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A Resource Guide for

Architects & Builders

Krypton Energy

www.KryptonEnergy.com.pk [email protected] facebook.com/KryptonEnergyPk021-111-543210

Integratinga Solar PV Rooftop SystemInto a Building Structure

Deciding to install solar or make your houses solar-ready

involves gathering information from a number of sources

and tailoring it to your location and circumstances.

T h i s g u i d e c a n h e l p y o u t h r o u g h t h a t .

w w w . K r y p t o n E n e r g y . c o m . p kKrypton Energy 02

Table of Contents

How to use this Guide

Your Power from the Sun

What is Photovoltaic System?

Why is a solar rooftop viable?

Investing in a PV system

Calculation Box

Beyond Economics—Other Reasons to Go Solar

Building Structure

Guidelines

1- General Guidelines for building and solar structure

2- General Guidelines For Mechanical & Electrical System

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Getting Help

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I

II

III

IV

V

VI

VII

VIII

IX

X

XI


I- How to use this Guide


II- Your Power from the Sun

Integrating a solar PV rooftop system into a Building structure Guideis designed to help you

assess the benefits to your business and customers of installing solar equipment or making

your houses solar-ready. The information comes from studies of builders who have

successfully integrated solar into their operations as well as conversations with builders and

solar professionals. These studies and conversations indicate that builders want to know:

· Do solar economics work in my area?

· If not, are there other reasons to go solar?

· Is there a local support system of solar professionals I can call on to help me Integrate

solar seamlessly into my projects?

This effort to educate builders about solar is a work in progress. As you explore the possibility

of going solar, we welcome your feedback about what information was most useful to you.

Please write to us [email protected] tell us about your experiences.

Are you thinking about buying a solar electric system for your home or business? If so, this

booklet provides some basic information that can help you.

Solar electric systems, which are also called photovoltaic or PV systems, are reliable and

pollution-free. They make use of a renewable source of energy—the sun. And PV systems for

homes and businesses are becoming more affordable all the time.

PV works best in an energy-efficient building. So, adding insulation and energy-efficient

lighting, appliances, and windows is a good idea, to reduce your home's overall electricity use

before you install a PV system.

To make PV systems even more affordable, several countries offer financial incentives

through solar rebates and other programs. Some utilities have net metering programs, which

further enhance the economics of PV. Net metering means that when your PV system

generates more power than you need, the excess goes to the utility grid and the meter runs

backward. This allows you to receive full retail value for the power that your PV system

generates.

This booklet can guide you through the process of buying a solar electric sys-tem. It is not a

technical guide to designing or installing a system—for that information, we recommend

consulting an experienced PV system designer or supplier. A PV system can be a substantial

investment. As with any investment, careful planning will help you make the right decisions

for your home or business.

III- What is a Photovoltaic System?

A photovoltaic system, also solar PV power system, or PV system, is a power system designed

to supply usable solar power by means of photovoltaic. It consists of an arrangement of

several components, including solar panels to absorb and convert sunlight into electricity, a

solar inverter to change the electric current from DC to AC, as well as mounting, cabling and

other electrical accessories to set up a working system. It may also use a solar tracking system

to improve the system's overall performance and include an integrated battery solution.

Moreover, PV systems convert light directly into electricity and shouldn't be confused with

other technologies, such as concentrated solar power , used for heating and cooling.

Solar photovoltaic systems have, over the last 50 years, evolved into a mature, sustainable

and adaptive technology. PV technology is improving as the efficiency of solar cells increases

and the modules are designed with a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. As a result,

solar power is gaining more acceptance and is becoming an increasingly cost-effective and

clean alternative to conventional energy sources.

During the next decade, adoption of solar technologies for power generation is likely to gain

momentum as solar helps mitigate the harmful effects of global warming. Since countries

around the world are keen to achieve self-sufficiency in energy supply and reduce emissions,

renewable energy technologies including PV solar are likely to receive more Pakistan

government support in the form of policies, subsidies and adoption incentives. A significant

development in this regard has been the recent notification by the electric power regulator

Nepra, of the 'Alternative & Renewable Energy, Distributed Generation and Net Metering

Regulations'.

This means a framework now exists whereby consumers can generate solar power on their

rooftops after fulfilling their requirement and feed any surplus electricity to the grid. A

'Smart', reversible meter would be installed at the customer premises which during feed in

would run in reverse mode. At other times you may be drawing electricity, such as at night.


IV- Why is a solar rooftop viable?

V- Investing in a PV system

a. Why should you buy a PV system?

People decide to buy PV systems for a variety of reasons. The foremost reason is cheaper

electricity than buying from the grid. Some people want to alleviate the effects of power

outages. Others want to help preserve the Earth's finite fossil-fuel resources and reduce air

pollution. Yet others want to invest in an energy-producing improvement to their property.

Some people like the security of reducing the amount of electricity they buy from their utility

because it makes them less vulnerable to future price increases. And some people just

appreciate the independence thata PV system provides.

If you plan to build a home away from an established utility service, inquire about the cost of

installing a utility line. Often, the cost of extending conventional power to your residence is

higher than the cost of a solar option.

Whatever your reason,solar energy is widely thought to be the energy source of choice for the

future.

b. Do the solar economics work for my company and customers?

The cost of solar energy continues to fall, so it is no surprise that more people are adopting

solar.

The anticipated growth of rooftop solar, however, has led many electric utilities to try to apply

the brakes. A number have tried to resist implementing the “net metering” policies that credit

consumers for the excess solar power they generate. However, this is like trying to stop an

incoming tide.

Solar net metering works akin to a bank account. You “deposit” unused energy (kilowatt-

hours) generated by your system during the day onto the electric grid – that is, during those

times when your solar panels generate more power than your home consumes. You then

“withdraw” energy at night or when your system is not generating enough electricity.

Also like a bank account, your deposited energy is not just sitting in a vault – other utility

customers who need electricity use your excess solar power at the time of deposit. When you

withdraw the energy, it is generated by a power plant for you.

c. How much will you save with your PV system?

The value of your PV system's electricity depends on how much you pay for electricity now

and how much your utility will pay you for any excess power that you generate. If your utility

offers net metering (and so pays the full retail price for your excess electricity), you and your

utility will pay the same price for each other's electricity.

You can use the calculation box on the next page to roughly estimate how much electricity

your PV system will produce and how much that electricity will be worth. Actual energy

production from your PV system will vary by up to 20% from these figures, depending on your

geographic location, the angle and orientation of your system, the quality of the components,

and the quality of the installation.


AC System Output (KWH)1600

1400

1200

1000

800

600

400

200

0

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

Solar Radiation


Solar customers buy electricity at night.

But sell extra solar power back to their utility during the day.

almost zeroing out their utility bill.

Utility BillSOLAR NET METERING:

Rs. 11,800/-

-Rs. 10,700/-

Rs. 1,100/-

SystemSize

SunlightHours/day

Daily ProductionKWH

Production/MonthKWH x 30

Supply Chargesper unit

Monthly SavingsUnit x Supply Charges

W Hrs KWH Unit Rs. Rs.

5000 8 40 1200 24 28800

Also, you may not get full retail value for excess electricity produced by your system on an

annual basis, even if your utility does offer net metering. Be sure to discuss these issues with

your PV provider. Request a written estimate of the average annual energy production from

the PV system. However, even if an estimate is accurate for an average year, actual electricity

production will fluctuate from year to year because of natural variations in weatherand

climate.

If your utility does not offer net metering, you can still use the calculation box to determine

the amount of electricity your system will produce. However, this is not as straightforward,

because the excesselectricity will not be worth as much as the electricity you actually use. You

may earn only Rupee 5 to 18 per kilowatt-hour.

PV systems produce most of their electricity during the middle of the day, when residential

electric loads tend to be small. If your utility does not offer net metering, you may want to size

your system to avoid generating electricity significantly beyond your actual needs.

VI- Calculation Box


SystemSize

SunlightHours/day

ProductionKWH

Production/MonthKWH x 30

Supply Chargesper unit

Monthly SavingsUnit x Supply Charges

W Hrs KWH Unit Rs. Rs.

1000

10000

10000

8

8

8

8

80

80

240

2400

2400

14

20

20

3360

48000

48000

Residential

Commercial

Industrial

Stop Over Paying For Electricity

Start Saving

Bringing you a prosperous futurewhere energy is clean, abundant, reliable, and affordable

with clean Solar Power

VII- Beyond Economics (Other Reasons to Go Solar)

Beyond the economics, there are many

reasons to install solar energy.

Homes installed with a high quality,

branded solar system sell twice as

f a s t a s t h e i r c o n v e n t i o n a l

counterparts.

Homeowners who use a reliable PV

solar system are more satisfied and

recommend their builder to others

twice as often.

Homeowners in communities that

include a dependable solar electric

supply are more satisfied with their

home purchases.

Installing a quality solar PV system as

a standard feature simplifies the

buyer's decision making process

because it takes the guesswork out of

their purchase.

Builders find that it is more profitable

to offer solar as a standard features

as compared to other options.

Homes with solar energy reduce their

energy bills between 14-54%.

Solar systems retain their value on

average 97% and add an average of

Rs 1.5 million to a home's value.


Environmental Benefits and Considerations

There are a number of ways to consider energy and the

environment. These include all of the effects of resource

development on society from the production, distribution,

consumption and disposal of energy. One large global

consideration is the effect on climate change, which is

whether the resource is carbon emitting, such as coal or

oil. “Carbon-free” resources include solar, wind, hydro

and nuclear. Another consideration is whether the

resource is a renewable or non-renewable resource (such

as coal and gas). Another element is the magnitude of the

resource and the potential for harm to the environment

and human health. Because solar energy is carbon-free

and renewable, it has more positive environmental

benefits overall when compared with carbon producing

fossil fuels.

More often decisions made by businesses are considered

within the context of climate change. All energy sources

have some effect on the environment. Fossil fuels are

more harmful than renewable energy including air/water

pollution, damage to public health, wildlife and fish

habitat, land and water use and global warming

emissions.

For decades now, the industry (utilities, regulatory

commission, environmental groups) have tried to

calculate the cost of the effect of resource development

on the environment. Quantifying this amount is known as

environment adders. By including these costs, it more

accurately captures the true cost and addresses

accountability i.e. not pushing these costs off to others

downstream (taxpayers, government, other businesses).

The sun provides a tremendous resource for generating

clean and sustainable electricity. The environmental

impacts associated with solar power does the use of

hazardous materials in manufacturing, and vary greatly

depending on the scale of the system and the technology

used — photovoltaic (PV) solar cells or concentrating solar

thermal plants (CSP). If not handled and disposed of

proper ly, these mater ia ls could pose ser ious

environmental or public health threats.

While there are no global warming emissions associated

with generating electricity from solar energy, there are

emissions associated with other stages of the solar life-

cycle, including manufacturing, materials transportation,

installation, maintenance, and decommissioning and

dismantlement.

VIII- Building Structurea. Does your roof or property contain a large enough area for the PV system?

The amount of space that a PV system needs depends on the size of the system you purchase.

Some residential systems require as little as 50 square feet (for a small “starter” system), but

others could need as much as 1,000 square feet. Commercial systems are typically even

larger. If your location limits the size of your system, you may want to install one that uses

more efficient PV modules. Greater efficiency means that the module needs less surface area

to convert sunlight into a given amount of electric power. PV modules are available in a range

of types, and some offer more efficiency per square foot than others do. Although the

efficiency (percent of sunlight converted to electricity) varies with the different types of PV

modules available today, higher efficiency modules typically cost more.

b. What kind of roof do you have, and what is its condition?

Some types of roofs are simpler and cheaper to work with, but a PV system can be installed on

any type. Typically, roofs with composition shingles are the easiest to work with, and those

with slate are the most difficult. In any case, an experienced solar installer will know how to

work on all types and can use roofing techniques that eliminate any possibility of leaks. Ask

your PV provider how the PV system affects your roof warranty.

If your roof is older and needs to be replaced in the near future, you may want to replace it at

the time the PV system is installed to avoid the cost of removing and reinstalling your PV

system. PV panels often can be integrated into the roof itself, and some modules are actually

designed as three-tab shingles or raised-seam metal roof sections. One benefit of these

systems is their ability to offset the cost of roof materials.


c. How big should your PV system be, and what features should it have?

To begin, consider what portion of your current electricity needs you would like your PV

system to meet. For example, you would like to meet 50% of your electricity needs with your

PV system. You could work with your PV provider to examine past electric bills and determine

the size of the PV system needed to achieve that goal and calculate the associated annual

savings.

You can contact your utility and request the total electricity usage, measured in kilowatt-

hours, for your household or business over the past 12 months (or consult your electric bills if

you save them). Ask your PV provider how much your new PV system will produce per year

(also measured in kilowatt-hours) and compare that number to your annual electricity usage

(called demand) to get an idea of how much you will save. In the next section, we'll provide

more information on estimating how much you will save.

To qualify for net metering in some service territories, your PV system must have a peak

generating capacity that is typically not more than 10 kilo-watts (10,000 watts), although this

peak may differ from place to place. Also, utilities have different provisions for buying excess

electricity produced by your system on an annual basis (see the section on net metering).

Finally, customers eligible for net metering vary from utility to utility; for example, net

metering could be allowed for residential customers only, commercial customers only, or

both.

One optional feature to consider is a battery system to provide energy storage (for stand-

alone systems) or backup power in case of a utility power outage (for grid-connected

systems). Batteries add value to your system, but at an increased price.

As a rule, the cost per kilowatt-hour goes down as you increase the size of the system. For

example, many inverters are sized for systems up to 5 kilowatts, so even if your PV array is

smaller (say, 3 kilowatts), you may have to buy the same size of inverter. Labor costs for a

small system may be nearly as much as those for a large system, so you are likely to get a

better price for installing a 2-kilowatt system all at once, rather than installing 1 kilowatt each

year for two years.


IX- Guidelines

a) Site Planning

To define the site requirements for

P h o t o v o l t a i c , t h e f o l l o w i n g

documentation will be needed:

Site Survey showing topography

and s i te features for the

property and surroundings.

Documentation of regulatory

requirements.

b) Planning for Solar Access

Solar access depends on workable

relationships between neighbors.

P h o t o v o l t a i c S y s t e m s : I n

deve loped or deve lop ing

neighborhoods, achieving and

maintaining solar access may

requ i re agreements w i th

neighboring property owners

regarding heights of future

buildings and landscaping.

Access to sunlight is not a

protected property r ight ;

forethought and proactive

steps are needed to ensure


Negative (-) (+) Positive

Connector

942

Label

Junction Box

86

01

36

0

16

40

90

0

99240

1. GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR BUILDING AND SOLAR STRUCTURE

long-term viability of a solar resource.

Decision Points: In some cases, prior to purchasing the building site and early in the

Building Planning Process.

Responsibility: Owner with the assistance of Architect or Builder and Attorney.

c) Building Form Planning

To define the building form requirements for a Photovoltaic System, the following


Dimensioned Site Plan with roof plan and location of solar array; show adjacent

properties, buildings and vegetation.

Building elevations.

Building section through solar array; show relationship to adjacent properties.

Three-dimensional representations may be useful.

d) Site & Plan Organization

Area for the solar array as an essential space in the building's program. In general, 100 square

feet of roof area is needed for every 1kW of solar modules depending on racking technology.

A contiguous rectangle of the required size works best, but shading and structural

considerations weigh more heavily.

Like a kitchen, the solar array has a size and function to be included early in the building's

design process, not added after the fact.

Photovoltaic Systems: Site the building and arrange the building plan with solar access

as a design criteria so that the location of the solar array is an integral element of the

building design, not an afterthought. The location of the solar array on the roof has

consequences for the location of and distance to the inverter, the electrical meter, and

for the routing of the solar electric feed.

Decision Making: Determine the size of the solar array, optimize its location on the site,

and evaluate building plan options with this in mind to minimize the length of the

electrical feed. Develop the early building plan and proximity diagrams with this

relationship in mind

Decision Points: An initial step in the Building Planning Process.

Responsibility: Architect or Builder with input from Solar Consultant.

e) Roof Form

Solar plays an important functional role and roof form is aesthetically important to the

overall building expression, solar array installation is simpler when parallel with the roof

plane

Photovoltaic Systems: Optimize the performance of the solar array while integrating it

with the roof form (See Roof Planning). Flat roofs are relatively straightforward, mainly


requiring adequate distance between the space for the array and the roof edge. Pitched

roofs pose more challenges for aesthetic considerations, but can be addressed with

fairly minimal changes at most.

Decision Making: Consider the appearance and view of the solar array.

Decision Points: An initial step in the Building Planning Process.

Responsibility: Architect or Builder.

f) Space Planning

To define the space planning requirements for a Photovoltaic system, the following


Dimensioned Floor Plans of all levels

g) Space for Inverters & Disconnects

Organize the system's equipment so that wiring runs in straight vertical and horizontal lines.

Photovoltaic Systems: Provide wall space approximately 3' by 3' for the inverter and an

AC disconnect as close as possible to the solar array and next to the main service panel. A

clear floor area 3' wide is required in front of the equipment.

Systems may require an outside DC disconnects and combiner box adjacent to the

inverter. These components will also need wall space.

Decision Making: An inverter generates heat, so it is best to locate it in a cool, well

ventilated space. Inverters are generally located on the ground floor or basement in a

location having a direct vertical connection to the solar array.

Decision Points: During the Building Planning Process.

Responsibility: Architect or Builder with input from a Solar Consultant. (You can reach one

on our National Helpline 021-111543210 for any consultation).


h) Distance from Solar Array to Inverter

Photovoltaic Systems: Locate the inverter and main service panel directly below the roof

location for the solar array.

Decision Making: Locating the inverter directly below the solar array makes installation

easier and reduces costs.

Decision Points: During the Building Planning Process.

Responsibility: Architect or Builder with input from a Solar Consultant.

I) Roof Planning

To define the roof requirements for a Photovoltaic System, the following documentation will

be needed:

Dimensioned Roof Plan – showing size, slope, parapets, obstructions and other features.

Location and size of the area with solar access on the Roof Plan.

Structural design for the roof that addresses the loads imposed by the future solar array.

Description of roofing materials and system.

j) Area

How large does the roof area need to be to support a solar array of the “desired” capacity?

In general, residential PV systems need between 300 and 500 square feet of roof area.

Commercial or multi-family systems can be much larger.

A contiguous area is best, but shading and structural considerations must take


precedence.

Photovoltaic Systems: Designate the location of the roof that has unobstructed solar

access and maintain this area free of obstructions or building and mechanical systems

that would shade the area. The size of the solar system will not be known until the system

is installed at some future date. Maximizing the roof space that will be available for the

solar collector will provide for flexibility and ease of installation.

Decision Making: Inform all trades of the location of the solar array and the intention for

this area. Provide specifications for leaving the area open and unshaded.

Decision Points: Beginning of the Construction Process.

Responsibility: Architect or Builder with assistance of Contractor.

k) Materials

Photovoltaic Systems: For flat roofs, membrane roofing is preferred. Ballasted roofing

systems are not acceptable.

For sloped roofs, standing seam metal roofing is preferred and asphalt roofing can easily

be accommodated. Tile roofs are not acceptable.

Decision Making: Determine roofing materials by balancing function, aesthetics, and

costs. A solar system has a longer life than many types of roofing, and must be removed

and reinstalled when the roof must be replaced.

Decision Points: Early in the Design Process.

Responsibility: Architect or Builder.

l) Roof Pitch

What is the best angle for a fixed position solar array?

Photovoltaic Systems: Plan the building so that a suitable, contiguous flat or properly

sloped roof plane facing south or southwest is available.

On pitched roofs, always plan for a system that will be flush-mounted. While a 35-37º

pitch is ideal, roofs between 25-45º will absorb at least 95% of available solar energy.

Decision Making: Determining the pitch of the roof requires balancing functional and

aesthetic elements. A 12:12 pitch provides the greatest number of options for easy

installation of a solar system. Planning for a non-flush-mount solar system on a pitched

roof requires much more attention to roof structure so as to accommodate wind loads

and raises many more aesthetic issues.

Decision Points: Early in the Design Process.

Responsibility: Architect or Builder with assistance of Contractor.

m) Access

Photovoltaic Systems: In a flat roof application, a stairway with roof access is sufficient.

(Refer to Section 1009.11 of the International Building Code.) Guardrails at the roof edge


may also be needed. (Refer to Section 1013.5 of the International Building Code.)

Decision Making: Since climbing on snow and ice covered sloped roofs is not

recommended under any circumstances, a special snow rake may be used on roofs that

can be reached from the ground. For solar arrays on second story or inaccessible roofs,

building owners should plan for snow to slide off of the panels. The fall zone where this

sliding snow will land should be planned taking this into consideration.

Decision Points: Early in the Building Planning Process, as the floor plans are being

developed.

n) Mounting Systems

Photovoltaic Systems: On pitched roofs using standing seam metal roofs, S-5 clips are

attached to the raised seam. No additional penetrations are needed at the time of solar

system installation. The standing seam roof itself must, however, be attached to the

structure well enough to withstand additional loads imposed by the solar system.


On composite asphalt shingle roofs, stand-off

brackets bolted to structural members is ideal if the

system will be installed soon after construction.

Otherwise, retrofit mounting systems can be secured

directly to the roof surface. In either case, take care to

seal roof penetrations.

On flat roofs, curb mounts can be pre-installed.

However, ballasted systems are more common,

making pre-installed mounts irrelevant. Ballasted

racks avoid roof penetrations, but may require pads to

protect the roof from damage. Some self-ballasting

systems now being manufactured may make flat roof

installations even easier, and mount more irrelevant.

Decision Making: Consider mounting options during

the Design Process. Review mounting options with

Solar Consultant and solar panel manufacturer.

If the solar array system is designed appropriate

mounts can be pre-installed. This offers the

advantage of the preparatory roof work being covered

under the roofing warranty. The disadvantage is that

pre-installed mounts may limit panel and mounting

choices when the system is ultimately installed.

Moreover, the amounts have negative aesthetic

impacts until the system is installed.

Decision Points: During Building Planning Process after

the scope of the future solar array is established.

Responsibility: Architect or Builder with input from

Solar Consultant and Structural Engineer.

2. GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

To define the mechanical and electrical requirements for a Photovoltaic System, the following


Schematic diagrams of the proposed systems.

a) Empty metal conduit from roof to main service panel

Photovoltaic Systems: A 2" minimum metal conduit is needed to house the wiring

connecting the solar array to the main

service panel. The minimum diameter

of the conduit is dependent on the size

of the system, which will not be known

until installation.

Decision Making: Installing an empty

conduit before finish materials are in

place allows it to be efficiently located

and reduces costs.

Decision Points: Project Planning- prior

to Construction Start.

Responsibility: Architect or Builder with

input from Solar Consultant and/or Electrician.

b) Electrical panel space for power input breaker

Photovoltaic Systems: Provide sufficient space in the electrical panel for a power input

breaker. Governed by NEC 690.64(B), the sum of the ratings of over current protection

devices in all circuits supplying power to an electrical panel must not exceed 120% of the

bus bar rating.

Decision Making: Providing electrical panel space during the initial construction reduces

the amount of re-working needed when the system is installed.

Decision Points: Project Planning- prior to Construction Start.

Responsibility: Architect or Builder with input from Electrician.

c) Space in breaker box for the solar electric feed

Photovoltaic Systems: Provide sufficient room in the breaker box for the solar electric feed

breaker. Requirements will depend on the size of the solar system.

Decision Making: Providing space in the breaker box eliminates the need to install an

additional box when the system is installed.

Decision Points: Project Planning- prior to Construction Start.

Responsibility: Architect or Builder with input from Engineer and/or Electrician.


XI- FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is solar energy?

Ans: Solar power is energy from the sun that is converted into thermal or electrical energy.

Solar energy is the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy source available.

How long will PV modules last?

Ans; Based on manufacturers' in-field experience and reliability testing, PV modules will

probably last longer, and are more reliable than just about any other capital investment for

your business. In 2003, BP Solar published the results of their analysis of warranty claims and

reported that of more than two million modules in service over nearly ten years,

approximately one-tenth of one percent were reported faulty, noting “this represents one

module failure for every 4,200 module-years of operation.” Put another way, if your system

has one thousand modules, you may experience the failure of ten modules in 40 years.

How do I know if solar panels will work on my home?

Ans: Your home must have roof or any place where panels can easily face sun rays without

any disturbance.

Do I need battery backup for my solar panels?

Ans: Yes, if you need backup for night. You should have 2 hours backup for the safe side to

cater for power outages and for days when cloudy weather may reduce energy production.

How long will my installation take?

Ans: This depends mostly on the size of the system, site access, and the distance between

the array(s) and the inverter. In general an installation would require one week for each

hundred modules to be installed.

What are the maintenance procedures and costs?

Ans: Solar PV systems are solid state technology, have no moving parts and require no

maintenance beyond cleaning, which can typically be done with a garden hose. Most systems

should be cleaned 2-4 times a year, concentrated in the drier seasons.

Systems in agricultural areas will likely require monthly cleaning. Inverters are also solid state

and require little to no maintenance beyond regularly checking the cooling fan outlets and

cleaning when necessary. Mounting hardware is either aluminum or stainless steel and is

rust-proof.



Can rust and oxidization affect it?

Ans: All hardware is made for outdoor use and is made of either rust-proof stainless or

galvanized steel or aluminum.

How much weight will this put on my roof?

Ans: Krypton Energy PV systems typically weigh no more than 2-3 kgs/sqft, and most roofs

can accommodate several times that amount of 'dead load' weight and your specific roof load

capacity will be taken into account with our proposed design.

What parts will break first?

Ans: The inverter(s), which typically have a useful life of 15-20 years, will be the first thing to

fail.

Is financing available?

Ans: Yes based on terms and conditions. Please call Krypton Energy for more details.

How long will it take to cover the investment I make on these solar system?

Ans: Payback is usually 5 years.

How do weather variations effect the production of electricity?

Ans: Weather effects its production but not much. A Krypton Energy PV rooftop system will

generate something even in cloudy and rainy weather. It works on radiance and therefore the

production never drops to zero.

How much electricity does a Krypton Energy system produce in a single day?

Ans: A 2KW system produces 14 units of electricity on an average day, a 5KW system 35 units

and a 10KW system will produce 70 units.

What %age of electricity will this system provide us.

Ans: A typical Krypton Energy system should be designed to cater to 40-50% of total electricity

requirement. The rest would need to be bought from the grid.

What if my roof needs work or repair after the PV system is installed?

Ans: Spot repairs are easily accommodated as any since module is secured with only four

5/16” hex bolts. Non-penetrating ballasted systems can also easily be moved to

accommodate repairs.

XI- Getting Help

Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) is the sole representing agency of the Federal

Government that was established in May 2003 with the main objective to facilitate, promote

and encourage development of Renewable Energy in Pakistan and with a mission to

introduce Alternative and Renewable Energies (AREs) at an accelerated rate. The

administrative control of AEDB was transferred to Ministry of Water and Power in 2006.

The Government of Pakistan has inter alia mandated AEDB to:-

Implement policies, programs and projects through private sector in the field of ARE

Assist and facilitate development and generation of ARE to achieve sustainable

economic growth.

Encourage transfer of technology and develop indigenous manufacturing base for ARE

Technology.

Promote provision of energy services that are based on ARE resources

Undertake ARE projects on commercial scale (AEDB Act 2010).

The Government of Pakistan has tasked the AEDB to ensure 5% of total national power

generation capacity to be generated through renewable energy technologies by the year

2030. In addition, under the remote village electrification program, AEDB has been directed

to electrify 7,874 remote villages in Sindh and Balochistan provinces through ARE

technologies.

The Federal Government established AEDB as a statutory organization by announcing and

promulgating the AEDB Act in May 2010. The Act bestowed upon AEDB the authorities and

the responsibilities for the promotion and development of AREs.

Head Office: 2nd, Floor, OPF Building, Shahrah-e-Jamhuriat, G-5/2, Islamabad.

Phone: 051-9222360-61 Fax: 051-9222364

Email: [email protected] Web: www.aedb.org

Sub Office Karachi: House No. 46/2, Street No. 31, DHA, Phase-V, Karachi.,

Phone No: Ph.: +9221-35342708-10 Fax: +9221-35847610


ALTERNATIVE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT BOARDMinistry of Water & Power - Government of Pakistan

INFORMATIVE PUBLICATIONS:

Wind and Solar Power Systems: Design, Analysis, and Operation, Second Editionby

Mukund R. Patel

Solar Electricity Handbook: A Simple, Practical Guide to Solar Energy - Designing and

Installing Photovoltaic Solar Electric Systemsby Michael Boxwell

Introduction to Renewable Energy by Vaughn C. Nelson

OTHER HELPFUL WEB SITES

www.nrel.gov/learning/re_photovoltaics.html

www.seia.org/policy/solar-technology/photovoltaic-solar-electric

www.energymyway.co.uk/products/solar-pv-battery-storage/

www.solardirect.com/pv/batteries/batteries.htm

www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/how-much-energy-storage-capacity-do-you-need

www.thesolarplanner.com/solar_inverters.html

www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/consumer/solar_electricity/basics/how_pv_system_works.htm


Krypton Energy will enrich the lives of Pakistani

households, commercial, industrial and farm

customers as a caring and reliable provider

of the most appropriate solar power technology

solutions which bring them best value.

We will build a learning culture for our

team members, which emphasizes the highest

levels of reliability, competence and integrity

& which will be the essence of our brand.

OUR VISION

w w w . K r y p t o n E n e r g y . c o m . p kKrypton Energy

61-C, Mezz. Floor, 12th Commercial Street, D.H.A. Phase II, Karachi. 021-35389011-14

E-169/B, Street 12, Iqbal Park, Lahore Cantt. 042-35691268-9

Plot 89-A, 1st Floor, Industrial & Trade Centre, G-8/1, Islamabad. 051-2256161, 2850149

K A R AC H I :

ISLAMABAD :

L A H O R E :

1978 Teknoaids started.

2002 Powergates launched.

2003 Teknoaids acquires Powergates distribution

rights over northern region.

2004 Powergates inducts Teknoaids security

products in its portfolio.

2006 2006 Teknoaids acquires substantial stake in

Powergates.

2008 Merger completed.

2015 New spinoff, Krypton Energy launched by the

same team that brought you Teknoaids and

Powergates

Both Powergates and Teknoaids have a history of bringinginnovative customer solutions and outstanding customer service.

Krypton Energy

Our History

For any consultation or advice during the construction process,

please call Krypton Energy National Helpline at:

021-111 543210 Monday to Friday 9:30 – 6 pm and speak to one of our engineers

or Email us at:

[email protected]

facebook.com/KryptonEnergyPkw w w . K r y p t o n E n e r g y . c o m . p k

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