PhotoVoltaic System Installation

System Design
(How this all connects together) 		   
Chronological order of events
1.

Draw up plans and specify system
side view with sun angle
top view, panels
top view, conduit

 "E-NET (net metering) only applies to residential and commercial customers with demand less than 20kW and who install PV solar, wind or hybrids of both with capacity of 10kW or less."
2. Obtain City permit    

3.

 

 PGE requirements
Links to PGE
Email from PGE		 "In order to start the process, fill out the enclosed PG&E Application for E-NET, attach the project details including a single line diagram showing all the devices for the PV system, equipment ratings, wire sizes, disconnect switch (or lockable visible isolating device), grounding of equipment, the model of the inverter, the inverter UL Certification Number (based on UL 1741), and return along with the requested information to PGE."
4.

Submit for Rebate to
California Energy Commission (Links)
5. Order system $$$$$.$$  
6. Receive system Our system will produce 2,500 watts, based on the annual average of 5.5 useable hours of sunlight per day at our latitude. We will produce 14.1 kWh per day.
7.

Install system

Wire map
(How to wire 4 panels together)

       
Efficient Use of Power
 

We are now looking at how to efficiently balance the load between the amount of energy that the panels create and the rate in which PGE will credit us for this energy. We will receive the highest credit rate from PGE between noon and 6 pm, this is because the Utility meter tracts "time of usage."

This way we can take advantage of PGE rates being lower from 6 PM to noon, which is the time we consume most of our power. From noon to 6 PM the rates are higher and this is the time we generate the most energy.

We probably should change the time of day that we use large appliances (hot tub, clothes washer, dishwasher) so that they run the morning before noon.

PGE will send us a yearly statement.
       
What else you can do to use Power Efficiently
 
  • Compact florescent lighting
  • florescent lighting
  • turn off computers
  • check for appliances (devices) that consume power in the "off" position, use switched powerstrips to stop Phantom power.
    • Computer
    • Printer
    • TV
    • VCR
    • Microwave oven
   Phantom power is current that is being consumed by the appliance when it is in an "off" position. This phantom power is used for remote control functions or clocks.
       
Bookmarks of anything that we found useful
       
  ? Questions ? e-mail us    
       
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