Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
1
DC to AC Inverter
Gordon Howell, P.Eng. EPCOR kWh meter
Rooftop PV array
-- south side
City of Edmonton Solar Permitting Process
©2006-2018
Edmonton 2018 March 03 www.solaralberta.ca
Rooftop PV array -- north side
2
I want to acknowledge that we meet on the traditional lands of the
Papaschase people and the people of Treaty Six
and that I respect their spiritual relationship with these lands.
As per the introductory comments in every speech of
Hon. Mike Rann, Premier of South Australia (2008)
3
� I am a professional engineer
� I am a solar-electric system project developer t working with solar energy since 1977 and
with solar electricity since 1983
� I develop, design, supply and commission solar-electric systems
� I have no vested interests in any one solar-electric technology
� I want you to make your decisions with your eyes wide open so that you can decide what may be right for you…
4
Solar Electricity – A Big Step for All
The world of solar electricity is changing and growing rapidly.
Solar electricity is now becoming affordable for us in our everyday lives.
The time has now arrived for sunny Alberta
to harness another of our abundant energy resources.
Are we ready for it?
5
Presentation Focus� Update on growth of solar PV in Alberta and in Edmonton
� Brief overview of Edmonton residential permits for solar PV
t Development permit – relationship function
t Building permit – safety function
t Electrical permit – safety function
t Obtain all from the municipality (City of Edmonton)
� Micro-Generation Approval – operational function
t Obtain from the Wires Service Provider (EPCOR Distribution and Transmission) (electricity delivery company
Rails and Power Optimisers
underneath PV array
6
Obtaining the permits…
� Who obtains any of these permits?
t Anyone
● But if you do it for the 1st time it is going to take you a long time to learn how to do it
t Preferably it should be done by someone experienced, like: ● your solar PV development company (like me) or ● your solar PV installing company
� Know what is happening
t Even if your developer or installer obtains these permits, it can be good for you as the customer to know what is happening so that you can follow along.
7
From my monthly update on PV in Alberta
8
The largest quantity and greatest total capacity of MG units in Edmonton is comprised of solar PV.
9
Solar PV in Edmonton� Biggest PV system in Edmonton
t La Maison Simons at Londonderry Mall ● 238 kW on parking canopies ● 398 on rooftop ● 636 kW total
� Coming: t EPCOR 14 MW PV system in river valley t A 500 kW system in the works t Rumours of a 14 MW PV system on a building
Design: Howell Mayhew Engineering
Installation: Great Canadian Solar
10
City of Edmonton� PV systems need to have permits.
� A review from the City's Development and Building sections is required before a permit is issued.
� Electrical permit is required when constructing a solar PV system.
� Web site for solar energy systems https://www.edmonton.ca/programs_services/service-solar-energy-systems.aspx
t All the information on applying, forms, costs
� Other municipalities can have somewhat different permitting steps and policies
t Rural municipalities are not necessarily as stringent as the big cities
11
Development Permit – 1� Governed by
t City Zoning Bylaw 12800 http://webdocs.edmonton.ca/zoningbylaw/bylaw_12800.htm
t Any overlays for the neighbourhood http://webdocs.edmonton.ca/zoningbylaw/bylaw_12800.asp?SearchFile=Mature+Neighbourhood+Overlay.htm
� Look at the zoning map to find out the site and whether there are any overlays
http://maps.edmonton.ca/map.aspx?lookingFor=Zoning
� Know the bylaw
t You can help you assist the development officer in understanding how your PV system complies with the bylaw
t You can stand up to a “no” answer.
12
Development Permit – 1� This is a relationship permit
t Governs ● What does it look like to your neighbours?
t Setback ● How close is it to neighbouring properties?
t Height ● How high is it above grade?
http://webdocs.edmonton.ca/zoningbylaw/bylaw_12800.asp?SearchFile=(RF1)
● Method to calculate height: http://webdocs.edmonton.ca/zoningbylaw/bylaw_12800.htm
v Click on Section 52, Height and Grade ● Check the bylaw height amendment as of 2017
v PV is permitted to extend 1500 mm above the roof
13
Development Permit – 2� Questions
t City of Edmonton, phone 311
● Very knowledgeable, efficient
� The application form is at https://www.edmonton.ca/programs_services/documents/residential_construction_application_form.pdf
� Where to submit
t 2nd Floor, Edmonton Tower, 10111 104 Avenue
● well organised, meet with someone to go over details
t e-mail to [email protected]
14
Development Permit – 3� A development officer reviews the application based on the Edmonton
Zoning Bylaw.
t No issues if you meet all the bylaws – primarily height and setbacks
� Cost
t $116 https://www.edmonton.ca/programs_services/documents/2018_Development_Permit_and_Compliance_Fees.pdf
15
Alberta’s Safety Codes Act
� What type of work requires a permit?
� The Safety Codes Act requires that
t all contractors and homeowners in Alberta obtain permits
t prior to commencing work on buildings
t covered by the Alberta Building Code or
t work governed by the Canadian Electrical Code. http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cp_permit_information
16
Building Permit – 1� This is a safety permit
� Governed by the Alberta Building Code
� Questions
t Building Code Technical Advisor Desk ● 2nd Floor, Edmonton Tower, 10111 104 Avenue ● 496 3149 ● [email protected]
� Know the building code
t You can help you assist the building safety codes officer in understanding how your PV system complies with the code.
t You can stand up to a “no” answer.
17
Building Permit – 2
� We apply for the development and building permit at the same time
� Once the application is approved by the development officer for a development permit, the application is examined by a building safety codes officer for building permit approval. It is in this stage that a building permit is issued (if you need one).
� The Inspections Group (?) inspects the PV system for the building permit once the PV system has been completed.
� Cost
t $108 + $4.50
t If the City requires you to get a building permit
18
Electrical Permit� This is a safety permit
� Governed by the Canadian Electrical Code
� Questions
t City of Edmonton, phone 454 5048
� Application form https://www.edmonton.ca/programs_services/documents/electrical_permit_application_for_contractors.pdf
t Can only be obtained by a Master Electrician
t Apply to the City of Edmonton
t The Inspections Group inspects the PV system to confirm compliance with the Canadian Electrical Code.
19
Electrical Code Issues� PV technology is rapidly improving
� The Canadian Electrical Code is not very good at keeping up
� Electrical inspectors often have a tough time keeping up
� Common issues: t Training of electrical inspectors t Module bonding t Rodent protection
� Know the electrical code t You can help you assist the electrical inspector in
understanding how your PV system complies with the code t You can stand up to a “no” answer.
20
Electrical Code Interpretation
� Alberta Municipal Affairs, Safety Services Dept, Electrical Advisor
t Can be contacted to ask for their interpretation of the electrical code
t 1 866 421 6929
� Safety Services Dept says:
t Always contact the local authority having jurisdiction prior to any construction activity and ensure your project complies with Alberta Safety Codes and local bylaws.
t Local authority and permit information: http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cp_permit_information.cfm
21
Connecting to the Grid� Is it complicated or easy to get connected to the grid?
● easy ● usually no issues
– depends on how well prepared you are
� What about the paperwork? ● fill out a simple 2-page form
(Micro-Generation Notice) ● submit 2 drawings
– single line electrical, site plan ● max. regulated 2-week response time ● Interconnection and Operating Agreement
Facebook group: Micro-Generation in Alberta
22
Alberta Utilities Commission� Implements:
t Alberta’s electricity acts and regulations
t the Electric Utilities Act http://www.qp.alberta.ca/1266.cfm?page=E05P1.cfm&leg_type=Acts&isbncln=9780779785315
● implemented through AUC Rule 007 http://www.auc.ab.ca/acts-regulations-and-auc-rules/rules/Documents/Rule007.pdf
t the Micro-Generation Regulation ● If you are a PV professional, you MUST know this regulation, no
excuses. It is not hard to read and understand. http://www.auc.ab.ca/involving-albertans/micro-generation/Pages/default.aspx
http://www.qp.alberta.ca/documents/Regs/2008_027.pdf
● implemented through AUC Rule 024 v If you are a PV professional, you MUST know this rule, no
excuses. It is not hard to read and understand. http://www.auc.ab.ca/acts-regulations-and-auc-rules/rules/Documents/Rule024.pdf
● Micro-Generation Notice Submission Guideline http://www.auc.ab.ca/regulatory_documents/Reference/MicrogenerationNoticeSubmissionGuidelines.pdf
23
EPCOR Distribution & Transmission
� EPCOR D&T is Edmonton’s Wires Service Provider
t delivers reliable electricity to all of us
t owns, operates and maintains the electricity grid in Edmonton
t are the charges on the bottom half of our electricity bill, which amount to $227 per year
� Basic information about Micro-Generation https://www.epcor.com/products-services/power/construction-renovations/micro-generation/Pages/becoming-micro-generation-site.aspx
24
EPCOR PV Documentation� Micro-Generation application steps
t Brand new web site that lists all the application steps https://www.epcor.com/products-services/power/construction-renovations/micro-generation/Pages/micro-generation-application.aspx
� Becoming A Micro-Generator https://www.epcor.com/products-services/power/micro-generation/Pages/micro-generation-application.aspx
� Third Party Consent Form (new for EPCOR)
t That shows that you have permission from the customer to apply on their behalf to become a micro-generator https://www.epcor.com/Documents/EPCORThirdPartyConsentForm.pdf
25
Micro-Generation Notice� Micro-Generation Notice
t 2-page form https://www.epcor.com/products-services/power/micro-generation/Documents/epcor-microgeneration-application-form.pdf
� Submit:
t electrical single line diagram
t site plan (real property report, aerial screenshot)
t drawings of the PV system (showing CSA approval).
t City of Edmonton electrical permit
� Cost:
t $0 (as per the Micro-Generation Regulation)
26
Other documentation
� Submit data sheets
t PV module ● Showing
v Canadian certification mark (showing that it is permitted to be used in Canada)
t Inverter ● Showing
v Canadian certification mark (showing that it is permitted to be used in Canada)
v the anti-islanding standard (CSA C22.2 No.107-1) v that it is permitted to be connected to the grid
27
Interconnection and Operating Agreement
� Once EPCOR accepts your Micro-Generation Generating Unit t They will send you an Interconnection and Operating
Agreement to sign t You sign it and send it back t They counter-sign it and send it to you.
� Here is what it looks like https://www.epcor.com/products-services/power/micro-generation/Documents/MG-Interconnection-Agreement-Sample.pdf
28
Letter to the Electricity Retailer� You are required to send a letter to the Electricity Retailer to tell them that
the customer is becoming a micro-generator.
� The Electricity Retailer sells electrical energy to the customer and purchases the exported electricity from the solar PV system
t The Electricity Retailer’s charges are the top half of the electricity bill.
29
Edmonton�s 19th Annual �Eco-Solar Home Tour
t Date: 2018 June 2 and 3 (Sat and Sun) t Time: noon to 4pm t Where: 23 homes around Edmonton t Cost: Free. No need to register. t Format: Open house.
Come, learn, stay, and go as you please… t More info: www.ecosolar.ca
Discover details, ask questions, learn heaps...
Facebook page: Eco-Solar Home Tour
30
Gordon Howell, P.Eng. Edmonton
Phone: +1 780 484 0476 E-mail: [email protected]
©1995-2018 Photo credits: Gordon Howell and several others
We welcome any feedback, questions, suggestions, comments and challenges to anything we present.
Solar Electricity Simple – Clean – Reliable – Affordable
Local … Democratic … Now
Download other PV presentations from
www.hme.ca /presentations
and www.solaralberta.ca
/seminars
31
The End
32
33
� Because of night-time we increase the PV array size by about 100%.
PV covered with snow works �just as well as it does at night
Riverdale Net-Zero Energy house 2008 November 20, 19:26
34
Affect of Carbon Price �on our Electricity Bills
� Basically no effect on our electricity bills
� Carbon Competitiveness Regulation:
t Increase in costs for high-emission generators (coal)
t Neutral to new methane-gas-fired generators
t Credits to low-emission generators (renewables)
