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Courthouse solar array partly offline after damage; obsolete inverters prompt repairs
Summary
County facilities staff reported two damaged solar panels and that only two of five inverters remain operational; inverters appear obsolete, requiring either targeted repairs or consideration of microinverter upgrades and potential funding through programs such as Focus on Energy.
Facilities staff reported that two panels in the courthouse rooftop solar array were damaged and that only two of the five inverters remain functional, limiting the system’s output. The parts needed to repair the damaged equipment were described as obsolete, which may affect insurance coverage for the repair.
Staff said the array still has roughly 104 panels producing power on sunny days but that inverters currently limit generation. A contractor discovered a short in the main power panel that will require a shutdown of the building power to repair; staff expect that work to occur after hours or on a weekend and will obtain a quote for that repair.
Committee members discussed system age (panels were installed circa 2019, per remarks in the meeting), the operational difference between series inverters and modern microinverters, and possible funding sources such as Focus on Energy. One option under consideration is a small repair to restore generation; another would be a larger replacement or upgrade to microinverters to prevent bank-level outages when a single panel is shaded.
No formal procurement decision or bid award was made at the meeting; staff said they would follow up with quotes and vendor outreach and will confirm any funding requirements tied to original grants or incentives.
