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Tamara CookManager

Environment and Development

Leveraging Solar Energy in Dallas-Fort Worth

Texas Solar Market

Source: IREC Solar Market Trends (http://www.irecusa.org/publications/ )

0.6 1.8 6

31.9

83

137.7

213.3

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Meg

awat

ts

Cumulative Installed Capacity in Texas

354% Increase over 6 years

http://www.irecusa.org/publications/

Installed Capacity per Capita

Source: REN 21, World Bank

439

289268

140

118107

7052

39 15 5

Germany Italy Belgium Australia Spain Japan France UK US China Texas

Wat

ts p

er C

apit

a (2

01

3)

439 Watts Per Person

5 Watts Per Person

Solar Costs in US Compared to Germany

Source: NREL (http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy14osti/60412.pdf) LBNL (http://emp.lbl.gov/sites/all/files/lbnl-6350e.pdf) (http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/pdfs/sunshot_webinar_20130226.pdf )

$1.42 $1.45

$2.32

$0.62

US SOLAR COST GERMAN SOLAR COST

$ P

ER W

ATT

Hardware CostNon-Hardware Cost

http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy14osti/60412.pdf

http://emp.lbl.gov/sites/all/files/lbnl-6350e.pdf

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/pdfs/sunshot_webinar_20130226.pdf

$-

$0.50

$1.00

$1.50

$2.00

$2.50

$3.00

$3.50

$4.00

US Solar Cost German Solar Cost

$ p

er W

att

Column1

Non-Hardware Cost

Hardware Cost

The Cost of Solar in the US

Source: NREL (http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy14osti/60412.pdf) LBNL (http://emp.lbl.gov/sites/all/files/lbnl-6350e.pdf) (http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/pdfs/sunshot_webinar_20130226.pdf )

$0.00

$0.20

$0.40

$0.60

$0.80

$1.00

$1.20

$1.40

$1.60

$ p

er W

att

Other Paperwork

Permitting & Inspection

Financing Costs

Customer Acquisition

Installation Labor

Solar Soft Costs

http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy14osti/60412.pdf

http://emp.lbl.gov/sites/all/files/lbnl-6350e.pdf

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/pdfs/sunshot_webinar_20130226.pdf

Source: Jay Squyres, North Texas Renewable Energy Group, December 2014

2,175 locations with solar permits

*Estimated 550,000 solar ready homes in DFW region

Keller ISDBedford Duncanville

Solar Ready II

US Department of Energy (DOE) SunShot Initiative – Drive down cost of solar electricity to $0.06 per kilowatt-hour

SunShot Initiative Rooftop Solar Challenge – Incentivizes regional efforts to make it easier to go solar

Solar Ready II Partners:• Mid-America Regional Council (MARC)• National Association of Regional

Councils (NARC)• Meister Consultants Group (MCG)• Council of State Governments (CSG)

Solar Ready II Goals:• Implement solar best management

practices, training materials and methods, and other proven implementation strategies

• Result in more streamlined and standardized solar practices

• Achieve measurable improvements in solar market conditions and access for ten million people

Top BMP Choices by Solar Ready II Stakeholders

• Develop criteria for expedited process

• Create a permit checklist

• Provide a central information sourceStreamline Permits

• Fixed fees for residential permits

• Calculator for commercial permits

Standardize Permit Fees

• Pre-qualify installers

• Pre-qualify electrical plans

Pre-Qualify Plans and Installers

Permitting and Education

Opportunities

Solar Ready II Results

BMP’s

Education

Training/Resources

IN PROGRESS - GO SOLAR NORTH TEXAS WEBSITE

What’s Next

TRAFFIC SIGNALSEMERGENCY PREPARDENESS HOSPITALSWATER INFRASTRUCTURE

ELECTRIC CO-OP OUTRECACHCOLLECTIVE PURCHASING “SOLARIZE” MODEL

COMMUNITY SOLAR MODEL

Acknowledgment: This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy under Award Number DE-EE0006310

Disclaimer: This presentation was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States Government. Neither the United Sates Government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government or any agency thereof.

www.eere.energy.gov/solarchallenge

Tamara Cook

Manager

[email protected]

(817) 695-9221

Lori Clark

Principal Air Quality Planner

[email protected]

(817) 695-9232

Websiteswww.nctcog.org/solar

Solar Ready II Contacts

Agenda

1

Solar Photovoltaic1. System Implementation and Requirements

March 2015

www.jacobs.com worldwideNorth Central Texas

Council of Governments

• Welcome / Presenter

Introductions / COG –

Jacobs

• Goal of Presentation

• Audience Polls

Introductions

Agenda

3

1. Introduction

2. How Solar PV Works

3. Solar PV Warranties and Expected System Life

4. Solar PV Rebates and Incentives

5. Solar Implementation Process/Steps

6. Utility Interconnection Requirements

7. Solar PV Code Corner

8. Open Discussion/Questions

Agenda

The future is

based on

decisions made

today!

Intro to Solar PV

Intro to Solar PV

• Solar is part of the energy “mix” for the future

– It is not the solution to our energy needs

– Solar is a “Variable Load” energy source

• Wind

• Energy Storage Solutions are Required

– Batteries (Tesla), fly wheel, ???

• “Base Load” energy production is required

– Oil/gas, nuclear, hydro, geothermal

Intro to Solar PV

Intro to Solar PV

Texas

Average of

5-6 hrs/day

How Solar PV Works

How Solar PV Works

• Net metering and time of

use

– Net metering allows meter

to spin in either direction

and energy produced is

credited at retail rate

– Time-of-use (TOU) allows

credit to accumulate at the

TOU rate

– These two concepts are

critical in the financial

feasibility of renewable

energy

How Solar PV Works

• How solar works

– How photovoltaic cells

function

– Crystalline,

amorphous, thin-film,

concentrated, etc. all

work on the same

principle

Primary Solar Components:

Solar PV modules

generate DC current

Shade, clouds, dirt,

orientation impacts

efficiency

20-25 year warranty

Low maintenance

Photovoltaic Modules Support Rack

Converts power from DC

to AC

10 year warranty

Inverter

Ground Mount

Solar Canopies

Roof Mount

How Solar PV Works

• PV Modules:

– Sharp – common module in US

– 25 yr warranty – made in US

– Cost/watt not efficiency!

How Solar PV Works

How Solar PV Works

• Module efficiency versus cost per watt

• Sunpower = most efficient 20%

• Sanyo = 19%

• JA Solar = 17%

• Cost/Supply of pure silicon

• Emerging Solar Technology (Solyndra)

• Solar PV module manufacturing (China market versus the world)

• Module expected life span (no moving parts)

• Module replacement challenges

• Next “big breakthrough” (PV modules are almost identical to modules 25 years ago)

• Major improvements in manufacturing

How Solar PV Works

How Solar PV Works

• Solar

modules

• Crystalline

• Mono-

crystalline

• Multi-

crystalline

• Amorphous

• Thin film

• Solyndra

How Solar PV Works

• Orientation to sun

– Solar orientation

– Azimuth and altitude

– Sunlight vs ambient

light

– Effects of shading

– Small % of shade =

huge efficiency loss

– Soiling of modules

– Temperature effects

on performance

How Solar PV Works

• Inverters:

– Converts DC to AC

– Inverter sizes and efficiencies

– Central versus distributed

– Transformer versus transformer-less

– Inverter expected life span (moving parts, failure points)

– Major producers (USA/Germany)

How Solar PV Works

• Residential PV

Inverters

– SMA (Sunny Boy)

– Fronius

– 97% efficient

– 2kW – 10kW

– 15-20 year life

– Fan failures

How Solar PV Works

• Commercial PV

Inverter:

– Advanced energy

– 97% efficient

– 15 year life

– 100kW-500kW+

Continuous Power: 500 kW

AC Operating Range: 423 V - 528 V

CEC Weighted Efficiency: 97.0%

AE 500TX

http://www.advanced-energy.com/

http://www.advanced-energy.com/

How Solar PV Works

• Commercial Inverters

– Centralized vs distributed

– Pros and cons

How Solar PV Works

• Transformerless (TL) Inverters

– Key differences

– Possible benefits

– Installation considerations

How Solar PV Works

• Module

support

racks

– Roof mount

– Ground

mount

– Parking

canopy

How Solar PV Works

• Roof Mount Racks

– Commercial

• Ballasted

– Wind/Seismic

– No roof penetrations

– Roof Warranty

• Penetrated

– Solid anchor to roof

structure

– Multiple roof

penetrations

How Solar PV Works

• Roof Mount Racks

– Residential

• Penetrated

– Composition Roofs

– Tile Roofs

– Metal Roofs

How Solar PV Works

• Ground mount racks

– Pole mount

• Tracking or fixed

• Large array rack

– Fixed or single axis

tracking

How Solar PV Works

• PV parking canopy

– Single or double cantilever

• Open aisles

– Large array canopy

• Covered aisles

How Solar PV Works

• Balance of system

– Combiner boxes

• Basic versus “smart”

– Utility disconnect

– System monitoring

• Software (w/ inverter)

• Weather station

Solar PV Warranties

• Solar PV warranties and expected system life

– Module and inverter warranties from manufacturers

– Actual expected life

– System installation warranty from installer

Solar PV Rebates and Incentives

• DSIRE.org

• Rebates

– 30% Federal Production Tax Credit (PTC)

• Incentives

– Accelerated depreciation (commercial)

– State of Texas incentives

– Utility incentives (Oncore – 5.3kW = $8,600)

www.jacobs.com | worldwide31 March 2015 Jacobs© Copyright

BREAK

Solar Implementation Process and Steps

• Implementation Steps

– PV Provider Selection

– PV Provider Design Process

– Obtaining a Building Permit

– Utility Interconnection Agreement

– Procurement, Installation/Construction, Commissioning

– Building Inspector Approval

– Utility Permission to Operate

– System Activation


• PV Provider Selection

– Selection based on experience and PV system cost

• Cost on $/kW (Purchase) or Cost on $’s/kWh (PPA)

• PV Provider Design Process

– Determine PV system size

• Evaluate site for solar access

• Evaluate area available for solar array

• Evaluate annual utility electrical usage

• Evaluate client budget (system purchase vs PPA)


• PV Provider

Selection

– System Size

vs Annual

Production

– PV Watts

Solar

Calculator

– PV System

5kW PV System

Ft Worth, TX


• PV Provider Selection

– System Location Assumptions

– Impact of Rebates and Incentives

– $3.30/w x 5kW =$16,500

– OncoreIncentive = $5,000; Tax Credit = $5,000

– Total System Cost = $6,500 .08 $/kWh

NCTCOG Solar Checklist

SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEM PERMIT APPLICATION CHECKLIST This Permit Application Checklist is intended to be used as a best management practice when establishing local government requirements for residential and commercial solar photovoltaic (PV) system permits. Local governments may modify this checklist to accommodate their local ordinances, code requirements, and permit procedures. The following application items may, at the community’s discretion, be replaced by an expedited process such as those published by the Solar America Board for Codes and Standards or referenced as examples in the Solar Ready II materials posted at www.nctcog.org/solar. 1. REQUIRED INFORMATION Type of Application ☐ Residential ☐ Commercial (Also see Part 2: Commercial Building Requirements) Type of Solar PV System ☐ Roof Top ☐ Ground Mount ☐ Other: Click here to enter text. ☐ Size of System (kW): Click here to enter text. ☐ Completed permit application(s) and supplement information sheet, if required. Select all that apply: (Please contact Building Department for standards) ☐ Roof Top: An electrical permit is required ☐ Ground Mount: Building and electrical permits are required ☐ Other: Building and/or electrical permits may be required ☐ Installed in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) as adopted by the State of Texas, applicable ordinances, districts, and/or special use categories (e.g.: zoning or special use, etc.); subject to plan approval. NOTE: The National Electrical Code (NEC) is the Texas state electrical code. The state adopts the NEC as the State Code on September 1 of any year in which the new NEC Code book is published (every three years). NOTE: Potential impacts of solar PV projects to other development such as airports should be considered and evaluated by the local government as appropriate.


SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEM PERMIT APPLICATION CHECKLIST ☐ Construction Documents: Two copies of construction documents shall include, but are not limited to, the following items: ☐ Site specific, stamped engineering drawings (reviewed or designed, and sealed by a licensed professional engineer, if determined to be necessary by the building official or their appointed designee), assembly installation plans, manufacturer’s installation instructions, and/or equipment manufacturer’s data sheets. ☐ Make, model, and quantity of module, inverter, and racking system certified to the UL 2703, UL 62109, and UL 1741 standard by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory as appropriate.

NCTCOG, in partnership with the National Association of Regional Councils, the Mid-America Regional Council, Meister Consultants Group, Inc., and the Council of State Governments, is participating in the Solar Ready II program. Solar Ready II is part of the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative Rooftop Solar Challenge which is striving to position the United States as a global leader in the rapidly-growing solar market. ☐ Framing plans ☐ Method of sealing/flashing for roof penetrations ☐ Connection details to building or ground mount ☐ Structural calculations or load diagram (required only when the PV array weight exceeds 5 lbs./sq. ft) ☐ (may require engineer design if deemed applicable by Building Official) ☐ Data cut sheets for battery storage if applicable (including type of battery) ☐ Site Plan: Include the PV array layout in compliance with the local government design criteria including: ☐ Roof plan showing location of equipment and, if required, fire setbacks ☐ Existing site easements, property lines, building setback lines, zoning setbacks ☐ Typical side view detail of the solar PV system mount on the roof ☐ Location of all existing structures and proposed PV system equipment (including modules, disconnects, inverters, panel boards, combiner boxes, storage batteries, utility meters, etc.) ☐ Plumbing vent termination: Vent termination is not allowed under solar installations and must be relocated or modified, or an air admittance valve may be utilized in accordance with the International Plumbing Code (IPC) and/or the International Residential Code (IRC).


SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEM PERMIT APPLICATION CHECKLIST ☐ Fire Code Requirements: Installation complies with Section 605.11 of the 2012 International Fire Code (IFC), or a more recent IFC version. ☐ Electrical Plans: In addition to the construction documents, include a three line diagram, or a line diagram that meets the requirements of the local government, and complies with the state NEC. The local government should determine appropriate level of professional design requirements (e.g. preparation by a master electrician licensed by TDLR; designed and sealed by an engineer, if required by the Texas Engineering Practice Act; or PV equipment manufacturer’s engineered line diagram). A proper line diagram should include: ☐ AC and/or DC circuit arc fault protection as required by the NEC or ordinance (if any) ☐ Inverter listed to the UL 62109 or UL 1741 Safety Standard; photovoltaic module(s) listed to the UL 1703 safety standard. Listings conducted by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory. ☐ Inverter AC output disconnect location, utility disconnect location, and AC output over-current protection device rating. ☐ Location of combiner box(es), disconnect switch, size of source circuit overcurrent protection, if required ☐ Service panel bus rating and main circuit breaker/fuse ampere rating ☐ Circuit diagram with conduit, wire type and sizes, and/or cable type and wire sizes ☐ Equipment grounding and bonding conductors and grounding electrode conductor, if applicable ☐ Battery disconnect and overcurrent protection, if applicable ☐ List of all appropriate labels and marking per NEC and IFC requirements 2. ADDITIONAL COMMERCIAL BUILDING INFORMATION ☐ Building Information: Information about the building the PV system will be attached to: ☐ Occupancy Group: Click here to enter text. ☐ Number of Stories: Click here to enter text. ☐ Year Built: Click here to enter text. ☐ Construction Type: Click here to enter text. ☐ Area (Square Feet): Click here to enter text. ☐ Roof Type: Click here to enter text. ☐ Fire Sprinkler System (for fully sprinkled building only)

• Obtaining a Building Permit

– Permit Fees (Varies by City & County)

– Permit Review Duration

• Residential (Over the Counter)

• Commercial



• Oncore

Interconnection

Agreement

– System Equipment

Information

– Sign away all rights if

there is ever a

problem!

– Identify meter and UL

listing

– TOU Plan


• Procurement,

Installation/Construction,

Commissioning

– Procurement & Construction

Durations

– Commissioning

• String voltage

testing/polarity

• Inverter start-up


• Building Inspector

Approval

– Safety and NEC

compliance

– Reflects Design

Documents

– Approved specified

products

– Signed off Inspection

card


• Utility Permission

to Operate

– AHJ Signed off

Inspection card

– Utility provides

“Certificate to

Operate”

– System may be

energized!

Solar PV Code Corner

• Common Code Violations

– Sloppy workmanship

– Wire management (exposed wires need proper support)

– Equipment not installed to listing (circuit breaker or fuse w/ incorrect amperage rating per NEC 690.8)

– NEMA 3R rating for equipment located outdoors (most 3R enclosures are rated for vertical installations only, use 4R for horizontal)

– UL listed Combiner Boxes only (no “site-made” combiner boxes!)

– Point of Connection (2011 NEC now requires PV breaker in main panel to be located at opposite end of bus bar from the main circuit breaker location)


• Common Code Violations (Cont.)

– Labeling – Important but commonly overlooked

• “Direct Current Photovoltaic Power Source” on DC Disconnect

– Articles 690 and 705 require labels which specifies “a permanent plaque or directory providing the location of the service disconnecting means and the photovoltaic system disconnecting means, if not located at the same location.” This isn’t so much a label as it is a map.

– Label material and attachment. The 2008 and 2011 NEC require permanent labels—many installers use plastic or metal engraved signs. When plastic is used, it should not be placed in direct sunlight



– Grounding - The requirements for equipment grounding

and system grounding are separate and need to be

evaluated separately.

– The NEC is very clear: “Exposed non–current-carrying

metal parts of module frames, equipment, and

conductor enclosures shall be grounded…regardless of

voltage.” The grounding method accepted industry-wide

is to attach a tinned copper lay-in lug to each module

and rack member, with an appropriately sized ground

conductor bonding each of the modules and racks

together.



– System Grounding - Section 690.47 deals specifically with system grounding. This section was completely rewritten in the 2008 Code, and again in 2011 resulting in a number of differing opinions and methodologies.

– Wire Color Coding - If the conductor is a grounded circuit conductor, the insulation must be white or gray. If the conductor is an equipment-grounding conductor, it must have green insulation or be bare.

– Those color codes apply to both ac and dc electrical systems. There is no special color code for dc systems. PV installers insisting that red is positive and black is negative are incorrect!

– SOLAR AMERICA BOARD FOR CODES AND STANDARDS • WWW.SOLARABCS.ORG


• Common Code Violations

(Cont.)

– Fire Concerns – Microinverters

allow disconnection of modules

at the modules, i.e. no live DC

circuits. This is not required by

code but many Fire Marshals

are requesting this to protect

firefighters on burning roofs with

PV.


Questions / Discussion

Solar PV Financial Evaluation

• Presentation Sections:

– Introduction

– Current and Historical PV System Costs

– Rebates and Incentives

– PPAs, Leases, Direct Ownership

– Open Discussion/Questions


• Introduction:

– Welcome/ Presenter Introductions/ COG – Jacobs

– Goal of presentation – “Overview of Solar PV system

Financial Incentives and Comparison of Financial

Approaches”

– Pooling of audience – inspectors, building officials,

school superintendents, others

– Overview of Presentation Sections/Agenda


• Current and Historical PV System Costs per Watt

– PV System cost per watt for Residential and Commercial

• System size and complexity impact cost

– Small system = Higher cost/watt

– Utility scale system (10+ MW) = lowest cost/watt

– Complex system = Higher cost/watt

– Carport Canopy systems = highest cost (added structure and footings)

• Utility energy rates & solar growth

– High Utility rates (CA) results in fast PV growth

– Low Utility rates (FL) results in sluggish PV growth

• PV Cost Trends over time…

– As PV reaches par w/ Utility rates (incl. incentives), PV growth increases


• Current and Historical PV System Costs per Watt


• Rebates and

Incentives

– Federal Tax Credits

– State Credits

– Oncor Rebates

– Accelerated

Depreciation


• PV Rebates & Incentives:

– State and Utility Solar Programs available

– 30% Federal Tax Credit

– Accelerated Depreciation

– REC’s ($.02/kWh)


Name

State/

Territ

ory

CategoryPolicy/Incentive

Type

Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs) USFinancial

IncentiveLoan Program

Denton Municipal Electric - GreenSense Energy

Efficiency Rebate ProgramTX

Financial

IncentiveRebate Program

Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC) USFinancial

Incentive

Corporate Tax

Credit

Farmers Electric Cooperative -

Residential/Agricultural Energy Efficiency Rebate

Program

TXFinancial


Tribal Energy Program Grant USFinancial

IncentiveGrant Program

Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit USFinancial

IncentivePersonal Tax Credit

Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion

(Personal)US

Financial

Incentive

Personal Tax

Exemption

Renewable Energy Systems Property Tax Exemption TXFinancial

Incentive

Property Tax

Incentive

Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System

(MACRS)US

Financial

Incentive

Corporate

Depreciation

USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)

GrantsUS

Financial


USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)

Loan GuaranteesUS

Financial


FHA PowerSaver Loan Program USFinancial


USDA - High Energy Cost Grant Program USFinancial


TexasIncentives/Policies for Renewables & Efficiency

Financial Incentives

DSIREUSA.org

http://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program/detail/3098













http://www.dsireusa.org/





DSIREUSA.org

Name

State/

Territ

ory


Type

U.S. Department of Energy - Loan Guarantee

ProgramUS

Financial


El Paso Electric Company - Solar PV Pilot Program TXFinancial


City of Plano - Smart Energy Loan Program TXFinancial


City of Sunset Valley - PV Rebate Program TXFinancial


City of Houston - Property Tax Abatement for Green

Commercial BuildingsTX

Financial

Incentive

Property Tax

Incentive

Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion

(Corporate)US

Financial

Incentive

Corporate Tax

Exemption

Energy-Efficient Mortgages USFinancial


Oncor Electric Delivery - Commercial and Industrial

Rebate ProgramTX

Financial


CoServ - Solar Energy Rebate TXFinancial


Oncor Electric Delivery - Solar Photovoltaic

Standard Offer ProgramTX

Financial


City of San Marcos - Distributed Generation Rebate

ProgramTX

Financial


Xcel Energy - Residential and Hard-to-Reach

Standard Offer ProgramTX

Financial


Austin Energy - Residential Solar Loan Program TXFinancial




















DSIREUSA.org

Name

State

/

Territ

ory


Type

Denton Municipal Electric - GreenSense Solar

Rebate ProgramTX

Financial


CPS Energy - Solar PV Rebate Program TXFinancial


Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative -

Renewable Energy RebatesTX

Financial


LoanSTAR Revolving Loan Program TXFinancial


Solar and Wind Energy Device Franchise Tax

DeductionTX

Financial

Incentive

Corporate Tax

Deduction

Solar and Wind Energy Business Franchise Tax

ExemptionTX

Financial

Incentive

Industry

Recruitment/Suppo

rt

Austin Energy - Residential Solar PV Rebate

ProgramTX

Financial


AEP Texas Central Company - SMART Source

Solar PV Rebate ProgramTX

Financial


AEP Texas North Company - SMART Source Solar

PV Rebate ProgramTX

Financial


Austin Energy - Commercial Solar PV Incentive

ProgramTX

Financial

Incentive

Performance-

Based Incentive

Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs) USFinancial
















• PV Financing – Owner Purchased:

– Requires capital to finance

– Owner responsible for O&M

– Owner monetizes rebates/incentives

– Generally most advantageous to private (taxable)

entities

– Not a common approach for Government entities due to

lack of taxable benefits (unless PV grants are available)


• PV Financing – Power Purchase Agreement

(PPA):

– Agreement w/ LLC to own, operate, finance, install and

maintain PV system

– Facility owner agrees to purchase all power generated

at a fixed or escalating rate for a fixed period (typ 20

yrs)

– Requires no capital investment

– Generally most advantageous to Government (non-

taxable) entities

– PPA is typically for PV systems 250 kW and larger


• PV Financing – PPA Comparison


• PPA Comparison:

– Pros:

• No capital is required by the Client

• Client can focus on its mission instead of energy production

• No system maintenance by Client

• Client only pays for actual power produced

• Cost of power is generally slightly lower than utility rate

• Rebates and Incentives are monetized into the PPA

– Cons:

• Overall cost of energy savings are minimal

• Limited control of the PV system on site

• Monthly electric bills to PPA provider and utility


• PV Financing – Lease:

– Requires down payment

– Typical 15 year term

– System owner (3rd party) monetizes rebates/incentives

– Lease payment is fixed rate not tied to the power

generated

– Common for government entities where PPA is not

allowed

– System owner is responsible for O&M


• PV Financing:

– 7 year buyout of PPA or “Flip”

– Operations budget versus Capitol Improvement budget


Questions / Discussion

Solar PV Code Changes

• New for 2015 NEC

– 210.5 (c) (2) ungrounded DC conductors #6 and

smaller is required to be red for positive and black for

negative.

– 690.12 a rapid shutdown system for the PV system

that de-energizes all wiring from the PV module within

10 seconds of being activated, all components listed

and labeled.