QA-20QA030-RANS Solar Project.pdf

RANS Solar Project

Mountain Home AFB, Idaho

FA489720QA030 Questions and Answers

26 May 2020

1) Is 5’‐6” length acceptable for the size of the module?

a. The dimensions of the generic PV module specifications indicate a 60 cell module. The actual length of most is 5'6", but the specifications states 5'.

Answer: Yes, but we do have limited space to install.

2) What is the number of modules that is required?

a. The number of modules is not specified. (This is required to properly design system and to help answer question 3.)

Answer: We require as many panels that are necessary to power our network equipment year around without having down time due to no sun.

3) What is the load profile?

a. The inverter specifications call for an inverter capable of 600 watts continuous output. In order to determine the size of the PV array and battery storage requirement, we really need to know more about the load profile. (i.e. ‐ Is the load 600 watts for 24/7? or is the actual load something less and the hours per day for the load less than 24 hours a day?) Knowing the actual load profile will allow us to not only calculate the daily energy production needed from the PV array, but also we can size the battery storage with a proposed number of "no sun" days of scenario.

Answer: It is roughly 350W a day but there could be possible additions to the system in the future that we want to be prepared for.

4) Can we get the following pictures?

a. Building that the PV array is to be mounted on

Answer: see attached pictures

b. Location for the battery, inverter and controls enclosure

Answer: The battery, inverters and controls should be placed into the custom enclosure.

5) Please clarify the following from the specifications

a. Enclosure to be insulated and have temperature control.

i. Does it need to be heated and cooled?

Answer: The enclosure needs to be insulated and have temperature control.

ii. Can we design it so that it is just properly vented to maintain a temperature range that is suitable for the battery(s) and equipment?

Answer: No, the enclosure needs to be insulated and have temperature control.

6) Value Engineering allowed?

a. Is an inverter with integrated components acceptable for VE?

i. There are inverters that have integrated battery charging, generator auto‐start controls and solar charge control.

Answer: If the product can deliver all of our requirements then it should be fine. The generator auto-start control needs to be able to plug into the network so that we can remote start the generator and the battery bank should be charged by the generator not solar.