Components Three Basic Parts to an Active PV System: –Collector/Harvestor –Storage –Distribution More complex systems need –Inverter –Charge Controller/Voltage Regulator –Batteries

System Design Types of Systems: -DC Stand Alone -Basic AC/DC Systems -Utility Inter-tied System PV modules are used in three basic ways: –They can power appliances directly eg. water pumps or fans –Charge batteries for storage –Feed energy back to the grid

Standard System

How Big Should My System Be? System size dependent on: –Electricity consumed –Economics –Orientation of the system –Available Space

Average Household Energy Usage Average Household Energy Consumption: Average Household Energy Consumption: –830 kWh/mo Producing 1,000 kWh of solar electricity reduces emissions by:Producing 1,000 kWh of solar electricity reduces emissions by: 8 lbs Sulfur Dioxide 8 lbs Sulfur Dioxide 5 lbs Nitrogen Oxide 5 lbs Nitrogen Oxide 1,400 lbs Carbon Dioxide 1,400 lbs Carbon Dioxide

Pricing Generally, the solar module represents 40-50% of the total installed cost Generally, the solar module represents 40-50% of the total installed cost In 2003, a residential solar system costs about $8,000- $12,000 per kWp installed In 2003, a residential solar system costs about $8,000- $12,000 per kWp installed A complete "Solar System" includes all the other components required to create a functioning system, whether it be to feed energy in to the grid or to be used in (stand alone) off grid applications. A complete "Solar System" includes all the other components required to create a functioning system, whether it be to feed energy in to the grid or to be used in (stand alone) off grid applications. Systems costs vary when the amount of sunlight expected is taken into account yearly Systems costs vary when the amount of sunlight expected is taken into account yearly In a California home, it would cost around $16-$20,000 to satisfy around 25% of that homes energy needs. In a California home, it would cost around $16-$20,000 to satisfy around 25% of that homes energy needs.