Photovoltaic panel decentralized installation construction plan

Should a general contractor install a solar PV system?

A general contractor may face a choice between using an electrical subcontractor or a solar subcontractor to install the PV system. A good solar contractor will have the expertise in solar PV systems plus qualified electricians on staff.

How do PV systems integrate with a utility?

Integration issues need to be addressed from the distributed PV system side and from the utility side. Advanced inverter, controller, and interconnection technology development must produce hardware that allows PV to operate safely with the utility and act as a grid resource that provides benefits to both the grid and the owner.

Are PV systems compatible with the utility grid?

Interest in PV systems is increasing and the installation of large PV systems or large groups of PV systems that are interactive with the utility grid is accelerating, so the compatibility of higher levels of distributed generation needs to be ensured and the grid infrastructure protected.

How do PV systems affect the utility grid?

The variability and nondispatchability of today’s PV systems affect the stability of the utility grid and the economics of the PV and energy distribution systems. Integration issues need to be addressed from the distributed PV system side and from the utility side.

How much does a PV system cost?

A summary of system types and components is given so the builder will know what to expect to see in a design submitted by a subcontractor or PV designer. In 2008, the installed cost of a residential PV system in the United States typically ranged from $8 to $10 per installed watt before government or utility incentives.

Do distributed photovoltaic systems contribute to the power balance?

Tom Key, Electric Power Research Institute. Distributed photovoltaic (PV) systems currently make an insignificant contribution to the power balance on all but a few utility distribution systems.