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Sustainable Energy Systems Engineering Peter Gevorkian Ch 3: Solar Power Generation Project Implementation. Brevard Community College ETP1401 Bruce Hesher. Designing a Typical residential Solar Power System.
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Sustainable Energy Systems EngineeringPeter GevorkianCh 3: Solar Power Generation Project Implementation Brevard Community College ETP1401 Bruce Hesher
Designing a Typical residential Solar Power System The first step (after conservation and weatherization) in designing a system is to determine the electrical needs (load). The steps listed on p70 are one way. Another is to look at the electrical bills for a year AND do an energy survey at the utility providers website.
System Type Selection Utility Interactive (Grid-Tied): Most common type for residential. Only works when sun is up. Uses the grid to store energy. Used to lower the electric bill. Least expensive, lowest maintenance, shortest payback. Stand-alone: Provides power when grid is down. Uses batteries to store energy. Has high cost and maintenance. Bi-Modal: has features of both Grid-Tied and Stand-alone. More equipment but provides power when utility is out. Most expensive.
Utility Interactive: String or Micro-inverter MPPT down to individual module level. No DC wiring, fuse combiner box, or DC breaker. Micro-inverters do not “dummy down” modules. Higher inverter/system efficiencies. (96% vs 85%) Can use different modules. Can be expanded Work with crystalline (cSi) or thin film modules. Easier to later upgrade to system with storage. Pros of Micro-inverters: Pros of String inverters:
PV Estimator Spreadsheet(Get from Angel) Click on each cell with a red triangle for details.
Typical Solar Power System Design for a Single Residential Unit (Wiring diagram micro-inverter based system)
Example Site Drawing A sealed site drawing from a licensed civil engineer is usually required to pull a permit.
Residential Equipment Location • Array needs to be 3’ from edges (gutter & eves). • AC disconnect needs to line-of-site within 30’ of meter.
Assembling the Array Unirac (www.unirac.com) is a major manufacturer of mounting rails. They have videos on their website. Enphase (www.enphase.com) is the predominant manufacturer of micro-inverter power conditioning units (PCUs). They have many excellent installation videos! note: Many equipment manufacturers also have on-line tools to assist with ordering the correct equipment and with the materials (drawings and product certifications) needed to pull a permit.
PV Equipment Shopping The spreadsheet shows prices found on-line Sep 2010. Some good shopping sites are: www.ecobusinesslinks.com http://sunelec.com/www.altestore.com/store/ In a commercial environment, all equipment sold in Florida must be FSEC approved! Quality, service, and price vary. Please buy American
Software Design Tools PV Watts: On-line tool for estimating system output and financial payback. http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/calculators/PVWATTS/version1/ RoofRay: On-line tool used to guage if a site suitable for PV. http://www.roofray.com/ PV Estimator: (prior slide) Many equipment manufacturers have on-line design tools for use with their equipment.
HOMER: Energy Modeling Software for Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems. http://www.homerenergy.com/ Solar Assistant / Solar Pathfinder: Site shading analysis. http://www.solarpathfinder.com/ PV Industry Periodicals & Web Sites: Home Power magazine: http://homepower.com/home/ Solar Pro magazine: http://solarprofessional.com/home/ www.renewableenergyworld.com