Steps to Design and Install a PV System September 23, 2008

Is installing a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System an easy thing? Is it something I can do at my home on my own? How hard could it be? I, too, want to “run my meter backward”.

Well, I can now tell you from experience. We have recently installed an 8.6KW PV system on the roof of our new building.I wanted to quickly go thru the steps, from concept to electrons flowing, in the state of North Carolina.Here it is in a nutshell.

1. Find a suitable location for your PV panels and equipment. You need un-obstructed space, facing south. This is not as easy as it sounds, for roofs are usually much more crowded than you realize, and parapets and equipment, vents, etc. all cast shadows.
2. Find a reputable dealer to help you with the concept and give you a budget. Check for tax credits and local code issues.
3. Have a professional engineer design your system and specify the equipment.Include a good monitoring system.
4. Select a good installer and get a price. This is time sensitive, since PV prices vary every month. Get the vendor to double check the engineering plans – it is new technology and is easy to make a mistake.
5. Get a building permit.
6. Submit the paperwork for the system.As of August, 2008, this includes the following:
   1. Fill out a Duke Energy “Application for Interconnection” and pay their fee (there are several form options, depending on the size of your PV system: under 10KW is the simplest).
   2. Provide an electrical one-line diagram.
   3. Submit the proper form to the NC Utilities Commission (31 copies), including cut sheets, one-line diagrams, etc.
   4. Submit the proper form to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (14 copies).
   5. Send a copy of the proper insurance to Duke Energy.

7. Sign up for NC Green-power, if that is what you elect to do.
8. Have the system installed by a competent, licensed installer.
9. Have the local electrical inspector (who has never seen a PV system) approve of the installation.
10. Send in your Certificate of Completion to Duke Energy, so that Duke Energy can then inspect it.
11. Turn the system on and begin receiving electricity from the sun!

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