Why haven’t you installed a solar array yet? Or: Why and How to Add Solar Power to Your Own House Ruth Douglas Miller Kansas State University AND Morgantown, PA ASA 2017
Installation Cost of PV in US “Tracking the Sun IX”, G Barbose & N. Dargouth, LBNL, August 2016: trackingthesun.lbl.gov
Noodle Ducey 6-kW Array
Noodle Ducey 6-kW Array Hardware cost: $8,918 = $1.48/W Panels, inverter, DC wiring, rack mounts Installation cost: $6,118 = 41% (high) Total $2.50/W installed, before tax credit Electricity costs $0.14/kWh Fixed costs: $15/mo. Simple payback: 7000kWh/yr * $0.14/kWh = $980/yr, 15 year payback (w/o tax credit).
Other Considerations Ground-mount costs more Do-it-yourself costs less Some economy of scale exists Rent-to-own is possible Lease-my-roof is possible Regional incentives/disincentives matter Federal 30% tax credit expires Dec 2021
Where to Start? PVWatts: http://pvwatts.nrel.gov/ Google Sunroof: https://www.google.com/ get/sunroof#p=0 Find your property and determine how large an array will fit… OR: Find your electric bill and determine how large an array you need.
Google Sunroof Output Ok start, but many sites missing, and details are scant. Is this a good site? No advice offered here.
PVWatts Input Screen 1 Good estimate of array size. Detailed estimate of per-month expected output.
PVWatts Input Screen 2 Enter parameters as you know them. -Tilt: 5:12 =22° -Azimuth: degrees East of North -Avg Cost of Elec: EIA for region, or your specific bill data.
PV Watts Output Screen Uses actual solar data from as nearby as possible, and cost of electricity from either EIA or your entry.
Check Incentives Available: dsireusa.org
Check with your Utility… Know what the law gives you! Play nice if possible.
Time to Go Shopping! Wholesale Solar…
Blue Pacific Solar bluepacificsolar.com
GoGreenSolar…
Find an Installer… OR just search for “solar installers in my area.” Most roofing companies will do PV.
FAQ What about hail? • • PV is guaranteed against golf-ball-sized hail How long do they last? • • Guaranteed 20 years, but 30+ years is common, <15% loss • What about snow? • Sun shines through snow; panels are warm They are ugly. • • So are dollar bills. • My Homeowner Assn doesn’t like them • Don’t they like money?
More FAQs • My roof is bad and I have no room? • See if your utility offers shares in an array, or see Arcadia Power: https:// www.arcadiapower.com/ • I just can’t afford the up-front cost Look for a “lease my roof” option. •
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