Power off the Grid 4

The Net Zero Energy Home Produces as much electricity (energy) as it uses. Net metering is needed to monitor energy generated by home. Grid use Total energy used Energy generated (i.e. solar panel) Zero 78

Balance Net Zero concept includes a balance of: – conservation – energy-efficiency – power generation Habits of homeowner Conservation Energy- efficiency Power generation 79

Outlay vs. Payback ROI variable: – initial outlay – size of the system – available credits – financial incentives – local electricity rates Initial costs are like pre- paying future utility bills. 79

In My Backyard NREL calculator to estimate solar and wind savings – ov 80

Back Up Systems? What happens if it is cloudy or not windy? – Stay connected to the grid. – Store electricity in backup batteries, – Use a generator. 80

New Technologies, New Issues Wind turbines and solar panels challenges and changes: – Building codes – Clutter – Easements – Power grid capacity – Wind farms – Electric car recharging – Knowledgeable technicians – Energy monitoring 81

Where Does the Electricity Go? The average U.S. home consumes about 30 kilowatts of electricity a day. 84

Net Metering Simple net metering – Meter spins backward to give credit – Dollar-for-dollar credit Avoided-cost pricing – Requires an additional meter at consumer’s expense – Less than dollar-for-dollar credit Homeowner should confer with the insurance company about coverage for the equipment and liability. What happens when a home generates more electricity than it can use or store? 85

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) in Brief Components Solar panel placement Tax incentives and rebates Information sources Measuring electricity Roof area calculator 86

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) How Do Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems Work? 1.PV panels capture sunlight and convert to DC electricity 2.Inverter converts DC to AC power 3.Batteries store the power (optional) 87

Making the Decision to Go Solar Project location Capital outlay Credits and incentives Roof area and capacity Needs Building codes Scheduling the installation 87

Small Wind Turbine Power in Brief 12 Step Process 1.Assess consumption and costs 2.Reduce energy use where possible 3.Estimate or measure wind resources 4.Select model, size, height, and site 5.Research incentives, rebates, credits 6.Obtain zoning approval 7.Complete interconnection agreement 8.Obtain building and electrical permits 9.Order turbine and tower 10.Hire Certified Small Wind Installer 11.Installation 12.Commission the turbine 7 Criteria—Is Wind Power Right for You? 1.Good wind resource 2.One acre+ in a rural area 3.Zoning and building codes allow 4.Can quantify energy needs 5.Comfortable with long-term investment 6.Monthly electricity bills are $150 or more 7.Remote location without access to grid 89

Wind Power Windmills then: pump water Windmills now: Generate electricity – Advancements: Lower wind speed requirements, smaller footprint Ideal for colder climates with limited sun Energy efficiency, not self-sufficiency 90

Some Terminology to Know device for measuring wind speed Anemometer: the rotating arms; most turbines have 3 blades Blades: a device to ensure safety like stopping when winds are too fast. Controller: wind velocity at which the system starts to produce electricity Cut in speed: turbine component that converts mechanical energy in electricity. Generator: structure housing the gear box, rotor shaft, and generator Nacelle: the spinning parts of the turbine—blades and hub Rotor: wind velocity at which the rotor starts turning Start up speed: area, in sq ft or meters, encompassed by the rotor Sweep: turbine that faces into prevailing winds Upwind: vertical axis wind turbine VAWT: the distance from the turbine to the house or batteries Wire run: the alignment between the wind direction and the rotor Yaw: 90

How Wind Turbines Work 1.Wind rotates the turbine blades 2.Rotor captures the kinetic energy 3.The motion drives the generator which produces electricity. 4.The gearbox increases the rotational speed between the rotor and the generator. 5.The yaw moves the rotor to align with wind direction. 6.The current travels through wires, from the turbine to the inverter. 7.The inverter converts the direct current into alternating current. 91

Installing a Small Wind Turbine—Considerations Location and siting Rooftop or vertical systems Building codes Local covenants and ordinances Costs and benefits Wind velocity and frequency Sizing Certified products and installers 91