Rapid Shutdown, Large Modules, and Storage: Trends Shaping C&I Solar with Steve Schwerd | EP225

Clean Power Hour

In this episode of the Clean Power Hour host Tim Montague sits down with Steve Schwerd of Schwerd Consulting to discuss the state of commercial, industrial, and small-scale utility solar and storage engineering.

Steve shares his journey from electrical engineer to solar industry expert, highlighting the evolution of sustainable design and the growing viability of solar projects. The conversation delves into the current state of the C&I solar market, touching on challenges like third-party ownership of commercial real estate and the impact of community solar initiatives.

The episode explores key trends in the industry, including:

• The implications of UL 3741 certification and rapid shutdown requirements
• Pros and cons of different rapid shutdown solutions
• The shift towards larger solar modules and their impact on rooftop installations
• Challenges and opportunities in the battery storage market

Steve offers valuable insights on the integration of solar and storage systems, discussing both standalone storage projects and combined solar-plus-storage installations. He also touches on the growing demand for fully integrated storage solutions and the importance of proper system controls and utility interfaces.

Throughout the conversation, Steve emphasizes the exciting solar industry career opportunities for young professionals and those transitioning from other fields. He highlights the rapid growth potential and the chance to gain extensive experience in a relatively short time.

This episode provides a comprehensive look at the technical and market trends shaping the C&I solar and storage sector, offering valuable information for industry professionals, aspiring solar engineers, and anyone interested in the clean energy transition.

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Steve Schwerd
Schwerd Consulting

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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