Essex installed a 6.12 KW solar electric (PV) with Advanced Energy Systems.  This PV system comprises 24 Sharp 160W modules, and 14 Sharp 162W modules.  These 38 modules are mounted on Unirac racks that are connected to the underlying roof purlins with stainless steel hardware.  The Sharp 160W modules are wired in series strings of 12 Modules/Circuit and connect to a SMA 3800U 208V Inverter.  The Sharp 162W modules are wired in a series string of 14 Modules/Circuit and this circuit feeds an additional SMA 3800U Inverter.  This sub-array can be expanded by up to 10 more modules or 1.5KW at a later date.

The two inverters are combined in a 125A 3-phase panel board and the power is then routed to an outdoor utility AC disconnect before landing in the 200A main service panel for the office section of the building.  A 3-pole 50A circuit breaker is installed in the panel board and is the back fed breaker for the PV system.

Each inverter is equipped with an antenna that can transmit data wirelessly to a receiving device called a Sunny Beam.  The Sunny Beam accumulates data both instantaneously and cumulatively.  It can be connected to a PC via a USM cable.  The Sunny Beam is displayed at the reception area of Essex Construction for public viewing.

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