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