Step by Step Process for Renewable Energy System Evaluation and Design

1. Evaluate the site resources. How much sun, wind, hydro potential is there? (See the Energy Outlet Site Evaluation sheet for more information.)
2. Do a household load survey. How much power does the household need? Most Renewable Energy catalogs include worksheets and checklists. Your electric bill may have useful consumption information on it. Conservation and efficiency will reduce system costs and increase system utility.
3. Do a first pass system design, using any of the available checklists Most RE catalogs include worksheets and checklists.
4. Choose and price equipment that meets design needs. RE catalogs are very helpful here. There may be more than one way to get the job done. Do not forget to include Balance Of System components, permits, and hired contractors in the cost estimates. Refine or modify system design to improve affordability or performance.
5. Which may include reducing household loads, and increasing or decreasing panel, turbine, or battery size.
6. Check system design, equipment, and location with agencies concerned. Building and electrical code agencies, zoning boards, state energy office (for tax credits or loans), fish and wildlife agencies, water agencies, electrical utility (for net-metered systems), etc. must agree on the type of equipment, and how and where it is installed.
7. Thoroughly familiarize yourself with equipment manuals, and installation tools and procedures before beginning the construction process.

Copyright Alan Van Zuuk