PV 250, Lesson 2
PV System Description

The PV system being installed in Chappaqua, NY is a 1.6 kW PV array consisting of sixteen AstroPower 100 PV modules. The DC power produced by the modules will be inverted to AC power by two GC-1000 inverters manufactured by Advanced Energy Systems (AES). When power produced by the PV array exceeds the power consumed by the house, excess power will be fed back into the utility grid. Power fed back into the utility grid will effectively run the meter backwards. The utility grid (Con Edison) provides power when household useage exceeds power produced by the PV array. The household will pay for only the 'net' kiloWatt-hour energy consumption shown on the meter.

The PV system will be installed on the home of Chris Hall and family. Chris attended the PV 250 installation course in Dublin, New Hampshire in July of 2001. His inspiration to install a PV system on his own home was became stronger with the financial incentive of a tax credit offered by New York State. Chris drives an electric car. He and his wife Constance are the new chairpersons of the environmental committee for their daughter's school. As such they are in the process of arranging for a PV system to be installed on the school.

The PV modules will be installed on the roof of the Hall residence. Power from the PV Array will pass through a PV array disconnect switch then directly to a utility-tied inverter. Two AES model GC-1000 inverters will take the DC power from the array and invert it to 120 volt single phase AC power to the house and utility grid.

The functions of PV control and overcurrent protection are integrated into the GC-1000 inverter. An additional AM-100 meter will be installed to monitor system performance.

Chris is taking advantage of New York State Tax Credits available to (see Solar Connect for more info). Additional financial incentives are offered in the form of low interest loansand the New York State Energy Smart Loan Fund to finance the system.

Visit the Database for State Incentives of Renewable Energy for information regarding solar tax credits and incentives for all states.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.1 Why don't more people use Photovoltaics now?

1.2 Can I run my whole house with solar electricity?

1.3 Can I heat my hot water with PV?

1.4 I live in the cloudy Northeastern US. Aren't PV systems mostly for sunny climates?

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