Solving the Solar Energy Economics Puzzle

From eSociety, June 2019

Designing solar photovoltaics is not easy.

“The most common mistakes that designers and installers make are neglecting or conducting improper site assessment, including assessing roof condition, executing shading analysis and carrying on a wind load analysis. Also, the solar system has to be designed and installed properly (proper orientation, tilt angle and inter-row spacing), but at the same time it has to be appealing to the eye and blend in with the surrounding,” said Khalid Nagidi, BEAP, Member ASHRAE and chair of ASHRAE TC 6.7, Solar and Other Renewable Energies.

To learn how to evaluate and implement cost-effective solar applications, a new course is launching this month at ASHRAE’s Annual Conference in Kansas City. The course will explore the topics of solar PV and thermal system design, site selection for solar energy systems integrations, system performance under various operating conditions and the components of a solar and energy conservation retrofit project.

“Solar PV and thermal systems play an enabling role in the race to net zero energy buildings. These sustainable energy solutions are cost-effective and practical with tangible benefits. Their integration and interaction with the building electrical and mechanical systems must be clearly understood to ensure optimal performance and operation,” said Nagidi. He and Svein Morner, Ph.D., P.E., Member ASHRAE, who is the vice chair of ASHRAE TC 6.7, are teaching the course.

This intermediate course is intended for consulting engineers, architects, planners, building owners, facility managers, contractors, government agencies, educators, energy consultants, utility companies and renewable energy advocates who want to learn how to develop, evaluate, procure and install commercial solar projects.