THE PROBLEM:

After seeing disappointing results from the solar installation, ACE asked PROXYEM to do an evaluation of their power system, including the solar array.  PROXYEM found that their 280KW system was generating the promised amount of DC power but actual AC power implementation was lower than expected. Additionally, power factor and demand penalties had increased since the installation of the solar system. Finally, Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) throughout their power system had increased creating inefficiencies in their primary transformer and increasing overall system heat. The resulting actual power bill net savings were less than 30% of what was promised by the company that had sold and installed the solar arrays. It is understandable that

they were considering having the solar removed and demanding a refund of their costs.

THE PROXYEM SOLUTION:

PROXYEM installed an appropriately sized PROXYVAR system in parallel at the main distribution panel. The intent was three-fold:

       1. to correct system-wide power factor issues,

       2. to supplement the solar inverter KW with electromagnetically backed VAR, and

       3. to mitigate harmful harmonic currents in the power system.

RESULTS:

On the day it was commissioned, Ace saw a significant improvement in power factor as well as a 30% reduction in harmonic distortion as shown on Fluke 435 power quality meters. Transformer noise and system heat also dropped. These improvements allowed the solar power production to be more efficiently utilized inside the facility. In the first month after installation, net metered power production almost tripled. The following chart shows average monthly consumption for 3 months before and 3 months after PROXVAR installation as reflected on the utility bills.