_____Issues to consider with grid-tied PV system?_____

[Blain]

In my thinking "grid-tied" is about the only way to go for a residential PV system with access to the power grid. "Off-grid" requires battery banks along with the associated cost, storage and maintenance.

When estimating viability of a "grid-tied" system, are there other issues to consider than the ones listed below?
* Local utility cost of power
* Local regulations
* Physical location suitability
* Cost of PV generation system and installation
* Maintenance of PV system
* Credit (from local utility), of excess power generated by PV system
* Time horizon for residing at location (for estimating savings / payback)

 

[DrPizza]

tax credits

 

[heyheybooboo]

Yeah . . .tax credits and state regs

Inverter efficiency can make o break your project. Inverter efficiency drops when a PV array generates power below its rated capacity and an undersized inverter in overload is a killer - for every 10% over rating you lose 10% effieciency.

You've hit most of the highlights. Don't forget property owner associations if your land is restricted. I've had a PV array denied because of appearance. The reimbursement rate in my state is a joke - basicly one-thord of what they charge residential customers.

State and local regs are kickin' my a$$. The DOE had a demo wind project less than one mile down the ridge from me in the 1970's. After a 12 story condo project was built in the early 1980's they passed a ridge law that prevents any structure over 35 feet in height on a mountain ridge.

My third strike was on a mirco-hydro project. No Joy. Maybe I can get a license for a personal nukular reactor . . . lol.

 

[bsobel]

You've hit most of the highlights. Don't forget property owner associations if your land is restricted. I've had a PV array denied because of appearance. The reimbursement rate in my state is a joke - basicly one-thord of what they charge residential customers.

Call your legislator and tell him to vote for this, its basically the same rule we have in CA. Your home owners association loses, period, if it passes.

To the original poster, also calculate the expected rise in energy costs over the life of the system. The average inflation rate is a good yard stick to use.

These are part of my San Diego system, I'm working on a system for Mexico now too...