Page 247 - Solar Power in Building Design The Engineer's Complete Design Resource

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the solar platform, insolation, PV panel orientation, tilt angle, and shading losses.
Each of these factors is entered into a predetermined equation that results in a buy-
down incentive rate.
The EPBB program applies to all new projects other than systems that have
building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). Figure 8.1a and 8.1b is a sample of
Southern California Edison (SCE) CSI reservation request form. Table 8.2 is a sample
of Southern California Edison CSI program cost breakdown. Figure 8.2 is Southern
California Edison CSI program cost breakdown.
The EPBB one-time incentive payment calculation is based on the following formula:
EPBB incentive payment Incentive rate System rating (kW) Design factor.

System rating (kW)
Number of PV modules CEC PTS value CEC inverter listed efficiency

1000
We divided the preceding equation by 1000 to convert to kilowatts.
Special design requirements imposed are as follow:

■ All PV modules must be oriented between 180 and 270 degrees.
■ The optimal tilt for each compass direction shall be in the range of 180 and 270
degrees for optimized summer power output efficiency.
■ Derating factors associated with weather and shading analysis must be taken into
account.
■ The system must be on an optimal reference and location.
■ The PV tilt must correspond to the local latitude.

Note that all residential solar power installations are also subject to the EPBB incen-
tive payment formulation shown in Table 8.4.

Performance-Based Incentive (PBI)

As of January 1, 2007, this incentive applies to solar power system installations that have
a power output equal to or exceed 100 kW. As of January 1, 2008, the base power output
reference will be reduced to 50 kW and by January 1, 2010, to 30 kW. Each BPI payment
is limited to a duration of 5 years following completion of the system acceptance test.
Also included in the plan are custom-made building-integrated photovoltaic systems.
Host Customer

Any beneficiary of the CSI program is referred to as a host customer, including not
only the electric utility customers but also retail electric distribution organizations
such as PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E. Under the rules of the CSI program, an entity that
applies for an incentive is referred to as an applicant, a host, or a system owner.