How Shoals Shines with Quality EBOS Solutions Managing the flow of electricity within a power system to ensure safety, reliability and efficiency.
Partner content with Shoals Technologies Group.
(Image: Shoals.)
As the solar industry advances, long-term performance has become a top priority for project owners and developers. This focus drives the need for innovative approaches to optimize system performance and durability. Electrical Balance of Systems (EBOS) solutions—which comprise all the elements that connect and manage the flow of electricity within a power system—play a critical role in ensuring that energy is delivered safely, reliably, and efficiently.
Despite recent growth, solar power projects face challenges such as rising costs, reliability issues, unnecessary complexity and inefficiency. Poor design, low-grade materials and dependence on field-fabricated connections can lead to serious issues like thermal damage, overheating, electrical arcing, and even fires. Additionally, resource-intensive installations and maintenance further contribute to problems.
Shoals Technologies Group, a leading player in the market, is focused on providing EBOS solutions that address both the challenges and the evolving demands of the solar industry.
“Components that were once expected to last 20 years now need to maintain high levels of performance over much longer periods, requiring them to withstand more prolonged environmental and operational stresses,” said Nick Valcho, Senior Manager of Customer Care and Application Design at Shoals. “One of the most significant shifts we’re seeing is the growing expectation for solar systems to have a design life of 30 to 35 years.”
Shoals offers innovative, factory-made solutions that streamline solar project design and layout, emphasizing ease of installation and operation. This approach is reflected in the company’s motto, “inventing simple.” Their products include Big Lead Assembly (BLA) with fewer connections and a proprietary under/over mold design, enhancing resistance to harsh environmental conditions. Shoals’ solutions eliminate the need for electricians doing manual field work; this leaves less room for human error and is more cost-effective. To improve the longevity of its EBOS equipment, Shoals prioritizes high-quality materials, component compatibility and standardization, and rigorous testing beyond industry standards.
According to Valcho, Shoals’ EBOS designs are engineered to maximize energy efficiency by reducing resistive losses and ensuring proper thermal management. Minimizing connections within the system has a two-fold benefit of decreasing the potential for energy losses over connection points and simplifying installation processes. In real-world applications, Shoals’ solutions have shown significant improvements in energy yield through reduced downtime.
Shoals’ EBOS products have garnered the confidence of customers such as Mill Creek Renewables. Peter Farlekas, CEO of Mill Creek Renewables, stated: “Mill Creek Renewables selected Shoals’ BLA solution for two projects in Pennsylvania totaling 260 MWdc and a single 300 MWdc project in Virginia. Shoals’ BLA solution enabled a more cost-effective and easier installation process. With Mill Creek Renewables’ stringent QA/QC standards, we have come to trust Shoals over the years as a partner that aligns with our project construction standards and values.”
As the EBOS market continues to evolve, Shoals is investing in modularity, standardization and advanced real-time monitoring capabilities. The company is also focusing on emerging areas like battery energy storage, higher power components and product traceability.
“We pride ourselves on our agility and foresight,” said Valcho. “By staying ahead of the curve, we continue to innovate and deliver solutions that not only meet today’s requirements but are also ready to tackle those challenges that tomorrow will bring.”
Connect with Shoals today to learn more about cutting-edge EBOS solutions and ways to ensure safety, reliability, and longevity of your solar project.