2. 2
Table of Contents
I. Acknowledgements……………………………………………………………….. 4
II. Executive Summary…………………………………………………………….… 5
III. Introduction ……………………………………………………………………… 7
a. Background……………………………………………………………..... 7
b. Fact-Finding Trip ………………………………………………………… 7
IV. Preliminary Design Proposal for PV System…………………………………….. 8
a. Introduction………………………………………………………………. 8
i. Purpose…………………………………………………………… 8
ii. Problem Statement……………………………………………….. 8
iii. Scope……………………………………………………………... 8
b. Discussion………………………………………………………………... 9
i. Design Approach…………………………………………………. 9
ii. Brainstorm and Research Potential Solutions…………………….. 9
iii. Propose a Solution and Submit Solution Designs/Specifications… 9
iv. Construct and Analyze the Solution/Testing……………………… 9
c. Resource Planning………………………………………………………… 10
i. Statement of Work………………………………………………... 10
ii. Resources…………………………………………………………. 10
iii. Facilities and Equipment…………………………………………. 11
iv. Fiscal……………………………………………………………… 11
d. Costs…………………………………………………………………….... 11
e. Conclusion………………………………………………………………... 11
V. Project Selection Process…………………………………………………………. 12
a. Team Selection………………………………………………….………... 12
b. Design Team Organization.………………………………………………. 13
VI. Problem Statement……………………………………………………………….. 14
a. Design Goals……………………………………………………………… 14
b. Design Constraints……………………………………………………….. 14
c. Design Specifications…………………………………………………….. 14
VII. Abstraction……………………………………………………………………….. 15
a. Project Decomposition…………………………………………………… 15
i. 5-Why…………………………………………………………….. 15
ii. General Abstraction………………………………………………. 16
b. Alternatives……………………………………………………………….. 18
i. Searching for a Solution…………………………………………... 18
ii. Alternative Components…………………………………………... 18
iii. Alternative Solutions……………………………………………… 19
c. Models…………………………………………………………………….. 20
VIII. Synthesis………………………………………………………………………….. 21
a. Enphase M250W Microinverter………………………………………….. 21
b. 225W Mitsubishi Electric Solar Panel……………………………………. 22
c. Envoy Communication Gateway…………………………………………. 23
IX. Design Analysis…………………………………………………………………... 26
a. Recommended Best Solution…………………………………………....... 26
3. 3
b. Optimal Angle Analysis…………………………………………………... 26
c. Cost Analysis……………………………………………………………... 27
X. Drawings………………………………………………………………………….. 29
a. Creo Drawing of Mounting Brackets……………………………………. 29
b. Engineering Drawing of Mounting Brackets……………………………. 30
c. Bill of Materials…………………………………………………………... 31
XI. Gantt Chart………………………………………………………………………... 32
XII. Appendices………………………………………………………………………... 34
a. Project Presentations……………………………………………………… 34
b. Data Sheets………………………………………………………………... 50
c. Meeting Minutes…………………………………………………………... 59
d. Calculations………………………………………………………………... 69
4. 4
I. Acknowledgements
Union University
Union gave our PV team a $1,000 grant, and without the grant, this project would have been
impossible to complete.
Dr. Randy Schwindt
Dr. Schwindt was a huge help to this project. He met with the PV team on a weekly basis,
gave insightful tips, and encouraged the team when problems arose.
Mr. Ron Frieson
Mr. Frieson generously donated a solar panel to the PV team. This was a crucial part of the
project, especially because we had difficulty ordering the original solar panel.
Mr. Bill Dement
Mr. Dement allowed the PV team to visit his solar farm during winter break. Because of this,
the team was able to better understand the physical installation of our project.
Mr. Tom Fenimore
The team held a conference call with Mr. Fenimore in order to ask unknown questions about
the project. He and a few other engineers are installing a 100 kW solar system at Orphanage
Emmanuel in the next year, so he gave his insight and opinion for improvement for our project.
He also gave taught us the exact way to tie the system into the power grid.
Mr. Ethan Wilding
Mr. Wilding greatly helped with testing our system. The team had many difficulties with
initial testing, and Mr. Wilding helped troubleshoot.
5. 5
Mr. David McBride
Mr. McBride allowed the team to perform tests at his office on Union’s campus.
Unfortunately, Union uses 208V, which does not work with our system.
Wade McCollum and Mike Madsen
Wade and Mike greatly contributed to the team’s success. Because they are considered our
customer, the team strived to give exceptional work. Wade and Mike contacted us back with any
information needed, even with their busy schedules and being in a whole different country.
II. Executive Summary
This final design package’s primary purpose is to describe the methods used in designing and
implementing a photovoltaic system for Orphanage Emmanuel in Honduras. The team defined
the problem statement for this project as follows: Due to the enormous electricity bills that
Orphanage Emmanuel has to pay each month, the goal of the team was to introduce PV
technology to the orphanage by designing a small-scale PV system that could be easily added on
to in the future to further decrease the orphanage’s dependence on outside power.
After defining the problem statement, the team researched the different types of PV systems.
This research led to two potential systems: a grid-tied system or a battery system. Diagrams of
these two systems can be found in section VI-c. After researching the cost and effectiveness of
each these two systems, the team determined that the grid-tied system would best serve the
interests of the orphanage.
Next, the team researched the components needed for a grid-tied system. A list of these
potential components and alternatives can be found in section VI-b. After much analysis, the
team decided on a roof-mounted 225W Mitsubishi polycrystalline solar panel tied into the grid
using an Enphase 250W microinverter and monitored by an Enphase Envoy system. The system
Commented [D1]: I am sorry that I missed this comment
in earlier reviews: it would be appropriate to add an
Acknowledgement page prior to this page to reflect the
information on page 48 (especially when your customer will
receive a copy of his publication).
6. 6
is pictured as installed at Orphanage Emmanuel in Figure 1 below. The proposed timeline for
research, design, construction and testing can be found in section III-c.
Figure 1: Installed Solar Panel
During the week of Spring Break, beginning March 21st, the team delivered the prototype
system to Orphanage Emmanuel and installed it on the roof of one the buildings. After
installation, the performance of the system was observed remotely using the Enphase Enlighten
system and the results are shown in sections VII-c and VIII-c.
On April 26th
, the team presented their design of the PV system at Union University’s
Scholarship Symposium. This presentation can be found in section XI-a, the necessary data
sheets and installation manuals can be found in section XI-b, and meeting minutes can be found
in section XI-c.
7. 7
III. Introduction
a. Background
Orphanage Emmanuel was developed in 1989 by a couple named David and Lydia Martinez.
They felt that the Lord was leading them to leave everything behind and start this new orphanage
in Guaimaca, Honduras, and they obeyed. Starting from scratch, David and Lydia only had a few
children to raise with not many buildings. As time passed, Orphanage Emmanuel established
several more different buildings, allowing more children to come to live in this safe environment.
Today’s number of children is more than five hundred! Because of the high volume of people
living at the orphanage, their power bill has hit an outstanding amount, approximately $24,000 a
month.
b. Fact-Finding Trip
During the GO Honduras trip in Spring 2015, David and Lydia asked Union University or
help with this situation. President Oliver in turn contacted the engineering department, and the
department brainstormed possible solutions. Their initial step consisted of having a fact-finding
team go to Honduras for five days during the Fall of 2015 to physically see and discover any
possible options. During this trip, three engineering students, two engineering professors, and
two staff members examined the major causes of the outrageous power bill and thought of ways
to specifically deal with those problems.
While there, the team discovered two possible projects: a photovoltaic system and a solar-
water heating system. The photovoltaic system, specifically, is meant to deal solely with the
Team House, which houses all the volunteers that come for short periods of time. This house
alone uses about $2,000 of electricity per month. The Photovoltaic Team was asked to develop a
8. 8
system that will retrieve maximum solar energy to contribute to the electricity used in the team
house.
IV. Preliminary Design Proposal for PV System
a. Introduction
i. Purpose
The purpose of this proposal is to describe the design process that will be used
and the proposed potential solutions for the Honduras Photovoltaic project as presented
by the Union Engineering Fact-Finding Team.
ii. Problem Statement
Orphanage Emmanuel is home to over 500 kids and as a result is very large orphanage
that requires a great deal of power in order to supply the water, food, and safety the kids need. In
addition, due to a change in leadership of Honduras the orphanage is being charged thousands of
dollars a month in back charges and fines for power used in previous years. Because of these
issues, the orphanage is paying about $24000 a month for power and is need of a way to reduce
this cost. The purpose of this project is to provide the orphanage with a prototype photovoltaic
system that can be studied and added on to in the future with the end goal being to reduce the
orphanage's draw on government power.
i. Scope
This proposal will describe the design process used by the team to identify and construct
the ideal PV system for Orphanage Emmanuel. This will include a rough schedule the work to be
done, a description of each team member's responsibilities, and a list of the Team’s resources.
9. 9
b. Discussion
i. Design Approach
The design approach the team will use will be to research and compare the different types
of PV systems as well as the different components that could be used. During this process, the
team will remain in close contact with Orphanage Emmanuel to ensure that most ideal solution is
selected. Some potential solutions could include grid-tied PV system, a battery system, or a grid-
tied with battery backup. Our team will compare the characteristics of these different solutions
with the needs of the orphanage and select the type of system that will best meet those needs.
ii. Brainstorm and Research Potential Solutions
The first step of the design process will be to research the different types of PV systems
and components that could potentially be used in the project. This will involve developing a list
of the characteristics of the ideal system for the orphanage and then comparing each potential
solution to those ideal characteristics.
iii. Propose a Solution and Submit Solution Designs and Specifications
After selecting the top solution and obtaining the orphanage's approval of it, the team will
begin the process of purchasing the main components and necessary connecting wires and clips.
The team will also obtain the necessary installation manuals, budget expenses and make
engineering drawings of the system.
iv. Construct and Analyze the Solution/Testing
After all necessary components have been purchased, the team will integrate the
components together in order to perform tests to verify the proper functioning of the system.
After testing, the system will be taken apart and transported down to the orphanage. There, the
10. 10
mounting system will be designed and built on site and the system will be installed on the roof of
the Team House.
c. Resource Planning
i. Statement of Work
The following is a list of the required tasks involved in researching, designing, building,
and testing the ideal PV system. A complete Gantt chart is located in section X.
1. Identify ideal characteristics of PV system (1 week)
2. Research Potential Solutions (3 weeks)
3. Compare the Solutions to determine which best fits the ideal system (2 weeks)
4. Select the ideal and system and get approval from the customer (1 week)
5. Purchase necessary components and obtain installation and operating manuals (4 weeks)
6. Construct the system and perform tests to verify proper function (1 week)
7. Disassemble system and transport to Honduras for installation (0 weeks)
8. Design and construct mounting system and install PV system at the orphanage (1 week)
ii. Resources
The Union University project team consists of two senior engineering, one from the
Mechanical concentration and one from the Electrical. Both have received the necessary
education in the design process, budgeting, performing analysis, and customer communication as
well as the required technical knowledge in order to successfully complete the project. Erin
Picard, who was part of the Fact-Finding Team that visited the orphanage in September, will be
responsible for maintaining communication with the customer and for researching the electrical
connections part of the PV system. Nathan Parke, who has been to the orphanage twice within
the last year, will be responsible for researching the solar panel, mounting system, and also
11. 11
making the necessary solar calculations. He will also be responsible for delivering and installing
the system at the orphanage during Spring Break. Both team members, however, will be in
frequent contact and will work together on all necessary components of the project in order to
find the ideal solution.
iii. Facilities and Equipment
The following facilities and equipment have been provided for the team's use:
The Engineering Computer Lab
The Engineering Conference room
The Computer Lab at Union
The Engineering workshop w/ tools
Any necessary Power and Electrical monitoring devices
iv. Fiscal
The team has received a $1000 grant from Union University to help cover the costs of the
project. The GO Trip program also contributed $150 to send the solar panel as luggage to the
orphanage in Guaimaca.
d. Costs
The goal of the project team is to keep the cost of the project under the allotted $1000
grant both to minimize our own expenses as well as to meet the project goal of keeping the
system relatively inexpensive.
e. Conclusion
Orphanage Emmanuel is burdened financially by very large power bills they have to pay
each month. A photovoltaic system must be designed in such a way that it will be added on to in
future and also be relatively inexpensive. The system must also be easy for the orphanage to
12. 12
maintain and aesthetically pleasing. Through the detailed plan listed above, the UU team will
determine the solution that will best meet these desired goals. The team will then, upon approval
from the orphanage, deliver and install the system in Honduras.
This project was proposed as designing a photovoltaic system that would help power the
Team House at Orphanage Emmanuel in Honduras and installing a prototype, which could then
be duplicated and added on to. The electricity needs of the Team House were defined as being
between $1K and $2K per month. The components of the project that were presented to us were
determining the PV systems size and location, designing the system to be modular, developing
an expansion plan, determining whether the system should be tied into the grid, and developing a
maintenance plan for the system.
V. Project Selection Process
a. Team Selection
Initially, the students were asked as a whole to decide on important project properties that
would play vital roles in the student’s decision-making process for the senior design project. A
few properties mentioned by the class included innovation, achievability, hands-on work,
research, and enjoyable work. The class later slightly narrowed the list of properties in order to
score the different organization’s project presentations.
Dr. Schwindt and Dr. Van had seven different organizations (Honduras counting as one)
present their projects to the Major Project Design class. During each presentation, the students
were each given a sheet of paper with the organization’s different projects and the different
qualifications that the class discussed. The purpose of this sheet was to rank the projects from a
1-10 scale of how well we thought that project met that specific qualifications.
13. 13
Because each student had different views of the importance of each property, the project
that was most interesting and important to us had a higher total number of points. For example, if
a student viewed the “Challenging” property as the most important aspect of a project, he or she
would initially rank that property as 100. Later on, when a project was presented, the student
would rank that project as a low or high number (from 1-10) for the “Challenging” property,
depending on their view of the challenging level. Finally, their latter number would be multiplied
with the 100 they picked from the beginning. This process was done by each property. In the
end, each student added up their total score for each project and compared. Once all the projects
had been presented, Dr. Schwindt organized each student’s preference from greatest to least. He
and Dr. Van then tried to accommodate all of us and placed us on a team from our top three
choices.
b. Design Team Organization
Because the Photovoltaic System Team only consists of two people, most of our tasks
consisted of the help of both members. Our main divided work will be research. Nathan’s main
research included finding the best solar panel available and finding the best mounting system for
that particular solar panel that will work for the roofs of Orphanage Emmanuel. Because Erin
was unable to travel to Orphanage Emmanuel during Spring Break, Nathan (along with Dr.
Schwindt) was responsible for installing the system into the Team House.
Erin’s side of research included how to physically tie the energy from the inverter into
their power grid. She also researched the best inverter that will coordinate with the chosen solar
panel. Among other responsibilities that Erin held was to send weekly updates to the customer,
Wade McCollum and Mike Madsen. We both had a part in extensive research for batteries that
14. 14
complement the system or if a battery is necessary. We also worked together on documentation
for the project.
VI. Problem Statement
Orphanage Emmanuel is home to over 500 kids and as a result is very large orphanage
that requires a great deal of power in order to supply the water, food, and safety the kids need. In
addition, due to a change in leadership of Honduras the orphanage is being charged thousands of
dollars a month in back charges and fines for power used in previous years. Because of these
issues, the orphanage is paying about $24000 a month for power and is need of a way to reduce
this cost. The purpose of this project is to provide the orphanage with a prototype photovoltaic
system that can be studied and added on to in the future with the end goal being to reduce the
orphanage's draw on government power.
a. Design goals
i. Obtain power from sun
ii. Convert power from solar to electrical directly
iii. Store in batteries and/or tie in to grid, if feasible
b. Design constraints
i. Solar panel and inverter have to compatible
ii. Aesthetics – blending in to roof
iii. Limited budget
iv. Repeatable system
c. Design specifications
i. Angles for solar panel to be optimal
ii. Find weather-proofing solution for microinverter
15. 15
iii. Aesthetically pleasing – professional look
iv. Maximize simplicity of system
v. Provide necessary safety features for system
vi. Maximize cost-efficiency of equipment
vii. Make system modular/repeatable
viii. Teach staff how to operate equipment.
VII. Abstraction
a. Project Decomposition
i. 5-Why
The first step in the abstraction process was to identify the root cause of the problem that
the project needed to address. This was using the 5-Why method which through the use
sequential why question leads deeper and deeper towards the original problem to be solved.
Why are Orphanage Emmanuel’s monthly power bills so high?
The orphanage uses a lot of power each month and has to rely on expensive government
supplied power.
Why does the orphanage have to rely on government-supplied power?
They have no method of producing their own power.
Why can’t the orphanage produce their own power?
No one has provided them with a model PV system that they could study and expand
upon.
16. 16
ii. General Abstraction
The second method of abstraction used was to research the different potential
components that could be used in a PV system and flesh them out using a comparison chart.
Figure 2 shows this comparison chart for the solar panel while Figure 3 shows the one for the
inverter.
18. 18
b. Alternatives
i. Searching for a Solution:
Regardless of the components chosen above, our research quickly led us to the
conclusion that there were three main types of PV systems: A grid-tied system, a battery system,
or a combination of the two. The next step in the abstraction process was to compare these three
types of system with our initial design goals. This was done using a simple comparison chart.
Grid-tied System Battery System Grid-tied with
Battery Backup
Repeatable/Modular Y Y Y
Inexpensive Y N N
Simplicity Y N N
Safe Y Y Y
Maximized Power
Output
N Y Y
Figure 4: PV System Comparison Chart
ii. Alternate Components
Monocrystalline Panel
With this type of panel, the silicon for the solar cells is obtained by drawing out a single
crystal of silicon using a long and expensive process. As a result, these panels are typically a
little more efficient than polycrystalline panels but also much more expensive.
19. 19
String Inverters
These inverters are designed to have multiple solar panels connected in series to them.
The downside is that if one solar panel were to malfunction or breakdown, the circuit would be
broken and the rest of the panels would also not be able to provide power.
Microinverter
Microinverters are designed to transform the power of just one or two solar panels. But
unlike a grid-tied inverter, additional grounding and disconnects must be added to the system to
protect against power surges or outages.
iii. Alternative Solutions
Battery System
With a battery system, the solar panel would be connected directly to a set of solar
batteries, where any power produced would be stored. Solar batteries just refer to batteries that
are designed to be efficient and environmentally friendly as well as to be compatible with a PV
system, but are essentially just normal lead-acid batteries. However, the system would be tied
with a switch so that the building would either be running off of grid power or solar power but
never both.
Grid-Tie with Battery Backup
This system would have the power from the solar panel run first through a set of
batteries, then through the inverter and then would be tied in directly to the grid. With this
20. 20
system, the solar panel would normally be supplementing the power supplied by the grid. In the
case of a power outage, however, the inverter would prevent power from being fed into the grid
and the power would instead be stored in the solar batteries until the grid was powered back up.
c. Model
The following drawing demonstrates the function the selected grid-tied PV system.
21. 21
Figure 5: Model of PV System
VIII. Synthesis
The synthesis portion of the Red Book describes specific features of each component of
the PV system spoken about in the Abstraction portion.
a. Enphase M250 Microinverter
During initial research, two main inverters were analyzed: string inverters and
microinverters. Both inverters seemed to do the job fairly well; however, looking towards the
future, the string inverters require the solar panels to be in series with each other, which would
cause major issues between the whole system if only one solar panel goes out or reads bad data.
The microinverter is required for each solar panel installed. This may be a little more expensive,
but one specification of the project is it to be repeatable. The microinverter suits the
specifications of this project very well.
The team decided on 250W as a perfect balance between cost and effectiveness. Several
inverters with this wattage were sold, which made the process of choosing the Enphase slightly
harder. Enphase inverters were popular on the market and had good reviews, which lead the team
to stick with that specific company. Because the PV system was being installed in a standard
house, we chose the inverter that works with residential usage. Even though other options were
available, such as the Enphase S230 and Enphase M215, the Enphase M250 was still the best
option for the project.
22. 22
The Enphase M250 can work with either 208V or 240V. We were pleased to learn that
Honduras runs 240V at 60 Hz, which is the same as that in the US. To specifically allow the
inverter to run at 240V, a specific Engage Cable had to be purchased. The 240 VAC cable
included four conductors, a ground, a neutral, and two hots. A few smaller parts needed to be
purchased as well, such as the branch terminator, watertight sealing cap, cable clips, and the
disconnect tool. The Enphase M250 is shown below in Figure 6.
Figure 6 Enphase M250
b. 225W Mitsubishi Electric Solar Panel
The team had originally purchased REC Solar 250W solar panel. A few weeks after
purchasing, the team realized there was an issue with the shipment of the solar panel, which led
to reimbursement and no solar panel. Fortunately, Ron Friesen, who is currently a missionary in
23. 23
India and has connections with Union’s Engineering Department, was gracious and donated to us
a brand new solar panel he had. With the Enphase Compatibility Calculator, the team was able to
verify that this particular solar panel was compatible with the microinverter already purchased.
Even though the Mitsubishi solar panel was not the original plan, it worked well with our
system, especially since it did not affect cost at all. Looking at the Data Sheet section in the
Section XIb, the Mitsubishi, shown below in Figure 7, has an efficiency of 13.7% and a
minimum power rating 218.3 Wp, which is a unit called watt-peak, measuring the peak power.
The solar panel weighs about 44 pounds and has dimensions of 65.3” x 39.1” x 1.81”.
Figure 7: Mitsubishi Electric Solar Panel
c. Envoy Communication Gateway
In order for the system to be monitored by both the customers in Honduras and the
Engineering Department in Tennessee, the team needed to find an online communication system.
Enphase, the company the team purchased the microinverter from, sells a product called Envoy,
which communicates directly to the Enphase microinverter and displays the results to a website
called Enlighten.
24. 24
Envoy is a perfect fit for this project because it helps meet multiple requirements of the
project. One Envoy is used for multiple microinverters, up to 600 units! Because this project was
created to be repeatable and to maximize simplicity, no other Envoy will need to be purchased in
the future. Reading the data from the system, the Envoy reads the communication directly from
the energy lines. This information is transferred directly to the Enlighten website. Power and
energy can be read over a various range of time frames, such as the day of, the past 7 days, and
the lifetime of the system. In addition to the website, the Enlighten information can be viewed on
a mobile app on any smartphone. Envoy Communications Gateway and a sample of the
information from the Enlighten website are shown in Figures 8 and 9, respectively.
Figure 8: Envoy Communication
27. 27
IX. Design Analysis
a. Recommended Best Solution
The best solution for our PV system is grid-tie system using a polycrystalline solar panel
mounted on the roof connected to a grid-tie microinverter to convert the power from DC to AC
and then tied in to the grid through a breaker box using a 20 amp breaker. We will use
polycrystalline solar panels rather than monocrystalline because polycrystalline panels are more
economical while having similar efficiency levels as monocrystalline panels. Keeping in mind
that system is to be modular and more panels will eventually be added, we chose a microinverter
rather than a string inverter to minimize power losses. We specifically chose a grid-tie
microinverter because has built in grounding protection from power surges and automatically
prevents power from being fed into the grid while the power is down. Using these types of
components will meet the design goals of providing power to the Team House through the grid
while also making the system optimal for modularization by installing additional solar panels.
b. Optimal Angle Analysis
The team performed an analysis on the total power produced in a year as a function of the
angle of the solar panel. This analysis was performed with an excel spreadsheet using actual flux
calculations described in Chapter 9 of Energy Systems Engineering by Francis M. Vanek, Louis
D. Albright, and Largus T. Angenent. Ideally, the solar panel’s angle would be adjusted
throughout the year as the optimal angle continuously changes. However, as seen in Section d. of
the Appendix, a monthly angle change would only result in about a 4% increase in power
produced. This increase would not be worth the extra expense and labor required to make the
system adjustable. In Figure 5 below, the results of the analysis are shown with year energy of
the optimal angle highlighted in yellow.
28. 28
Solar Panel
Angle
13 15 17 19 20 Monthly
Optimal
Yearly Energy
(kWh/m^2)
2530 2534 2536 2535 2533 2635
Figure 10: Optimal Solar Panel Angle
c. Cost Analysis:
This system produces power for the orphanage and will offset the energy it has to pay for as part
of the monthly power bill. In Figure 6 the total year to date energy produced by the system is shown as
30.4 kWh. Considering the free solar panel, the cost of the system was $778.34 and the payback period
would be 11.452 years. The full cost analysis can be seen in section d. of the Appendix. The reason this
payback period is so long is the Envoy system which accounts for over half the total cost of the system.
Because the Envoy can track up to 500 inverters any additional solar panels that are added will not
require another Envoy system and will reduce the payback period. However, this reduction will be
partially offset by the cost of additional solar panels, since the panel for this system was donated. It
must also be cautioned that the engineering, installation, shipping and overhead costs were not taken
into account when calculating the total cost. An additional analysis for a system with ten solar panels,
including the cost of the solar panel, can be seen in section d. of the Appendix.
30. 30
Figure 11: YTD Energy Produce
X. Drawings
a. Creo Drawing of Mounting Brackets
Measurements shown in inches
Figure 12: Creo Drawing of Mounting Bracket
Commented [DV2]: Round dimensions to nearest unit.
Mention what unit you people are to read the drawings
with (inches or cm?)
32. 32
c. Bill of Materials
Figure 14: Photovoltaic System Bill of Materials with Free Solar Panel
Figure 15: Photovoltaic System Bill of Materials with Cost of Solar Panel
40. 40
March 4, 2016 Presentation
Honduras Photovoltaic
System Update
Nathan Parke
Erin Picard
Difficulties Encountered
— Contacting our customer
— Physical Connection
— Wires to Microinverter
— To grid
— New system involved at OE
— Solar Panel
42. 42
Where We are Now
— Have basics components
— Need
— Power Meter
— Rails
— Disconnect
— Junction box
— Budget left: $716.03
— 16 days left to finish!!
Questions?
56. 56
Envoy Communications Gateway
®
Envoy Communications Gateway™
S M A R T
- Includes web-based monitoring
and control
- Integrates with smart energy devices
- Automatically upgrades and sends
performance data
The Enphase Envoy
®
Communications Gateway provides network access to the solar array
enabling comprehensive monitoring and management of an Enphase system .
Solar professionals and system owners can easily check the status of their Enphase System using
the Envoy’s LCD display or get more detailed performance data via Enlighten
®
Software, included
with purchase of Envoy.
S I M P L E
- Plug and play installation
- Flexible network config
u
r at ion
- No additional AC wiring required
S C A L A B L E
- Residential or commercial ready out
of the box
- Supports up to 600 microinverters
58. 58
Engage Cable System and Accessories
FA S T
- Quick installation
- Large branch capacity
F L E X I B L E
- Simple design
- No additional cables
S A F E
- No high voltage DC
- Reduced fire risk
The Engage™ Cable is a continuous length of 12AWG cable with pre-installed connectors for
Enphase Microinverters. The cable is handled like standar d outdoor-rated electrical wire, allowing it
to be cut, spliced and extended as needed.
The Engage Accessories complement the Engage Cable and give it the ability to adapt to any
installation.
Enphase®
Engage Cable
60. 60
c. Meeting Minutes
Project Goals and Specifications Planning
MINUTES OCOTBER 23, 2015 2:30 PAC A-7
MEETING CALLED BY
Nathan Parke
TYPE OF MEETING
Informal
FACILITATOR
Nathan Parke
NOTE TAKER
Erin Picard
TIMEKEEPER
N/A
ATTENDEES
Nathan Parke and Erin Picard
Agenda topics
20 MINUTES GENERAL GOALS
DISCUSSION
We discussed the difference between problem statement and design goals. We
brainstormed general goals.
CONCLUSIONS
General Goals: 1. Obtain power from the sun 2. Convert power from solar to electric
3. Store power in batteries and/or tie in to grid
ACTION ITEMS PERSON RESPONSIBLE DEADLINE
Research possible need for batteries when tying into dirty
power
Nathan Parke 1/4/2016
25 MINUTES SPECIFIC GOALS
61. 61
DISCUSSION
We fleshed out general goals into specific goals.
CONCLUSIONS
Specific Goals: 1.Find the optimal angles for the solar panel 2.Find weather-proofing
s solution for system 3.Aesthetically pleasing 4.Maximize simplicity of system 5.Provide necessary
safety features for system 6.Maximize cost-efficiency of system 7.Make system modular/repeatable
8.Teach staff how operate equipment
ACTION ITEMS PERSON RESPONSIBLE DEADLINE
Type up report Erin Picard 11/2/2015
Abstraction of Project
MINUTES OCOTBER 30, 2015 2:45PM PAC A-7
MEETING CALLED BY
Nathan Parke
TYPE OF MEETING
Informal
FACILITATOR
Nathan Parke
NOTE TAKER
Erin Picard
TIMEKEEPER
N/A
ATTENDEES
Nathan Parke and Erin Picard
Agenda topics
30 MINUTES COMPONENTS OF PV SYSTEM
62. 62
DISCUSSION
We discussed the various components that would be needed for our PV system.
CONCLUSIONS
Main components: 1. Solar Panel 2. Inverter 3. Tie/in to Grid or Batteries
ACTION ITEMS PERSON RESPONSIBLE DEADLINE
Create Abstract Nathan Parke 11/4/2015
Draw Model Erin Picard 11/4/2015
Questions for Furthering Research
MINUTES JANUARY 9, 2016 7:00PM PAC B-34
MEETING CALLED BY
Nathan Parke
TYPE OF MEETING
Informal
FACILITATOR
Nathan Parke
NOTE TAKER
Erin Picard
TIMEKEEPER
N/A
ATTENDEES
Nathan Parke and Erin Picard
Agenda topics
30 MINUTES GENERAL GOALS
63. 63
DISCUSSION
We gathered multiple questions to ask Wade and Mike in order to proceed with our
project.
CONCLUSIONS
We decided on three questions to ask: 1) When containers will be shipped to OE from
Chattanooga. 2) Where they want the placement of the solar panels 3) Distance between each “
wave” on the roofing
ACTION ITEMS PERSON RESPONSIBLE DEADLINE
Determine best possible solar panel Nathan Parke 1/19/2016
Email Jason Snyder about batteries; determine best
possible inverter
Erin Picard 1/19/2016
Compatibility of Solar Panel and Inverter
MINUTES JANUARY 19, 2016 5:30PM PAC B-34
MEETING CALLED BY
Nathan Parke
TYPE OF MEETING
Informal
FACILITATOR
Nathan Parke and Erin Picard
NOTE TAKER
Erin Picard
TIMEKEEPER
N/A
ATTENDEES
Nathan Parke and Erin Picard
Agenda topics
1 HOUR 30 MINUTES GENERAL GOALS
64. 64
DISCUSSION
We took our components that we found best suited and compared the two. We used an
online compatibility calculator to determine if they would work together.
CONCLUSIONS
Components best suited: 1) Polycrystalline Solar Panel 2) Grid-Tie Inverter
ACTION ITEMS PERSON RESPONSIBLE DEADLINE
Research wires needed to physically tie in inverter to grid Erin Picard 2/7/2016
Find out how to obtain grant money Nathan Parke 2/7/2016
Learning More on Tying into Grid
MINUTES FEBRUARY 10, 2016 2:00PM PAC A-9
MEETING CALLED BY
Erin Picard
TYPE OF MEETING
Informal
FACILITATOR
Nathan Parke and Erin Picard
NOTE TAKER
Erin Picard
TIMEKEEPER
Nathan Parke
ATTENDEES
Nathan Parke and Erin Picard
65. 65
Agenda topics
1 HR 30 MINUTES GENERAL GOALS
DISCUSSION
We talked about the Dement Solar Farms and what all was learned. The group discussed
who to contact in Jackson in order to have a better understanding of how to tie the microinverter into
the grid. We also figured out our remaining budget.
CONCLUSIONS
Mr. Dement from Dement Solar Farms suggested Eddie Paramore at Solar and
Renewable Power Systems in Jackson. We discovered the budget used was $414.40, giving us a
remainder of $585.60 for future uses.
ACTION ITEMS PERSON RESPONSIBLE DEADLINE
Contact Eddie Paramore. Nathan Parke 2/17/16
Contact Wade, our customer. Erin Picard 2/17/16
Finding New Solar Panel
MINUTES FEBRUARY 17, 2016 2:00PM PAC A-9
MEETING CALLED BY
Nathan Parke
TYPE OF MEETING
Informal
FACILITATOR
Nathan Parke and Erin Picard
NOTE TAKER
Erin Picard
TIMEKEEPER
Nathan Parke
ATTENDEES
Nathan Parke and Erin Picard
66. 66
Agenda topics
1 HR GENERAL GOALS
DISCUSSION
We found an issue with the ordering process of our first solar panel choice, so we were
forced find another solar panel to order that was not only compatible with the Enphase microinverter
already purchased but also affordable.
CONCLUSIONS
The team found the REC Solar REC250PE that had a 25 year warranty and produced the
desired voltage. It was also in the reasonable price range.
ACTION ITEMS PERSON RESPONSIBLE DEADLINE
Order the solar panel; find equations for calculations. Nathan Parke 2/24/16
Order parts, wiring, and accessories. Erin Picard 2/24/16
Discovering the New Solar Panel
MINUTES FEBRUARY 24, 2016 2:00PM PAC B-34
MEETING CALLED BY
Erin Picard
TYPE OF MEETING
Informal
FACILITATOR
Nathan Parke and Erin Picard
NOTE TAKER
Erin Picard
TIMEKEEPER
Nathan Parke
ATTENDEES
Nathan Parke and Erin Picard
67. 67
Agenda topics
2 HR GENERAL GOALS
DISCUSSION
The group received a free solar panel from Ron Friesen this past week.
CONCLUSIONS
The team found the REC Solar REC250PE that had a 25 year warranty and produced the
desired voltage. It was also in the reasonable price range.
ACTION ITEMS PERSON RESPONSIBLE DEADLINE
Order the solar panel; find equations for calculations. Nathan Parke 2/24/16
Order parts, wiring, and accessories. Erin Picard 2/24/16
Learning About Physical Connection to Grid
MINUTES MARCH 2, 2016 5:00PM CONFERENCE ROOM - PIT
MEETING CALLED BY
Dr. Randy Schwindt
TYPE OF MEETING
Informal
FACILITATOR
Dr. Schwindt, Nathan Parke, Erin Picard
NOTE TAKER
Erin Picard
TIMEKEEPER
Nathan Parke
ATTENDEES
Dr. Schwindt, Nathan Parke and Erin Picard
68. 68
Agenda topics
1.5 HR GENERAL GOALS
DISCUSSION
The team and Dr. Schwindt had a conference call with Tom Fenimore in order to learn
about the physical connection of the PV system to the power grid.
CONCLUSIONS
Mr. Fenimore gave us an instructional document stating the exact steps needed in order
to tie the system into the grid. The main components needed were 12 AWG cable and a 20A breaker.
ACTION ITEMS PERSON RESPONSIBLE DEADLINE
Order Envoy system. Nathan Parke 3/9/16
Find out components needed to tie system into grid. Erin Picard 3/9/16
Finding a Disconnect
MINUTES MARCH 9, 2016 2:00PM B-34
MEETING CALLED BY
Nathan Parke
TYPE OF MEETING
Informal
FACILITATOR
Nathan Parke
NOTE TAKER
Erin Picard
TIMEKEEPER
Erin Picard
ATTENDEES
Nathan Parke and Erin Picard
69. 69
Agenda topics
2 HR GENERAL GOALS
DISCUSSION
Since Mr. Tom Fenimore had informed the team of a disconnect, we researched
disconnects that were made for 250W systems.
CONCLUSIONS
The team found an Eaton DG221NGB 30A disconnect for $37. The team also questioned
the importance of having a DC disconnect in the system.
ACTION ITEMS PERSON RESPONSIBLE DEADLINE
Go to Home Depot. Test PV System. Nathan Parke 3/18/16
Call Enphase and go to Home Depot. Test PV System. Erin Picard 3/18/16
Finding a Disconnect
MINUTES MARCH 18, 2016 4:30PM DR. SCHWINDT’S HOUSE
MEETING CALLED BY
Dr. Schwindt
TYPE OF MEETING
Informal
FACILITATOR
Dr. Schwindt
NOTE TAKER
N/A
TIMEKEEPER
Erin Picard
ATTENDEES
Dr. Schwindt, Nathan Parke, and Erin Picard
70. 70
Agenda topics
2 HR GENERAL GOALS
DISCUSSION
Because the PV system has a minimum voltage range of 210V, the PV system did not
work when tested with Union’s power because of the 208V usage. This caused the team to have to
test at a residential house, specifically Dr. Schwindt’s house.
CONCLUSIONS
The system worked successfully. The team was able to practice installing the system into
the utility box and understand what to do at Orphanage Emmanuel that next week.
ACTION ITEMS PERSON RESPONSIBLE DEADLINE
Install the system, with Dr. Schwindt’s help. Nathan Parke 3/26/16
Work on Meeting Minutes. Erin Picard 3/30/16
d. Calculations
Yearly Percent Gain in Energy for Monthly Angle Adjustments:
% Gain =
𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠−𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑆𝑒𝑡 𝑂𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑙 𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒
𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑆𝑒𝑡 𝑂𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑙 𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒
∗ 100% =
2635
𝑘𝑊ℎ
𝑚2 −2536
𝑘𝑊ℎ
𝑚2
2536
𝑘𝑊ℎ
𝑚2
∗ 100% = 3.904%
Savings per year: (Our system – one solar panel)
Since the system has been installed (32 days total when calculated), system has produced
30.4 kWh. Cost of 1 kWh in Honduras is $0.196.
30,400 𝑊ℎ
32 𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠
=
950 𝑊ℎ
𝑑𝑎𝑦
∗
365 𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠
𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟
= 346,750
𝑊ℎ
𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟
= 346.75
𝑘𝑊ℎ
𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟
346.75
𝑘𝑊ℎ
𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟
∗
$0.196
1 𝑘𝑊ℎ
=
$67.96
𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟
Payback Period
