parkside collegiate institute - photo voltaic feasibility report

8/2/2019 Parkside Collegiate Institute - Photo Voltaic Feasibility Report

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Smylie & Crow AssociatesConsult ing Engineers, Building ServicesA Division of Trow Associates Inc.

1 Wortley Road, London, Ontario N6C 3N7 Tel: 519 / 672-8511 Fax: 519 / 672-5906

Feasibility Study for Installation of a Photovoltaic System

for

Parkside Collegiate Institute241 Sunset DriveSt. Thomas, ON

N5R 3C2

Prepared for:

Thames Valley District School Board951 Leathorne StreetLondon, ON

N5Z 3M7

December 16, 2010

S&C Ref: 10-058


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Feasibility Study for Installation of a Photovoltaic System Page 2 of 15Parkside Collegiate Institute, St. Thomas, ON

Introduction

Smylie & Crow Associates were retained by the Thames Valley District School Board to providea feasibility study for the installation of a roof mounted, photovoltaic (PV) system at ParksideCollegiate Institute. Pow Peterman Consulting Engineers provided assistance in assessing theexisting building structure and impact of the proposed PV system. The feasibility study isintended to be submitted to the Ministry of Education for consideration towards installation ofrenewable energy systems at a select number of schools.

Executive Summary

Upon review of the existing school and site conditions and further analysis utilizing the SolmetricSunEye Solar Access Device and the RETScreen software, it is our opinion that ParksideCollegiate Institute is a feasible location for the installation of a roof mounted, grid tied,photovoltaic system. The following summary recommendations are provided for review:

1. Utilize the lower southern most roof to install a photovoltaic system of solar modules.Provide installation of a new roof in the proposed area such that the life expectancy ofthe roof and PV system will be more closely matched.

2. Provide a structural sleeper system on the roof to accept the PV modules and rackingsystem. This will also maintain access to the roof.

3. Install photoelectric modules (240W/module) for a total of 78 modules, a generatedcapacity of 18.72kWp(DC) and an anticipated 25.289MWh of energy created by theschool annually. The system capacity could be increased if additional funding isavailable; the capacity exists to double the quantity of PV modules located within thearea of roof we have proposed.

4. Provide an interactive display within the school to be used as a learning tool for staff andstudents.

5. Enter into a FIT contract with the Ontario Power Authority to receive 71.3/kWh forgenerated renewable energy.

Objectives of a Photovoltaic System

The primary objectives for a photovoltaic system at the site are as follows: To provide on-site generation of electrical power thereby reducing the energy

consumption from the local utility distribution system. To provide a system which can be used as an educational tool to the students, raising

their awareness of renewable energy and encouraging conservation in futuregenerations of consumers.

To provide a system which results in a reasonable return on investment, takingadvantage of the available Feed-In Tariff program established by the Ontario PowerAuthority


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Building and Building Site

Parkside Collegiate Institute is for the most part a single storey school with mezzanines locatedin the shop and gymnasium areas. This secondary school is located in the Southwest corner ofSt. Thomas, Ontario. The building (132,495 ft) was constructed in 1966 and has had variousinterior renovations and upgrades over the years, however the original building shell hasremained for the most part unchanged.

Figure 1 Gymnasium Roof (Looking South)

The building site has mature trees established to the Northeast corner of the school and alongthe South property line (See Figure 1). Due to the distance of the school to the property linesand current tree heights, shading from these trees would not adversely affect the photovoltaicpanels; this was confirmed through measurement of solar access (refer to next section forfurther explanation).

The roof of the building is flat with the West half of the school and a portion of the Southeast

quadrant of the school at the lowest level. The roof area to the Northeast corner of the school isapproximately 6-0 higher than the lower roof. The roof area above the mechanical room,cafeteria, and gymnasium are approximately 12-0 higher than the lowest roof. The roof systemis a conventional built-up roof and appears to be in good shape. Roofing costs included in thisfeasibility report are based on local roof replacement/alterations to suit the proposed structureprojections to support the racking.

The schools incoming electrical service and distribution have been upgraded in the past sixmonths. A 1200Amp, 347/600VAC three phase service is installed underground and routed upthe East wall of the school into the second floor main electrical room. The capacity of theelectrical service is adequate for the present needs of the building. The main electrical


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distribution equipment is located within the schools mechanical room; additional wall space forthe installation of renewable energy equipment (inverters, disconnects switches, step-uptransformer, utility meter, etc.) is available.

The electrical service at Parkside Collegiate Institute is provided by St. Thomas Energy Inc. andthey reserve the right to approve or deny any connection to their service based on thecapabilities of the existing electrical grid. Upon initial consultation of the proposed PV systeminstallation with St. Thomas Energy, they do not have any reason to believe that a requestwould be denied. However, St. Thomas Energy requires an Application for Connection to becompleted and submitted along with the OPA reference number prior to continuing any furtherwith a photovoltaic installation project. This process has been initiated; confirmation is pendingtheir review of the application.

Solar Access

To determine the solar access available at this site the Solmetric SunEye 210 shade and solaraccess tool was utilized which allows solar access readings to be taken at multiple locations onthe roof to determine the most advantageous mounting locations. Two roof areas wereconsidered for the installation of the photovoltaic panels as detailed below.

Location 1: Cafeteria and Gymnasium roof area. Located in the Southeast quadrant ofthe school provided a ceiling structure that was accessible from below and also providedthe highest roofline to prevent any shading obstructions. Solar access was averaged at99% accessible over the course of the year (See Figure 2)

Figure 2 Cafeteria and Gymnasium Roof - Solar Access


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Location 2: South East lower roof area. Located in the Southeast quadrant of the schoolprovided a ceiling structure that was designed for the addition of a second floor and alsoprovided an unobstructed view to the South. Solar access was averaged at 99%accessible over the course of the year (See Figure 3)

Figure 3 South Centre Lower Roof - Solar Access

Structural Review

Pow Peterman Consulting Engineers provided a review of the building structure with regards tosupport of roof mounted photovoltaic modules. The amount of structural reinforcement is

contingent on the array. Larger array's will require more reinforcing as the loads applied to theroof will increase. The structural review is summarized into the two areas including budgetcosts for each.

Location 1:The existing structure of the cafeteria and gymnasium is constructed of open web steel

joists spanning the distances between North and South walls. Upon review of theexisting structure capabilities it was found that there is currently insufficient load capacityto install the system without reinforcing the roof structure. A comprehensive structuralanalysis should be performed to determine the actual load capacity of the open websteel joists in comparison to the specified design load. The comprehensive structuralanalysis will also determine the amount of modifications required to properly reinforce

the open web steel joists for the additional load of the PV modules as well as thestructural sleepers required to maintain roof serviceability.

Budget Costs:- Comprehensive Structural Analysis $ 5,000- Cafetorium Ceiling Removal/Re-install $10,000- Open Web Steel Joist Reinforcing $15,000- Structural Mounting System $35,000- Roofing Modifications $25,000- Solar Mounting System $27,000- Sub Total $117,000


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Figure 5 Roof Plan and Location of Photovoltaic Modules

We have allowed for an 8 setback from the roof edge where workers could be exposed to a fallof 10 or more. Location of existing vents and roof drains would require coordination with the

photovoltaic panel mounting structure.

The photovoltaic modules would be installed on a structural steel sleeper system installedapproximately 12 to 18 above the roof; modules would be oriented at a 25 angle of tilt. The tiltangle for optimum output (as calculated in the analysis software) was found to be 34; thereduction to 25 resulted in a decrease of 1% output. The tilt angle of 25 was selected toreduce the impact of wind on the modules, reduce possible spacing between sections, and aidin shedding snow from the modules in winter. A racking system will be installed on the structuralsleeper system with the PV modules secured to the racking. There are various manufacturersof racking systems. Schletter is one manufacturer with a local presence (Windsor, Ontario) thatwould be considered. Schletter has many racking systems with various layout options to meetthe needs of any installation type and size. The standard layout system we utilized was a 2V

system, which is a row mounting layout of 2 panels vertically. This system will allow for areduction in the amount of roof penetrations required for the support structure over a singlepanel row arrangement.

For the purpose of analysis we, utilized a PV module with a rated power of 240 watts, toincrease the amount of power created per panel. A model manufactured by Canadian Solarwas utilized although the specific model installed may differ as per a number of factors(contractor preference, requirements for Domestic Content, evolving technology, etc.). The totaloutput of the system (with 78 modules) is 18.72kWp and the calculated energy exported to thegrid is 25.289MWh. Other manufacturers of PV modules (who have plans to locate in Ontario)include the following: Photowatt, Siliken, Solar Semiconductor, Conergy and Schuco.


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The PV modules would be series connected into strings (13 modules per string) and connectedto three inverters (two strings per inverter); we would suggest using three Sunny Boy 6kWinverters. The inverters would be selected to provide a 208VAC output. A dry type, 30kVA,208V-347/600V distribution transformer will be required to step up the voltage at ParksideCollegiate Institute to match the 347/600V incoming electrical service.

Summary of Major PV Components

Solar Modules Seventy eight (78) PV modules, Canadian Solar model CS6P-240P, rated at 240W (DC) per module.

Inverter Three (3) SMA Sunny Boy, SB6000 inverters, each rated at7.5kW (DC).

Further information on the above components is attached to this study.

Photovoltaic System Operation

The photovoltaic (PV) system would be classified as a grid-tied connection without batterybackup. The system will operate as follows:

During daylight hours the PV modules will convert radiant energy from the sun intodirect current electricity. This power is gathered and converted to alternating currentelectricity by inverters to be installed in the main electrical room. From the inverters,the AC power is routed through a transformer to match the incoming service. Thepower is then routed through the utility meter (to measure the renewable energy thathas been generated) and connected to the incoming electrical service.Note: Recent changes mandated by Measurements Canada dictate that behind themeter facilities (in-series metering) is no longer permitted. The renewable energyconnection to the distribution system must be made upstream of the existing utilitymetering.

The energy consumption and billing within the building will not be effected by the PVsystem as per the arrangement of the metering. The school will be generating aportion of the energy it consumes however, for billing purposes, these will be twoseparate measurements; the impact of the generated power will not be reflected in theconsumed power.

During utility power outages, the PV system will automatically shutdown. Safetyfeatures within the inverters (required for UL and CSA certification) will prevent theinverters from generating power when a dead bus condition is sensed on the utilitysource. On restoration of the utility source, the PV system will automatically reconnectand resume normal operation.

A real-time display will be provided within the school for interactive use by the studentpopulation. The intent is to provide feedback to the students as to real-timeperformance, trending data, environmental benefits and other features as directed bythe TVDSB.


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Renewable Energy Incentives

A roof mounted photovoltaic system installed at Parkside Collegiate Institute should be eligiblefor incentives available within the Ontario Power Authoritys (OPA) Feed-In Tariff (FIT) program.Upon securing a FIT contract, the School Board (Owner) will receive 71.3/kWh for the

photovoltaic energy generated at the site. The FIT contract would be a long term (20 year)agreement with the OPA.

Renewable Energy Modelling and Analysis

The RETScreen Clean Energy Project Analysis Software was utilized within the preparation ofthis report. This software provided energy modeling, cost analysis and financial analysis for usein the study.

Economic Analysis 20kW System

An opinion of probable costs has been provided below based on the recommended approachfor installation of a photovoltaic system at Parkside Collegiate Institute.

Opinion of Probable Costs

Item Description Cost

1 Feasibility Study $ 15,000.00

2 Engineering & Approvals $ 20,000.00

3 Photovoltaic Modules 1 $ 75,000.00

4 Inverters 1 $ 25,000.00

5 Racking 1 $ 27,000.00

6 Conduit & Cabling 1 $ 14,000.00

7 Miscellaneous (Disconnects, Combiner, Meter Base, etc.) 1 $ 6,000.00

8 Monitoring (Student Display) 1 $ 10,000.00

9 Structural Work 2 $ 35,000.00

10 Roof Replacement $ 25,000.00

11 Sub Total $252,000.00

12 HST (13%) $ 32,760.00

13 Total $284,760.00

Notes on the Opinion of Probable Costs:

1. Installation costs are included with the equipment costs.2. The sleeper system needs to be implemented to get the PV modules off the roof for

serviceability. The system can be optimized based on the racking system to reduce theamount of structural support/reinforcing.

3. Insurance and maintenance costs have not been included in the above. We wouldanticipate an annual maintenance charge of approximately $500.00; it is anticipated that themodules will receive an annual cleaning and inspection. Whether this is performed by theTVDSB or contracted out, there will be a cost associated with the work.


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Financial Analysis 20kW System

On the basis of the proposed system size (18.72kW), expected installation costs ($284,760.00)and expected revenue on generated energy the photovoltaic system has an expected InternalRate of Return of 2.0%. The simple payback period for the proposed system is approximately16.2 years. A 20 year period of evaluation was selected to coincide with the term of the FITcontract; it is uncertain at this point in time what incentives will be offered beyond the 20 yearterm. The anticipated annual income from exported energy (generated by the PV system) is$18,031.; this is on the basis of securing a FIT contract and receiving 71.3/kWh.

A summary of the Yearly Cash Flows (see Figure 6 below) and the Cumulative Cash Flow (seeFigure 7 below) as determined by the RETScreen analysis software is provided below:

Figure 6 Yearly Cash Flow


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Figure 7 Cumulative Cash Flow

Energy Analysis 20kW System

On the basis of the proposed PV system (18.72kW) it is anticipated that 25.289MWh of energy

will be generated. This represents 1.6% of the energy consumed by the school on an annualbasis. A summary of the energy analysis is presented in the table below.

Energy Analysis SummaryMonth Energy Consumption (kWh) Energy Production (kWh)January 155,215 1,365February 139,617 1,792March 131,503 2,291April 132,169 2,501May 144,045 2,886June 156,375 2,897July 58,968 2,899

August 73,003 2,586September 147,650 2,137October 159,744 1,786November 132,204 1,110December 131,090 1,038Total (Annual) 1,561,583 25,289

Notes on Energy Analysis:1. Consumption values were provided by the TVDSB and represent the latest information

available.2. Production values were obtained from the RETScreen energy model calculation.


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GHG Reduction Summary 20kW System

Installation of the proposed photovoltaic system will result in a number of benefits to theenvironment. For the system that has been proposed, an annual reduction of 5.0tonnes of CO2(which would have been generated to produce the energy utilizing the existing generationmethods) should be realized. This is the equivalent of the following:

Environmental Impact QuantityCars/light trucks removed from the road 0.9Gasoline not consumed (by vehicles) 2,148 litresBarrels of crude oil not consumed 11.6

Economic Analysis 40kW System

An opinion of probable costs has been provided below based on the recommended approach

for installation of a photovoltaic system at Parkside Collegiate Institute.

Opinion of Probable Costs

Item Description Cost

1 Feasibility Study $ 15,000.00

2 Engineering & Approvals $ 20,000.00

3 Photovoltaic Modules 1 $ 150,000.00

4 Inverters 1 $ 40,000.00

5 Racking 1 $ 50,000.00

6 Conduit & Cabling 1 $ 20,000.00

7 Miscellaneous (Disconnects, Combiner, Meter Base, etc.)1

$ 8,000.008 Monitoring (Student Display) 1 $ 10,000.00

9 Structural Work 2 $ 50,000.00

10 Roof Replacement $ 45,000.00

11 Sub Total $408,000.00

12 HST (13%) $ 53,040.00

13 Total $461,040.00

Notes on the Opinion of Probable Costs:1. Installation costs are included with the equipment costs.2. The sleeper system needs to be implemented to get the pv modules off the roof for

serviceability. The system can be optimized based on the racking system to reduce theamount of structural support/reinforcing.

3. Insurance and maintenance costs have not been included in the above. We wouldanticipate an annual maintenance charge of approximately $750.00; it is anticipated that themodules will receive an annual cleaning and inspection. Whether this is performed by theTVDSB or contracted out, there will be a cost associated with the work.


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Financial Analysis 40kW System

On the basis of the proposed system size (37.4kW), expected installation costs ($461,040.00)and expected revenue on generated energy the photovoltaic system has an expected InternalRate of Return of 4.4%. The simple payback period for the proposed system is approximately13.1 years. A 20 year period of evaluation was selected to coincide with the term of the FITcontract; it is uncertain at this point in time what incentives will be offered beyond the 20 yearterm. The anticipated annual income from exported energy (generated by the pv system) is$36,062.; this is on the basis of securing a FIT contract and receiving 71.3/kWh.

A summary of the Yearly Cash Flows (see Figure 8) and the Cumulative Cash Flow (see Figure9).

Figure 8 Yearly Cash Flow


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Figure 9 Cumulative Cash Flow

Energy Analysis 40kW System

On the basis of the proposed PV system (37.4kW) it is anticipated that 50.577MWh of energy

will be generated. This represents 3.2% of the energy consumed by the school on an annualbasis. A summary of the energy analysis is presented in the table below.

Energy Analysis SummaryMonth Energy Consumption (kWh) Energy Production (kWh)January 155,215 2,730February 139,617 3,584March 131,503 4,581April 132,169 5,002May 144,045 5,771June 156,375 5,795July 58,968 5,798August 73,003 5,173September 147,650 4,275October 159,744 3,573November 132,204 2,220December 131,090 2,076Total (Annual) 1,561,583 50,577

Notes on Energy Analysis:1. Consumption values were provided by the TVDSB and represent the latest information

available.2. Production values were obtained from the RETScreen energy model calculation.


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GHG Reduction Summary 40kW System

Installation of the proposed photovoltaic system will result in a number of benefits to theenvironment. For the system that has been proposed, an annual reduction of 9.9tonnes of CO2(which would have been generated to produce the energy utilizing the existing generationmethods) should be realized. This is the equivalent of the following:

Environmental Impact QuantityCars/light trucks removed from the road 1.8Gasoline not consumed (by vehicles) 4,254 litresBarrels of crude oil not consumed 23.0

Conclusion

Parkside Collegiate Institute represents a feasible location for the installation of a grid-tied, roof

mounted, photovoltaic renewable energy system. The existing lower roof areas of the schoolhave a structure that is more than adequate to support the additional loads of the PV modulesand does not require any additional structural reinforcing. This roof area is also not affected byshading from trees or higher portions of roof.

This feasibility study is based on a 20kW system utilizing the Southeast corner of the lower roof.If funding is available for a larger sized photovoltaic installation, Parkside Collegiate Institutewould represent a good candidate; a 40kW system has been analysed in this regard. Theremainder of the lower roof area is for the most part unused space that has been determinedadequate to support the additional loads of the PV modules. This roof area could also be usedto increase the size of the PV system beyond 40kW. The economic analysis for the installationof the 20kW system indicates an Internal Rate of Return of 2.0% and the 40kW systemindicates an Internal Rate of Return of 4.4%.

Smylie & Crow AssociatesA Division of Trow Associates Inc.

Jason Allair Miles Buckrell, P.Eng.Electrical Designer Consulting Engineer

Attachments: PV module & Inverter Information


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18/19* US Patent US7352549B1

SB

5000US

/

SB

6000US

/

SB

7000US/

SB

8000US

SUNNY BOY 5000-US / 6000-US / 7000-US / 8000-US

The Sunny Boy 5000-US, 6000-US, 7000-US and 8000-US inverters are UL certified and feature excellent efficiency. Gradu

ated power classes provide flexibility in system design. Automatic grid voltage detection* and an integrated DC disconnec

switch simplify installation, ensuring safety as well as saving time. These models feature galvanic isolation and can be used

with all types of modulescrystalline as well as thin-film.

Versatile performer with UL certification

SUNNY BOY 5000-US / 6000-US / 7000-US / 8000-US

Simple

Patented automatic grid

voltage detection*

Integrated DC disconnect switch

Safe

Galvanic isolation

Efficient

97% peak efficiency

OptiCool active temperature

management system

UL Certified

For countries that require UL

certification (UL 1741/IEEE 1547)


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RS485 interface485USPB-SMC-NR

BluetoothPiggy BackBTPBINV-NR

Accessories

Combi-SwitchDC disconnect and PVarray combiner boxCOMBO-SWITCH

Combiner BoxSimplify wiring for addedconvenience and safetySBCB-6-3R or SBCB-6-4

Technical dataSunny Boy 5000-US Sunny Boy 6000-US Sunny Boy 7000-US Sunny Boy 8000-US

208 V AC 240 V AC 277 V AC 208 V AC 240 V AC 277 V AC 208 V AC 240 V AC 277 V AC 240 V AC 277 V AC

Input (DC)

Max. recommended PV power (@ module STC) 6250 W 7500 W 8750 W 10000 W

Max. DC power (@ cos = 1) 5300 W 6350 W 7400 W 8600 W

Max. DC voltage 600 V 600 V 600 V 600 V

DC nominal voltage 310 V 310 V 310 V 345 V

MPP voltage range 250 V 480 V 250 V 480 V 250 V 480 V 300 V 480 V

Min. DC voltage / start voltage 250 V / 300 V 250 V / 300 V 250 V / 300 V 300 V / 365 V

Max. input current / per string (at DC disconnect) 21 A / 20 A36 A @ combined terminal

25 A / 20 A36 A @ combined terminal



Number of MPP trackers /fused strings per MPP tracker 1 / 4 (DC disconnect)

Output (AC)

AC nominal power 5000 W 6000 W 7000 W 7680 W 8000 W

Max. AC apparent power 5000 VA 6000 VA 7000 VA 8000 VA

Nominal AC voltage / adjustable 208 V / 240 V / 277 V / 208 V / 240 V / 277 V / 208 V / 240 V / 277 V / 240 V / 277 V /

AC voltage range 183 229 V 211 264 V 244 305 V 183 229 V 211 264 V 244 305 V 183 229 V 211 264 V 244 305 V 211 264 V 244 305 V

AC grid frequency; range 60 Hz; 59.3 60.5 Hz 60 Hz; 59.3 60.5 Hz 60 Hz; 59.3 60.5 Hz 60 Hz; 59.3 60.5 Hz

Max. output current 24 A 21 A 18 A 29 A 25 A 22 A 34 A 29 A 25 A 32 A

Power factor (cos ) 1 1 1 1

Phase conductors / connection phases 1 / 2 1 / 2 1 / 1 1 / 2 1 / 2 1 / 1 1 / 2 1 / 2 1 / 1 1 / 2 1 / 1

Harmonics < 4% < 4% < 4% < 4%

Effi ciency

Max. effi ciency 96.7% 96.8% 96.8% 96.9% 96.8% 97.0% 97.1% 96.9% 97.0% 96.3% 96.5%

CEC effi ciency 95.5% 95.5% 95.5% 95.5% 95.5% 96.0% 95.5% 96.0% 96.0% 96.0% 96.0%

Protection devices

DC reverse-polarity protection AC short circuit protection

Galvanically isolated / all-pole sensitive monitoring unit / / / /

Protection class / overvoltage category I / III I / III I / III I / III

General data

Dimensions (W / H / D) in mm (in) 470 / 615 / 240 (18.5 / 24 / 9)

DC Disconnect dimensions (W / H / D) in mm (in) 187 / 297 / 190 (7 / 12 / 7.5)

Packing dimensions (W / H / D) in mm (in) 390 / 580 / 800 (16 / 23 / 31.5)

DC Disconnect packing dimensions (W / H / D) in mm (in) 370 / 240 / 280 (15 / 9 / 11)

Weight / DC Disconnect weight 64 kg (141 lb) / 3.5 kg (8 lb) 66 kg (145 lb) / 3.5 kg (8 lb)

Packing weight / DC Disconnect packing weight 67 kg (147 lb) / 4 kg (9 lb) 69 kg (152 lb) / 4 kg (9 lb)

Operating temperature range (full power) 25 C ... +45 C (13 F ... +113 F)

Noise emission (typical) 44 dB(A) 45 dB(A) 46 dB(A) 49 dB(A)

Internal consumption at night 0.1 W 0.1 W 0.1 W 0.1 W

Topology LF transformer LF transformer LF transformer LF transformer

Cooling concept OptiCool OptiCool OptiCool OptiCoolElectronics protection rating / connection area NEMA 3R / NEMA 3R NEMA 3R / NEMA 3R NEMA 3R / NEMA 3R NEMA 3R / NEMA 3R

Features

Display: text line / graphic / / / /

Interfaces: RS485 / Bluetooth / / / /

Warranty: 10 / 15 / 20 years // // // //

Certificates and permits (more available on request) UL1741, UL1998, IEEE 1547, FCC Part 15 (Class A & B). CSA C22.2 No. 107.1-2001

NOTE: US inverters ship with gray lids.

Data at nominal conditions

Standard features Optional features Not available

Type designation SB 5000US SB 6000US SB 7000US SB 8000US

parkside collegiate institute - photo voltaic feasibility report

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