It was a long wait for everything to come together, but after lots of hard work last week the SolFocus solar arrays are assembled and in place. This week we're expecting to begin test runs of the equipment and have the installation inspected by the city so we can start operating the solar system.


 

Yesterday the electricians connected the circuit between the solar panels and our main PG&E feed. When the complete system is up and running, power from the solar panels will feed into the same circuit that carries our PG&E power.  In order to make the connection, we had to turn off our PG&E feed, start our diesel generator, and then pull the main disconnect switch.  While the electricians worked on the (now "cold") PG&E side of the switch, our  automatic transfer switch fed generator power to the building.



(The diesel generator is noisy, hence the ear protection the electricians are wearing in the photo.)

This is a delicate operation, and Chief Engineer Joe Talbot was on hand to make sure we didn't lose power and go off the air.  Fortunately, Joe reports, "It was flawless and took less time than expected."

With this work completed, there will be no future interruptions to our PG&E service when the two solar systems are placed on line.

And in other good news, work on the SolFocus system is scheduled to resume next week.

In launching KGO's solar initiative, we wanted to make use of readily available technology, but we also wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to be pioneers in exploring the benefits of emerging products -- i.e. the new solar tracking technology from SolFocus.

This technology offers two advantages not available in today's mainstream products: its CPV (concentrated photovoltaic) panels use innovative optics to concentrate the sun's rays for maximum energy generation. In addition, the panels are mounted on dual-axis trackers that allow the panels -- like much of the plant world -- to follow the sun as it moves across the sky during the day. This means that unlike traditional fixed panels, the SolFocus panels are positioned for the best possible energy generation during all daylight hours.


As is common with new technology, unexpected delays have come up in our SolFocus installation.  Nancy  Hartsoch of SolFocus explains:


"Some very recent upgrades to our solar tracking technology have caused a slight delay in the installation of the SolFocus CPV panels at KGO's transmitter site. However, there is no doubt it will be worth the wait! The new technology, developed in Spain and custom-designed for us, allows us to track the sun more accurately, resulting in a more efficient, effective and long-lived system.  The significance of this project demands that we 'get it right' and use the best technology available.  Stay tuned..."

While delays are always unfortunate, we agree that in this case the time is well spent to ensure better performance -- and additional knowledge -- once our SolFocus installation is up and running. We'll keep you informed as things develop.

The electricians have been working on wiring from the Premier Power panels (the conventional panels already in place). All of this work now appears to be complete.

We've encountered delays with the SolFocus installation, for which contractors built concrete pads earlier this month. More as it happens; meanwhile,  the contractors have removed the forms from the concrete pads, and filled and graded the area.

A new landmark on your morning commute... While waiting for the concrete foundations for the SolFocus installation to cure, we've spotlighted the work in progress with a sign on the freeway side.

The contractors were able to pour concrete on Wednesday.  This completes work on the foundations located on the south side of the building.

With the weather delay and the design changes to the pedestal foundations behind us, it looks like the work is on schedule. The newly poured concrete will require several days to cure, a process that should be complete by early next week.
 

As soon as the concrete foundations are ready, three 9-foot tall pedestals will be mounted on them, using a crane to lift them in place.  These pedestals will hold the "tracking" panels for the SolFocus system, which follows the movement of the sun during the day.

On Monday, work continued on the foundation forms.  Tuesday, the  foundation forms were completed.  The ground is beginning to dry, and the second concrete pour is scheduled for today, Wednesday. 



Also on Tuesday,  electricians were working on wiring for the solar panels on the west side of the building.

On Friday, work continued on foundation forms at the south side of the building.  When these forms are completed, more concrete will be poured.