Solar

There is more to a PV system than just the solar panels. A typical PV system not only consists of solar cells linked together to form solar panels, but also an inverter to convert the electricity from direct current ( DC) into alternating current (AC), the mounting system hardware, and the wiring needed to connect the PV system to the home or business’ electrical system. The PV panels can be mounted on a roof, or on a stand-alone mounting system, which is typically a pole or a system of racks.

For greatest efficiency, the panels need to face southward and be in direct sun throughout the day. The inverter(s) should be certified by Underwriters Laboratory (UL) 1741. This UL certification insures that, in the event of a power outage, the PV system will shut down and will not back feed electricity on to the electric distribution system which could potentially create an unsafe condition for line workers or other customers.

The output of a PV system depends on a number of factors include the direction it faces, the shading, the tilt, the efficiency of the inverters and the panels, and several other parameters. It is recommended to thoroughly review the type, size and make of the various components of any system you are considering installing to help you determine what your actual production may be.

The following calculator can provide you with an estimate of what you might expect to produce, from an energy prospective, in our geographic area: PV Watts (National Renewable Energy Laboratory).

Sawnee EMC offers a Net Energy Metering Rider (“NEM”), which complements any standard rate, for accounts with PV systems that meet certain program requirements and limitations. By qualifying to receive service under the NEM Rider, a SEMC member will be able to directly benefit from the electricity their PV system produces.

The size of a PV system should depend on a number of factors including economics and the amount of available space for the PV system including the panels. Questions such as “do you intend to fully offset your electric bill”, or “do you simply want to offset a portion of your usage?” need to be answered to properly size the PV system.

With this in mind, you should first decide how much available space you have and where the panels might be installed. Then review your kilowatt-hour (kWh) consumption over the past 24 months and make your determination as to which system you feel might benefit you.

Also, if you want our staff’s assistance, you can contact Sawnee EMC’s Marketing Department at 770-887-2363 ext. 7357 to discuss your current usage and options with a Marketing Representative.

We would suggest that you carefully study any proposal that you receive for the installation of a PV system. Proposals should include items such as: site surveys which include roofing evaluation if installing on a roof, an electrical assessment, and any shading impacts in the proposed installation area. The proposal should also include performance estimates (both monthly and annual energy production). Your site survey may include a value assessment or pay-back calculation. We would suggest that you compare your “existing” SEMC electric energy bills, without the effects of a PV system installed, to these proposed performance calculations to determine how much money you may be estimated to be saving each month.

Make sure any value assessment or payback calculations adequately projects the future energy costs of electricity when using Sawnee EMC’s future rates as a comparison. Although we can’t fully predict energy costs in the future, Sawnee EMC’s past history has proven we have kept electricity costs at a very consistent rate. Finally, be sure to use the PV Watts calculator to see if the performance calculations on your proposal makes sense.

Although the majority of solar installers are honest, review the US Department of Treasury’s advisory on how to avoid Solar Energy Scams if you suspect anything is wrong with your proposal.

If you have decided that a PV system is right for you, then proceed with the following:

• Make sure you have completed and signed your Sawnee EMC membership application.
• Submit to interconnections@sawnee.coop, the proper procedure document, electrical drawing, site plans, and specification sheets prior to installation (procedure documents are located in Interconnection Requirements).
• If in a subdivision governed by a Homeowner Association (HOA), include your HOA approval.
• Be sure your system meets National Electric Code (NEC) guidelines, the inverters are Underwriters Laboratory (UL) 1741, and it meets all other applicable requirements found in the SEMC application.
• After Sawnee EMC receives the submitted interconnection documents, your PV system will be reviewed, and if approved you will receive a receipt indicating the array can be installed as submitted.
• Be sure to get the proper permits from your local jurisdiction.
• After the installation is complete, and the inspection by the building official has passed, the results of the inspection should be sent by the building official to Sawnee EMC
• Proof of inverter grid settings is also required at this time and Sawnee will verify, on site, that the system installed matches the application.
• Once all items are received, the net metering agreement will be completed, and your meter will be reprogrammed for net metering.
• Applications are valid for 90 days from the date the approval for install is granted and a receipt is issued. If an installation is not completed within 90 days, it may be removed from our pending installation list and may require resubmittal under then applicable net metering procedures.

Once all the steps are completed you will receive a Permission to Operate (PTO) and can turn on your new system.
 

Sawnee EMC uses the information relating to your PV system to conduct an engineering assessment of the site, and our distribution facilities in the area to ensure we can maintain reliable service in your location and those around you.