EGR102 - Introduction to Sustainable and Green Energy Technologies Residence Photovoltaic Feasibility Study Grading Value: See Syllabus See Syllabus Due Date: SIZING AND INSTALLING SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS: Introduce to the real-world process of designing and installing solar electric systems, which includes the following process: STEP 1: Deciding on the type of system to be installed: Off grid, Grid inter-tied (preferred approach), grid inter-tied with battery back-up (Optional) STEP 2: Estimating current electricity use Consumption analysis: Link building general consumption (A/C, lights, computers....) Peak consumption vs. Average Seasonal variation of consumption vs. Seasonal solar radiations. STEP 3: Estimating the available solar resource at the site Resources analysis: How much kW (solar energy) available O Surface available for PV cells Weather conditions throughout the year, daily sun enlightenment. Transferability of the system Quick overview of other possible renewable resources for (favorable) comparison. Orientation options, possible obstructions STEP 4: Sizing installation ● Available area ● Desired energy production STEP 5: Select equipment components ● PV Modules Inverter ● Mountings or racks Battery system off-grid or back-up) Optional Additional components (wiring, disconnects, etc) STEP 6: Economics Cost analysis: Spring 2024 Equipment and installation costs Estimated price of the set up by certified company Maintenance? How often? Weather hazards risks Compare solar electricity $/watt to FPL $/watt EGR102 - Introduction to Sustainable and Green Energy Technologies Funding: Financing, Pay-back period, return on investment: Rebates and incentives Grants / Donations / Fund raising Manufacturer rebates/ advertising Solar Renewable Energy Credits Opportunities STEP 7: Permitting & Installation STEP 8: Monitoring & Maintenance Spring 2024 EGR102 - Introduction to Sustainable and Green Energy Technologies Home PV Feasibility Format: Narrative Format: Cover Sheet, Table of Contents, Executive Summary, Introduction, Data Collected, Data Analysis, Results, Recommendations, References and Appendix. It should include information for each of the steps (1-8) outlined above. ● ● ● ● ● ● Cover sheet should look profession with an appropriate image, name, date etc... Table of contents must be a standalone sheet Executive summary must be in a letter format addressed to owner summarizes the report section by section, one page should suffice (intro, body and conclusion) Introduction must include problem statement- defining problem to be solved, describe the site, with aerial photo of site showing orientation describe surrounding elements which may pose a shading problem Data Collected: describe input date to include PVWATTS data, Aerial analysis of site with available area for the PV, available rebates, tax incentives renewable energy credits Spring 2024 Data Analysis: show limits of proposed array, location of switch gear, estimate cost, system sizes opportunities Results: size system, PVWATTS calculation, systems size and selection, cut sheets, payback analysis (follow Munro solar power point tables); maintenance Recommendations should summarize the system, include and investment statement- why should the homeowner invest in the project References shall be noted using APA style format convention Appendix to include any supporting information, cut sheets calculations, website ● Appendix shall include "Writing Lab" attendance form O Students not utilizing writing lab must assure that proper grammar is utilized, good sentence structure, clear writing style is maintained, no typo's are present or 10 points will be ducted from final grade. ● The final report narrative shall be emailed to eLearning in PDF format. Times Roman 12 pt Font, 1.5 space Final copy shall be handed in to me. Extra Credit Grading (based on 100% scale): 20 points-narrative report quality: format, grammar, no typos, etc... 40 points- engineering content, shows clear command of pv applications 10 points- report organization 20 points-quality of the report scale of drawings, feasibility, engineering calcs, etc... 10 points- level of report is professional and worthy of investment EGR102 - Introduction to Sustainable and Green Energy Technologies Additional Resources: PV WATTS Calculator: https://pvwatts.nrel.gov/ Solar Estimate Providence Rhode Island area: https://www.solar-estimate.org/residential-solar/solar-panels/rhode- island?aff=4713&cam=45&gclid=CjwKCAjwvNaYBhA3EiwACgndgolwgN- pA6AgYoszYcA_jwXR5R6xFils96ZkyGO7VCONwsIvLHLv7hoCndUQAvD_BwE Video on how to install PV panels: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSaltvrrFZg Solar energy research and development, see the National Renewable energy Laboratory website: http://www.nrel.gov/solar/ Spring 2024 EGR102 - Introduction to Sustainable and Green Energy Technologies ● Collector-Module Sizing Most manufacturers' modules now average about 120 watts for ease of handling at installation Larger 285 W modules are 4 ft by 6 ft, 107 pounds, and require two people to use great care in handling and positioning (our field trailer carries one of these) Hardware must secure module to resist winds of ~130 mph based upon zoning codes Module output should be ~10% larger than calculated to allow for aging and darkening of the cover glass After the first 10% decline, there is little change in peak output EXAMPLE Module Sample Specifications "Siemens Solar SM110": ● Maximum power rating, 110 W; Minimum power rating, 100 W Rated current, 6.3 A; Rated voltage, 17.9 V Short circuit current, 6.9 A; open circuit voltage, 21.7 V Roof-top Solar Array Computations Spring 2024 Find the south-facing roof area; say 20 ft * 40 ft = 800 ft² Assume 120 Wp solar modules are 26 inches by 52 inches; 9.4 ft²/120 watt; 12.78 W/ft² Assume 90% of area can be covered, 720 ft², ~9202 W and that there are 5.5 effective hours of sun/day; 51 kWh/day The south-facing modules are tilted south to the latitude angle 76 modules would fit the area, but 44 would provide an average home with 30 kWh/day and cost ~$17600 for modules alone, ~one mile of powerline