Here comes the sun, SOLAR POWER!; Daily, on time fuel delivery,
and you didn't even have to place an order, or even remember too!
An Alternative Energy Company
Ark-La-Tex Solar Power, a DBA Owned by Patrick M. McLeod, located in New Boston Texas, Bowie County, is not associated with nor do we have any business relationship with Ark-La-Tex Solar Power located in Shreveport, LA. I apologies for any confusion caused on their part by assuming a business name, already in use in the Ark-La-Tex which by the way; could have been researched using GOGGLE in .53 seconds.
System AC Ratings of 300 to greater than 1,000,000 Watts per Sun Hour are available
I HAVE BEEN IN THE SOLAR POWER BUSINESS SINCE 2001
888-OF-SOLAR that's 888-637-6527
IT IS TOLL FREE !
EMAIL : Ark-La-Tex Solar Power / Pat McLeod
Of Course Commercial and Residential Systems are Available!
There is not an AC utility drop on site and you NEED to get started and NEED AC power NOW. Consider Solar Power!
IT's QUITE, CAN BE BUILT MODULAR TO MEET YOUR BUDGET REQUIREMENTS, REQUIRES NO FUEL STORAGE OR JUST IN TIME DELIVERY
I have a design for a portable solar powered plant that can be placed on site and supply AC power for most of the day.
It is expandable to meet any start of construction requirement! Let's Build it!
ARK-LA-TEX SOLAR POWER IN THE NEWS
From EARTHTOYS.COM
Press Release (Link) http://www.earthtoys.com/news.php?section=view&id=3008
As Picked up by SOLAR CELLS INFO Link http://solarcellsinfo.com/blog/archives/866
As Picked up by BACKPACKERS PLANET (NEW BOSTON MI 48164) http://www.backpackers-planet.com/backpackers-hostels-New-Boston-0001559.html
| --- AUGUST 28, 2007 NEW BOSTON, TX ARK-LA-TEX
SOLAR POWER INSTALLS PV, FIRST ON COOPS SYSTEM
Visit http://www.altsolar.com for further information. Ark-La-Tex Solar Power installs first Photovoltaic (SOLAR) Powered Electrical Generation system in the region approved for co-generation operation with Bowie-Cass Electric Cooperative, at New Boston, Bowie County, Texas! Near Texarkana USA Ark-La-Tex Solar Power installs first Photovoltaic (SOLAR) Powered Electrical Generation system in the region approved for co-generation operation with Bowie-Cass Electric Cooperative. The GRID TIED solar powered electrical generation system, with a production capacity of 3,800 watts per hour, was installed by Patrick McLeod, Owner of Ark-La-Tex Solar Power. McLeod worked with the Bowie-Cass Electric Cooperative in meeting all their requirements for interconnection of his system to the coop's electrical grid. "This is the first solar powered system that we know of on our system", said Tod Corbin, P.E., the coop's engineer, who reviewed McLeod's solar system in operation last week, insuring all the safety measures were in place as required by the Coop's Rules and Regulations and Service Agreements regarding Operation of member-owned generation system inter-connected with the Cooperative's system. This system will offset a portion of McLeod's utility, currently about 1/3, on a monthly basis, via net-metering, for the next 30 plus years. The system is expandable to its full production rating of 3,800 watts per hour by adding additional solar panels as local budget and or as funding allows. The system was installed, not only to offset a portion of McLeod's utility bill but will also provide an operational Solar Powered Electrical Generation System demonstration site for Ark-La-Tex Solar Power in Bowie County Texas. Additionally, it will provide installation training, site which is available to individuals desiring to install of have installed, their own solar powered generators, safely and to the National Electrical Code (NEC). Ark-La-Tex Solar Power is a transfer company that McLeod started in 2001 while in California, as Nor Cal Solar Power, where he worked as a Licensed Solar Contractor, designing over 200 systems that were installed from the Bay Area to the Sierra Foothills. We hear "Have a Great Solar Day" McLeod's tag line, as he checks the production, just one more time … smiles Yep, still producing! McLeod's website, altsolar.com 30 |
THAT'S HOT!
If you would like to see my Solar Powered Electrical Generation Systems, as mentioned in the article above, in operation? I have two systems installed, at New Boston, the one as it is outlined above and a Quasi Off Grid system consisting of a Xantrex SW4024 with 2 - 105 Watt Solar Panels
and 375 AH Battery Bank Capacity
If you would like, you can view these systems in operation,
by appointment only please, call (888.637.6527)
I will walk you through each system and talk about each component and go over the
BOWIE CASS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE's interconnection process and requirements.
STRUCTURED TRAINING ON SOLAR POWERED SYSTEMS IN GENERAL IS ALSO AVAILABLE FROM
ARK-LA-TEX SOLAR POWER
GET A MAP ON HOW TO GET HERE
Map of New Boston, TX 75570-4613, US
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! If you are just now considering Solar Power for any function, you might want to get this guide. It is PACKED with hardware, panels, inverters, lighting and water pumping systems to name a few. It also has system planning sheets for both on and off grid system development. It is good to have a more than basic understanding of what goes on. It is a great defense against operational surprises after the installation. It's a very good guide for solar projects of all sizes, like in the area of system sizes being sold, is the system rated at 3,600 watts peak PV, or 3,600 watts of production a day? It's good to KNOW the difference. Good information IMHO, besides I can refer you to page 67 and we can talk about the Morningstar TS-45 charge controller, we'll be on the same page! Now isn't that a refreshing concept?
Ark-La-Tex Solar Power Presents The 2007-2008 Renewable Energy Design Guide & Catalog
This Renewable Energy Design Guide & Catalog is the industry's most respected catalog and sought-after resource – 192 pages full of thousands of renewable energy products, specifications, prices, technical articles, design and installation information, valuable tips on using the equipment, and more!
A Whole New Look! More Useful Than Ever! This year's edition of the Renewable Energy Design Guide & Catalog is in full color, cover to cover, for the first time in its 20 years of publication. And in addition to updating this year's catalog with the latest products and information, we've also made a number of enhancements to make it easier to find what you're looking for, such as:
- A comprehensive table of contents
- Color-coded sections
- A more detailed index
To order your Ark-La-Tex Solar Power 2006-2007 Renewable Energy Design Guide & Catalog
Send Your Order Request to:
Ark-La-Tex Solar Power
324 County Road 3103
New Boston, TX 75570
Ark-La-Tex Solar Power 2006-2007 Renewable Energy Design Guide & Catalog:
$12.95 EACH MAIL IN ORDERS
Please Pay by USPS Money Order to Ark-La-Tex Solar Power (Includes Applicable Sales Tax & USPS mailing to your Zip Code)
Please include Name, Ship To Address and Email, So I can confirm shipment to you via USPS
If you have PAPAL,
You can choose to pay by clicking the PAYPAL PAY NOW button below,
The catalog price for PAy Pal payment method is $14.60 each. 11/22/2007
SolarWorld
Sunmodule PV Modules
SolarWorld California was founded in March 2005 and expanded in July 2006 with the acquisition of Shell Solar Industries’ solar manufacturing facilities that had been operating in the U.S. since 1977. The factory, originally open by ARCO Solar, later sold to Siemens Solar and then Shell, was purchased by SolarWorld in 2006.
Headquartered in Camarillo, California, SolarWorld California maintains ingot production facilities in Vancouver, WA. and wafer, cell and module production facilities in the Camarillo facility. In addition, the southern California facility also houses product development, engineering, sales & marketing, and the direct projects systems group.
SolarWorld California modules are made in the USA ensuring unsurpassed quality, performance and output. SolarWorld California is the largest manufacturer of solar modules in the U.S. Modules are supported by a 25-year power warranty.
SW 165/175 Mono Modules
These SolarWorld PV modules are designed for use in high-voltage grid-tie applications as well as in large industrial and off-grid applications for 24- or 48-volt battery charging. These modules use 72 five-inch semi-square single-crystalline cells in series behind tempered glass. They feature clear-anodized aluminum frames and a sealed junction box with bypass diodes and Multi-Contact locking connector output cables. 25-year warranty. UL Listed.
Module |
SW165-mono |
SW175-mono |
|
| Peak power | 165 |
175 |
watts |
| Peak power voltage | 34.4 |
35.7 |
volts |
| Peak power current | 4.8 |
4.9 |
amps |
| Open circuit voltage | 43.3 |
44.4 |
volts |
| Short circuit current | 5.3 |
5.3 |
amps |
| Max. system voltage | 600 |
600 |
volts |
| Nominal voltage | 24 |
24 |
volts |
| Series fuse rating | 15A |
15A |
|
| Length | 63.4" (1610mm) |
||
| Width | 31.9" (810mm) |
||
| Depth (including j-box) | 1.33" (34mm) |
||
| Weight | 33 lbs |
||
| Item code | ALTSP11.2282 |
ALTSP11.2284 |
|
| MSRP Price | $1,095 |
$1,165 |
CALL FOR CURRENT PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
AS WITH ALL SOLAR PRODUCTS PRICING AND OR AVAILABILITY MAY CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
Other modules are available, just to much to list in the cyberspace available call if you require a particular module for your project
Packaged
Solutions
Engineered Grid-Tie PV Systems
Ark-La-Tex Solar Powers' grid-tie PV power systems are designed for use on residential and small commercial buildings. They consist of high quality Evergreen or SolarWorld photovoltaic (PV) modules, a Fronius, SMA or Xantrex inverter, array wiring, DC and AC disconnects, UniRac mounting structures to secure modules on the roof, electrical drawings, data sheets, warranties and instructions.
Some Xantrex and SMA inverters have integrated DC disconnects. Systems that list “ST7000” as the inverter use the new SMA Sunny Tower 42 kW tower that consists of 6 SMA SB7000US inverters, pre-assembled on a stainless steel structure.
Wiring from the array to the DC disconnect, array ground wiring, and wiring from the AC disconnect to the main panel and all conduit must be supplied by professional installers (your specific installation or utility may require additional AC disconnects).
Contact us to obtain these essential resources and expert advice on your system installation.
All components comply with the 2005 National Electrical Code (NEC-2005); IEEE Std 929-2000, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Recommended Practices for Utility Interface of Photovoltaic (PV) Systems; UL 1741-Underwriters
Laboratories Standard for Safety; and the ICBO 2000 International Building Code. The arrays and inverters are matched for maximum efficiency.
These modular systems can be combined to form larger systems to meet your requirements. It is economical to put these systems together for use in 30 kilowatt or smaller systems. For larger systems, please ask us for a quote.
Select a pre-packaged system that meets your needs from the accompanying table. CEC’s calculation takes into account module output in normal operating conditions and inverter efficiency. these system pricing does not include sales tax, shipping or installation, additional items that need to be considered when comparing prices from other contractors.
Patrick McLeod, Owner
Kenneth "Steve" McLeod, Master Electrician & Consultant
"We Are Proudly Providing The ArkLaTex With Alternative Energy Options"
Specializing In
~ PHOTOVOLTAIC "SOLAR" POWERED ELECTRICAL GENERATION SYSTEMS ~
A one kilowatt PV system* each month:
prevents 150 lbs. of coal from being mined
prevents 300 lbs. of CO2 from entering the atmosphere
keeps 105 gallons of water from being consumed
keeps NO and SO2 from being released into the environment
* or an equivalent system that produces 150 kWh per month
This system would require 120 sq. ft of (roof) or ground space to mount the solar panels required.
The SOLAR PRODUCTION VALUE, is the monetary worth of the energy a GRID-TIED PV system produces. Solar Production Value can be calculated by dividing your total electrical energy cost by the kWh used for the period. Example: For the month of March 2007 my Bowie Cass Electric Cooperative bill was $53.94 and the energy used, as indicated on my March billing was 489 kWh So;
$53.84 / 489 = .110306748466
So, my SOLAR PRODUCTION VALUE for March 2007 would be ~$ .1103 per kW produced
so as the utility rates go up so does the SOLAR PRODUCTION VALUE!
A Sun Hour, is having ~1000 watts per meter squared of sunlight available for production on site
PV System Production Value Below is Based on $.10/kWh utility cost & 5.2 sun hours/day ISOLATION
|
TURN KEY installed pricing with panels mounted on a typical composite roof.
100% utility offset sized systems for your installation may be considerable higher. Additional charges may apply.
With 5000 Watt with 6000 peak watts of solar panels being an average system sizing for most homes. ~2000 sq. ft.
These prices do not include sales tax or shipping at or two your location, additional charges may apply. These prices are intended to inform you as to the system cost range over several systems, it is NOT intended as a sales quote or other system pricing promises.
Additional system cost reduction incentives may apply and are not indicated here due to the varying incentive situation per state and even locations within a state.
Ark-La-Tex Solar Power
Services
Ark-La-Tex Solar Power makes it easy to enjoy the benefits and advantages of a solar electric production systems. Our programs offers you a complete turnkey system design, installation and support. Our services include:
Site evaluation and system selection - Ark-La-Tex Solar Power will schedule a solar site survey of your business or home to determine your renewable energy power generation needs. We will work through all the necessary details to provide you a customized design to ensure that the system you select meets your power generation and budget consideration requirements.
Installation management - Ark-La-Tex Solar Power will supervise and manage all aspects of the system installation, start to start-up and keep you in the loop along the way as to what is going on.
Utility interconnection - All systems are designed to meet the National Electric Code (NEC) and your local utility requirements, and there may be several. Ark-La-Tex Solar Power will manage all details to ensure that your new system passes local building and electrical inspections and is properly registered and sanctioned for interactive operation by your local utility provider.
System acceptance, commissioning and customer training - Ark-La-Tex Solar Power will personally test your system and complete all required start up procedures. We will walk you through and train you on all the features of your new system, which may includes; system monitoring, system start-up, and emergency shut down procedures and all maintenance procedures you system requires.
Pat's Personal Views:
If you are at least concerned as to how deeply America's dependence on imported oil is, will you then consider some of the possibilities that the alternatives, like solar power and other renewables in the area of local energy production can offer?
We all know and understand that the foreign oil ministers have their hands around our necks. We hold our breath every time OPEC comes together to decide on what the price of oil will be today, which of course sets the domestic price as well, and how much they will make available, supply and demand. America does not need this hanging over its head. Lucky for the United States that these people are greedy, that they do not seem to be bound to any agreements they make with one another. So, for now the foreign oil continues to flow into the US, for now. Lucky for us, the US, OPEC lacks a real leader. Someone that would take over, by orginazation, the available sources of oil production, generate a different kind of OPEC, one that could demand we pay what ever they asked, and we then must accept this as a limitation on our growth and prosperity. Something can be said for owning the lions share of the marbles.
Currently, our reliance on this oil is far too great. To state it another way. The price of oil goes up on the word of OPEC, both foreign and domestic. By limiting the supply, the price will go up naturally. A problem to be sure. But wait, something else happens that does not jive, at least with me anyway. On the day of the announcement that OPEC will limit production, thereby adjusting the price per barrel upward, surely by the next day the price at the local gas pump jumps in kind to a level depending on the limits set by the OPEC announcement. What of the gas and oil, that is already in the national distribution system, does that gas suddenly gain in value, over and above what it would have been sold for, previous to the announcement, without any additional effort or work on the part of the oil companies? It is my contention that this gas and oil, has the same value it had previous to the announcement. The gas and oil products that the oil companies then produced from the higher priced oil, surely would have a higher price tag on it, as the production costs are of course higher. One then would expect the price to rise accordingly as the supply is replenished. What was stated recently was that the quick rise in pricing at the pump is needed to offset the costs of replacing the in ground fuel on the next delivery, which is priced at the higher price, but why then does not the rate go down just as fast when the cost goes down?.... Dua.
Do we not scorn the price gougers in the face of a disaster such as a hurricane, or after an earthquake, when they demand a higher than acceptable price for their products than, the price just previous to the event? Sure we do, even to the point of legislation to prevent it. Yet on the word of OPEC, the price at the pump jumps, from $2.39 to $2.62, up17% without justification and not a word is said, from our policy makers, other than we may need to look into that. Right!, you will not have to walk far to find someone to talk to about the process. It must be a cushy position that the oil companies enjoy within the US to gouge their customers, not once but twice. When the agreements between the OPEC members starts to break down, street market value at the wholesale level always determines the price eventualities, the oil companies are slow to reduce the pricing at the pumps, milking the cow until she drops. The stated reason, from the oil companies, the price increases imposed by policies of OPEC take time to work through the system. Took them one darn day to work there way to the gas pump after the announcement of OPEC. Just seems a bit odd. Anyway.
Renewable power, such as PV Solar Power is expensive. The power source, the fuel, the light from the sun is free, which does offset the fuel costs as savings on the systems operating costs, but the installation process and the hardware needed is still expensive. About $10,000 per kW grid-tied installed.
Production of electrical power using PV Solar has several advantages that just can not be excluded because of costs of the hardware. Solar power is efficient, at about 12% it converts available sunlight to usable horsepower that can do work! It's quite, even on the largest scale in the million watt range the system makes no noise when operation, it is eery to be standing amongst thousands of solar panels, knowing the work that is being done, and hear nothing! PV Solar power is very good for the environment, the fossil fuel it can displace is well worth the investment. These systems are expected to certainly last longer than the 25 year warranty period of the current production solar panels. This power production method is highly promoted by many as one way that the people of the nation and world can come together, by building many small solar powered production systems and thereby offsetting the needs for additional or even larger fossil-fueled powered plants needing to be built to produce the industrial and domestic power needs of the people.
If you are looking to beat the power companies, price wise, forget it, they play the game very well thank you, and over all they do a great job of providing us with the electrical power needed to run the worlds machines.
Please consider that over the next ump-teen years you will be purchasing electrical power, for your home office schools and places of worship, ball fields. Even if you do nothing, the money will be spent. You home or office, schools and places of worship will have been warmed, lighted and your energy needs met. But the money that is required to purchase this energy is gone, kind of like energy renting.
Then consider building your own PV SOLAR POWERED ELECTRICAL GENERATION SYSTEM. The value of the system, the hardware, becomes an asset, paid for with money you will have invested in your home or business with funds that were previously designated to walk down the driveway as payments to the utility. The system will operate for many years. Each year taking a bite out of the system cost by the PRODUCTION VALUE of the electrical power that is produced and therefore not requiring purchase. But the full value of the system remains, as the work that the system does every day, every month, every year is about the same is it did when first installed. Should you decide to sell you home along the way, you can expect full value return on your investment. Your ad reads,[For Sale large 3 bed 2 bath, Utility bill $180 a year!] Of course it will not be true in every case, there are physical limitations that may prevent you from building the size of system required to meet 100% your electrical power needs, but everyone can meet a portion of their consumption with solar power.
This country has the ability to stand on it's own, again, but unless we engineer our way, from the death grip that foreign oil has on America, we will always, have to consider, the what ifs before doing the right thing by saying "No THANKS" to foreign oil.
Join me as Ark-La-Tex Solar Power, in the promotion of the individual, independence and that pioneering spirit that brought many of our forefathers to this great land, and help us build our future with a true and finally a clear vision on how we want to leave the world for those that follow. It is after all; the right thing to!
If you are concerned as to how deeply America's dependence on imported oil is, will you then at least need to consider some of the possibilities that the alternatives, like solar power and the other renewables in the area of local energy production can offer? We at Ark-La-Tex Solar Power feel you should at least take a close look at solar power, our speciality? But there is Wind, Micro-hydro, Bio-mass and the most economical of all conservation, do turn off that light if you are not using it! These things do deserve at least your consideration! After all you read this page because you are concerned, as you should be, as we all should be.
Thank you, and
HAVE A GREAT SOLAR DAY!
Pat McLeod, Owner
Ark-La-Tex Solar Power
New Boston, Texas
888-637-6527
888 OF SOLAR
YES! NOW IS THE TIME FOR SOLAR POWER!
ARK-LA-TEX SOLAR POWER CAN SHOW YOU HOW!
GROUND MOUNTED 2.5kW ARRAY 24 X PW1000-105 2520W
Some Common Applications of Solar Power
water pumping
microwave repeater
beacons
obstruction lighting
remote residence
billboard lighting
traffic control devices
recreational/security lighting
gate opener
control and monitors
Regarding Solar Powered Electrical Generators: Pat McLeod 8/29/2007
The first item of consideration I think of is CAPACITY; how much power is required, normally we all consider 120 / 240 VAC 60 Hz standard but the question is what are power requirements, expressed in KVA relating to the amount of current required by the local load/s. You could pick a generic system size and build to that, or even several designs to meet different locations, but the site load demand is the first question requiring an answer.
If you are, say, talking about a remote radio transmitter site with a "few" a radio with a 24 hour requirement for 3,600 watts of power, (3.6 KVA) then the "Solar Powered Electrical Generation System" has to be designed and built to meet that requirement.
In considering PHOTOVOLTAIC (SOLAR) as a generation power source one must keep in mind that the sun, thus power production, is only available for a predictable portion of the day, every day of the year. Information is available as to the isolation available in all geographical areas of the world. We know how much SOLAR POWER is available for power conversion, by the intensity of that power measured in KW/M/2 and the reliability of that source, the sun, on a daily basis.
From that information we know how large the solar array and the balance of system hardware must be to produce the required power to meet our demand, for the full 24 hour period that may be required. Unlike a fossil fuelled generators, you just can not call for a gas delivery, gas the thing back up, poor in a couple of quarts of oil, crank it up and above the roar of the engine; carry on about your business.
The system must be designed to meet the defined load and provide continual operation 24-7 unattended with little or no maintenance. No fuel delivery schedules to keep, no on site fuel storage or leakage, and no pollution but above these, if you have to actually function on site, no generator noise to contend with. Solar power is very quite! Say it softly with me now, very quite…
The basic system would consist of a photovoltaic solar panel array, charge controller, battery bank/s, an inverter, inverter bypass switch, power distribution panel, and external source of power connection.
Just because a site has a 200 amp breaker in the electrical service panel, it does not mean that the site requires 200 amperes to be functional. The loads that you want to be to be powered by any back up system, needs to be defined and does not necessarily mean every light, machine or electrical outlet is required to be on or active. Conservation considerations can save thousands of dollars in system sizing and construction costs up front and over the greater than 30 year life of the Solar Powered electrical Generation System, excluding batteries. Conservation considerations cost $0.00 when considered and $1000's when not…
THE BASIC ECONOMICS OF PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS
This worksheet does a simple, "back of the envelope" calculation of PV system economics (please do a more careful sizing before you buy something!), and can help you understand the various tradeoffs that may be involved in using this increasingly popular renewable energy technology.
Enter information about your electricity consumption, your cost of service, and your local sunshine, and the spreadsheet will help you predict the effectiveness of installing a photovoltaic system. You can click on the "?" button in any table entry for more explanation and help.
CLICK ANYWHERE WITHIN THE CALCULATOR TO UPDATE
John Bowlers' 5 kW (5000 Watt) AC Rating System
providing his home with ~22,000 to 27,500 Watts of
SOLAR POWERED ELECTRICAL GENERATED POWER PER DAY!
John Bowler of Granite Bay, CA. asks" Pat, if my utility power meter is reading less than ZERO most of the time how will the utility know what to bill me?"
John, they are only going to bill you for what you use, if your NET USE is near ZERO, or less, then your annual utility billing in California will be near $60.00 which is your minimum account maintenance fee!
Bob Leidigh of Placerville, CA comments on his 2.5 KW AC Rating system after one year of operation.
"Pat -Last week marked the one-year anniversary since the solar system went operative. The read on the SunnyBoy (SMA SUNNYBOY SWR2500U SBD) at the end of 11/27/03 was:3482 kWh, which is almost exactly 400 kWh less than what the projection is on the chart that you gave me when you were out to service the system (3849). That's about 11% shortfall. However, the production was sufficient to hold our PG&E usage down to only 7193 kWh during the same 12-month period or just under 600 kWh per month. That's lower than we were ever doing before the solar system, even in a low month (except maybe when we were gone an entire month on vacation). In addition, we achieved that while increasing electricity usage due to the well pumps which operated for the first time during this 12-month cycle.
Bob Leidigh"
Hi Bob,
I thought we would do pretty well as the monthly production was coming in ~ as predicted. If I can project the systems production to within 10% (3482/3849= -9.5%)
I think the little system did pretty well, Bob!. I really miss the additional 6 panels you did not add to your system, had we, I am sure we would have exceeded this production estimate by at least 10%. Thank you for the information.
UPDATE Note - June 2004 - Just went over 5000 kW in solar power production... That's 5 Megawatts folks!
Pat McLeod
Ark-La-Tex SOLAR POWER, New Boston, TX. USA
Ark-La-Tex Solar Power
Code of Ethics
1. deal with all clients, consumers, and other professionals and professional organizations fairly and in a timely manner;
2. provide safe and quality services to clients and consumers
3. respect and promote the rights of clients and consumers by offering only professional services that he/she is qualified to perform, and by adequately informing clients and consumers about nature of proposed services, including any relevant concerns or risks;
4. maintain the confidentiality and privacy of all client and consumer information;
5. avoid conduct which may cause a conflict with client or others;
6. engage in moral and ethical business practices, including accurate and truthful representations concerning professional information and system performance expectations;
7. be truthful with regard to research sources, findings, and related professional activities;
8. maintain accurate and complete business and professional records;
9. respect the intellectual property and contributions of others;
10. further the professionalism of renewable energy industry services.
It is to this code of ethics we do subscribe,
Selecting Your Renewable System Supplier
Small-scale renewable systems are available from contractors and dealers. These contractors can assist you in deciding whether a PV or wind system is the best option for you. Your electric utility may offer this service.
Keep in mind that this is potentially a big investment $7,686 minimum. When you talk to your contractor, be sure to ask about the reliability of the system being proposed and the percent of time the system will provide the power you need. Get any warranties or guarantees in writing.
Use your judgment when dealing with contractors. Be sure to ask for references and check with your Better Business Bureau and the Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association for additional information on a particular contractor.
You may want to use the questions below as a starting point for talking with the contractors and dealers:
· Will a licensed electrician install the system?
Ark-La-Tex Solar Power will only contract with electrical contractors that have a proven project history and a work ethic that we agree with. Steve McLeod, my contracted agent in Texarkana, supervises and has final approval authority for all contracted work. Steve has 23 years as a construction electrician and knows the electrical contracting business, the NEC CODE and the PV Solar Powered Electrical Generation System construction process. He is a licensed Master Electrician in the State of Arkansas. He is well qualified I feel, to insure that the installations are done to my exacting specifications. As I too am a member of IBEW LOCAL 301, highest quality workmanship will be assured by my association and direct participation in the LOCAL training program at some point. Ark-La-Tex Solar Power will also support the local union work force by insisting that they be a part of our systems construction processes thereby assuring that we are employing highly experienced and qualified, professionals!
· Is the contractor a member of any trade associations?
Kenneth S McLeod has been a member
of the IBEW Local 301 Texarkana for many years.
"Steve" has served in several Local Union positions over
the years.
Steve holds a Master Electrician License in the states of TX,which is good in Louisiana too, and Arkansas.
12/03 Pat McLeod is accepted for
membership in the IBEW Local 301 Texarkana, TX and qualified for his Journeyman
Wireman ticket! SEE!
Pat is also a Licensed JW Electrician in the State of Texas #00044809
RENEWED THROUGH 6/08, it an annual thing, requiring at least 4 hours of training a year...
Pat is also a Licensed (C-46) Solar Contractor # 803201, Sacramento, CA. Nor-Cal Solar Power since 2001
· Is there a written contract agreement and written system specifications?
Ark-La-Tex Solar Power only provides our services base on a sound written contract between the homeowner, building or property owner. This assures the construction and system operation is as it was presented to you. Everything is spelled out in plane languages with every stage of the process detailed. This would include details of products and materials to be used, the need for building permits, presentation of the system plans to the AHJ, schedule of payment, time frame of project completion, schedule of payment and information on final inspections and interconnection of the system to on grid operation. It's a no surprise contract! A lot like our NO BULL Warrantee.
· How long has the contractor been in business?
Ark-La-Tex Solar Power is a business expansion, born out of my businesses in Sacramento California, Nor-Cal Solar Power, which I started in 2001, I obtained my State Solar Contractors License on January 16, 2002 a five month process including certification and testing, as a specialty craft License # 803201 (C-46) Solar Contractor with a Home Improvement Certification (HIC) Which I still maintain, but is inactive as I live in Texas now. I also served as the Qualifying Individual, the person that meets the requirements for the contractors license for the company, for SunLit Systems, Inc of Pleasanton California,for which I was the Installation Manager, PV Solar Power Generation System Designer, and PV System trouble shooter. Previous to these experiences, I was in two-way radio communications system construction and maintenance in Charleston South Carolina with Radio Communications of Charleston, Inc. for 20 years. Prior to that I was in the US NAVY as an Interior Communications Electrician for 10 years, (E6). I entered the US NAVY after graduating from Texas High School in Texarkana '69. I married Sarah McMurry of Texarkana in 1969 and we are still making it through life together. Have a nice place in New Boston,TX we are working on to get settled into.
· What are the warranties on the system?
Ark-La-Tex Solar Power provides an UNCONDITIONAL GOLD 5-YEAR WARRANTY on all phases of your Solar Powered Electrical Generation project and system hardware. We demand that the manufacture supplies or makes available, sometimes at additional costs, a full 5-year (FIVE YEARS) warranty on the main component of the system. The Inverter is warranted for 5 years, the Solar Panels carry a 20 - 25 year warranty to insure that the Solar Array System will meet expected production levels for many years to come. The installation, the panel mounts and system wiring is warranted against failure by Ark-La-Tex Solar Power for any reason, any failure for the full five year warranty period.
After the 5 year warranty period Ark-La-Tex Solar Power will offer a maintenance program to our customers that will assure the many additional trouble free years of system power production that our systems will become known for. It takes a very high commitment to quality on our part to offer such a warranty, but WE feel that when you have placed your trust in Ark-La-Tex Solar Power we commit to providing a NO HASSLE WARRANTY SERVICE to you our customer. We will back our systems up when needed to do so. These systems we provide are field proven to operate as we project, within reason, and we provide this warranty and support with out hesitation. It is our commitment and our hope that you our customers will not accept anything less, from us ore anyone else in the RENEWABLE industry.
· Is the equipment UL-approved* or equivalent?
Ark-La-Tex Solar Power provides ONLY UL LISTED Solar Powered Generation products and materials in the systems we build for you. When I am asked to install system components purchased from other sources, I know we are not the only PV show in town, just the first. We do require that the Balance of System hardware we then provide be UL listed as well as the equipment we are being asked to install. As such we then can provide out celebrated Unconditional 5 Year Warranty, even if you purchased your system hardware from another source, yes our commitment to you is that good!
· Does the contractor provide service and maintenance for the system?
Ark-La-Tex Solar Power is a full service company providing installation and service on all types of PV Solar Powered Systems. The problem with PV is that once installed with the quality we provide, the system operates as designed, days, months and yes even years without intervention, well, the panels do need to be kept somewhat clean to allow the panels to collect as much power as the sun presents to them, but other than a cleaning once in a while... the system WORKS!
[*Note : UL stands for Underwriters Laboratories, an independent entity who conducts tests on devices, systems, and materials for their safe operation.]
For many years now people who live off-grid, not connected to utility transmission lines, have generated their own electrical power with Solar Powered Electric Generation Systems. Now, across America homes and businesses are installing PV Solar and other renewable energy systems, while remaining connected to the grid.
PV Potential in The US Lower 48
As you can see from the map above the Ark-La-Tex has about the same SOLAR insolation potential for developing PV solar power as does Northern California. "They" are currently taking advantage of generous state mandated Renewable Energy Buydown program (the state manages, through utility collected funds, payments for about 33% currently). This program reduces the total cost of PV Solar projects to the end user by ~33%. California understands the need for adding PV as a component to the States and the US Energy Solution, and has developed programs to assist their citizens in becoming Renewable Energy Empowered.
This chart illustrates 30 years of Temperature & Precipitation data for Texarkana. This rainfall is what reduces the amount of sun light available to produce solar power in Texarkana (~5 hours per day is what we see here). The further west you go the dryer, more sunshine, in reality, the same sun shines on the dirt, it's just interrupted with all the rain this side of the state gets, looks like 45", that's a lot of rain! But of course rain makes the difference in the green we see in East Texas and the brown we see in West Texas. You can see on the map above that West Texas has a higher insolation period, shown in yellow. The same is true in California, where it dryer, they SEE more sun. It is important to understand why East Texas has less sun than west Texas does. In regard to temperature, a solar panel is rated, or classified for production output level in watts. The test panel temperature is 25 C or 77F. When the insolation is 1000 Wats/m2 and the panel (cell) temperature is 77F then the output of a solar panel, when parallel to the sun, would produce 100% of it's rating. As it gets cooler than 77F the wattage developed goes up, warmer the panel gets the wattage developed goes down. It should be noted that the cell temperature is at 77F when tested as the panel is flash tested, so the panel does not have the change to warm up. It can be expected that the panel temperature will be ~20 higher after sitting in the sun for a while. kind of like that hot vinyl car seat in the summer. Hot! knowing this one might expect that the panel would produce it rated out put when the ambient temperature was 57F and the panel allowed then to warm up to 77F.
SOLAR POWERED ELECTRICAL GENERATION SYSTEM
ROOF MOUNTED PV ARRAY at My Place @ New Boston, TX.
These are Shell Solar and SOLARWORLD 165 Watt MONO Poly Solar Panels, The Rack is UNIRAC
This is Phase 1, Phase 2 will be another row of panels just above these. Current production is just over 1 kW/sun hour per day
This would result in a annual power generation of 1.716 MegaWatts based on a 5 .12hour sun day for this location.
| Station Identification | Cell ID: 0220390 |
State: |
Texas |
Latitude: |
32.0 ° N |
Longitude: |
95.3 ° W |
PV System Specifications |
|
DC Rating: |
1.32 kW |
DC to AC Derate Factor: |
0.770 |
AC Rating: |
1.02 kW |
Array Type: |
Fixed Tilt |
Array Tilt: |
15.0 ° |
Array Azimuth: |
180.0 ° |
Energy Specifications |
|
Cost of Electricity: |
8.5 ¢/kWh |
PATRICK MCLEOD |
NEW BOSTON |
| Month | Solar Radiation (kWh/m2/day | AC Energy (kWh) | Energy Value ($) |
| 1 | 3.61 |
111 |
9.43 |
| 2 | 4.10 |
111 |
9.43 |
| 3 | 5.16 |
152 |
12.91 |
| 4 | 6.00 |
168 |
14.27 |
| 5 | 5.91 |
167 |
14.19 |
| 6 | 6.33 |
168 |
14.27 |
| 7 | 6.51 |
176 |
14.95 |
| 8 | 6.11 |
165 |
14.02 |
| 9 | 5.43 |
146 |
12.40 |
| 10 | 5.03 |
143 |
12.15 |
| 11 | 3.85 |
110 |
9.34 |
| 12 | 3.32 |
99 |
8.41 |
| Year | 5.12 |
1716 |
145.77 |
These are the monthly production projections based on 30 years of weather data for the area.
LIGHTS OUT!
Of Course we could wait until all areas of the US look like the North East COULD HAVE during the blackout of 2003 before we do something to head off the problem.
If we force western countries to invest heavily in finding alternative sources of energy, they will.
Sheikh Yamani, Saudi Arabian Oil Minister
Why Photovoltaic (PV) SOLAR Powered Generation?
The perfect invention?
Solar photovoltaics (PV) is one of the most extraordinary of all technologies. Consider that, with PV, humanity has invented a method of converting sand into a semiconductor material that can take in sunlight, absorb the energy and put it to work mobilizing a flow of electricity - the highest form of useful energy - and do it without motion, pollution, or making a sound. Solar PV taps into the tide of energy radiating across the universe, putting it to work in our daily lives. Is it the ultimate energy source for humanity? We will never run out of it. Its efficiency will only go up. Its cost will only go down. It is safe. Some people would ask, in regard to our energy future: why are we working on anything else?
Clean the Air, Fight Global Warming,
Global warming is the greatest environmental threat facing the planet today it is said. The evidence is in and the debate about whether it is happening is over. As just one piece of evidence, Frank Nutter, President of the Reassurance Association of America, recently was quoted saying that because of the high property losses due to extreme weather during the past two decades, climate change "could bankrupt the industry."
So how do we fight this problem? The single largest contributor to global warming is pollution from energy generation. We cannot reverse global warming without a transition to renewable energy.
Everyone agrees that renewable energy could clean the air, stave off global warming, and help eliminate our nation's dependence on fossil fuels from overseas. Is it just a dream? Not anymore. Not when we can find ways to make renewable energy pay for itself.
Invest in Energy Independence, Increase Energy Security
Investing in solar power increases our nation's energy independence and energy security. California's energy crisis was just the latest in a long cycle of price fluctuations. The energy market will always be volatile, particularly since the fossil fuels that power it come from abroad and will eventually dry up completely. Ultimately, the best way for cities to reduce their vulnerability to unstable energy markets is to produce more of their own electricity sustainably with substantial investments in solar and other renewable sources.
Moreover, renewables offer a smart way to create a diverse energy portfolio. Limited sources of energy make consumers more vulnerable to unpredictable price fluctuations. Just as a smart investor invests in a diverse range of stocks, it is prudent for cities to have an energy portfolio that includes a range of generation technologies.
Increase Local Power
One of solar energy's great advantages is that it allows electricity to be produced in the place where it is consumed, a practice known as distributed generation. Since sunlight hours overlap nicely with peak demand, solar panels produce electricity when it is both most expensive and most needed. Given that peak demand drives the production of new power plants, reducing peak load through large-scale solar generation can improve air quality both by generating electricity without pollution and by making additional peaker power plants unnecessary. Distributed generation networks can play a critical relief role if power plants and transmission lines are damaged during natural disasters, acts of vandalism or terrorism or other grid failure.
The Solar Industry, a glowing light in a dim economy
Solar energy is a growing technology with tremendous promise, as the photovoltaic industry's annual growth rate suggests.
The cost of solar energy, which has gone down 71% since 1980, will continue to drop as demand increases and more production capability comes on line. Solar revenue bonds can play a critical role in helping push the cost of this clean technology down by significantly increasing demand and encouraging investment in new manufacturing and assembly facilities.
Just as the government's initial investment in the silicon chip led to the boom of the computer industry, an investment in solar revenue bonds by local governments now would create an energy supply boom that would benefit the environment, increase our energy independence and create new jobs. The bottom line is simple: the more investment there is in solar technology, the more benefits there will be for society and the more affordable solar energy becomes for everyone.
Create Jobs, Save Money
Renewable energy technologies create jobs and generate income. A number of recent state and national studies have found positive net job impacts from increasing renewable energy use. For every million dollars invested in solar electricity, between 5 and 15 jobs are created. For every million dollars invested in oil and gas exploration, only 1.5 jobs are created.
Finally, renewable energy offers a cost-saving alternative to fossil fuel plants that create neighborhood eyesores, foul the air and can increase health care costs.
According to our information, the ZIP Code 75501 is in the service territory of Bowie-Cass Electric Coop Inc. or Southwestern Electric Power, in the city of Texarkana... Although most of Texas is deregulated, the state's 76 cooperatives and 85 municipally-owned utilities can choose whether and when to open their systems to retail competition.
We have contacted the BOWIE-CASS Electric CO-OP...
"... we would be willing to work with our members if they are interested in installing any type of renewable generation.
We are open to the option of net metering".
Mr. John R. Jones
You can't tell when you turn on your lights or your TV, but many different energy sources can be used to produce electricity. In Texas our power supply comes mainly from fossil fuels and nuclear power. After electric restructuring, customers can choose renewable energy produced by environmentally friendly sources such as wind, sun, hydroelectric, geothermal or biomass, that cause less environmental damage.
Renewable energy produces fewer pollutants than coal or natural gas and does not produce radioactive byproducts for disposal like nuclear energy. It is what its name implies - renewable. It never runs out because it can be replaced by natural ecological cycles - blowing wind, rushing river water and blazing sunshine. Although electric service providers are encouraged to sell renewable energy today, few utilities are offering this option. With the restructuring of the electric utility industry and the move to a competitive marketplace, retail electric providers offering renewable energy are expected to enter the market. Only about 1.3 percent of Texas’ current generation mix comes from renewable power technologies. The new electric restructuring law requires another 2000 Meg-a-Watts of clean, renewable energy to be generated for Texans by 2009, raising the total to 3.4 percent of capacity. Renewable energy may cost a little more than traditionally generated electricity because of higher capital costs. However, as renewable energy becomes widely used, the cost of renewable energy should fall. By choosing to build your renewable energy power plant, you are telling your electric service provider that a certain percentage of your power must be produced from a renewable source. When you use electricity, you don’t necessarily get a renewable kilowatt, but you will cause more renewable energy to be produced in Texas and reduce the amount of fossil fuel energy that has been placed into the total generating mix.
Do not confuse “green” energy with renewable or clean energy. Renewable energy is produced from specific, sustainable, non-pouluting or relatively clean sources such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, geothermal and biomass. But “green” energy is defined in Texas law to include energy produced from burning Texas natural gas, a fossil fuel which generates some pollution although it is relatively clean burning compared to other fossil fuels. If you buy “green” energy, it will be relatively low pouluting, but it could legally be all fossil-fired generation rather than renewable energy.
Well, how does it work?
Photovoltaics
Solar photovoltaic (solar cells) is a direct conversion of the sun's electromagnetic radiation to electricity, and are not limited by Carnot cycle efficiency considerations. Photovoltaic (PV) cells employ a solid-state diode structure with a large area on a silicon wafer. The surface layer is very thin and transparent so that light can reach the junction region of the silicon sandwich. In that region the photons are absorbed, releasing charges from their atomic bonds. These charges migrate to the terminals, raising the potential. A single cell has an open circuit the voltage of approximately 0.6-1.0 volts and a short circuit current of a few mA. In order to increase both the individual cells are placed into (solar) arrays where cells may be connected in series to raise the voltage and current output can be raised by parallel connection of cells.
The solar cell structure consists of two layers of material: one layer is dopped with an impurity such as boron to make it negative (n-type), and the other is similarly dopped to make it positive. The area where the two layers touch is called the p-n junction. When sunlight penetrates to the p-n junction, positive and negative charges from the two layers cross the junction, creating a flow of electric current. The layers must be extremely thin to ensure light penetration. For silicon cells, these thin layers have been obtained at high cost by slicing an expensive silicon ingot; much of the silicon is lost in saw cuts.
Other substances, such as cadmium sulfide and gallium arsenide, are also used to make solar cells. Cadmium sulfide, although relatively cheap, has a low efficiency. Gallium arsenide is very efficient but also very costly. Additional methods of producing silicon cells--such as using amorphous, rather than crystalline, silicon--offer considerable promise.
Amorphous silicon cells, generated on a layer of film 1.5 µ thick and sandwiched between plate glass, have been installed in huge arrays. A California complex, built in 1992, covers five acres and generates 500 kW at a cost of about $0.25 per kilowatt hour. Thin-film cells are half as efficient as crystalline cells, but they cost considerably less to produce. New production methods may increase conversion efficiency to crystal-cell levels.
Typical efficiencies for solar cells currently run from 10 to 15%; efficiencies of 30% have been achieved, however, and researchers hope eventually to reach as high as 40%. Applications of photovoltaic cells include single cells are used in handheld calculators and wristwatches multiple-cell arrays are used for remote terrestrial applications--buoys, oil-drilling platforms, and mountaintop microwave repeaters--where the alternative, laying long-distance power lines, would be prohibitively expensive satellite-based systems (no night time).
Generate Green Power
Generate electricity with the sun, wind or water as your power source thereby producing no pollution or emissions.
Production
Incentive
:
Mainstay Energy Rewards - Revenue from the sale of Green Tags
"Ark-La-Tex Solar Power partners with Mainstay Energy"
GREEN TAGS are environmental certificates that represent the positive attributes of renewable energy, independent of the actual electricity. In other words, green tags quantify the "greenness" such energy. These green tags have value and are traded on national markets.
In Texarkana, your utility costs are $.081/kW, thus the value of the power you produce is $.081/kW. Adding even $.02/kW to your electric production value increases the value of your systems production by 20%
THIS IS THE REAL VALUE OF THE GREEN TAG PROGRAM.
Sign up for Mainstay Energy Rewards Today!
The requirements are:
1. The system must be grid-connected, but does not need to be a net "exporter" of electricity;
2. This incentive is available in addition to any net metering agreement with the utility;
3. The system owner must still have title to the green tags, or renewable energy credits. They cannot have been sold or transferred to any other entity;
4. The system must be a "new renewable", which in most states means powered up on or after 9/1/1999. This date is different in some states, see the Mainstay Energy web site for exceptions;
5. The system generation must be metered separately for any systems over 10kW. For systems under 10kW, separate metering is not necessary. Payments are made based on estimated production.
Mainstay Energy is the first company in the U.S. to purchase green tags from small-scale renewable producers on a national scale. The Mainstay Rewards Program currently has about 200 participants -- both commercial and residential.
As a Mainstay Energy Partner Ark-La-Tex Solar Power can direct you through the application and certification process. Even if we didn't install your system we would still like to advise you as to the additional $ value your Solar Powered Generation System can create that you may not be aware of...
Gain power independence
With the use of batteries , it's very expensive, you can rely on your own generating capacity and not on public utilities to can keep your appliances running during utility power outages.
Create safe, clean power
Unlike fossil fuel powered back-up generator, solar power production creates no noise, smell or pollution and requires no fuel storage.
Feed green power back to the utilities
NET ENERGY BILLING
Excerpted from the Substantive Rules of the Public Utility Commission of Texas
CHAPTER 25, Subchapter J, 25.242 (h)(4) — (7)
CHAPTER 25. SUBSTANTIVE RULES RELATING TO ELECTRIC SERVICE PROVIDERS.
Subchapter J. COSTS, RATES AND TARIFFS.
º25.242. Arrangements Between Qualifying Facilities and Electric Utilities.
(4) In addition, each electric utility shall offer qualifying facilities using renewable resources with an aggregate design capacity of 50 kilowatts or less the option of interconnecting through a single meter that runs forward and backward.
(A) Any consumption for a given billing period shall be billed in accordance with the standard tariff applicable to the customer class to which the user of the qualifying facility's output belongs.
(B) Any production for a given billing period shall be purchased at the standard rate provided for in paragraph (1)(A) of this subsection.
(5) Interconnection requirements necessary to permit interconnected operations between the qualifying facility and the utility and the costs associated with such requirements shall be dealt with in a manner consistent with Subchapter I of this chapter.
(6) The rates, terms and conditions contained in the standard tariff for qualifying facilities with a design capacity of 100 kilowatts or less shall be subject to review and revision by the commission.
(7) Requirements for the provision of insurance under this subsec