Views from a Solar Installer
Finding Beauty in Photovoltaics
In 2007 I started a journey down the path towards sustainability. Along the way, I took on the challenge of obtaining a business degree with a focus on sustainable enterprise management. My goal was to be a key player in the transformation of non-green organizations and help them with the transition to sustainable practices. To support this, I felt it was necessary to begin working on creating a knowledge portfolio. My first study in the renewable industry was Photovoltaics.
This portfolio aims to capture my progress and to help people not only understand the benefits, but to also appreciate the beauty of the solution.
Special thanks to Sierra College in Rocklin, CA and their ESS program for helping me discover this passion.
A most humble appreciation to my friends Steve Geiger and Brian Hurd, the two greatest solar professionals in the world, for mentoring me. I am forever grateful.
I hope that you enjoy my perception of Photovoltaics.
"Be aggressive with the Green movement, but don't forget to stop to appreciate it"
~Michael Dela Pena -EnergyCareerPath.Com
My First Installation!
Granite Bay - November 2009
Residential - 2 story
Economic Energy Solutions
11.18 kW array - 52 Sanyo panels, ProSolar Racking System, Conergy Tile Hooks, Enphase Microinverters
Total kW installation to date: 11.18 kW
First Days with GRID Alternatives
Napa - January 2010
Residential - 1 story
4.1 kW array - 18 SunPower panels, SunPower System
This was a two day project with GRID Alternatives. I was involved in with the inverter installation on the first day.
(the above photo belongs to GRID Alternatives and can be found on the GRID Alternatives website)
Total kW installation to date: 15.21 kW
Lead Installer
Auburn - January 2011
Owner built structure with corrugated galvanized steel roof
Economic Energy Solutions
Lead Installer
9.36 kW array - 39 Sharp NU-U240F1 panels, Unirac Solarmount Racking System, SMA 8000US Inverter
Total kW installation to date: 34.64 kW
Total kW lead installer to date: 9.36kw
Bringing PACE to Placer - 1st Commerical Install
Roseville, CA - May 2011
Commercial - 1-story, flat tile roof
PSG Solar and Alternative Energy - for MPower
13.8 kW array - 60 Green Power 230W ET-P660230B PV Modules, Iron Ridge Racking System, 30 Enphase D380-72-2LL-S12/3 Microinverters
Total kW installation to date: 38.44 kW
Total kW lead installer to date: 9.36kw
Territory Increases
Lodi, CA - June 2011
Residential - 2-story, concrete tile roof
PSG Solar and Alternative Energy
3.06 kW array - 17 Canadian Solar CS5A-180M PV Modules, SnapNrack Series 100 PV Mounting System, 17 Enphase M190-72-240-S12/3 Microinverters
Total kW installation to date: 41.5 kW
Total kW lead installer to date: 9.36kw
Now I'm Designing!
Auburn, CA - August 2011
Residential - 1-story, concrete tile roof
Economic Energy Solutions
Lead Installer
System Designer - Software used: TurboCAD, Google Earth, OnGrid
4.8 kW array - 20 Sharp NU-U240F2 PV Modules, SnapNrack Series 100 PV Mounting System, 20 Enphase M215-60-2LL-S22/S23 Microinverters
Total kW installation to date: 43.6 kW
Total kW lead installer to date: 14.6kw
Total kW system design to date: 4.8 kW
Those Beautiful Solar Lines
Sacramento, CA - August 2011
Residential - 1-story, concrete s-tile roof
Economic Energy Solutions
7.2 kW array - 30 Sharp NU-U240F2 PV Modules, SnapNrack Series 100 PV Mounting System, Shucco EZ-Anchor Tile Hooks, 30 Enphase M215-60-2LL-S22/S23 Microinverters
Total kW installation to date: 50.8 kW
Total kW lead installer to date: 14.6kw
Total kW system design to date: 4.8 kW
The Look of Poly Still Amazes Me
Auburn, CA - Septeber 2011
Residential - 1-story, concrete flat tile roof & gazebo
SolCal Solar
13 kW array - 56 Canadian CS6P-230 PV Modules, UniRac PV Mounting System, SMA Sunny Boy, Tygo Energy Maximizers.
For this project, I only provided assistance with mounts.
Total kW installation to date: 63.8 kW
Total kW lead installer to date: 14.6kw
Total kW system design to date: 4.8
Installing on Sierra College!
Rocklin, CA - September 2011
Commercial - 2-story
Collins Electrical as a Residential Trainee
75 kW array - 338 Panda YL255C-30b PV Modules, Sunlink Ballast Rack Mounting System, SatCon PowerGate Plus PVS-75-480
During my limited time with this project, I was mainly tasked to assist with the installation of the Sunlink Ballast Rack Mount system.
Special "Thank You' to Collins Electrical and the IBEW Local 340 for giving me this opportunity.
Total kW installation to date: 138.8 kW
Total kW lead installer to date: 14.6 kw
Total kW system design to date: 4.8 kW
Here's how it turned out!
Quite impressive!
One of Our Favorite Customers
Auburn, CA - December 2011
Residential - 2-story, w-tile roof
Four Phase Energy (for California Energy Systems)
Lead Installer
3.04 kW array - 16 Mage Powertec Plus 190/5MH PV Modules, SnapNrack Series 100 PV Mounting System, Schletter Tile Hooks, SMA SUNNY BOY SB3000US (240V)
Total kW installation to date: 141.84 kW
Total kW lead installer to date: 17.64kw
Total kW system design to date: 7.12 kW
Auburn, CA - January 2012
Residential - 1-story garage, Monier tile roof
Four Phase Energy (for SLR Solar, LLC)
Lead Installer
2.68 kW array - 14 Sanyo Electric HIP-215NKHA6 PV Modules, SnapNrack Series 100 PV Mounting System, Schletter Tile Hooks, 14 Enphase M215-60-2LL-S22/23 Microinverters
Total kW installation to date: 144.52 kW
Total kW lead installer to date: 20.32kw
Total kW system design to date: 7.48 kW
Multiple Arrays on a Beautiful Home
El Dorado Hills, CA - February 2011
Residential - 2-story, flat tile roof & Garage
Four Phase Energy (for Premier Power)
Lead Installer
15.125 kW array - 55 Suntech STP275 PV Modules, Unirac PV Mounting System, Quickscrews Tile Hooks, 3 PowerOne Aurora Inverters (3kW and 6 kW)
Total kW installation to date: 159.64 kW
Total kW lead installer to date: 35.44kw
Total kW system design to date: 4.8 kW
Sacramento, CA - March 2011
Residential - 2-story, flat-tile roof
Four Phase Energy (for Premier Power)
Lead Installer
5.13 kW array - 27 Suntech 190W PV Modules, SnapNrack Series 100 PV Mounting System, Quickscrews Tile Hooks, Power One Aurora PV Inverter 5kW AC
Total kW installation to date: 164.77 kW
Total kW lead installer to date: 40.57kw
Total kW system design to date: 4.8 kW
Quick and Simple Solar
Foresthill, CA - May 2012
Residential - 1-story, composition tile roof
Four Phase Energy (for Economic Energy Solutions)
9.36 kW array - 39 Sharp ND-240QCJ 240W PV Modules, ProSolar Racking System, Fast Jack Flashable Roof Stanchion, 39 Enphase M215-60-2LL-S22 Microinverters
Total kW installation to date: 174.13 kW
Total kW lead installer to date: 40.57 kw
Total kW system design to date: 4.8 kW
My First Ground Mount
Rescue, CA - June 2012
Residential - Ground Mount
Four Phase Energy (for Premier Power)
14.4 kW array - 64 Ecosolargy 225W TWES-(225) 60P Modules, SnapNRack Ground Mount Racking System, Sunmodo EZ Roof Mount and flashing, 2 SMA Sunny Boy 7000-US (240V) Inverters
Total kW installation to date: 188.53 kW
Total kW lead installer to date: 54.97 kw
Total kW system design to date: 4.8 kW
Placerville, CA - July 2012
Residential - 1-story, composition tile roof
Four Phase Energy (for Syndicated Solar)
6.86 kW array - 28 Siliken SLK60P6L 245W Modules, Unirac PV Mounting System, 1 SMA Sunny Boy 6000-US (240V) Inverters
Total kW installation to date: 195.39 kW
Total kW lead installer to date: 54.97 kw
Total kW system design to date: 4.8 kW
Shingle Springs, CA - July 2012
Residential - 2-story, concrete tile roof
Four Phase Energy (for Syndicated Solar)
8.82 kW array - 36 Siliken SLK60P6L 245W Modules, Unirac PV Mounting System, 1 SMA Sunny Boy 7000-US (240V) Inverters, Quickscrew Flat Tile Roof Hooks
Total kW installation to date: 204.21 kW
Total kW lead installer to date: 63.79 kw
Total kW system design to date: 4.8 kW
Decommissioning and Reinstallation
This project highlights my ability to identify the connectivity of an existing system installed by another company and successfully (and safely) take it apart and put it back together.
Rescue, CA - September 2012
Residential - 1-story, composition tile roof
Four Phase Energy
Re-roofing Project (Decommission/Re-installation)
5.94 kW array - 30 Sharp ND-198U1F 198W Modules, Sharp Solar Racking System SRS187, 1 Fronius 5100 IG Inverter, Siemens Disconnect HNF262R 60A
Total kW installation to date: 210.15 kW
Total kW lead installer to date: 63.79 kw
Total kW system design to date: 4.8 kW
Accurate Site Assessment is Key
This project highlights the need for a thorough site assessment, which includes visual observation, roof inspection, and proper operation of shade analysis tools.
El Dorado Hills, CA - September 2012
Residential - 2-story, concrete tile roof
Sun Phase Energy/Four Phase Energy
Site assessment only.
Solar for a Napa Valley Winery
This project involved a decommission of an existing ground mount and moving the entire system onto a new facility. Some of the work included the reuse of metals (new racking systems were created from the salvaged ground mount material) and wiring from the equipment was tested and used as well.
St. Helena, CA - November 2012
Commercial - 1-story, standing-seam roof (Winery Building)
Sun Phase Energy/Four Phase Energy (for Phat Energy)
201.6 kW array - 960 Sunpower ND-198U1F 198W Modules, Unistrut racking, 32 Sunpower SP1 Fronius 5100 IG Inverter, Midnight Solar MNPV Combiners
Total kW installation to date: 411.75 kW
Total kW lead installer to date: 63.79 kw
Total kW system design to date: 4.8 kW
Working with Plan It, For the Planet
Lincoln, CA - January 2013
Residential - 1-story, Flat Tile
Four Phase Energy (for Plan It Solar)
3.12 kW array - 12 Suniva OPT260, Unirac PV Mounting System, 1 SMA Sunny Boy SB-3000
Total kW installation to date: 414.75 kW
Total kW lead installer to date: 63.79 kw
Total kW system design to date: 4.8 kW
If you thought the view was amazing...
Next project site, located in the beautiful region of Placerville, CA
Beautiful Solar, Beautiful View
Placerville, CA - February 2013
Residential - 1-story, EPDM, Self-Ballasted System, Detached garage
Four Phase Energy (for Syndicated Solar)
6.24 kW array - 26 Trina TSM 240 PA, AET Rayport 430 Self Ballasted System, 1 SMA Sunny Boy SB-5000
Total kW installation to date: 420.29 kW
Total kW lead installer to date: 63.79 kw
Total kW system design to date: 4.8 kW
Gotta have a solar and sun shot :)
Lincoln, CA - June 2013
Residential - 1-story, Concrete Tile
Four Phase Energy (for Plan It Solar)
3.0 kW array - ET SOLAR INDUSTRY ET-P672300WB, 1 SMA Sunny Boy SB-3000
Total kW installation to date: 423.29 kW
Total kW lead installer to date: 63.79 kw
Total kW system design to date: 4.8 kW
...and Introducing Sun Phase Energy
Granite Bay, CA - Sept 2013
Residential - 1-story, Concrete Tile
Sun Phase Energy
5.0 kW array - 23 Canadian Solar CS6P 250P, 23 Enphase M215-60-2LL-S2x
Total kW installation to date: 428.29 kW
Total kW lead installer to date: 68.79 kw
Total kW system design to date: 4.8 kW
Installing on unique roof faces
Granite Bay, CA - Sept 2013
Residential - 1-story, Concrete Tile
Sun Phase Energy
5.0 kW array - 23 Canadian Solar CS6P 250P, 23 Enphase M215-60-2LL-S2x
Total kW installation to date: 428.29 kW
Total kW lead installer to date: 68.79 kw
Total kW system design to date: 4.8 kW
Rocklin, CA - Sept 2013
Residential - 2-story, Flat Tile
Sun Phase Energy
4.0 kW array - 18 Canadian Solar CS6P 255M, 18 Enphase M215-60-2LL-S2x Micro Inverters
Total kW installation to date: 436.04 kW
Total kW lead installer to date: 76.54 kw
Total kW system design to date: 4.8 kW
Lincoln, CA - October 2013
Residential - 1-story, Flat Tile
Four Phase Energy (for Plan It Solar)
4.08 kW array - 16 Conergy PH 255P, SMA SB4000TL-US-22 (240V) 4000 W INVERTER
Total kW installation to date: 440.12 kW
Total kW lead installer to date: 80.62 kw
Total kW system design to date: 4.8 kW
Davis, CA - November 2013
Residential - 2-story, Flat Tile
Four Phase Energy (for Plan It Solar)
3.75 kW array - 15 Conergy PH 250P, SOLAREDGE SE6000A-US 6000 Watt Inverter
Total kW installation to date: 443.87 kW
Total kW lead installer to date: 84.37 kw
Total kW system design to date: 4.8 kW
Beautiful Barn System
Lincoln, CA - November 2013
Commercial - Barn Structure, Corrugated Metal
Four Phase Energy (for Plan It Solar)
5.10 kW array - 20 Conergy PH 255P, SMA SB5000TL-US-22 (240V) 5000 W INVERTER
Total kW installation to date: 448.97 kW
Total kW lead installer to date: 89.47 kw
Total kW system design to date: 4.8 kW
Combination Pitched
Lincoln, CA - November 2013
Residential - 1-story, Flat Tile
Four Phase Energy (for Plan It Solar)
4.00 kW array - 16 Conergy PH 250P,SOLAREDGE SE3800A-US 3800 Watt Inverter
Total kW installation to date: 459.09 kW
Total kW lead installer to date: 99.59 kw
Total kW system design to date: 4.8 kW
Ocampo, CA - December 2013
Residential - 1-story, Composition
Four Phase Energy (for Real Goods Solar)
8.50 kW array - 34 Canadian Solar CS6P 250P,34 Enphase M215-60-2LL-S2x Micro Inverters
Total kW installation to date: 467.59 kW
Total kW lead installer to date: 108.09 kw
Total kW system design to date: 4.8 kW
Custom Installation
El Dorado Hills, CA - December 2013
Residential - 2-story, S-Tile
Sun Phase Energy
11.985 kW array - 43 Canadian Solar CS6P 255M, 43 Enphase M215-60-2LL-S2x Micro Inverters
Total kW installation to date: 479.57 kW
Total kW lead installer to date: 120.07 kw
Total kW system design to date: 4.8 kW
Troubleshooting Building Integrated PV
Roseville, CA - December 2013
Residential - 2-story, Flat Tile
Four Phase Energy - Panel replacement, damaged caused by hot spots
2.39 kW array - 38 SunPower SunTile (Powerlite PL-PLT-63L-BLK-U BPIV), 1 SunPower Satellite-SPR-2800x 2800 watt inverter (mfg by Xantrex)
Total kW installation to date: 481.96 kW
Total kW lead installer to date: 120.07 kw
Total kW system design to date: 4.8 kW
One of the problems with integrated solar....HEAT!
Without any room for airflow underneath the array, it's no wonder why the cells were burning up.
Rocklin, CA - January 2014
Residential - 2-story, Flat Tile
Sun Phase Energy
6.375 kW array - 25 Canadian Solar CS6P 255M, 25 Enphase M215-60-2LL-S2x Micro Inverters
Total kW installation to date: 488.335 kW
Total kW lead installer to date: 126.445 kw
Total kW system design to date: 4.8 kW
Granite Bay, CA - January 2014
Residential - 1-story, Composition Roof
Sun Phase Energy
8.5 kW array - 34 Canadian Solar CS6P 250M, 34 Enphase M215-60-2LL-S2x Micro Inverters
Total kW installation to date: 496.835 kW
Total kW lead installer to date: 134.945 kw
Total kW system design to date: 4.8 kW
Lincoln, CA - January 2014
Residential - 2-story, Flat Tile
Four Phase Energy (for Plan It Solar)
6.36 kW array - 28 Conergy PH 250P, Solaredge Technologies SE6000A-US 6000 W Inverter, 28 Solaredge Technologies OP250-LV 250 Watt Power Optimizers
Total kW installation to date: 503.195 kW
Total kW lead installer to date: 134.945 kw
Total kW system design to date: 4.8 kW
Lincoln, CA - February 2014
Residential - 2-story, S Tile
Four Phase Energy (for Plan It Solar)
7.14 kW array - 28 Conergy PH 255P, Solaredge Technologies SE6000A-US 6000 W Inverter, 28 Solaredge Technologies OP250-LV 250 Watt Power Optimizers
Total kW installation to date: 510.335 kW
Total kW lead installer to date: 134.945 kw
Total kW system design to date: 4.8 kW
Change of Guard
This picture symbolizes an important stage in my career. This is a picture of one of my students who went on to become one of Four Phase Energy's best installers.
Solar will take you where it needs you and at this time in my career, I began to focus on the development of the company as well as expanding my reach throughout California, spreading the knowledge solar through hands on training.
I hope that you enjoyed my installation portfolio. The journey doesn't stop here...
-Michael