How Modernized Grid Infrastructure Is Needed to Maximize the Impact of Clean Energy
“This is a community of professionals that is committed to the cause of bringing cost-effective power onto the grid.”
Josh Dorfman, President, American Wire Group
In this episode of Good Energy, Josh Dorfman and Neal Hamer of the American Wire Group (AWG) discuss transformers, their latest tech at RE+, and the path forward for a reliable and secure grid infrastructure.
Dorfman begins by explaining the origins of AWG as a family business that has grown into a leading supplier of cables for the renewable energy industry and of other power electronics such as transformers. Neal Hamer, one of AWG’s engineers, explains how AWG’s products allow for electricity produced from solar panels to be transmitted at high voltages to energy consumers.
On the topic of supply chains, Dorfman explains how AWG is competing at a global level for materials. As transformers face long lead times that threaten to slow down American grid modernization, AWG is working with global partners to build products up to U.S. standards in order to help their customers complete projects on time. Dorfman estimates that AWG is able to deliver main power transformers to its customers 50% quicker than its competitors.
Because solar energy is often a distributed energy resource, the transmission infrastructure around it is different from other energy technologies. The timing of delivering this infrastructure is critical since solar projects are the quickest energy source to build, meaning delays in transmission infrastructure can create setbacks for the energy system as a whole. Dorfman notes that the transparency AWG brings to developers gives better predictability and the ability to complete projects in a timely manner.
Specifically at RE+, AWG is showcasing new innovations and announced a new product to enhance data on how existing solar products are contributing to the grid. Hamer explains how this technology can continuously collect basic data from the solar generation site, which both gives critical information about the site’s performance and also can help pinpoint issues like discrepancies in electrical current flow.
Dorfman concludes by discussing AerialGuard, a new fire-resistant product of AWG that can be utilized in both home and utility applications. He emphasizes how AWG’s global footprint allows them to best identify solutions to challenges facing the U.S. power grid.
From in-depth interviews with industry leaders to insightful discussions on the rapid growth of solar and storage in the United States, Good Energy connects you with the heartbeat of the solar industry. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just curious about the future of energy, tune in to stay informed and inspired about the bright future of solar. Listen to full episodes on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
special guest
President
American Wire Group
Joshua Dorfman works directly with clients, and helps to manage the company’s strategic efforts in the renewable energy and transmission industries. His areas of expertise include Renewable Power Generation, business development, sales and marketing management, corporate risk analysis and Lean Six-Sigma quality management.
Director of Engineering – Power Equipment
American Wire Group
With over a decade of experience in renewable energy project development and commissioning, Mr. Hamer brings extensive expertise in emergency fault troubleshooting, high-voltage equipment maintenance, and generation control systems. Mr. Hamer leads AWG’s technical strategy and the expansion of its in-house engineering capabilities to support the growing power equipment segment. He oversees technical assessments across transformers, switchgear, and substation solutions, ensuring alignment with key industry standards, such as IEEE, ANSI, NERC, and UL.
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