SMA Solutions Lead Solar Builder Project of the Year Nominations

SMA has once again proven its industry leadership, with more of its solutions featured in the Solar Builder Project of the Year nominations than any other inverter manufacturer. SMA solutions lead Solar Builder Project of the Year nominations, showcasing the company’s commitment to innovation and quality in solar energy systems.

Each individual can vote once a day, per category, until Friday, October 11th.  

SMA Solutions Lead Solar Builder Project of the Year Nominations with These Projects

Category: Project Size 101kW – 1 MW

66 Galen Rooftop Solar + Storage

66 Galen is a life science building jointly owned by The Davis Companies and Boston Development Group, located in Watertown, Massachusetts. The project features a 252 kWdc solar array and a 125 kW energy storage system, and SMA inverters at this 224,106-square-foot LEED Gold-certified facility. This project ensures compliance with Watertown’s Climate and Energy Plan, which mandates 50% solar roof coverage for new and significantly renovated buildings over 10,000 square feet. Beyond solar and storage, there 15 electric vehicle charging stations, further highlighting the property’s dedication to sustainability, which already includes features such as recyclable terra cotta tiles for enhanced insulation, high-efficiency lighting and advanced water conservation systems. 

Inspira Deptford Solar Project 

The Inspira Deptford project showcases how solar energy can enhance the sustainability of medical facilities. Equinox Renewable Energy installed a 331-panel solar array at the Inspira Health Center in Deptford, New Jersey. The key challenge was managing the building’s limited load capacity, which was addressed by using a hybrid racking system. This system minimized the number of ballasts and incorporated mechanical anchors while distributing the inverters’ weight east-west over the structural beams. Collaboration with racking manufacturer Sollega, and Equinox’s structural engineers, was essential for this solution. The project was also designed to meet the new UL 3741 standard, marking the first such successful installation and commissioning in the state of New Jersey. 

Using SMA inverters, the installation helps to meet the power demands of the healthcare center while maintaining operational resilience. The Inspira Deptford project illustrates the growing role of solar in powering critical infrastructure, where reliability and efficiency are paramount. 

Category: Project Size Over 1MW – 10MW  

Palmer Street Agrivoltaics

The Palmer Street project is one of five initiatives across Massachusetts that feature BlueWave’s innovative dual-use solar design and operate under the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program. This project was specifically created to support ongoing farming activities beneath the solar panels, allowing for both livestock grazing and crop cultivation. SMA inverters were selected and helped ensure landowners and farmers could harness the most power possible. 

Hampden Landfill PV + BESS

The Hampden Landfill Solar Project stands out as a remarkable technical achievement, successfully integrating a solar array with a DC-coupled battery energy storage system (BESS) on a capped landfill that was previously unsuitable for any type of development. One of the key technical innovations lies in the individual approach to the solar installation. Half of the PV array is installed on the capped landfill using a ballasted fixed tilt racking system, ensuring the capped area remains undisturbed, while the other half is mounted with a standard ground screw fixed tilt racking system. This approach maximizes the project’s output while making efficient use of the available land. The project generates 6.6 MWh of renewable energy, contributing significantly to Massachusetts’ decarbonization efforts. 

Category: Project Size Over 10MW

Stuttgart Microgrid

A game-changer for regional energy stability, the Stuttgart Microgrid in Arkansas leverages SMA inverters to create a flexible, resilient network. This microgrid integrates solar and storage systems to provide reliable power, even in times of grid instability. It’s a shining example of how decentralized energy solutions can bolster local power infrastructure, offering increased energy independence for businesses and communities alike. 

Houston Solar Project

As one of the largest solar installations in its region, the Houston Solar Project sets a high bar for clean energy generation. Equipped with SMA’s robust inverters, the project efficiently harnesses solar energy to supply significant amounts of power to the grid, reducing dependence on fossil fuels. This installation highlights the potential for large-scale solar to contribute to the energy mix in agriculture. In April 2024, Silicon Ranch celebrated the opening of a 26,000-square-foot lambing barn at its 68 MW Houston Solar Project in Houston County, Georgia, marking the completion of the project’s second and final phase.  

Burlington Enviornmental Landfill

The Burlington Landfill Solar Project is a standout example of innovative renewable energy development, transforming a previously underutilized site into a sustainable powerhouse. Situated on a reclaimed landfill, this project showcases the creative potential of solar power by turning an environmentally challenging area into a productive clean energy facility. Featuring SMA inverters, the project ensures reliable energy conversion, maximizing efficiency and providing long-term value to the community.   

Cast Your Vote!

We’re proud to see these diverse projects recognized for their innovation, renewable focus and immense community impact. Each of these nominations shows the possibilities for solar energy to create positive change in various settings—from urban rooftops and farmlands to critical infrastructure and community power systems. 

SMA inverters are at the heart of each project, providing the necessary technology to convert sunlight into usable power efficiently and reliably. As we look towards the future of renewable energy, these projects serve as inspiring examples of what’s possible when technology, quality and service align together for a climate-friendly, sustainable future.