| Work Detail |
Day 3 of RE+ 2024 in Anaheim saw the integration of natural agricultural processes alongside sophisticated solar technologies, with other exhibitors showcasing everything from advanced hand tools to complex solar module manufacturing systems.
As day three of RE+ Anaheim 2024 unfolded, the value of comfortable footwear became apparent. The pace had slowed, with many taking it easy on the show floor after opting for an early night and planning early exits. Meanwhile, the unsung heroes of the marketing departments were already taking down their booths and preparing for their next destinations.
Rennsteig Tools impressed attendees with its high-quality hand-held crimping tools, designed to quickly change tips and accommodate various types of connectors, priced at around $450. The company also displayed its wire strippers and a mechanical crimping tool, designed for high-volume work.
ISRA Vision expressed enthusiasm about the growth of the US solar market. One representative highlighted real manufacturing progress, backed by newly signed agreements that signaled a promising renaissance in the country’s industrial capabilities. For the first time, he noted, these agreements represented tangible action and not just optimistic forecasts.
ISRA Vision technology plays a crucial role in the manufacturing process by scanning solar cells. Up to 40 different ISRA machines are used on some of the large 2 GW production lines. The company presented a machine capable of scanning solar cells at speeds ranging from 800 to 1,200 millimetres per second, depending on the desired image sharpness.
Trimark demonstrated the human machine interface (HMI) component of its control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems. These systems are rack-mounted and touted for their flexibility to integrate into asset owners’ existing data acquisition frameworks.
The units feature uninterruptible power supplies, routers and firewalls, all designed to meet strict data security standards from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). In particular, some units are enhanced with controls that can only be accessed locally via a secondary optical network. A representative noted that Trimarks systems are deployed in some of the largest solar plants in the country, often customized to each inverter and connected via extensive on-site optical networks.
To illustrate the versatility of SCADA in action, Solar-LIT’s booth featured its solar panel cleaning system, which operates autonomously and is controlled by SCADA systems. Powered by solar energy and supplemented by internal batteries, these robots perform their cleaning operations predominantly at night. The booth highlighted Solar-LIT’s involvement in a major 900 MW project in the UAE, where a single unit is capable of cleaning between one and two megawatts of solar modules per night. In addition, the system can be expanded with a larger battery to increase its capacity.
Optimized for specific designs, these robots are highly cost-effective, costing less than half a cent per watt. In addition, the design allows the units to move between module racks using connecting rails, increasing operational flexibility.
The American Grazing Society booth featured live grazing animals, which drew plenty of attention, including from the famous Tor “Solar Fred” Valenza, who filmed the exhibit. Discussions ranged from pollinator-friendly initiatives to the practicalities of using sheep instead of mechanical lawnmowers.
The pv magazine US team , consisting of Anne Fischer, Ryan Kennedy and John Fitzgerald Weaver, participated in a panel discussion hosted by Nico Johnson of the SunCast Podcast. The session provided a platform for discussion of show observations and general industry trends.
With thousands of exhibitors and tens of thousands of attendees, the sheer scale of the event presents a formidable challenge for even the most seasoned journalists. The rapid growth of RE+ reflects the expansion of networking applications, making it virtually impossible to explore every booth and delve into every innovation.
For another year on RE+, see you in Las Vegas on September 8, 2025! |
