Tim Townsend 1980s Solar, PVUSA and more!

Sean White hosts Tim Townsend in an extensive discussion on the historical and technical evolution of solar energy. They delve into Arco Solar's pioneering work in the 1980s, the PVUSA project, and personal anecdotes that bring to life the early days of the solar industry. The conversation also explores the practicalities of solar energy systems, from degradation rates to the enduring reliability of older and newer modules. Tim shares insights earned from decades in the field, peppered with amusing and thought-provoking stories, including a scare involving a stray bullet at the PVUSA site.

Topics Covered:

PG&E = Pacific Gas and Electric Company

PVUSA = Photovoltaics for Utility Systems Applications.

Eclipse

Arco Solar

Off grid

On grid

AEE Solar

Real Goods Solar

Carrizo Solar

Grid-tie Inverter

History of Solar

Led Acid Battery

33 cell modules and 36 cell modules

System Sizing and Site Analysis

Darren Bouton

SCE = Southern California Edison

Radio Shack Science Kit

NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners

PVUSA test conditions

EPRI = Electric Power research Institute

NREL = National Renewable Energy Laboratory

M660

NOCT = Nominal Operating Cell Temperature

VOC = Open Circuit Voltage

NMOT + Nominal Module Operating Temperature

CEC = California Energy Commission test conditions

AC = Rating

Evergreen solar

PVUSA Testing Center (near a target range)

PVUSA Testing Center Tour

NREL Performance and Reliability Workshop

PV Degradation

 

Reach Tim Townsend here:

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/tim-townsend

 

Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean