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The itek Energy Story
Inspired by the challenges our world faces with the use of carbon intensive energy sources, John Flanagan – Founder and CEO of itek Energy – envisioned using his skills and knowledge in manufacturing to building solar panels right here in Washington. After careful research and investment, production began in 2011.
In our first full year (2012) itek produced 2 megawatts of solar PV and employed 15 people. In 2014 itek produced 12.4 megawatts of solar PV and by year’s end employed over 75 full time workers. After only three years of production itek has built and shipped over 70,000 PV modules, which will produce over 18,500 megawatt hours for Washington State home owners this year. 2015 is looking to be another year of growth with production reaching over 30MW.
From the start itek’s focus has been to utilize quality and cost savings by bringing precision robotic assembly and proven lamination technology to our manufacturing. Our continued development of cutting edge technology has brought to market significantly more efficient solar modules, increasing the power rating from an industry standard of 240 watts to a market leading 280 watts and above. With increased business growth, investment in new manufacturing equipment and utilizing the most efficient P-type monocrystalline cells in the world, itek is building the most powerful, cost efficient modules in Washington State, allowing us to cut costs to our customers and steadily drive down the price of Washington-built solar equipment.
Our experienced engineers, operations, and management team are Washington locals who share John’s passion for solar. We are proud to build solar panels that are ideal for Washington’s varied climates: from the characteristic diffuse light of the coastal regions and record setting snows of the North Cascades, to the strong and persistent winds of the Inland Empire – itek Energy panels are built to last and produce power regardless of where you live in Washington!
itek Energy’s Facility
itek Energy in Bellingham, WA. is a 18,600 square foot, 30 megawatt solar panel manufacturing facility. In an industry dominated by large, capital intensive factories, itek’s nimble foot print allows for changes in production to meet local market needs.
In 2012, itek invested in new production line equipment and two cutting-edge laminating machines, quadrupling hourly production capacity. In 2013, both an additional tab stringing machine and an automated solar cell layup machine were brought on line. Most recently, expansions to an in-house chemistry laboratory have allowed for increased research and development, and quality control procedures.
We are very proud to show off videos of our manufacturing equipment. Our Tab and Stringing and Layup machines are helping us improve our production efficiency so that we can make even more of our high quality modules. itek Energy also plans to undertake efforts to automate the framing and testing procedures to ensure the highest degree of quality and consistency. Enjoy the show!
itek Energy started production in its new Minneapolis facility in November of 2014 with forecasts of producing 2-4 MW in 2015. The 22,000 square foot building located just outside of downtown Minneapolis formerly housed a machine shop and paint factory and has since been rehabilitated and re-branded “GRID”- The Greenway Resource for Integrated Design. The GRID building also houses SPYE- a digital technology integrator, and Hollywood Cycles bike shop. Direct access to the Twin Cities Midtown Greenway Bicycle Path and proximity to the University of Minnesota and the Missippi River make this a perfect site to establish roots in Minnesota.
Our 60 cell high efficiency solar panels are renowned as one of the most powerful produced in the U.S., with 270-280 watt output and a 2 inch aluminum alloy frame designed for extra snow and wind loads. itek’s Made-in-Minnesota certification will allow local customers a production incentive of $0.28/kWh for residential solar installations, $0.15/kWh for commercial tax exempt/non-profit/government projects, and $0.13/kWh for commercial for-profit projects.
Solar Products
itek Energy HE Module – Made-in-WA, and MN
Certified Made In Washington Solar PV itek Energy Black Frame Solar Module
Our highly efficient, monocrystalline modules are the most powerful modules made in Washington, reaching power outputs above 275 Watts. Designed to utilize more of the Northwest’s defused light, standard racking systems and weighing only 43 lbs, they are also the most economical to install. Our 2″ frame is designed specifically to allow for micro-inverter and DC Optimizer attachments, along with extra snow and wind loads. Our silicon cells are some of the highest efficiency p-type cells on the market. The encapsulates are of the highest quality in the industry and our ultra-clear, low iron solar glass is specifically designed and manufactured for light conditions common in the Pacific Northwest.
Solar Works in Washington
Washington is blessed with cool long summer days which results in more efficient solar production. The cooler temperatures we experience allow solar panels to perform at higher efficiencies than they do under hot desert sun. With Washington State’s adoption of a net metering program in 1998, solar system owners are able to bank their summer production and pull upon the credits during the winter months. The rain for which Washington is so famous also plays a role in keeping solar systems free of dust throughout the year.
In addition to the ability to net meter your annual solar production, Washington State’s incentive program for locally built products is one of the most robust in the nation. With current state incentives, system owners can make $0.54 for every Kilowatt hour they produce with solar. It is this ability to make money on your energy rather than continuously spending money that allows system owners within Washington State to pay off their solar systems in as little as 6 years!
One of those most convincing pieces of evidence supporting solar energy’s potential within Washington State is the case study comparison between Washington and Germany’s annual solar potential. Hamburg Germany has an average yearly solar potential of 2.96 kWh/meter^2/day whereas Seattle has 3.64 kWh/meter^2/day. Despite having less of a solar conducive climate than Washington Germany has been the world leader in installed solar capacity between 2000 and 2011. Proving for those folks who ask about “How Solar Works in Washington” that there is a positive and informed answer.
Grid-tied
The most simple and common type of system installed currently is a grid-tied or utility interactive PV system. A grid-tied system is designed to run in parallel with the utility grid. Grid-tied solar systems allow a home to use power from the utility grid as they would normal while utilizing the power from the solar system at the same time. If the solar array produces more power than the home can use a grid-tied system pushing power back onto the grid banking the credit for you to use later. In this way your system could also produce sustainable energy for your neighbors.
The most important part of any grid-tied system, beyond the solar panels, is the inverter. Grid-tie inverters change the DC (direct current) energy produced by the panels into AC (alternating current) used by utility grid and appliances in your home. By watching the incoming power from the grid and mirroring its wave structure grid-tied inverters are able to convert the higher voltages produced by PV systems into the specific acceptable levels required by the grid.
In comparison to the other types of solar systems grid-tied is easily the smallest up-front investment and the easiest to install. The downside of having a grid-tied system is that when the power company loses power so do you. To keep Utility workers safe during power outages grid-tied inverters must disconnect all solar production automatically during a power-outage.
| Company Name | Itek Energy |
| Business Category | |
| Address | 3886 Hammer Drive Bellingham Washington United States ZIP: WA 98226 |
| President | John Flanagan |
| Year Established | 2011 |
| Employees | 50 |
| Memberships | NA |
| Hours of Operation | Mon - Fri: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm |
| Phone Number | Locked content | Subscribe to view |
| Fax Number | Locked content | |
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| Website | Locked content |
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