> Energy Center | > Update December 2003 | > Update March 2003
> Become a Sponsor | > Photovoltaic System Facts | > Dual Mode Air System Facts
Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association
Photovoltaic System Facts
DTE Energy donated the photovoltaic modules.
A Solar Energy Demonstration grant from the State of Michigan Energy office for $6,000 paid for the installation of the system.
6 ASE 300 watt modules make up the 6 module, 1800-watt system. This is more than enough to supply the building with electricity! Our modules are made up of crystalline silicon cells that convert sunlight to electricity. The 6 racks are mounted on the flat rubber membrane roof by a ballasted roof-rack system. This means the racks are held in place by weights rather than fasteners through the roof.
Xantrex manufactures the inverter. It is a Suntie® grid-intertie inverter. This inverter is designed to interact with the utility and send power back to the utility when there is a surplus. Our system has no battery bank, so we make power when the sun is shining and don't when there is not enough light. There is no back up emergency power system for when the utility-grid electricity is out.
For
alternative energy systems, inverters are the essential
step between a battery, solar panel or wind generator's
DC power and the AC power needed by standard household
electrical systems. Two distinct grid-intertie styles
are available: those that have no battery storage and
feed power directly into the grid, and those that function
like a standard battery based alternative energy system,
but when there is excess power it is sold back to the
utility.
Need more information?
Contact GLREA.
E-mail GLREA or go to our
about us page for additional contact info.
Return to the Seminars homepage.
Find out about our other seminars.
|
