Solar PV Site Assessment and Proposals A Contractors Perspective - - - PDF document

Solar PV Site Assessment and Proposals A Contractor’s Perspective - SOLR 520

The objectives of this session are to:

• 1. Provide participants with a solar PV site assessment checklist

and demonstrate its use

• 2. Allow hands-on use of solar assessment tools (e.g. Sun Eye,

Solar Pathfinder)

• 3. Familiarize participants with standard information needed (e.g.

codes and zoning, structural and electrical, and home energy requirements)

• 4. Discuss and provide examples of completion and submission
• f NYSERDA PONs and utility interconnection agreements
• 5. Provide participants with a list of equipment/tools needed to

meet each of the above objectives

• 6. Discuss contingency plans for supply and technology changes
• 7. Review scheduling and timetables for a solar PV installation
• 8. Demonstrate/explain solar PV economics, including system

costs and payback scenarios

• 9. Provide a hands-on session for proposal development for a

solar PV scenario.

• PV Solar Electric • Solar Hot Water • Wind Electric •
• Hydro Electric • Geothermal Heating & Cooling •

Pyrus Energy is a family owned and operated company with expertise in the design and installation

• f renewable energy systems. Through its wholly
• wned subsidiary New York Wind and Sun, the firm

has designed, installed and serviced renewable energy systems and emergency backup power supplies over the past 15 years. Pyrus Energy is headquartered in Weedsport, New

• York. The principal owners of the company have been

in the energy business for over 20 years and through New York Wind and Sun has completed numerous wind and PV projects. Our experience emanates from careers in the management of large scale energy systems in industrial facilities.

Why Do People Choose PV Solar?

The return on investment for renewable energy systems has risen dramatically within the last few years because now you can receive an abundance of financial support from the State and Federal Governments. Sometimes over half of your proposed total can be paid for!

Grow a Green Wallet

Renewable energy systems are sustainable, using the energy potential of the earth’s natural resources, such as the earth, wind, sun, and water without depleting or destroying the resource consumed.

Grow a Green Earth

Choosing renewable energy builds a locally sustainable energy infrastructure for your family and your

• community. Renewable energy systems create energy

independence and lessen our dependence on foreign fossil fuel sources.

Grow a Green Community

PV Site Assessments & Proposals

Step One: Learn To Discern Tire Kickers From Potential Customers

• Do they own the house?
• Is the utility bill in their name?
• Do they know what it may cost?
• We charge for our site evaluations

many do not

• Make sure the customer knows the

timeline

• Inform customer of incentive
• changes. It has changed 4 times in

the last 12 month. Last January it was $4.00/watt now it is $1.75/watt

Before you Leave the Office

Know & Pre-Qualify your customer

What to ask the customer for before you arrive:

• Survey
• Code officer name
• Utility bill all pages

Site Visit Questions

Tools needed to do an assessment:

• Camera, + spare, batteries
• Tape measure
• Screw driver
• Ladder
• Safety Equipment (1st Impressions)
• Graph paper & pencil
• Angel finder
• Clamp on Amp Probe, VOM meter
• Kilo-watt meter
• Power Analyzer
• Basic understanding of 120/240 1 phase
• r, 208/480 3 phase
• Hand GPS

Tools for Site Visit

Site Evaluation Form

__View of Building from Road __Electrical Utility Meter __Utility Transformer __ Panel Box and all Sub-panels __Close up of Main Breaker __Area Around Panel Box Pictures from Location of Potential Renewable Device in All Directions in the following sequence: __South__Southwest__West__Northwest __North__Northeast__East__Southeast __Additional Photos of Potential Shading __Photo of Attic/Rafters of Roof for any Roof Mounted Projects.

Required Site Photos

Google As a Tool

Google 3D

Sizing the System

1.Energy Usage 2.Maximize the Incentive 3.What can Fit 4.What can they Afford

Understand the Utility Bill

SMA String Sizing

Electrical Requirements

What the inspector is looking for:

• Labels
• Disconnect Switches
• Main Bus Bar Size
• Grounding

Codes & regulations that you need to be aware of:

• Zoning
• Permits
• Inspections
• Covenants (PUDS & deed restrictions)
• 3 part electrical inspections

Codes & Regulations

Sizing the System

Pole Mount

Will this withstand 100 mph winds? Is 6’’ diameter pole too small?

Flat Roof Mount

Ballast Mount

Sloped Roof Mount

Aesthetics, Placement, Accessibility

Ground Mount

Proposals

Grants & Incentives

NYSERDA

• Becoming a installer
• Proposal
• Contract
• Grant
• Proof of Insurance
• Power Clerk
• Weekly Conference Calls
• Approval Letter
• Extensions
• 3 Line Electrical Drawing
• Technical Review
• Packing Slip
• 75% submittal
• 25% submittal
• Key Contacts

NYSERDA Contacts 3rd party technical review Osha (Photos) Packing list Purchase order 75% 25% Easy read Meter Photos at site, what requires Scan in checklist/requirements insurance Is this a repeat?

NYSERDA

Power Clerk

Power Clerk

CONTRACT FOR PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF A GRID CONNECTED PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY SYSTEM WITH INCENTIVES FROM NYSERDA UNDER PON 1050 THIS Agreement dated October 12, 2009 is by and between NEW YORK WIND & SUN, LLC (hereinafter referred to as “W&S”) having its place of business located at 2737 Erie Drive, Weedsport, New York 13166 and Warren Darby, 5416 Shore Drive, Brewerton, New York 13029 (“Customer”). The installation location is 5416 Shore Drive, Brewerton, New York 13029. For good and valuable consideration receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows: ARTICLE I NYSERDA REQUIRED TERMS This Agreement is for the purchase and installation of a qualified new grid connected photovoltaic energy systems (“PV”) for an end use application. The parties intend to comply with the requirements of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (“NYSERDA”) Program Opportunity Notice 1050 (“PON 1050”) to obtain financial incentives in support of the project. W&S is an “Eligible Installer” duly qualified under the NYSERDA PV program and will assist Customer through each stage of the process. W&S will collect the necessary information, specifications and data; prepare the NYSERDA applications and act as liaison on Customer’s behalf. The parties hereby acknowledge that the following NYSERDA terms and conditions are attached hereto and incorporated in this Agreement:

Attachment A: PON 1050 Eligible Installer Agreement. (19 pages) Exhibit A: Standard Terms and Conditions for all NYSERDA Agreements (4 pages) Exhibit B: Part 504 Prompt Payment Statement (6 pages) Attachment B: Addendum to Customer Purchase Agreement (3 pages) Attachment C: PON 1050 Incentive Application Form (2 Pages) Attachment D: PON 1050 Initial Incentive Payment Form-Initial 75% Approved Incentive Payment (1 page) Attachment E: PON 1050 Final Incentive Payment Form-Final 25% Approved Incentive Payment (1 page) Attachment F: PON 1050 Final Invoice Checklist (1 page)

Schedule: The installation schedule is dependent upon third party approvals coordinated by W&S and is tied to the NYSERDA approval process. The project schedule can be summarized as follows:

• A complete, accurate and legible application will be provided to NYSERDA

including local permits and for PV Systems with a total panel surface area exceeding 4,000 square feet, proof of compliance with 6 NYCRR Part 617 (SEQRA).

• NYSERDA will issue notice of incomplete application within 30 days.
• W&S will respond to any NYSERDA comments.
• Upon receipt of NYSERDA approval the equipment will be ordered from the
• factory. Note: NYSERDA prohibits partial installation activities prior to

approval.

• W&S will apply to Customer’s electric service provider (National Grid,

NYSEG, etc.) for an interconnection agreement.

• Within 90 days of NYSERDA approval, the equipment will be delivered from

the factory. Note: W&S will use its best efforts to obtain timely delivery by the manufacturer; however, W&S does not guarantee or warrant manufacturer’s timely performance.

• Upon equipment delivery, Attachment D will be submitted to NYSERDA (75%

grant)

• Installation will be scheduled by mutual agreement between W&S and

Customer.

• W&S will apply to customer’s electric service provider for installation the Net

Meter.

• Upon installation of the Net Meter and interconnection with the grid,

Attachment E will be submitted to NYSERDA (25% grant) Description of System: The system is composed of the following major components: Approved Solar Panels: (36) – Sharp NU-U230F3 – 230 Watt Panels Approved Pole Mount/Racking System: Roof mounting system Approved Inverter: (2) SMA Sunny Boy™ 4000US Approved Easy Read Meter: GE Model #1-705 120/240 VAC, CEC Approved Other Electrical Components: Lightning Arrestors, Lockable AC & DC Disconnects

Requirements

• Building Permit
• Electrical Permit
• 3rd Party Inspection
• 3 Line Diagram
• Insurance
• Site Plan
• Safety (OSHA 10 Hour)

Electrical Inspection

PV OCPD + Main OCPD <= 120% of Panel rating 120% of panel rating = 1.2 x 125 = 150 amps PV + 100 <= 150, therefore the PV OCPD can be up to 50 amps

• 2. Suppose it was 100-amp panel with a 100-amp

main breaker. What PV breaker could be added? PV + 100 <= 1.2 x 100 = 120 The maximum PV backfed circuit breaker would be rated at 20 amps.

NEC 120 % Buss Bar Rule

3500/240 = 14.58 amps, 1.25 x 14.58 = 18.2 amps; use a 20-amp breaker and 12 AWG conductors. 4500/240 = 18.75 amps, 1.25 x 18.75 = 23.43 amps; use a 25-amp breaker and 10 AWG conductors. No bottom breaker position? From the above equations, it can be seen that if the backfed PV OCPD cannot be located at the bottom of the panel or at the end of the circuit, it is not possible to install the backfed breaker without changing

• something. That 120% allowance drops to only

100%. Any panel that has a main breaker rated the same as the panel rating in the above equations would not allow any OCPD to be added. The 100%-of-the- panel-rating factor (instead of 120%)

• Email
• Certified Mail
• Fax
• Power Clerk

Sending, Verifying, and Keeping File Complete

DSIRE PON Documents

Sample Customer

Robert Michaels 9008 Plinius Way Liverpool, NY 13090 Phone: (315) 652-1602 Email: rmichaels@gmail.com Utility: National Grid

Customer wants & can afford a 5 kW system for his family’s 7792 KWH/year energy usage Has a south facing roof that is 50’ wide by 30’ high with a pitch of 4/12 As found with Solmetric: Estimated Annual Solar Access: 89%

Estimated Annual Losses From Tilt/Orientation: 5%

Federal Tax Credit: 30% of cost with no upper limit Expires: December 31, 2016 Details: Existing homes & new construction qualify. Both principle residences and second homes qualify. Rentals do not qualify. PV Solar Electric, Wind Electric, and Geothermal HVAC Systems eligible.

The REAP/Feasibility Grant Program will provide grants for energy audits and renewable energy development assistance. It also provides funds to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to conduct feasibility study for a renewable energy system. How much are the grants? The grants are awarded on a competitive basis and can be up to 25% of total eligible project costs. Grants are limited to $50,000 for renewable energy feasibility studies.. Who is eligible? The program is designed to assist farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses. All agricultural producers, including farmers and ranchers, who gain 50% or more of their gross income from the agricultural operations are eligible. Small businesses that are located in a rural area can also apply. Rural electric cooperatives may also be eligible to apply. For all projects, the system must be located in a rural area, must be technically feasible, and must be owned by the applicant.

Installation

• Changes in the project

(increase/decrease, unavailable from manufacturers)

• Delays

(shipments, customers, employees, traffic, accide nts, inspectors)

• Extensions
• Unavailable products 10 months later (Sharp

updating panels)

• Grant changes
• Incorrect Measurements, String Sizing, Inverter

for Size System

• Customer Dies, Moves, Loses Their Job
• House Fire
• Can’t Pay balance (Leans)
• Concealed Damage
• Equipment orders (Shortage)
• Theft
• Equipment Failure (tech support)
• The guy next door working out of his basement

with now overhead

Contingency Plans

Safety

If you are taking any photos, make sure all safety procedures are being

• practiced. Must have OHSA 10 hour

Class if using Federal Money.

Safety

Be sure to wear sun tan lotion, hard hats, and harnesses with safety ropes

• attached. It is important to move

panels safely, close to $1000 per

• panel. Do you want to drop one?

Tools

It is important to have the right tools with you and on you. Tool belts are coming back!

Interconnection

System Monitoring & Maintenance

WEB Based Monitoring

Photos On Site

Schedule

Projected Solar PV Installation Schedule

1 to 2 weeks – NYSERDA grant application submitted 12 to 20 weeks – NYSERDA grant application approval received (unfortunately NYSERDA’s timing for grant approval has varied greatly with the potential for even longer lead times) equipment will be ordered after your NYSERDA approval is received 3 to 6 weeks – Equipment received 2 to 4 weeks – Job completed 2 to 4 weeks – Independent electrical inspection performed 1 week – Interconnection application submitted after receiving electrical inspection certification 4 to 8 weeks – Net meter installed by utility

The whole process from contract signing to the installation of your net meter is estimated to take 6 to 10 months

ONLY 10% of a Solar job is the Installation

Helpful Links

SMA String Sizing http://america.sma.de/newstringsizing.aspx PV Watts http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/codes_algs/PVWATTS/version2 Clean Power Finance https://tools.cleanpowerfinance.com Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy http://www.eere.energy.gov Solar Energy International http://www.solarenergy.org/ Choose Renewable http://www.chooserenewables.com National Renewable Energy Laboratory http://mercator.nrel.gov/imby/ Chicago Climate Exchange http://www.chicagoclimatex.com/ NYSEIA http://nyseia.org/ NYSERDA Clean Power Estimator http://nyserda.cleanpowerestimator.com/nyserda.htm Power Naturally www.powernaturally.org USDA REAP http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ny/REAP4.html DC Power Systems http://www.dcpower-systems.com/ Database of Incentives for Renewable & Efficiency http://www.dsireusa.org/ International Solar Energy Society http://www.ises.org/ises.nsf!Open NOAA Satellite & Information Services http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climateresearch.html NABCEP http://www.nabcep.org/ Solar Buzz http://www.solarbuzz.com/

Contact Information Court Rutherford

court@cnypower.com www.pyrusenergy.com www.nywindandsun.com www.911generators.com www.24hourbackuppower.com