Ideal Energy Picks NEXTracker’s NX Flow for Solar-plus-Storage System in Iowa

The project will be built on University land and after completion it is projected to be one of the largest solar-plus-storage power plants in the state, producing enough energy to cover nearly a third of the University’s annual electricity usage.

Iowa-based Ideal Energy has selected NEXTracker NX Flow integrated solar-plus-storage system for its 1.1 MW power plant at the Maharishi University of Management (MUM) in Fairfield, IA.

In addition to those savings, NX Flow will use peak-shaving to significantly reduce MUM’s utility bill during high-demand times.

NX Flow’s energy storage system integrates battery, solar tracker, inverter, and software technologies to improve return on investment for owners of solar power plants.

At the core of the system lies an advanced vanadium flow battery (VFB), which is DC-coupled with the photovoltaic array.

Commenting on the development, NEXTracker, Chief Technology Officer, Alex Au said, “NX Flow’s solar-plus-storage solution for Maharishi University of Management will make it a benchmark for advanced energy in Iowa.”

“NEXTracker looks forward to pairing more storage solutions with the leading solar plant installation expertise of Ideal Energy and partnering with utilities for win-win solutions. Together we can help drive the fast growth trajectory of the Midwestern market for advanced renewable energy solutions. We’re also pleased to help lessen the demand charges and utility bills faced by customers in Iowa,” Alex added.

With 37 percent of Iowa’s electricity coming from wind power, Iowa is no stranger to producing renewable energy. And, according to The Solar Foundation’s 2017 National Solar Jobs census, with an increase of 45 percent of solar jobs in 2017 alone, the state is expanding its clean energy production to include solar energy.