Utility-Grid Intertied Photovoltaic Systems: Presenter: Dan Lepinski, P.E

Utility-grid Intertied Photovoltaic Systems
Presenter: Dan Lepinski, P.E.

Solar Design Engineer & Consultant
Active In the Solar Industry Since 1972
Dan Lepinski, P.E.

Dan@ntree.org
IEEE Power and Energy Society Presentation, October 16, 2018
Synopsis
This presentation will provide a basic understanding
of how the grid and solar electricity work together.
An overview of solar panels, inverters, wind power,

micro-grids, energy storage, and related topics will
be covered.
Safety features and how solar energy systems react in

the event of a grid failure will also be discussed.
Your Presenter…
Dan Lepinski, P.E. - Consulting & Design Engineer in the Solar & Power Industries
Voting Member - Underwriters Laboratories UL 1741 Standards Technical Panel.

The STP authors the UL1741 Safety Standard for the entire solar energy industry.
Solar Industry Task Force Interacting with the National Fire Protection Association
Code Panel 4. NFPA publishes the National Electric Code.
Solar America Board for Codes and Standards (“Solar ABCs”)

Interface with and advise the NEC Task Force and UL 1741 STP.
Electric Power Research Institute "Smart Grid" Development Committee
Engineers, scientists & experts address “next generation power grid” challenges.
Intertek / ETL Consultancy Group
Intertek is one of several Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories
certified by OSHA to test products to UL Safety Standards.
US Dept of Energy Building Codes Assistance Project. (2017, and ongoing…)
One of only two engineers selected for participation in this national program.
Active in the Solar Industry since 1972.
3
Utility-Grid Intertied Photovoltaic Systems
Today’s Presentation
Basic Terminology
Solar Energy History & “PV” Fundamentals
Inverters - What They Are - What They Do
Wind Power
Solar Micro-Grids
Energy Storage
Safety Features
Myths & Misconceptions about Solar Energy
A Look Ahead
Q&A
4
Basic Terminology
Wind Power
Solar Micro-Grids
Energy Storage
Safety Features
A Look Ahead
Q&A
5
Basic “Solar" Terminology
Photovoltaic (“PV”): Electricity from light

Solar Cell: Converts sunlight into electricity
Photovoltaic Module: Multiple solar cells connected in one unit
Photovoltaic Array: Multiple photovoltaic modules
Inverter: Device that changes DC to AC
(Must be a sine wave for “grid-tied” use.)
“DER”: Distributed Energy Resource
6
Basic Terminology
Wind Power
Solar Micro-Grids
Energy Storage
Safety Features
A Look Ahead
Q&A
7
Solar Energy Isn’t New…
"Solar Printing Press" - Paris - 1882
A home in California in 1906

8
Solar hot water - California – 1906
Solar collector for

heating water
A home in California in 1906
9
Solar Energy System
10
Solar Energy System
Solar Panels
11
1955 Bell Telephone Ad Promoting Solar Electricity.
Bell Labs is credited with inventing solar cells.
12
Most solar cells are black to various shades of blue…
Monocrystalline Cell Polycrystalline Cell
Both are crystalline silicon. Manufacturing methods differ.
13
Solar Panel Construction…
Must withstand a
minimum 1" hailstone
Tempered Glass
at 55 mph. (UL 1703)
Ethelene Vinyl
Acetate ("EVA")
Solar cells Survive 25+ years of

heating and cooling.
Ethelene Vinyl
Acetate ("EVA")
Backsheet Seals environment

out - permanently.
Aluminum Frame Supports snow, and

withstands wind.
14
Definitions: "Solar Cell", "PV Module", "PV Array"
Cell
Module
Array
15
"Thin-film" modules are reddish-brown, gray, or black.
Amorphous Silicon Cadmium Telluride Copper Indium

Gallium Selenide
This technology is often installed as "solar shingles“, and is used in flexible modules.
16
Solar Energy System
Solar Panels
Inverters
17
Basic Terminology
Wind Power
Solar Micro-Grids
Energy Storage
Safety Features
A Look Ahead
Q&A
18
Inverters – The Basics AC Output
Some Models Are Single Phase*

+ Inverter
DC In
_
(From solar panels) Some Models Are Three Phase*
* Depends on inverter brand and model. Output is one or the other, not both.
Note: Highest efficiencies have been independently lab-verified at 99%!
19
"Micro-inverters"
Microinverters
Some General Considerations for Selection and Use:

1. Sites where shade may be an issue.
2. Odd-facing roof surfaces.
3. Insufficient continuous roof surface.
4. Allows for incremental system growth.
5. System Size (typical): 2 kW to 50 kW, but may be larger.
20
"Micro-inverter" System
Micro-
Micro-inverters:
Typically 200-350 Watts each.
Some models are up to 1,000 Watts.
Attach to racking or PV modules.
Typically one PV module per inverter.

A few configurations have two, and
sometimes four PV modules per
inverter.
Output: 240Vac or 208 Vac three-phase.
21
"String" Inverter System
Solar panels are connected one to another .. in a series
"string". Inverter size (typical): 3.5 kW to 150 kW.

1. Slightly lower installation cost than micro-inverters in small systems.
2. More easily serviced than micro-inverter systems.
3. Inverter may be installed in an environmentally-friendly location.
4. Typical output: 240Vac, 208V three-phase, 480V three-phase.
22 Note: Some Code-required hardware omitted for simplicity.

"String" Inverter System
5
1 3 4
(1) Inverter, (2) DC disconnect, (3) solar production meter (optional),

(4) AC disconnect, (5) utility company meter.
23
“Local” Solar Electricity Works Like This...
Photovoltaic modules
convert sunlight into
electricity.
"Inverter" - changes
solar "DC" into
household "AC".
Utility meter: Measures energy Solar electricity serves the building

consumed, and any excess energy loads first.
first Any excess goes out to
that may be fed back to the utility the utility grid to the neighbors, and
grid. may accrue credit to the owner.
24
“Central" Inverter System – Utility Scale

1. Large utility-scale three-phase (“solar farm”) systems.
2. High power output. Typically 250 kW to 2.5 MW, 480 or 690V ac.
3. Sometimes involve a long distance from the system to consumers.
Urban Utility-Scale … Phoenix, Arizona
Photo Credit: Tim Roberts Photography / Shutterstock

26
Urban Utility-Scale … San Antonio, Texas
27
“Near-Rural” Solar Farm… Minnesota!
Photo Credit: Minneapolis/St Paul Business Journal
28
Rural “Solar Farm” - Imperial Valley, California
Photo Credit: Kindle Project
29
Basic Terminology
Wind Power
Solar Micro-Grids
Energy Storage
Safety Features
A Look Ahead
Q&A
30
Wind Power
Blue & Purple = Greatest Wind Resource.
31
Wind Power
Image: Green Mountain Energy Wind Farm - Fluvanna, Texas (SE of Lubbock)
32
Wind Power
Texas is #1 in wind electricity in the USA…

… producing more than the next 3 states combined!
33
The Economics of Solar Energy
Let’s start with “How We’ve Always Done It”…
Electricity Generation Retail Electric
Companies Providers
Transmission
Industrial Customers
600 MW &
Coal & Natural Distribution Customers
Gas Plants
Companies
Residential Customers
700 - 3,500 MW
Nuclear Plant
Customers
10-30 MW
150 MW 100 MW
Hydroelectric Plant
600-800 MW
Industrial Power Plant Medium Municipal Power
Sized Plant Plant Rural Customers
34
The Economics of Solar Energy…
Why Is Distance Significant?
35
The Economics of Solar Energy…
Chart Credit: www.lazard.com (2017-2018 Data)
36
Basic Terminology
Wind Power
Solar Micro-Grids
Energy Storage
Safety Features
A Look Ahead
Q&A
37
Solar Micro-Grids
What is a "micro-grid?
Topologies vary:
Micro-grids can be capable of connecting to and operating in parallel
with the utility grid (as above), or operate in a “stand-alone” mode,
providing power for buildings, or up to entire communities.
38
Basic Terminology
Wind Power
Solar Micro-Grids
Energy Storage
Safety Features
A Look Ahead
Q&A
39
Energy Storage
Batteries
Lead-Acid
Lithium-Ion
Lithium Iron Phosphate
“Flow” Batteries
… and other developing battery technologies.
Other Approaches
Pumped Water
Molten Salts (heat storage)
Fuel cells
Hydrogen Generation (Combustion, and for use in fuel cells)
Compressed Air
Flywheels
Advantages / Disadvantages of Each

Basic Terminology
Wind Power
Solar Micro-Grids
Energy Storage
Safety Features
A Look Ahead
Q&A
41
Applicable Safety Standards (Not all shown)
UL 1703 – Photovoltaic Modules

UL 2703 – Rack Hardware (grounding)
UL 1741 – All Electrical Equipment and Switchgear
IEEE 1547 – Standard for Interconnection of "DER"
IEEE 62.41 – Standard for Surge Withstand (‘B’ or ‘C’)
IEEE 37.90 – Standard for EMI/RFI Immunity
NFPA 70 – National Electric Code
IBC 2015 – Commercial Building Code
IRC 2015 – Residential Building Code
IFC 2015 – International Fire Code
FCC Part 15 – Radio Frequency Interference
42
Required System Safety Actions and Features
Cease operation if the grid goes down (“anti-islanding”).

Stop generating power in the event of “abnormal” grid.
Must wait five minutes after “good grid” to resume output.
Sense and report “ground faults” and “arc faults”.
Manual correction of fault required, then manual reset.
“Rapid Shutdown”.
Inverters are “current-limited” devices.
… and others.
43
Safety Features
A Comment About “Compliance”…
To be in compliance with the National Electric Code,
all solar equipment must be certified to UL Safety Standards
by any of several Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories.
These are the four most commonly used in the solar industry:
Underwriters Laboratories ("UL") Intertek ("ETL")
Canadian Standards Association

("CSA") TÜV
Despite decades of education, some inspectors still don't recognize any lab other than "UL".
44
Basic Terminology
Wind Power
Solar Micro-Grids
Energy Storage
Safety Features
A Look Ahead
Q&A
45
Myths and Misconceptions About Solar Energy
46
The Top Four Solar Myths:
1. Solar panels require more energy to manufacture than
they’ll produce in their lifetime.
False.
The United States Department of
Energy National Renewable Energy
Laboratory proved PV systems
"repay" their energy investment in
about 2 years in the sun.
In other words .. a solar panel will generate as much energy in two years as
it took to manufacture it. This includes the aluminum frame.
47 Source: US Dept of Energy, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, "PV FAQ Sheet", Report 35489.pdf, updated Sept 05, 2013.
The Top Four Solar Myths:
1. Solar panels require more energy to manufacture than
they’ll produce in their lifetime.
2. Solar manufacturing results in more pollution than is
saved by solar usage.
3. Solar energy is too expensive.
4. Solar equipment is ugly.
Take a close look – is this the profile

of a young lady, or the face of an
older woman?
They’re both here, but some of you
see one woman, some see the other.
Solar energy is the same…
48
Three Additional Common Myths and Misconceptions
5. Solar panels are heavy.
6. Solar panels work better in hot weather.
7. Solar panels require regular maintenance.
ALL FALSE
49
Basic Terminology
Wind Power
Solar Micro-Grids
Energy Storage
Safety Features
A Look Ahead
Q&A
50
Grid Support
Solar Energy System
Storage
Solar Panels
Inverters
51
A Look Ahead…
1. Continued improvements in energy storage.
2. Expanded use of micro-grids.
3. “Community Solar”.
4. Mandated Solar. Example: Starting in 2020, all new homes
built in California must have solar panels installed.
5. UL-
UL-1741 “SA”
SA” - Grid support: (Utility companies take note!)
Real time power factor correction adjustable by utility
Peaking demand assistance
Voltage “sag” detection and support
Responsive to abnormal line voltage and frequency
Adjustable power output and “ramp” rate
System output controlled by utility company
52
In closing .. I’d like to leave you with the words of one
rather famous American, who said:
"I'd put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of
power! I hope we don't have to wait until oil and coal run out
before we tackle that."
Any idea who may have

made such an insightful
statement?
~Thomas A. Edison ~
(1847-1931)
…in conversation with Henry
Ford and Harvey Firestone...
53
Thank You!
Contact Information:
Dan Lepinski, P.E.
Dan@ntree.org
817.884.6081
54

Utility-Grid Intertied Photovoltaic Systems: Presenter: Dan Lepinski, P.E

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

You might also like

Utility-Grid Intertied Photovoltaic Systems: Presenter: Dan Lepinski, P.E

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Utility-Grid Intertied Photovoltaic Systems: Presenter: Dan Lepinski, P.E

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Utility-grid Intertied Photovoltaic Systems

Presenter: Dan Lepinski, P.E.

Dan Lepinski, P.E.

An overview of solar panels, inverters, wind power,

Safety features and how solar energy systems react in

Voting Member - Underwriters Laboratories UL 1741 Standards Technical Panel.

Solar America Board for Codes and Standards (“Solar ABCs”)

Active in the Solar Industry since 1972.

Photovoltaic (“PV”): Electricity from light

“DER”: Distributed Energy Resource

"Solar Printing Press" - Paris - 1882

A home in California in 1906

Solar hot water - California – 1906

Solar collector for

A home in California in 1906

Solar Energy System

Solar Energy System

Monocrystalline Cell Polycrystalline Cell

Both are crystalline silicon. Manufacturing methods differ.

Solar cells Survive 25+ years of

Backsheet Seals environment

Aluminum Frame Supports snow, and

Amorphous Silicon Cadmium Telluride Copper Indium

Some Models Are Single Phase*

Some General Considerations for Selection and Use:

Attach to racking or PV modules.

Typically one PV module per inverter.

Some General Considerations for Selection and Use:

22 Note: Some Code-required hardware omitted for simplicity.

(1) Inverter, (2) DC disconnect, (3) solar production meter (optional),

Utility meter: Measures energy Solar electricity serves the building

Some General Considerations for Selection and Use:

Photo Credit: Tim Roberts Photography / Shutterstock

Photo Credit: Minneapolis/St Paul Business Journal

Photo Credit: Kindle Project

Texas is #1 in wind electricity in the USA…

Chart Credit: www.lazard.com (2017-2018 Data)

Advantages / Disadvantages of Each

UL 1703 – Photovoltaic Modules

Cease operation if the grid goes down (“anti-islanding”).

Underwriters Laboratories ("UL") Intertek ("ETL")

Canadian Standards Association

Take a close look – is this the profile

Solar energy is the same…

Any idea who may have

You might also like