SOLAR PVFOR ARCHITECTS &ENGINEERS LectureTopics

Lecture#1: 1. SolarSystemTypes
SOLARPVBASICS 2. PVSystemComponents(BOS)
3. PVRackingSystems
4. PVElectricalSystemDesign
Lecturer, GregSachs,PE
Written/Checked: CTO 5. Quiz
Version: 30Sept2009
Company: EmPowerCES,LLC
CleanEnergySolutions

CleanEnergySolutions 7Feb10 2 CleanEnergySolutions

TYPES,PhotoVoltaic
1. Conversion:
SolarRadiation>
MovingElectrons
(Electricity)
2. SolarPVistheFocusof
thisPresentation
HarnessingEnergyfromtheSun
3. Shownisthe
SOLARENERGYSYSTEMTYPES "PhotovoltaicEffect"
– Generatesapprox0.5
volts

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TYPES,PhotoVoltaic TYPES,Thermal
1. Conversion: 1. SolarHotWater
SolarRadiation> 2. Conversion:
MovingElectrons SolarRadiation>
(Electricity) ThermalEnergy
2. SolarPVistheFocusof 3. TypicalCollectors
thisPresentation – EvacuatedTubes
3. Shownisthe – FlatPlateCollectors
"PhotovoltaicEffect"
– Generatesapprox0.5
volts

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TYPES,ConcentratedSolar
1. ThermalorPV
2. CollectorTypes
– ParabolicTrough
– Heliostats

"BalanceofSystem" BOS

PVSYSTEMCOMPONENTS

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BOS,PVProducts&Applications
1. ClassificationbyCrystal
Type
– MonoCrystalline
– PolyCrystalline
– Amorphous
2. RigidModules
3. Thinfilm(glazing,rolls)
4. BuildingIntegrated
Photovoltaics(BIPV)
7Feb10
BOS,PVProducts&Applications
1. ClassificationbyCrystal
Type
2. RigidModules
3. Thinfilm(glazing,rolls)
– Usedwhenthereis
plentyofroofspace
– Notthatcommoninthe
NYmarket
4. BuildingIntegrated
Photovoltaics(BIPV)
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BOS,PVProducts&Applications
1. ClassificationbyCrystal
Type
2. RigidModules
– MonoorPolyCrystalline
– Approximate3'x5'
– Produceapproximately
12W/SF
– Manymanufacturers
3. Thinfilm(glazing,rolls)
4. BuildingIntegrated
Photovoltaics(BIPV)
7Feb10 10 CleanEnergySolutions
BOS,PVProducts&Applications
1. ClassificationbyCrystal
Type
2. RigidModules
3. Thinfilm(glazing,rolls)
4. BuildingIntegrated
Photovoltaics(BIPV)
– Typicallyreplacesa
buildingmaterial
– Generallycustommade
– FirstSolar,GE,Sanyo,
SunSlate,UniSolar
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BOS,Inverters BOS,Inverters
1. Definition:Inverter 1. Definition:Inverter
– ConvertshighvoltageDCinto – ConvertshighvoltageDCinto
AC AC
2. "GridTied" 2. "GridTied"
(Mosttypical) (Mosttypical)
– Typical~450VDC to – Converts~450VDCto
240/120VAC (splitph) 240/120VAC(splitph)
– Contains(a)"HBridge",(b) – Contains(a)"HBridge",(b)
Filter,(c)Transformer Filter,(c)Transformer
– ResidentialRange3kWto – ResidentialRange3kWto
7kW 7kW
3. OffGrid(Battery) 3. OffGrid(Battery)
– Convertsbatterybankvoltage – Convertsbatterybankvoltage
toAC toAC
– Typically12/24/48Vto – Typically12/24/48Vto
240/120VAC 240/120VAC

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BOS,Inverters BOS,ChargeController
1. Definition:Inverter 1. Definition:
– ConvertshighvoltageDCinto
AC DC/DCController
2. "GridTied" – Convertmediumvoltage
(Mosttypical)
– Typical~450VDC to DCtolowvoltageDC
240/120VAC (splitph) – Asbefore,12/24/48VDC
– Contains(a)"HBridge",(b)
Filter,(c)Transformer 2. SmallController
– ResidentialRange3kWto
7kW (Lighting)
3. OffGrid(Battery) – Lightingcontrollers
– Convertsbatterybankvoltage
toAC – Requiresmallbattery
– Typically12/24/48Vto – Commontypes
240/120VAC

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BOS,ChargeController BOS,OCPDDevices
1. Definition: 1. DCDisconnect
DC/DCController 2. InverterOutput
– Usedtoconvertmedium Breakers
voltageDCtolow 3. ACDisconnect
voltageDC
(UtilityRequired)
– Asbefore,12/24/28VDC
2. SmallController
(Lighting)
– Lightingcontrollers
– Requiresmallbattery
– Commontypes

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BOS,Meters&Monitoring BOS,Meters&Monitoring
1. Importanceof 1. Importanceofmonitoring
monitoring production
production 2. "RevenueGrade"
– Isthesystem – +/ 0.2%Accuracy
running? – Usedtoaccurately
– Istheproduction measureenergyproduced
asdesigned? – "PerformanceBased"
2. "RevenueGrade" incentives,FeedInTariff
3. TypicalMeter (FIT),SREC,GreenTags
– PowerPurchase
Socket Agreement(PPA)
4. Prepackaged 3. TypicalMeterSocket
"Solutions" 4. Prepackaged"Solutions"

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BOS,Meters&Perf.Monitoring BOS,Meters&Perf.Monitoring
1. Importanceof 1. Importanceof
monitoringproduction monitoringproduction
2. "RevenueGrade" 2. "RevenueGrade"
3. TypicalMeterSocket 3. TypicalMeterSocket
– TypicalAnalogMeter 4. Prepackaged
– DigitalMeteringSystems "Solutions"
4. Prepackaged – "FatSpaniel"
"Solutions" – Draker Laboratories
– Comeswithinverter

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BOS,Racking
1. Manytypes
2. Worthyofseparate
section....

MeansofSecuringPVtoStructureorGround

RACKING/MOUNTINGSYSTEMS

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RACKING,Residential RACKING,Residential
1. Rail&LBracket 1. TypicalRail&LFoot
– UniRac,DPW,Schott 2. Considerations
– Topclips – Heightoffroof
– Bottomclips – Attachmentmethod
– Capstrip – "Pullout"integrity
2. Considerations – Watertightintegrity
3. Newtypes 3. Newtypes
4. CustomSystems 4. CustomSystems

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RACKING,Residential RACKING,Commercial
1. TypicalRail&LFoot 1. KeyClassification
2. Considerations – Ballasted
3. Newtypes (NonPenetrating)
– SharpSystem – Anchored
– UniRac "ClickSys" (Penetrating)
4. CustomSystems 2. Examples
– Usedaslastresort 3. Pro's&Con's
– Requiresengineering
– Nottestedasacomplete
system

7Feb10 27 CleanEnergySolutions 7Feb10 28 CleanEnergySolutions

RACKING,Commercial RACKING,Commercial
1. KeyClassification 1. KeyClassification
– Ballasted 2. Examples
(NonPenetrating) – Ballasted
– Anchored – Anchored
(Penetrating) – Hybrid
2. Examples 3. Pro's&Con's
3. Pro's&Con's

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RACKING,Commercial,Ballasted RACKING,Commercial, Anchored

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RACKING,Commercial, Hybrid RACKING,Commercial
1. KeyClassification
2. Examples
3. Pro's(+)&Con's()
– Ballasted
• (+)Doesn'tpenetrateroofingmembrane
• (+)LeastExpensive
• ()Heavy
• ()Collectionofleaves,etc.
– Anchored
– Hybrid
• Canlessenamountofballastperpointof
interconnection

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RACKING,Commercial RACKING,Commercial
1. KeyClassification 1. KeyClassification
2. Examples 2. Examples
3. Pro's&Con's 3. Pro's&Con's
– Ballasted – Ballasted
– Anchored – Anchored
• (+)Canbeestheticallypleasing – Hybrid
• (+)Elevatedarrayhasasmallfootprint • (+)Usedtoreduceballast
• ()Morecomplicated • ()Complicatedinstallation
• ()Moreexpensive
– Hybrid

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 ELECT,BasicResidentialSchematic

ManagingRenewableElectricity
SystemComponents:
BASICPVELECTRICALSYSTEM 1. PVStrings(DC)
2. RooftopJunctionBox
5.
6.
Inverter
"ACDisconnect“
DESIGN 3. "CombinerBox" 7. PVProductionMeter
4. "DCDisconnect" 8. GridInterconnection

7Feb10 37 CleanEnergySolutions 7Feb10 38 CleanEnergySolutions

ELECT,ModuleEnergyProduction ELECT,ModuleEnergyProduction
1. ModulePerformance 1. ModuleProduction
Standards Standards
– "StandardTestConditions" 2. Assemblingthearray
(STC),Celltemp25°C – Voltagesaddinseries
– "ProductionTest – Currentaddsinparallel
Conditions"(PTC),Cell – Maximizemodulesin
tempapprox50°C seriesfirstthanseries
2. Assemblingthearray circuitsinparallel
3. Power=Volts*Current 3. Power=Volts*Current
4. Energy=Power*Time 4. Energy=Power*Time
5. Solarconditionsaffect 5. Solarconditionsaffect
productionthroughout productionthroughout
theday theday

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ELECT,ModuleEnergyProduction ELECT,ModuleEnergyProduction
1. ModuleProduction 1. Module
Standards Production
Standards
2. Assemblingthearray
2. Assemblingthe
3. Power=Volts*Current array
4. Energy=Power*Time 3. Power=Volts*
– 100Wattbulb=0.1kW Current
– Onfor10hours 4. Energy=Power*
– Or1hr,1kW,etc. Time
– MeasureofENERGY 5. Solarconditions
5. Solarconditionsaffect affectproduction
productionthroughout throughoutthe
theday day

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ELECT,ArraySizing ELECT,ArraySizing
1. Mainconsiderations 1. Mainconsiderations
– Energyusage 2. SolarInsolence
– Availableroofarea – EarthSurfaceExpected
– Incentives – Alteredbasedonpitch&
2. SolarInsolence orientation
3. MatchingSystemSizeto – Concept:SunHours
EnergyUsage 3. MatchingSystemSizeto
4. Thumbrules EnergyUsage
4. Thumbrules

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ELECT,ArraySizing ELECT,ArraySizing
1. Mainconsiderations 1. Mainconsiderations
2. SolarInsolence 2. SolarInsolence
3. MatchingSystemSizeto 3. MatchingSystemSizeto
EnergyUsage EnergyUsage
– EquatingSunHoursto 4. Thumbrules
AnnualProduction – TypicalhomeinAmerica
uses12,000kWh/Year
– Dividetotalconsumption
– A10kWsystematideal
togetrequiredsystem
pitchandorientationwill
size produce12,000kWh/Year
4. Thumbrules – 80SF=1kW(contiguous
array)

7Feb10 45 CleanEnergySolutions 7Feb10 46 CleanEnergySolutions

ELECT,NetMetering ELECT,NetMetering
1. Energyisnotstored ina 1. Energyisnotstored ina
typicalgridtied typicalgridtied
installation installation
2. Twowaypower 2. Twowaypower
3. ImportantConcept: – Supplementalenergy
"AntiIslanding" requiredfromthegrid
(meterspinforward)
(UL1741) – Excesssolarenergy
suppliedtothegrid
(meterspinbackward)
3. ImportantConcept:
"AntiIslanding"(UL1741)
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ELECT,NetMetering ELECT,OffGridSystems
1. Energyisnotstored ina 1. Designedtooperate
typicalgridtied withoutelectricalgrid
installation 2. PVEnergysenttolarge
2. Twowaypower batterybankbycharge
3. ImportantConcept: controller
"AntiIslanding" 3. DCBatteryenergy
(UL1741) convertedtoACon
demand

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QUIZ
1. Q1:Whatarethethreecrystaltypesusedinsolar
photovoltaics?Whatarethepros&consofeach?
2. Q2:Whatarethetwogeneralcommercialracking
methods?Listtheprosandconsforeach.
3. Q3:Define"NetMetering"&howitdifferswithan
offgridsystem.
TestingYourKnowledge
4. Q4:Describetheeffectsofaddingmodulesinseries
POPQUIZ and/orparalleltoanarray.

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QUIZ
5. Q5:DoesatypicalPVsystemsupplypowerthehome
whenthereisablackout?Whyorwhynot?What
governstheserules?
6. Q6:Whatisrevenuegrademeteringandwhenmight
itbemoreimportanttouserevenuegrade
metering?
7. Q7:WhattoSTC andPTC standfor?Describehow
eacharedetermined. Q&A

7Feb10 53 CleanEnergySolutions 7Feb10 54 CleanEnergySolutions

SOLAR PVFOR ARCHITECTS &ENGINEERS LectureTopics

Lecture#2: 1. GuidelinesforArchitects
ENGINEERING&ARCHITECTURE – General“bestpractice”designrules(residential&
commercial)
– MEP provisionsanddesign
Lecturer, GregSachs,PE 2. GuidelinesforEngineers
Written/Checked: CTO – Typicalresponsibilities
Version: 30Sept2009 – Residentialandcommercial
Company: EmPowerCES,LLC – Structuralguidelines
CleanEnergySolutions
– Electricalguidelines
– Roofingissues
– Contractorselection

1 Clean Energy Solutions 7Feb10 2 Clean Energy Solutions

SURVEY!
1. HowmanyArchitectsinAudience?
– ResidentialFocus?
– CommercialFocus?

2. HowmanyEngineersinAudience?
– Electrical?
– Plumbing?
– Other? Designing"SolarReady"Homes

3. OtherDisciplinesRepresented? ARCHITECTS:RESIDENTIAL
– GeneralContractors?
– SolarContractors?

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A:RESI,GeneralGuidelines A:RESI,GeneralGuidelines
1. Orientation 1. Orientation
2. Pitch
– 180deg'True'south – Latitudeangle=
– Nottobeconfused Theoreticalmax
withMagneticSouth irradiation
eg.40°39‘forNYC.
2. Pitch – 33° (8:12)=Ideal
3. RoofDesign – Lat+15° =maxwinter
– Lat15° =maxsummer
4. Shading 3. RoofDesign
5. RoofFraming 4. Shading
5. RoofFraming

7Feb10 5 Clean Energy Solutions 7Feb10 6 Clean Energy Solutions

A:RESI,GeneralGuidelines A:RESI,GeneralGuidelines
1. Orientation 1. Orientation
2. Pitch 2. Pitch
3. RoofDesign 3. RoofDesign
– Affectssystem
aesthetics 4. ShadingIssues
– Avoidmultiangled – Avoidhardshadingfrom
surfaces solidstructures
– Avoidobstructions (chimneys,vents&
(chimneys,vents, otherroofsurfaces)
antennas) – Minimizesoftshading
4. Shading (treeshardwoods)
5. RoofFraming 5. RoofFraming

7Feb10 7 Clean Energy Solutions 7Feb10 8 Clean Energy Solutions

A:RESI,GeneralGuidelines A:RESI,MEPGuidelines
1. Orientation 1. Locationofelectrical&
2. Pitch plumbingequipment
– Inverterlocation?
3. RoofDesign – Conduit&piperuns?
4. Shading – Consultwithsolar
5. RoofFraming integrator
– Assessmentofexisting 2. Inverterplacement
conditions(requiresvisual guidelines
inspection) 3. Preparingforrunfrom
– Loadanalysis rooforarraylocation
– Assescoderequirements 4. Preparingforelectrical
– Mayneedextra interconnection
bracing/reinforcements 5. Solarhotwaterstorage

7Feb10 9 Clean Energy Solutions 7Feb10 10 Clean Energy Solutions

A:RESI,MEPGuidelines A:RESI,MEPGuidelines
1. Preparingforelectrical& 1. Preparingforelectrical&
plumbingequipment plumbingequipment
2. Inverterplacement 2. Inverterplacement
guidelines guidelines
– Typicallyoutside—notin 3. Preparingforrunfromroof
directsunlight(northside) orarraylocation
– Meetcoderequirements – Provideapipechase
(accessibility) – Issueswithrunning
– Usedcommonsense(Not internally–needtoaccess
nearaHVACcondenser) wallinterior(ripoutdrywall)
3. Preparingforrunfromroof – Routingonroof(aesthetics)
orarraylocation – Minimizerun(energyloss)
4. Preparingforelectrical 4. Preparingforelectrical
interconnection interconnection
5. Solarhotwaterstorage 5. Solarhotwaterstorage

7Feb10 11 Clean Energy Solutions 7Feb10 12 Clean Energy Solutions

A:RESI,MEPGuidelines A:RESI,MEPGuidelines
1. Preparingforelectrical& 1. Preparingforelectrical&
plumbingequipment plumbingequipment
2. Inverterplacement 2. Inverterplacement
guidelines guidelines
3. Preparingforrunfrom 3. Preparingforrunfrom
rooforarraylocation rooforarraylocation
4. Preparingforelectrical 4. Preparingforelectrical
interconnection interconnection
– Leaveroominelectric 5. Solarhotwaterstorage
panelforbackfed – Typicalresidentialheater
breakers is4060gal
– Leavespaceadjacentto – SHW storageis80gal
panelforadditionalpanel – Runningpipingismore
5. Solarhotwaterstorage challengingthanelectrical

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A:RESI,PhotoExamples
1. Describeyourkey
observationswitheach
ofthefollowing
installation
photographs...

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A:RESI,Relationw/GreenBuilding
1. ZeroEnergyHomes
– Solarispartofamuchbigger
picture
– “WholeSystems”approachis
key
– SolarDecathlon—good
exampleofintegrated
approach
2. EnergyStar
– DOE Programfadingout
3. LEED
– Morestringentthanenergy
star
– Recentlyincreasedexam
difficultylevel
ARCHITECTS:COMMERCIAL
4. EnergyCodes
– State,NYC,Town
– ASHRAE 189.1(greenbldgstd)

7Feb10 17 Clean Energy Solutions 7Feb10 18 Clean Energy Solutions

A:COMM,MarketPerspective A:COMM,MiscIssues
1. ItstartswithYOU 1. BIPV Vs.StandardModules
2. Buildingamarketin – Complicateswiring
– Requiresmultipledisciplines
NY/LIsinceJan1,2009 – Producesmuchlesspower(1/4)
3. Developedmarketsin 2. EstimatingProduction
CA,NJ(SREC) – Keyquestionformanyprojects
4. Totalinstalled7MW – Notstraightforwardthumbrule
5. TypicalPowerPlant 3. EnlistagoodMEP early!
200MW – Vitaltosuccessofcommercial
project
6. Warehouses/Large – NotmanyMEP firmshavespecific
roofsbestopportunity PVexperience
(NotManhattan) – Solarcontractorshouldtakepartin
conceptualdesign

7Feb10 19 Clean Energy Solutions 7Feb10 20 Clean Energy Solutions

E:SOW,EarlyDesign&Bidding
1. Workingcloselywith
architects&owners
2. Basicrooflayout&
makingbuildings"Solar
Ready"
3. Writingbidspecs
TypicalEngineer"ScopeofWork"(SOW) 4. Reviewingproposals
ENGINEER:
TYPICALRESPONSIBILITIES

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E:SOW,StructuralDesign E:SOW,StructuralDesign
1. MODULELIFTOFF 1. MODULELIFTOFF
Ensuretheracking 2. ROOF
and/ortiedownis COLLAPSE/FAILURE
sufficienttoprevent Ensuringthestructureis
modulesfromflyingoff sufficienttowithstand
theroof theforcesexertedbythe
2. ROOF solarequipment
COLLAPSE/FAILURE

7Feb10 23 Clean Energy Solutions 7Feb10 24 Clean Energy Solutions

E:SOW,StructuralDesign E:SOW,ElectricalDesign
NOTE: 1. PV,DCPowerCollection
StructuralendorsementistypicallyrequiredbyAHJ – Module"Stringing"
forIssuingabldgpermit. – Array&CombinerBox
placement
– Wireselection,etc
2. ACInterconnection

7Feb10 25 Clean Energy Solutions 7Feb10 26 Clean Energy Solutions

E:SOW,ElectricalDesign E:SOW,ElectricalDesign
1. PV,DCPowerCollection NOTE:
2. ACInterconnection ElectricalendorsementTypicallynot requiredbyAHJ
– Inverterselection onLongIsland.
– Methodof'tiein'
– Panel/Switchgear
Impacts

7Feb10 27 Clean Energy Solutions 7Feb10 28 Clean Energy Solutions

E:RESI,KeyIssues
1. RecallTwoRequirements...
– "LiftOff"
– "RoofCollapse/Failure"
2. LiftOff
– Racking frequentlystamped
byPEinthatstatebythe
manufacturer(i.e.,UniRac)
– Mustbeinstalledto
"manufacturerguidelines/
Requirementsforthetypicalresidential"solarjob".
specifications"
– ONLYCOVERSRACKING
ENGINEER:RESIDENTIAL INTEGRITY,NOTROOF!
3. RoofCollapse/Failure
4. ElectricalInterconnection

7Feb10 29 Clean Energy Solutions 7Feb10 30 Clean Energy Solutions

E:RESI,KeyIssues E:RESI,KeyIssues
1. RecallTwo 1. RecallTwo
Requirements...
2. LiftOff Requirements...
3. RoofCollapse/Failure 2. LiftOff
– YourResponsibility!
– Mustunderstandthe 3. RoofCollapse/Failure
rackingforce 4. ElectricalInterconnection
interactions
– Shouldreviewintegrator – Typicallydonebyasolar
selectedlocationoftie knowledgeableelectrician
downs /solarcontractor
– Lookspecificallyatrafter
capacity – Detailedinterconnection/
– Lookatintegrityofroof PEstamptypicallynot
structuralsystem required
4. Electrical
Interconnection

7Feb10 31 Clean Energy Solutions 7Feb10 32 Clean Energy Solutions

E:COMM,Orientation&Obstructions
1. Building/SolarSystem
Orientation Tilt Azimuth SunHrs ACProd. %Loss
– OnflatroofsPVmodules 32 180 4.58 1225 0%
aretypicallyoriented 32 90 3.73 974 19%
paralleltoroofsides 32 270 3.70 960 19%
– SeasawPVarraylayout 0 NA 4.00 1050 13%
ismorecomplicatedto 90 90 2.37 586 48%
install 90 180 3.09 798 33%
2. RooftopMechanical 90 270 2.33 572 49%
LargeScaleSolar,etc. Equipment
3. ParapetShading
ENGINEER:COMMERCIAL

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E:COMM,Orientation&Obstructions
1. Building/SolarSystem
Orientation
2. RooftopMechanical
Equipment
– ForpitchedroofslocateRTUs
onnorthsideofroof
– ForflatroofsgroupRTUs on
northsideofroof(minimize
shading)
3. ParapetShading
7Feb10
E:COMM,Orientation&Obstructions
NOTE:
Commercialsitesare
often“ruined”by
amountofequipment
onroof
7Feb10
E:COMM,Orientation&Obstructions
1. Building/SolarSystem
Orientation
2. RooftopMechanical
Equipment
3. ParapetShading
– Considerreductionor
eliminationofparapet
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E:COMM,BasicElectrical
1. Firststeps
– CreateabasicDCelectrical
design
– EvaluateACinterconnection
requirements
– Evaluateinvertertypes
– Enlisttheassistanceofa
knowledgeableSolar
Integrator
– Stepthroughthe
implications
2. CommonMistakes
3. Provisionsforelectricalruns
&interconnection
4. ElectricalCapacityPlanning
5. Moduletypesusedin
commercial
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E:COMM,BasicElectrical
1. Firststeps
2. CommonMistakes
– Notbalancingstrings
properly!
– Mustalwaysmaintain
propercombinationof
seriesandparallelstrings
ateach“combiner”
location
3. Provisionsforelectrical
runs&interconnection
4. ElectricalCapacity
Planning
5. Moduletypesusedin
commercial
7Feb10
E:COMM,BasicElectrical
1. Firststeps
2. CommonMistakes
3. Provisionsforelectricalruns
&interconnection
4. ElectricalCapacityPlanning
– Leaveextraphysicalspace
forinverter/s(preferably
indoors)
– Planforextraelectrical
capacity
– Inverterplacementmuch
morechallengingthan
residential
5. Moduletypesusedin
commercial
7Feb10
E:COMM,BasicElectrical
1. Firststeps
2. CommonMistakes
3. Provisionsforelectricalruns
&interconnection
– Challengingto“coredrill”
bulkheadsandfloorstoget
toswitchgearroom,etc
– Leavechaseforplumbing
andelectricalfromroofto
electricalroomand
mechanicalroom
4. ElectricalCapacityPlanning
5. Moduletypesusedin
commercial
39 Clean Energy Solutions 7Feb10 40 Clean Energy Solutions
E:COMM,BasicElectrical
1. Firststeps
2. CommonMistakes
3. Provisionsforelectricalruns
&interconnection
4. ElectricalCapacityPlanning
5. Moduletypesusedin
commercial
– Rigidpanelsmost
common
– BIPV popularinsome
instances(e.g.glasswall
curtain)
– Amorphousroofing
material
41 Clean Energy Solutions 7Feb10 42 Clean Energy Solutions
E:COMM,Structural– Wind E:COMM,Structural– Wind
1. Asbefore,"ModuleLift 1. Asbefore,"ModuleLift
Off"or"TearAway" Off"or"TearAway"
2. BasicCalculations 2. BasicCalculations
– Drag 3. RackingSolution
– Uplift – Ballasted(paversused)
– Overturning – Physicallysecuredto
3. RackingSolution roofstructure
4. WindCalculationsby 4. WindCalculationsby
ASCE ASCE
5. WindTunnelTesting 5. WindTunnelTesting

7Feb10 43 Clean Energy Solutions 7Feb10 44 Clean Energy Solutions

E:COMM,Structural– Wind E:COMM,Structural– Wind

1. Asbefore,"ModuleLift 1. Asbefore,"ModuleLift
Off"or"TearAway" Off"or"TearAway"
2. BasicCalculations 2. BasicCalculations
3. RackingSolution 3. RackingSolution
– Ballasted(paversused)
4. WindCalculationsby
– Physicallysecuredto
ASCE
– ASCE 705general
roofstructure authority
4. WindCalculationsby – SeeComponents&
ASCE Claddingsection
5. WindTunnelTesting 5. WindTunnelTesting

7Feb10 45 Clean Energy Solutions 7Feb10 46 Clean Energy Solutions

E:COMM,Structural– Wind E:COMM,GeneralRoofIssues
1. Asbefore,"ModuleLiftOff" 1. Age/Conditionofroof
or"TearAway" – Pooling
2. BasicCalculations – Remainingusefullife
3. RackingSolution 2. Typeofmembrane
4. WindCalculationsbyASCE – Builtup
5. WindTunnelTesting – TPO (white)
– ASCE allowsfortunnel
testing – EPDM
– Resultsmustbe"Certified" – Ballasted
– Whoisliableintheeventof 3. Typeofattachment
liftoff/tearaway? (preventionofbillowing)

7Feb10 47 Clean Energy Solutions 7Feb10 48 Clean Energy Solutions

E:COMM,GeneralRoofIssues E:COMM,Structural– RoofIntegrity

1. Age/Conditionofroof 1. UseinputbasedonWind
2. Typeofmembrane Calculations
3. Typeofattachment 2. AccountingforSnow
(preventionof Loading,“Drifting”
"billowing")
– pressuredifference effectsandotherfactors
betweenbuildinginterior 3. Structuralanchors
andexterior,causingroof (columnextensions)
membranetoriseup
“billow”
4. Extraroofcapacity(Dead
Loadforevenly
distributedballast
systems)

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E:COMM,Structural– RoofIntegrity E:COMM,AdvancedElectrical
1. UseinputbasedonWind 1. TypesofInverter
Calculations Arrangements
2. AccountingforSnow – Singlethreephase
Loading,“Drifting” inverter
– Multipleinverters
effectsandotherfactors
connectedinadelta
3. Structuralanchors fashion(maynotbe
(columnextensions) exactlybalanced)
4. Extraroofcapacity(Dead 2. ServiceTransformer
Loadforevenly InterconnectionIssues
distributedballast
systems)

7Feb10 51 Clean Energy Solutions 7Feb10 52 Clean Energy Solutions

E:COMM,AdvancedElectrical E:COMM,AdvancedElectrical
1. TypesofInverter 1. TypesofInverter
Arrangements Arrangements
2. ServiceTransformer 2. ServiceTransformer
InterconnectionIssues InterconnectionIssues
– Needtodetermine – Needtodetermine
whethertheservice whethertheservice
transformerhasadelta transformerhasadelta
woundorWYE wound woundorwye wound
primary primary
– Preapprovalformwith – Preapprovalformwith
LIPAshouldbefiled(See LIPAshouldbefiled(See
procedureonLISEIA procedureonLISEIA
websitewww.LISEIA.org) websitewww.LISEIA.org)

7Feb10 53 Clean Energy Solutions 7Feb10 54 Clean Energy Solutions

E:COMM,OtherConsiderations E:COMM,Specs&Bidding
1. Importanceof 1. SubcontractingChallenges
– NaturallyGCwillopttowork
"Performance withElectricalContractor
– ManyElectricalContractorsare
Monitoring" notfamiliarwithPV
– Result=subcontractingtothe
2. “RevenueGrade” 2nd degree
2. OurRecommendation
Monitoring 3. Fewtrulyfamiliarwith
3. IntegratingSystem territory
4. TradeCrossover
monitoringwithBMS
orEMS

7Feb10 55 Clean Energy Solutions 7Feb10 56 Clean Energy Solutions

E:COMM,Specs&Bidding E:COMM,Specs&Bidding
1. SubcontractingChallenges 1. SubcontractingChallenges
2. OurRecommendation: 2. OurRecommendation
Ownershouldseekbids 3. Fewtrulyfamiliarwith
territory
fromPVIntegrators – "Everybody"enteringthe
/Contractorsdirectly,notvia solarfieldnowdays
ElectricalContractor(QBS) – IE,electricalcontractorwith
noexperienceofferingtodo
3. Fewtrulyfamiliarwith solar
territory 4. TradeCrossover
4. TradeCrossover – Notjustonetrade
– SpecializedElectrical
interconnection
– Structural/IronWork
– AddedcomplicationsinNYC

7Feb10 57 Clean Energy Solutions 7Feb10 58 Clean Energy Solutions

 QUIZ
1. Q1:Whataretotwokeyissuesthestructural
professionalengineermustensurewhenassessinga
PVsystem?
2. Q2:Whatarethethreebasictypesofwindeffects
whichshouldbeexaminedbythePE?
3. Q3:Whatarethekeyimpedimentstoinstallingsolar
TestingYourKnowledge (massadoption)onexistingresidential homes?
4. Q4:Whatistheoptimalangleofinstallingmodules
POPQUIZ inNewYork?Howmightyouadjustthetiltanglefor
optimizingproductionforwinterorsummer
production?

7Feb10 59 Clean Energy Solutions 7Feb10 60 Clean Energy Solutions

QUIZ
5. Q5:Define"Billowing"andwhatitsimpactsmightbe
onasolararray.Whatmustbedonetopreventit?
6. Q6:Whatdoyouthinkarethemostcommon
impedimentstoadoptionofsolaroncommercial
structures?Whatmustyoudotopreventthem?
7. Q7:WherecanyoufindprocedurestoassessAC
interconnection&LIPApermittingprocess?
8. Q8:Approximatelyhowmuchproductioncapacity Q&A
(inpercent)islostwhenmodulesareinstalledflat,
asopposedto33degrees?

7Feb10 61 Clean Energy Solutions 7Feb10 62 Clean Energy Solutions

 SOLAR PVFOR ARCHITECTS &ENGINEERS
Lecture#3:
CASESTUDIES&EXAMPLES
Lecturer, GregSachs,PE
Written/Checked: CTO
Version: 30Sept2009
Atypicalsystemforyourhome
Company: EmPowerCES,LLC
CleanEnergySolutions
RESIDENTIALELECTRICALPV
SYSTEMDESIGN

CleanEnergySolutions 7Feb10 2 CleanEnergySolutions

RESIPV,BasicSizing(1/4) RESIPV,BasicDCSystemDesign(2/4)
1. Determinepitch&orientationofroof 1. Selectinvertermodel
2. Measurespaceavailableformodules 2. Determinemaximumnumberofmodulesper
3. SelectaPVmodulesquantity&orientation inverter
4. EstimatePVProduction(usingPVWatts) 3. Assessvoltage&currentoptions
5. Forexistinghomesdetermineannualenergy – WWWbasedcalculatoravailableformanyinverters
offsetfromLIPAbill 4. Assessbasicelectricalissues
– Locationofjunctionboxes
– Conductor&ConduitSizing

7Feb10 3 CleanEnergySolutions 7Feb10 4 CleanEnergySolutions

RESIPV,BasicACInterconnection(3/4)
1.Determinesizeofinverterbreakers
2.DetermineiftheACpanelcanbebackfed
(120%rule)
3.Consider"Linesidetap"option
Ensuringthesystemwillnot'flyaway'

TYPICALWINDCALCULATION

7Feb10 5 CleanEnergySolutions 7Feb10 6 CleanEnergySolutions

RESIPV,TypicalASCE Method(4/4)
1.BuildingClassifications
2.FactorSelection
3.CalculateVelocityPressure
4.DesignWindPressure
5.InterpretationofResults
TestingYourKnowledge

POPQUIZ

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QUIZ
1. Q1:Howmuchenergydoestheaveragehomein
Americaconsumeperyear?HowbigdoesaPV
systemgenerallyneedtobetocoverthatload?
2. Q2:WhatisatypicalDCvoltageandcurrentofa
stringofmodulescomingofftheroof?
3. Q3:Whatisatypicalupliftwindforce(inPSF)ona
solararray?Whatassumptionsmustbemadeto
arriveatthatvalue?
Q&A

7Feb10 9 CleanEnergySolutions 7Feb10 10 CleanEnergySolutions

ContactInformation
1. GregSachs
– Besttocontactviaemail
gsachs@empowerces.com
– WorkPhone:5168373459
2. OriShmul(CoLecturer)
– Besttocontactviaemail:
mshmul@optonline.net
– WorkPhone:9175363585

CleanEnergySolutions