how to protect solar array from a hurricane or natural disaster

How to Protect Your Solar Panels from a Hurricane

Hurricane Preparedness Tips for Commercial Solar Energy Systems

View Our Tips on How to Protect Your Solar Panels from Storm Damage this Hurricane Season: June 1 – November 30

Florida’s hurricane season runs from June 1^st – November 30^th, with the peak of the season in August and September. This is the sixth year in a row that a tropical depression has formed before the official start of hurricane season, kicking off what experts predict will be an active season.

Both the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Colorado State University hurricane researchers are predicting an above-average Atlantic hurricane season in 2020, with the likely absence of El Niño as a primary factor. Tropical and subtropical Atlantic sea surface temperatures are also warmer than usual, a factor supporting an active hurricane season ahead. The Weather Company calls for 18 named storms, nine hurricanes, and four major hurricanes.

Commercial solar system owners should prepare now no matter the forecast. Add to that the start of the rainy season, which is underway now through October, there is no time like the present to prepare your solar array to protect it from storm damage.

What to Do Before a Hurricane

Check Inverter(s) Status and Communication Status to ensure pre-storm operation.
Inspect Inverter Enclosures and All Outdoor Electrical Gear for proper seal and cabinet closure.
Measure Torque of All Electrical Connections, Re-torque As Needed
Inspect All Conduits for Proper Connections To Supports, Couplings, and Fittings, and Duct Seal at potential water entry points
Inspect All Visible Wire Connections To Ensure All Are Properly Secured
Spot Check All Racking and Attachment Systems for Loose Or Missing Parts, using torque verification markings from the original installation
Inspect PV Modules for Physical Damage and Document Conditions
Inspect Warning Signs and Labels for first responder warnings and information.
*In the Event That Your System Is in The Path Of A Major Storm; Schedule An Authorized AGT Technician To Systematically Power The System Down (AC/DC Disconnects & Communication)

What to Do After a Hurricane

Schedule an AGT Technician to Systematically Power System On (AC/DC Disconnects & Communication)
Confirm No Water Leakage to Any Component Parts
Check Operating Voltage (AC and DC Voltage) and Current
Measure Torque of All Electrical Connections, Re-torque As Needed
Check Inverter Status, Inspect Inverter Cabinet For Damage And Proper Securement:
Check Inverter Fans for Dirt/Dust Build-up, Clean And Verify Fans Are Operating Properly
Check Filters and Clean As Needed
Inspect All Conduits for Proper Connections To Supports, Couplings, and Fittings, and Duct Seal soundness at cable entry points
Inspect All Visible Wire Connections to Ensure All Are Properly Secured
Inspect All Warning Signs and Labels and Add or Replace as Needed
Spot Check All Racking and Attachment Systems for Loose or Missing Parts. Repair or Replace as Needed:
Consider Aerial Thermal Scan of the array for microfractures and hotspots from excessive panel stress or impact.
Visually Inspect 5% of All PV Modules for Physical Damage and Document Conditions
Remove and Dispose of Any Debris Covering the Modules That May Cause Shading or Damage

Why Work With Advanced Green Technologies During Hurricane Season in Florida

Advanced Team: We have seven offices in Florida and more than 575 employees to help with repairs following a storm.
Emergency Generators: Emergency generators are located at all branch locations to keep operations going post-storm.
Offsite Email: Our offsite communication system has been enhanced and ensures we will always be accessible following a storm.
Fuel & Supplies: We have a special reserve of fuel and supplies for our entire fleet to ensure quick mobilization for emergency repairs.
South Florida Disaster Resiliency Coalition: We partner with emergency management and private-public entities across the tri-county area to enhance and build a hurricane resilient community.

Schedule Your Hurricane Season Solar Inspections and Maintenance Today

We know that preparing your solar array for a hurricane can be overwhelming. One way to reduce the stress of hurricane planning is to take action now by performing preventive maintenance inspections and repairs on your solar panels, racking system, and electrical components before and after a major storm hits. Advanced Green Technologies is here to help. Call us today at (888) 735-2641 or click here to have your roof inspected and documented so you are prepared to take on this hurricane season

Help Save the Solar Industry

Help Save Solar in Florida

Congress Should Act Fast to Save the Solar Industry

Opinion Article by Rob Kornahrens, Found and CEO of Advanced Green Technologies

COVID-19 has hit the solar industry hard. With 250,000 American employees and $19 billion in annual infrastructure investments, the U.S. solar industry has enjoyed extraordinary growth over the past several years. However, with a plummeting economy and industry job figures, the COVID-19 crisis is threatening these solar jobs and critically important investments.

Issues from supply chain delays to tightening tax equity markets could lead to a loss of nearly half of the solar industry workforce in the United States over the coming months. Projections have industry losses down by 38% relative to forecasts.

Read the full article in the Sun-Sentinel

Coronavirus Procedures

Advanced Green Technologies Conronvirus Procedures for a Safe Workplace

At Advanced Green Technologies, the health and safety of our customers and employees are our number one priority. As our team is closely monitoring the situation surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19), we have preparations in place to reduce the potential for disruption of our services to our customers throughout the State of Florida.

Instructed all employees to stay home if they are sick or knowingly exposed to someone diagnosed with the coronavirus.
Limited exposure to any of our facilities by outside vendors, visitors, and guests.
Introduced hand-sanitizing and wash stations at all job sites.
Provided all employees with education on good personal hygiene practices.
Trained all managers on our policy in relation to the coronavirus and how to enforce our policy requiring sick employees to remain home if sick or they be sent home if they come to work sick.
Increased frequency of cleaning and disinfecting all facilities and work vehicles.
Canceled meetings, trade shows, and special events.
Limited travel to essential business activities only.
Administrative employees are able to work from home.

In doing business with Advanced, customers are encouraged to limit non-essential contact by:

Communicating Electronically: Contact our staff via email, telephone, and Online Chat through our website www.agt.com.

We understand this is a difficult time for everyone, and we will do our best not to disrupt service to your building. We are grateful for your loyalty and are committed to providing you with excellent commercial roofing services. Should you have any questions, please call us at 888-735-2641 or reach out to your direct contact at Advanced Green Technologies.

Thank you for understanding, and we wish you and your family health and wellness during this difficult time.

2020 Solar Energy Tax Credit for Businesses

Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) 2020 Step Down

Solar Tax Credits for Businesses in Florida 2020

Take Advantage of Important Solar Tax Credits for Bussiness and Commercial Properties

As the cost of going green becomes more affordable each year, many commercial building owners are tempted to hold off on installing solar panels in an attempt to get the best deals. But as the federal investment tax credit (ITC), also known as the solar tax credit for businesses, decreased on January 1 from 30% to 26%, the clock is ticking on getting the best deal on your solar investment. Now is the best time to install a solar roofing system before next year’s step-down.

What is the Solar Tax Credit for Businesses?

The federal solar tax credit previously allowed commercial building owners to deduct 30% of the cost of installing a solar energy system from their federal income taxes until 2020. The tax credit can also be claimed as soon as the construction of the system begins. The credit and depreciation benefit helped reduce the system price by as much as 60%. Add to that savings from a reduced utility bill, and business owners were looking at a bright investment.

Solar ITC Step-Down Schedule

Since the ITC was enacted in 2006, the U.S. solar industry has grown by more than 10,000%, with an average annual growth of 50% over the last decade. Even with this success, starting January 1, 2020, the value of the tax credit began its decline from 30% to its current 26%. Next year, the credit drops even further to 22% and plummets to a permanent 10% in 2022 and onward. A four percent decrease in 2021 may sound small, but when installing a solar panel system, especially on large commercial buildings, the loss in savings can be significant.

Things to Consider When Installing Solar on Your Commercial Property

You’ve decided now is the time to go green – so what’s next? Be sure to confirm the installation timeline once you have chosen a company. Schedules vary so it is important to confirm that your system will be installed before the end of the year to get the maximum tax incentive.

Seeing (the Savings) is Believing

Some of Florida’s largest businesses like Publix Super Markets, Ed Morse, Lockheed Martin, and Advanced Roofing have installed solar on their properties, from rooftop installations to solar carports. Solar has a short payback period, provides steady financial returns, and helps business owners hedge against rising energy prices. According to our data, Advanced Roofing paid on average $1,623.00 in monthly electricity bills before going solar. After the installation of an 84-kW solar carport at our headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, our electricity bill is approximately $890.00 – a 55% reduction.

How Much Money Can Solar Save Your Business?

Advanced Green Technologies acquires MSC Electric

May 15, 2019
By agt
In Uncategorized, Company Announcement, News
0 comments

Acquisition Brings an In-House Electric Contracting Team To Meet Surging Corporate Demand for Solar Energy

As corporate demand for solar energy rises, a strategic acquisition brings Advanced Green Technologies (AGT), Florida’s largest commercial solar contractor, a veteran in-house electric contracting team to streamline schedules and trim costs.

AGT’s parent company, Advanced Roofing Inc., today announced it has acquired Davie, Florida-based electrical contractor MSC Electric Inc.

““Adding MSC’s proven talent to our team enables us be a single, cost effective source for commercial clients who’ve committed to meet aggressive renewable energy goals,” said Clint Sockman, vice president of both AGT and Advanced Roofing. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Founded in 2001 by Michael Cervone, a Florida Licensed Unlimited Electrical Contractor, MSC Electric is a longtime subcontractor for AGT on major solar energy projects. Cervone will serve as AGT’s electrical division manager overseeing all electrical functions, from design through installation, for solar rooftop, solar farm and solar carport solutions.

“As more Fortune 500 and other high-profile companies commit to be carbon neutral by 2025 or 2030, their need to produce enough renewable energy is pushing demand for commercial solar energy to record levels in Florida,” said Sockman. “Once corporations adopt policies to reduce their sizeable carbon footprints, the clock is running. They must consider all alternatives based on their real estate portfolios, and we find rooftop solar arrays and solar carports are always under discussion.”

Sockman expects Advanced Roofing’s revenues, which topped $95 million in 2018, to continue growing this year, fueled in part by the rise in solar energy demand. “The vision of corporate America is clear. They need to quickly find ways to produce more renewable energy,” he said. “Fortunately, the economics of solar energy has never been better.”

Availability of federal tax credits for 30 percent of commercial solar energy installations’ costs until year-end 2019 is boosting corporate clients’ sense of urgency, Sockman said. “Our pipeline is seeing significant growth as more companies realize they can access tax credits by spending at least five percent of a project’s estimated costs by year-end,” he added.

Acquiring MSC Electric is the latest vertical integration step for AGT and Advanced Roofing, a diversified corporation whose additional Florida licenses include Roofing Contractor, General Contractor, Solar Contractor, and Air Conditioning Contractor.

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