Silicon Energy Minnesota Introduction Packet

Did you know you can effectively

reduce your energy bill with solar in

Minnesota? Even in an area with

extreme winters, solar can work;

that’s because Minnesota has the

solar resource comparable to some

southern states, and solar modules

work more effectively when

receiving sunlight, and at cooler

temperatures. While Minnesota is

just beginning to adopt solar, solar

has an amazing potential to help

lessen our reliance on fossil fuels,

while helping the local economy

through jobs and manufacturing.

Solar is gaining momentum in the community. With the support and commitment of

utilities, policy makers, local

companies, and the community, solar

is becoming a viable energy

production option for local residents.

If you’re ready to consider steps to

offsetting your energy bill, decreasing

your carbon footprint, investing in

your local community, and increasing

the value of your home, consider

adding a PV system.

Patio Cover - Champin, MN. The 2.3 kW system helps offset the homeowner’s energy needs, while allowing light to pass through the patio cover.

MN State Overview February 2012

• Minnesota receives about 4.5 sunlight hours per day.

• The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) ranks Xcel Energy No. 7 in the nation for solar electric capacity.

• Xcel Energy has been honored as one of the nation’s Top 10 electric utilities in the amount of solar power it added to its system per customer served in 2010.

• Solar is an attractive investment NOW.

Federal and Utility incentives help offset the cost of your system. When combined with Xcel's other solar incentives, customers are eligible for rebates of up to 60% of the installed cost of a solar-electric 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.

• 200 kW to go! The City of Minneapolis has a goal of installing one megawatt (1 MW) of renewable energy by 2014. By 2011, the City will have installed another ~800 kW.

• Minnesota output is about 3 megawatts a year, enough electricity to supply about 800 homes. California, the nation's solar leader, produces 250 times as much sun power as Minnesota, more than 700 megawatts.

silicon-energy.com

Available Solar Incentives¹

Xcel Energy MN State Solar*Rewards program

Receive a one-time incentive payment of $2.25 per installed watt (W) for your residential and Commercial PV systems up to 40 kW or 120% of your use. Minnesota Made Bonus makes the rebate up to $2.75/watt ($2,750/kW) if the solar module in your system is made in Minnesota. This provides a combined incentive of up to $5.00 per watt installed or 60% of system price.

Receive credit for excess energy production on your bill. This is a State net-metering law and is also applicable outside of the Xcel Energy service area.

MN State Utilities Incentive

The DSIRE website features a comprehensive database of State renewable incentives. See URL below.

MN State Tax Incentives

Solar equipment is exempt from MN State sales tax. Your property tax basis will not be increased due to the addition of a solar energy system.

Federal Incentive Take advantage of a 30% tax credit for systems placed in service before 12/31/2016.

DSIRE – Includes a list of Minnesota incentives: silicon-energy.com/mnstateincentives

Federal, State and Utility incentives help make solar a financially savvy energy source today.

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 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 3506 124th Street NE Marysville, WA 98271 (p) 360-618-6500

Silicon Energy MN, LLC PO Pox 376 8787 Silicon Way Mountain Iron, MN 55768 (p) 218-789-1710

Copyright 2012 Silicon Energy, LLC. All rights reserved.

silicon-energy.com

facebook.com/SiliconEnergy twitter.com/SiliconEnergy

Since its start, Silicon Energy has been pursuing the mission of providing locally made PV modules to its communities. The company enables residential, commercial, and utility projects to be graced with its aesthetically unique modules, while delivering unmatched performance in energy harvest, durability, safety, and longevity.

The Silicon Energy module has a 40+ year usable life, while the industry average is approximately 25 years. This extended usability not only enables increased energy harvest, it increases and extends the financial return on a system. The Silicon Energy 30 year warranty is one of the strongest in the industry.

Like many small businesses, Silicon Energy started as a result of an unexpected opportunity. Prior to 2007, solar module manufacturers did not exist in Washington State—Silicon Energy decided they would become the first and offer their community a superior solar product.

Silicon Energy started production in 2009 in Washington State and expanded its manufacturing operations to Minnesota State in 2011, and continues to prosper and grow. This expansion has enabled more and more customers to benefit from a module produced locally.

Sourcing from the Local Community

Manufacturing in both Mountain Iron, MN and Marysville, WA, Silicon Energy aims to source products, services and talent in their neighborhoods whenever possible, adhering to a philosophy of supporting the local economy through manufacturing, jobs, local suppliers and partnerships. The company follows sustainable manufacturing practices, helping to minimize environmental impact on the community. In conjunction with local utilities, Silicon Energy has been committed to helping make solar a mainstream energy resource for the greater community. Federal, State and utility incentives can help offset the initial investment required, resulting in an attractive return on investment.

Silicon Energy welcomes visitors, opening its showroom to the community, allowing you to see and experience its story and unique products. We encourage you to stop by to see for yourself the Silicon Energy difference and personally meet a small, local business who is making a big difference in your community.

• Find a Silicon Energy representative at the local Minnesota Renewable Energy Society meetings. For a listing of upcoming meetings, visit: mnrenewables.org/ calendar

• Join us at an upcoming event! Visit our event web page for more details: silicon-energy.com/index.php/ site/events/

Copyright 2012 Silicon Energy, LLC. All rights reserved. MN Information Sheet February 2012

Silicon Energy, LLC 3506 124th Street NE Marysville, WA 98271

(p) 360-618-6500

Silicon Energy MN, LLC PO Box 376 8787 Silicon Way Mountain Iron, MN 55768

(p) 218-789-1710

facebook.com/SiliconEnergy twitter.com/SiliconEnergy

The Cascade Series is a unique photovoltaic (PV) module designed with an extended lifespan and maximum durability and safety in mind. The ‘glass-on-glass’ architecture is also aesthetically different from other modules on the market, creating the opportunity for innovative module applications such as carports and building awnings. When you opt for Silicon Energy modules, you are choosing a long-lasting, unique product from a local partner.

Features • Unmatched Lifespan and

Durability: With a 40+ year usable life, and negligible performance degradation, our modules easily prove their durability against the industry standard of 25 years. The extended module life maximizes energy production and return on investment.

• Functional in Extreme Weather: The Cascade design is frameless to allow snow, water, ice and other debris to “cascade” off the module, enabling them to function even in extreme weather conditions, and providing greater energy harvest.

• Functional Beauty: Glass-on-glass module construction allows light to pass between cells, making the modules usable not only on your roof, but also in non-traditional places, such as patio covers, awnings, walkway covers, and carports. Increased airflow behind the modules increases performance.

• Custom Hardware: Options for custom mounting hardware colors are available (architectural bronze is standard).

• Increased Safety: Module wiring is completely sealed and inaccessible, removing electrical shock hazards.

• Utility Grade Product: The product is utility-grade and is much more durable than standard residential products.

• Theft Resistant: The Silicon Energy mounting system design is theft resistant.

• Class-A Fire Rating: Silicon Energy modules have the highest fire safety rating.

• Squirrel & Rodent Proof: Enclosed wiring prevents squirrels and rodents from damaging wiring after installation.

Adhering to a sustainable philosophy and delivering the highest quality modules Sustainable and locally made! Silicon Energy is committed to doing business in a sustainable way, making each decision with conscientious thought. Silicon Energy works with local partners whenever possible, finds local talent, and has a clean manufacturing facility and processes designed to minimize impact to our community. The environmental consideration in production, and the durability of this product helps make your decision the most sustainable one.

Copyright 2012 Silicon Energy, LLC. All rights reserved. Product Overview February 2012

Silicon Energy, LLC 3506 124th Street NE Marysville, WA 98271

(p) 360-618-6500

Silicon Energy MN, LLC PO Box 376 8787 Silicon Way Mountain Iron, MN 55768

(p) 218-789-1710

facebook.com/SiliconEnergy twitter.com/SiliconEnergy

SiE-NREL (rev02292012)

Standard PV Module

Actual Photo  Electroluminescence Image  Thermal Image 

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.

Silicon Energy Cascade 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 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.

3506 124th St. NE Marysville, WA 98271 360-618-6500

silicon-energy.com PO Box 376 8787 Silicon Way

Mt. Iron, MN 218-789-1710

NREL is an independent testing laboratory that does not endorse commercial products.

PO Box 376 8787 Silicon Way

Mt. Iron, MN 218-789-1710

3506 124th St. NE Marysville, WA 98271 360-618-6500

silicon-energy.com

SiE-Residential (rev02292012)

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

Complies to UL1703, specifications subject to change without notice.

Silicon Energy MN, LLC 

PO Box: 376  

8787 Silicon Way 

Mt. Iron, MN 55768 USA 

Tel: 218‐789‐1710 ● Fax: 218‐789-1021 

48 CL

(+)

(−)

1/4-20 Mounting Studs 4 per Module

1/4-20 Module Ground Studs 2 per Module

(+)

(−)

Powder Coated Aluminum Mounting Foot (Protects Wire)

Module Connectors Tyco SolarLok

14AWG Solar Wire

Fastener Slots 3/8 x 1 1/4

1/4 in. Module Overlap

(−)

(+)

10-32 Ground Stud

*Not to Scale, Units in Inches

3 3/4

(−)

(+)

46

46 1/8 Module Width

51 5/8

48 CL

3 3/4

2 1/2

48 CL

47 1/2

45 3/4

1 7/8 in. Base of Mounting Foot

1/2

in. K

nock

outs

24

12 13/16

10 9/16

24

21 3/4

3/4

in. K

nock

out

Mechanical Specifica ons and Ra ngs

Weight (module + mounts) 58 lbs. (~65 lbs. / ~4.1 lbs./ ²) 

Construc on Front: 0.125 in. high transmissivity tempered glass                      Back: 0.125 in. tempered glass                                                         Encapsulant: Advanced Encapsulant 

Cells 49 crystalline silicon cells wired in series (7 x 7) 

Diodes 6 bypass diodes per module 

Frame 0.09 in. aluminum alloy 5052 H32                                                                                  1/4‐20 stainless steel studs with flange nuts 

Moun ng Foot 0.125 in. powder coated aluminum alloy 5052 H32 

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.) 

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.

Silicon Energy, LLC  

3506 124th Street NE 

Marysville, WA 98271 USA 

Tel: 360‐618‐6500 ● Fax: 360‐618‐6501 

www.silicon‐energy.com  V8.3 (Rev 021412)

www.silicon-energy.com V1(Rev021512)

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)

Models

Negative Ground Inverters SiE3840 SiE5300 Output Data (AC) Output* 240 V 208 V 240 V 208 V Grid Voltage, Operating Range** 211 ~ 264VAC 183 ~ 228VAC 211 ~ 264VAC 183 ~ 228VAC 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 < 2 A Maximum Grid Backfeed Current 0 A 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 VDC Maximum Input Voltage 600 VDC PV Start Voltage* 235 VDC 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 Derating

131°F (55°C) 127.4°F (53°C)

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 Marysville, WA 98271 Office: 360-618-6500

Fax: 360-618-6501

PO Box 376 8787 Silicon Way

Mt. Iron, MN 55768 Office: (218) 789-1710

Fax: (218) 789-1021 Specifications subject to change without notice.