Going Solar in Humboldt CountyAn Overview

Solar Basics

Grid-Tied Solar Photovoltaic Array

The Bi-Directional Net Meter (6) is what allows for a Net Energy Metering (NEM) arrangement.

Net Energy Metering Solar on your home or business

• Build credit on electricity bill with excess generated energy

• Solar customers can generate energy when the sun is shining and use that energy when it is not.

• RCEA buys excess generation at retail electricity rates plus $0.01/kWh

Solar Basics: 4 Steps

1. Always consider efficiency upgrades first

2. Get one year of utility data

3. Work With Local Contractors

4. Learn About and Apply for Available Incentives

Solar Basics Step One:

Always consider efficiency upgrades first!

• $.03 per kWh saved through energy efficiency

• $.13 per kWh generated by a solar array

Potential Efficiency Projects Include:

Solar Basics Step Two: Get One Year of Utility Data

▪ Login to PG&E’s My Energy or establish a new online account

▪ Go to Energy Usage Details > Green Button

▪ Export 12 months of data

Solar Basics Step Two:Get One Year of Utility Data

Base your solar system size on your annual electric use

• Solar works on an annual cycle

• Build solar credits when the system overproduces

• Apply credits to low production months

Typical Solar Electric Production vs Site Electric Use:

-

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

KW

H

MONTH

Typical Solar Output vs Site Electric Use

Solar PV Output (kWh) Site Electric Use (kWh)

Solar Basics Step Three:Work With Local Contractors

• Engage a qualified licensed contractor for site assessments and quotes.

• C-10 Electrical Contractors and C-46 Solar Contractors.

• Get at least 3 quotes from qualified Contractors

• Apply for all required permits

Solar Basics Step Four: Learn About and Apply for Available Incentives

Learn about the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) at the Database for State Incentives for Renewable Energy

• ITC is 26% for systems in service by 12/31/2020

• ITC is 22% for systems in service by 12/31/2021

The Self Generation

Incentive Program (SGIP)

SGIP provides incentives for energy storage systems (batteries)

• General Market-$0.35/watt-hour

• Equity Market- $0.85/watt-hour

• Resiliency Market-$1.00/watt-hour

Emergency Backup Power

Power Critical Site Loads

• Refrigeration• Lights• Pumps

Power Critical Facilities

• Water/Wastewater• Police/Fire• Municipal Facilities• Communications• Hospitals• Food/Fuel

Energy Management-Customer and Grid Benefits

• Duck Curve

• Midday Solar Glut

• Evening Ramp Up

• GHG Benefits

System Types:

Grid Tied Solar PV array (No Batteries/Storage)

http://www.solarenergyofillinois.com/battery-backup

System Types:

Grid Tied w/ Emergency Backup

http://www.solarenergyofillinois.com/battery-backup

System Types:

Grid Tied Emergency Backup with Energy Management

Common Battery Metrics

▪ Allowable Depth of Discharge (%)

▪ Warranted Number of Cycles

▪ Roundtrip Efficiency

▪ Capacity in Amp-hours or Watt-hours

▪ Nominal Voltage

▪ Cost

Title 24 Section 110.10 – Mandatory Requirements for Solar Ready Buildings

Covered Occupancies:

▪ Single Family Residences

▪ Low-rise Multifamily Buildings

▪ Hotel/Motel and High-rise Multifamily Buildings

▪ Nonresidential Buildings

Minimum Solar Zone Area:▪ Single Family - 250 Square Feet

▪ Multifamily/Nonresidential - no less than 15% of roof area

Title 24 Section 110.10 – Mandatory Requirements for Solar Ready Buildings

Interconnection Pathways- Conduits, inverters and pathways from Solar Zone to electric service equipment

Documentation- All provisions must show on plans

Main Electric Service Panel – 200 amps, 2-pole space “For Future Solar Electric”

Title 24 Section 150.1 - Performance and Prescriptive Compliance Approaches for Low Rise Residential Buildings

Photovoltaic Requirements: All low-rise residential buildings shall have a photovoltaic (PV) system meeting the minimum qualification requirements as specified in Joint Appendix JA11, with annual electrical output equal to or greater than the dwelling’s annual electrical usage as determined by Equation 150.1-C:

EQUATION 150.1-C ANNUAL PHOTOVOLTAIC ELECTRICAL OUTPUT:

kWPV = (CFA × A)/1000 +(NDwell × B)

WHERE:

kWPV = kWdc size of the PV systemCFA = Conditioned floor areaNDwell = Number of dwelling unitsA = Adjustment factor from Table 150.1-CB = Dwelling adjustment factor from Table 150.1-C

The Cost of Solar

• Typical to use the “Dollars Per Watt” ($/kW) metric

• Based on the DC Name Plate Rated Capacity of the solar panels

• Total installed cost. No batteries, no electrical upgrades.

• Typical Cost $3.00-$6.00 per watt

Ex: 3 kW DC system x $5.00/watt=$15,000.00

Thank you for your Attention!

QUESTIONS?

Community Choice EnergyLower rates. Local control. Same reliable service.

Thank youMike Avcollie (707) 382-0187mavcollie@redwoodenergy.org