The Córdoba company Ecovatio, highly specialized in photovoltaic projects, took its first steps in 2016, with a task of training, research and development of solutions for the generation of renewable energy.
Over time, it managed to establish itself as a leader in that segment, meeting the demands of the industry, the commercial sector and establishments isolated from the public network throughout the country.
During the last two years, an investment group with extensive experience in the US market closely followed this positioning and the endorsement by technology providers. All of this led the North American firm to decide to join the Córdoba company and export its expertise for the development of projects in the United States.
Landing in Florida
This business alliance resulted in the birth of Ecovatio USA, which will be based in the state of Florida.
According to Andrés Oberti, president of Ecovatio, it is the third American district in energy consumption (after Texas and California), which is divided equally between industrial/commercial and residential. In addition, it is the second country that uses electric vehicles the most and has 2,700 charging stations.
Its main source of energy generation comes from combined cycle gas, two nuclear power plants, coal and, just in fourth place, renewable sources. The latter barely represent 6% of the share and are almost entirely solar.
Although it is notable that Florida maintains a tax incentive policy equivalent to 30% of the investment in this type of technology, the most important thing is that it applies the so-called net metering (net balance, in its Spanish translation). This is an initiative in which the surpluses injected into the network are recognized at the same value as the energy consumed from public wiring.
Opening to the world
“For us it is a pride that they have focused on our experience and our entrepreneurial spirit, because the Florida market has no ceiling and the United States market knows no limits.”Oberti celebrates.
The businessman also highlights: “The support we find in the brands we represent and in all our suppliers is overwhelming; We are making a qualitative leap in know-how, from assembly techniques to the use of tools”. “It is clearly a country in which everything is designed to facilitate those who invest.”, he stated.
Oberti says that the CEO of Ecovatio USA is American, but that the Argentine partners represent 55%, putting all their potential in the engineering and commercial areas.
“It is one more bet to continue growing in a different market, but with the same need“, closed the businessman.
The specialists at Efergia, a distribution company of leading brands in solar energy solutions that operates in Argentina and Uruguay, ensure that the development of these technologies is progressing without stopping.
In countries like Brazil and Chile, solar panels on the roofs of homes and industries are already common. In our case, the recent adjustment of the electricity rate is promoting these initiatives, although it also faces its challenges.
Although solar energy is safe and durable, lack of attention to safety measures has caused problems that delayed its development in several countries.
electric arcs
The main risk is electric arcs, which consist of high-power discharges between two or more conductors. This can be caused by faults in the wiring or connectors of the solar panels, which produce direct current.
The heat caused by this issue can cause the cable insulation to deteriorate, causing a spark or “arc” that starts a fire.
These problems are prevented thanks to the technology of solar inverters with Arc Flash Control (AFCI) protection, essential for the proper functioning of photovoltaic systems, which detect and turn off the incident if it occurs.
Professional experience
Another important point to guarantee the safety of solar energy is the capacity and experience of the professional in charge of the installation.
Having a certified specialist ensures reduced risks and a more efficient infrastructure.
