PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS

INSTALLATIONPresented by Gerry Imdieke

3 ft. x 5 ft. panel150 to 200 watts

We have as much solar energy as Florida or Houston Texas

4.6 hours per day Panels produce more when cold

Need for Course

Green is popular We are seeing panels installed in area Mn. Dept. of Labor and Industry ruled PV

panels are electrical equipment that must follow same rules as other wiring.

Who Can Wire Panels in MN?

Licensed electrician working for an electrical contractor

Homeowner wiring own residence Some municipalities might have different rules

Must be wired to code & inspected

Other Concerns

Battery systems – more cost and maintenance

Location critical Snow can be issue

Types of Systems

Stand alone- usually charge battery Great for locations where hard to receive grid

power May have the best payback

Grid connected Tied to grid can sell excess back to utility Power not available during outage

Grid connected with battery backup Have storage and power in outage

Tracking or Nontracking

Tracking – follows the sun 30-40 % more efficient 30-40 % increase in cost

Course Format

One credit 16 hour course Offered as elective to electrical students Installers Homeowners

Two 8 hour modules Module 1 – Wiring requirements Module 2 – Installation, efficiency, payback,

design May be used for cont. ed. Workshops etc. Installers homeoweners

Photovoltaic Systems Installation1 credit

This course covers the installation of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels & equipment. Topics include principals of operation , payback, safety issues, system sizing and placement , with the principal focus being wiring of the units so they are in compliance with the National Electrical Code.

  Min. State Community & Technical College (M State)

Required Text: National Electrical Code 2008 Publisher NFPA

  Tentative Course Schedule

  Lecture 1: Introduction – principles of operation, basic

theory, terminology

Lecture2: Types of Systems – grid connected – stand alone tax credits, rebates, payback

  Lecture 3: License requirements – panel sizing NABCEP

Certification   Lecture 4: Test   Lecture 5: Panel location, mounting systems , snow issues   Lecture 6: Additional sources of Information, safety

concerns  

Syllbus cont.

Lecture 7: Wiring systems   Lecture 8:Test   Lecture 9:NEC requirements, Article 690   Lecture 10: NEC requirements - disconnect – conductor sizing   Lecture 11: NEC requirements – over current protection   Lecture 12: NEC requirements – Temperature derating, conduit fill   Lecture 13: NEC requirements – disconnect placement & size   Lecture 14: Test   Lecture 15: Review   Lecture 16: Final

National Electrical Requirements for Solar Panel

Installation8 hours

This course covers the principals of operation, safety issues, and wiring of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels so they are in compliance with the National Electrical Code. Panel, conductor, disconnect, and system sizing will be covered. Article 690 and other relevant articles of the National Electrical Code will be discussed.

National Electrical Code Requirements for Solar Panel Installations

Text: National Electrical Code 2008 edition

Competencies: Describe safety issues Describe principals of operation Calculate conductor size and type Calculate overcurrent protection Describe specifications and placement of

panels & disconnects Size panels, inverters, and batteries Describe grounding requirements

Introduction to Photovoltaic Systems8 hours

This course is an introduction to the different types of photovoltaic (PV) solar panel systems. Topics includes advantages and disadvantages of specific systems, payback, safety issues, installation requirements and principals of operation.

Introduction to Photovoltaic Systems

Text: handouts Competencies: Describe principals of operation Recognize advantages and disadvantages

of different systems Calculate payback Describe factors affecting panel

placement Recognize safety concerns Describe battery types

Web Sites

Southwest Technology Development Institute http://www.nmsu.edu/~tdi

Solar Energy Institute – Design & installation manuals solarenergy.org

Tax credits , panel types-Dsire.org Home Power Magazine

http://www.homepower.com

Payback Factors

Cost of electricity Cost will be going up Systems poor grid access may be good

Installation cost Varies with type of system and placement

Amount of sun exposure Rebates

Tax credits Power Co. rebates

Great River Energy Coops Minn. Power

Cost

8 to 10 dollar per watt installed complete 2KW system $16,000 May have up to $10,000 in rebates and

tax credits 10 year payback at current rates

Without credits 20+ years

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