NW Utility-Scale Solar Project Will Use Medium Voltage Inverter Platform from PV Powered
PV Powered, Inc., announces that its PowerVault DC-to-medium voltage turnkey inverter platform has been selected for use in the Northwest’s largest utility-scale project to date. The first project will begin installation in April with additional 5MW projects to follow in 2010.
The project is being developed in Lake County, Oregon, near Christmas Valley by the Obsidian Finance Group of Portland, Ore. Obsidian Finance will manage the project under a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with a large Pacific Northwest utility. Engineering procurement and construction are being handled by Swinerton Inc.’s Management and Consulting office out of San Diego.
This ground mount solar installation will use PV Powered’s new PowerVault (see accompanying image). PowerVault is a fully engineered and factory assembled turnkey inverter power plant with DC inputs on one side and medium voltage outputs on the other. The enclosure provides an ideal service environment and protection from vandalism, while the integrated design eliminates the need for separate pads, trenching and conduits between components, significantly reducing the need for field labor, saving money and accelerating the construction schedule.
“Swinerton Green is excited to work with PV Powered inverters on the Obsidian Projects,” said George W. Hershman, Vice President/Division Manger of Swinerton Inc.’s Renewable Energy Group. “Their commitment to long-term reliability and customer service mirror our core values. We expect this to be a very successful project for all stakeholders, the local community, and the environment.”
The efficiency and long-term reliability of the system were key factors contributing to the financial justification of the project by Obsidian Renewables.
“Obsidian is proud to have chosen PV Powered inverters for our project in Christmas Valley,” said Todd Gregory, Assistant Vice President, Obsidian Finance Group. “We believe PV Powered’s commitment to reliability, 20+ year service life, and industry-leading efficiency gives us the best financial return on utility-scale projects like this.”
“We would like to thank Obsidian for making a long-term commitment to PV Powered’s technology,” said Gregg Patterson, CEO at PV Powered. “As a result of our commitment to reliability engineering, we have produced a fleet of inverters that has been delivering 99% uptime. And we have been working continuously under the auspices of the US Government-funded SEGIS program to improve the economics and resolve the technical issues associated with bringing utility-scale solar power onto the grid.”
Source: PV Powered Inc.
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Tags: Medium Voltage Inverter Platform, PV Powered
