IEEE Mobile Section Hybrid Technical Meeting
Navigating the Utility Scale Solar Interconnection Process: Insights from Silicon Ranch
Blake Spurgeon, Brandon Teal
Silicon Ranch
In this presentation, we will explore the interconnection process and its critical role in integrating renewable energy assets into the power grid. As the Southeast's leader in utility-scale solar, Silicon Ranch has over 13 years of experience in developing, owning, and operating large-scale solar projects, successfully navigating the complexities of grid interconnection. The session will begin with an overview of the company, followed by an in-depth look at the interconnection process, covering key challenges, best practices, and innovative solutions. Attendees will gain insights into the technical, regulatory, and operational aspects of interconnection, along with strategies for overcoming common obstacles.
Date and Time
Location
Hosts
Registration
- Date: 25 Feb 2025
- Time: 05:30 PM to 07:00 PM
- All times are (UTC-06:00) Central Time (US & Canada)
-
Add Event to Calendar
- University of South Alabama
- 150 Student Services Dr.
- Mobile, Alabama
- United States 36688
- Building: Shelby Hall
- Room Number: 2119
- Contact Event Host
- Co-sponsored by Mobile chapter of IEEE
Speakers
Blake Spurgeon
Navigating the Utility Scale Solar Interconnection Process: Insights from Silicon Ranch
In this presentation, we will explore the interconnection process and its critical role in integrating renewable energy assets into the power grid. As the Southeast's leader in utility-scale solar, Silicon Ranch has over 13 years of experience in developing, owning, and operating large-scale solar projects, successfully navigating the complexities of grid interconnection. The session will begin with an overview of the company, followed by an in-depth look at the interconnection process, covering key challenges, best practices, and innovative solutions. Attendees will gain insights into the technical, regulatory, and operational aspects of interconnection, along with strategies for overcoming common obstacles.
Biography:
Blake Spurgeon is a Manager of Economic & Community Development at Silicon Ranch. In this role, Blake focuses on driving economic development, managing local government affairs, and fostering community engagement through the development of utility scale solar projects. Blake collaborates with local governments and community stakeholders to ensure that solar projects not only provide sustainable energy solutions but also contribute to the economic growth and well-being of the communities they serve. Prior to Silicon Ranch, Blake dedicated over seven years to working with high school and college students in the non-profit and educational sectors and takes great pride in finding innovative ways to invest in the next generation.
Brandon Teal
Navigating the Utility Scale Solar Interconnection Process: Insights from Silicon Ranch
In this presentation, we will explore the interconnection process and its critical role in integrating renewable energy assets into the power grid. As the Southeast's leader in utility-scale solar, Silicon Ranch has over 13 years of experience in developing, owning, and operating large-scale solar projects, successfully navigating the complexities of grid interconnection. The session will begin with an overview of the company, followed by an in-depth look at the interconnection process, covering key challenges, best practices, and innovative solutions. Attendees will gain insights into the technical, regulatory, and operational aspects of interconnection, along with strategies for overcoming common obstacles.
Biography:
Brandon Teal is an electrical engineer with over 9 years of experience in the utility and clean energy industry and serves as a Regional Interconnection Manager at Silicon Ranch. He currently leads and manages over 3GW+ of interconnection activities spanning the SERC region, SPP, and PJM. Additionally, he's led interconnection activities and forged new utility relationships for distribution interconnected projects in the SERC region. Brandon began his career at Southern Company and designed, scoped, estimated, and managed multi-million dollar greenfield and brownfield substation projects on the transmission and distribution system. He currently serves on the Auburn Engineering Young Alumni Council and the Auburn Electrical Engineering Industrial Advisory Board. He enjoys participating in student panels, student mentoring sessions, and mock interviews with current engineering students.