Grid Connected or Stand Alone Systems?

Follow the Steps

Do you want to reduce your electric bill or earn credits toward your YES

NO

Once built, solar electrical systems can operate at low or no cost and the fuel is free. Perhaps you will reconsider?

Are you concerned about air and water pollution produced by coal and other non-renewable energy sources?

YES

NO

Are you already connected to the electrical grid?

NO YES

Determine if you want a Grid Connected or Stand Alone solar system by evaluating: 1. Electricity Required 2. Costs 3. Energy Independence

Stand Alone Solar System

Compared with coal, which emits about two pounds of Co2E/kWh, solar emits only about 0.1 pound of Co2E/kWh. Perhaps you will reconsider?

Grid Connected Solar System

YES YES Follow the steps to determine the feasibility of installing a Stand Alone Solar System for existing or new construction.

Follow the steps to determine the feasibility of installing a Grid Connected Solar System

Do you want to make a difference toward climate change?

NO

Would you like to be an independent energy user?

Things to be considered include:

YES

Are you already connected to the electrical grid?

YES

NO

YES

NO

Solar is less prone to large-scale failure because it is distributed and modular. Installing a solar system is a personal choice that increases control over your energy choices. Perhaps you will reconsider?

Determine if you want a Grid connected or Stand Alone solar system by evaluating: 1. Electricity Required 2. Costs 3. Energy Independence

Stand Alone Solar System

The choice of a grid connected or a stand alone system is highly dependent upon a number of variables and can be difficult to make.

Follow the steps to determine the feasibility of installing a Stand Alone Solar System for YES existing or new construction.

Financial support for the production of Going Solar – A Cook County Guide from the Lloyd K Johnson Foundation

• Electricity required • Lifestyle choices affect how much electricity is required. Stand alone systems supply a limited amount of electricity while grid connect systems do not. • Cost to hook up to the grid. • Trenching costs to run power to the site are site specific; average is approximately $15/ft. • A $1,000 minimum hook up fee. • $43.50 monthly service fee ($522 annually) Generally, if the site is over 0.5 miles from the grid, a stand-alone system can be a better financial option if a small amount of electricity is required. • Costs to operate and maintain a stand-alone system. The batteries in stand alone systems require monthly maintenance (maintaining water level, equalization) and replacement approximately every 10 years. The cost of maintaining/replacing the batteries can be similar to the utility monthly service fee.

cookcountylocalenergy.org

System Design Determine the Solar Resource

Grid Connected Solar System

Stand-Alone Solar System

The effective solar resource is the sun hours for your location. Rule of thumb: 1000 watts of solar power will produce 115 kWhr/month on average based on 90% system efficiency. (Production is roughly twice this amount in summer and half this amount in winter).

Electric consumption Determine the annual electrical usage in the home. (Annual electric bill.)

Determine how much space is available for the PV system

How much to generate? For example: Aim to offset 400-800 kWh/month (typical household usage), PV system size: 3-7 kW.

Electric consumption Perform a load analysis to estimate the electrical requirement. Plan to power lights, energy efficient refrigerator, small appliances, energy efficient washer . Do not plan to power a dryer or heaters: (Use wood/propane.) Plan on a generator for backup and charging batteries.

A site assessment will determine the best location for the system. How much space is available? Which support system will work best: roof, ground or pole? Choose System Type Electric consumption and use is part of a lifestyle choice and will influence which type of PV system to choose: Grid connected, stand alone or grid connected with battery backup. Grid connected systems can support lifestyles that use more electricity and availability is constant. Stand alone systems support lifestyles that can use less and availablility changes with the sun. Follow the steps for each system size and cost.

What part of the electrical usage can the PV system offset? Use solar to offset part or all use without electric heat.

Estimate system cost Basic costs for 2015 (with local installer, Outback Solar Electric) Roof mount: $3.25 - $3.75/watt Ground mount: $4.25 - $4.75/watt Pole mount: $4.75 - $5.00/watt Factor cost increases due to site (0 – 30%) Federal tax credit (30%) available 2015 & 2016 Payback is 10 – 20 years. Determine other financial assistance opportunities. Ensure that the installation meets zoning setbacks and passes electrical inspection.

Rule of Thumb: Size the system to power 120% of your needs. How much to generate? For example: Aim to offset 100 – 200 kWh/month PV system size: 1 – 2 kW Estimate system cost Basic costs for 2015: $10 - $15/watt for any type of mount. Federal tax credit (30%) available 2015 & 2016 Determine other financial assistance opportunities. Ensure that the installation meets zoning setbacks and passes electrical inspection.

Grid Connected Solar System with Battery Backup System Consult a solar installer for more information. Costs and configuration is highly variable and situation specific.

For more information: Going Solar: A Cook County Guide available at Grand Marais Public Library or visit: www.cookcountylocalenergy.org