Case Study: Streamlining Solar Panel Replacement and Recycling in Bermuda

When Saturn Solar Bermuda faced the challenge of maintenance and replacing and recycling multiple solar panels and inverters at their site on an old landing strip at LF Wade International Airport, they turned to Bluewater Battery Logistics for a solution. This case study explores how utility scale solar maintenance may require global access to replacement parts and recycling facilities, spanning three countries, utilizing both land and sea shipping, and ensuring compliance with all international regulations.

The Challenge

The project involved replacing and shipping out for recycling a few hundred Znshine ZXP6-TLD72-325 solar panels and custom-sourcing similar or matching replacement panels. The replacement panels needed to match or exceed the voltage and power requirements of the existing system, while also being of similar dimensions to ensure compatibility. 

Additionally, Saturn Solar needed to source Huawei 45KW inverters, which had been manufacturer-discontinued for two years by that time, making them difficult to find in new condition. The logistical challenge was compounded by the fact that shipping to and from Bermuda could only be done using 20-foot containers through New Jersey, the primary port for shipments to the island.

The Solution

Bluewater Battery Logistics began by sourcing the replacement solar panels, which they found in Texas, USA. The chosen GCL panels had a power rating of 370W, slightly higher than the existing panels, 1500V, and dimensions of 1956x992x35mm, making them compatible with the existing solar array. 

Bluewater was also able to locate the discontinued inverter Huawei 45KTL-US-HV-D0 model from surplus stock in Alberta, Canada. This required a huge partner network and careful negotiations and vetting to ensure that all components were in mint condition, crucial for the solar system's performance.

Once the components were sourced, Bluewater coordinated the shipping logistics. They custom-packaged the new panels and inverters for transport in 20-foot containers, the only size permissible for shipping to Bermuda. The old Znshine panels were shipped back to New Jersey in the same containers for recycling at a certified plant.

Managing the entire project under one contract allowed Bluewater to streamline operations and project management on the customer’s side. They took charge of all necessary paperwork for international shipping, ensuring compliance with regulations across the three countries involved in the project: the United States, Canada, and Bermuda.

A Successful Outcome

Bermuda Airport Solar Project at LF Wade International airport is a unique installation on an old airport runway not in use. A subsea cable is used to connect it to the main grid and feed its 6MW of solar-generated clean power. Inexpensive solutions for solar panels replacement and repowering involving complex cross-border logistics became key for keeping Bermuda Airport solar energy affordable and accessible.

“Bluewater Battery Logistics not only managed to source solar system elements matching our unique parameters, including discontinued inverter models, but also handled international shipping and recycling of the old panels. Everything was managed as one project by one team—this is unique in our industry!” said Mike Gupta, VP of Operations & Maintenance at Saturn Solar.

Expertise in Action

This case study underlines the importance of logistics efficiency, custom-sourcing specialized components, and compliance with regulations for shipping and recycling of energy systems. Especially for utility scale projects like Saturn Solar Bermuda with its complex island logistics.

Steve Feinberg, President of Bluewater, noted, "Bluewater has a truly unique global network of partners and vast experience with international shipping. We make it simple to work with us, keeping the whole project under one contract." 

In a world where renewable energy solutions are already a major part of energy systems, projects like this highlight the importance of collaboration and commitment to solar equipment circularity. Bluewater Battery Logistics is facilitating the global energy transition by making solar technology more affordable and easier to maintain.

Saturn Solar | https://www.saturnpower.com/