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Silicon Energy Washington State Introduction Packet
1.
• Washington receives more
sunlight than Germany, the
world's leading solar market.
• The often cooler weather we
experience helps maximize
solar performance, and the
rain naturally cleans the
modules.
• Solar is an attractive
investment NOW.
Federal and State incentives
help offset the cost of your
system.
A system increases
the value of your
real estate.
A system helps
protect you from rising
energy costs.
A system creates energy
independence for you and
your family.
• Reliable and knowledgeable
partners are available to
help you design and install
your system. They can also
help source locally produced
solar modules and inverters. Woodland Park Zoo Carousel - Seattle, WA. The 9.36 kW system helps offset the Zoo’s energy needs.
Did you know you can effectively However, solar is gaining
• Seattle, WA was named reduce your energy bill with solar, momentum in the community.
a Solar America City
in 2008. even in Washington? Some of the
With the support and commitment
• Approximately 1,800 primary challenges for widespread
installations, totaling 7.5 of the State’s Legislature, local
megawatts of solar have adoption of solar in Washington
companies, utilities, and the
been installed across State are lack of awareness that
Washington State. community, solar is quickly becoming
• PSE installed Wild Horse, solar does in fact work in a wet,
the viable energy production option
the largest locally maritime climate and that incentives
manufactured PV system for local residents. If you’re ready to
in November 2009 and financing are available to offset
(53.3 kW). consider steps to offsetting your
the upfront costs associated with
• Poulsbo Middle School has energy bill, decreasing your carbon
the largest locally investing in a photovoltaic
manufactured community footprint, investing in your local
solar PV system in the State (PV) system.
(75 kW). Check out the real community, and increasing the value
time energy the system is
of your home, consider adding a
generating.
PV system.
WA State Overview February 2012
silicon-energy.com
2. Federal, State and Utility incentives help make solar a
financially savvy energy source today.
Available Solar Incentives¹
WA State Gain up to $5,000/year through 6/30/2020.
Solar Incentive
WA State Sales Take advantage of an approximate 75 to 100% sales tax exemption, depending on the
Tax Exemption system size installed.
Net Metering Participate in net metering where your electric meter runs backward, reducing your
electric bill.
WA State The DSIRE website features a comprehensive database of State renewable incentives.
Utilities Incentive See URL below.
Federal Incentive Take advantage of a 30% tax credit for systems placed in service before 12/31/2016.
Washington State Solar Incentive Summary Table¹
The data below shows the amount of incentive generated per kilowatt likely produced by your system, based on your
equipment type. You can see the dramatic comparison between installing an imported inverter and PV modules as
compared to installing a locally made inverter and PV modules.
Standard Community
Imported Inverter Silicon Energy Imported Inverter Silicon Energy
($/kWh) Solar Inverter³ ($/kWh) Solar Inverter³
($/kWh) ($/kWh)
Imported PV Module $0.15 $0.18 $0.30 $0.36
Silicon Energy PV² $0.36 $0.54 $0.72 $1.08
DSIRE – Includes a list of Washington State incentives:
silicon-energy.com
silicon-energy.com/wastateincentives
facebook.com/SiliconEnergy
¹ The above incentive information is provided as an overview of incentives that may be
available to you. This information is not intended to provide tax, legal, or financial twitter.com/SiliconEnergy
advice. Please consult with a CPA or a tax attorney to determine your eligibility and the
impact on your specific financial situation.
Silicon Energy, LLC
² The Silicon Energy Cascade PV Module & Installation System is manufactured in
Washington and is recognized by the Washington State Department of Revenue as a 3506 124th Street NE
Made-in-Washington PV module. Marysville, WA, 98271
(p) 360-618-6500
³ The Silicon Energy Solar Inverter is recognized as manufactured in Washington State by the
Washington State Department of Revenue.
Silicon Energy MN, LLC
8787 Silicon Way
Mountain Iron, MN 55768
Copyright 2012 Silicon Energy, LLC. All rights reserved.
(p) 218-789-1710
3. • Find a Silicon Energy
representative at the
local Solar Washington Like many small businesses, Silicon Sourcing from the Local
meetings. For a listing of
upcoming meetings, visit:
Energy started as a result of an Community
solarwa.org unexpected opportunity. Prior to 2007, The Marysville, WA-based company
solar module manufacturers did not sources product, services and talent in
• Join us at an upcoming
event! Visit our event exist in Washington State—Silicon its neighborhood whenever possible,
web page for more
details: silicon-
Energy decided they would become adhering to a philosophy of supporting
energy.com/index.php/ the first and offer their community a the local economy through
site/events/
superior solar product. manufacturing, jobs, local suppliers and
Since its start, Silicon Energy has been partnerships. The company follows
pursuing the mission of bringing locally sustainable manufacturing practices,
made PV modules to the State. The helping to minimize environmental
company enables residential, impact on the community. In conjunction
commercial and utility projects to be with local utilities, Silicon Energy has
graced with its aesthetically unique been committed to helping make solar a
modules, while delivering unmatched mainstream energy resource for the
performance in energy harvest, greater community. Federal and State
durability, safety, and longevity. incentives help offset the initial
The Silicon Energy module has a 40+ investment required, resulting in an
year usable life, while the industry attractive return on investment.
average is approximately 25 years. Silicon Energy welcomes visitors,
This extended usability not only opening its showroom to the community,
enables increased energy harvest, it allowing you to see and experience its
increases and extends the financial story and unique products. We
return on a system. encourage you to stop by to see for
Silicon Energy started production in yourself the Silicon Energy difference
facebook.com/SiliconEnergy
2009 and continues to grow, enabling and personally meet a small, local
twitter.com/SiliconEnergy
more and more customers to benefit business who is making a big difference
Silicon Energy, LLC from a locally made module. in your community.
3506 124th Street NE
Marysville, WA, 98271
(p) 360-618-6500
Silicon Energy MN, LLC
8787 Silicon Way
Mountain Iron, MN 55768
(p) 218-789-1710
Copyright 2012 Silicon Energy, LLC. All rights reserved. WA Information Sheet February 2012
4. The Cascade Series is a unique • Custom Hardware: Options for
photovoltaic (PV) module designed with custom mounting hardware
an extended lifespan and maximum colors are available (architectural
durability and safety in mind. The bronze is standard).
‘glass-on-glass’ architecture is also
• Increased Safety: Module wiring is
aesthetically different from other
completely sealed and inaccessible,
modules on the market, creating the
removing electrical shock hazards.
opportunity for untraditional module
applications such as carports and • Utility Grade Product: The
building awnings. When you opt for product is utility-grade and is much
Silicon Energy modules, you are more durable than standard
choosing a long-lasting, unique product residential products.
from a local partner.
• Theft Resistant: The mounting
Features system helps deter theft.
• Unmatched Lifespan and • Class-A Fire Rating: Silicon Energy
Durability: With a 40+ year usable modules have the highest fire
life, and negligible performance safety rating.
degradation, our modules easily
• Squirrel & Rodent Proof: Enclosed
prove their durability against the
wiring prevents squirrels and
industry standard of 25 years.
rodents from damaging wiring
The extended module life
after installation.
maximizes energy production
and return on investment.
Adhering to a sustainable
• Shedding: The Cascade design is philosophy and delivering the
frameless to allow snow, water, ice highest quality modules
and other debris to “cascade” off the Sustainable and locally made! Silicon
module, enabling them to function Energy is committed to doing business
even in extreme weather conditions, in a sustainable way, making each
facebook.com/SiliconEnergy
and providing greater energy harvest. decision with conscientious thought.
Silicon Energy works with local partners
twitter.com/SiliconEnergy • Functional Beauty: Glass-on-glass
whenever possible, finds local talent,
module construction allows light to
Silicon Energy, LLC
and has a clean manufacturing
pass between cells, making the
3506 124th Street NE facility and processes designed to
modules usable not only on your roof,
Marysville, WA, 98271 minimize impact to our community.
but also in non-traditional places,
(p) 360-618-6500 The environmental consideration in
such as a patio covers, awnings,
production, and the durability of this
walkway covers, and carports.
Silicon Energy MN, LLC product helps make your decision the
Increased airflow behind the modules
8787 Silicon Way most sustainable one.
Mountain Iron, MN 55768 increases performance.
(p) 218-789-1710
Copyright 2012 Silicon Energy, LLC. All rights reserved. Product Overview February 2012
5.
3506 124th St. NE PO Box 376
Marysville, WA 98271 silicon-energy.com 8787 Silicon Way
360-618-6500 Mt. Iron, MN
SiE-Residential (rev02292012) 218-789-1710
6.
Standard PV Module
Actual Photo Electroluminescence Image Thermal Image
Standard glass/plastic modules showed unequal power levels, hot spotting and
dead zones. Images show modules after enduring 18 years (simulated) of NREL
test-to-failure protocol testing.
Silicon Energy Cascade PV Module
Actual Photo Electroluminescence Image Thermal Image
Silicon Energy modules demonstrated stable performance and safety by being the most
durable module in NREL’s advanced life cycle testing. Testing to 80 years (simulated)
was conducted on Silicon Energy’s module with no measureable performance loss.
Images from NREL “Test-To-Failure of Crystalline Silicon Modules” test report available at http://www.nrel.gov/docs/
fy11osti/47755.pdf . Silicon Energy Cascade PV modules and Standard PV modules were subjected to the same testing.
NREL is an independent testing laboratory that does not endorse commercial products.
3506 124th St. NE PO Box 376
Marysville, WA 98271 silicon-energy.com 8787 Silicon Way
360-618-6500 Mt. Iron, MN
SiE-NREL (rev02292012) 218-789-1710
7. Cascade Series
PV Module and Installation System
see the difference
Silicon Energy’s mission is to manufacture quality PV
systems specifically for the US market that advance
durability, longevity of performance and aesthetics.
The Cascade Series PV Module and Installation System
has some unique features that differentiate it from
other PV systems presently on the market.
PV Module Features:
High efficiency crystalline silicon cells
Strong and durable
Double-glass module construction allows light to
pass between cells
Six bypass diodes per module provide improved
performance in partial shading
Highest fire rating - Class A
30-year limited power warranty, 5-year materials
and workmanship
Installation Systems Features:
Cascade design allows water, snow and ice
to easily flow off
Increased air flow behind modules increases
performance
Mounting system conceals and protects wires
for a clean wireless look
Squirrel proof
Installs on standard 4-foot centers -
specifically designed for the US market
Aesthetically pleasing modern appearance
Customer colors available (architectural
bronze standard)
Made in USA
Washington * Minnesota
8. Electrical Characteris cs Measured at STC* SiE160 SiE165 SiE170 SiE175 SiE180 SiE185 SiE190 SiE195 SiE200
Rated Power (Pmax) Wa s 160 165 170 175 180 185 190 195 200
Maximum Power Voltage (Vmp) 24.7 24.8 24.8 24.9 25.0 25.1 25.3 25.5 25.6
Maximum Power Current (Imp) 6.5 6.7 6.9 7.0 7.2 7.4 7.5 7.7 7.8
Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) 29.9 30.0 30.0 30.1 30.2 30.3 30.5 30.5 30.6
Short Circuit Current (Isc) 7.6 7.7 7.8 7.8 7.8 7.9 7.9 8.2 8.4
Maximum System Voltage (VDC) 600
Series Fuse Ra ng Amps (Amps‐DC) 15
Temperature Coefficients Pmax: ‐0.566%/°C Voc: ‐0.389%/°C Isc: 0.109%/°C
* Standard Test Condi ons (STC) at 1000w/m², AM 1.5 spectrum, 77°F/25°C cell temp.
3 3/4 2 1/2
48 CL
(−) (−)
12 13/16
1/4-20 Mounting Studs
46 4 per Module
24 1/4-20 Module
46 1/8 Ground Studs 47 1/2
Module Width 2 per Module
3/4 in. Knockout
21 3/4
(+) (+)
(+) (+)
1/4 in.
Module Overlap
Powder Coated Aluminum
1/2 in. Knockouts
Mounting Foot (Protects Wire)
24 Fastener Slots 45 3/4
3/8 x 1 1/4
Module Connectors
Tyco SolarLok
14AWG Solar Wire
10-32 Ground Stud
10 9/16
(−) (−)
51 5/8
3 3/4
48 CL 48 CL
1 7/8 in. Base of Mounting Foot *Not to Scale, Units in Inches
Complies to UL1703, specifications subject to change without notice.
Mechanical Specifica ons and Ra ngs
Weight (module + mounts) 58 lbs. (~65 lbs. / ~4.1 lbs./ ²) Front: 0.125 in. high transmissivity tempered glass
Cells 49 crystalline silicon cells wired in series (7 x 7) Construc on Back: 0.125 in. tempered glass
Diodes 6 bypass diodes per module Encapsulant: Advanced Encapsulant
Moun ng Foot 0.125 in. powder coated aluminum alloy 5052 H32
0.09 in. aluminum alloy 5052 H32
Frame
1/4‐20 stainless steel studs with flange nuts Slope of Module 1.85° (minimum moun ng surface angle 5°)
Temperature Range ‐40 to 194°F (‐40 to 90°C) Fire Ra ng Class A
Design Load 125 psf Connectors (Wire) Tyco SOLARLOK (14 AWG Solar Wire, Length ~32 in.)
Silicon Energy MN, LLC Silicon Energy, LLC
PO Box: 376 3506 124th Street NE
8787 Silicon Way Marysville, WA 98271 USA
Mt. Iron, MN 55768 USA Tel: 360‐618‐6500 ● Fax: 360‐618‐6501
Tel: 218‐789‐1710 ● Fax: 218‐789-1021 www.silicon‐energy.com
V8.3 (Rev 021412)
9. Solar Inverter
Made in Washington
SiE3840 and SiE5300
Silicon Energy Solar Inverters are locally
manufactured, high efficiency, battery-less grid
interactive devices that are built to last.
Inverters convert the DC power from solar
modules into AC power for use in both
residential and commercial applications
allowing you to feed excess electricity back to
the utility grid.
Features:
• High Efficiency Performance: Silicon Energy Inverters have some of the highest conversion
efficiencies in their class at 96.7% (96% CEC).
• Operating Range Flexibility: The MPP tracking solar input voltage ranges from 200 to
550VDC with outputs of 208VAC for commercial or 240VAC for residential applications.
• Integrated AC/DC Disconnect: A lockable rotary AC/DC switch eliminates the need for an
external disconnect reducing installation time and material costs.
• Ease of serviceability: In the highly unlikely event the inverter needs servicing, the
independently sealed inverter enclosure is detached while the wiring box remains on the wall.
• LCD display: The system performance is easily monitored on the front of the unit.
• Ground Fault Detection Interruption: GFDI fuse is easily replaced without removing the
inverter covers.
• Fire Safety - Fused Inputs: Four fused solar inputs accessed inside the wiring box help to
protect the inverter and wiring.
• Safe Operation: Complies with US safety standards (UL1741/IEEE1547) with a powder coated
aluminum indoor/outdoor NEMA 3R enclosure.
• Built-in Communications: RS-232 and RS-485 communications interface.
• Made in Washington: Recognized as Made in Washington and qualifies for the solar
production inventive.
• Reliable: Years of proven reliability in domestic and international markets backed by a 10
year warranty.
www.silicon-energy.com V1(Rev021512)
10. Models
Negative Ground Inverters SiE3840 SiE5300
Output Data (AC)
Output* 240 V 208 V 240 V 208 V
Grid Voltage, Operating Range** 211 ~ 264V AC 183 ~ 228V AC 211 ~ 264V AC 183 ~ 228V AC
Grid Frequency, Nominal 60 Hz
Grid Frequency, Operating Range** 59.3 ~ 60.5 Hz
Maximum Output Power 3840 W 3300 W 5300W 4600 W
Maximum Output Current 16 A 22.1 A
Output Over-Current Protection 20 A 30 A
Maximum Output Fault Current 20 A 25 A
Startup Current <2A
Maximum Grid Backfeed Current 0A
Waveform True Sine
Power Factor > 0.99
Total Harmonic Distortion < 3%
DC Component < 0.5%
Phase Split Phase or Single Phase 240
Input Data (DC)
Input Voltage Range 200 ~ 550 V DC
Maximum Input Voltage 600 V DC
PV Start Voltage* 235 V DC
Maximum Input Current 20 A 25 A
Maximum Input Short Circuit Current 24 A 30 A
Number of Fused String Inputs 4
Efficiency
Maximum Efficiency 96.7% 96.5% 96.4% 96.2%
CEC Efficiency 96.0% 95.5% 96.0% 95.5%
Night-time Tare Loss 0.5W
Environment
Operating Temperature Range -13 ~ +131°F(-25 ~ +55°C )
Storage Temperature Range -13 ~ +131°F (-25 ~ +55°C)
Maximum Full Power Operating Temperature without
131°F (55°C) 127.4°F (53°C)
Derating
Relative Humidity Maximum 95%
Mechanical
Outdoor Enclosure NEMA 3R, Rainproof
Cooling Controlled Forced Ventilation
Input and Output Terminals Accepts wire size of 12 to 6 AWG (4 to 16 mm2)
Inverter Weight 50.7 lb (23 kg) 61.7 lb (28 kg)
Shipping Weight 59.5 lb (27 kg) 70.5 lb (32 kg)
Dimensions (HxWxD) 28.8 x 17.9 x 6.9" (732 x 454 x 175 mm) 28.8 x 17.9 x 8.3" (732 x 454 x 210 mm)
Shipping Dimensions (HxWxD) 33.1 x 21.3 x 10.8" (840 x 540 x 275 mm) 33.1 x 21.6 x 12" (840 x 548 x 305 mm)
Features
Communications RS232 and RS485
Display LED/LCD
Certifications UL1741, FCC part 15B, IEEE 1547, IEEE C62.41.2, IEEE C37.90.1
Warranty 10 Years
*Output settings (240 V or 208 V) are unique and made at the factory prior to shipment. **Factory Settings can be adjusted with the approval of the utility. This
unit is provided with adjustable trip limits and may be aggregated above 30kW on a single Point of Common Coupling.
3506 124th Street NW PO Box 376
Marysville, WA 98271 8787 Silicon Way
Office: 360-618-6500 Mt. Iron, MN 55768
Fax: 360-618-6501 Office: (218) 789-1710
Fax: (218) 789-1021
Specifications subject to change without notice.
www.silicon-energy.com V1(Rev021512)