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Publication Number: CEC-300-2005-019
Abstract:
The California Energy Commission's Emerging Renewables Program (ERP) conducted 165 on-site verifications of small scale renewable energy systems in 2004-2005. These were done to evaluate system performance and to verify whether the documentation and rebate paid were consistent with installed equipment. The ERP has provided incentive funds for the installation of over 15,000 eligible systems (97% PV) with roughly 70 percent installed in 2002-2004. Verification was supported by a mail survey that measured customer experience in applying to the ERP, receiving utility interconnection approval, and helpfulness and knowledge of the retailer and/or installer. This report concludes that instantaneous measurements showed most PV systems were operating in-line with expectations with modest performance losses due to shading and soiling. Overall, applicants were satisfied with the ERP and received the proper rebate amount. However, 16 systems had equipment installed that differed notably from final documentation and would require additional investigation to determine if the correct rebate was paid. KeywordS: capacity factor, Emerging Renewables Program, photovoltaic, purchaser experience survey, renewable energy, shading, solar, system performance, system verification, utility interconnection, wind
Author(s): Nellie Tong Commission Division: Renewables Program (300)
Office/Program: Emerging Renewables Program
PIER Program Area:
Date Report Completed: February 2006
Date On Line:
02/27/2006
Acrobat PDF File Size: 102 pages,
669 kilobytes
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