1. Power from the Sun: The ups and downs of installing solar in Lethbridge Mark Goettel SACPA April 24, 2014

2. The Sun Light from the sun travels approximately 150,000,000 km to reach the earth in 8 minutes and 19 seconds The energy of this sunlight supports almost all life on Earth by photosynthesis and drives Earth's climate and weather How can we make further use of this fantastic resource?

3. Earth Body 2008

4. Outline How does one capture the sun’s energy? How does one go about installing a residential PV system in Lethbridge? Economics – Comparison of 3 local installations The future of solar

5. How does one capture the sun’s energy? Plants do it via a process called photosynthesis converting carbon dioxide and water into sugars

6. We can do it also! By converting sunlight into electricity Photovoltaic (PV) phenomenon

7. Some terminology

8. Basic systems available PV modules produce a direct current (DC) Our electrical system uses alternating current (AC) Must convert DC to AC via “Inverters” – Convert at each module via “microinverters” – Convert at each array using large inverters Shading problem as modules arranged in “series” – Overcome shading via “maximizers”

9. Photovoltaic potential

10. LETHBRIDGE !

12. History 1996: Alberta begins to convert its electricity market to a market-based system 2007: Alberta passes climate change legislation 2009: Micro-Generation Regulation – Allows Albertans to generate their own environmentally friendly electricity and receive credit for any power they send into the electricity grid – Only allowed to produce as much as used annually

13. 2009: Climate Change and Emissions Management Corporation (CCEMC) created – Provides ENMAX $14,517,000 to install 12,470 kW of solar and wind micro generators by 2020 ENMAX launches residential solar program Solicits interested individuals – I immediately apply & wait

14. And wait, and wait, and wait!! While Solar is being installed in Calgary, Edmonton, Medicine Hat, Red deer, what is the holdup in Lethbridge? – What’s the problem? “Lethbridge is not in our installation area” Dispute with Lethbridge regulatory requirements Requirement for expensive engineering reports for roof “solar readiness” – Only in Lethbridge Finally contract entered with engineering company for “cookie cutter” inspections at $400 ea Thanks to City Councillor Jeff Coffman

15. Installation III 2013 Finally!

16. But wait! Your roof is not “standard” $1,000 for roof inspection!

17. Untitled 2012

18. July 10, 2013

19. Ballast racking system

24. Wow, first week!

25. Seasonality catches up!

26. To be expected

27. Shading

28. Chimney shading

29. Cloudy days are better than shade!

30. Example 1 summary 12 - 250 watt modules Enphase Micro-inverters 10 degree angle directly south Shading by trees and chimney 1,670 KWh in 9 months Yearly estimate 3,000 KWh (250 KWh/Module) Installation by ENMAX at a cost of $13,288 – $6,516 plus $428/yr for 15 yrs plus $350 at end

31. Example 2 Bev Muendel-Atherstone/ Henning Muendel

32. Example 2 summary 24- 250 Watt Modules Series installation with one inverter 25 degree angle directly south No shading – ground level installation 1,930 KWh in 3 months Yearly estimate: 7,000 KWh? (292/Module) Installed by EnergySmart Canada, Lethbridge at a cost of $26,000

33. No shading

34. Snow shading

35. One large inverter

37. Example 3 Anonymous

38. Example 3 summary 36- 250 Watt Modules Series installation with Maximizers 2 inverters 10 degree angle directly south East & West shading 1,200 KWh in 2 months Yearly estimate: 9,000 KWh (250/Module) Installed by owner at a cost of $24,000

39. Some East & West shading

41. 2 Inverters

42. Maximizers

44. Angle makes a difference

45. The deregulated electrical system Many independent producers, transmitters & sellers – Each one wants their share Bidding system administered by the Alberta Utilities Regulator – Bids taken for the amount of power needed for the next hour – All lower bids get same price as highest bidder – Coal fired and green energy bidders bid lowest but get highest price – But micro-generator receives only what he pays

46. What does it cost?

48. Cost for energy used Energy: 8 cents/KWh Transmission: 2.7 cents/KWh GST: 0.53 cents TOTAL: 11.23 cents/KWh With fixed costs: – About 18 to 19 cents/KWh

49. Economics Cost for energy to grid: 8 cents/KWh Savings for energy used within the house: 11.23 cents/KWh Of the 1, 670 KWh produced to date: – 677 (40%) KWh sent into grid = $54.16 – 993 (60%) KWh used in house = $111.51

50. Cost comparisons Example 1: – Cost: $6,516.30 plus $428.16/yr for 15 yrs plus $350 at end = $13.,288.70 or $4.43/Watt Example 2 – Cost: $26,000 or $4.33/Watt Example 3 – Cost: $24,000 OR $2.67/Watt

51. Based on yearly estimate 3,000 KWh – 1,200 (40%) into grid @ 8 cents = $96 – 1,800 (60%) in house @ 11.26 cents = $203 – Total: $300 Initial cost: $6,516 Monthly payments: $428 TOTAL for first year: $6,944 If in bank at 1.3%: Interest of $90.27 Taxed at marginal rate of 30%: NET $63.19 Net gain: $236.81

52. Environmental benefits

53. Instead of waiting I’m doing something to decrease greenhouse gases!

54. Spin it any way you want

55. Makes me happy!

56. World is going solar! Worldwide: est. 49 gigawatts (GW), up from 36 GW in 2013 China: Approx. 10 GW in 2013 Germany: 3.3 additional GW in 2013 India: 1 GW with goal of 20 GW by 2020

57. China

58. India

59. Japan

60. Enerphase microinverter installations

61. Canada’s “sunbelt”

62. Innovations & other uses Solar signs Solar roofing shingles Perovskite solar cells 3D solar cells Solar roads & driveways Solar powered cars Solar battery chargers Electric scooters

71. Think Green, If you know what I mean