The two Swansea, MA projects maximize efficiency and minimize power losses with DC-coupled BESS

SWANSEA, Mass., Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Northern Sun Energy, a leading solar and storage EPC firm, has begun construction on two solar + storage projects in Swansea, MA, for developer GeoFire Solar. Totaling 11.5 MWdc of solar generation paired with 10 MWh of battery storage, the two community solar projects will participate in Massachusetts' SMART 3.0 solar incentive program.

Both Swansea projects incorporate DC-coupled battery storage to maximize efficiency. While AC batteries require electricity to be converted three times before consumer use, with conversion losses each time, DC batteries allow electricity to travel from the panel through the battery in its original DC form. This transmission requires only a single DC/AC conversion before consumer use, limiting conversion losses.

The Jinko DC battery configurations required close oversight, including fire code compliance, independent third-party inspections, and rigorous O&M standards. Northern Sun addressed these requirements by working with equipment integrators and engineers from the design phase to resolve DC-coupling decisions, protection coordination, and battery siting prior to construction. Other equipment partners included ReneSola panels, APA fixed tilt racking, and SMA inverters.

"Getting a DC-coupled battery project right means collaborating closely with all stakeholders and regulators before you break ground," says Chris Balogh, Vice President and cofounder of Northern Sun Energy. "At Swansea, we engaged AHJs and third-party reviewers well ahead of permit submission, coordinating Emergency Response Plans and site-specific hazard analyses with local fire departments and independent safety reviewers early on. This proactive communication and cooperation ensure that the system meets a high bar for safety from day one."

"Northern Sun has been a fantastic partner for these projects," says Zach Grabill, president of GeoFire Solar. "They're proactive and thorough in everything they do, and committed to timeliness and professionalism. I couldn't imagine a better partner to work with."

About Northern Sun Energy

Northern Sun Energy provides turnkey engineering, procurement, and construction services for utility-scale solar and battery storage projects. With over 2 GW of collective industry experience, the firm's proven track record of success ensures seamless execution from inception to completion. Northern Sun Energy's deep electrical experience and communicative, customer-centric approach make it a trusted partner for developers, independent power producers, and utilities in the solar and energy storage industries. For more information, visit northernsun.energy.

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SOURCE Northern Sun Energy