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Solar PV Overview
Kevin Leary, PEAvoca Engineers & Architects, LLC
Basic Concepts Core Components of a Grid‐Tied Solar PV System Net Meter System
Solar PV Systems ‐ Overview
Units of Measure Power is measured in Watts or Kilowatts (KW) Energy is measured in Kilowatt‐hours (KWh) Ex: Ten 100 Watt light bulbs = 1000 Watts or 1KW Leave the ten 100W bulbs on for 1 hour consumes 1KWh
Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) 1 SREC = 1,000 KWh of Solar Energy produced
Basic Concepts
Solar PV Modules Racking or Mounting System to support modules Inverters to convert DC to AC Connection to the utility grid Revenue grade meter to measure and record energy produced
Electrical wiring to connect it all together
Core Components of Solar PV System
Types Crystalline Silicon – most common in NJ Poly‐crystalline – these look blue Mono‐crystalline – these look almost black
Thin film Amorphous silicon Microcrystalline Silicon Copper‐indium‐gallium‐diselenide (CIGS) Solyndra Cadmium telluride (CdTe) – First Solar
Components – Solar PV Modules
Rooftops Ballasted – non penetrating Rails or pipe systems Standing Seam – non penetrating clamp to seam
Components – Racking or Mounting Systems
Components – Rooftop Racking
Ballasted System
Ballasted System
Components – Rooftop Racking
Ballasted System
Components – Rooftop Racking
Rail System
Components – Rooftop Racking
Standing Seam – With Rail
Components – Rooftop Racking
Standing Seam – No Rail
Components – Rooftop Racking
Raw land or field Driven Post with rails Screw anchors with rails Concrete foundations Ballast Blocks (concrete)
Car Port Structures Large variations in types depending on budget and
location
Components – Ground MountSystems
Driven Post
Components – Ground Mount Systems
Driven Post
Components – Ground Mount Systems
Ballasted Ground Mount
Components – Ground Mount Systems
From Panel Claw
Ballasted Ground Mount – Landfill – non penetrating
Components – Ground Mount Systems
From NJ.com
Concrete Foundations
Components – Ground Mount Systems
J&J Raritan ‐ SunPower/Solaire
Components – Car Port Systems
Mennen Arena – Baja Carports
Components – Car Port Systems
Grid‐Tie Inverters – also known as Grid Interactive Convert Direct Current (DC) produced by the solar PV
modules to Alternating Current (AC) used by the grid. Maximum Power Point Tracking Provides for Automatic Shutdown Not a stand‐alone system Cannot be used as a backup power source When utility looses power – inverters turn off UL 1741 and IEEE 1547 – Requirement to shut down on loss of
grid – safety measure.
Components ‐ Inverters
This is where Net‐Meter and Wholesale Systems differ Net Meter – Connects to the customer side of the utility
meter. Utility meter is changed to a bi‐directional meter Wholesale Connection – sometimes referred to as a PJM
connection or direct to grid connection. Typically a large system Connection to utility is separate from any existing meters. No existing account or meters required. New bi‐directional utility meter.
Components – Connection to the Utility Grid
This is not the same device as the utility’s meter. Used to measure and record solar energy produced by system.
Revenue Grade – so it can be used for SREC’s Energy production meter that meets ANSI C.12
standards for accuracy Small systems – read and record manually Commercial systems – remote reading over internet or dedicated lines.
Components – Revenue Grade Meter
Concept –Measure the production of energy and the consumption of energy at a site and determine the difference.
Ideal Goal – size the renewable energy system so that the amount of production equals the amount of consumption at the end of a 12 month period. Called “Net Zero”
Net Metering
Net Metering
Output of Solar during daylight hours
Net Metering
System Size based on: Available Space Roof Carport Ground Mount
Size or Capacity of Existing Utility Connection Service can be upgraded – cost can be an issue
Annual Energy Usage Based on 12 months of billing history
Net Meter System Size
Rooftop Layout Setbacks from edge
Building code Local ordinance Insurance underwriter (FM Global)
Maintenance access Approx 8W/SF to 12W/SF of usable space – not in shadow
Most rooftop installations don’t require Zoning or Planning Board review. Building permit only.
Net Meter – Size – Roof
Existing Service can limit proposed PV System if it is too small
Utility Company transformer is most likely the limiting factor. Separate fee paid by customer of developer to upgrade
service Long lead item – 12 weeks or more for transformers
Net Meter – Existing Service
Customer or Developer Applies to Utility Co for Net Meter Interconnection
Utility Company compares estimated system production to most recent 12 months of billing history. They will push back and deny if estimated production exceeds usage history
Net Meter – Annual Usage