PV-PRIVÉ PROJECT AT ECN FIVE YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WITH SMALL-SCALE AC MODULE PV SYSTEMS

The ECN PV-Prive project has investigated the application of small -scale grid-connected PV-systems on various types roofs of existing privately owned houses. Employees of ECN were invited to participate and offered the possibility to purchase at a very attractive price PV systems with AC modules. 48 employees have reported yields of their PV systems over a period of five years. The important tasks have been dissemination of experience gained during the preparation period and the installation process, collecting monitoring data on performance of PV systems, including maintenance, repairs and assistance. The experience regarding procedures necessary for the required permits from the various city councils and regarding electricity distribution, metering and feed-in tariffs has been very valuable. The project showed that, due to a lack of roofing skills, installers have difficulties with building integration, inverters shown to be the weakest component of the system and permit procedures at the local city councils are not unambiguous and can create a barrier for the placement of PV- systems in the private sector. For a number of parties more knowledge on grid-connected PV systems is crucial.