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Pv system analysis
1. Photovoltaic System Analysis
The following analysis was produced to predict the best photovoltaic system that would yield the
highest annual savings and the fastest return period with high performance. The energy consumption for
the building was first calculated to address the PV system size requirements. Table 1: Building
Consumption has the designated kWh/day required for this facility and the available roof area for the
solar panels.
With this information a better cost comparison was created. Table 2: Cost Analysis compares the
four distinct solar panels that have qualified for CPS rebate and have high performance. The first option
was the one UTSA has used, the second is one of the panels with the highest wattage in the market, and
the last two have the lowest price to wattage ratio. All solar panels have high performance ratings.
Moreover, Table 2 predicts the daily production of kWh/day and the PV system size for each distinct
solar panel. Table 2: Cost Analysis takes into account the prices of the panels (obtained from
http://www.affordable-solar.com). The installation cost was estimated by 411 Energy LLC, who is a
solar rebate contractor that meets the qualifications for CPS rebate by being NABCEP Certified. The
North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is the “gold standard” for PV and
solar heating installation certification. This certification is designed to raise industry standards and
promote consumer confidence. In terms of rebate, the $100,000 comes from the CPS Energy Solar
Initiative Rebate Program. This rebate program provides tiered incentives ranging from $1.30 to $2.50
per AC watt based on the calculated expected performance of the system with a rebate of up to $100,000
for commercial installations. With this information the total cost for each system was acquired.
After estimating the system’s cost, Table 3: Financial Performance was constructed to do the
final comparison of the electric monthly bill, monthly savings, return period and price per kW. This
table was populated through the use of the result acquired from tables 4-7. The four different system’s
financial projections, see table 4-7, were constructed using the following assumptions. A 6.95 cents per
kWh current electrical cost with a 4.35% annual increase, and an annual kWh production degradation of
0.05% per year based on manufacturer’s warranty guideline. The projected kWh production was based
on the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s “PV Watts" Performance Calculator. Table 4-7 have
the calculations for all four PV systems return period.
In summary, efficient option 2 (CS6P 240 Canadian Solar) has the lowest return period, lowest
cost per kW, second to the highest percentage of solar energy bill, and second to the highest monthly
savings as seen in Table 3: Financial Performance. For these reasons this will be the chosen solar panel.
The final PV system will be a 87.2 kW system with 167,935 kWh average annual production and
$14,282 average yearly savings. Additionally, a 30% tax credit will be applicable under the Federal Tax
Credits for Consumer Energy Efficiency.
2. Table 1: Building Consumption
Size sq. ft. 23,000.00
Building Energy Consumption kWh/day 1,474.52
Solar Panel Roof Area sq. ft. 6,300
Table 2: System Cost Analysis
1 2 3 4 5
Type UTSA Option E-20-435 Efficient Option 1 Efficient Option 2 No Solar Power
Size (kW) 84.00 117.79 86.84 87.23 -
Cost of each panel $314.12 - $342.00 $280.59 -
Cost of System $109,942.00 $ 6 per watt $104,213.13 $101,977.54 -
Cost of Installation $336,000.00 $706,718.19 $347,377.11 $348,902.11 -
Cost of Inverters, etc. $40,000.00 $40,000.00 $40,000.00
*CPS Rebate $100,000.00 $100,000.00 $100,000.00 $100,000.00 -
Total System Cost $385,942 $606,718 $391,590 $390,880 -
Comparison of the four chosen panels that qualify for the CPS rebate and outputs the total system cost.
*This estimate presumes that the local utility, CPS Energy, provides close to $100,000 as part of their renewable
energy incentive program. The actual value may differ depending on circumstances interpretation, date
restrictions, and other incentive guidelines.
Table 3: Financial Performance
1 2 3 4 5
Type UTSA Option E-20-435 Efficient Option 1 Efficient Option 2 No Solar Power
Total Electric Cost
$2,176 $1,797 $2,147 $2,140 $3,117
monthly
Monthly Savings $941 $1,320 $971 $977 0
Return Period (yr.) 21.3 23.1 21.2 21.1
$/kW $4,594.55 $5,151.01 $4,509.11 $4,481.25
