Establishment and Operation of the Southwest Residential Experiment Station

摘要

The establishment of the Southwest Residential Experiment Station (SW RES) and the construction and initial testing of the eight photovoltaic (PV) Prototype Systems at the SW RES from October 1980 through April 1982 are described. Problems encountered during extended operation of the Prototype Systems under routine conditions are described, as well as performance during testing-induced extreme operating conditions. Histograms depicting electrical energy usage of monitored area residences, electrical energy produced by each Prototype System, and amount of load that would have been met had the array been mounted on a specific residence are presented along with cost summaries. An economic analysis of monthly utility bills for a residence with a PV system is given and residential PV system economics are summarized. Lessons learned from the project and recommendations are presented. (ERA citation 08:004675)