Solar 101 3 rd Annual WV Solar Congress May 5, 2018 Presentation in - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Solar 101 3 rd Annual WV Solar Congress May 5, 2018

Presentation in three parts: 1. Solar technology 2. How solar co-ops work 3. Solar economics

Part 1: Solar technology

Part 1: Solar Technology How does a solar panel work? Solar photovoltaic (PV) Converts solar energy to electricity

Part 1: Solar Technology System co components: Panels Solar Array Panel / Module Image Source: DuPont

Part 1: Solar Technology System components: Inverter & Racking Inverter Racking system

Part 1: Solar Technology How does solar connect to my roof? Source: Huffington Post

Part 1: Solar Technology

Part 1: Solar Technology

Part 1: Solar Technology Terminology: Kilowatts (kW) & Kilowatt-hours (kWh) System measured in kW Electricity production measured in kWh Most homeowners install between 2 kW – 12 kW

Part 1 1: S Solar T Technology How does it co connect ct to my elect ctrica cal panel? Simple connection, most home electric systems don’t need upgrades before solar

Part 1 1: S Solar T Technology What makes s a si site good for so solar? No s shading Roof f faces s southerly di direction Enough s space t to m mount p panels

Part 1 1: S Solar T Technology Au Autumn’s solar garden shed

Part 1 1: S Solar T Technology Ho How a solar r PV system works (gri rid d tied) d) Image Source: NYSERDA

Part 1 1: S Solar T Technology What is s net metering? Allows flow of electricity to AND from customer When generation is more than use, extra electricity flows back through meter – You receive a credit on your power bill for that excess production

Part 1 1: S Solar T Technology Net metering, co continued Monthly electric bill: – [Amount electricity used] – [Amount electricity produced] Utilities required by law to let you net meter

Part 1 1: S Solar T Technology What happens s when the po power r goes out? When grid is down, solar shuts off (safety mechanism) Need batteries if you want you want power during outages

Part 1 1: S Solar T Technology Fr Frequently asked questions • Warranties? • Homeowners’ insurance? • Maintenance? • How long do systems last? • Will HOA allow solar on my home? • What if I’m In a historic district?

Part 2 2: H How S Solar C Co-ops ops Wo Work

Pa Part 2: How ow Solar Co-ops W s Work Solar co co-op op benefits • Get best value on installation and support throughout the process • Connect with fellow solar enthusiasts • Become part of the growing solar movement

Pa Part 2: How ow Solar Co-ops W s Work

Pa Part 2: How ow Solar Co-ops W s Work Who picks s the inst staller? Co-op op me memb mbers Co-op participants select specific installer criteria including: • Price • Equipment quality • Warranties • Are a local company

Part 3 3: S Solar E Economics

Part 3 3: S Solar E Economics A few co considerations • Solar is priced by the watt (not by panel) – $9000 / 3000 Watts (i.e. 3kW) = $3/Watt • Solar is long-term – No moving parts & at least 25 year lifespan • Average residential electricity rate in WV – 10-12 year payback time • Rising energy prices – increased value for your solar array

Part 3 3: S Solar E Economics Solar is incr creasingly affor af ordab able 1970’s Today • Costs have dropped 90% since the 1970s • Solar is no longer a specialty, expensive, or boutique project • But, can still be daunting to tackle

Part 3 3: S Solar E Economics

Part 3 3: S Solar E Economics Financi cing • Loans – Standard loans – Solar loans & bridge loans – HELOC • Grants – REAP USDA Rural Energy for America Program • Solar United Neighbors of WV has a special program to help WV farms and small businesses go solar anywhere in the state

What’s Ne Next?

What’s Ne Next? www www.so solarunit itedn dneig ighbors. s.org/westv stvir irgin inia ia Join a a s solar c co-op op • Open co-ops in WV: • Upcoming co-ops: – Upper Ohio Valley – North-Central WV – Potomac Highlands – New River – Jefferson, Berkeley, & – Canaan Valley? Morgan Counties Join the listserv Spread the word!

Live i in P Pennsylvania? www www.so solarunit itedn dneig ighbors. s.org/pennsy sylvania ia Pennsylvania C Co-ops ops • Open co-ops in PA: • Upcoming co-ops: – Upper Ohio Valley – Crawford County (Washington and Greene Counties) Join the listserv – Allegheny County – Cambria County Spread the word!

Useful R Resource

Thank Y You! Henry M McKay, P Program D Director Solar U United Ne Neighbors o of P Pennsylvania