Project developer, Sunverge, describes the 2500 R Street project as "the first private commercial micro-grid project of its kind in California", which has been designed to allow homeowners to achieve affordable, net zero energy efficiency.
Sunverge, reveals that in powering a typical residence, a traditional photovoltaic (PV) system saves just 30 to 50 percent in annual energy costs, while its Sunverge SIS system meets the same demand at annual savings of 50 to 70 percent with half the array size. "These homes will not only save money on energy, but also support national energy independence by offering a renewable alternative to carbon-intensive generation and construction," says the company.
The Sunverge SIS and the homes at 2500 R Street are engineered to integrate with today’s smart grid, aligning with the information-based way power is delivered, consumed and accounted for. Throughout the networked grid, real-time data on supply and demand helps improve power quality, responsiveness, reliability, efficiency and scalability. A smart grid enables communication between consumers and utilities, triggering automatic adjustments in both supply and demand that save money on both sides. Utilities’ ability to dispatch and control renewable resources discretely or in aggregate will improve utility transmission and distribution, help defer capital asset investment, improve grid reliability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with peak load generation.
Schneider Electric solar inverters will play an integral part of the micro smart grid which will provide power to the 34-single family home LEED Platinum housing project.“We’re proud that Sunverge Energy chose our leading-edge Schneider Electric Xantrex XW Inverter/Chargers for this innovative project that provides cost-effective, sustainable housing,” said Ted Campbell, Renewable Product Leader for Schneider Electric Renewable Energies Business.
Through the solar storage system enabled by the Schneider Electric Xantrex XW Inverter/Chargers, each home is expected to be able to generate as much clean energy as it uses, which would translate to reduced utility bills and support national energy independence. Utilities can benefit by being able to control their renewable resources discretely or in aggregate, with the aim of improving utility transmission and distribution, deferring capital asset investment, improving grid reliability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with peak load generation.
Groundbreaking for the 2500 R Street project is anticipated for May 2011.
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