The world is rapidly shifting towards electric vehicles (EVs) as an alternative to traditional cars powered by gasoline. This shift is being driven by a variety of factors, including a focus on tackling climate change, reducing air pollution, and improving energy security.

At the heart of EVs is the battery, and this battery is made up of a variety of minerals and elements. Currently, lithium-ion batteries are the most commonly used for EVs, and these batteries require lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite as their primary components. The
massive global increase in demand for EVs has created an unprecedented need for these minerals, leading to challenges in securing a steady and reliable source. And from areas of the world that are politically reliable

The challenge is increasing securing the minerals with demand rising. Many companies are trying to find innovations, such as recycling used batteries. Additionally, many countries and companies are exploring the possibility of using other battery technologies that don’t rely on cobalt, such as lithium-iron-phosphate or lithium-metal-polymer batteries.

Recent reports are that the U.S. and Europeans are considering a cooperative group that would work together to procure minerals, relying less on China and Congo. This “buyers’ club” could advance the industry toward reducing dependency on one source.

The shift to EVs is a major step forward in tackling climate change, but it’s essential that the minerals used in these batteries come from a reliable, ethical, and sustainable source.

During my time at Gordian Energy, I have had the pleasure of witnessing firsthand the tremendous benefits that solar energy can bring to businesses. Whether you’re a small business or a multinational corporation, solar energy has the potential to transform the way you do business.

One of the most significant advantages of solar energy is cost savings. A recently installed Gordian-built solar array realized a 22.4% IRR on the investment and had a payback period of less than 5 years!   By installing solar panels, businesses can drastically reduce their energy bills and save money on electricity costs. Over time, this can add up to significant savings, allowing businesses to reinvest in their operations and grow their businesses.

But it’s not just about the cost savings. There are intangible benefits that come with being a business that uses solar energy. By adopting solar energy, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, positioning themselves as environmentally conscious and socially responsible. This can be a powerful marketing tool, attracting customers who share these values and helping to build a strong brand reputation.  To illustrate real world implications, a 2022 PwC survey of consumers and employees found that 83% of consumers believe renewable energy is a priority, with 86% of employees preferring to work for companies whose beliefs align with their own.  Even more significantly, 76% of consumers reported they would discontinue relationships with organizations that treated, communities, or the environment poorly.  By using solar energy, businesses can significantly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability and helping to protect the planet for future generations.

Of course, installing solar panels requires an upfront investment. However, there are incentives and tax incentives for businesses that invest in renewable energy. In addition, there are many financing options available that can make solar energy more accessible for businesses of all sizes.

In conclusion, the advantages of solar energy for businesses are numerous and compelling. From cost savings to environmental responsibility, solar energy has the potential to transform the way businesses operate, while also providing a powerful marketing tool. If you’re a business looking to make a positive impact on the planet and your bottom line, investing in solar energy is a smart choice.

Did you know a PV solar array can help remove snow? Even when a solar panel is covered in snow, some light still reaches the solar cells. That small solar production will generate heat and in turn, melt the snow around it. Once more of the panel is uncovered, it will absorb more sunlight, creating even more heat and eventually melting the snow. With PV solar, snow doesn’t stick around for long!

The passage of the legislation, known as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), already has industry
professionals buzzing about the potential for another Solar Boom. For those of you who have been in the
the industry long enough to remember the years following the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act,
the rapid growth and expansion of the solar industry in the years following is something to be excited
about.

However, it is also wise to remember the pitfalls and lessons learned during these rapid years of industry
expansion. Otherwise, some may experience the finical fallout many companies endured from this time.
Here is a list of Gordian Energy’s Top Three suggestions to make sure you do not fall victim to the errors
of the past.

Pick Reliable Partners and Experienced Firms

With the increase in government spending in renewables, there is potential corruption and greed will
sink its teeth back into our industry as it did in the past. Cash grabbing from other industries trying to
break into our market will lead to a new generation of renewable energy companies. Ensure that
your EPC, Developer, and Design Partners have the experience to back up their claims. Make sure their
staff is knowledgeable and well vetting in their industry roles.

Pick Partners with the Required Professional Licenses and Insurance

All EPC partners should have the required business licenses, electrical licenses, manufacturer
certifications, and NABCEP certifications to design and build your project. With the Inflation Reduction
Act’s additional requirements for prevailing wage designations become even more paramount to
ensure successful project completion.

Use Vetted and Reliable Technologies

Unlike the Solar Boom of the early 2010s, our industry now has enough data and analytics to know who
can live up to the performance and reliability standards of our production models. We have all seen which
technologies work and can deliver on their promises. Although innovation and new technology should
continue to be researched, developed, and deployed; it is important to use enough trusted technology
partners not to destroy your project’s bottom line.

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) represents the largest investment in Clean Energy in American history. The expansion of federal and state decarbonization policies, in addition to the historical incentives and major utility and corporate commitments to reduce carbon emissions, is continuing to drive extraordinary demand for renewable energy systems.

Gordian Energy Systems has been at the forefront of the commercial solar initiation for nearly 15 years.  Now is the time to consider new solar opportunities for your facility.  Let Gordian Energy Systems assist you with creating a plan.

As the Solar Industry continues to grow, new technologies and solutions are developing for ensuring quality control across the PV system. One such solution is using Aerial Thermography to identify deficiencies within the array. Aerial Thermography can identify module hot spots, panels not plugged in, issues with the PV strings, and damaged material. Aerial Thermography can be more reliable than hand-held thermography at ground level. Solar industry leaders will aim to incorporate these changes into the industry to maximize the quality and service provided to customers.

Many solar industry professionals with over ten years of experience have seen massive technology changes over the last decade. As many systems are now reaching tenure, we have a unique opportunity to look back at these older technologies and see how far we have come. Here are Gordian Energy’s Top Five Technology Changes over the last decade.

#5: Storage

Storage technologies have allowed us to offset peak hour demand and will be a driving force in the industry’s continued innovation.

#4: Community Solar Gardens

Adaptation to different markets’ ability to support NET Metering and customer-owned generation infrastructure has shaped legislation around the country. This delivers an ever-expanding opportunity to reach more customers with renewable technology options.

#3: DC System Voltages (600 volt to 1500 volt)

Our industry has supplied the greatest number of significant changes to the National Electric Code in a decade. Our innovation in using higher DC voltages to increase system performance has had a rippling effect across North America’s entire electrical industry.

#2: Inverters:

From central, string, and micro-inverters. Advancements in inverter technologies have allowed us to value engineer systems and increase system efficiencies.

#1: Modules:

Increases in wattage and global manufacturing have been the driving force in revolutionizing the industry. Experimentation with a thin film, cylindrical, and bifacial technologies, as well as advancements in material sciences, have allowed the industry almost to double our outputs.

Any customer looking to build a commercial or industrial solar array uses PV Production Modeling to estimate their system’s Annual Production. With this data, they are able to determine their return on investment and payback period, i.e. “how long it will take for the system to produce enough electricity to pay for itself.” However, the accuracy of production modeling is affected by the accuracy of the weather data, 3D models, and equipment data the model uses. As the solar industry continues to grow and utilize new technologies, leading companies will continue to improve upon the accuracy of modeling to maximize their client’s return on investment.

Global supply chain issues continue to present challenges to the Solar Industry. The Industry’s unique financing and operational milestone structure have made these supply chain issues distinctly harmful to successful project deployment.  The major component delays of modules, inverters, and switchgears are complicated now by pressure being felt on the balance of system components as well.  Gordian Energy Systems can assist in overcoming these challenges by clustering projects and engineering uniformed designs. This approach allows us to increase the purchasing power of the portfolio, reduce the balance of system costs, and better negotiate scheduling.