Portable Photovoltaic Systems

This Portable Photovoltaic System was constructed as an educational tool to expose the public to a working photovoltaic system. All of the components are arranged in such a way as to allow easy viewing and to allow for a better understanding of their relationship to one another.  The system consists of four 120 watt single crystalline solar panels, and a battery bank that is sized to deliver 1500 watts of output @ 120 volts AC. The system's battery bank will provide the 1500 watts of power for up to eight hours continuously, without any sun present. With the addition of five hours of sun during this eight hour span, this continuous power interval is increased to about 10 hours. If the load is reduced to 800 watts, the system will provide 18 hours of continuous power. If you would like more information about this system, or about photovoltaics contact the Department of Natural Resources Technology Assessment Division.

DNR's Portable Photovoltaic System was a hit at New Orleans's Build Smart Expo

The system was used to power a small air conditioning window unit in a Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) Display building at the Expo

April 22nd, & 23rd, 2006 were the dates for the Build Green Expo held in New Orleans at the Ashé Cultural Arts Center & Barristers Gallery. The Expo featured energy efficiency and modern, environmentally-responsible building concepts and materials that are recommended for the rebuilding efforts underway in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina devastated so much of the housing stock in the New Orleans area.  With so many homes expected to be rebuilt or renovated the event featured workshops, demonstrations, and technical resources to promote the idea of incorporating energy efficiency and sustainability into the reconstruction of their homes.

With so many people remaining without electricity for such a long time in the New Orleans area after Hurricane Katrina the portable photovoltaic system display booth was a very busy place.

In addition to powering the SIPs building air conditioner, the portable photovoltaic system was also used intermittently to provide electrical power to an onsite DJ who played 1960’s era music for the patrons of the expo.

PV Video at Build Smart Expo

Considering the federal tax incentive that is currently in place as a result of the newly passed Energy Policy Act of 2005 which awards a tax credit of up to $2,000 for the purchase of photovoltaic equipment, and the newly passed Louisiana legislation which adopted net metering for the state – there has never been a better time for incorporating photovoltaics into residential construction, and particularly into the reconstruction of New Orleans.

Previous Events

April 22, 2000 was the official day designated for Earth Day 2000 celebrations. New Orleans Mayor Marc H. Morial hosted his Earth Day celebration within the Crescent City Farmer's Market, located near the Warehouse District in New Orleans. Along side of the usual produce and seafood vendors normally plying their trade in the market were 25 booths that focused on environmentally friendly devices such as solar cookers, recycling equipment, and energy efficient products. The Mayor's Office of Environmental Affairs contacted DNR, interested in powering the Mayor's event stage with clean power. The Portable Photovoltaic System powered the Mayor's event stage, as well as the booth of The Alliance for Affordable Energy. The Mayor's event stage hosted a live band and entertainment for the entire length of the celebration. All of the electricity used in this endeavor was produced by energy captured from the sun.

Buddy Justice of DNR demonstrating and explaining the system