James Webb Space Telescope: Solar in outer space!

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is one of NASA’s latest telescopes that hopes to better understand the universe. But how does the JWST stay on? The JSWT utilizes solar panels to power its internal systems. Satellites were one of the first uses for Solar Panels, and the Vanguard 1 satellite was one of the first to be powered by solar energy. The JWST consists of (5) solar panels that make up a 2kW system, but its still enough to power the onboard systems. The use of solar panels has allowed us to look further into the universe and learn more about ourselves. See the articles below for more information about the solar panels on the JWST, or to see breathtaking photos captured by the telescope.

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How does commercial rooftop solar save a business money?

A solar array can turn your facility into a profit contributor!

  1. Reduced Electricity Bills: Once a commercial rooftop solar system is installed, it generates electricity from the sun at no cost. This means businesses can use the energy generated by their solar panels to power their operations, reducing the amount of electricity they need to purchase from the grid. This can result in significant cost savings on their electricity bills, particularly for businesses that use a lot of energy during the daytime when the sun is shining.
  2. Tax Credits and Incentives: Many governments offer tax credits and other incentives to businesses that invest in solar energy. These incentives can help to reduce the upfront cost of installing a commercial rooftop solar system, making it a more affordable option for businesses. Additionally, some utilities offer net metering programs, which allow companies to sell excess solar energy back to the grid, further reducing their electricity bills.
  3. Fixed Electricity Costs: Traditional electricity prices are subject to fluctuations based on supply and demand, fuel prices, and other market factors. By contrast, the cost of solar energy is predictable and stable over the long term. This means that businesses that invest in commercial rooftop solar can lock in a fixed electricity rate for the life of their solar system, helping them to budget and plan their energy costs more effectively.

Overall, commercial rooftop solar can help businesses to reduce their energy costs, increase their energy independence, and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

Gas Bills Are Going Wild

As The Wall Street Journal stated, “Homeowners and Businesses have seen their gas bills go wild,”….” and the turbulence isn’t going to end anytime soon.”

Shouldn’t you be looking at solar and other renewable sources for your commercial facilities?

There are many reasons why a building owner or facility manager should consider commercial solar for their rooftops,
parking areas, and available ground areas. Incentives, environmental impact, and positive brand are just a few. Over
Gordian’s nearly 15 years in the commercial solar industry, utility costs were not as critical in the solar decision; both
inflation and utility rates have remained mostly stable and low. That’s all changed.

Consider solar as a w strategy to hold a significant cost center of our facility, both lower and predictable.

With nearly 15 years of solar experience and over 100 years of commercial roofing experience, Gordian Energy Systems
is the partner that will help you navigate the complexity of designing, financing, and building the right system.

 

The Increasing Need for EV Battery Minerals

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.

Advantages Of Solar Energy

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.

PV Solar Snow Removal

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 commercial solar business – The Gordian Knot gets tighter

When the Gordian Energy Systems brand was created, we recognized the complexity of solar projects for our clients, particularly private, commercial clients.

But what’s in a name?

Our job is to cut through the Gordian knot challenges of commercial solar projects and solve complex issues for our clients and partners.

Recently, the commercial solar opportunity, and the complexity that comes with it, has only intensified. The Inflation Reduction Act has provided more incentives and opportunities for renewable energy projects, perhaps even more opportunities than can be implemented.

At the same time, our team needs to monitor supply chain challenges, pricing variations, unclear incentives with new regulations attached, tariffs, and import trade regulations. All are elements that are vastly more complicated today.

At Gordian, our job is to keep pace with all the changes and “cut the Gordian Knot” to make things easier for our clients.

Know that as the expansion of renewables continues, your team at Gordian Energy Systems will be there to deliver a great project of clean, renewable energy.

The Next Solar Boom

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.

Are you considering the Inflation Reduction Act: Solar makes even more sense for your facility

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.

Aerial Thermography

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.