Title: Virtual Lab
Course: SGRD 105 Microgrids and Renewable Energies > Section: SGRD 105 Microgrids and Renewable Energies

Virtual Lab

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Virtual Lab
PVWatts

PVWatts is an analysis tool developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to calculate electrical energy produced by a grid-connected PV system for U.S. locations.  The default values for the system are 3 kW DC power (35 m^2 array), fixed tilt angle equal to latitude, and DC to AC conversion efficiency of 0.77.

- Open the PVWatts page: http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/calculators/PVWATTS/version1/

- Select the state of Illinois and the city of Springfield.  Calculate (button lower left page) the AC energy generated by the default PV system.  Note the kWh generated for the year.

- Next, vary the system size (DC rating in kW) until the energy production for the year is approximately 12,000 kWh.  This is the average annual household consumption.  What DC rating is required?  What is the value of the energy produced for the year?