RACE HARDWARE Dual Axis Solar Trackers Installation Guide

RACE HARDWARE Dual Axis Solar Trackers

SOLAR TRACKERS

Tracking the sun produces 30-40% more power than a traditional fixed solar array.

Blairstown, IA • 319-454-6514 Vinton, IA • 319-472-2011 jake@rabehardware.com RabeSolar.com

“EVERY HOUR THE SUN BEAMS ONTO EARTH MORE THAN ENOUGH ENERGY TO SATISFY GLOBAL ENERGY NEEDS FOR AN ENTIRE YEAR.”
National Geographic

EASTERN IOWANS ARE TURNING TO SOLAR ENERGY

A solar panel installation produces clean, cost-efficient energy harnessed by the sun that locks in energy costs while helping the environment. Over the last 10 years, the cost to install solar panels has dropped by more than 70 percent while the technology and durability has improved. Due to these factors, on-site power generation with solar panels is an extremely economical energy solution with a shorter payback time. Rabe Hardware’s knowledge and experience will ensure you get the greatest return on your solar investment.

When you’re ready to invest in a custom solar system for your home call Rabe Hardware, Eastern Iowa’s leader in residential applications. From start to finish, the team at Rabe Hardware will make the entire process easy and hassle free.

• Rabe’s Power Production Guarantee
• 26% Federal Tax Credit
• Potential Iowa State Tax Credit
• Commercial/Ag Rapid Depreciation
• 4-7 Year Average Payback
• Produce 500 kWh/year Per Panel
• Low Interest Financing
• 25-30 Year Panel Warranty
• 12-25 Year Inverter Warranty
• 5 Year Rabe Parts & Labor Warranty
• Licensed & Certified Electricians
• No Batteries Necessary
• Real-time Monitoring (PC & Mobile)

SOLAR BASICS

WHAT IS SOLAR ENERGY?

• Solar Energy is radiant light and heat from the sun.
• Solar Energy is a clean and renewable source of energy.
• Solar Energy can be converted into usable energy such as electricity.

HOW SOLAR WORKS

1. Solar panels contain solar cells, which have semiconductors that convert light into electrical energy. Direct current (DC) electricity is produced and routed to an inverter.
2. An inverter converts the electricity into alternating current (AC), which is used in consumer appliances, lighting, and heating and cooling systems. AC power from the solar system supplies power to your hog barn or other farm buildings.
3. Meters measure the amount of electrical energy produced by the panel and monitor performance of the system.
4. Electricity produced goes through the utility grid and the grid supplies additional power if needed.

COMMON RESIDENTIAL SETUP

CAPTURING MAXIMUM ENERGY

DUAL AXIS SOLAR TRACKERS
The Sun Action Trackers’ Dual Axis Tracker is the premium choice in modern solar technology. These tracking systems use a patented technology to track the sun at its maximum irradiation point both vertically and horizontally. As the sun moves throughout the day, the system’s patented sensors guide the solar array into the highest point of irradiance, maximizing energy generation. This is a huge advantage and provides an alternative installation option ideal for many customers unable to utilize utility net metering policies.

Up to 60% increased production with bi-facial solar modules and up to 45% increased production with standard mono-facial modules.

• DURABLE
  Built with a self-healing alloy which allows it to withstand high levels of corrosive atmospheres

• SMART TRACKING
  Patented Real-Time Sensing Technology guides the system to the maximum point of sunlight throughout the day.

• FLEXIBLE INSTALLS
  Dual Axis Trackers adapt to any high or low terrain, allowing for maximum flexibility during project planning.

SYSTEM FEATURES

REAL TIME SENSING
Real Time Sensing Technology is a patented solar tracking sensor developed to provide a more efficient way of solar tracking than traditional solar tracking methods.

MAC STEEL
Magnesium Alloy Coated (MAC) Steel is tested and engineered to be 5-10 times more resistant to corrosive environments compared to standard galvanized steel. The self-healing properties of MAC steel can extend the life of your project and provide further bank-ability to your investment.

WIND/STOW MODE
When defined wind speed is triggered, Sun Action Trackers move to Stow Mode to protect your project investment. Once the wind speed has returned to normal operational tolerances, Sun Action Trackers will return to work. Operational Wind Loads support up to 56Mph (25 m/s) before Stow Mode initiates. Once Stow Mode has been initiated, wind loads up to 105 Mph (47 m/s) can be sustained by the tracker safely.

SNOW MODE
Certain environments require the use of snow shedding and other accommodations to keep trackers working year round. With the use of Real Time Sensing, Sun Action Trackers can determine snowy and overly cloudy conditions and move to Snow Mode. Snow Mode sends the tracker into a 60 degree tilt to easily shed snow from the solar panels and keep snow from accumulating.

REMOTE MONITORING AND CONTROL
Use communication protocol programmed with wireless capabilities to remotely control and to check your tracker status from anywhere with a WIFI connection. You can track productions, current weather conditions and much more.

SYSTEM COMPONENTS

BENEFITS

• Real Time Sensing
• Low voltage DC motors which require low maintenance and minimum downtime
• Magnesium Alloy Coated Steel*
• Can accommodate any commercially available solar module
• Can be installed on any terrain
• Easy electrical plug and play connection
• Company support during the lifetime of the tracker (Operation & Troubleshooting)

COMPONENTS
The Sun Action Trackers Dual Axis Trackers are a fully integrated system featuring smart components that work hand in hand to provide unlimited flexibility, deliver great results and require minimal maintenance.

REAL-TIME MONITORING

See and share your system’s performance on the go: real-time insight to home energy production and usage. Gain visibility into your system performance in real-time with an intuitive, user-friendly app.

KNOW THAT YOUR PV SYSTEM IS PRODUCING TO ITS MAXIMUM POTENTIAL.
View historic and real-time energy production of your optimized system on the go with your smart phone.

EASY TO USE CHARTS SHOW YOUR PV PERFORMANCE.
Compare today’s production to past measurements.

WANT TO KNOW HOW YOUR PV SYSTEM STACKS UP AGAINST YOUR FRIENDS?
You can share real-time system performance details with your friends across many social platforms: email, messaging apps and more.

REAL-TIME AND FORECASTED WEATHER DATA.
Evaluate your system’s performance by understanding what environmental conditions affect energy production.

SAVE WITH SOLAR INCENTIVES

SOLAR SYSTEM TAX CREDITS

Federal solar investment tax credits (ITC) are available for homeowners and businesses to promote energy efficiency, encourage the use of renewable energy sources, and support efforts to conserve energy and lessen pollution. They also significantly reduce the payback time on solar power investments, making solar power more affordable than what you pay now! In the past, this popular program has been extended but under current legislation the Federal solar investment tax credit is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2023. Terms of the credit vary from year to year.

Federal Solar Tax Credit

• 26% for systems placed in service on or before 12/31/2022
• 22% for systems placed in service on or before 12/31/2023
• There is no maximum credit for systems placed in service after 2008.
• Systems must be placed in service on or after 1/1/06, and on or before 12/31/2023.
• Systems do not have to be installed in the taxpayer’s principal residence.

Iowa State Solar Tax Credit
Currently there are no new legislative updates on Iowa solar tax credits but they may potentially be available. Consult with a solar expert for more information.

FINANCING
Rabe Hardware makes it possible for you to switch to solar power without incurring the upfront cost of a solar power system. With flexible, low- interest financing you see immediate savings on your electrical bills.

SAVE WITH SOLAR INCENTIVES

ANNUAL NET METERING
Some power companies offer “Annual Net Metering” which essentially allows you to use the power company as your solar battery. Throughout the year, any over production that is not used can be stored. That extra stored electricity can then be used at a time when production is low, like when it’s cloudy or rainy outside.

• Annual Net Metering explained on the next page.

RABE’S POWER PRODUCTION GUARANTEE
Rabe Hardware is the only Iowa solar provider to personally guarantee the power production of a PV Solar System. If your Rabe Solar System doesn’t produce what we say it will produce, we’ll cut you a check for the difference and add additional panels to get production where it needs to be.

COMMERCIAL/AG RAPID DEPRECIATION
Also knows as the Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS), this federal program allows companies to recover renewable investments through depreciation deductions with an additional 50% first year bonus depreciation for systems placed in service before January 1, 2018.

SOLAR ENERGY PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION
The Iowa Department of Revenue, under Iowa Code §441.21(8), mandates that the value of a solar system be excluded from the taxable property value for a period of 5 years.

NET METERING EXPLAINED

WHY NET METERING IS IMPORTANT

• Here in the state of Iowa, homeowners with the option to take advantage of solar “Net Metering” policies see the highest rate of return on their solar investment.
• Net Metering allows consumers who generate some or all of their own electricity to use that electricity anytime, instead of just when it’s generated. Because the home is connected to the electrical grid via poles and wires, electricity can flow both ways – from the grid to the residence and from the residence to the grid.
• That means extra electricity that is produced by your solar system can be sent to the electric utility provider to help power neighbouring homes and businesses. In return, the electric utility offers a credit that can then be used at times when production is low, like when it’s cloudy or rainy outside.

317 Locust St. NW, Blairstown, IA 52209

• 319-454-6514 112 W. 4th Street, Vinton, IA 52349
• 319-472-2011
• RabeSolar.com

References

• Residential Solar Installation | Energy Independence Solar Contractor Services in Iowa

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