Commercial Solar PV Design and Construction

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are becoming a common electrical component of commercial building projects. Even if you are not working exclusively on solar projects, most electrical engineers, designers, contractors, facilities managers, and inspectors now need to understand how solar PV fits into facility electrical systems.

Introduction

• Deliverables vs. Photos
• System Components
• Project Applications

System Layout Options

• System Sizing Decisions
• Inverter and MLPE Options

DC System Sizing and Layout

• Module Options and Selection
• Volt Drop/DC Combiners
• Inverter Sizing and Specs

AC Interconnection Design

• Supply vs. Load Side of Service Disconnect
• Multiple Sources (Art 705)
• Interconnection Calcs
• Existing Building Tie-ins

NEC Installation Requirements

• Rapid Shutdown
• Disconnect/OCP/Wiring
• Clearances/Labeling
• Grounding/GFP/AFP
• Existing Building Tie-ins

Building Systems Coordination

• Structural / Architectural
• Roofing / HVAC

Utility Interconnection Overview

• State / Utility Requirements
• Utility Studies and System Impacts

Performance Consideration

• Metering / Networking
• Surge / Lighting Protection

Project Division of Responsibilities

• Options for Project Delivery

Gautam Panikkar

Gautam Panikkar is the Solar PV Engineer at H&H Solar Energy Services, specializing in PV system design, development and integration. He has experience in the Solar PV industry, including engineering, research and development, and construction, and has been involved in residential, commercial, industrial and utility scale solar PV projects across the United States and India. Present responsibilities include analysis and design work for projects, with a focus on technical accuracy, value engineering and constructability, and is also responsible for technology evaluation, procurement, and deployment of technologies and services for all of the projects, including meeting with technology and service providers, and evaluating the commercial and technical viability of different technologies. Gautam received a Bachelor’s of Technology (B.Tech.) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kerala, India, and achieved his M.S. in Engineering, specializing in Renewable Energy Systems, from Arizona State University.

Kevin Rogers

Rogers is an electrical engineer with a background in electrical power systems. He is a registered professional engineer, and his 18 years of industry experience spans across electric utility, government, commercial, and industrial applications. His technical responsibilities have included design and commissioning of mission-critical facilities, underground medium voltage distribution planning, design, and operations, high-voltage substation design, and relaying protection and control for complex interconnections. Prior to joining EPD, Rogers spent his previous 5 years as the Engineering Manager for an electrical engineering consulting firm where he and his colleagues provided diverse engineering services across the electrical construction industry.