BACKGROUND INFORMATION
We visited the Gas station multiple times to discuss the owner's rationale for installing a PV system on which a financial analysis would be based and also to evaluate the site characteristics. Such data were later used to estimate available solar irradiance per location using "Helioscope" and "PV Watts" and to run a Finite Elements Analysis on the canopy to determine the amount of load it can handle and design accordingly.
TECHNICAL ANALYSIS
A detailed technical analysis of the site’s characterisation, its potential for installing the system and the recommended system based on the desired energy production and owner’s budget was provided. The recommended system size is 21.6 kWdc, with an annual production of 24.5MW, estimated to cost an approximate value of $25,000.
The technical analysis also provides a detailed system overview, including all system components and their data sheets, a single line drawing for the wiring of the system, projected system performance based on Helioscope simulation and the interconnection point basic design
The systems was also designed to meet with the NEC regulations
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
A financial analysis for the designed system based on the
simulated system output was also provided in the final report, including an estimate for the total system cost, all available incentives for the station to install the system, estimated savings due to energy generated and the potential for income from SRECs.
Finally recommendations by the team were provided, based on three NPV models conducted, including a conservative, likely and an optimistic approach.
The team concluded that installing a PV system to cover the annual electric usage of the gas station would be feasible and financially beneficial for the owner.
September-December 2017
GRID CONNECTED SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEMS, UMASS LOWELL:PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM DESIGN FOR A BP GAS STATION
This was a semester-long group project for the Grid Connected solar electric systems class in my senior year. For the group project we decided to study and validate the feasibility of installing a PV system to cover the electric usage of a British Petroleum gas station located in Westford, Massachusetts