E42: Solar Photovoltaics – Above Green

Requirement Summary

This measure can be claimed if solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are installed on the building or the site and if the energy generated from the PV panels is used for operation of the building. Since a specific proportion of electricity is replaced by renewable energy, the PV panels are considered an energy efficiency measure.

Intention

Installing solar photovoltaic panels reduces the amount of electricity required from the grid.

Approach/Methodologies

To claim this measure, the design team needs to indicate the proportion of electricity demand that they would like to offset with the PV installation. This is the percentage of the annual electricity use (expressed in kWh/year) of the improved case that is met by the PV system. This percentage can be calculated using the electricity consumption from the EDGE improved case for the project, and the projected annual production from the PV system. For example, if the projected energy use for the improved case is 100 kWh/m2 /year, and the PV system will generate 10 kWh/m2 /year, 10% must be input into the model. EDGE will also indicate the peak power output (kWp) required to deliver that percentage. The design team must be able to demonstrate that the installation can deliver that kWp. The expected output of the solar panels is measured in kilowatt peak (kWp) and is based on the theoretical peak output of the panels under test conditions. The kWp can be obtained directly from the manufacturer.

For any project being split into multiple EDGE models, a total value must be calculated for the entire project and this value must be input into every model.

In some cases, the PV panels are centralized for a combination of buildings within the building project. In these cases, the central PV location/plant must be located within the site boundary of the project, or managed by a company within the control of the site owner. This is to ensure continued and sustainable management and access to the plant for future maintenance.

When PV panels are located off-site, a contract with the management company in charge of the PV system must be provided as part of the documentation at the post-construction stage.

Potential Technologies/Strategies

Many types of solar photovoltaic systems are available and different technologies convert solar energy into electricity with varying levels of efficiency. Efficiency levels of up to 22.5% can be achieved by some commercially available systems, but others are only capable of delivering as little as 5% efficiency. The majority of panels range from 14% to 16% efficiency rating. Design teams should therefore ensure that the specified system achieves the maximum efficiency possible for the available capital.

Relationship to Other Measures

To maximize the percentage contribution from the solar photovoltaic installation, the electricity demand must first be minimized by reducing energy consumption (e.g., by using natural instead of mechanical ventilation, or by using automatic lighting controls).

Assumptions

The base case assumes that photovoltaic panels are not specified. The improved case assumes 25% of total energy demand being met by the solar panels, but the percentage can be adjusted by the user.

Compliance Guidance

To demonstrate compliance, the design team must briefly describe the system, including information on the type of solar photovoltaic system and the location, size, orientation and installed angle of the panels. EDGE will display the approximate kWp that is required to deliver the proportion of electricity demand claimed by the design team.

Design Stage

Post-Construction Stage

At the design stage, the following must be used to demonstrate compliance:

Supporting calculation showing the proposed solar photovoltaics will deliver sufficient electricity to achieve the claimed proportion of total demand, and at least as much as the area estimated by EDGE. If not, clear justification should be provided; and
Manufacturer’s data sheet for the panels specified with information on Wp per square meter; and
The roof plan and/or other drawings showing the location, orientation and angle of the panels.

At the post-construction stage, the following must be used to demonstrate compliance:

As-built roof plan showing the location, orientation and angle of the panels if changed from the design; and
Purchase receipts and delivery notes for the solar panels; or
Photographs of the installed panels; and/or
Contract with the energy management company if the PV system is centralized or off-site.