Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Solar FlexRack Celebrates 10 Years of Successful Solar Projects Installed with its Reliable Solar Tracker and Mounting Solutions

One of the first solar projects installed with Solar FlexRack’s original racking technology is a 39-megawatt project in Ontario.

Youngstown, OH, April 29, 2020 - Solar FlexRack™, a division of Northern States Metals and an innovative leader in photovoltaic mounting and solar tracker solutions, announced today that the company is celebrating 10 years of solar projects successfully installed with the company’s solar tracker and mounting solutions. In December of 2009, Solar FlexRack installed its first fixed tilt racking solution and since then has reached a solar tracker and racking install product footprint of over two and a half gigawatts across 40 states and five countries. The company has over 100 megawatts installed in the Georgia REDI program and over 200 solar tracker installations completed or in construction across North America.

“We’ve overcome a lot of challenges in the past ten years by partnering with our customers and listening to their needs. We created products and services to give them a competitive edge in the solar market. Our commitment to our clients, and the reputation we have earned because of it, have been the cornerstone of our business. We’d like to commemorate this milestone by thanking our customers and committing to another 10 years of partnering together for their success,” commented Ken Mack, CEO of Solar FlexRack. 

The company supplied its first solar racking solution with original racking technology that offered the optimal combination of steel and aluminum to produce the lightest possible rack while maintaining maximum strength.  In the last 4 years, Solar FlexRack has expanded its product offering with value-engineered product designs that include a series of solar tracker models, and a scope of foundation solutions from pre-cast and cast-in-place (CIP) ballasts to ground screws. The diverse selection of racking products provides EPCs and utility and commercial installers with more choices to precisely meet their system requirements. The company has earned a reputation for delivering reliability not only in its solar tracker and racking products but through its engineering and project services that can reduce project risks and costs.

Last year Solar FlexRack made significant changes to its supply chain resulting in meaningful cost-efficiencies that they were then able to pass on to customers. The company has focused on scaling their business to better serve the utility-scale market. Solar FlexRack supplied over 500 MW of solar tracking and mounting products in the last year including a 105 MW project in North Carolina, a 50 MW project in Connecticut, and a 28 MW landfill solar project in New Jersey.



About Solar FlexRack
Solar FlexRack, a division of Northern States Metals, is an integrated solar company that offers custom-designed, fixed tilt ground mount and single-axis solar tracking systems in the commercial and utility-scale solar mounting industries. Solar FlexRack also offers full turnkey packages, including engineering, geotechnical, pullout testing, field, layout, and installation services to address the actual site conditions of an installation and provide a full scope of services from design to delivery and installation. Solar FlexRack has completed over 2 GW of solar racking installations in 40 states across America and five countries globally.  For more information, go to www.solarflexrack.com and follow us on TwitterFacebook, and LinkedIn.

Solar FlexRack media inquiries, please contact:
Staci Lombardo
slombardo@solarflexrack.com
330-799-1855

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Solar FlexRack Reaches 200 Solar Tracker Installations in North America as Tracker Market Growth Continues


Youngstown, OH, March 31, 2020 – Solar FlexRack™, a division of Northern States Metals and an innovative leader in photovoltaic mounting and solar tracker solutions, announced today the company has reached 200 solar tracker installations either completed or in construction of its TDP 2.0 model. The company currently has solar tracker projects in 18 states, working closely with leading solar developers and engineering, procurement & construction firms.
Solar FlexRack’s average selling price of solar trackers fell in 2019 due to supply chain shifts and a restructuring of its internal processes. The footprint of their tracker technology gained in size as projects delivered proven field performance. With a demonstrated track record of reliability, their products have organically scaled up in project size.
“According to GTM Research, North American solar tracker installations are expected to more than double from now to 2024. Solar FlexRack is prepared to meet that demand with a selection of solar tracker solutions to meet project requirements, a world-class engineering team and a competitive pricing model,” commented Steve Daniel, Executive Vice President of Solar FlexRack.
Building on their turnkey offering of full design, installation and commissioning services, including their reliable solar tracking and mounting products that provide unsurpassed reliability and cost efficiencies, Solar FlexRack is rapidly expanding its tracker business into the large-scale solar market.
About Solar FlexRack
Solar FlexRack, a division of Northern States Metals, is an integrated solar company that offers custom-designed, fixed tilt ground mount and single-axis solar tracking systems in the commercial and utility-scale solar mounting industries. Solar FlexRack also offers full turnkey packages, including engineering, geotechnical, pullout testing, field, layout, and installation services to address the actual site conditions of an installation and provide full scope of services from design to delivery and installation. Solar FlexRack has completed over 2 GW of solar racking installations in 40 states across America and five countries globally. For more information, go to www.solarflexrack.com and follow us on TwitterFacebook and LinkedIn.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Solar FlexRack Closes Over a Half Gigawatt of Business in 2019

Solar FlexRack’s solar trackers being installed in a solar project in Georgia.


Solar FlexRack Heads into the Fourth Quarter Poised for a Banner Year

Youngstown, OH, Sept. 17th, 2019 – Solar FlexRack™, a division of Northern States Metals and an innovative leader in photovoltaic mounting and solar tracker solutions, announced today that the company will close over a half a gigawatt of business in 2019 with sales for the firm spanning North America. Solar FlexRack’s contracts cover the utility-scale and commercial & industrial market segments, and also include projects in landfill solar, agriculture, municipalities and community solar. 

“Solar FlexRack has made some significant changes to our worldwide supply chain and to internal operations that have increased our efficiencies and allowed us to cut costs. We’ve been able to pass on those savings, benefitting our customers,” said Steve Daniel, Executive Vice President of Solar FlexRack. “Those savings, along with the high quality of our products and unprecedented customer service, have led both new and repeat customers to choose Solar FlexRack for projects of increasingly larger size and scope.” 

The company’s solar tracker orders have soared in 2019, amounting to approximately half of the company’s annual sales. Solar FlexRack’s TDP 2.0 Solar Tracker, an economical and structurally stable tracking technology, led the field followed closely by the FlexRack Series G3-X, one of the best field-assembled fixed tilt, ground-mount racking systems available. The company also closed several milestone solar projects in 2019 that included a 105 MW project in North Carolina, a 50 MW project in Connecticut, a 28 MW project in New Jersey and 26 projects in Georgia Power’s REDI (Renewable Energy Development Initiative) Program.

About Solar FlexRack
Solar FlexRack, a division of Northern States Metals, is an integrated solar company that offers custom-designed, fixed tilt ground mount and single-axis solar tracking systems in the commercial and utility-scale solar mounting industries. Solar FlexRack also offers full turnkey packages, including engineering, geotechnical, pullout testing, field, layout, and installation services to address the actual site conditions of an installation and provide full scope of services from design to delivery and installation. Solar FlexRack has completed over 2 GW of solar racking installations in 40 states across America and five countries globally.  For more information, go to www.solarflexrack.com.

Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Solar FlexRack to Exhibit at Solar Power International 2019


Youngstown, OH, September 4, 2019 – Solar FlexRack™, a division of Northern States Metals and an innovative leader in photovoltaic mounting and solar tracker solutions, announced it would be exhibiting at Solar Power International (SPI) in booth #425. The show is the largest solar show in North American and is being held at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah on September 23-26th, 2019.

Attendees at SPI can see the TDP Solar Tracker Series and meet with the Solar FlexRack team. The company delivers the most reliable solar trackers, racking products and project services in the industry. With a scalable business model, low error rate, excellent solar racking products and world-class engineering team - Solar FlexRack continues to be a trusted partner for developers, EPCs and solar installers. Schedule some time to meet with Solar FlexRack at SPI .

“Solar FlexRack has made some strategic moves to improve their supply chain and internal operations,” said Steve Daniel, Executive Vice President of Solar FlexRack. “This has enabled the company to improve their pricing model and that has elevated us to a very competitive position.”

Find out how Solar FlexRack is maximizing customer experience while reducing costs. Download Competitive in All the Right Ways to learn more.

As the anchor of North America Smart Energy Week, SPI will connect attendees to the largest gathering of North American solar industry professionals and vendors. The conference will present the latest insights impacting business and showcase the newest products and services in the industry. SPI provides access to an attendee-base that represents over 24 segments of the industry, including installers, contractors, major utility companies, and professionals from the energy storage, smart energy, and hydrogen markets.


About Solar FlexRack
Solar FlexRack, a division of Northern States Metals, is an integrated solar company that offers custom-designed, fixed tilt ground mount and single-axis solar tracking systems in the commercial and utility-scale solar mounting industries. Solar FlexRack also offers full turnkey packages, including engineering, geotechnical, pullout testing, field, layout, and installation services to address the actual site conditions of an installation and provide full scope of services from design to delivery and installation. Solar FlexRack has completed over 2 GW of solar racking installations in 40 states across America and five countries globally. For more information, go to www.solarflexrack.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.



Thursday, August 22, 2019

C2 Energy Capital Owns and Operates the Largest Community Solar Project in Southeast Massachusetts – Part of Middleborough Electric’s Community Shared

C2 Energy Capital owns and operates the largest community solar project in southeastern Massachusetts. 


New York, New York, Aug. 20, 2019 – C2 Energy Capital, LLC, a rapidly growing investor in renewable energy and storage assets, announced the successful completion and operation anniversary of the largest community solar project in southeastern Massachusetts. The clean power generation plant is fully subscribed and is part of Middleborough Gas and Electric Department’s (MGED) Community Shared Solar Program. Working closely with the public utility, C2 Energy Capital developed, constructed and owns the 3.3 MWDC (2.7 MWAC) solar power plant located inside the city limits of the town of Lakeville. The company has over 22 community solar projects totaling more than 44 MW in operation or currently in construction in the US.

“Our team embeds its high-quality control standards in every step of a solar project’s value chain, and that investment yielded a seamless launch of operations for Middleborough. MGED has foresight to deliver non-greenhouse gas emitting energy options to their customers, and they did an excellent job implementing the Community Solar Program,” said Candice Michalowicz, Co-founder and Managing Member of C2 Energy Capital.

“MGED is pleased to work with developers, such as C2 Energy Capital, to increase renewable energy resources in the region,” said Jacqueline Crowley, General Manager, MGED.

C2 Energy Capital’s community solar project sits on 15 acres of former farmland. As a part of the MGED Community Solar Program, it allows customers who want to support locally produced clean energy, but aren’t able to install solar panels on their own home or business, the opportunity to share in the benefits of a large solar system installed within MGED’s service territory. The 340 participating customers in this MGED Solar Community project receive direct credits on their electric bills for the term of 10 years.

ABOUT C2 ENERGY CAPITAL 
C2 Energy Capital, LLC, a rapidly growing investor in renewable energy and storage assets, provides capital and support services for the development and construction of assets as part of a long-term ownership strategy. Founded in 2014, the company manages capital on behalf of leading investors and is a Registered Investment Adviser. With a steadfast commitment to building long-term relationships, C2 Energy Capital’s experienced leadership team collaborates with developers, vendors and power purchasers to safely deliver high-quality power plants. To learn more visit www.c2.energy (important disclosure information).

ABOUT MGED 
 Middleborough Gas and Electric Department is a public utility celebrating over 125 years of service to its customer-owners in Middleborough and currently serves more than 16,000 electric customers in Lakeville and Middleborough, Massachusetts. The MGED 101-mile service area is home to over 11 MW of large-scale solar installations, commercial renewable distributed generation and home solar arrays.

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

C2 Energy Capital Scales Up Solar Sheep Program And Drives Down O&M Costs

Pilot Project’s Success in Jacksonville, Florida Clears the Path for Vegetation Management by Sheep


New York, New York, July 30, 2019 – C2 Energy Capital, LLC, a rapidly growing investor in renewable energy and storage assets, is scaling up its solar sheep program for vegetation maintenance after a highly successful pilot program launched at a Jacksonville, Florida solar power generation site. The 7-MW solar project is one of the power suppliers for JEA’s SolarMax program aimed at offering more clean energy options to its commercial customers. C2 Energy Capital expects to reduce its vegetation maintenance costs across its land-based solar power plants through the new program. Additional benefits of C2 Energy Capital’s solar sheep program include providing new economic opportunities for regional sheep farmers and further lowering the company’s carbon footprint. The company expects to rollout the new program across ten solar projects totaling over 79 megawatts.

“JEA appreciates the ongoing pursuit of supporting local economies while lowering our collective carbon footprint and overall costs, so C2 Energy Capital’s solar sheep program fits well with our principals and goals,” said Steve McInall, JEA, VP of Energy and Water Planning.

In early 2018 C2 Energy Capital began the test program with a regional sheep farmer to control ground vegetation on the site. Between 80 and 100 sheep graze the solar farm daily. The committed sheep crew work, eat and sleep on the site 24 hours a day.  Due to its more rural location, the sheep are protected by a Great Pyrenees guardian dog who lives among the flock.

“In the next phase, we’ll scale up our solar sheep program to projects covering over 300 acres in three states and drive down ground maintenance costs. It’s a win-win situation that makes good business sense for everyone involved,“ said Michael Howell, Director of Asset Management for C2 Energy Capital.

C2 Energy Capital is also currently in a test program with site vegetation management through the use of wildflower plantings to limit mowing while providing excellent pollinating habitat for insects - particularly bees whose population decline is widely reported in the media.

ABOUT C2 ENERGY CAPITAL
C2 Energy Capital, LLC, a rapidly growing investor in renewable energy and storage assets, provides capital and support services for the development and construction of assets as part of a long-term ownership strategy. Founded in 2014, the company manages capital on behalf of leading investors and is a Registered Investment Adviser. With a steadfast commitment to building long-term relationships, C2 Energy Capital’s experienced leadership team collaborates with developers, vendors and power purchasers to safely deliver high-quality power plants. To learn more visit www.c2.energy (important disclosure information).

ABOUT JEA
JEA is the largest municipal electric utility in Florida and one of the largest water and sewer utilities in the nation providing electric, water and sewer service to residents and businesses in northeast Florida.  Please visit our website:  www.jea.com

Media Contact:
media@C2.energy