Solar PV Basics

Basics of Photovoltaic (PV) Systems for Grid-Tied Applications
Pacific Energy Center 851 Howard St. San Francisco, CA 94103
Courtesy of DOE/NREL
Presented by Pete Shoemaker
Basics of Photovoltaic (PV) Systems for Grid-Tied Applications

Material in this presentation is protected by Copyright law. Reproduction, display, or distribution in print or electronic formats without written permission of rights holders is prohibited. Disclaimer: The information in this document is believed to accurately describe the technologies described herein and are meant to clarify and illustrate typical situations, which must be appropriately adapted to individual circumstances. These materials were prepared to be used in conjunction with a free, educational program and are not intended to provide legal advice or establish legal standards of reasonable behavior. Neither Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) nor any of its employees and agents: (1) makes any written or oral warranty, expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, those concerning merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose; (2) assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any information, apparatus, product, process, method, or policy contained herein; or (3) represents that its use would not infringe any privately owned rights, including, but not limited to, patents, trademarks, or copyrights.
PG&E Solar Information

www.pge.com/solar
Pacific Energy Center

www.pge.com/pec
Contact Information
Pete Shoemaker
Pacific Energy Center 851 Howard St. San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 973-8850 pjsy@pge.com
PG&Es Climate Change Commitment

PG&E is committed to leading by example when it comes to climate change. That means more than just minimizing the greenhouse gas emissions from our operations. It also means maximizing the opportunity we have to lead efforts to establish responsible policies and programs to address global climate change. Adopted by PG&E Corporation, May 2006
Investing in Renewables and Emerging Technologies

Californias goal of 20% renewable energy by 2010 is most aggressive renewable energy goal in U.S. Since 2002, PG&E has contracted for more than 2,100 MW of renewable energy from wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, and hydro resources. We are exploring a number of emerging renewable technologies.
PG&Es recent agreement with Solel-MSP-1 for 553 megawatts one of the worlds largest solar commitments is expected to be fully operational in 2011.
PG&Es 2008 Electric Delivery Mix

--on average over 50% of the energy PG&E delivers --on comes from sources that emit almost no carbon dioxide
PG&E as a Partner and Solutions Provider

PG&E Portfolio Solution
Reduce Energy Use
Partnership Education Outreach ClimateSmart
Renewable Power Supply
Customer Solar Installations

As of Q1 2008 PG&E has over 22,000 customers who have installed solar generation to help them meet their energy needs
More than 21,000 residential customers and 1,000 nonresidential customers
Customer on Net Metering tariffs have installed over 184 MW of solar generation
98 MW by residential customers; 86 MW by nonresidential customers An additional 127 MW has been installed by customers who are not taking advantage of the NEM tariff structure
Annual PG&E Solar Interconnections

7,000
Over 25,000 total

6,000
50% of the installs in the entire U.S.!

7,000
5,000
6,000
Installations
5,000
4,000
Installations
4,000
3,000
3,000
2,000
2,000
1 ,000
1 ,000
0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Agenda
Technology
Products System Design
Feasibility
Financing Location/Siting
Process
Installation Business Overview
11
Learning Objectives
TECHNOLOGY Become familiar with the basic types of PV cell/module technologies and how AC power is made Understand the concept of net metering in the context of electricity flow and billing FEASIBILITY Learn the current average costs of PV systems, before and after accounting for relevant incentives Identify the key siting issues that need to be considered for every potential PV project PROCESS Understand the sales and installation cycle and how to interpret PV bids Get an overview of the PV business and job opportunities
One Minute Summary

Rent a portion of utility power plants Buy your own power plant
CURRENT
Same electricity
POSSIBLE
Source: Pete Shoemaker
Your home needs electricity
The basic economics are just like the rent vs. buy of purchasing a home.
13
Basic Terminology
CPUC: California Public Utilities Commission (sets policy) CEC: California Energy Commission (rates products) CSI: California Solar Initiative (main solar rebate program) NSHP: New Solar Homes Partnership (program for new homes) IOU: Investor-Owned Utility (like PG&E) MUNI: Municipal-Owned Utility (like SMUD) RPS: Renewable Portfolio Standard (how much green power a state or utility must have, and by what date) DC: Direct Current (produced by solar panels) AC: Alternating Current (used in the home) Efficiency: Measure of how much of the sunlight on a particular area is converted to electricity (%) Capacity: Total amount of power that a system produces
14
Agenda
Technology
Feasibility
Process
15
Electricity Terms
Electricity Fundamentals
Watt (W) = Basic unit of Power
In generator: Capacity to do work In appliance (load): Requirement for work to be done Electrical terms: Amps x Volts = Watts 5A x 12V = 60 W 0.5A x 120V = 60 W
Kilowatt (kW), Megawatt (MW)

1 kW = 1,000 Watts 2.5 kW = 2,500 Watts 1 MW = 1,000,000 Watts 500 MW = 500,000,000 Watts
Electricity Fundamentals
Watt-hour (Wh) = Power over Time = Basic unit of Energy or Work
Watts x hours = Watt-hours
In generator: Amount of energy produced

How many Watt-hours are produced if a 100W generator runs for 5 hours? 500
Wh
In appliance: Amount of energy consumed (work done)

How many Watt-hours are used if a 10W light bulb is on for 3 hours? 30
Wh
Kilowatt-hour (Kwh)
1 kWh = 1,000 Wh ==== costs about $0.14 on average
Types of Electrical Current

Voltage x Time 1/60 of a second +V 0V -V 60 Hertz in U.S. (60 cycles / second)
DC = Direct current
*PV panels produce DC *Batteries only store DC
AC = Alternating current
*Utility Power
PV Technology Overview
Solar Water Heating

Solar Pool
Swimming pool heating 80 - 85 degrees from May to October
Source: Fafco
Source: NexTag
Solar Water Heating

Solar Thermal
Domestic Hot Water (DHW) Hot showers, etc. 120 - 140 degrees all year
Photo courtesy SunEarth
Solar Electricity
Produces electricity year-round
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Solar Electricity Photovoltaic Effect

photo = light; voltaic = produces voltage Photovoltaic (PV) systems convert light directly into electricity (using semiconductors)
How a PV Cell Works

Sunlight
Metallic Contact Finger (electron pickup) Antireflective coating Electron flow
N-Layer (Phosphorus) P-N Junction
P-Layer (Boron)
Metallic back contact
Solar Cells & the PV Effect

Usually produced with semiconductor grade silicon Dopants create positive and negative regions P/N junction results in .5 volts per cell Sunlight knocks available electrons loose for potential electrical current Wire grid provides path for current
PV Terminology
Cell Module Array
PV System Sizing
200 HP engine: means that 200 horsepower is the MAXIMUM it will produce.
4 kW PV system: means that 4,000 watts (4 kW) is the MAXIMUM it will produce in full sunlight.
Crystalline Silicon (Mono)
Source: DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Crystalline Silicon (Poly)
Source: Darren Bouton
Crystalline Silicon PV Products
Firm, like crystals Longest track record, over 50 years Most common, over 85% of the market Highest efficiencies: avg. 15%, up to 22% Requires about 100 sf. per kilowatt sf.
31
Thin-Film PV Products
Thin-Film PV Products
Can be applied on many different materials Longevity still to be proven Production growing at high rate Lower efficiencies: avg. 7%, up to 15% Has potential for big cost reduction Pacific Energy Center Requires about 200 sf. per kilowatt sf. San Francisco
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Wattage Comparison
Monocrystalline (Single) Polycrystalline (Multi) Amorphous (Thin-Film)
75 Watts
80 Watts
43 Watts
PV General Rules
Crystalline PV Products Efficiencies (rated) range from 12-22% Space required: 90-150 s.f. per kW Thin-Film PV Products Efficiencies (rated) range from 5-10% Space required: 170-300 s.f. per kW
Crystalline vs. Thin-Film

1.2 kW Crystalline Silicon
Thin-film needs about twice as much space for the same-size system, but the total cost is about the same.
1.2 kW Thin-Film
Crystalline vs. Thin-Film: Heat response

Heat increases electrical resistance, which lowers power output. Output begins dropping at 20C (68F). Percentage of drop is called Temperature Coefficient of Power. It is measured in % per degree Centigrade, i.e. -0.35%/C Thin film degrades less than crystalline.

Sample data from spec sheets
Crystalline -0.478%
Thin film -0.19%
100 95 % of Power 90 85 80 75 70 65 60 20
(68)
25
30
(86)
35
40
45
(113)
50
55
Degrees Centigrade
(Fahrenheit)
60 (140)
65
70
Thin Film
Crystalline
PV Panel Technology Summary

Technology Crystalline Silicon Description Module Cell Efficiency Efficiency (Commercial) (Laboratory) Sample Companies Employing Technologies
The orignal approach; grow silicon crystal structures in a variety of ways. Represents almost 90% of total market. Appearance dark blue to black but other colors possible with changes to antireflective coatings. Grown in Cylinders and wire- or laser-sliced into circular wafers as thin as 200 microns. Cells are circular and modules are inherently flat black or charcoal. Cast in blocks or drawn through a die to create a "ribbon" and wiresliced or cut into rectangular wafers. Cells are typically vibrant blue. 14 - 15% 25% BP Solar GE/AstroPower Sanyo Sharp SunWorld BP Solar Evergreen Solar Kyocera Solar Schott Solar Sharp SunWorld
Single Crystal
Multi-Crystalline
12 - 14%
19%
Thin-Film Materials
Near single-atom vapor or electro-deposition on low-cost materials (glass, stainless steel, or plastic). Modules can be flexible. Appearance dark charcoal to near black; can also be semitransparent. Cell and module production part of same process. Widely used in consumer products and on flexible substrates. Alternative semiconductor material under commercialization. Alternative semiconductor material under commercialization. 5 - 7% 13% BP Solar Kaneka Solar TerraSolar United Solar Ovonic Global Solar Shell Solar BP Solar First Solar
Amorphous Silicon (a-Si)
Copper Indium Diselenide (CIS) Cadmium Telluride (CdTe)
8 - 10%
19%
7 - 9%
17%
Inverters
Inverter
DC AC
Changes Direct Current (DC) to Alternating Current (AC)
Pacific Energy Center San Francisco
41
Inverters
Range in size from 1 Kw to 225 Kw Can easily be connected together, even different models Best to locate in cooler area
42
Reliability
Source: NASA
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Reliability
Mature technologyover 50 years old Essential to the space program Millions in use Products tested and approved by CEC Long warranties backed by large, stable companies -- 20 to 25 years on panels -- 10 years on inverters -- 10 year labor warranty
Pacific Energy Center San Francisco 44
It works during the day, but what about at night?
Previously, there was only one solution: Store the excess in batteries during the day, then draw off the batteries at night, or when its cloudy. it
But now?
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Net Metering
The utility grid is a twotwoway street! Electricity can be sent back to the grid by the back customer.
Source: Andy Black
Eliminates the need for batteries. Reduces cost and maintenance.
X
Source: DOE NREL
Ensures a constant supply of electricity.
PV System Types
Grid Interactive (On-Grid)
Grid tie only (no batteries) <= Todays focus Today Grid tie with battery backup
Both under net-metering arrangement
Stand-Alone (Off-Grid)
Battery backup
Typical System Components

Array Inverter
Metering
Loads
Balance of System (BOS)
Typical System Components
1. Solar array 2. Inverter 3. House electrical panel
Source: PG&E
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Net Metering
Sell Power to the Utility by Day
Buy Power at Night and Winter

Exchange at Retail Annual Cycle
Understanding PV Financial Analysis

2006 Andy Black. All rights reserved.
Net Metering No Blackout Protection

Unsafe to send live power into grid while workers repairing downed lines
No voltage reservoir reservoir means house current could fluctuate and damage appliances
Understanding PV Financial Analysis

2006 Andy Black. All rights reserved.
Reduce Your Energy Bills!

Spin Your Meter Slower
Use the electricity you generate first to reduce electricity you would normally buy from the utility or electric service provider
Spin Your Meter Backwards

Excess electricity generated goes through your meter and into the grid Spins your meter backwards!
Get credit for stored electricity on the grid
Net Metering
Average monthly usage kWh/mo PV system production
750
Roll over
500
250
May SUMMER
October WINTER
April
53
Net Metering
750
The surplus covers the shortfall, and your yearly bill is minimal.
500
250
May SUMMER
October WINTER
April
54
Net Metering
750
PV system produces less than your yearly usage.
500 You pay this amount
250
May SUMMER
October WINTER
April
55
Net Metering
750
PV system produces more than your yearly usage.

You lose this amount
500
250
May SUMMER
October WINTER
April
56
Time of Use Rates

Residential "E6" Time-of-Use Pricing Periods
Midnight - 6am 6am - 10am 10am - 1pm 1pm - 7pm Sunday Monday TuesdayWednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Off-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak Part-Peak Part-Peak Part-Peak Part-Peak Part-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak Peak Peak Peak Peak Peak Off-Peak
7pm - 9pm Part-Peak Part-Peak Part-Peak Part-Peak Part-Peak Part-Peak Part-Peak 9pm - Midnight Off-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak
Peak rates in Summer Afternoons 29/kWh + tier surcharges Part-Peak rates: 14/kWh + tiers Off-Peak rates (Nights & Weekends) 8.5-10/kWh + tiers
57
Time of Use Rates

35 30 25
Cents per Kwh
20 15 10 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Hours of the Day
E-6 summer rates (May October)

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Time of Use Rates

3500 3000
Kwh Produced
2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23

Hours of the Day
Typical summer production

59
Time of Use Rates

35 30 25
Cents per Kwh
20 15 10 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Hours of the Day
Summer pattern (May October)

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Time of Use Rates

35 30 25
Cents per Kwh
Sell Buy
20 15 10 5 0 1
Buy
3 4
7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Hours of the Day
Buying low and selling high adds value.

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Change in Utility Billing

Two bills, gas & electric Yearly billing cycle for electricity Fixed minimum electric charge reflected on gas (blue) bill
62
Minimum electric hookup charge
63

Minimum electric charge
Current monthly charge
Cumulative charge
64

PV electric bill: meter readings
65

PV electric bill: usage history
66

Yearly trueup example
Yearly usage total $170.20 Already paid the fixed amount of $6.71 per month for 12 months, total of $80.52 Amount owed is 170.20 80.52 = $89.68
67
Review of Learning Objectives TECHNOLOGY Become familiar with the basic types of PV cell/module technologies and how AC power is made Understand the concept of net metering in the context of electricity flow and billing
68
Agenda
Technology
Feasibility
Process
69
Why Solar? Why Now? Key Drivers

1. Environmental Benefits 2. Supply and Demand 3. Federal Tax Incentives 4. California Solar Initiative (CSI) 5. Power Purchase Agreements (PPA)
1st Driver: PV & Climate Protection

Annual Emissions Avoided in CA
By using a 4 kW PV system, you can reduce carbon emissions equal to:
The emissions from driving more than 12,000 miles in an average passenger car The CO2 absorbed by ~ 1 acre of trees Note: Each solar kWh avoids >1 lb CO2 (Now worth $22/ton in Europe, or 1.1 cents/kWh)
Source: Andy Black
Environmental Footprint
Best overall estimates from 1 to 2.5 years Depends on site and power production--in production--in California is about 1.1 years. Shrinking as costs drop and production gets greener greener Pays back 10 to 30 times or more its environmental cost
Most PV manufacturing plants will have their own PV system on the roof.
Source: January 2008 Environmental Science & Technology http://sustenergy.blogactiv.eu/2008/05/29/emissions-from-photovoltaic-manufacturing/
2nd Driver: Supply & Demand

Whats Pushing the Future Demand of Natural Gas? Drivers for Demand in Electricity Production
NAAQS & New Source Pollution Standards Low Exposure to New Regulations Low Capital Construction, Short Lead Times, High Efficiency
Consumption of Gas by Sector
Fastest Growing Sector
Trillion Cubic Feet
Figure courtesy US Energy Information Administration
Billion kWh
Figure courtesy US Energy Information Administration
3rd Driver: Federal Tax Incentives

Federal Tax Credit
30% of net cost (PV and Solar Hot Water) $2,000 cap for residential No cap for commercial January 1, 2006 thru December 31, 2008
Tax Incentives for Businesses

Accelerated Depreciation (first 5 years)
But the law is set to expire at the end of the year if it is not extended. This has major implications.
4th Driver: California Solar Initiative (CSI)
Helps people buy solar electric systems.

Official Goal: To transform the solar market in California through declining subsidies, so that after 10 years it no longer needs subsidies.
5th Driver: Power Purchase Agreements (PPA)

Enables people to go solar without having to buy the PV system.
3rd party purchases, owns, and operates the system. Their investors take tax incentives They bill clients just as a utility does Ideal for schools, govt buildings, nonprofits (churches, etc.)
Owners Benefits of Photovoltaics

Reduce your energy bills! Reduce future uncertainty of energy $$ Modular - size to meet your needs Relatively low maintenance Adaptable and flexible in application Up to 25 year warranty on power output
Size to Meet Your Needs

1.2 kW Crystalline Silicon
Size to Meet Your Needs
Relatively Low Maintenance
Soiling Factors
Three basic categories for rainy / dry season areas
Washed as often as necessary Washed once in July Never washed ~ 1.0 ~ 0.96 ~ 0.93
Factors affecting number

Rainy / dry seasons Dirt roads Near agricultural activity Close to road surface of busy street In airport flight path
Adaptable Applications
Rooftop
Ground Mounted
Source: Pete Shoemaker Source: DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Courtesy: SPG Energy
Covered Parking
Costs and Incentives
State Incentives
California Solar Initiative (CSI) Goal: Investment: Term: 3,000 MW of solar installed 1 Million Solar Roofs Roofs $3 billion 2007-2016 2007-
Outcome: Ensure CA leads nation in solar and meet 5% of states peak electricity demand with solar state Implementation: Via IOUs and Munis, except residential new Munis, construction, to be administered by the CEC
www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov
Grid-Connected PV Capacity Installed in California

Cumulative
200,000 180,000 160,000 140,000 120,000
Solar PV: 300+ MW CA peak: >50,000 MW (solar 0.3%) CSI goal: 3,000 MW
kW
100,000 80,000 60,000 40,000 20,000 0 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
Year
Source: California Energy Commission (CEC)
California Solar Initiative (CSI)

SB 1
CPUC (California Public Utilities Commission)

Existing Residential Existing Commercial Commercial New Construction
CEC (California Energy Commission)

Residential New Construction
CSI (California Solar Initiative)
NSHP (New Solar Homes Partnership)
Program Administrators
Program Administrators
PG&E
SCE
CCSE
(SDREO)
PG&E
SCE
SDG&E
The CSI makes PV

Economical:
Gives financial incentives to lower the cost
Secure
Screens and tests equipment Requires long warranties Helps screen and check installers Standardizes production estimates
Easy
Helps installers handle everything
CSI Financial Incentivestwo types EPBB

(Expected Performance-Based Buydown) One-time, up-front payment (rebate) Based on expected production Only for smaller systems (< 100 kW)
PBI (Performance-based Incentive)

Ongoing monthly payment for 5 years Based on actual production Possible for all systems, but required for large ones (> 100 kW)
CSI Financial Incentivesnumbers

EPBB PBI
Overall outline: Incentives step down according to amount of PV installed (MW)
CSI Financial Incentivesnumbers

Current status: For each utility, shows step # and volume amounts.
Trigger Tracker: http://www.sgip-ca.com/ Tracker http://www.sgipData as of 5/15/08. It is constantly changing.
CSI Rebate Adjustments

Base system size in AC kilowatts (CEC) may be adjusted downwards depending on design and geography.
Determined by EPBB calculator: www.csi-epbb.com www.csiaccording to the following inputs: 1. Zip code 2. Orientation (azimuth) 3. Tilt (from horizontal) 4. Shading (detailed shading table)
Design rewards summer energy, not annual No design penalty for any orientation from South to West Geography factor capped at 1.0 relative to Orange, CA
How Much Will PV Really Cost?

PV is a big ticket first cost item but it can be financed Cost is somewhat proportional to capacity (size) modest economy of scale for largest systems System prices vary depending on technology used, equipment type, local labor rates, site conditions, and other factors How much will not buying PV cost? From a risk standpoint, uncertainty over future electricity costs are avoided with PV.
PG&E Baseline Territory Map
Baseline=guaranteed minimum amount of low cost electricity for everyone--all income levels.
Baseline allocation determined by geographic needs.
95
PG&E Baseline Territory Allocations
96
Current Situation
PG&E monthly electric bill for a large home user:
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Current Situation
PG&E monthly electric bill for a large home user:
5 rate tiers
= $ 41.96 = $ 14.31 = $ 57.37 = $ 113.63 = $ 218.48 1,698.00 $ 445.75
1 2 3 4 5
Used 1,698 Kwh costing $ 445.75

98
E-1 / PG&E Standard Rate Schedule (Residential)

40.0 35.0 30.0
Cost (cents / kWh))
37.1 32.2
25.0 20.0 15.0 10.0 5.0 0.0 Less Than 100% 101% 130% 13
23
11.4
131% 200%
201% 300%
over 300%
Rate Tier (% of baseline)

99
Current Situation
The less you use, the more you eliminate the expensive upper tiers:
5 rate tiers
= $ 41.96 = $ 14.31 = $ 57.37 = $ 113.63 = $ 218.48 1,698.00 $ 445.75
1 2 3 4 5
100
Current Situation
The less you use, the more you eliminate the expensive upper tiers:
3 rate tiers
= $ 41.96 1 = $ 14.31 2 = $ 57.37 3 = $ 113.63 = $ 218.48 726.00 $ 113.64
Used 726 Kwh
costing
$113.64
From 1698 Kwh to 726 Kwh--from $446 to $114.

Lowering the usage 57% lowers the bill 74%.

101

40.0 35.0 30.0
Cost (cents / kWh))
37.1 32.2
25.0 20.0 15.0 10.0 5.0 0.0 Less Than 100% 101% 130% 13
23
11.4
131% 200%
201% 300%
over 300%
102
Current Situation
Case study Electric bill: $100/month = $1200/year After 10 years you will have paid $12,000 if rates do not rise.
Is this a reasonable assumption?
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Current Situation
Case study Electric bill: $100/month = $1200/year With inflation, after 10 years you likely will have paid $14,000 to $17,000 With nothing to show for it except higher electric bills ($150+/mo). No equity Nothing paid off off So the real question is
Can solar be less expensive than this?

PV Statistics & Performance for the Average Family of Four

(monthly electrical bill $100-$200)
4.0 KwAC System

COST (before rebate = $9,000 / kW) REBATE (est. $1,700 / kW) TAX CREDIT NET COST kWh Production Space requirements Avg. cost of power now ($150/mo) 25-yr. cost of power (est.) 40-yr. cost of power (est.)
$36,000 $6,800 $8,760 $20,440
~ 6,500 kWh / year ~ 350 - 500 s.f. $.18/Kwh $.17/Kwh $.12/Kwh

105
San Francisco Additional Rebate

SF rebate program in addition to the CSI For Homes; $3,000 Basic rebate, for any system size $4,000 If installing company is based in SF $5,000 If home is in Economic Justice area, such as Bayview or Hunters Point $6,000 If company employs SF Workforce Development Program installer For Businesses: $1,500 per Kw up to $10,000
106
PV Statistics & Performance for the SF Average Family of Four

(monthly electrical bill $75-$150)
3.0 KwAC System

COST (before rebate = $9,000 / kW) CSI REBATE ($1,700 / kW) SF REBATE TAX CREDIT NET COST kWh Production Space requirements Avg. cost of power now ($100/mo) 25-yr. cost of power (est.) 40-yr. cost of power (est.)
$27,000 - $5,100 - $6,000 - $4,700 $11,200
~ 5000 kWh / year ~ 300 s.f. $.15/Kwh $.12/Kwh $.09/Kwh

107
PV System Costs by Component

Retail costs of system under 30 kW
PV Panels Inverter Balance of System Installation / Labor ~ $5 per Watt ~ $1 per Watt ~ $1 per Watt ~ $2 per Watt
Total cost ~ $9 per watt installed
THE BIG QUESTION:
Whats the payback?
Return on Investment
Different ways to measure Payback: When savings = investment cost IRR (internal rate of return): Percentage of annual return which looks at full life cycle NPV (net present value): Cash flow projection which takes in financing costs Monthly Cash Flow: Change in your monthly payment
110
THE BIG ANSWER:

It Depends!
Financing and incentives? Solar resource? What would you pay for another source of electricity? Net metering or time-of-use net metering? time- of Building applied PV or building integrated PV? Roof mount, ground mount, shade structure? Roof type comp shingle, clay tiles, wood shake? What else do you value (side benefits), and how ?

40.0 35.0 30.0
Cost (cents / kWh))
37.1 32.2
25.0 20.0 15.0 10.0 5.0 0.0 Less Than 100% 101% 130% 13
23
11.4
Solar reverses the rate tier effect

Higher ROI
Lower ROI
131% 200%
201% 300%
over 300%
Ranges of values Payback: When savings = investment cost - from 8 to 18 years IRR (internal rate of return): Percentage of annual return which looks at full life cycle - From 5% to 15% NPV (net present value): Cash flow projection which takes in financing costs - Should always be greater than zero
113
Monthly Cash Flow: Financed by a home-secured loan Loan interest is tax-deductible Assuming historical rate escalation continues Monthly cash flow can be immediately positive for many people with electric bills over $125 per month. They can start making money from day one and continue for over 30 years! Lower bill amounts will typically start out slightly negative and improve over time.
114
Increase in Home Value

Appraisal Value
Will likely go up Less utility cost means more money available for mortgage payment Data so far is small, but supportive Much more to come as solar houses turn over
Solar Rights Act

California law that supports solar Keeps HOAs and other CC&Rs from prohibiting solar systems Forbids increased property taxes on owners system Restriction ends when home is sold, and assessment can go up to reflect system
115
Strategies for Cost Reduction
Strategies for Cost Reduction

Installation efficiencies/roofing Multiple benefits from one strategy Design integration Package with energy efficiency The PV Bulk-Buy?
Installation Efficiencies
BIPV
Building Integrated Photovoltaics
PV Roof Tiles
Tiles interlock quickly with NO roof penetrations

PV Integrated Roofing Membrane

Courtesy: Solar Integrated
PV Skylights
Multiple Benefits
Mitigate unwanted solar heat gain Control glare Displace existing materials cost Produce electricity
Design Integration
Polished Stone $215 - $255 ft2 Photovoltaics $45 - $135 ft2 Stone $75+ ft2 Glass Wall Systems $50 - $75 ft2 Stainless Steel
Courtesy: Atlantis Energy
$25 - $35 ft2
Package with Energy Efficiency

Conservation gives best payback Many EE rebates available Will be required for rebate Can handle entire package for client
PV Bulk Buy
Community targets for total Kw Can lead to 10% or more discounts Many companies offering it
Criteria for Selecting a Solar Site
PV Siting Issues to Consider

1. What is the solar resource potential at the site? 2. Does the site have an appropriate southern exposure? Consider SW-W for EPBB, too! 3. Will the PV system be free from shade? 4. Does the site have adequate space for the proposed PV system? 5. How will the PV system affect site aesthetics?
1. What is the solar resource potential?

Peak Sun-hours Measured in kWh/m2/day
Source: DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Resource Assessment Program http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/old_data/nsrdb/redbook/atlas/serve.cgi
CA solar resource map
Source: DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Resource Assessment Program http://www.nrel.gov/gis/solar.html#maps
Weather: Microclimates
Source: www.sf.solarmap.org 130
Weather Summary
California climate ideal for solar Panels produce in all light Fog has cooling effect, which raises efficiency Microclimates likely less than 15% loss from normal
131
2. Does the site have an appropriate southern exposure?

Use a compass to identify north (and thus south), south), a first step in assessing solar access at a site.
Magnetic South vs. True South

Magnetic South = Compass South
A compass aligns with the earths magnetic field, which is not exactly aligned with the earths rotational axis. Magnetic Declination = the number of degrees that true south is east or west from magnetic south. True south ~ 16 east of magnetic south (SF, SJ, Stockton)
True South = Solar South

NOTE: go to National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC) at http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/seg/geomag/jsp/Declination.jsp to determine your sites magnetic declination
Describing Location of the Sun

First understand where it is!
Azimuth - horizontal angle of sun east or west of due south Altitude - angle of sun above the horizon Azimuth and altitude describe the location of the sun in the sky at a given time.
Illustration from Environmental Control Systems by Fuller Moore, McGraw-Hill, Inc., 1993, p. 76.
PV Orientation
For tilted roof:
North
Not good West Good OK Very good
East
South
135
PV Orientation
N W E
S Overhead maps
136
Horizon in winter
Horizon in summer
Source: Wikipedia
Tilt
12 ft. 4 ft.
18 deg.
Typical roof in this area is 4:12. For every 12 feet horizontal, it drops 4 feet. This equals 18 degrees up from horizontal.
Normal roof pitch is a very good mounting angle.

138
Tilt Angle vs. Building Orientation

Orientation / Degrees from South
0 23 45 68 90
(South) (SSE, SSW) (SE, SW) (ESE, WSW) (E, W)
0 Flat 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89
18 30 4:12 7:12 0.97 1.00 0.97 0.99 0.95 0.96 0.92 0.91 0.88 0.84
45 12:12 0.97 0.96 0.93 0.87 0.78
60 21:12 0.89 0.88 0.85 0.79 0.70
90 Vertical 0.58 0.59 0.60 0.57 0.52
Source: A Guide to Photovoltaic (PV) System Design and Installation -- CEC, June 2001
Bottom line: Tilt is a factor, but not a major one.

139
3. Will the PV system be free from shade?
Monocrystalline Shading Effect

Partial Module Shading Effect
3
Unshaded Module
2.5
The Extreme Effects of Shading

1 cell 25% shaded 1 cell 50% shaded 1 cell 75% shaded 1 cell 100% shaded
% of One Cell Shaded

0% 25 % 50 % 75 % l00 % with 3 cells shaded
% Loss of Module Power

0% 25 % 50 % 66 % 75 % 93 %
Amps
1.5
0.5
0 0 5 10 15 20 25
Volts
Courtesy: Solar Energy International
Solar Access
PV Requirements
Solar Window = 9 am - 3 pm (ideal) 8 am - 4 pm (possible) Need minimum of 4 hours during solar window with no shade (prefer 5 hours) Summer more important than winter
Shading
Sunset Sunrise
Solar Window
Shade-free from 9 to 3
Good chance for PV

Shading
Bad chance for PV

Planning for Shade
Source: PEC Staff
Planning for Shade

S
2 to 1 ratio recommended
1 ft. 2 ft.
No good
Source: PEC Staff
Solar Pathfinder
Used to gain a quick and approximate understanding of solar access and objects on the horizon that shade a given location. Latitude specific sun path diagram is placed in the pathfinder. The transparent, convex plastic dome reflects objects on the horizon, enabling the user to see the relationship between these objects and the path of the sun. Obstructions can be traced onto sunpath diagram.
Solmetric SunEyeTM
Handheld measurement device that accurately measures solar access and shading (about $1400)
Courtesy: Solmetric, Corp.
Sunpath View
Visually demonstrates seasonal sun path and shading effects of obstructions Summary tabular data
Detailed View
Chart shows proportion of total solar energy available at this site each month
Where to Go for Tools

Pacific Energy Center: Tool Lending Library Phone: 415-973-9945 Email: pectools@pge.com
Pacific Energy Center Web Site:

www.pge.com/pec/tll
Does the site have adequate space?
PV Requirements
Adequate Roof Area:
Crystalline Silicon
100-150 square feet per kW
Thin-Film
170-300 square feet per kW
Note: Consideration should also be given for access to the system (can add up to 20% of needed area)
How will PV affect site aesthetics?
How will PV affect site aesthetics?
Tracking
For most home systems, the extra expense and maintenance of tracking tracking motors is not worth the efficiency gain. Better to buy a few extra panels. extra For large commercial systems it may be worth it.
155
Roof Issues
Dont put a new PV system on an old roof!
Minimum roof life should be 5 7 years. Good idea to do PV and roof at same time Estimate for panel removal/replacement is $1,000 per Kw of system size.
Source: LondonFlatRoofing.co.uk
Review of Learning Objectives

FEASIBILITY Learn the current average costs of PV systems, before and after accounting for relevant incentives Identify the key siting issues that need to be considered for every potential PV project
157
Agenda
Technology
Feasibility
Process
158
Case Studies
Residential Case Study

Phone screening information:
John Doe in Gilroy, CA John Doe $200/month PG&E electric bill Usage projected to stay the same Composition shingle roof Thinks there are no shade issues Overhead photos not clear
Site Visit Data: Roof Layout

N W S E
25 4:12 pitch
Back of house
65
Front of house
N W S E
Site Visit First Pass

No shading issues Roof in good shape About 200 sf. south-facing sf. south Lots of room west-facing west Good site for inverter(s) inverter(s) Electrical service and panel OK Substantial electric bill
What Size System?

Usage History Jul-06 Aug-06 Sep-06 Oct-06 Nov-06 Dec-06 Jan-07 Feb-07 Mar-07 Apr-07 May-07
Jun-07 Total Avg.
946 1127 1349 970 1093 1077 1349 867 886 768 815
836 12083 1007
Usage pattern normal Monthly average is good starting point Propose maximum size system and then work to customers budget customer Check for competitive bids, ask to see them
Acme Solar final bid
24 190-watt modules Two 2000-watt inverters
Commercial Case Study
Car dealership in Gilroy
Commercial Case Study

Check usable space Estimate maximum size of system Determine average usage from bill Give ballpark financial numbers
Total space is about 16,000 square feet, but how much is usable? Need site visit to determine.
Visual estimate about 60+% usable space. about 10,000 sf. total = 100 KW system maximum.
Electric bill yearly average: 31,000 Kwh/month
Average blended rate per Kwh = $ .16594 Average monthly bill = 31,000 x $ .16594 = $5,144 or about $5,000 per month.
From website: www.csi-epbb.com
Page 1
Page 2
PV Installation Process
STEP 1: Complete an Energy Audit STEP 2: Contact and Choose an Installer INSTALLER HANDLES THE REST STEP 3: Complete and Submit Applications for CSI STEP 4: Install System STEP 5: Schedule Final Building Inspection STEP 6: Schedule Final Utility Inspection STEP 7: Claim Your Incentives
Reduce Electricity Consumption

Look for negawatts Efficiency First
Lights
use the right light for the job, CFLs instead of incandescent lamps
Heating, Ventilating & Air Conditioning (HVAC)

use the most efficient available
Appliances & office equipment

Energy Star
Building envelope
insulation, glazing, cool roofs
Find Installers
FindSolar.com
www.findsolar.com/index.php
California Energy Commission
www.consumerenergycenter.org/erprebate/datab ase/index.html www.norcalsolar.org/biz_members_list/busmemb ers.php
NorCal Solar Business Members CalSEIA Members

http://calseia.org/, Find an Expert link
Personal references
http://www.findsolar.com/index.php
Obtain Bids
Phone interview Site visit System design Bid presentation Bid comparison
Comparing Bids: DC vs. AC watts

DC watts are name only DC rating is determined under Standard Test Conditions (STC), not real-world DC must be changed to AC before use DC system size: 20 Sharp 200-watt modules = 20 x 200 = 4000 watts = 4.0 kW DC

Lookup CEC ratings for panels.
http://www.gosolarcalifornia.org/equipment/

Lookup CEC ratings for inverters.
http://www.gosolarcalifornia.org/equipment/

AC watts are real power AC rating is determined under Practical Test Conditions (PTC), real-world AC takes efficiency losses into account AC system size: 20 Sharp 200-watt modules PTC rating 176 watts, inverter efficiency 96% = 20 x 176 = 3520 watts x .96 = 3379 watts = 3.38 kW AC

System size: 20 Sharp 200-watt modules 1 SMA SB 4000US inverter 4.0 kW DC 3.38 kW AC (CEC rating)
DC is about 18% more, but misleading. AC is the important number, and if installer only gives DC numbers be suspicious and ask for AC size.
Comparing Bids: apples to apples

Installers may use different modules and inverters, so AC sizes may not be exact. To compare properly you need to determine the Price per AC watt. = Top Line Price (before rebate and tax credit) divided by AC watts (AC kW x 1000) Price: $32,500 for 3.38 kW AC $32,500/3380 = $9.61 per AC watt
Monitoring
Extra hardware sends inverter data to internet Inverter company or 3rd party hosts website Customer can view system from home or remotely Current and historical data can be displayed
Can cost extra but some companies are offering it as standard package.
PV Business Overview
Manufacturers Distributors Integrators (retailers) Subcontractors
Integrators (retailers)
Management Sales Marketing Accounting Ordering Installation Service
Sales Marketing
Marketing: advertising, design & layout, partnerships Inside sales: phone screeners, field support Field reps: residential & commercial
Installation Service
Design & permitting: drafting, permit applications, coordination Crew supervision: crew chief, trainer Crews: Installers, apprentices
Accounting Ordering
Financial accounting, payroll Paperwork management, CSI applications Product supply, costs
Renewable Energy Credits

Called RECs or green tags The green attribute of the power Valuable in carbon offset accounting Cap and trade legislation will create market Potentially useful in helping fund PV Both voluntary market and mandatory market
Carbon Offsets
Making activity carbon neutral Funding projects that remove as much carbon as you generate Social & business image value PG&Es Climate Smart first such program in the country for utility customers
Review of Learning Objectives

PROCESS Understand the sales and installation cycle and how to interpret PV bids Get an overview of the PV business and job opportunities
Dont forget the bottom line

Paper
Wealth
PV Resources
Go Solar California www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov PG&E Solar Program www.pge.com/solar Expected Performance-Based Buydown Calculator Performance http://www.csi-epbb.com California Solar Center (Solar e-Clips) e www.californiasolarcenter.org/index.html California Solar Energy Industries Association www.calseia.org/index.html Northern California Solar Energy Association (NCSEA) www.norcalsolar.org US Department of Energy, Solar Energy Technologies Program www.eere.energy.gov/solar/photovoltaics.html Solarbuzz www.solarbuzz.com/index.asp
Additional PV Training Resources

Solar Energy International
www.solarenergy.org/
The Solar Living Institute

www.solarliving.org/
Diablo Valley College

www.dvc.edu/
Contact Information
Pete Shoemaker
Pacific Energy Center 851 Howard St. San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 973-8850 pjsy@pge.com

Solar PV Basics

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Basics of Photovoltaic (PV) Systems for Grid-Tied Applications

Pacific Energy Center 851 Howard St. San Francisco, CA 94103

Presented by Pete Shoemaker

Basics of Photovoltaic (PV) Systems for Grid-Tied Applications

PG&E Solar Information

Pacific Energy Center

PG&Es Climate Change Commitment

Investing in Renewables and Emerging Technologies

PG&Es 2008 Electric Delivery Mix

PG&E as a Partner and Solutions Provider

Reduce Energy Use

Partnership Education Outreach ClimateSmart

Renewable Power Supply

Customer Solar Installations

Annual PG&E Solar Interconnections

Over 25,000 total

50% of the installs in the entire U.S.!

0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

One Minute Summary

Source: Pete Shoemaker

Your home needs electricity

Kilowatt (kW), Megawatt (MW)

In generator: Amount of energy produced

In appliance: Amount of energy consumed (work done)

Types of Electrical Current

Solar Water Heating

Solar Water Heating

Photo courtesy SunEarth

Solar Electricity Photovoltaic Effect

How a PV Cell Works

Metallic Contact Finger (electron pickup) Antireflective coating Electron flow

N-Layer (Phosphorus) P-N Junction

Metallic back contact

Solar Cells & the PV Effect

Crystalline Silicon (Mono)

Source: DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Crystalline Silicon (Poly)

Source: Darren Bouton

Crystalline Silicon PV Products

Source: DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Crystalline vs. Thin-Film

Source: DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Crystalline vs. Thin-Film: Heat response

Crystalline vs. Thin-Film: Heat response

Thin film -0.19%

Crystalline vs. Thin-Film: Heat response

PV Panel Technology Summary

Amorphous Silicon (a-Si)

Copper Indium Diselenide (CIS) Cadmium Telluride (CdTe)

Changes Direct Current (DC) to Alternating Current (AC)

Pacific Energy Center San Francisco

Pacific Energy Center San Francisco

Source: Darren Bouton

Pacific Energy Center San Francisco

It works during the day, but what about at night?

Eliminates the need for batteries. Reduces cost and maintenance.

Ensures a constant supply of electricity.

Typical System Components

Balance of System (BOS)

Source: Darren Bouton

Typical System Components

1. Solar array 2. Inverter 3. House electrical panel