With our American Private Power Plant (AP3TM) one can produce electricity right where one intends to use it, minimizing line losses and maximizing energy efficiency. AP3 provides long term energy independence, it is affordable, and it’s seamless to operate. This power generation equipment is a turnkey distributed energy generation system — your private power plant.
In the first quarter of 2012, the installed cost for a commercial PV solar energy system averaged $4.63 per Watt. Dramatic declines of installed costs have brought solar’s levelized cost of electricity, a metric that considers lifetime costs associated with energy technologies, down to between $0.11/kilowatt hour (kWh) and $0.25/kWh. These system prices are making solar more competitive with electricity generated from conventional sources. This “grid parity” already exists under specific circumstances in some states.
The Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is equal to 30% of the cost of the power plant, with no maximum credit. Eligible solar energy property includes equipment that uses solar energy to generate electricity. Combined with the tax benefit of accelerated depreciation and applicable state, local, and utility incentives up to two-thirds of the cost is covered.
Distributed Energy Generation (DEG), also called on-site generation, produces power at the point of consumption. A revolution in electricity supply, DEG will one day replace the current centralized generation model, where electricity is produced in large centralized facilities with coal, oil, gas and nuclear fired power plants. The benefits of DEG include decreased transmission line losses, lower emissions, and minimal impact on the environment.
AP3 systems feature photovoltaic modules, inverters, electrical components and support structures provided by Fonon Energy Group.
How does a photovoltaic power plant work?
1. Power Generation System
Photovoltaic modules convert sunlight to DC electricity. This power is then combined into “strings” of predetermined wattages. These strings are supported by either ground or roof support structures designed to maximize the sun’s energy and provide compliance with all State and local building codes, including fire and wind loads.
2. DC Energy Collection System
The DC Energy Collection System pulls together all the energy from the module strings. Combiner boxes are located throughout the Power Generation System connecting the strings in parallel forming sub-arrays. The sub-arrays help to reduce cabling and typically include over-voltage protection and string current monitoring.
3. DC to AC Conversion System
Electricity from the DC Energy Collection System is gathered and converted into AC electricity through the DC to AC Inverter System. This system contains solid-state converters that transform the DC power into utility AC power. The system optimizes the power output through advanced electronic algorithms which then connect to the AC Collection System.
4. Energy Storage System
Excess energy not immediately used by the facility is transferred to the Energy Storage System and later introduced back in to the AC to DC Conversion System when the Power Generation System stops producing.
5. AC Collection System
AC electricity from the DC to AC Conversion System is distributed into typical 120/220 or 227/480 volt circuits and prepped for distribution to the building’s standard circuits.
6. Grid Interconnect
The Grid Interconnect ties the system to the existing system. Included at this point is a net meter that allows for energy tracking both in and out of the building’s system. The on-site facility uses the energy it needs and then feeds any excess energy to the electric grid and you receive credit for that power generation.
7. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
The SCADA system monitors and reports on the production and performance of the systems. Output, use and module production are tracked through an integrated monitoring system.
Power Plant Specifications
The AP3 series is developed to be modular and scalable. By combining individual modules, any size system can be created for any application from 25 kW to 1 MW and beyond. Each module comes as a complete turnkey system with all necessary equipment and balance of system components.
