A D E TA I L E D G U I D E TO I N S TA L L I N G A
Power Naturally
YOUR HOME IS PROBABLY YOUR BIGGEST INVESTMENT, BUT DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN MAKE AN INVESTMENT IN YOUR HOME THAT WILL PAY YOU BACK WITH ENERGY SAVINGS? It’s photovoltaic power
— solar electric energy — and it harnesses the power of sunlight to supply your home with electricity. Simply put, photovoltaic (PV) systems produce electricity from sunlight through cells that are installed on your roof or elsewhere on your property. PV power doesn’t produce any noise or pollution, it’s reliable and dependable, and it’s renewable so it makes good sense for the environment. For example, a 2.5 kW system will provide about 2,900 kilowatt hours per year and can typically provide about 25 to 35% of an average home’s electricity needs. The more energy efficient your house is, the greater the impact of the PV system.
SM SM
Not only is photovoltaic power
GENTLER ON THE ENVIRONMENT, it is now MORE AFFORDABLE than ever before.
This is because New York State is offering cash incentives to bring down the cost of PV systems by 40 to 70%. These incentives from NYSERDA — New York State Energy Research and Development Authority — are available to all customers that pay the Systems Benefit Charge to their electric utility. Working with an eligible installer, you could receive between $4,000 and $5,000 per kilowatt for PV systems up to a maximum of 15 kilowatts. The chart below outlines the different incentive levels NYSERDA is now offering.
End-Use Photovoltaic Systems
All systems interconnected to the electric grid and eligible for net metering (served by residential utility rates). Systems must be greater than 500 watts and not more than 10kW.
All systems for customers not eligible for net metering. Systems must be greater than 500 Watts and not more than 15kW.
Incentive Level
$4.00 per Watt, direct current $4.50 per watt for New York ENERGY STAR® Labeled Homes
$5.00 per watt, direct current Maximum of 70% of total installed costs
There are also tax credits of 25% of the purchase price of your system, not to exceed $3,750, and help from the New York Energy $mart
SM
Loan Fund,
which provides financing through special loan rates that are reduced by 4% at participating banks. Check www.PowerNaturally.org for more tax and loan information. In order to help you get started, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide, which contains essential information on PV power, including how to choose an installer, select a PV system, and calculate your potential energy savings. It’s not a technical installation guide — your PV installer will handle those issues — but it will explain how PV works and help you decide if it’s right for you.
outlining
the steps
step 1 PV basics
If you’re interested in PV power, the first step is to learn the basics.
step 2 Conducting your own site survey
Now take a close look at your own home to find out if PV power might be an option for you.
step 3 Choosing an installer
Once you’ve covered the basics, learn how to find and select an installer.
step 4 Understanding your system options
There are several PV systems to choose from — this section will help you find the right one for your home.
step 5 Determining energy output and savings
Now you can get an idea of how much energy your PV system might generate and what kind of savings that could mean for you.
step 6 Obtaining permits and approvals
This will give you an overview of permits and other approvals that could be necessary when you’re installing a new PV system.
step 7 Final details
Check here for additional information resources available to you.
A TYPICAL TIMELINE FOR GETTING A PV SYSTEM UP AND RUNNING
WEEKS:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
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INITIAL EDUCATION CONTACT CONTRACTORS RECEIVE PRICE QUOTES CONTRACTOR CHOSEN PERMITS RECEIVED EQUIPMENT DELIVERED SYSTEM INSTALLED AND TESTED SYSTEM INSPECTED BY AHJ
(AUTHORITIES HAVING JURISDICTION)
INTERCONNECTION INSPECTION BY UTILITY FULLY OPERATIONAL
step 1
PV BASICS
PV technology converts sunlight directly into electricity throughout the day, allowing you to produce your own electricity with no noise, air pollution, or moving parts. The basic building block is the PV cell, which is connected to other cells to create larger units called modules. Typically, modules are attached as panels onto your existing roof or are designed directly into the roof so they act as both a part of the roof or shingles and a solar module at the same time. The integrated roofing option may make sense if you are building a new home or considering replacing your current roof. Modules can also be set up as freestanding units on the ground.
A PV system includes a collection of PV modules that is usually connected to the utility grid. Systems must be connected to the utility grid to be eligible for the cash incentive offered by NYSERDA. The PV modules produce direct current (DC) electricity, which the system then converts to alternating current (AC) electricity so it can be used to power your lights, appliances, and other home electrical needs. Being connected to the utility grid provides two additional benefits. First, when your system doesn’t produce enough electricity to power your home (when the sun isn’t shining, for example), you automatically receive the additional power you need from the utility. Second, if you produce more electricity than you need — which can happen on most sunny days — electricity flows back through your meter to the utility. In fact, your meter will run in reverse when your PV system is producing more electricity than you need, and you can receive a credit from the utility for the energy you’re supplying but don’t use. (See Step 6 for more information).
THE COST OF A PV SYSTEM VARIES ACCORDING TO THE OVERALL SIZE AND NUMBER OF MODULES YOU USE. A SMALLER SYSTEM MAY COST LESS INITIALLY, BUT REMEMBER, IT WILL PRODUCE LESS ELECTRICITY TOO.
Electrical Panel
Photovoltaic (PV) Panels convert sunlight to DC electric power
Array
DC Power
Utility Grid
To Lighting, Appliances, etc
AC Power
Excess electricity produced by the PV system goes into the utility grid where others can use it.
Electricity Meter
DC=Direct Current AC=Alternating Current
Inverter (DC TO AC)
Typical Grid-Connected PV System
(Without Battery Backup System)
A good way to think of it is that purchasing a PV system is like paying for many years’ worth of electricity at once, since the cost is in the up-front purchase. Once your system is installed there should be minimal maintenance. With the NYSERDA incentive program, the cost of purchasing and installing a system is reduced by about half, but you’ll want to examine your personal energy use and savings closely before choosing a PV system. We’ll look at these issues in more detail later in this guide.
A GOOD RULE OF THUMB:
If you’re building a new home, you can enjoy even greater savings when you participate in New York’s ENERGY STAR® Labeled Homes program. These homes use 30% less energy than conventionally built homes by incorporating the best construction practices and energysaving measures into your home. New York’s ENERGY STAR® homes are also eligible for a PV incentive level that is $500 per kW higher than a regular home built to code. For more information, go to www.getenergysmart.org.
step 2
CONDUCTING YOUR OWN SITE SURVEY
The amount of electricity generated by a PV system depends on a number of different factors, and the first step is to look at your own home. The reason for this is quite simple: the amount of electricity you produce is determined by how much sun reaches your system. You’ll want to look at a few basic areas to make sure your house is well suited for a PV system and that you maximize the energy your system produces by placing it in the most advantageous location.
1.
The first question to ask yourself is whether your property has good access to the sun. In New York, the sun is in the southern half of the sky and is higher in summer and lower in winter. This means the best location for a PV system is typically a south-facing roof, but east and west may be fine as well.
2.
You’ll also want to look for objects such as trees, vent pipes on your roofs, chimneys, or buildings that could block or obstruct the sun from reaching your system. You’ll want to determine how large the obstruction is and how long it casts a shadow onto your roof or other proposed PV system site. Your PV installer will have special tools to help measure shading. If you think there are potential trouble areas, then it’s a good idea to use the Clean Power Estimator available at www.PowerNaturally.org to conduct a more thorough examination. Your PV installer can also assist with this analysis.
3.
A GOOD RULE OF THUMB:
If all obstructions to the east and west of your PV array are more than two times the distance from the system as they are high, and obstructions south of the PV system are more than three times the distance from the system as they are high, then your PV system should have no more than 10% loss due to shading.
ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PV DECISIONS YOU’LL MAKE IS
CHOOSING AN INSTALLER.
Your PV installer not only sells and sets up your system, he or she also ensures that you get the system that is right for your home and your energy needs. By working closely with your installer, you can identify any potential trouble spots and come up with solutions so you get the most out of your PV system. Ultimately, it means your system will run more efficiently and produce the optimal amount of energy.
To help you get started, take a look at the list of eligible installers at www.PowerNaturally.org. These PV installers are part of the NYSERDA incentive program, so they’ll be offering you cash incentives for PV system sales and installation. Each eligible installer who has applied for and been accepted as part of the program provides evidence of his or her skills, experience, and customer track record.* And as NYSERDA incentive participants, every eligible installer is offering a minimum five-year warranty that covers full costs, including labor, and repair or replacement of components or systems. Once you’ve reviewed the list, you’ll want to narrow it down by calling several different installers and asking them about their experience and working practices. One of the first considerations may be their location, since it may be easier and less expensive if they are located close to you.
OTHER QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:
Have they installed gridconnected systems before? How many years have they been in business? What is their process and timing for installing a system from initial site visit through completion?
Based on these conversations, you should solicit price quotes from at least three installers. The quotes should include a clear outline of how much your system can produce at its capacity rating, as well as estimated annual energy generation. Energy generation will fluctuate from year to year due to changes in the amount of sunlight, so you should remember that your actual system output may be higher or lower than the estimate. Of course, the quote should include details on the “fully loaded” cost of getting the PV system up and running, including hardware and installation costs, connection to the electric grid, permitting, applicable incentives, and warranties. Lastly, remember that you’ll be working with your PV installer for several months, so choose one you think you can work with closely.
* Neither NYSERDA nor the State of New York: (1) endorse any Eligible Installer; or (2) guaranty, warranty, or in any way represent or assume liability for any work proposed or carried out by an Eligible Installer. Additionally, NYSERDA is not responsible for assuring that the design, engineering and construction of the project or installation of any photovoltaic (PV) system is proper or complies with any particular laws, regulations, codes, licensing, certification and permit requirements, or industry standards. NYSERDA does not make any representations of any kind regarding the results to be achieved by the PV systems or the adequacy or safety of such measures.
step 3
WHAT IS A CERTIFIED INSTALLER?
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners(NABCEP) has developed a national voluntary certification program for PV installers. Ask your installer if they are certified by NABCEP or pursuing NABCEP certification. www.nabcep.org
CHOOSING AN INSTALLER
step 4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR SYSTEM OPTIONS
There are several different options when it comes to choosing a system. Most PV systems produce about 10 watts of power for each square foot of PV module. This means that you can install a small starter system on as little as 50 square feet of roof space, or as large as 1,000 square feet for a more powerful system. A typical two kilowatt system will need 200 to 400 square feet of unobstructed area, but always make sure you’re able to access your system easily. This access space can add up to 20% to the total space you need for your system.
A roof-integrated PV system with solar hot water collectors on the left.
No matter how large — or how small — your system is, you’ll need to decide where to locate it. The most common choice is to position the modules on your roof. The system, or array, can be mounted above and parallel to the roof with a space between the roof and the array to allow for cooling. The modules are typically positioned parallel to the roof so that they blend in as much as possible. If, however, your roof is flat, a PV array may be installed at an angle to optimize the amount of sunlight it receives.
A PV array can be built onto any type of roof, but the installation cost can vary based on the type of roofing material. For example, composition-shingle roofs are quite easy to work with, while slate roofs are much more difficult. Your PV installer should be able to work with all roof types and should discuss any problem areas with you. One area that you’ll want to look at quite closely is the age and condition of your roof. If your roof is old and will need to be replaced soon, you may want to consider replacing the roof and installing the PV system at the same time. This will eliminate having to take down the PV system and reinstall it in the future.
If you are considering a new roof or are building a new home, you should investigate a roof-integrated system – Building-Integrated PV Array, or BIPV. This option incorporates the PV modules into the actual roofing material, so the roof acts as the solar collector. BIPV’s are available as roofing shingles or metal roofing products and are great because they’re designed to look like traditional roofing materials. You do need to take extra care to make sure they’re installed properly, so be sure to discuss this with your installer. Lastly, you can install the array for your PV system as a ground-mounted structure, or you can even mount the array off the ground as a shade or patio cover.
NO MATTER WHAT THE SYSTEM, YOU CAN CHOOSE ONE WITH BATTERY BACKUP OR ONE WITHOUT. A battery backup system stores energy so your home can be powered when the sun isn’t shining (really cloudy day), at night, or during a utility outage. The amount of energy your battery system can provide will depend on the storage capacity of your system. Systems with battery backup are more expensive, however the incremental investment is worth considering if you want to have power for critical loads during outages and the added reliability is important to you.
A GOOD RULE OF THUMB:
If your roof isn’t made of composition shingles, then it will most likely require a flashed penetration to ensure that it’s properly sealed against rainwater. Make sure that your PV installer offers a written guarantee that the roof will not leak as a result of the PV system for at least five years.
step 5
PV SYSTEM SIZE OR kW 2.0 kW 4.0 kW
DETERMINING ENERGY OUTPUT AND SAVINGS
One of the most important questions you’ll have when you’re considering PV power is how much your system will cost and how much it will save you. A good place to start is to understand how much electricity you currently use. You can do this by looking at your electricity bills for the past year or by contacting your utility. This will give you a baseline so you know how much electric energy you’re using now and how much you’ll be able to offset by installing a PV system. Your energy savings with a PV system can be estimated by multiplying the energy in kilowatt-hours (kWh) that your system might produce each year by the electric energy rate charged by your utility. The chart below shows the estimated annual energy savings from a small (2 kW) and a large (4 kW) system to illustrate a range of savings based on four different electric rates.
ESTIMATED ANNUAL ENERGY 2300 kWh 4600 kWh
UTILITY ELECTRIC ENERGY RATE $0.12/kWh $0.08/kWh $0.10/kWh $276.00 $184.00 $230.00 $552.00 $368.00 $460.00
$0.14/kWh $322.00 $644.00
To get a better idea of your own savings, use the Clean Power Estimator at
www.PowerNaturally.org
With the Clean Power Estimator you’ll be able to run several in-depth analyses with your own details so you can see if solar electric power makes financial sense for you. The Clean Power Estimator also includes information on cash incentives currently offered by NYSERDA.
THE QUESTION WILL THEN BE HOW LARGE A SYSTEM YOU WANT TO INSTALL.
The larger the system, the more electricity you’ll be able to generate, but at a higher up-front cost. You should consider four factors when choosing a system: your energy needs, the amount of the energy you can generate, whether you want a battery backup system, and the system costs. What you should remember is that no matter what system you choose, the actual output will vary due to environmental and system fluctuations. The adjacent chart is designed to give you a conservative estimate of the amount of power generated by a one-kilowatt (1kW) system. Ask your PV provider how much electricity your system will produce each year and how that compares with the amount of electricity you typically use each year.
CITY Albany Plattsburgh Watertown Buffalo Rochester Syracuse Binghamton Poughkeepsie
kWh per kW (range) 1064-1315 1063-1313 1035-12 79 994-1227 1007-1244 1035-1279 1017-1256 1116-1379
A GOOD RULE OF THUMB:
If you’re installing a roof-mounted system, the tilt and orientation of your roof will affect your system’s output. For example, in New York State, a 30-degree roof tilt facing south produces the greatest output, while an east-facing roof with the same tilt will generate 19% less electricity.
step 6
OBTAINING PERMITS AND APPROVALS
If you have a PV system installed, you’ll need to make sure you have the proper permits and approvals before you begin work. Your installer should be able to handle most of these details, but you should be familiar with them as well to make sure you have everything you need.
CODES, COVENANTS, AND RESTRICTIONS
Often called CC&Rs, these are requirements imposed by neighborhoods or local jurisdictions that often govern the aesthetics of a project. If CC&Rs are in place in your area, you may need to submit plans and obtain approval before you can begin work. Check with your neighborhood association or town council to find out if there are any applicable CC&Rs.
ELECTRICAL AND STRUCTURAL PERMITS
The most common permit you’ll need for your PV system is an electrical permit. Photovoltaic systems are included in the National Electrical Code in Article 690. Your installer should be familiar with this and ensure you have the proper permit before work commences. Also, you should determine if you’ll need a structural permit as well. Normally, structural permits are issued if it is deemed that the project will have a significant impact on an existing structure or involve a new structure that could put people or property at risk if the structure collapsed.
A GOOD RULE OF THUMB:
If your home is less than 30 years old, it should not need structural enhancements as long as the PV system weighs less than five pounds, per square foot. Most PV systems meet this weight restriction. However, if you have two layers of shingles on your roof, you must remove both layers and install new shingles before you install a system.
UTILITY INTERCONNECTION STANDARDS AND CONTRACTS
In order to be connected to the utility grid, you must follow interconnection standards as set out in Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 929-2000 (www.ieee.org) and New York State Public Service Commission’s Standard Interconnection Requirements (www.dps.state.ny.us/distgn.html). It is vital that you inform your utility as early as possible that you will be installing a grid-connected PV system and adhere to their rules exactly. Your PV installer should be familiar with entering into an interconnection agreement with your utility.
• In order to be connected to the grid, you and your installer will need to complete a contract with the utility. This contract includes important system information and shows that you understand your responsibilities in running and maintaining your system. Normally, the contract will be finalized once the utility confirms that the equipment has been installed properly and that all requirements have been met. • One requirement of the interconnection agreement is that you have a minimum level of insurance in place. This should be covered by your current homeowner’s insurance policy, but make sure your current coverage is sufficient to meet the interconnection requirements. • You will also need to complete a net metering agreement with the utility for residential systems of 10kW or less. Interconnecting a photovoltaic system to the utility grid requires an interconnection agreement as well as a sale and purchase agreement, or a net metering agreement with your local utility. Your PV installer and utility company will be able to go through this with you in more detail.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Once your system is installed, your PV installer will run a series of tests to make sure your system is up and running properly. Make sure you receive a copy of this evaluation, and keep it as part of your system documentation. Other vital documents to keep with this are your owner’s manual, copies of any plan drawings, and instructions for any future maintenance.
UTILITY AND INSPECTION SIGN-OFFS
After your system is installed, it must be inspected by the local permitting agency (typically this is a building and/or electrical inspector). Most likely, your system will be inspected by the utility as well. These inspections may identify problem areas that need to be corrected, so don’t be alarmed — this is fairly common and your PV installer can deal with most issues easily. Additionally, NYSERDA may inspect systems that have been installed through any of its incentive programs.
SYSTEM MAINTENANCE AND MONITORING
PV systems require very little maintenance, but you should discuss this with your installer and review any recommended maintenance procedures. One of the easiest ways to check your system’s performance is to monitor your own electricity meter. This will give you an idea of how much electricity you are using and if your PV system is performing properly. Through the NYSERDA program, your system will include an easy-to-read digital meter that can help you monitor real-power output and energy production.
WARRANTIES
All PV installers operating under the NYSERDA incentive program will provide you with a full five-year guarantee that covers full costs, including labor, and repair or replacement of components or systems. Some installers may offer additional warranties, and you should discuss this with them in detail to make sure you understand what they cover in case a problem arises.
PURCHASING A PV SYSTEM CAN BE ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING MOVES YOU MAKE AS A HOMEOWNER.
It offers you the chance to use your own home to produce power for appliances, lighting, and other electrical needs. If you have questions or need additional information, contact NYSERDA at 1-866-697-3732 or visit us at www.PowerNaturally.org. We’ve also listed some other resources too that will provide you with more information. Customers of the Long Island Power Authority should visit www.lipower.org for
step 7
information about PV incentives. New York Power Authority customers should visit www.nypa.org.
FINAL DETAILS
For more information on solar power, visit: What is NYSERDA
?
NYSERDA www.PowerNaturally.org NEW YORK STATE SOLAR ENERGY INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION www.nyseia.org AMERICAN SOLAR ENERGY SOCIETY (ASES) www.ases.org FLORIDA SOLAR ENERGY CENTER www.fsec.ucf.edu INTERSTATE RENEWABLE ENERGY COUNCIL www.irecusa.org MILLION SOLAR ROOFS www.millionsolarroofs.com NATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY LABORATORY www.nrel.gov NATIONAL CENTER FOR PHOTOVOLTAICS www.nrel.gov/ncpv/ REPP-CREST www.crest.org SOLAR ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION www.solarelectricpower.org SOLAR ENERGY INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION www.seia.org SOLAR RATING AND CERTIFICATION CORPORATION (SRCC) www.solar-rating.org U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY OFFICE OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY www.eren.doe.gov U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL www.usgbc.org INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE POWER www.ispq.org SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEM DESIGN TUTORIAL www.eren.doe.gov/erec/factsheets/pvbasics.html
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is a public benefit corporation created in 1975 by the New York State legislature. NYSERDA administers the The New York Energy $martSM program, which is designed to support certain public benefit programs during the transition to a more competitive electricity market. Some 2,700 projects in more than 30 programs are funded by a charge on the electricity transmitted and distributed by the State's investor-owned utilities. The New York Energy $martSM program provides energy efficiency services, including those directed at the low-income sector, research and development, and environmental protection activities.
For more information about NYSERDA programs, visit www.NYSERDA.org