Phase II - photovoltaics for utility scale applications (PVUSA). Quarterly technical report, First quarter 1996

This is the first of three planned quarterly Technical Reports of 1996 system performance and major project activities. The final quarter will be discussed in the 1996 Progress Report. Activity for the PVUSA project was curtailed considerably, pending resolution of the transfer of management to the California Energy Commission (CEC) and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD). Principal activities during the first quarter of 1996 included: (1) Continued negotiations regarding the transfer of project management from PG&E to the joint CEC/SMUD team. Primary remaining hurdle is obtaining approval from the California Public Utilities Commission. (2) Provided training to CEC and SMUD project team members on January 8, 9, and 11. Training covered site operations including data acquisition. (3) Completed the draft of the 1995 Progress Report. (4) Supported the contractor in their efforts for enhancing the performance and reliability of the Amonix EMT-3 array at Davis. (5) Reviewed the PSCo installation drawings, and started activities to provide the PVUSA DAS equipment, (6) Operation and maintenance of existing systems, including data collection and reporting. Data were collected for 19 completed systems with a combined capacity of 1,800 kW. Combined, these systems generated nearly 1.1 million kWh during January through March. The project`s cumulative generation now stands at 8.2 million kWh. Key cumulative 1996 results are listed in the following table. The locations of systems other than Davis are noted alongside the supplier`s name.