The Future is Clean Energy

Solar Power Basics for Residential Customers

Courtesy of DOE/NREL

Contact Information

Pete Shoemaker
Pacific Energy Center 851 Howard St. San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 973-8850 [email protected]

Energy Efficiency First

Solar System

Utility Bill

Energy efficiency measures

Energy Efficiency First

Solar System

AVE
Utility Bill
Utility Bill

Energy efficiency measures

Agenda
Technology
What is it? How does it work?

Feasibility
Will it work for me? Can I afford it?

Next Steps
How can I get one?

Light energy Photovoltaic (PV) Electricity produced directly from light Heat energy Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) Electricity produced by steam Solar Pool Heating Hot water for pools Solar Water Heating (SWH or Solar Thermal) Hot water for domestic use (DHW)
All courtesy of DOE/NREL

One-Minute Summary
Rent a portion of utility grid output Same electricity
CURRENT POSSIBLE

Buy your own power plant

RENT
Courtesy of DOE/NREL

OWN
Source: Pete Shoemaker

Your home needs electricity

The basic economics are just like the rent vs. buy of purchasing a home.

One-Minute Takeaway
It works reliably for a long time. It requires good sun access in the middle of the day. Our weather is greatfog is a minor factor. It is not taxable and will likely raise the value of your house. Accurate financial analysis is key.

Terminology
System Sizing
200 HP engine: means that 200 horsepower is the MAXIMUM it will produce.

4 kW PV system: means that 4,000 watts (4 kW) is the MAXIMUM it will produce in full sunlight.

Solar Electric
Photovoltaic Effect
photo = light; voltaic = produces voltage Photovoltaic (PV) systems convert light directly into electricity (using semi-conductor technology)

PV Terminology Cell Module

Array Cell Module

or

Panel
Courtesy of DOE/NREL

Crystalline Silicon PV Products

Firm, like crystals Longest track record, over 50 years Most common, over 85% of the market Highest efficiencies: avg. 15%, up to 22% Requires about 100 sf. per kilowatt
Source: DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Thin Film PV Products

Source: DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Can be applied on many different materials Longevity still to be proven Production growing at high rate Lower efficiencies: avg. 7%, up to 15% Has potential for big cost reduction Requires about 200 sf. per kilowatt

Crystalline vs. Thin-Film 1.2 kW Crystalline Silicon

Thin-film needs about twice as much space for the same-size system, but the total cost is about the same.

1.2 kW Thin-Film

Courtesy of DOE/NREL

Efficiency vs. Capacity

1.2 kW (1,200 w) 75 square feet 16w per sq.ft.

Capacity = total power Efficiency = power per sq.ft.

1.2 kW (1,200 w) 150 square feet 8w per sq.ft.
Courtesy of DOE/NREL

Inverter
System Inverter

Inverter
DC AC

Changes Direct Current (DC) to Alternating Current (AC)

Inverter
Micro Inverter One per module Inverts DC to AC right there

Panel & meter

Combiner box & communicator

Typical System Components

Array Inverter

Meter
Panel

Balance of System (BOS)

Source: Darren Bouton

Loads

PV Monitoring
Extra hardware sends inverter data to internet Inverter company or 3rd party hosts website Customer can view system from home or remotely Current and historical data can be displayed

Can cost extra but some companies are offering it as standard package.

Courtesy SMA http://www.sma.de/en/products/monitoring-systems/sunny-beam-with-bluetoothr.html

PV Monitoring

Total system history.

Real-time, per panel.

Courtesy Enphase http://enlighten.enphaseenergy.com/public/systems/LWtm4844

Typical System Components

1. Solar array 2. Inverter 3. House electrical panel

Source: PG&E

It works during the day, but what about at night?

Previously, there was only one solution: Store the excess in batteries during the day, then draw off the batteries at night, or when its cloudy.
Courtesy of DOE/NREL

But now?

Net Metering
The utility grid is a twoway street! Electricity can be sent back to the grid by the customer.
Source Andy Black 2006 All rights reserved.

Eliminates the need for batteries. Reduces cost and maintenance.

Ensures a constant supply of electricity.

Net Metering

Sell Power to the Utility by Day

Source Andy Black 2006 All rights reserved.

Buy Power at Night and Winter

Exchange at retail Annual billing cycle

Understanding PV Financial Analysis

2006 Andy Black. All rights reserved.

Net Metering
The grid is like your big battery. Your meter keeps track of the storage (debits or credits). You buy and sell at the going rate. You can reduce your yearly electric bill to a small amount, but you cannot make a profit.

Spin your meter backwards

Net Metering

Meter

Customer side

Utility side

Net Metering

Generation: 3 kWh

Surplus: 2 kWh

Meter Load: 1 kWh Customer side

Cash credit: $ .60 2 kWh @ $(going rate) Utility side

Net Metering

Generation: 1 kWh

Surplus: 0 kWh

Meter Load: 1 kWh Customer side

Cash credit: $ .00

Utility side

Net Metering

Generation: 0 kWh

Need: 1 kWh

Meter Load: 1 kWh Customer side

Cash debit: $ .09 1 kWh @ $(going rate) Utility side

Net Metering
Average monthly usage kWh/mo PV system production

750

Roll over

500

250

May SUMMER

October WINTER

April

Net Metering
Average monthly usage kWh/mo PV system production

750

The surplus covers the shortfall, and your yearly bill is minimal.

500

250

May SUMMER

October WINTER

April

Net Metering
Average monthly usage kWh/mo PV system production

750

PV system produces less than your yearly usage.

500 You pay this amount

250

May SUMMER

October WINTER

April

Net Metering
Average monthly usage kWh/mo PV system production

750

PV system produces more than your yearly usage.

You are paid a different rate for this amount about 4 per kWh.

500

250

May SUMMER

October WINTER

April

Net Metering
Why dont you get paid if your system over-produces?
Cost of power at $.16/Kwh Wholesale cost: $.10/kwh Markup to cover grid maintenance: $.06/kwh

CPUC rulePG&E must comply The full retail rate that PV owners get paid for their power includes a subsidy (markup) that comes from all rate payers The CPUC determined that this subsidy would only be allowed to cover your usage, not for you to go into the power-generation business

Net Metering No Blackout Protection

Unsafe to send live power into grid while workers repairing downed lines

No voltage reservoir means house current could fluctuate and damage appliances

Understanding PV Financial Analysis

2006 Andy Black. All rights reserved.

PV System Types Stand-Alone (Off-Grid)

With batteries

Grid Interactive (On-Grid)

Grid-tied only <=Todays Focus
no batteries needed

Grid-tied with battery backup

Grid-Tied System

Green energy from your own PV system. The reliability and security of the utility company. Best of both worlds.

Rooftop Residential

Courtesy of DOE/NREL

Rooftop Solar Roof Tiles

Courtesy of DOE/NREL

Ground Mounted Residential

Source: Pete Shoemaker

Courtesy of DOE/NREL

Reliability

Source: NASA

Reliability
Mature

technologyover 50 years old

Essential to the space program Millions in use Long warranties backed by large, stable companies Products tested and approved by CEC

Environmental Footprint
Best overall estimates from 1 to 2.5 years Depends on site and power production--in California is about 1.1 years. Shrinking as costs drop and production gets greener Pays back 10 to 30 times or more its environmental cost
Most PV manufacturing plants will have their own PV system on the roof.

Source: January 2008 Environmental Science & Technology

Courtesy of DOE/NREL

http://sustenergy.blogactiv.eu/2008/05/29/emissions-from-photovoltaic-manufacturing/

Technology Summary
No

moving parts

Reliable with long warranties Very widespread Scalable, adaptable Low footprint Big environmental benefits

Agenda
Technology
What is it? How does it work?

Feasibility
Will it work for me? Can I afford it?

Next Steps
How can I get one?

Will it work for me? Criteria, in order of importance: 1. Shading 2. Shading 3. Shading 4. Orientation (north-south) 5. Tilt (from horizontal) 6. Weather

Source: NASA

Shading
Sunset Sunrise

Solar Window
Shade-free from 9 to 3

Good chance for PV

Shading

Bad chance for PV

Orientation
For tilted roof:
North

Not good West Good OK Very good

East

South

Orientation
N W E

S Overhead maps

Tilt
12 ft. 4 ft.
18 deg.

Typical roof in this area is 4:12. For every 12 feet horizontal, it drops 4 feet. This equals 18 degrees up from horizontal.

Normal roof pitch is a very good mounting angle.

Trackers

Courtesy of DOE/NREL

For most home systems, the extra expense and maintenance of tracking motors is not worth the efficiency gain. Better to buy a few extra panels.

Weather

Source: w w w.sf.solarmap.org

Weather California climate ideal for solar Panels produce in all light Fog has cooling effect, which raises efficiency Microclimates likely less than 15% loss from normal

Roof Issues
Dont put a new PV system on an old roof!
Minimum roof life should be 5 7 years. Good idea to do PV and roof at same time Estimate for panel removal/replacement is $1,000 per Kw of system size.

Courtesy London Flat Roofing, Ltd

http://www.londonflatroofing.co.uk/flat-roof-repairs/asphalt-flat-roofs/

Will it work for me? Need solar window Need area facing S, W or E Tilt is usually fine, even flat OK Weather is generally good

Can I afford it?

Is it too expensive? Compared to what?

Lets see what you have now

Current Situation
PG&E monthly electric bill for a large home user:

5 rate tiers
= $ 38.41 = $ 13.10 = $ 65.79 = $ 129.46 = $ 3.12 $ 249.88
1 2 3 4 5

978.00

Used 978 Kwh costing $ 249.88

E-1 / PG&E Standard Rate Schedule (Residential)

PG&E E-1 Residential As of 7/1/12 Rate 6/1/10
45.0 40.0 35.0 Cents per kWh 30.0 25.0 20.0 15.0 10.0 5.0 0.0 Less than 100% 101% 130% 131% 200% 201% 300% Over 300% 11.9 12.8 13.5 14.6 29.1 29.5

40.0 33.5

40.0 33.5

Perce ntage of base line allocation

Current Situation
The less you use, the more you eliminate the expensive upper tiers:

5 rate tiers
= $ 38.41 = $ 13.10 = $ 65.79 = $ 129.46 = $ 3.12 $ 249.88
1 2 3 4 5

978.00

Current Situation
The less you use, the more you eliminate the expensive upper tiers:

5 rate tiers
= $ 38.41 = $ 13.10 = $ 65.79 = $ 129.46 = $ 3.12 $ 51.52
1 2 3 4 5

421.42

Used 421 kWh costing $ 51.52

From 978 Kwh to 421 Kwh -- from $250 to $50. Lowering the usage 57% lowers the bill 80%.

E-1 / PG&E Standard Rate Schedule (Residential)

PG&E E-1 Residential As of 7/1/12 Rate 6/1/10
45.0 40.0 35.0 Cents per kWh 30.0 25.0 20.0 15.0 10.0 5.0 0.0 Less than 100% 101% 130% 131% 200% 201% 300% Over 300% 11.9 12.8 13.5 14.6 29.1 29.5

40.0 33.5

40.0 33.5

Perce ntage of base line allocation

E-1 / PG&E Standard Rate Schedule (Residential)

PG&E E-1 Residential As of 7/1/12 Rate 6/1/10
45.0 40.0 35.0 Cents per kWh 30.0 25.0 20.0 15.0 10.0 5.0 0.0 Less than 100% 101% 130% 131% 200% 201% 300% Over 300% 11.9 12.8 13.5 14.6 29.1 29.5

40.0 33.5

40.0 33.5

Solar reverses the rate tier effect

Lower ROI

Higher ROI

Perce ntage of base line allocation

Current Situation
Case study Electric bill: $100/month = $1200/year After 10 years you will have paid $12,000 if rates do not rise.

Is this a reasonable assumption?

Current Situation
Case study Electric bill: $100/month = $1200/year With annual inflation increases, after 10 years you will have paid around $13,000 to $16,000 No equity Nothing paid off

So the real question is

Can solar be less expensive than this?

Costs & Incentives

Initial cost is high . . .
because you are paying for 30 to 40 years of electricity up front.

But after that the costs are very low because the fuel is free!

There are ways to reduce the cost and eliminate the sticker shock . . .

The CSI makes PV

Economical:
Gives financial incentives to lower the cost

Secure
Screens and tests equipment Requires long warranties Helps screen and check installers Standardizes production estimates

Easy
Helps installers handle everything

California Solar Initiative (CSI)

SB 1

CPUC (California Public Utilities Commission)

Existing Residential Existing Commercial Commercial New Construction

CEC (California Energy Commission)

Residential New Construction

CSI (California Solar Initiative)

NSHP (New Solar Homes Partnership)

Program Administrator

Program Administrator

PG&E

PG&E

CSI Financial Incentivesnumbers

EPBB = Expected Performance-Based Buydown PBI = Performance-Based Incentive

EPBB

PBI

Overall outline: Incentives step down according to amount of PV installed (MW)

CSI Financial Incentivesnumbers

Data as of 9/7/12

MW remaining MW under review = best estimate of how much left. For PG&E residential: 41.08 2.26 = 38.82 MW.

Trigger Tracker. Helps determine when incentives drop.

http://www.csi-trigger.com/

Federal Incentives
Federal Tax Credit
30% of net cost No cap Extended through 2016.

Tax Incentives for Businesses

Accelerated Depreciation (first 5 years)

Resources
SEIA Guide to Federal Tax Credits
http://calseia.org/News/General/Tax-Credit.html

PV Statistics & Performance for the Average Family of Four

(monthly electrical bill $100-$200)

4.0 Kw AC System
COST (before rebate = $6,500 / kW) REBATE (est. $180 / kW) TAX CREDIT NET COST Maintenance (25 40 yrs.) Total Lifecycle Cost kWh Production Space requirements Avg. cost of power now ($150/mo) 25-yr. cost of power (est.) 40-yr. cost of power (est.) $26,000 $720 $7584 $17,696 $5,000 $22,696 ~ 6,500 kWh / year ~ 350 - 500 s.f. $.18/Kwh $.14/Kwh $.09/Kwh

San Francisco Additional Rebate

http://sfwater.org/index.aspx?page=133

Basic amount $2,000 per home for SF residents. $750 more if the installer is an SF-based company. In addition to the utility rebate and federal tax credit.

San Francisco Additional Rebate

http://sfwater.org/index.aspx?page=133

PV Statistics & Performance for the SF Average Family of Four

(monthly electrical bill $75-$150)

3.0 Kw AC System
COST (before rebate = $6500 / kW) CSI REBATE (est. $180 / kW) TAX CREDIT SF REBATE Taxability of SF rebate NET COST Maintenance Total Lifecycle Cost kWh Production Space requirements Avg. cost of power now ($100/mo) 25-yr. cost of power (est.) 40-yr. cost of power (est.) $19,500 - $ 540 - $5,688 - $2,750 +$ 550 $11,072 $ 4,000 $15,072 ~ 5000 kWh / year ~ 300 s.f. $.15/Kwh $.13/Kwh $.08/Kwh

Three Ways to Buy 1. Full purchase (cash or borrowing) You

Owner of system Borrow money or pay cash Full payment up front Maintain and monitor system Economics: Cash / total savings Loan pmt. / monthly savings

PV Vendor
Design and install Sell Honor warranties (equipment & labor)

$$$

Three Ways to Buy 2. Solar Lease You

Low or no money down Fixed lease payment Possible buyout in the future Economics: Lease pmt. / monthly savings
$
$

PV Vendor
Owner of system Design and install Lease Maintain and monitor system Honor warranties (equipment & labor) Remove system at end if needed

Three Ways to Buy 3. Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) You

Low or no money down Monthly power payment Possible buyout in the future Economics: Monthly pmt. / monthly savings
$
$

PV Vendor
Owner of system Design and install Sell power Maintain and monitor system Honor warranties (equipment & labor) Remove system at end if needed

Time of Use Rates

Seasonal load

PG&E 2006 Annual Usage

Time of Use Rates

Time of Use Rates

Residential "E6" Time-of-Use Pricing Periods
Midnight - 6am 6am - 10am 10am - 1pm 1pm - 7pm Sunday Monday TuesdayWednesdayThursday Friday Saturday Off-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak Part-Peak Part-Peak Part-Peak Part-Peak Part-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak Peak Peak Peak Peak Peak Off-Peak

7pm - 9pm Part-Peak Part-Peak Part-Peak Part-Peak Part-Peak Part-Peak Part-Peak 9pm - Midnight Off-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak Off-Peak

Peak rates in Summer Afternoons 29/kWh + tier surcharges Part-Peak rates: 14/kWh + tiers Off-Peak rates (Nights & Weekends) 8.5-10/kWh + tiers

Time of Use Rates

35 30 25
Cents per Kwh

20 15 10 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Hours of the Day

E-6 summer rates (May October)

Time of Use Rates

3500 3000
Kwh Produced

2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23

Hours of the Day

Typical summer production

Time of Use Rates

35 30 25
Cents per Kwh

20 15 10 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Hours of the Day

Summer pattern (May October)

Time of Use Rates

35 30 25
Cents per Kwh

Sell Buy Buy

20 15 10 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Hours of the Day

Buying low and selling high adds value.

Should I go on a TOU rate with my PV system?

High

On-peak usage

Med

No

Low

Yes

25%

50%

75%

100%

Percentage of yearly usage covered by solar

Return on Investment
Monthly Cash Flow: Financed by a home-secured loan Loan interest is tax-deductible Or lease programno financing, low down pmt. Assuming historical rate escalation continues Monthly cash flow can be immediately positive for many people. They can start making money from day one and continue for over 30 years! Solar lease programs can lower or eliminate the down payment and be cash-positive as well.

Maintenance: Replacing Inverter

Minimum inverter warranty is 10 years. Probable lifetime 15 years or more. Replacement is typically factored in economic analysis. Trend in electronics is to get smaller and cheaper

Source: DOE / NREL

Maintenance: Washing Panels

Three basic categories for rainy / dry season areas
Washed as often as necessary ~ 1.0 Washed once in July ~ 0.96 Never washed ~ 0.93

Factors affecting number

Rainy / dry seasons Dirt roads Near agricultural activity Close to road surface of busy street In airport flight path
Source: DOE / NREL

Bottom line: Washing panels helps, but is not crucial unless area is particularly dusty or there are other unusual factors (birds).

Increase in Home Value

Appraisal Value
Will likely go up Less utility cost means more money available for mortgage payment Data so far is small, but supportive Much more to come as solar houses turn over

Solar Rights Act

California law that supports solar Keeps HOAs and other CC&Rs from prohibiting solar systems Forbids increased property taxes on owners system Restriction ends when home is sold, and assessment can go up to reflect system

Agenda
Technology
What is it? How does it work?

Feasibility
Will it work for me? Can I afford it?

Next Steps
How can I get one?

Installing Solar PV at Your Home

STEP 1: Complete an Energy Audit STEP 2: Contact and Choose an Installer INSTALLER HANDLES THE REST STEP 3: Complete and Submit Applications for CSI STEP 4: Get city Permits and Install System STEP 5: Schedule Final Building Inspection STEP 6: Schedule Final Utility Inspection STEP 7: Claim Incentives

Contact & Choose an Installer

Find installers Choose which ones to contact Obtain bids Evaluate bids and pick best one Arrange financing (if necessary)

Find Installers
www.gosolarcalifornia.org
best site for both PV and solar thermal

California Energy Commission

www.consumerenergycenter.org/erprebate/database/inde x.html

NorCal Solar Business Members

www.norcalsolar.org/biz_members_list/busmembers.php

CalSEIA Members
http://calseia.org/, Find an Expert link

Personal references

Analyzing Bids: Production estimates

Everyone must use EPBB online calculator Helps standardize estimates, eliminate over promising EPBB requires tilt, orientation, and shading data Shading is the most difficult to assess and can vary in bid estimates. If it varies widely ask about it. EPBB printout must be included in CSI application

Analyzing Bids: Key Information

1. Full price, before incentives. This includes all adders (such as extra roof charges), and extras (such as monitoring), an estimate for permit fees (around $300), and taxes. 2. The system size in CEC AC watts (industry standard). Do not accept just the DC system size. 3. The per-watt price. This is determined by dividing the full price by the system size. This is the unit price that allows you to compare apples to apples. It will typically be around $8 to $9 per watt.

Analyzing Bids: Per-Watt Price

Base price: $20,000 Roof adder: $2,000 Permit fee: $500 Total: $22,500 System Size: 4.0 Kw DC 3.38 Kw AC (CEC) (3,380 watts)

Per-watt price: $22,500 / 3,380 = $6.65/watt

Comparing Bids Three options: 1. 20 Sharp 185 panels, 3.19 Kw AC, $6.35/watt 2. 20 Evergreen 180 panels, 3.12 Kw AC, $6.22/watt 3. 20 Kyocera 190 panels, 3.28 Kw AC, $6.45/watt
If target of 100 Kw is met, price will drop to $5.75/watt.

Final Word: Dont forget the bottom line Paper

Wealth

Additional Information PG&Es Solar Website

www.pge.com/solar

PG&E Email
[email protected] PG&E Solar Phone Number 1-877-743-4112
For more information on PG&Es environmental efforts, please visit our website

www.pge.com/environment

The Future is Clean Energy

Pacific Energy Center

Pete Shoemaker (415) 973-8850 [email protected]