Table of Contents:
I. Specification and Introduction
II: Personal Pathway w/ Solar Energy
i. Setting the Intention
ii. CEM-162 SP
iii. Grid Alternatives
a. Team Leader Training
iv. Inter-Solar North America
III: Photovoltaic Fundamentals:
i. History of Photovoltaics
ii. Distributed Generation
iii. Basics of Electricity
iv. Key Solar Terminology to Understand
IV: Designing a Photovoltaic System
i. Analyze Electrical Loads
ii. The Importance of Metering
iii. Site Assessment
iv. Determine Solar Harvesting Potential
v. Incentives, Rebates & AHJ
vi. Cost Payback Analysis
V: Installing a Photovoltaic System:
i. Safety First
ii. Locating Roof Rafters
iii. Install Flashings & Racks
iv. Install Grounding Wire
v. Install Micro-Inverters and Modules
vi. Install Wall Mount Inverter and Conduit
vii. Connect the inverter to the Main Service Panel
iix. Commission and Activate System
VI: Conclusion & Reflection
VII: Appendix I:
- Page Navigation of OP
- Links & Resources
- Digiphon
- Journal
- PODAPO
- Photovoltaic Mahara Group Forum Posts
IIX: Appendix II: Photovoltaic String Sizing:
i. Basic DC Theory
ii. Module Specs
iii. Equation for String Sizing
iv. Equation for Annual kWh Output of System
OP Specification:
This output packet covers my personal pathway with solar energy, as well as providing the reader with an introductory knowledge of photovoltaics. I cover key terminology, the dialogue between the public and the utility companies, and basic design techniques.
Please do not try to install your own system unless you are qualified and/or certified. Solar panels put out live electricity and can be dangerous!
This output is math intensive! I have created a GEL Learning Module to go along with the course, so that associates may go deeper into the learning. It was impossible to include all of the necessary introductory information about solar, as well as my own pathway and reflections. My solution was to create a learning module, complete with sample equations, lessons and quizzes.
OP Introduction:
Welcome to the Photovoltaic Output Packet! This serves as a capstone MSc project output, as well as a content course for the MSc program year.
This output covers my personal solar pathway, including how I made the decision to study photovoltaics. I then go on to describe the fundamentals of solar energy. Without understanding the fundamentals, it is hard to move on to the design and installation of photovoltaics. If you arrive at the design or installation page and feel as though the language is very foreign, I would recommend spending some time on the GEL site module in order to better grasp the material. If you breeze through the packet no problem, I recommend going on to Appendix II, in which I describe the math of sizing a PV system. I have also provided lots of links and resources on the appendix for continued online studies.
I have reflected on the newfound intimacy of the sun sector for any future sector maps that I may make. The sun is our biological essence, and it is great to feel more connected with it through understanding it's patterns more deeply. It is my hope that this output packet will help other designers be able to create sector maps with a keen observational eye and greater understanding of the sun sector.
Comments
Liam McDermott
16 October 2013, 22:31
Great Job Daniel, I thoroughly enjoyed your project -- learning about your solar experiences in the academic setting and hearing about hands on training with Grid Alternatives. Since I just completed an OP on solar energy, I quite enjoyed seeing where our OP's overlapped and when and how we focused on different things. Thanks for your wisdom and the opportunity to read and learn from your experience.
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Elke Loepthien
17 February 2014, 11:02
Elke Loepthien
18 February 2014, 3:31
Hi Daniel, thanks for your great work!
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Daniel B-L
21 September 2014, 14:19
PODAPO
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