Photovoltaic (PV) Systems

What are Photovoltaic (PV) Systems?

Photovoltaic (PV) systems are semiconductor devices that use renewable solar energy to create electricity.[1] PV cells placed together in a module are grouped together electrically to form an array applied to surfaces such as roofs, parking structures, utility poles, or ground mounts and capture light energy from the sun and produce electricity. For example, installing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on parking structures provides shading to cars and comfort to their occupants, while providing clean electricity.

A specific PV system, known as Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) uses PV technology and applies it to building materials, serving multifunctional purposes. For example, a BIPV skylight not only captures energy, generating electricity for a building but also provides daylighting (see Daylighting).[2] Another strategy incorporates PV technology into an exterior wall for decorative purposes as well as collecting energy.

The availability of PV combined with available incentives makes New Jersey one of the fastest growing markets for PV technology. [3]

Figure 1 – Solar array on Maplewood, NJ Police Station (Source: Image Up Studio Metuchen, NJ).

How to Implement Photovoltaic Systems

Photovoltaic systems are complex and require project team members with renewable energy system expertise. The US DOE’s Federal Energy Management Program’s Guide to Integrating Renewable Energy in Federal Facilities offers advice on understanding renewable energy options, selecting appropriate types of renewable energy technologies, and integrating these technologies into all project phases. Contact the NJ Office of Clean Energy to learn about current programs, tools, and available funding for Photovoltaic Systems. Critical project-specific variables to consider include location, space, energy costs, available project incentives, local net metering and interconnection policies. Pre-implementation steps for an on-site renewable energy system project comprise preliminary screening, a renewable energy feasibility study, sizing and design of systems.[4]

While projects can tailor PV systems to meet the needs of a particular site and building, south facing surfaces not shaded by nearby trees, buildings, and structures provide the best results (see Building Orientation). If possible, orient collectors at the angle of the location’s latitude (in New Jersey, this is approximately 40°N). Flat roofs also work well for solar electric systems, allowing PV modules to tilt at an optimal angle toward the sun. Solar panels are usually roof mounted, but they can also be mounted on a pole or on the ground. Ground systems work well for projects with large sites and can be mounted on trackers to follow the sun.

Hire a professional, licensed contractor to design and install the photovoltaic system, and help with paperwork for any tax credits and rebates or other incentives.[5]

Examples

Vineland Solar One, Vineland, NJ.

Located on 14 acres at the Landis Sewage Authority (LSA), the Vineland Solar One generation facility includes 13,456 monocrystalline silicon panels that produce up to 5,500 MWh of energy annually. The NJ Office of Clean Energy Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) Program and a Power Purchase Agreement between the Vineland Municipal Electric Utility (VMEU) and Conectiv Energy helped finance this public/private partnership.

Benefits

Incorporating on-site renewable energy systems reduces greenhouse gas emissions,

protects against the fluctuating costs of fossil fuels and saves on purchasing energy from utility companies while providing additional ecological and user benefits. The modularity of PV systems allows great flexibility in applying this technology to buildings. Solar PV can help manage peak demand and lower utility rates, while also providing shade and urban heat island reduction benefits (see Demand Response and Peak Load Management). Additional benefits include low-cost operations and maintenance, and US-based manufacturers and installers that provide domestic jobs.[6]

Costs

• Capital cost – PV systems can have a high first cost. Non-residential solar project costs were about $4000/kW for projects <500 kW and $3000/kW for projects >500 kW in 2016.[7]
• Incentives[8]
  • The value of renewable energy certificates varies with trades of up to $700/MWh recorded. In April 2018, they are trading at $229.[9]
  • Maximum Incentive: 2018-2019 compliance year $300 per MWh (~$0.300 per kWh)
  • Terms: Systems must be registered with NJ Board of Public Utilities; facilities qualify to generate SRECs for 15 years after the date of interconnection
• Incremental cost – (e.g., cost of green technology – cost of conventional technology)
  • Conventional Cost = $0.14/kWh (http://www.solarbuzz.com/statsCosts.htm)
• Annual Cost Savings (e.g., annual kWh saved *.14 (price of electricity))
• Payback (Capital Costs or Incremental Costs / annual cost savings)

Resiliency

Solar PV systems support energy resiliency in many ways. PV systems with islanding capability and battery storage can operate independently from the grid during outages or at times of system peak and increase grid reliability by managing system outages and peak demand (see Solar Islanding and Microgrid-Ready Solar PV and Energy Storage and Back-up Power Generation). Solar islanding and microgrid ready PV systems support the smart grid, which aims to diversify and strengthen the electric grid through better energy management and the integration of cleaner energy sources such as wind and solar as well as electric vehicle charging and energy storage. PV systems installed high up on buildings or poles are protected from flood waters. PV systems that meet local codes and wind loading requirements are designed to withstand damage and provide a reliable source of power in hurricane zones.[10] Separation from the electricity grid also offers protection from security threats.

[1] E. Hotchkiss, I. Metzger, J. Salasovich, and P. Schwabe. 2013 Alternative Energy Generation Opportunities in Critical Infrastructure New Jersey. Produced under the direction of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy14osti/60631.pdf (accessed Oct 3, 2018).

[2] Eiffert Ph. D, Patrina, and Gregory J. Kiss. NREL. Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Designs for Commercial and Institutional Structures: A Sourcebook for Architects.” www.nrel.gov/docs/fy00osti/25272.pdf (accessed  April 5, 2018).

[3] NJ Clean Energy Program. Renewable Energy: Programs: SREC Registration Program. http://www.njcleanenergy.com/renewable-energy/programs/solar-renewable-energy-certificates-srec/new-jersey-solar-renewable-energy (accessed April 12, 2018).

[4] US Dept of Energy’s (DOE) Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP). Guide to Integrating Renewable Energy in Federal Construction. https://www.wbdg.org/FFC/DOE/DOECRIT/re_construction_guide.pdf (accessed May 8, 2018).

[5] US Department of Energy. “A Consumer’s Guide: Get Your Power from the Sun.” http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy04osti/35297.pdf (accessed April 5, 2018).

[6] Renewable Energy World. Advantages and disadvantages of Solar Photovoltaic – Quick Pros and Cons of Solar PV http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/ugc/articles/2012/12/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-solar-photovoltaic–quick-pros-and-cons-of-solar-pv.html (accessed  April 5, 2018).

[7] NJCEP Solar Project data

[8] DSIRE. New Jersey Incentives/Policies for Renewables http://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?zipcode=08730 (accessed April 18, 2018).

[9] FlettExchange Spot Price New Jersey https://www.flettexchange.com/markets/new-jersey/market-data (accessed April 18, 2018).

[10] E. Hotchkiss, I. Metzger, J. Salasovich, and P. Schwabe. 2013 Alternative Energy Generation Opportunities in Critical Infrastructure New Jersey. Produced under the direction of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy14osti/60631.pdf (accessed Oct 3, 2018).