Solar PV Site Assessment Report Form

Transcription

1 Solar PV Site Assessment Report Form Name of Consultant: Amy Taivalkoski Consultant contact information: ALT Energy W231 N7458 E. Stoneridge Ct. Sussex, WI Date of Consultation: January 7, 2006 Time Spent on site: 1:15 hrs Mileage: 30 miles RT Latitude: Longitude: Elevation: 770 Name of Client: Unitarian Universalist Church West W North Ave Brookfield, WI uucw@uucw.org County: Waukesha Utility: WE Energies Project Overview Unitarian Universalist Church West (UUCW) is a church that believes, as one of its founding principles, in the responsibility to be good stewards of the earth. Renewable energy is one way to demonstrate this commitment. UUCW already participates 100% in the green pricing program Energy for Tomorrow through their utility WE Energies. They are investigating whether a solar electric (PV) system would work at their site and how much it would cost. 1

2 1. Why is the client interested in renewable energy? UUCW is investigating the in the possibility of using a solar PV system as an investment in clean energy and to help lower the electrical bills over the long term. 2. What types of system(s) is the client interested in? Solar PV. 3. Is the system being installed as part of a new construction, or as a retrofit? Retrofit. 4. What is the client s timeline for installation? Will it be installed all at once or incrementally? If the numbers work out, and the grants come through, it would be in the summer of 2007 at the earliest. It is possible that the initial system would be expanded in the future. 5. How involved is the customer willing to be with the system? Is interested in being involved in the installation of the system. Will take full responsibility for the maintenance of the system. X Will perform basic maintenance, but wants technical back up for problem situations. Wants maintenance performed by outside contractor. 6. General Description of Solar PV System A. Basic A Solar PV system is a collection of Photovoltaic panels connected together to create an array of the desired size (wattage). For example, eight 40 watt panels connect to form a 320watt array. For a larger system, you may have ten 200 watt panels forming a 2kW system. The framed PV modules sit side-byside on a rack and the wires from the individual modules are run under the array to a combiner box which combines the outputs from the individual modules into one larger output, which is then run into the building. The PV systems produce DC power which, in a normal grid-tied application, is converted into AC power by an inverter, and then connected to your electrical service panel to power the loads at the building and/or to feed onto the power grid. PV panels produce their maximum output when they are perpendicular to the sun, that is, they are facing the sun with respect to both the North/South (altitude) and the East/West (azimuth). The output of the panel gradually decreases as the angle to the sun becomes less perpendicular. 2

3 PV panels are very sensitive to shade. Internally most panels are wired in series which means that even if one corner of the panel is shaded, the entire panel stops generating electricity. This also means that if 5 modules are wired together in series to form an array, the entire array shuts down when just one of the panels is shaded. An installer will be able to wire the panels in such a way that this effect is minimized; however, shade should be avoided if at all possible, even from an overhead power line. B. Advantages of PV 1. Modular One of the nice features of a solar system is that it is modular. Unlike wind systems, for example, which take large jumps in energy generating capacity, a solar system can be added to in increments over time. This enables the owner to spread the cost of the system over many years. It should be noted, however, that the added panels must be compatible with the original panels and that the inverter must have the capacity to handle the increased wattage; of course an additional inverter can also be purchased. 2. Low Maintenance Grid-tied solar systems are very low in maintenance, and this translates into low maintenance costs. Keeping the panels clean is the main concern. Especially in the winter, if the snow is not melting fast enough, you may want to sweep off the panels (although this is not recommended for pitched roof mounted systems). If the temperature is greater than 32 degrees, the panels will usually shed their snow within 24 hours. If trackers are involved, there will be some maintenance for these motors. 3. Long Productive Life Solar panels usually have a 25 year electrical production warrantee which works like this: A one year warrantee on the module, and a production warrantee that states that it is guaranteed to be producing at least 90 percent of rated power for ten years and at least 80 percent of rated power for 25 years. Some would say they degrade by as much as ½ % per year, but most feel that this loss tapers off, and the module may be producing 75 percent of rated power perhaps 40 years from now. C. Mounting Methods: 1. Fixed Array Panels can be mounted in several different configurations. A fixed array is a set of panels mounted at fixed angles of altitude and azimuth. The array cannot be tilted or otherwise adjusted. This is often the case for roof mounted systems, when the roof is pitched, since climbing out onto the roof to manually adjust the array can be dangerous. A fixed mounted system can also be set up on a ground rack. The optimal tilt angle for fixed arrays is approximately equal to the latitude of the location; for our area that is around 45 degrees. 2. Fixed/Tilt Array A gain of about 5% in energy output can be realized by tilting the array from an altitude of 30 degrees in the summer to 60 degrees in the winter to adjust for the altitude change in the trajectory of the sun. Tilting an array to 60 degrees in the winter has the added benefit of allowing the array to shed snow faster than if the array was fixed at 45 degrees. Fixed/Tilt Arrays look just like fixed arrays, but the rack set-up is such that the panels can be manually adjusted to change the altitude tilt angle. Fixed/Tilt arrays can be installed on a flat roof, on a ground rack, or on a pole rack. 3. Single Axis/Dual Axis Trackers Another option is to have the PV system mounted on a pole with an automatic tracker. Single axis trackers allow the array to track the sun from east to west during the day, optimizing the azimuth 3

4 angle to the sun; this can increase the energy output of the array by as much as 24%. This option only makes sense when there are not major shading obstructions to the east or to the west. Obviously, if there are shading obstructions to the east and west than a tracker does not make sense because there won t be any significant gain in energy output. A dual-axis tracker will track east to west and also track north to south, optimizing both the azimuth and altitude angles of the array to face the sun as its trajectory changes during the year; this results in a 31% energy output gain over fixed arrays. Some PV installer s feel that this is overkill, one more thing to maintain (the motor), and that using a manual seasonal tilt adjustment with a single axis tracker, where appropriate, is sufficient. Tracking systems are not used on rooftop installations, or on rack systems on the ground, since each individual panel would need its own tracking motor, which would get very expensive. D. Mounting Locations 1. Ground Rack A PV system can be installed on the ground if the space is available. Footings must be dug for the rack system and a trench must be made for the wire run. A ground rack can either be fixed or have a seasonal tilt adjustment. Large Ground Mounted PV System 2. Roof Mounted Systems When it comes to roof mounted PV systems there are several options: a. Ballasted Trays On a flat roof, the panels are often installed using ballasted trays. Each panel is mounted on a metal rack, tilted up to an optimum angle, and the rack sits in a metal tray which is filled with rocks or concrete blocks to overcome any wind loading. The racks and trays are not fastened to the roof so there are no roof penetrations. Because each row of raised panels will shade the row of panels behind them, the arrays must be spaced an appropriate distance apart which means that approximately 50%-60% of the square footage of the roof can be considered available for the panels. See pictures below. A disadvantage of this method is the potential for snow buildup which can shade the bottom of the panels. Also, if this method is used, an engineering study may be necessary to make sure that the roof is structurally able to handle the weight and the potential wind loads. The installer should be able to help with this. 4

5 Ballasted Trays b. Flush Mount On a standard pitched roof, the panels are usually flush-mounted to the roof, for aesthetic reasons, using a metal racking system; typically raised up off the roof by a few inches to allow for air circulation to help keep the modules cooler. See figure below. The pitch of many roofs is not at the optimum angle (around 45 degrees for a fixed array in our area) for collecting the most sun light, however, the difference between mounting the panels at 30 and mounting them at 45 is not considered too significant as far as the loss in energy output. Note that the panels can be tilted up an additional degrees above the roof pitch to achieve the maximum energy output if the aesthetics is not an issue for the owner; however, if tilted up too much, the array can create a large, and potentially unsafe, wind load on the roof. The installer will determine the maximum tilt angle based on the roof construction and the specifications of the rack components. Flush Mounted Systems The optimal orientation of the roof is toward due south for maximum energy output; the greater the deviation from due south, the lower the energy output, but ±15 is not considered too significant. c. Standing Seam A third method of installing panels on the roof is to use a metal standing seam roof. This type of roof is more expensive than a traditional roof; however it has a much longer life. Using special S5 mounting clips, the panels can be installed quickly and easily. 5

6 3. Pole/Mast Mounted Systems Another option is to install the PV modules on a large framing rack mounted on top of a pole (sometimes called a mast). Unlike roof mounted systems, pole mounted systems have total flexibility with respect to the pitch and orientation and can be positioned at any angle and any orientation. The pole mounted system can be located anywhere on the property where there is full sun, and should be within of the electrical service panel (check with your local zoning authorities for setback requirements from roads and property lines). There is a size limit to how many panels can be installed on a single pole because of wind loading, so for a large system, multiple poles would be required. Pole and ground mounted systems have additional benefits in our area, where snow fall is an issue, as it is much easier to brush the snow off at ground level than it is to climb up on a roof. With ground mounted systems there are additional issues such as digging and pouring a foundation for the pole (or the ground rack), trenching and running the wire underground to the building. Dual axis tracker on a pole mounted PV array. PV array mounted on a pole with a tracker E. Physical System Size As a general rule of thumb, one square foot of a PV panel generates about 10 watts of electricity (10w/ft²). As panel efficiency continues to improve, this area/watt will decrease. This means that 500 square feet of roof space can accommodate about a 5.0kW PV system. As an example, a commonly used 200 watt module measures 39 X 56. That comes out to about 13watts/ft². Five of these 200watt panels laying flat would create a 1kW array and take up 76 square feet (plus the space for the rack and combiner box). A pole mounted PV system can hold a maximum of between 2.5 kw and 4.0 kw, depending on the solar module manufacturer. The size is limited because, on these poles, the panels act like a sail and create a large wind load. The pole system s components and its foundation must be able to handle this load. An owner can install multiple pole mounted systems as long as they do not shade one another. In the case of a flat roof, using the ballasted tray method for installing the panels at an optimum tilt angle, only about 50%-60% of the roof space would be available. As mentioned above, this is because the rows of south facing panels must be spaced far enough behind one another to avoid any shading cause by the shadows of the row in front. If a pitched roof is used, either traditional or standing seam, then usually only half the roof is usually facing south, and is available for a PV system. 7. Description of Site and Property: 6

7 A. Electrical Service There is single phase 400 amp service at the site. The electrical box is in the basement on the north side of the building in the boiler room. B. Electrical Usage UUCW uses 65,811 kwh/yr which averages out to 5,484 kwh/mo. A summary of the load is shown in the following table: Jan Feb Mar April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov 05 Dec 05 Total kwh/y r ,811 C. Balance of System and Wire Runs As mentioned previously, the power produced by the PV panels is DC power and this power must be electronically manipulated to meet the strict specifications of the electrical utility so that the system can be connected to the grid. These electronic components, including the inverter, the wiring, a disconnect switch, a meter, circuit breakers, etc... are called the Balance of System (BOS) and usually reside next to the existing service panel of the building. The wires from the PV system must be run from their location to the location of the BOS. At UUCW the BOS will be located in the boiler room which is located in the basement of the building, in the middle of the north side. There is an air conditioning unit on the roof of the church (see photo below), adjacent to the proposed PV system location, and an electrical conduit which the installer may be able to use to get the PV wires into the building without additional roof penetrations. Balance of System Current electrical access into building 7

8 D. Physical Description of site and property: The aerial photo below shows the property, and the general area if the building site. On the following pages are 180 degree panoramic photos from the site along with pictures of the Solar Pathfinder display taken from several spots on the roof. The Solar Pathfinder is a tool that shows the solar window for a given site, for all months of the year, by transferring the shading of the surrounding obstructions (usually trees or buildings) onto an easy-to-read flat display. From this display, the percentage of shading for each month of the year can be computed; and from that, the reduction in energy output from the PV system due to this shading. Site 1 UUCW 1 ~ 100yds 2000 Proposed area for PV installation The picture below shows the proposed location at the site for the PV system. It is a rectangular area on the flat roof at the northeastern end of the building, between 3 rows of sky lights. There is a gas pipe on the north side and an electrical conduit on the south side. If more space was needed for the PV panels, these could be moved, but it should not be necessary. The gravel covered area outlined below only has 2 small obstructions, a roof drain and a vent; the locations of which are indicated by the dimensions on the photo. There is a large air conditioning unit on the western side which has an existing electrical path to the inside of the building. To the west of the AC unit is the pyramid shaped roof of the church sanctuary. This does cause some slight shading on the western half of the rectangular area delineated for the PV system as can be seen in the Solar Pathfinder charts below. Other shading is caused by the trees on the property line to the south. These trees are on the church property and if they should get taller and cause a shading issue with the panels in the future, they could be topped off. 8

9 Electric Conduit Gas Pipe N NE SE NW S SW PV System location on roof of church. Solar Pathfinder readings taken at locations indicated by compass directions N, NW, etc. Note air conditioner and conduit Basic rectangular area 49 X 24. Roof Drain indicated in red. Vent indicated in Blue. Images of Solar Pathfinder showing solar window in locations indicated in photo above 9

10 SE S SW NE N NW In the Solar pathfinder pictures above, one can observe some shading caused by the trees to the south. The shading only affects the solar window in the early morning and late afternoon of the winter months and is therefore not that significant. As the pathfinder is moved to the west, the roof of the church s sanctuary comes into play in the afternoon of the winter hours and into the late afternoon of the spring and fall. Based on this information, if UUCW would like to install the system incrementally, it would be best to place their initial system on the northeastern corner of the area outlined above, where the solar window is the most open. Additional panels can be added toward the west at a later date if desired. 180 degree Panoramic Photos from NW corner of proposed area East 10 Southeast

11 South Southwest West 8. PV System Sizing to Load UUCW is interested in the PV system as a way to live their values and to be a role model for the community by demonstrating that clean energy is a viable option. Additionally the system is an investment in stabilizing their future energy costs. Therefore, the system size will be based on the amount of money that the church believes they can raise for this project at this time, as well as on the roof space available. The best site for a PV system is on the north side of the flat roof, between rows of sky lights. This area measured 49 X 24 which is about 1,170 square feet. Because the panels will be tilted up to an optimum angle when installed, they must be spaced apart (in the N to S direction) so as not to shade each other; so the entire square footage will not be available. Using a 200W module, which measures about 39 X 56, as an example, a system comprised of three rows of 13 or 14 modules might be possible 1. This would mean a maximum PV system size of about 8kW DC. 1 The PV System design is up to the installer, this is just a theoretical example. 11

12 To calculate the estimated annual output in kwh/yr that will be produced by a solar PV system at this site, a software tool called the Solar Pathfinder Assistant (SPA) is used. The SPA uses the data, and the PVWATTS source code, of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to estimate the energy output of solar electric systems. It takes into account such factors as the daily solar radiation (kwh/m 2 /day) in the geographic area, the type of mounting structure (e.g. fixed, dual axis tracker, etc), the azimuth angle between the direction of the array and due south, the tilt angle of the array, and a de-rating factor which takes into account any electrical losses in the inverter, transformer, AC and DC wiring, PV module mismatch, etc.. as well as a small percentage de-rating for soiling, shading, and age of the panels. For this case a de-rate factor of 77% was used to account for the system losses including 2% for snow shading. The SPA also takes into account the shading due to obstructions at this particular site by analyzing the digital image taken of the Solar Pathfinder taken during the site visit. Using the SPA software and playing with the tilt angle and the azimuth, it was determined that the optimum energy output was obtained when the array was facing due south with a tilt angle of 35 degrees. In the figures below are the SPA calculations for a 4kW and an 8kW system mounted at a fixed tilt angle of 35 degrees and facing due south. It assumed that the 4KW system would be installed on the eastern half of the available space, and the 8kW system taking up the full space. During the site visit, 6 solar pathfinder readings were taken; one at each corner of the rectangular area of the available space and 2 in the middle. This was done to see how the shading changed within the space. To estimate the annual energy output for each system size, an average of the best case (least shading) and the worst case (most shading) will be taken. For the 4 kw system, the best case reading is one labeled NE (for northeast), and the worst case reading is that labeled S. For the 8KW system the best case reading is again the NE and the worst case for shading is the SW. In the figures below, the first column shows the percentage of the solar window that is unshaded for each month. The second column shows what the estimated annual output of the system would be if there was no shade. And the 3 rd column shows the estimated annual energy outputs, taking into account the shading caused by the trees and the building itself. This last column is the data that we are interested in. The loss in energy output due to the shading is about 4.5% for both the 4kW and the 8 kw systems. 12

13 NE corner (best window) 4 kw system S middle (worst window) NE (least shading) 8kW system 13 SW (most shading)

14 From these tables it is clear that solar panels are truly modular; the 8kW system producing double the energy output of a 4kW system. Therefore, there is great flexibility when selecting a system size, anywhere from 1.5kW 2 to 8kW, to match the needs, and budget, of the church. The 4 kw system size would produce about 4,813 kwh/yr and the 8 kw system would produce about 9,656 kwh/yr. The annual load of UUCW is about 65,800 kwh/yr, so these systems would produce about 7.3% and 14.7% of their electricity needs respectively. 9. System Cost The typical installed price of a grid-tied solar system is $8.00 to $11.00 per watt. The larger systems will be toward the lower end of the price range. There are several financial incentives that can help lower the final system cost. 1. Incentives a. Focus on Energy The Focus on Energy incentive for a solar photovoltaic system is calculated based on the estimated annual energy output generated by the solar system from this site assessment. Note that the solar PV system must be at least 500W (.5 kw) and must be installed by a NABCEP certified PV installer, or an installer listed as pursuing NABCEP certification, to qualify for a Focus on Energy Reward. A list of these installers is maintained by Focus on Energy and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA), and is included at the end of this report. Cash Back Rewards The Focus on Energy Cash Back reward applies to PV systems rated at 20kW and under. The amount of the Cash-Back Reward for non-profits is $2.00 for each kilowatt hour of the estimated annual energy production. This one-time incentive is limited to 35% of the installed cost or $35,000 whichever is less 3. The actual amount of the incentive is determined by Focus on Energy when the application for a Cash Back Reward is submitted. A copy of the application is included with this report. Upon approval, you will have one year to install the system and receive the installation incentive. Focus on Energy s policy limits awards to no more than $85,000, for any combination of grant types, to any individual or business during each fiscal year. This includes projects contracted between July 1, 2006 and June 30, There is no restriction on the number of contracts an individual or business can receive within the $85,000 fiscal year limit. b. WE Energies Solar Buy-Back We Energies has a special buy-back rate for solar generated electricity for PV system sizes 1.5kW and larger. This special buy back rate of $0.225/kwh is applied toward every kwh of electricity produced by the PV system. This means that WE Energies is paying over double the current retail rate for solar generated electricity! The owner of the PV solar system must enroll in the Energy for Tomorrow (EFT) program (WE Energies Green Pricing program); in order to qualify for this special buy-back rate 4 and it is a guaranteed rate for the next 10 years. The cost of participating in the Energy for Tomorrow program is an increase of about 1 cent/kwh on the monthly electric bill; the buy-back rate 2 To get the WE Energies buy-back rate for solar, the system size must be at least 1.5KW 3 Future system expansions of 500 watts or more are also eligible for a CBR. 4 UUCW is already enrolled in Energy for Tomorrow at 100% 14

15 of 22.5 cents/kwh more than makes up for this higher energy use rate. If a PV system is installed that is expected to provide just 50% of the owners electrical needs, then they would only have to participate in the Energy for Tomorrow program at the 50% level (only half of their electricity use would be billed at the higher EFT rate). If the retail rate for electricity goes above this 22.5 cents/kwh, the PV system owner can drop out of the program and just net-meter 5. Contact information for WE Energies is provided in the Follow-up section of this report. UUCW already participates in this pricing program at the 100% level. c. WE Energies Renewable Energy Grants for Non-Profits In addition to the Solar Buy-Back program, WE Energies is also offering Renewable Energy grants to non-profits. The deadlines for the last 2 rounds of this incentive are May 31, 2007 and Sept 28, See the following web site for the details: This grant can cover up to 50% of the installed cost of the PV system after subtracting other incentives, such as the Focus on Energy Cash Back. An application for this grant is enclosed with this report and can be found at: This application must include a solar site assessment (this one), the names and bios of the people that will be involved on the project including the certified installer, information on where the monies for the rest of the cost is coming from, the purpose of the organization and it s mission, etc.. c. Federal Tax Credits Because this is a church, there is no tax credit. 2. System Cost After Incentives The following table shows the costs and incentives for 2 different sizes of fixed-mount solar PV systems. It assumes the maximum value for the Focus on Energy and WE Energies incentives 6. The mid-range installed cost of $10.00/watt is used since the pan and ballast method used on flat roofs is slightly more expensive than the rack system used on a pitched roof. System Size Estimated System Cost at $10 a watt Estimated Annual Production in kwh/yr *Focus on Energy Cash Back Incentive based on $2.00/kWh *, Annual Production WE Energies Grant to Non-Profits (Max) Estimate of Final Cost after incentives Estimated WE Energies Buy-Back income/yr 4kW $40,000 4,813 $9,626 $15,374 $15,374 $1,083 8kW $80,000 9,656 $19,312 $30,344 $30,344 $2,173 These are ballpark price estimates only. Talk to an installer for exact costs. *Installer must be certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) or those working towards certification. Based on these calculations, assuming maximum WE Energies grant, the payback time for a solar system at UUCW would be about 14 years. Remember that the WE Energies buy-back rate is only good for 10 years after the system is installed, after which the PV system would switch to a net-metering rate (retail rate for power); this means if the electricity rates in 10 years are lower than $0.225, the payback time will 5 Net-metering is when your electrical meter runs backwards when you are producing excess electricity, and forward when you are drawing electricity. The utility then credits you at the retail rate for the net production over the course of the month or year (depending on the utility). 6 The incentives in the table do not include any adjustments that may be made by Focus on Energy. 15

16 be slightly longer than indicated. Most people believe that the utility s electricity rates will most likely be on the rise. If the retail rates go above the $0.225 buy-back rate in the next 10+ years, the payback time will be shorter. However, predicting future energy costs is not within the scope of this report. After the payback period, the church will be producing this electricity free and clear for the remaining 20+ years of the PV systems 40+ years of expected life. 3. Other Economic Considerations. a. Maintenance: There is little or no maintenance required on solar systems (especially when no trackers are involved). b. Insurance: No special policy for a solar system is required, only standard homeowners or business insurance w/ liability coverage. Proof of insurance will be required by the utility before the system can be connected to the power grid. c. Property taxes cannot be increased as a result of installing a renewable energy system. This is a state law. 8. Summary UUCW has a good site for a solar PV system. The WE Energies grants for non-profits and the solar buyback rate offered for PV generated electricity makes installing a PV system especially appealing. There is a sense of urgency since the deadlines for the WE Energies grants are in May and September of This system would not really be visible from the street since the panels are facing the opposite direction and the back of the panels will essentially be blocked by the sky lights. This may actually be a good thing aesthetically, but since the church is interested in installing a PV system to demonstrate their values to the community they may want to come up with a way to show the passers bye that there is a PV system at work on the roof. 16

17 9. Follow Up A. Contact several of the qualified full-service PV Solar installers in the area (list provided in this report) to get actual price estimates for installation, to choose a brand and size panel and other system components, determine delivery timelines, as well as discussing what permits may be needed. B. Once a general system cost is known, the decision on whether or not to go ahead with a PV system, and the size of that system, should be made as soon as possible so that the deadlines for submitting the WE Energies grant application can be met. Where the UUCW portion of the cost will be coming from also must be determined before this grant application is submitted. C. Some congregants may want to go see some solar installations and talk to the owners. The installers on the attached installers list should be able to suggest locations. D. If the economics work out satisfactorily, based on all the costs and incentives, and on energy savings/income computed from the estimated energy output of the PV system, then complete the Cash Back Rewards application and submit it to Focus on Energy. They will let you know exactly how much they are going to offer as an incentive. You will then have up to 1 year to install the system. After the system is installed, you will need to send them a Notice of Installation (NOI) with your receipts, and they will send you a check. A copy of the application is supplied with this report. If another copy is needed, contact Wisconsin Focus on Energy at (800) , or go to their web site E. Fill out and submit the WE Energies grant application, indicating the Cash Back amount expected from Focus on Energy on this form. F. Check with your insurance agent to make sure your liability coverage will meet those required by WE Energies for your interconnection contract (see G. below). G. Check with WE Energies to discuss the solar buy-back program, the Energy for Tomorrow program, the grid intertie procedures and requirements, and any insurance issues. (800) ext You can also get information at H. Insure that all utility agreements, financial incentives, and any other required approvals/permits are in hand prior to making any commitment to purchase. 17

18 10. Educational Resources Focus on Energy web site ( great for lots of information on Renewable Energy. For more information on state incentives for renewable energy - Home Power Magazine/Website ( Case studies and stories of renewable energy installations around the country. Midwest Renewable Energy Association ( Hands-on workshops in Wind, PV, Solar Hot water, and more. Consumer Guide to Buying a Solar Electric System Materials Included in Site Assessment Report: 1. Aerial Photos of Property for site - courtesy USGS and teraserver-usa.com 2. Digital pictures in 5 compass directions for proposed site(s) 3. Solar Pathfinder photo(s) from site(s) 4. Results of the Solar Pathfinder Assistant tool used to compute estimated energy outputs with site shading. 5. Websites for more information including for Focus on Energy 12. Materials Enclosed with Site Assessment Report: 1. Full service PV installer list 2. PV Cash-Back Application 3. WE Energies grant application 18