ASPI Expands its Net-Metered PV System

Appalachia – Science in the Public Interest (ASPI) hosted a PV installation workshop at its Small Town Demonstration Center in Mt. Vernon, KY on February 19, 2005. The workshop was held to expand ASPI’s solar PV (photovoltaic) array, which is one of the first net-metered PV systems in Kentucky.

Twenty-four participants spent the day at ASPI, learning about solar PV systems and helping to install sixteen 75-watt PV panels on the office roof. The workshop was led by Joshua Bills, co-coordinator of the Kentucky Solar Partnership and owner of Sunbelieveable Services, a solar energy business based in Berea, KY.

The PV panels for this project were purchased through a grant from Eastern Kentucky PRIDE and have expanded ASPI’s PV system from 1.5 kW to 2.7 kW. The upgraded system will produce, on average, 300 kWh per month. ASPI believes this may be the first net-metered system in the state that will produce more electricity in some months than is being used on-site. (Net-metered PV systems feed their electric generation into the electric grid whenever the PV panels produce more electricity than is being used on-site, which causes the electric meter to spin backwards. When PV generation exceeds electricity use during an entire month, the customer gets credited for the excess (net) generation, resulting in a negative bill).

If you would like a tour ASPI’s PV array and other appropriate technology demonstrations, please call (606)256-0077.