College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

The UD Poultry PV System Details

 

The net metering array works by generating power for use by the poultry house.  When the output by the PV  system exceeds the power needed, the  excess is returned to DP&L in the form of a dollar-for-dollar credit.   When the output by the PV system does not meet the power needs of the poultry house, the balance of power is supplied by DP&L.  Inverters automatically decide whether to buy from or sell to DP&L depending on the amount of solar energy being captured and the power needs of the poultry house. 

 

The demand management array exploits the PV system to trim peaks of demand by programming limits on electricity used from DP&L.  Like the net metering array, this array generates electricity that can be used to power the poultry house or returned to DP&L.  In addition, this electricity can be stored in two battery banks that together have a capacity of 108 kWh. Battery-stored power can be used on demand, including times when peak electric rates apply. 

 

The PV system was hooked up to Building #5.  The system was purposely only hooked to one building in order to have excess power generated to facilitate the demonstration of net metering and demand management.  The location of the array is marked in orange.