Dependable KYOCERA solar modules provide long-term electricity cost stability

In Puerto Rico, businesses and consumers are struggling under electricity rates that are frequently double those of the mainland United States. Conventional energy resources such as natural gas and coal are not available on the island, which has led utilities there to generate electrical power using costly imported fuels. Dynamic Solar Solutions, a company dedicated to installing turnkey photovoltaic systems for residential, commercial and industrial customers since 2008, and Kyocera Solar Inc. recently announced a plan to provide industry-leading solar panels to Puerto Rican businesses, harnessing renewable energy as a solution to rising energy prices.

While the price of grid electricity will likely continue to rise, a Kyocera solar photovoltaic (PV) system provides greater consistency in energy costs. Ensuring a stable production of kilowatt hours is crucial for businesses investing in solar power to provide a return on their investment and reduce total costs.

“Our commercial customers are looking for ways to save on electric costs so they can stabilize their business expenses,” said Juan Carlos Díaz-Galarza, vice president of operations for Dynamic Solar Solutions (DSS). “We offer Kyocera solar modules exclusively because of their proven dependability and outstanding performance, and our goal is to give the very best to our customers.”

Kyocera is the only solar module manufacturer to have earned the highest rating across all six test categories in GTM Research’s July 2014 PV Module Reliability Scorecard.

In October 2014, DSS installed an 892-kilowatt (kW) photovoltaic system on the rooftop of Droguería Betances, Inc., a distribution warehouse in Caguas, Puerto Rico, which supplies healthcare products and equipment to more than 900 pharmacies on the island. By taking advantage of government incentives designed to increase the island’s solar power capacity, Betances saved 40 percent off the total system cost. The solar installation, which is comprised of 3,570 Kyocera 250-watt modules, will produce 1,245,292 kilowatt hours (kWh) annually – offsetting approximately 93 percent of the warehouse’s electric power needs, and stabilizing the business’s cost of electricity.

“Kyocera solar modules have a track record for providing long-term electricity cost stability, supporting our commitment to help businesses enhance their competitiveness and improve their bottom line,” said Steve Hill, president of Kyocera Solar Inc. “By installing Kyocera solar modules, Dynamic Solar Solutions has helped Droguería Betances, Inc. lower its cost of doing business — a strong advantage in today’s economy.”

To learn more about Kyocera Solar solutions for both residential and commercial projects in the U.S. and Latin America, please contact infosolar@kyocera.com or +1-800-223-9580.

One of four KYOCERA PV systems installed by Sullivan Solar Power for San Diego’s North County Fire Protection District

Fire departments in San Diego’s Fallbrook, Bonsall, and Rainbow communities are now generating clean energy using the planet’s most abundant renewable resource: sunlight. The North County Fire Protection District (NCFPD), which serves approximately 50,000 local residents, decided in May to install PV systems at its stations on East Ivy Street, Winterwarm Drive, Olive Hill Road, and Rainbow Valley Boulevard. Anticipating further increases in SDG&E utility rates, the NCFPD chose solar to offset the cost of rising energy bills.

“[Going solar] will allow the District to reallocate several thousand taxpayer dollars monthly to [other] essential services,” said Greg Wilson, Battalion Chief for the NCFPD. “This project will insulate the District from future utility rate increases while promoting an environmentally responsible image in our community.”

Battalion Chief Wilson championed the project, which received rebates from the California Solar Initiative and was financed with a low-interest loan available only to nonprofit and government entities. Bidding was invited through a competitive RFP process and won by San Diego-based installer Sullivan Solar Power. Construction began in October, and under Sullivan’s guidance, the NCFPD selected Kyocera solar modules for the installation.

“At Sullivan Solar Power we take pride in offering our clients quality products and Kyocera passes our quality tests; Kyocera has been in business longer than the warranty offered, is a company with solid financials, and is locally headquartered,” said Tara Kelly, Deputy Director of Community Development at Sullivan Solar Power. “Using Kyocera solar modules helps us with our vision, to change the way we generate electricity, and allows us to reduce our carbon footprint by using the most locally sourced solar modules.”

The District’s four PV systems total 121kW and incorporate 431 Kyocera KD320 GX-LFB photovoltaic modules, ballasted Sunlink mounting, and SMA inverters. The project will generate an estimated 180,000 kilowatt hours annually and should pay for itself within seven years.

“North County Fire Protection District realizes that energy savings means saving money to put toward firefighting, and they are setting an example for the community as to what we all should be doing,” said Kelly. “Together, these stations will offset 2,484 tons of pollutants each year.” 

Three of the systems are already finished and producing power; the fourth will be completed in January.