An Introduction to Solar Electric
and EV Charging Stations
Construction and Development Professional Development
Frederick County Career & Technology Center
Friday, October 21, 2011
Presented by: Derek Coen.
We are all Being Impacted by High
Energy Costs.
What has Been Done?
Incentives are in place and Add Up
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Federal Tax Credit: Tax credit covers 30% of system cost.
District of Columbia: Grants based on system size. Range from $1,500 to $16,500.
Maryland: Grants based on system size range from $500 to $10,000.
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–
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Montgomery County – Property Tax Credit of $5,000 of system cost.
Howard County – Property Tax Credit of $5,000 of system cost.
Net-Metering: All jurisdictions offer Net-Metering.
Renewable Energy Credits (RECs): Provide additional incentives.
Sales Tax Exemption: Many jurisdictions offer sales tax exemptions.
Federal and local credits, grants and rebates add up to
make the case for going solar very compelling.
Other Initiatives Exist
The Solar America Initiative
The aim of the SAI is to achieve parity with
grid electricity by 2015.
“By 2016, we expect solar energy to be the least expensive
source for consumers.”
Rhone Resch, President SEIA
Distributed Solar –
The Four Pillars
Incentives
• Support range of
system types/sizes
• Large-scale, longterm programs
• Performance-based
Utility Rates &
Revenue Policies
• Solar-friendly rates
• Align peak retail
with wholesale
Net Metering
• Up to 2MW
• Treat on-site power
same as grid
Interconnection
• Simple rules
• Fair fees
Advocating cost-effective state policies and programs.
www.solaralliance.org
How has Solar Electric Market
Responded?
U.S PV Installations & Market Share
2010 U.S. PV Installations
Solar Economics and Prospects
A Summary of the Market
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The global PV market has grown over 30%/year for the past 15 years.
The U.S. solar market grew 67% in 2010 ($3.6B to $6.0B).
Grid-tie installations grew 102% in 2010 (435 MW to 878 MW).
Sixteen states installed more than 10 MW of PV (four in 2007).
Over 100,000 Americans now work in the solar industry.
U.S. manufacturing of modules grew 62% in 2010.
Prices of solar panels have dropped to around $2.00/Watt today.
Tax credits, grants and loans are playing crucial roles.
The solar market will continue to grow at
impressive rates.
How Does Solar Energy Work?
Solar Electric Power - The Basics
How Much Sunlight is Required?
What Direction are the Panels Pointed?
Solar will not work for every location.
Panels must be ……
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Facing south
Angled to latitude
In the sun
What are the Configuration Options?

Grid-tied
•
Represents 90% of solar PV market.
•
Takes advantage of Net-Metering option.
•
Simple system – modules, racks and inverter.
•
Does not work when grid is down.
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Grid-tied with battery backup
•
Provides power when grid is down.
•
Is more expensive to design, install and maintain.
•
Used where grid interruptions can last several days and a generator is
not feasible.
What are the Configuration Options?

Direct power
•
Ideal for remote locations that only need power during the day.
•
Solar module(s) powers fan or water pump.
•
No battery or controller needed.
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Off-grid
•
More complex and expensive.
•
Often used in remote off-grid areas.
•
Or, where electricity is inconvenient.
•
Batteries require regular maintenance.
Grid-tied PV System
COMBINER
BOX
PV ARRAY
JUNCTION
BOX
AC
DISCONNECT
DC
DISCONNECT
INVERTER
(Including
GFPD)
ELECTRIC
SERVICE
PANEL
WEB-BASED MONITORING
SYSTEM
ELECTRIC
METER
Grid-tied With Battery Back-up
COMBINER
BOX
MONITORING and
PROGRAM INTERFACE
PV ARRAY
AC LOAD CENTER
DC LOAD CENTER
CHARGE CONTROLLER
INVERTERS
(Including GFPD)
ELECTRIC
METER
AC
SERVICE
PANEL
DC
SERVICE
PANEL
48V BATTERY BANK
Solar System Components
Modules
 Mounting systems and hardware
 Combiner boxes and disconnect switches
 Inverter

Solar Modules
Specifications (typical):
Size: 60” x 33” x 1.8”
Weight: 25 to 40 lbs
Voltage: 17 to 36 vdc
Watts: 175 to 230
Major Manufacturers:
Evergreen
Kyocera
Mitsubishi
Sharp
Solar World
Mounting Systems

Roof mounts

Pole mounts

Ground mounts
Combiner Boxes, Disconnects and
Combination Boxes
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Combiner Box: Enables the wiring
of multiple strings of modules into a
single inverter.
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Disconnect Switch: Disconnects
power between array and inverter and
between grid and inverter. Can be
integrated into inverter.
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Combination Box: Performs the
function of the combiner box and
disconnect switch.
Inverters
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Converts DC power from solar
panels to AC power for home use
or Net-Metering uses.
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Grid-tied inverters must match the
frequency of the power grid and
are more expensive.

Many inverters offer integrated
combiner box and disconnect.
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Manufacturers: Exeltech, Fronius,
Kaco, Outback, SMA, Xantrex
What are the Costs & Incentives of
Solar Energy?
National Average System Prices, 2010
Simplified System Costs with Incentives
Maryland
System Size
Approx. Costs
State Grant/Rebate
Fed Tax Credit
Total Incentive
3.0 kW
$21,000
$1,500
$5,850
$7,350 / 35%
$21,000
$4,500
$4,950
$9,450 / 45%
$21,000
$0.00
$6,300
$6,300 / 30%
District of Columbia
3.0 kW
Virginia
3.0 kW
 Monthly electrical savings of $60
 Other credits could apply
 Property value increases
 Renewable Energy Credits (RECs)
 Interest on loans may be deductible
 Provides hedge against rate increases
Solar electric systems in this size would
save 75 tons of CO2 over 25 years.
Construction and Development Professional Development
Frederick County Career & Technology Center
Friday, October 21, 2011
Presented by Derek Coen
Slides Courtesy of Eaton Corporation
Here come the EVs….. We hope!
It’s not if … it’s when
Why are we here…?
EVs are a Growing Market
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Oil Prices are on the rise.
Environmental concerns becoming prominent.
Regulations are increasing.
All major automakers are introducing EVs.
Many utilities are proposing cheaper ToU rates.
Tax Incentives
– EV or Hybrid up to $7,500
– Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property
» 30% up to $30,000 for businesses
» 30% up to $1,000 for residences
Understanding Terminology
Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Electric Vehicle
How will I charge?

AC Level 1 is already here,
allowing someone to charge
anywhere
+ Convenient
+ Cheap
– Slow

DC Level 2 is needed to
alleviate range anxiety
+ Will be convenient
+ Fast
– Expensive

AC Level 2 appears to be the
sweet spot
± Moderate charge rate
± Moderate cost
± Moderate convenience
EVSE Recent Installations
Google Campus, Mountain View, CA
City of Raleigh, NC
City of Normal, IL
EVSE Market Forecast
2011 - 2015
EV Charging Equipment Markets 2011 - 2015
500000
450000
400000
350000
$(000)
300000
250000
200000
150000
100000
50000
0
2011
2012
2013
US
Canada
2014
North America
Source: Pike Research
2015
IEC-Chesapeake – Learning Opportunities

An Introduction to Photovoltaics (20 hr class): NABCEP Exam offered
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PV Installer Certification (2 day course)
PV Systems - Technical, Design and System Overview (2 to 4 hr lass)
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PV Systems - Business, Markets and Technology Overview (2 to 4 hr class)
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PV & EV Products (1 to 4 hr classes)
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Solar Installation Lab (4 hour lab)
Visit IEC-Chesapeake.com for the latest schedule
IEC-Chesapeake is proud to be recognized
as a NABCEP approved training facility.
EVSE Market Segments - 2015
Charging Equipment Sales by Segment, United States: 2015
Residential
Linked to Automobile
Availability/Purchase.
Auto OEM’s & Utilities
leading, Distribution to Follow
Private
20%
Workplace
Public
6%
Investing now. Early channel
via System Integrators
Workplace
7%
Public
Residential
67%
Investing Now. Early Channel
via Utilities, Municipalities,
Institutions
Private
Source: Pike Research
Fleet & Military- Linked to
Automobile Availability.
Eaton Pow-R-Station™ Family:
AC LEVEL 1
AC LEVEL 2
AC LEVEL 2
Resi
DC LEVEL 2
QUICK CHARGE
8 – 12 hours
6 – 8 hours
3 – 6 hours
120 VAC
15 – 30 minutes
240 VAC
240 & 208 VAC
12A
16A – 30A
30A - 70A
150A – 162A
Hard Wired or Plug-in
Hard Wired or Plug-in
Hard Wired
Hard Wired
RESI
Garage
RESI
Garage
RESI
Garage
Work
Retail
Mixed Use
Custom
Retail
Curbside
208 VAC / 500VDC
C- Store
Retail
Highway Rest Stop
Pow-R-Station
Value Added Peripherals
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Authentication – Keypad, RFID, Key fob
Payment Solutions – Credit Card
Parking Lot Management
Metering – Revenue grade or not
Wireless Communication – WiFI or Cellular
Remote Monitoring Tools:
 Increase System Uptime
 Reduce energy costs
 Maximize charger reliability
 Reporting & Monitoring
Options available to meet client needs.
Where can you learn more?
Useful Websites
www.dsireusa.org - Database of State Incentives
www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/solar_america/about.html - Solar America Initiative
www.renewable-energy-world.com - Solar News & Industry Information
www.solarbuzz.com - Solar News & Industry Information
www.solarenergy.com - Education & Training
www.irecusa.org - Interstate Renewable Energy Council – Education & Training
www.nabcep.org - North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
www.seia.org - Solar Energy Industry Association, Lobbying & Education
www.solarelectricpower.org - Solar Electric Power Association
www.ases.org - American Solar Energy Society
www.bge.com - Baltimore Gas & Electric
www.dom.com - Dominion Virginia Power
www.pepco.com - PEPCO
For further information contact
IEC – Chesapeake or:
Derek Coen
Atlantic Electric Supply Corp.
Washington, DC
202-526-1300
Gosolar@atlanticelectricsupply.com
Thank You