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SOLAR BIM PV 2009

Sommario
1 PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS ...................................................................................................................... 4 1.1 1.2 2 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 4 Legend ........................................................................................................................................... 4

DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS .............................................................................................................. 6 2.1 2.2 2.3 Typical PV System Designs Option................................................................................................. 6 PV System Components................................................................................................................. 6 Definitions...................................................................................................................................... 7

SOLAR BIM PV GETTING STARTED ...................................................................................................... 8 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Overview ........................................................................................................................................ 8 Flow Chart ...................................................................................................................................... 9 Project information ..................................................................................................................... 10 Start a New Project ...................................................................................................................... 11 Location and General Data Settings ............................................................................................ 11 Utility Information ....................................................................................................................... 13 Electrical Load ...................................................................................................................... 13 Time-Of-Use Demand Rate Definition ................................................................................. 16

3.6.1 3.6.2 3.7

PV Generator Definition .............................................................................................................. 18 Orientation and Type Of Installation ................................................................................... 18 Power Generated Module Selection ................................................................................ 19 Inverter Modules Matching ............................................................................................... 20

3.7.1 3.7.2 3.7.3 3.8 4

Results Checking .......................................................................................................................... 22

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS .......................................................................................................................... 24 4.1 Energy Cost Evaluation ................................................................................................................ 24 Constant Costs ..................................................................................................................... 24 Energy Consumption Based Cost ......................................................................................... 25

4.1.1 4.1.2 4.2

Type of Metering ......................................................................................................................... 28 Full Delivery ......................................................................................................................... 28 Net Metering ....................................................................................................................... 28

4.2.1 4.2.2 4.3

Utility Load Profile (PV Life Cycle) ............................................................................................... 28

SOLAR BIM PV 2009


4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 5 6 PV System Costs (Up-Front Costs) ............................................................................................... 28 Loan Terms .................................................................................................................................. 30 Tax Incentives .............................................................................................................................. 31 NPV Calculation Investment Efficiency ..................................................................................... 32

REPORTS .............................................................................................................................................. 34 APPENDIX............................................................................................................................................. 35 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 Shading Definition ....................................................................................................................... 35 Modules Installed on Multiple Rows ........................................................................................... 36 Modules Library Manager ........................................................................................................... 40 Inverter Library Manager............................................................................................................. 42 License Manager .......................................................................................................................... 44

SOLAR BIM PV 2009 1 PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS 1.1 Introduction


Unlike a solar hot water system that uses the suns energy to heat water, solar electric or photovoltaic technology uses the suns energy to produce electricity. Learning from the word itself, the prefix photo means produced by light, and the suffix voltaic refers to electricity produced by a chemical reaction. PV technology produces electricity directly from the electrons freed by the interaction of sunlight with certain semiconductor materials, such as silicon, in the PV module. The electrons are collected to form a direct current (DC) of electricity. The basic building block of PV technology is the solar Cell. Many cells may be wired together to produce a PV Module, and many modules are linked together to form a PV Array. PV modules sold commercially range in power output from about 10 watts to 300 watts, and produce a direct current. PV systems produce power intermittently because they work only when the sun is shining. More electricity is produced on a clear, sunny day with more intense sunlight and with a more direct light angle, as when the sun is perpendicular to the surface of the PV modules. Cloudy days can significantly reduce output, and of course no power is produced at night. PV systems work best during summer months when the sun is higher in the sky and the days are longer. Because of these variations, first of all, it is difficult for PV systems to furnish all the power you need, and are typically used in conjunction with utility-supplied electricity, an second, it is not simple to define the Nominal Output of the Module if a Standard Condition is not defined. The Nominal Power Output of a single Module is referred to Standard Test Conditions (STC) defined as: Solar Irradiance equal to 1000W/m2 Cell Operating Temperature equal to 25Celsius Solar Spectrum AM equal to 1.5 (solar spectrum filtered by 1.5 thickness of atmosphere)

Different operating conditions (temperature and deterioration) will affect the output of the module. The efficiency of each single module depends on the type of material used. The efficiency of the Amorphous Silicon Cells is about 7% while the efficiency of the Single Crystal Silicon Cells is about 17%; the efficiency of the Multicrystalline Silicon cell is about 10-12%.

1.2 Legend
The following table contains useful information about the meaning of the symbols used in the current user manual. Please refer to this table in order to better understand which data can be skipped, for instance, and which data is instead mandatory.

SOLAR BIM PV 2009

Symbols /Font Style <Caption> TAB Program Window and Note

Description Any text between <> is used to describe the name of a button Bold&Italic Text is used for Tabs Bold Text is used for the caption of the Window of the Program or for a Note in order to highlight some procedure/setting. Italic text is used for Commands have to be run through pull pull-down menu or hitting the Icon on the tool bar. Some commands contain more than one option to be executed. Please check the command line of the program and the list of the command here in this user manual. It is used to highlight an advice but it does not limit the use of the program to it. It is used for warning. Important for the correct use of the procedure/command which is referred to. The value displayed on the field labeled with this symbol is a result of a procedure/calculation and cannot be modified by the user. The value displayed on field labeled with this symbol has to be input by the user. Most of f the time the program shows you a default value e but it can modified at any time by the user. The user can set the value of this field by selecting one of the options listed on the pull-down down menu connected to it. A Video displaying the use of the procedure/command is available.

Comand

Light Bulb

Triangle

Data Read-Only

Data Input

Option List

Video

SOLAR BIM PV 2009 2 DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS


In this section of the manual the user will find important information about PV Solar systems (wiring, Grid connection, battery back-up) and will learn all components that are involved on this type of system. The last section of this chapter, instead, contains all definitions of the physical, electrical, and economical parameters which are involved in the PV System Design and its economical efficiency.

2.1 Typical PV System Designs Option


There are two general types of electrical designs for Grid-Connected PV Power Systems : systems that interact with the utility power grid and have no battery backup capability; and systems that interact and include battery backup as well. Mc4 Solar BIM performances calculation for system without battery backup. This type of system only operates when the utility is available. Since utility outages are rare, this system will normally provide the greatest amount of bill savings to the customer per dollar of investment. However, in the event of an outage, the system is designed to shut down until utility power is restored. Electrical wiring Scheme of the system is displayed in Error! Reference source not found..

Figure 2-1 - Grid Connected PV Sys w/o Battery backup

2.2 PV System Components


This section contains the description of the components of a PV Solar System. Photovoltaic Cell: (Solar cell) it is a device which converts solar energy into electrical energy by the photovoltaic effect. Individual cell can be used for small application (i.e. calculator) while array of cells generates a form of renewable energy which can be used for more important application. Photovoltaic Module: Solar cells are usually connected in series to make the Modules. So that, the voltage of the module is higher than the one of the single cell. String of Modules: several PV modules electrically connected in series define what is called STRING. Array of Modules: Modules and Strings which have been interconnected in parallel in order to obtain the desired Current and Voltage, so the desired Peak of Power. Solar Tracker: It is a device for orienting a solar photovoltaic panel, or concentrating solar reflector or lens toward the sun, in order to increase the efficiency of the panel over any type of fixed installation. Solar tracker can be single or double axis.

SOLAR BIM PV 2009


Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT): it is a high efficiency Dc to DC converter which works to optimize the output of PV array modules. It searches for the highest power output of each module. Grid connected PV inverters utilize the MPPT to extract the maximum from the array, convert it from DC to AC and sell the excess energy to the power grid (usually it is the National Grid). Following are some of the electrical characteristics of this device: o Vmin,MPP Vmax,MPP: Minimum and Maximum allowed Voltage values to work properly o Vmax,i the maximum voltage value has not to be exceeded in order to avoid damages o Imax,mpp Input Maximum Current DC/AC Inverter: a solar inverter is an electronic device which converts the Direct Current (DC) to Alternate Current (AC) (DC side is connected to PV Modules AC side is connected to the Grid/Load). Inverters used for Grid-Connected PV array systems include also a MPPT. Following characteristics are provided by the manufacturer: o Pn,DC Nominal Power Output on the DC side. At nominal working condition this is the PV array output o Pmax,dc is the maximum of the PV array o Pn,AC Nominal Power Output on the AC side o Nimpp in the amount of MPPT in the Multi-string Inverter

2.3 Definitions
In this section it is possible to find all definitions and acronyms regarding everything is involved in the photovoltaic system design which are used in the software that this manual is about. Peak Power Pnom: it is the nominal highest output at Standard Condition STC: Solar Irradiation = 1000 W/sqm, Athmospheric Mass (AM) = 1.5, Nominal Temperature of Module = 25C Voltage at Peak Power Vmpp: Voltage at maximum power at STC condition. This value is provided by the producer Current at Peak Power Impp: Current of the module at peak power and working at STC condition Open Circuit Voltage Voc: voltage of the module when no external load is connected Short Circuit Current Isc: it is the value of the current when the resistance of the load connected to the PV module is very low (wiring resistance only). Efficiency at Peak Power mpp,ref : it is defined as the ratio between the nominal output and the power hitting the panel due to irradiation. It can be calculated according to the math: : , =

where 1000 is the irradiation in W/sqm and A is the Area of the module as sqm. Tc,NOCT: represents the nominal operation temperature of the photovoltaic cell. That is the temperature of the cell when the irradiation is 800 W/m2, the temperature of the air is 20C and the wind velocity is 1m/s. Time-Of-Use Demand Rate: the cost of the energy is based on the time of usage. Usually at least 2 time-of-use demand are defined: On-Peak and Off-Peak. Standard Efficiency of the Inverter: it is defined as follow: . = 0,05 ,% + 0,06 ,% + 0,13 ,% + 0,10 ,% + 0,48 ,% + 0,20 ,%

SOLAR BIM PV 2009 3 SOLAR BIM PV GETTING STARTED 3.1 Overview


SOLAR BIM PV is the new Mc4Softwares computer program which allows the design and the economic analysis of Photovoltaic (PV) Systems. It allows you to calculate and estimate the average energy performance of the Grid Connected PV System (no battery back-up). The program can be split on two parts: the Energy Performance Calculation part and the Economic Analysis part which is useful to evaluate the efficiency of the investment (costs and profits analysis, ROI period calculation). By following the flow-chart displayed in the next section, the user will be able to perform the project, size the system, calculate the energy production during the year and, based on the electrical load of the utility, figure out when the production exceeds the consumption or not. This analysis can be done with either the Time-of-Use Demand Rate of Single Tariff.

SOLAR BIM PV 2009 3.2 Flow Chart

Figure 3-1 - Flow-Chart Design Procedures

SOLAR BIM PV 2009 3.3 Project information


Following Design information1 will be used as example on this user manual: PV System Specification Location: Sterling, VA Electrical Utility Load2: o 0.5 kWh from 00.00 to 05.00 and from 10.00 to 15.00 o 1.5 kWh from 06.00 to 08.00 and at 16.00 and from 20.00 to 23.00 o 2 kWh from 17.00 to 19.00 Reflectivity Surrounding Ground: 0.6 (Annual Value) Time-of-Use Demand Rate: On-Peak and Off-Peak defined as follow: o On-Peak: everyday of the year from 10am to 4pm o Off-Peak: everyday of the year from 5pm to 9am Orientation of the PV Field: 10deg South-East Tilt Angle of the PV Module: 30deg on the Horizontal Type Of PV Module: AC-145P/156-40S Manufacturer: Axitec Power Output Installed: 4 kWp Inverter (select, from the Library, the Inverter which best matches the Output)

Economic Parameters Energy Consumption Based Cost: o Distribution Services: First 300kWh 0.026 [$/kWh] o Distribution Services: Over 300 kWh 0.023 [$/kWh] o Distribution Services Additional Charge (May-Oct) 0.022 [$/kWh] o Distribution Services Additional Charge (Nov-Apr) 0.013 [$/kWh] o Local Utility Tax: 12% (on the distribution services cost only) o State Consumption Tax: 5% (on the distribution services cost only) o Electricity Supply Services: First 300kWh 0.055 [$/kWh] o Electricity Supply Services: Over 300 kWh 0.055 [$/kWh] o Wholesale Power Cost Adjustment Charge: 0.036 [$/kWh] Energy Cost Inflation Rate: 2% (per Year) Constant Cost: Service Charge 10.50 (Monthly, Tax included) PV System Cost: 6500$/kWp Rebate: 3$ per Wp Tax Incentives: No State Taxes will be applied to the Cost of the System Maintenance Cost: 500$/year Loan Capital: 5000$ Interest Rate: 7% (Annual) Loan Period: 5 Years PV System Life Cycle Period: 20 Years

Design Information used on this manual are an example only. They might have not connection to real world, and in any case can be used as a real project from the user of this software. We invite the designer to make sure of the
2

This load profile is an example only. Please do not use it as Real Load.

SOLAR BIM PV 2009 3.4 Start a New Project


The program contains three main windows: File tab, Project Manager tab and Help tab. File tab contains all information about project file management and program settings. Project Manager tab instead contains several windows which will be used to input the data for the project. First of all lets create the file which will contains the project information. To do that it needs to click on <Create New Project> in the File tab. The program will ask you to save the current project or not.

Figure 3-2 - Main Window File Manager Tab

3.5 Location and General Data Settings


Project Manager window contains three different areas, as displayed in Figure 3-3. The Area labeled as Area #1 is the one which contains the main Side Bar. Use the Side Bar to navigate through the project and to access to the different windows for input of all project data. Area #2 contains the information it needs to add for the project. Information required on this window depend on the selection has been done in the Side Bar. Area #3 instead contains the commands to access to the library window and to move between the three main Tabs.

SOLAR BIM PV 2009

Figure 3-3: Project Information Window

To input the first information about our project it needs to highlight Project Information on the Side Bar as Figure 3-3 is showing. Once done move your focus on the Area #2 and click on <Location List>. A new window will appear. Scroll the list and find Sterling, Virginia. Double click on the description of the Location to set it as current location. The Location Library window will disappear automatically. After the location it needs to set the weather data file. This file contains the solar radiation data hourby-hour for the entire year (8760 values). Font of these files is the DOE Official WebSite. To select the weather file it needs to click on <Browse..>, select the USA folder and select the file for Sterling, VA. Note: if the weather file for the current location is missing we suggest you to select the closest location to the current one, and click on Adapt Weather Data to the Location Data. The program modify the solar radiation data of the weather file in order to adapt them to the with the current latitude of the location. The program loads automatically longitude and latitude of the Location has been selected. Reflectivity of the Surrounding Ground: Select the annual value from the dedicated list (0.6). Skip the Information relative to Designer, Customer and Location. These data will not be involved on any calculation process. The first step of Data input is complete; it is possible to move ahead and set the information about the type of Utility.

SOLAR BIM PV 2009 3.6 Utility Information


Select on the side bar Project Data option. Type the name of the project (in our example the name of the project is Sample Prj). Note: The name of the option contains also the description which have been typed by the user.

Figure 3-4 - Project Data - Utility Info

Figure 3-4 shows how the window has to look like when the user filled up the form.

3.6.1

Electrical Load

To define the electrical load it is necessary to select the Load Profile from the relative pull-down menu. If the list is empty, because the user did not create any profile before, it needs to select Add to Project option; in this case the program takes you directly to the Annual Load Profile window (see Figure 3-4 ). Lets see how this profile can be created. Select Add to Project option and the program will display the window shown in Figure 3-5.

SOLAR BIM PV 2009

Figure 3-5- Annual Load Definition

Begin and End Date of the first period of time is created automatically. It needs to specify the typical week configuration per each period of time.

The user can create more than one period of time. In this case the end date of the previous period of st rd time has to be the day before the begin date of the next period of time. (i.e.: (i if the 1 period ends march 3 , the th second period has to start march 4 ).

The type of load has to be Power. Select the week configuration from the list. If the list is empty because the user did not create any profile yet, it needs to select Add to Project from the list. This command will take the user to the windows dedicated to the week configuration of the Utility Load. Figure 3-6 shows the windows with a week profile already set. In the Weekly Utility Load Profile window it needs to select the day profile of the load per each day of the week. In the project we inserted d the same day profile for the entire week. Lets see now how to create the profile based on the information we have in the relative section. section

SOLAR BIM PV 2009

Figure 3-6 - Utility Load Week Profile

To create the typical day profile it needs to select Add to Project option from the pull-down menu you can find per each day. The program opens the Daily Electrical Load of the Utility window where it will be possible to create the load profile.

Figure 3-7 - Daily Utility Load

To create the Typical Day Profile it needs to click on <New> (ref. Figure 3-7) and type the description in the window which will appear when to click on the button.

Confirm the description by clicking on <OK>. When done, type the hourly value as shown in Figure 3-7.

SOLAR BIM PV 2009


When done click on <OK> to close the window of the day profile and select this profile per each day of the week (ref. Figure 3-6). ). Once done, click on <OK> and select the Week Profile in the Annual Profile window (ref. Figure 3-5). Select the Annual Utility Load Profile file in the main window of the program (ref. Figure 3-4).

If the User does not specify any Load, the simulation works as a Full Delivered Energy to the Grid (not the exceeded only)!

3.6.2 Time-Of-Use Demand emand Rate Definition


To define the The-Of-Use Use Demand Rate for the entire year it needs to follow the same procedure we followed for the Electrical Load; the only difference now is that we have to specify which hours will be OnPeak and which ones will be Off-Peak.

The Program does not allow the user to input On-Peak On and Off-Peak Peak but we will assume that Level 1 means On-Peak and Level 2 means Off-Peak. Peak.

Select Multiple Tariffs option in the main window (ref. Figure 3-4 ). When the option has been selected, the pull-down menu is enable. ble. Select the Tariff from the list. If the list is empty, because any Profile is available, select Add to Project option. The Annual Time-Of-Use Time Use Demand rate definition window will be displayed.

Figure 3-8 - Annual Tariffs Profile

To create the Annual Profile click on <New> and type the description as shown in Figure 3-8. The first period of time is created automatically automaticall (Begin Date is Jan 1st, End Date is Dec 31st). The user can modify those dates in order to create more than one period of time. In our example on-Peak on Peak and Off Off-peak hours will not change during the year, so one period of time is enough.

SOLAR BIM PV 2009


Select the Weekly Profile from the pull-down menu. Because it needs to create it first, please select Add to Project option in order to access the window which will contain the information about the week profile. Referring to the window shown in Figure 3-9, click on <New> to create the week profile. Type the description and confirm. Select the daily demand rate in the pull-down menu which is available per each day of the week.

Figure 3-9 - Weekly Time-Of-Use Tariffs

The list is empty, so that we need to create the daily rate profile. To do that please select Add to Project option in order to access the daily rate definition window (ref. Figure 3-10).

Figure 3-10 - Daily Profile of the Tariffs

SOLAR BIM PV 2009


Click on <New> to add a day profile. Type the description in the box which will appear and confirm. On the right side of the window is now possible to define Level 1 On-Peak by typing the number 1 only in the fields. Same thing for Level 2 Off-Peak. When complete, click on <OK> to close this window and go back to the week profile window. Select the typical day for the entire week (ref. Figure 3-9). When done, please click <OK> to hide that window and go back to the Annual Profile window where it needs to select the week profile for the entire year (ref. Figure 3-8). Click on <OK> to hide the window and in the main interface it needs to select the Annual Profile for the Multi Tariff Profile.

3.7 PV Generator Definition


To add a new PV Generator to the project it needs to type its description in the dedicated box on the SIDE BAR (ref. Figure 3-11) and press Enter on the keyboard.

Figure 3-11 - Add a PV Generator

Now we can go through each single property of this generator and set the design value.

3.7.1

Orientation and Type Of Installation

In the first frame of the main window it is possible to provide the information about the installation. Following the description of each field and the value that has to be input:

Figure 3-12 - PV Installation Frame

SOLAR BIM PV 2009


Tilt Angle of the PV Field: this is the angle between the Horizontal and the plan of the PV Field (ref. Figure 3-13). Orientation: the orientation of the PV field respect to South. In our example it needs to type -10 because 10 deg toward East;

Figure 3-13 - PV Installation

Type of Installation: this is referred to the place where the PV modules will be placed in order to define the Ventilation which will affect the operating temperature of the module (therefore the Output of the Module): select Ventilated-Roof Mounted; Modules Installed on Multiple Rows: Do not check this flag because the modules will not installed on more than a row;

In this frame two buttons are also included: <Best Tilt Angle> and <Best Orientation>. The first one will calculate the best tilt angle, the second one the best orientation (to maximize the Energy production).

3.7.2

Power Generated Module Selection

The second frame of the main contains all data regarding the type of module and the power installed (the quantity of modules needed). First thing first it needs to select the type of Module (Manufacture and Model). Select the module from Photovoltaic Module pull-down menu that contains all modules included in the Modules Library (for information about how to add new modules please refer to dedicated section of this manual).

Figure 3-14 - PV Module Calculation

Type the Nominal Power Peak of the system in the field labeled as Power [kWp]. In this case the program calculates the quantity of modules needed. The program calculates also the area covered by the modules, so the designer can check if the available space matches the required space. Alternatively the user can type the available Area [m2] and let the program calculate the Quantity of Modules that fit that area and the Nominal Power [kWp] installed. Typing the Quantity of Modules is allowed as well.

SOLAR BIM PV 2009


Sizing information are placed on the right side of the frame: Min. and Max Working Temperature of the Module establish the range of operating conditions of the cell. These values will affect the quantity of module calculated for a certain Power [kWp]. Min. and Max Nominal Power Ratio [%]: these values represent the range of the ratio between the Inverter Nominal Power and the Modules Nominal Power. This value is useful to avoid overloading and/or under loading of the inverter.

3.7.3

Inverter Modules Matching

By clicking on the List of Inverter it is possible to check all the inverters filtered by the program and usable with the system. The user can pick the one that better match the modules configuration and with the NPR included on that range. Double Click on the inverter for selection.

Figure 3-15 - Inverter Selection

Figure 3-15 shows the list of inverter which can be connected to the PV generator. We select the highlighted one, that has the NPR equal to 103.45. Once the inverter has been selected, the list id hidden and the program shows the property of the connection. The user can check the results and modify the configuration if needed. Figure 3-16 shows the results on the configuration. The two result highlighted in Green are about the quantity of modules handled by the inverter and the NPR value. The amount of modules connected to the Inverter has to match the modules of the PV Generator. If this does not happen, the program highlights that value in red and the energy calculation will not be executed. The second checking is about the N.P.R. value. It has to be included in the range allowed. Also in this case, if the value is out of range the program highlights the result in red and the calculation of the energy will not be executed. For these two scenarios the calculation will not be allowed and the user has to change either the quantity of modules or change the inverter in order to match both conditions at the same time. NPR range can be modified as well but making it larger can affect the sizing negatively (overload or under load). In both situations the amount of the energy produced by the system might be lower (lower efficiency).

SOLAR BIM PV 2009

Figure 3-16 - Inverter Property

In our example we have selected following inverter having the following configuration: Type of Inverter: Ingecon Sun 3,3 (check the manufacturer specification of this device in the Inverter library window by clicking on <Inverter Library>) , , Q.ty of modules per string: # 14 Strings Parallel Connected: # 2

Total Amount of Modules: # 28 Current at Tc,max ITc,max: 14.78 [A] Voltage at Tc,Min conditions VMPP,Tc,max = 228.93 [V] Voltage of MPP at Tc,max conditions VMPP,Tc,max = 319.72 [V] Open circuit Voltage Voc = 384.12 [V]

If the user changes some parameter, it needs to click on <Calculate Configuration> to update the calculation. As you can notice in Figure 3-16 two tabs are displayed: Inverter Settings tab and Efficiency tab. All Properties described above are contained in the Inverter Settings tab, instead Figure 3-17 shows the contents of the Efficiency tab.

SOLAR BIM PV 2009

Figure 3-17 - Inverter Efficiency Curve

Two curves are displayed: the efficiency on the DC and AC side of the inverter. Two additional scenarios are not considered on our example: Shading Definition/Obstacles Drawing and the Installation of the modules on multiple rows. Please refer to dedicated section on the Appendix of this user manual.

3.8 Results Checking


Highlight the Results Label on the side bar, as Figure 3-18 shows and click on <Calculation> button, placed at the bottom of the window.

Figure 3-18 - Energy Balance Results

Once clicked on it, the program fills up the form with the monthly energy balance results. Two tabs are displayed on this window: Table Format and the Chart Format of the Results. Lets take a look at the tables printed out on this form.

SOLAR BIM PV 2009


Per each type of Energy the program prints the one relative to the On-Peak Demand Rate (labeled as Period of Time 1), Off-Peak Demand Rate (labeled as Period of Time 2) and the Total. Following the list of the type of energy calculated and printed on this tab: Utility Electrical Load: Monthly Energy Consumption of the Utility (based on the Load Profile) Energy Produced: Monthly Energy Produced by the PV Generator; Energy Delivered to the Grid: Monthly Energy Produced by the PV Generator and exceeding the consumption of the Utility and therefore delivered to the Grid; Energy Used by Utility: Energy Produced by PV Generator and used by Utility Energy Supplied By Grid: Energy drawn from the Grid by Utility (when the PV Generator is not enough to cover the Utility needs)

The second tab shows the same result by using charts rather than tables (see Figure 3-19)

Figure 3-19 - Energy Balance Charts

In case of more than one PV Generator have been inserted in the project, it is possible to check the results per each PV Generator separately in order to understand which one is working better and when, if necessary. To print the calculation report please read the dedicated section of this user manual.

SOLAR BIM PV 2009 4 ECONOMIC ANALYSIS


We are going to step now to the second section of program and so that of the user manual: the Economic Analysis. In the following sections we will see how to input all costs of the PV System and of the Energy in the software in order to evaluate which the upfront cost is and the efficiency of such system, and more than everything else if this kind of investment is more profitable than another type or not. The cost of a PV system depends of a number of factors including the size of the system, the equipment options and the labor cost. The most significant factor is the size of the system, this is the factor it needs to use for cost vs. benefits analysis. Another important factor of is the cost of capital used to finance the project. The program allows the user to evaluate the efficiency of the investment up to three different money loan, in case of rebates and other incentives. PV System price is often evaluated on $/watt installed. Solar Industry Market suggest 6$/watt 10$/watt roughly. Rebates are around 1.5 $/watt 6 $/watt, depending on the State3. Electrical Energy costs supplied by the Grid can be divided in two different types of cost: the Fixed Cost (Constant, they are not related to the energy consumption) and the Energy Based Cost (it depends on the amount of energy used, the power to which that energy has been supplied, the time of the day and the monthly total amount of energy consumed). By using this software the designer will be able to simulate all costs for an accurate analysis.

4.1 Energy Cost Evaluation


To evaluate the cost of the energy in Mc4 SolarBIM it needs to fill up the form dedicated to the Utility Bill. To do that click on <Utility Bill Library> placed at the top of the main window (see Figure 4-1).

Figure 4-1 - Libraries Tool Bar

The program will display the window shown in Figure 4-2. To add a new Bill it needs to click on <New> and type a description in the box which will appear (in our example we typed Utility Bill).

4.1.1

Constant Costs

To define all Constant Costs it needs to enable the check for the Constant Cost of Energy section. Additional five fields will be displayed. We have to fill in following fields:

These prices are provided by California Energy Department literature. For a correct evaluation please contact your local energy department for an accurate pricing.

SOLAR BIM PV 2009


Monthly Constant Cost [$/Month]: 10.50 $ (Service Charge) Energy Consumption Based Cost: 0.091 $/kWh (Wholesale Power Cost Adjustment Charge + Electricity Supply Services 0.036+0.055=0.091)

Figure 4-2 - Constant Costs Input

4.1.2

Energy Consumption Based Cost

In order to input the cost f the Energy it needs to enable to additional checks: 1) Time-of-Use Based Cost and 2) Consumption Based Cost. The first check has to be enable because we have to input the monthly based additional cost of the energy; the second one because the price of the energy depends on total monthly consumption. The main window now displays two additional tabs relative to the cost detail we are going to input. Click on Time-of-Use Based Cost tab to make it current (see Figure 4-3). On this form we are going to input the cost due to Distribution Services Additional Charge which are monthly based. Because the cost does not include the taxes fee, it needs to calculate the gross cost first and input that value. Cost(1): Distribution Services Additional Charge (Gross) (May-Oct) = 0.022*1 + (12%+5%) = 0.022 * 1.17 = 0.026 $/kWh Cost(2): Distribution Services Additional Charge (Gross) (May-Oct) = 0.013*1 + (12%+5%) = 0.013 * 1.17 = 0.015 $/kWh

Following the list of fields that have to be edited: Energy Based Cost: Enable the check of this type of cost. Three additional fields will show up. Energy Value: select Monthly Tariffs option from the pull-down menu Time-Of-Use Demand Rate Profile: Select the 2 time-of-use we created at the begin to define On-Peak and Off-Peak daily hours;

SOLAR BIM PV 2009

Figure 4-3 - Monthly Time-of-Use Based Costs

At bottom, as shown in Figure 4-3 type Cost(1) value for May-October period of time and Cost(2) value for the remaining months of the year. Input same data for both Time-of-Use rates. Click on Block of Energy Consumption tab to make it current and to insert the cost of the energy based on the total amount of energy consumed during the month.

Figure 4-4 - Energy Consumption Based Cost

Following the list of fields have been edited: Type of Blocks: select Monthly Multiple Tariffs option from the list because the billing is due month-by-month;

SOLAR BIM PV 2009


Unit of Measure of the Block: select Energy option from the list because the price is based on the total amount of kWh consumed during the month; Time-Of-Use Demand Rate Profile: Select the 2 Time-of-Use Tariff we created at the begin of the project to define On-Peak and Off-Peak daily hours;

To add a block (the first range) it needs to click on <Add a Block>. Type the description (Blk 1 on our example) and confirm. The program will add a row in the table. Type 0 Zero in the column From and 300 in the column To. Type 0.03 for both tariffs. Click on <Add a Block> to add the second range. Type a description (i.e. Blk 2) and confirm. The column From should be filled up automatically with 300, if not, type manually this value. The column To, because this is the last range, can contain the number zero. The program knows automatically that those prices have to be used over 300 kWh of monthly consumption. Type the cost of the energy into the remaining columns. Both prices are calculated as follow: Tariff 1: tot=0.026*1+(12%+5%)=0.03 $/kWh Tariff 2: tot=0.023*1+(12%+5%)=0.027 $/kWh

To check the summary of the costs for energy it needs to select Purchasing Cost of the Energy on the navigation bar and click on <Calculation> (see Figure 4-5)

Figure 4-5 - Energy Cost Summary

Accordingly the costs have been input in the Utility Bill, the program shows one or more tabs on this window. In our example the program shows On-Peak and Off-Peak monthly cost in Time-of-use Based Cost tab and the cost based on the energy consumption on the third tab (Monthly Energy Consumption Based Cost).

SOLAR BIM PV 2009 4.2 Type of Metering

4.2.1

Full Delivery

4.2.2 Net Metering

4.3 Utility Load Profile (PV Life Cycle)


To input the electrical load profile of the utility for the entire duration of the PV System it needs to select Input Data on the Navigation Bar and highlight the second tab Electrical Load Profile. Figure 4-6 shows an example of utility profile. The percentage of increasing is referred to the first year. On this example, after 20 years the load will be 10% more than the one at the first year. To insert all values it needs to put the focus on each field and type the value. A number bigger than 100% means that the load is increasing, a number small than 100 means that the load is decreasing.

Figure 4-6- Utility Load Profile during PV Life Cycle

4.4 PV System Costs (Up-Front Costs)


In order to evaluate the efficiency of the investment it needs to specify the cost connected to the PV System (purchasing, maintenance, etc.). Highlight NPV Calculation on the navigation bar, as shown in Figure 4-7.

SOLAR BIM PV 2009


The first tab contains all information about the PV Life Cycle costs. Following all information it needs to provide to calculate the NPV accurately: System Installation Cost Up-Front Cost per kWp Installed: this is the total cost of the system per kWp installed. It has to includes rebates. In our project the Cost is 6500$/kWp with 4$/Wp of rebate. Therefore the Up-Front Cost is equal to (6,500$/kWp 4,000$/kWp)*4kW=10,000$

Figure 4-7 - PV System Life Cycle Cost

Fixed Costs, not Power Based: includes all costs not directly connected to the dimensions of the system. In our project all costs have been specified per kWp installed so this value has to be set to zero; Peak Power of the System [kWp]: this is the power of the system (based on the number of modules). The program reads this value automatically from the dedicated design window System Installation Total Cost: it is calculated based on the two cost defined in this section. For our project the cost, after rebate, is 10,000$.

Energy Cost Annual Inflation Rate Annual Inflation Rate Of the Grid Energy Cost: this is the inflation rate of the energy purchased from the grid. We remind you that the energy cost of the first year is the one has been specified in the Utility Bill. As listed in the project information, on our example the rate is 2% per year.

SOLAR BIM PV 2009


Annual Inflation Rate of the Energy Delivered to the Grid: this is the inflation rate of the energy produced by the PV system and delivered to the Grid System. In our example we fixed it as the same as the Energy purchased from the Grid.

Maintenance cost and Inflation Rate Annual Maintenance Cost: this cost is connected to the maintenance. On our project we are assuming that the cost is 500$/year and the annual inflation of the cost is 2%.

Periodic Miscellaneous Cost Misc. Cost (i.e. Inverter Replacement): on this field the designer can specify any nonannual cost (for instance, inverter replacement). Periodicity of the Cost: type the value in years. For instance, if the customer has the cost every 4 years, the number has to be inserted is 4. Annual Inflation Rate of Periodical Cost: even the cost is sustained every x year the inflation rate is annual.

Insurance Cost Annual Cost of the Policy: in case of insurance on the system, insert the amount of money paid annually for it. Annual Inflation Rate of Policy Cost: the inflation rate of the cost

4.5 Loan Terms


In case of the customer has to borrow money from the bank, it is possible to enter the terms of the loan (amount of money borrowed, interest rate and loan period). The program will calculate the annual Installment automatically. To enter the loan terms it needs to highlight NPV Calculation on the Navigation Bar and select the second tab of that window: Bank Loan. To insert all information regarding the loan it needs to check at least one of the check dedicated to them. As soon as the check Existing Financial Loan has been enabled the program shows the information it needs to provide: Amount of Money: insert the capital borrowed from the bank. On our example is 5,000$; Yearly Interest Rate: type the interest rate. On our example it is equal to 7%; Loan Period: duration of the loan (year). On our example is 5 years.

SOLAR BIM PV 2009

Figure 4-8 - Loan Terms

Once everything has been filled-in it is possible to click on <Calculation> and the program fills-in the two remaining field: PwFF1 and the Annual Installment.

4.6 Tax Incentives


In this window the user can specify if some of the money spent to install the PV System can be deducted from the tax on its income (please refer to Federal or State law to fill-up this form). In our example no tax deduction is possible so the field labeled as is set to zero. Following the meaning of the remaining fields: Expenses that can be deducted

Residual Cost of the System: this value is calculated as the cost of the system minus the amount of money borrowed; Percentage of the expenses that can be deducted: based on Federal/State laws the customer has a maximum percentage of the money spent for the PV System which can be deducted from its income. Type here this value. Maximum Deductible Value: most of the time there is another limit on the expenses which can be deducted (regardless the maximum percentage).

SOLAR BIM PV 2009

Figure 4-9 - Tax Incentives Information

Amount of yearly rates of deduction: it is the annual quantity of installments can be used to deduct the tax incentives. Percentage of Interest which can be deducted: the percentage of the interest rate paid for borrowing the money from the bank Max amount of the money paid as interest which can be deducted: the maximum amount of money limits the percentage of the interest which can be deducted;

4.7 NPV Calculation Investment Efficiency


The last tab contains all information useful to calculate the Cash-Flow and the Return of Investment period. Following the detail of the info must be provided: Discount Rate: this is the interest rate paid for money borrowing between banks. In this case it is used as comparison of the investment on PV System rather than bank investment. By setting this value to zero it is like compare the investment on PV System with no investment at all (NPV is greater).

SOLAR BIM PV 2009

Figure 4-10 - NPV Calculation Tab

System Life Duration: this value is used for investment efficiency evaluation. Assessment Period of Time: it will be set as the same as the Life Cycle Period. NPV Net Present Value. It is calculated when the user hits <Calculation> Internal Rate of Return: efficiency of the investment. ROI Return of Investment: payback period. After that period of time the customer starts to save/earn money.

The chart shows the Cash-Flow year-by-year.

SOLAR BIM PV 2009 5 REPORTS


The last option of the Navigation Bar is dedicated to the Reports Printout (see Figure 5-1).

Figure 5-1 - Calculation Report

Enable the dedicated check to add the Economic Analysis to the report. Browse your computer to select the folder where the program will save the report file that is being created and type the Name of the file. When done click on <Print>. The program creates the file on RTF format and will open it up using the predefined software program of able to handle that file format.

SOLAR BIM PV 2009 6 APPENDIX


The Appendix contains five different sections which are helpful for getting more details about SolarBIM. The firsts two section are about the input of shading of the PV Modules installed on single or multiple rows (Field of PV Modules). The will calculate the shade on the first row due to obstacles and the shade on the next rows due to the row installed in front of.

6.1 Shading Definition


To access the window where it is possible to draw the obstacle it needs to highlight the PV Generator label on the Navigation bar and hit the second tab, the one labeled as Shading Calculation.

Figure 6-1 - Shading Evaluation

Figure 6-1 shows a scenario where no obstacles have been drawn neither multiple rows have been inserted. The only visible shade is due to the tilt angle of the PV Modules. Therefore, because the orientation angle is -10degrees, the PV Modules are shaded for angles over -100degrees toward east and over 80degrees toward west (see where the shade begins). To draw an obstacle it needs to click on <Draw Obstacle>. The user has to draw the outline of the obstacle shade by specifying orientation angle and azimuth. When the command is running it needs to click as many times as required to best describe the outline of the obstacle. For instance, Figure 6-2 shows an obstacle place on the eastern side.

SOLAR BIM PV 2009

Figure 6-2 - Obstacle Drawing

To draw the obstacle three clicks are needed. When the command is running click first time on the lower-left corner of the outline (as highlighted on the figure). Move the mouse up on the right and click to define to top of the outline and then the third click on lower-right corner. To end the command and hold the drawing on the screen it needs to right-click and select End Command option. Make sure that the azimuth is correct. In the example it goes from 30degrees to 40degrees (on the top). When done the user can define another obstacle if needed. If not it is possible to go back to the Results window and click on <Calculation> to make the program update the energy produced by the system working on a new scenario. To delete the obstacle it needs to highlight it by clicking on it, right-click and select Delete from the short-cut menu which will appear.

6.2 Modules Installed on Multiple Rows


To activate the tab for multiple rows installation it needs to enable the check on the PV Generator information (see Figure 6-3).

Figure 6-3 - Activate Multiple Rows Installation

SOLAR BIM PV 2009


Hit the label of the Shading Calculation (between Rows) tab to make it available for the input.

Figure 6-4 - Multiple Row Settings

The tab look like the one is shown on Figure 6-4. The user to define: Displacement: Portrait or Landscape String Configuration: how many modules will be installed horizontally (width) and tilt (height). The program calculates the dimension automatically according to the dimension of the single module Q.ty os Strings placed horizontally (width) and tilt (height): strings are connected in parallel. The program calculates dimensions and number of modules automatically (per each row) Q.ty of rows and Spacing between them: the program calculates the total module and check the distance between rows (a minimum distance4 is guaranteed by program and not accepted because the shade). TOTAL MODULE SOLAR FIELD: this number has to be the same as the number specified in the main PV Generator Specification window. If this does not happen the program will not be able to calculate the Energy produced by the PV Generator.

On the right side of the screen the user will find geometrical information about the installation on rack of the modules and on the top, by clicking on <Update>, the energy produced by the system for each period of time-of-use (F1 On-Peak, F2 Off-Peak). If Total Number of Modules does not match the total calculated based on the peak power of the system and the user clicks on <Update>, the program shows a message where it highlights this mismatching error.

If the distance typed by the user is shorter than the minimum allowed, the program shows a warning and sets the distance automatically to the minimum one.

SOLAR BIM PV 2009


For example, to better understand the configuration of this tab and the interaction with the other two tabs dedicated to the PV Generator settings, let is assume that the number of modules needed is 56. The main tab appears as shown in the figure below:

Figure 6-5 - Sample #2 - PV Generator Configuration

The peak power of the new configuration is 8.12kWp. The inverter has to be different than the one used in the user manual and it needs four inverters STW 1400 as highlighted in the summary table of the configuration (see Figure 6-5). To set the multiple rows configuration it needs to select the second tab Shading Calculation (between rows). In our example we set the installation as follow: Disposition: Portrait Q.ty of Modules along X: 7 Q.ty of Modules along Y: 2 Q.ty of Strings along X,Y: 1,1 Q.ty of Rows: 4 Spacing between Rows: 4m Total Modules: 56

SOLAR BIM PV 2009

Figure 6-6 - Rows Configuration

Figure 6-7 - Simulation of the Configuration

Figure 6-7 shows the configuration of the installation and Figure 6-6 how to input it in SolarBIM program.

SOLAR BIM PV 2009

Figure 6-8 - Shading Chart

Figure 6-8 shows the shading tab in case of multiple rows. If the user switch from Portrait to landscape as type of placement of the single module, the energy produced during the year will be higher because the reduced shade.

6.3 Modules Library Manager


To access the PV Modules library manager window it needs to click on <DB Inverter Library>. The window which will appear on the screen looks like the one shown in Figure 6-9. The manager window contains two different tabs: Database and Project. Database tab shows all PV modules stored on the database of the program (a numerous type of modules are included in the software). Project tab must contain the PV Modules that can be used in the current project. On this purpose, to pick a PV Module from the list shown in into the Database atabase tab and clone it into the Project tab it needs to highlight the module/s in the database database list and click on <In Project>. When done the user can switch to the Project tab and make sure that the module has been copied. If the user wants to add a module not included in the database it needs to highlight the Project tab and click on <New>, type a description on the window which will appear, confirm it, and fill up the form by providing all module specifications required.

Warning: New Modules can be added in the Project tab only. Once added the new module can be stored in into the Database list (click on <To Database> in order to make it available to the next projects.

SOLAR BIM PV 2009

Figure 6-9 - PV Module Library Window

The left side of the window contain the list of the modules, the right side instead contains the module specification. Two tabs are needed to specify correctly all information: General Data and Deterioration tab. General Data tab shows following information: General Specifications: three field to specify the Description (mandatory), the Manufacturer (not mandatory) and Type of Cell (mandatory) Dimensions: type width and length and the program calculates the area Electrical Specs: contains all nominal information of the modules such as Nominal Peak Power, Voltage (at MPP and Open-Circuit Conditions), Current (at MPP and short-circuit conditions), temperature coefficients (OC Voltage, SC Current, Max Power). Temperature factors are really important to calculate the efficiency of the module at real operating conditions. Note: this field can contain the description of the module, the type of installation and any kind of technical information (installation tip, etc.).

Deterioration tab, instead, contains a list of deterioration (decreasing of performance) of the module during its life time cycle). The value typed per each year refers to the performance of the first year (100%). So that, for the first year the deterioration rate is zero, for the next years it needs to type a value(i.e. 1% set as second year means that the performance of the module is limited to 99%). Figure 6-10 shows how the Deterioration tab looks like.

SOLAR BIM PV 2009

Figure 6-10 - PV Modules Deterioration Specs

6.4 Inverter Library Manager


To access the window manager of inverters it needs to click on <Db Inverter> on the main tool bar. The program opens the window shown in Figure 6-11.

Figure 6-11 - Inverter Library Manager - General Data

SOLAR BIM PV 2009


As well as PV Modules manager, Inverter manager window contains two main tabs: Database and Project. Database tab shows all Inverters stored on the database of the program (a numerous type of components are included in the software). Project tab must contain tain the Inverters that can be used in the current project. On this purpose, to pick an Inverter from the list shown into the Database atabase tab and clone it into the Project tab it needs to highlight the inverter model in the database list and click on <In Project>. Pr When done the user can switch to the Project tab and make sure that the component has been copied. If the user wants to add an inverter not included in the database it needs to highlight the Project tab and click on <New>, type a description on the window which will appear, confirm it, and fill up the form by providing all inverter specifications required.

Warning: New Inverters can be added in the Project tab only. Once added the new component can be stored into the Database list (click on <To To Database> in order to make it available to the next projects.

The left side of the window contain the list of the Inverters, the right side instead contains the component specifications. Two tabs are needed to specify correctly all information: General Data and Efficiency tab (Figure 6-11 shows General Data tab). General Specification section contains following information: Model (the same as the Description) and the Manufacturer (not mandatory)

Inverter Electrical Specifications includes following information: Nominal Input Power/Voltage: /Voltage: Input Power/Voltage at Nominal Operating conditions; Max Input Power/Voltage: Maximum Input Value of Power/Voltage; Q.ty of Independent MPP Trackers: q.ty of max peak power trackers included in the inverter; Nominal/Max Output Power/Voltage: output values on the AC side Overload Behavior: select one of the option of the list (Power Containment ontainment, Power Disconnection, Linear)

In the second tab the user has to insert the efficiency of the inverter at partial load conditions. Figure 6-12 shows how the window looks like and the efficiency typed per each partial load referred to the Nominal Input Load (PDCn).

SOLAR BIM PV 2009

Figure 6-12 - Inverter Library Manager Efficiency

The program calculates the Standard Efficiency of the inverter according to the math specified in the Definitions section.

6.5 License Manager

SOLAR BIM PV 2009


FIGURES
Figure 2-1 - Grid Connected PV Sys w/o Battery backup ............................................................................. 6 Figure 3-1 - Flow-Chart Design Procedures ............................................................................................... 9 Figure 3-2 - Main Window File Manager Tab .......................................................................................... 11 Figure 3-3: Project Information Window ................................................................................................... 12 Figure 3-4 - Project Data - Utility Info ........................................................................................................ 13 Figure 3-5- Annual Load Definition............................................................................................................. 14 Figure 3-6 - Utility Load Week Profile ........................................................................................................ 15 Figure 3-7 - Daily Utility Load ..................................................................................................................... 15 Figure 3-8 - Annual Tariffs Profile ............................................................................................................... 16 Figure 3-9 - Weekly Time-Of-Use Tariffs .................................................................................................... 17 Figure 3-10 - Daily Profile of the Tariffs...................................................................................................... 17 Figure 3-11 - Add a PV Generator .............................................................................................................. 18 Figure 3-12 - PV Installation Frame ............................................................................................................ 18 Figure 3-13 - PV Installation ....................................................................................................................... 19 Figure 3-14 - PV Module Calculation .......................................................................................................... 19 Figure 3-15 - Inverter Selection .................................................................................................................. 20 Figure 3-16 - Inverter Property................................................................................................................... 21 Figure 3-17 - Inverter Efficiency Curve ....................................................................................................... 22 Figure 3-18 - Energy Balance Results ......................................................................................................... 22 Figure 3-19 - Energy Balance Charts ........................................................................................................ 23 Figure 4-1 - Libraries Tool Bar .................................................................................................................... 24 Figure 4-2 - Constant Costs Input ............................................................................................................... 25 Figure 4-3 - Monthly Time-of-Use Based Costs .......................................................................................... 26 Figure 4-4 - Energy Consumption Based Cost ............................................................................................ 26 Figure 4-5 - Energy Cost Summary ............................................................................................................. 27 Figure 4-6- Utility Load Profile during PV Life Cycle ................................................................................... 28 Figure 4-7 - PV System Life Cycle Cost........................................................................................................ 29 Figure 4-8 - Loan Terms .............................................................................................................................. 31 Figure 4-9 - Tax Incentives Information ..................................................................................................... 32 Figure 4-10 - NPV Calculation Tab .............................................................................................................. 33 Figure 5-1 - Calculation Report ................................................................................................................... 34

SOLAR BIM PV 2009


Figure 6-1 - Shading Evaluation .................................................................................................................. 35 Figure 6-2 - Obstacle Drawing .................................................................................................................... 36 Figure 6-3 - Activate Multiple Rows Installation ........................................................................................ 36 Figure 6-4 - Multiple Row Settings ............................................................................................................. 37 Figure 6-5 - Sample #2 - PV Generator Configuration ................................................................................ 38 Figure 6-6 - Rows Configuration ................................................................................................................. 39 Figure 6-7 - Simulation of the Configuration .............................................................................................. 39 Figure 6-8 - Shading Chart .......................................................................................................................... 40 Figure 6-9 - PV Module Library Window .................................................................................................... 41 Figure 6-10 - PV Modules Deterioration Specs ......................................................................................... 42 Figure 6-11 - Inverter Library Manager - General Data .............................................................................. 42 Figure 6-12 - Inverter Library Manager Efficiency ................................................................................... 44

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