ComponentsComponents

Three Basic Parts to an Active PV System:Three Basic Parts to an Active PV System:– Collector/HarvestorCollector/Harvestor– StorageStorage– DistributionDistribution

More complex systems need More complex systems need – Inverter Inverter – Charge Controller/Voltage RegulatorCharge Controller/Voltage Regulator– BatteriesBatteries

System DesignSystem Design

Types of Systems:Types of Systems:-DC Stand Alone -DC Stand Alone -Basic AC/DC Systems-Basic AC/DC Systems-Utility Inter-tied System-Utility Inter-tied System

PV modules are used in three basic ways: PV modules are used in three basic ways: – They can power appliances directly They can power appliances directly

eg. water pumps or fanseg. water pumps or fans– Charge batteries for storageCharge batteries for storage– Feed energy back to the gridFeed energy back to the grid

Standard SystemStandard System

How Big Should My System How Big Should My System Be?Be?

System size System size dependent on:dependent on:– Electricity Electricity

consumedconsumed– EconomicsEconomics– Orientation of the Orientation of the

systemsystem– Available SpaceAvailable Space

Average Household Energy Average Household Energy UsageUsage

• Average Household Energy Average Household Energy Consumption:Consumption:– 830 kWh/mo830 kWh/mo

• Producing 1,000 kWh of solar electricity Producing 1,000 kWh of solar electricity reduces emissions by:reduces emissions by:•8 lbs Sulfur Dioxide8 lbs Sulfur Dioxide

•5 lbs Nitrogen Oxide5 lbs Nitrogen Oxide

•1,400 lbs Carbon Dioxide1,400 lbs Carbon Dioxide

PricingPricing

• Generally, the solar module represents 40-50% of Generally, the solar module represents 40-50% of the total installed cost the total installed cost

• In 2003, a residential solar system costs about In 2003, a residential solar system costs about $8,000-$12,000 per kWp installed$8,000-$12,000 per kWp installed

• A complete "Solar System" includes all the other A complete "Solar System" includes all the other components required to create a functioning components required to create a functioning system, whether it be to feed energy in to the system, whether it be to feed energy in to the grid or to be used in (stand alone) off grid grid or to be used in (stand alone) off grid applications. applications.

• Systems costs vary when the amount of sunlight Systems costs vary when the amount of sunlight expected is taken into account yearlyexpected is taken into account yearly

• In a California home, it would cost around $16-In a California home, it would cost around $16-$20,000 to satisfy around 25% of that homes $20,000 to satisfy around 25% of that homes energy needs. energy needs.