[Equest-users] FW: Solar panels

Mon Nov 8 14:05:54 PST 2010

Alan,

eQUEST can model the power generation as well as the roof shading.  You need to create (1) an electric generator, which is the inverter, and (2) the PV array.  Go to the Utility & Economics tab, right click on the project name, and “create photovoltaic module” to define the array.  Do the same to create the inverter, but choose “create electric generator” and specify the type as “photovoltaic array”.  I would recommend getting the data sheets for the inverter and panels before starting; eQUEST requires specifics.  However, most of the info should be readily available on the product data sheets.  

You link the array to the inverter(s) through the electric generator properties window, an example of which I have attached.  On the same tab you can define the mounting conditions to take shading credit.  If your array spans multiple roof surfaces, you’ll want to create a building shade representing the array’s footprint, and then mount the array on that building shade.  You can tweak the shade’s transmittance, if desired.

I’ve never done a direct comparison to PV Watts, but both use TMY2 weather data for radiation input.  eQUEST only models fixed arrays, but it provides much more control over the array’s metrics compared to PV Watts.  The added control can be overkill if a quick estimate is sufficient for the project’s needs, but for a PV system that has been fully designed, I would prefer to model it in eQUEST.  Check the PS-C report to get the array’s annual output.

Thanks,

DAKOTA KELLEY 

Project Designer | Energy Analyst

                              Office: 214.744.6199                 

                              Cell: 214.280.3825

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http://www.teliospc.com <http://www.teliospc.com/>          3535 Travis St. Suite 115

dakotak at teliospc.com            Dallas, TX 75204                                                     

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From: Alan Crittendon [mailto:alanc at dwcei.com] 
Sent: Monday, November 08, 2010 10:12 AM
To: equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org
Subject: [Equest-users] FW: Solar panels

Is there a way to put power generation into equest?  I was really just thinking about the shade portion but this would be great too!

Alan Crittendon, PE, LEED AP
DW Collier Engineering, Inc.

________________________________

From: Peter Hillermann [mailto:peterh at westallarchitects.com] 
Sent: Monday, November 08, 2010 9:59 AM
To: alanc at dwcei.com; equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org
Subject: RE: [Equest-users] Solar panels

Alan,

To be honest there really is no good way to model the solar panels. PV watts is really good because it calculates panels all over the state using averages. It also depends on what system you are using. If you use a roof mount system that has a specific tilt you get a certain efficiency. If you use a system has trackers it becomes more efficient but the price might go up. Different states have different tilt angles to make their panels more efficient with the better degree of tilt. The thing I would do if you wanted to put it in eQuest is use PV watts calculator and apply it as a direct load that gives electricity to the building.

PS: check to see what inverter you are using because different inverters have different efficiencies.

PETER HILLERMANN

peterh at westallarchitects.com

westall

architects

3404 pierce drive

chamblee, georgia 30341

o 770.458.4113

f  770.458.5352

c 678.898.2936

westallarchitects.com

From: equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org [mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] On Behalf Of Alan Crittendon
Sent: Monday, November 08, 2010 8:43 AM
To: equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org
Subject: [Equest-users] Solar panels

I need to have about 5000ft of roof space dedicated to solar panels on a 41000ft roof.  How can I model 5000ft of roof to be 100% reflective?

Alan Crittendon, PE, LEED AP
DW Collier Engineering, Inc.

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