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Components. Three Basic Parts to an Active PV System: Collector/Harvestor Storage Distribution More complex systems need Inverter Charge Controller/Voltage Regulator Batteries. System Design . Types of Systems: -DC Stand Alone -Basic AC/DC Systems -Utility Inter-tied System
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Components Three Basic Parts to an Active PV System: • Collector/Harvestor • Storage • Distribution More complex systems need • Inverter • Charge Controller/Voltage Regulator • Batteries
System Design Types of Systems: -DC Stand Alone -Basic AC/DC Systems -Utility Inter-tied System PV modules are used in three basic ways: • They can power appliances directly eg. water pumps or fans • Charge batteries for storage • Feed energy back to the grid
How Big Should My System Be? System size dependent on: • Electricity consumed • Economics • Orientation of the system • Available Space
Average Household Energy Usage • Average Household Energy Consumption: • 830 kWh/mo • Producing 1,000 kWh of solar electricity reduces emissions by: • 8 lbs Sulfur Dioxide • 5 lbs Nitrogen Oxide • 1,400 lbs Carbon Dioxide
Pricing • Generally, the solar module represents 40-50% of the total installed cost • In 2003, a residential solar system costs about $8,000-$12,000 per kWp installed • A complete "Solar System" includes all the other components required to create a functioning system, whether it be to feed energy in to the grid or to be used in (stand alone) off grid applications. • Systems costs vary when the amount of sunlight expected is taken into account yearly • In a California home, it would cost around $16-$20,000 to satisfy around 25% of that homes energy needs.