IREC Applauds Interconnection Victory for Small Renewable Energy Systems

FOR RELEASE Contact: Jane Pulaski  janep@irecusa.org January 18, 2013.  Proposed modifications announced yesterday by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to the agency's Small Generator Interconnection Procedures lay the groundwork for facilitating a more efficient interconnection process for small renewable generators, while maintaining safety and reliability. The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), which has worked to achieve the same result on a state-by-state basis, applauds the proposed federal actions. If finalized, the changes would reflect all the modifications recommended by IREC in response to a petition from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) to initiate a rulemaking. These important changes, if finalized, will enable utilities to process applications for interconnection of small generators more efficiently and cost-effectively, while maintaining safety and electrical system reliability. "This is a groundbreaking win for utilities and energy consumers," according to Jane Weissman, IREC executive director. "As across the U.S. we see a greater penetration of renewables on transmission and distribution circuits, FERC's actions recognize the importance renewables play in our energy future. IREC has worked tirelessly at the state level to advance just these types of improvements - removing barriers to make safe, reliable interconnection easier."   The proposed rule changes contain two significant modifications to the review process that will enable a greater number of small renewable generators to interconnect more quickly, without the need for a lengthy study process.  First, FERC proposes to modify the size limit for the current Small Generator Interconnection Procedures  Fast Track, by adopting an approach pioneered by IREC and presented formally for the first time in this rulemaking proceeding.  Instead of utilizing a single threshold across the entire system, IREC proposed adopting a size limit that would vary depending upon the voltage of the line at the Point of Interconnection, the thickness of the wire and the generator's distance from the substation.  IREC developed this approach after hearing from utilities across the country regarding the relevant factors that determine what sized generator can safely interconnect at different points on the system, without the need for detailed study.  Instead of limiting access to Fast Track to generators sized below 2 MWs, there is now potential for generators up to 5 MWs to interconnect using this expedited process. Second, in response to the growing volume of interconnection applications and the number of circuits that are starting to see high penetrations of renewables, FERC proposes to modify the Supplemental Review process to incorporate a 100 percent of minimum load screen along with two additional technical screens that evaluate generators' impact on safety, reliability and power quality.  Under the proposed rule, if a generator fails any of the initial Fast Track review screens, including the contested 15 percent of peak load screen, it can choose to be reviewed under the Supplemental Review screens rather than proceeding to full study.  IREC worked in both California and Hawaii on the development of this improved process and believes it will help maintain the efficiency of the interconnection process across the country if ultimately adopted by FERC.  Beyond these changes, the proposed rule also adopts an innovative Pre-Application Report that will enable generators to access greater information about existing system conditions prior to submitting a formal application. This process could potentially reduce the overall volume of interconnection requests and help make more efficient use of the existing distribution system.  IREC assisted with the development of this process in California's Rule 21 and supports its adoption by FERC. Finally, FERC proposes allowing generators the opportunity to comment on any upgrades that are determined by the utility to be necessary for interconnection of their system. "FERC's proposed rulemaking is an important step forward for interconnection in the United States," says Kevin Fox of Keyes, Fox & Wiedman, LLP. "These proposed changes have the potential to prevent Small Generator Interconnection Procedures from hindering solar market growth, while continuing to maintain the vitally important safety and reliability role of the interconnection process." "IREC helped to develop these proposed changes through active engagement with a wide range of stakeholders in California, Hawaii and Massachusetts," adds Sky Stanfield, also of Keyes, Fox and Weidman, who represents IREC at FERC. "We believe the modifications reflect best practices on interconnection and will provide an important model for state procedures across the country." FERC will host an additional workshop on the proposed rule changes and provide opportunity for written comment before finalizing the rule.  IREC looks forward to participating in this process further to bring about changes at the federal level. The Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Inc. (IREC) is a non-profit organization accelerating the use of renewable energy since 1982. Its programs and policies lead to easier, more affordable connection to the utility grid; fair credit for renewable energy produced; best practices for states, municipalities, utilities and industries. IREC is a respected resource and national leader in quality assessment, workforce development, consumer protection and stakeholder coordination. Since 2005, IREC has provided a foundation for the growing clean energy workforce through the credentialing of trainers and training programs and through the development of quality standards.   For more information, visit http://www.irecusa.org.

Interstate Renewable Energy Council | P.O. Box 1156 | Latham | NY | 12110-1156

Why Canadian Tar Sands are the Most Environmentally Destructive Project on Earth

Our report reveals the following startling facts about the tar sands and petcoke.

• Petcoke in the tar sands is turning American refineries into coal factories.
  • There is 24 percent more CO₂ embedded in a barrel of tar sands bitumen than in a barrel of light oil.

• • 15 to 30 percent of a barrel of tar sands bitumen can end up as petcoke depending on the upgrading and refining process used.
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• Of 134 operating U.S. refineries in 2012, 59 are equipped to produce petcoke.
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• U.S. refineries produced more than 61.5 million tons of petcoke in 2011—enough to fuel 50 average U.S. coal plants each year.
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• In 2011, more than 60 percent of U.S petcoke production was exported.
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• Keystone XL will fuel five coal plants and thus emit 13 percent more CO₂ than the U.S. State Department has previously considered.

• Nine of the refineries close to the southern terminus of Keystone XL have nearly 30 percent of U.S. petcoke production capacity, over 50,000 tons a day.

• The petcoke produced from the Keystone XL pipeline would fuel 5 coal plants and produce 16.6 million metric tons of CO₂ each year.

• These petcoke emissions have been excluded from State Department emissions estimates for the Keystone XL pipeline. Including these emissions raises the total annual emissions of the pipeline by 13 percent above the State Department’s calculations.

• Cheap petcoke helps the coal industry.
  • As a refinery byproduct, petcoke is “priced to move,” selling at roughly a 25 percent discount to conventional coal.
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• Rising petcoke production associated with tar sands and heavy oil production is helping to make coal fired power generation dirtier and cheaper—globally.
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• From January 2011 to September 2012, the U.S. exported more than 8.6 million tons of petcoke to China, most of which was likely burnt in coal-fired power plants.
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• “PetKoch”: The largest global petcoke trader in the world is Florida based Oxbow Corporation, owned by William Koch—the brother of Charles and David Koch.

• Oxbow Carbon has donated $4.25 million to GOP Super PAC s, making it the one of the largest corporate donors to super PACs.

• Oxbow also spent over $1.3 million on lobbyists in 2012.

As mentioned above, the impacts of petcoke on the local and global environment have not been considered by regulatory bodies in assessing the impacts of the tar sands.

Petcoke’s full impacts must be considered by the European Union in its debate on the Fuel Quality Directive, by the U.S. State Department in its consideration of the climate impacts of the Keystone XL pipeline, and by Canadian, American and European governments in tar sands policies across the board.

Increasing petcoke use is a clear result of the increasing production of tar sands bitumen. Petcoke is a seldom discussed yet highly important aspect of the full impacts of tar sands production. Factored into the equation, petcoke puts another strong nail in the coffin of any rational argument for the further exploitation of the tar sands.

Why Canadian Tar Sands are the Most Environmentally Destructive Project on Earth



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A new report released on the sidelines of the World Future Energy Summit today, shows that even if all electricity is to be generated through renewable energy (RE) sources, and with solar photovoltaics (PV) alone, it would take up only an insignificant amount of total land area, contrary to common perception.

How to Power 100 Percent of the World’s Electricity by Solar

01-17-2013

World Wildlife Federation

The report, Solar PV Atlas: solar power in harmony with nature, shows through seven cases—six countries and one region—less than 1 percent of the total land mass would be required to meet 100 percent of projected electricity demand in 2050, if generating electricity only with solar PV .

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) teamed up with First Solar, 3TIER and Fresh Generation to develop the report. It looks at Indonesia, Madagascar, Mexico, Morocco, South Africa, Turkey and the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.

The regions represent diverse geographies, demographics, natural environments, economies and political structures. They receive different but good average levels of sunshine, and all show vast potential for widespread development of solar PV, a well-established, commercially available and reliable technology today.

The report illustrates that PV technology, when well-planned, does not conflict with conservation goals and clarifies that no country or region must choose between solar PV and space for humans and nature.

“Research has found that PV power plants provide considerable environmental benefits, including a low carbon footprint and a short energy pay-back time. Replacing existing grid electricity with PV arrays significantly reduces greenhouse gas and heavy metal emissions as well water usage,” says Lettemieke Mulder, First Solar vice president for sustainability.

This new report supports WWF’s vision of 100 perecent RE by 2050. “We are actively promoting investments and measures in renewable energy technologies that help to make this happen,” according to Jean-Philippe Denruyter, WWF’s manager Global Renewable Energy Policy.

“As climate change increasingly threatens people and the natural world, it is more important than ever to work for the rapid and wide-scale adoption of well sited, responsibly operated renewable energy power facilities. Environmental protection and renewable energy can and are developing in parallel,” says Samantha Smith, leader of the WWF’s Global Climate & Energy Initiative.

Visit EcoWatch’s RENEWABLES and ENERGY pages for more related news on this topic.

How to Power 100 Percent of the World’s Electricity by Solar



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Solar Equipment-Typical St Louis Home-CAD Designs

Installing a Renewable Energy Solar System
 in St Louis Missouri 

CAD Examples and Components Needed for a Typical Roof Mount Solar System
 provided by Scotty-Scotts Contracting, St Louis Renewable Energy

CAD Diagram-Exterior View of Materials Needed

Typical Solar System

CAD Diagram-Interior View of Materials
Needed-Typical Solar System

Components that make up a typical solar system

Inverters A solar inverter, or PV inverter, converts the 'Suns Rays' variable direct current (DC) output of a photovoltaic(PV) solar panel into a utility frequency alternating current (AC) that can be fed into a commercial electrical grid or used by a local, off-grid electrical network [home]. It is a critical component in a photovoltaic system, allowing the use of ordinary commercial appliances. Solar inverters have special functions adapted for use with photovoltaic arrays, including maximum power point tracking and anti-islanding protection.

Solar Panels A solar panel (also solar module, photovoltaic module or photovoltaic panel) is a packaged, connected assembly of photovoltaic cells. The solar panel can be used as a component of a larger photovoltaic system to generate and supply electricity in commercial and residential applications. Each panel is rated by its DC output power under standard test conditions, and typically ranges from 100 to 320 watts. The efficiency of a panel determines the area of a panel given the same rated output - an 8% efficient 230 watt panel will have twice the area of a 16% efficient 230 watt panel. Because a single solar panel can produce only a limited amount of power, most installations contain multiple panels. A photovoltaic system typically includes an array of solar panels, an inverter, and sometimes a battery and or solar tracker and interconnection wiring.

Smart Meter Monitoring and meteringThe metering must be able to accumulate energy units in both directions or two meters must be used. Many meters accumulate bidirectionally, some systems use two meters, but a unidirectional meter (with detent) will not accumulate energy from any resultant feed into the grid.[13] In some countries, for installations over 30kWp a frequency and a voltage monitor with disconnection of all phases is required. This is done to prevent supplying excess power to the grid, in the unusual case where more solar power is being generated than can be accommodated by the utility, and can not either be exported or stored. Grid operators historically have needed to provide transmission lines and generation capacity. Now they need to also provide storage. This is normally hydro-storage, but other means of storage are used. Initially storage was used so that baseload generators could operate at full output. With variable renewable energy, storage is needed to allow power generation whenever it is available, and consumption whenever it is needed. The two variables a grid operator have are storing electricity for when it is needed, or transmitting it to where it is needed. If both of those fail, installations over 30kWp can automatically shut done, although in practice all inverters maintain voltage regulation and stop supplying power if the load is inadequate. Grid operators have the option of curtailing excess generation from large systems, although this is more commonly done with wind power than solar power, and results in a substantial loss of revenue. Inverters have the unique option of supplying reactive power which can be advantageous in matching load requirements.

Thank you for stopping by St Louis Renewable Energy. Feel free to comment in the section below or contact Scotts Contracting- St Louis Home Improvement Projects and Energy Reducing Needs Get Your Green Building Tips and Resources at St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog

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