Partner content with Shoals Technologies Group.
(Image: Shoals.)
As the solar industry evolves, long-term performance has become a top priority for project owners and developers. This focus drives the need for innovative approaches to optimize system performance and sustainability. Electrical Balance of Systems (EBOS) solutions, which include all the elements that connect and manage the flow of electricity within an energy system, play a critical role in ensuring that energy is delivered safely, reliably and efficiently.
Despite recent growth, solar projects face challenges such as rising costs, reliability issues, unnecessary complexity and inefficiency. Poor design, low-quality materials and reliance on field-fabricated connections can lead to serious problems such as thermal damage, overheating, electrical arcing and even fire. In addition, resource-intensive installations and maintenance further contribute to the problems.
Shoals Technologies Group, a leading market player, is focused on delivering EBOS solutions that address both the challenges and changing demands of the solar industry.
“Components once expected to last 20 years now need to maintain high levels of performance for much longer periods, requiring them to withstand longer environmental and operational loads,” said Nick Valcho, Senior Manager Customer Care and Application Design at Shoals. “One of the most significant shifts we are seeing is the growing expectation that solar energy systems will have a design life of 30 to 35 years.”
Shoals offers innovative, factory-made solutions that streamline the design and layout of solar projects, with an emphasis on ease of installation and operation. This approach is reflected in the company’s motto: ‘simply invent’. Their products include Big Lead Assembly (BLA) with fewer connections and a proprietary under/over mold design, improving resistance to harsh environmental conditions. Shoals’ solutions eliminate the need for electricians to do manual fieldwork; this leaves less room for human error and is more cost-effective. To improve the lifespan of its EBOS equipment, Shoals prioritizes high-quality materials, component compatibility and standardization, and rigorous testing that goes beyond industry standards.
According to Valcho, Shoals’ EBOS designs are designed to maximize energy efficiency by reducing resistance losses and ensuring good thermal management. Minimizing connections within the system has a twofold benefit: it reduces the potential for energy losses through connection points and simplifies installation processes. In real-world applications, Shoals solutions have demonstrated significant improvements in energy yield through reduced downtime.
Shoals’ EBOS products have earned the trust of customers such as Mill Creek Renewables. Peter Farlekas, CEO of Mill Creek Renewables, said: “Mill Creek Renewables selected Shoals’ BLA solution for two projects in Pennsylvania totaling 260 MWdc and a single 300 MWdc project in Virginia. Shoals’ BLA solution enabled a more cost-effective and simpler installation process. With Mill Creek Renewables’ strict QA/QC standards, we have come to trust Shoals over the years as a partner that aligns with the standards and values of our project construction.”
As the EBOS market continues to evolve, Shoals is investing in modularity, standardization and advanced real-time monitoring capabilities. The company is also focusing on emerging areas such as battery energy storage, higher power components and product traceability.
“We pride ourselves on our agility and foresight,” said Valcho. “By staying ahead, we continue to innovate and deliver solutions that not only meet the demands of today, but are also ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”
Connect with Shoals today to learn more about advanced EBOS solutions and ways to ensure the safety, reliability and longevity of your solar project.
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