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Solar Power Station
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This solar power station provides electric power for use at Habitat for Humanity in Wayne County construction sites prior to availability of commercial power. During the early phases of construction activity, it saves the cost of setting a temporary power pole and/or using a portable generator with the associated noise polution, and use of imported oil. The system also serves as a demonstration, model, and reminder to the community that renewable energy can be practical.
Technical Specifications
Solar panels: 4 x 180 watts = 720 watts
Battery: 24 volt; 850 amp-hrs
(~20 kw-hr)120 volt AC power inverters: 2 x 2.5 kilowatt
Solar Panels:
Evergreen Solar Model No. ES-180-SL
Peak Power
Voltage at Peak Power
Current at Peak Power
Open Circuit Voltage
Short Circuit Current
Pp
Vp
Ip
Voc
Isc
180
25.9
6.95
32.6
7.78
Watts
Volts
Amps
Volts
Amps
Four panels were used, two series pairs in parallel. They were mounted using brackets from Two Seas Metalworks.
Electronics / Electrical Panel
(Charge Controller and Power Inverters)These components were purchased from Evergreen in a pre-wired panel with DC and AC power wiring completed.
Battery
The battery was a donation from Rubbermaid, Inc. It had been used with an electric forklift truck.
Manufacturer: C&D Technologies, Inc.
Type: Flooded lead acid
24 volts, 850 amp-hrs.
Trailer
The trailer is a model U-712TA35-8.5 manufactured by United Trailers and purchased through J&R Trailer Sales in Apple Creek, OH.
Construction Photos and Details
Performance
The report provided by Habitat as of September 2008 is that all electricity needed to built the most recently completed house was provided by the Solar Power Station.
Contributors
Habitat for Humanity
www.waynehabitat.orgWayne County Sustainable Energy Network
www.wcsen.orgAgricultural Technical Institute (ATI) of The Ohio State University
http://www.ati.osu.eduRomich Foundation
www.romichfoundation.orgJ&R Trailer Sales
Apple Creek, OH
http://jandrtrailersales.comRubbermaid
http://rubbermaid.com
(donation of battery)REpower Solutions
http://www.repowersolutions.com
(system design and component vendor)
