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♦ Solar > AE 1.0 - Residential Solar 7.2 kW

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Statement of Methodology

Application	Method
Energy Audit	A whole house energy audit was provided to align the sizing of the solar array with the home energy demands. Recommendations were made where deficiencies were found. Note: The consumer chose a larger unit than recommended. The purpose was to place electricity back on the grid if the opportunity exists.
Insulation of the Attic	Insulation was increased from R13 to R38. We plan to see if there is a corresponding decrease in energy consumption.
Solar Installation	A 7.2 kW solar array was installed
Inverter	The inverter was installed to meet IEE standards and integrated with sub metering installed by the utility to gather data.
Net Metering	Meters power at the connection point to the utility grid, subtracting energy produced from energy consumed.
Web Box	A sub-metering application provided by the inverter manufacturer that measures electricity produced, and makes the information accessible via a web interface.
MySource Integration	MySource is an open architecture system developed to allow integration with all data gathered at the end user level. This data is accessible and displayed to the end user and the utility for purposes that are useful to the specific user and organization.

Case Study Data

Load Curve Comparisons

Load Factor Analysis

Operational Cost Analysis

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Load Curve Comparisons

One intent of the installation of a DG system is to reduce the amount of generation needed from the utility. A utility’s generation is sized to accommodate peak demands. The DG system’s generation curves will be compared with the utility’s load curves to determine the effectiveness of widespread DG installations on peak demand.

This data on Load Curves is on the SES gateway on MySource and is available to SES Partners. To become an SES parner, click here.

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Load Factor Analysis

Many utility rate structures are partly based on load factor, which is the amount of time the system uses peak demands versus non-peak demands. This case study will evaluate the effects of widespread DG installations on load factor.

This data on Load Factor Analysis is on the SES gateway on MySource and is available to SES Partners. To become an SES parner, click here.

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Operational Cost Analysis

Residential
In order to get a proper return on investment of a DG system, consumers must know the operational costs of the system. The factors that are missed more frequently in ROI calculations are maintenance costs (inverter replacement costs, inverter lifespan vs. solar panel lifespan, etc.).
Utility
Distribution grids are primarily designed for the flow of electricity from generation to consumer. Power quality and reliability become questionable with widespread DG installations. These issues carry maintenance and energy costs that Smart Energy Source will evaluate.

This data on Production Output is on the SES gateway on MySource and is available to SES Partners. To become an SES parner, click here.

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AE 1.0 Solar 7.2 kW

This case study is an evaluation of a 7.2 kW residential solar array. The case study will outline the rationale and implications for a residential solar application. The goal of Smart Energy Source is to create greater understanding of how distributed generation applications can benefit the consumer and also align with utility operations. This case study will focus specifically on solar generation. The case study will provide critical information as we shape future policy related to DG.

Case Study Objectives
♦ Evaluate the requirements of interconnection as identified in IEEE standards and other interconnection procedures.
♦ Examine costs and benefits. What are the implications for utility rate structures?
♦ Identify the impact on distribution engineering and planning, and overall maintenance costs.
♦ Identify how DG will impact the utility's all power requirements contract.
♦ Create a knowledge base of best practices and best applications for the consumer.

Net, Generated and Consumed Use

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Start Date: 5/13/2012	End Date: 5/20/2012

Smart Grid>Residential Solar

AE 1.0 - Residential Solar 7.2 kW | AE 2.0 - Resdidential Hybrid 5kW

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