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