transition are invited to check out https://www.cleanpowerhour.com/support/

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. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com

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.

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Evan Upshur
CPS America

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Connect with Tim

Clean Power Hour
Clean Power Hour on YouTube
Tim on Twitter
Tim on LinkedIn

Email tim@cleanpowerhour.com

Review Clean Power Hour on Apple Podcasts

The Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email: CleanPowerHour@gmail.com

Corporate sponsors who share our mission to speed the energy transition are invited to check out https://www.cleanpowerhour.com/support/

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. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com