Page 77 - Solar Power in Building Design The Engineer's Complete Design Resource

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SOLAR POWER SYSTEM

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Introduction

This section is intended to acquaint the reader with the basic design concepts of solar
power applications. The typical solar power applications that will be reviewed
include stand-alone systems with battery backup, commonly used in remote teleme-
try; vehicle charging stations; communication repeater stations; and numerous instal-
lations where the installation cost of regular electrical service becomes prohibitive.
An extended design application of stand-alone systems also includes the integration
of an emergency power generator system.
Grid-connected solar power systems, which form a large majority of residential and
industrial applications, are reviewed in detail. To familiarize the reader with the prevailing
state and federal assistance rebate programs, a special section is devoted to reviewing the
salient aspects of existing rebates.
Solar power design essentially consists of electronics and power systems engi-
neering, which requires a thorough understanding of the electrical engineering disci-
plines and the prevailing standards outlined in Article 690 of the National Electrical
Code (NEC).
The solar power design presented, in addition to reviewing the various electrical
design methodologies, provides detailed insight into photovoltaic modules, inverters,
charge controllers, lightning protection, power storage, battery sizing, and critical
wiring requirements. To assist the reader with the economic issues of solar power
cogeneration, a detailed analysis of a typical project, including system planning, pho-
tovoltaic power system cogeneration estimates, economic cost projection, and pay-
back analysis, is covered later in Chapter 8.

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