Grid-Tied Solar Power System SCTE Headquarters in Philadelphia, PA
Solar Power Case Studies
System Specifications System Power: 11.28kW PV Array: (48) Sharp 235 Mono-crystalline modules Solar Inverters: (2) SMA Sunnyboy 5000US inverters Combiners: AC combiner chosen for future expansion capability
Alpha Energy’s ballasted rooftop solar system uses zero roof penetrations to secure the solar array, minimizing cost and preserving the rooftop integrity.
AC and DC system disconnects Racking: 2V X12 Schletter ballasted racking system (2 racking blocks) Data Monitoring Software:
Utilizing high efficiency Sharp 235 Watt mono-crystalline • Portable Web monitoring • Data logging photovoltaic modules and SMA 5000US modular • Weather Monitoring • Auto-Alerts inverters, the sub-array design allows fault tolerance and future expansion capabilities, and boasts a 95.5% CEC weighted efficiency.
Utilizing a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to finance the system, SCTE faces no capital outlay at the time of installation, and will pay a fixed amount per kilowatt hour of solar energy used. This arrangement protects them from utility company price fluctuations and increases. At the end of the PPA in 2017, SCTE has the options of extending the agreement or purchasing the solar power system at a reduced rate to take advantage of the free solar energy to offset their utility power requirements. Solar System Electricity Production 1600 1400 1200 1000 800
* These estimates are based on thirty years of solar radiation data collected near Phoenix, AZ by the USA National Renewable Energy 400 Laboratory. They represent long-term production estimates based on the size of the solar array, solar panel tilt and orientation. Actual production 200 may vary, due to factors including, but not limited to, site-specific shading, and solar panel temperature. 600
0
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Monthly Kilowatt-Hours
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
The powerful data acquisition system coupled with onsite temperature, isolation, and solar module temperature monitoring will allow facilities managers and Alpha Technicians to closely monitor system performance. The System includes DECK commercial monitoring package. Provides real time and historical data on system production and weather conditions. Monitoring system measures energy production from multiple points (revenue grade meter as well as inverter direct measurements). Inverter direct monitoring allows for inverter status checks and fault conditions to be monitored remotely. Ambient temp, module temp, and irradiance monitored via onsite weather station.
SCTE Headquarters in Philadelphia, PA (Cont.)
Progression Photos
Frames and 48 panels
Large open roof space dedicated to solar power
PV array racking under construction on the roof
Assembling the support rails
Two 5kW inverters
On-site project management ensured smooth installation
Construction complete in 3 days
Completed array 48 panels 11.28kW DC
Alpha Energy United States Bellingham, Washington www.alpha.com Phoenix, Arizona
Tel: 360 647 2360 Fax: 360 671 4936 Tel: 602 997 1007 Fax: 623 249 7833
049-256-10-001 (08/10)