Solar Energy Overview

Overview of the technology, benefits, as well as technical and financial project considerations for photovoltaic systems.

Prepared by: Prime Solar, LLC t/a Prime Solar Network

Solar Energy Overview

What is Solar Energy? Solar energy is derived from solar radiation. Technology to harvest solar energy comes in many

forms• Photovoltaic systems (Provides electricity)• Solar thermal (provides space heating or hot water)• Concentrating solar systems.

This presentation focuses on solar photovoltaic systems………..

Solar Energy Overview

An Illustration of a Solar Voltaic System :1: Solar panels 2: Inverter 3: A Bidirectional Electric Meter4: Home Electricity Use5: Utility grid.

Solar Energy OverviewSolar Photovoltaic Elements from Previous Slide 1: Solar panels: Collect the sun’s energy and covert it into

direct current (DC) electricity. The number of panels you need is determined by your electricity needs.

2: An inverter: Converts the electricity from DC to alternating current (AC) electricity for use in your home.

3: A bidirectional electric meter: Displays net power usage. When you generate more than you use, your meters spins backwards lowering your electricity bills. When you generate less, it spins forward but more slowly than it would otherwise.

4: You produce your own electricity to be used throughout your home

5: Utility Grid: All excess electricity generated by system goes to Utility Grid.

Solar Energy OverviewWhat factors can affect electricity

production? Orientation – A tilted (40 deg. typical, but depends

on location) , south facing orientation is best for fixed systems

Location (in the US, the Southwest is the best) Temperature (lower is better) Shadowing (no shadows best) Cleanliness of panels (dirt on panel impedes

sunlight) Inverter efficiency System age (systems degrades but typically at < 1%

per year) Wiring and other electrical losses (typically 3%)

Another Illustration of a Typical Solar Home System1. Solar PV Modules2. Inverter3. In home Monitoring System4. Utility net meter

Solar Energy OverviewType of Solar System Roof Mounting:

Flush Mount

Solar Energy OverviewType of Solar System Roof Mounting:

Angle Mount

Solar Energy OverviewType of Solar System Roof Mounting:

Fin Mount

Solar Energy OverviewType of Solar System Mounting:

Ground Mount

Solar Energy OverviewType of Solar System: Tracking

System

Solar Energy OverviewReasons to Consider a Photovoltaic System Federal and State governments offer considerable

subsidies to offset cost of system. Incentives span small residential systems through

large commercial power plants Systems typically offer 25 years of energy

production. Protect against rising electricity costs. Offers the ability to reduce or completely eliminate

electric bills No emissions No fuel required Many project have excellent payback profiles

Solar Energy OverviewHow does one determine if a project is viable for a residential or commercial situation? 3 key steps are usualPerform technical evaluationPerform financial evaluationObtain a detailed cost estimate based on design options and available financing.With Prime Solar, you get a report with many estimates from installers and multiple materials options

Solar Energy OverviewWhat typically determines a viable solar project? (Cont’d)Step 1 (Commercial only): Technical Evaluation: Perform assessment on site proposed for solar PV system. Key aspects include:

• Area of roof or area proposed for system• Structural• Solar intensity for location• Interconnection• Panel manufacturer and technology (determines

efficiency)• Possible power output vs. desired output Key goal for Step 1 (commercial) is to estimate

power production and assess any site specific issues, if any.

Solar Energy OverviewWhat typically determines a viable solar project? (Cont’d) Step 1 (Residential only): Technical evaluation: Perform assessment on site proposed for solar PV system. Key aspects include:

• Adequate roof area• Solar intensity for location• Panel manufacturer and technology (determines

efficiency)• Possible power output vs. desired output Key goal for Step 1 (residential) is to estimate

power production over a defined time frame, and any site specific items to be addressed.

Solar Energy OverviewWhat typically determines a viable solar project cont’d? Step 2: Financial Evaluation (valid for both Residential and Commercial):

• Determine cost of installation• Determine maintenance and recurring costs• Determine revenue from electricity and renewable

energy credit (REC) sales• Determine credits and tax benefits from federal and

state subsidies.• Develop a financial model of project and calculate

payback time and Return on Investment (ROI) Key goal for Step 2 is to calculate a ROI and/or

payback period, targeting 5-15 years depending on the system and state, which is comparable or less than the fully financed costs of the system on a monthly basis.

Solar Energy OverviewCost is part of Financial Evaluation but what

typically determines a project cost? Materials:• Solar Panels• Racking and mounting system(s)• Inverter• Net meter• Wiring Labor• Design• Permitting• Installation labor Other• Land (utility grade commercial only)• Tracking system (commercial only)

Solar Energy OverviewIf a project appears viable, what next? Proceed with our Client Services Agreement so we

can have installers perform an evaluation on site and develop a more detailed scope, technical, cost, and schedule estimates which will be contained in our Report.

Obtain financing options from our varied sources depending on the type of installation, location and client credit and/or property equity details.

Select from Installer and Materials options presented in our Report and proceed with a wise fiscal decision as you play your part as a great green citizen.

Solar Energy OverviewHow does one perform the technical

and financial evaluation? Resources such as PV Watts (tool to analyze power

output) are available from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory

RETScreen from Natural Resources Canada can be used for financial analysis and power output calculations

Google maps, Roofray, Roofwalk and other resources are available to calculate areas for proposed system locations

DSIRE web resources from the US Department of Energy show state by state and Federal incentives

Solar Energy OverviewBut isn’t the technical and financial evaluation difficult to do?Yes, somewhat - use of the tools does require training and personnel that are knowledgeable in solar PV technology

How can Prime Solar Network help?Prime Solar Network has personnel available to do these analyses(and large PPAs) and send a Remote Cost Benefit Analysis for any given project.See Remote Cost Benefit Analysis samples for residential and commercial projects and our Free Quote PoliciesIf the project is viable, Prime Solar can help you with our Client Services Agreement, positioning our experts to competitively bid the project to obtain multiple defined options and terms

Solar Energy OverviewContact Information:Prime Solar, LLC823 West Park Avenue, #256Ocean, NJ 07712info@primesolarnetwork.com

Solar Energy OverviewSources:www.pvwatts.orgwww.nrel.govwww.aessolarenergy.comwww.doe.gov