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History - Photovoltaic Power Installation
 
On February 26-27, 1999, Energía Total, Ltd., or "Total Energy", completed installation of a photovoltaic (PV) solar electric power system.  This 20 kw photovoltaic (PV) power system was funded by a grant worth approximately $14,000 from PNM (Public Service Company of New Mexico) through the Enchantment Energy Trust program - part of PNM’s “green energy initiatives”.  Here is the press release in HTML format and PDF format.  This system made the lead story in the Sideral Times, the official TAAS newsletter.
 
The image below was part of the proposal submitted to PNM by TAAS and Energía.
 
Photovoltaic Power System
 
Photovoltaic Panels
 
Each photovoltaic (PV) module above is capable of providing 90 watts of power.  The system installed by Energía consists of 6 modules for a total of 540 watts.  The modules were mounted flat to reduce the chance of damage through vandalism—a problem at GNTO.  This method of mounting will reduce the available power to approximately 300 watts.  Roof modifications planned for GNTO will enable us to mount the panels at a more optimal angle at a future date.
Photovoltaic Panels  Photovoltaic Panels  Photovoltaic Panel Installation  Photovoltaic Panel Installation
 
 
Batteries
 
Batteries  Batteries  Carl Frisch, Robert Ortega, GNTO Director, and Pete Eschman carry in the batteries
 
 
Inverter
 
Inverter The 2,500 watt inverter connects to the battery bank and converts 12 volts DC to 110 volts AC.
 
Inverter status display The inverter status display (black and red box) provides information such as battery charge state, battery discharge current, total power consumed, etc.  The timer, located next to the status display, activates the inverter.  The timer is a fail-safe device to automatically shut down the 120VAC system if the last person to leave the observatory forgets to. The 12VDC system operates continuously to power the observatory security system.
 
Cary Lane connects the inverter status display Cary Lane of Energía connects the inverter status display.
 
 
Wiring
 
Preparing for wire installation Robert Ortega and Pete Eschman caulk joints in the computer room.
 
Wire Installation Wire Installation The Energía electrician wires the observatory.
 
Installing the grounding rod Ron Orozco, president of Energia, installs the system ground rod.
 
12VDC and 120VAC distribution panels 12VDC and 120VAC distribution panels The left box contains the 12VDC distribution panel.  The right box contains the 120VAC distribution system.
 
First system test Mike Pendley performs the first system test by plugging in a light.  In the background, left to right, Robert Ortega, Jon Pendley, Steve Pendley, Cary Lane.
 
 
Grill Installation
 
Installing picnic grill Installing picnic grill Carl Frisch, Robert Ortega, and Jon Pendley reinstall the BBQ in the picnic area while the Energia staff work on the PV system.
 
 
About Energía Total, Ltd.
 
Energía Total, Ltd., or "Total Energy", is a minority-owned 8(a) small business, which is duly incorporated in the State of New Mexico to provide technical and management services in the areas of conventional and renewable energy, and the environment. In April 1996, President Ronald Orozco began providing consulting services to government, private and nonprofit clients as a sole proprietorship. He based his business on 15 years of hands-on experience in rural electrification program design, engineering, and implementation in the Southwestern United States and Latin America.
 
In July 1996, Energía Total, Ltd. evolved into a corporate platform from which a growing roster of engineers, environmental trainers, technicians, and community development specialists provide targeted or combined expertise and resources.
 
The company's solid experience with government contracting regulations and accounting, as well as the international work history of its President and Associates, give Energía Total a cutting-edge perspective on national and international energy and environmental management challenges.
 
Energía Total has recently expanded its offering of energy services to include renewable energy equipment supply and installation in response to client requests for turn-key solar systems. The establishment of dealership arrangements with various equipment manufacturers and major distributors of renewable energy products now allows Energía Total to provide competitively-priced turn-key services from initial client interviews and program definition through equipment installation and operations and maintenance.
 
Business Philosophy and Strategy
 
Energy and environmental issues facing us today call for innovative solutions. Through a blend of technical expertise, community development and institution-building capabilities, Energía Total aims to design sound technical solutions that respect the environment and the people affected.
 
Services
  • Energía Total is capable of fielding multi-disciplinary teams to respond to needs in the following areas:
  • Rural Electrification Engineering and Management Services - Domestic and International
  • Renewable Energy Project Support - Domestic and International
  • Productive Uses of Energy Global Market Assessment for Energy Companies and Industry
Personnel
 
Energía Total, Ltd. has formal arrangements with over a dozen Associates, including the following:
  • Renewable Energy Project Engineer
  • Power Engineer
  • Energy and Environmental Specialist
  • Utility General Manager
  • Economic Analyst
  • Energy Trainer
  • Market Analyst
  • Rural Development Specialist
  • Sociologist
  • Communications Specialist
  • Microenterprise Development Specialist
  • Hydrological Engineer
  • Geotechnical Specialist
  • Environmental Scientist
  • Conservation Biologist
  • Environmental Impact Evaluator
  • Intercultural Specialist
Contact Information
 
Energía Total, Ltd.
451 W. Medowlark Lane
Corrales, NM 87048
(505) 890-1534
 
Ron Orozco, President

 
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Last Modified: May 30, 2002