[Document title]

[Document subtitle]

ONE A2003 [Date] [Course title]

Contents

Introduction to solar energy .......................................................................................................................... 4

1. Introduction to solar energy

• Construction of PV cell

• Diagram of PV cell

• Advantage and disadvantage of PV cells

• Sun tracking

• Facts abouts solar

2. Types of solar systems

• Grid tied solar system, its advantages and equipment

• Off grid tied solar system its advantages and equipment

• Hybrid grid tied solar system its advantages and equipment

3. Types of PV cells and factors affecting them

• Types of PV cells

• Effect of insolation on power

• Effect of temperature on power

• Effect of load resistance on power

• Determine PV array max voltage

• Types of dc to dc converter

• Several techniques for MPPT (maxi. Power point tracking)

• Junction box and its wiring

• Connection of PV cell (series and parallel)

4. solar system sizing

• Determine power consumption

• Battery sizing
 • Inverter sizing

• Sizing PV modules

• Solar charge controller sizing

• MPPT charge controller sizing

Introduction to solar energy

Solar energy is radiant light and heat from the Sun that is harnessed using a range of ever-evolving

technologies such as solar heating, photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, solar architecture, molten salt

power plants and artificial photosynthesis

* What is renewable energy

• Renewable energy is the energy which is generated form natural resources i.e. Sun, wind,

rain tides and can be generated again as and when required. They are available in plenty

and far most the cleanest sources of energy available on this planet. For e.g. Energy that

we receive from the sun can be used to generated electricity. Similarly. Energy from wind,

geothermal, biomass from plants, tides can be used to fulfill our daily energy demands.

* Nonrenewable energy

• Non- renewable energy is the energy which is taken from the source they are available on

the earth in limited quantity and will vanish fifty sixty years from now.

• Nonrenewable sources are not environment friendly and can have serious effect on our

heath. They are called nonrenewable because they cannot be re generated within a short

span of time. Nonrenewable sources exist in the form of fossil fuels, natural gas, oil and

coal.
 fig. Solar cell, array and string

Cell (0.5 to 0.9) > module (cell in series) > string (module in series)> array (string in parallels

Effect of isolation and temperature ok n V-I curve

Solar isolation (SI) is the power per unit area received from the sun form of electromagnetic

radiation.

Advantage of PV system

• It provides green energy.

• Free and available energy.

• Can be used locally which reduces losses

• Operation and maintenance costs are low.

• PV has no mechanical parts.

• PV is silent (no noise).

• Easy to install.

• Used in spacecraft application.

Disadvantage of PV systems

• No power at night or during cloudy or rainy weather.

 • It requires additional equipment as inverter and batteries.

• Low efficiency 15 to 18%.

• Needs continuous cleaning.

• For high power, PV requires large area which is difficult inside cities.

PV system construction

Solar panels> charge controller (regulate the charging of battery) > battery bank>

<inverter<>operational generator> home

Construction

of PV cells

1. N types silicon has excessive number of electrons but p types have excessive number of holes.

2. When light falls on n types. The electrons gain amount of energy enough to move from n types

to p types.

3. Electrons go from n types to p types to fill the holes which causes flow of current.
Pros of renewable energy

1. The sun, wind, geothermal, ocean energy is available in the abundant quality and free to uses.

2. The non-renewable sources of energy that we are using are limited and are bound to expire

one day.

3. Renewable energy sources have low carbon emissions; therefore, they are considered as green

and environment friendly.

4. Renewable energy helps in stimulating the economy and creates job opportunities.

The money that is used to build these plants can provide jobs thousand to millions of people

5. You don't have to rely on any third country for the supply of renew able sources as in case of

non-renewable sources.

6. Renewable sources can cost less than consuming the local electrical supply. In the long run,

renewable sources can cut your electricity bills.

Cons of renewable energy

• It's not easy to set up a plant as the initial costs require quite high.

• Solar energy can be used during the day time and not during night or rainy season.
 • Geothermal energy it can bring toxic chemicals breath the earth surface onto the top and

can create environmental changes.

• Hydroelectric building dams across the river which is quite expensive can affect natural

flow and wildlife.

• To use wind energy, you have to rely on strong winds therefore you have to choose

suitable site to operation them. Also, they can affect bird's population as they are quite

high.

Pros of non-renewable energy

• Nonrenewable energy is cheap and easy to use. You can easily fill up your car tank

and power your motor vehicle.

• You can use small amount of nuclear energy to produce large amount of power.

• Nonrenewable energy has little or no competition at all. For example, if you are

driving a battery driven car your battery gets discharge then you won't be able to

charge it in the middle if the road rather it is easy to find a gas pumping station.

• They are considered as cheap when converting from one type of energy to another.

Cons of non-renewable energy

• Non renewable energy sources will expire some day and we have to us our endangered

resources to create more nonrenewable sources of energy.

• The speed at which such resources are being utilities can have burnt which are the major

causes for global warming.

• Since these sources are going to expire soon.

Types of solar photovoltaic cells

Solar panels convert energy from the sun into the electricity we use in our homes, to power the

light on our streets, and the machinery in our industries.

• Monocrystalline silicon solar panels.

• Polycrystalline or multi crystalline solar panel.

• Amorphous or thin film solar panel.

• Hybrid silicon solar panels.

Pic monocrystalline silicon solar panels

Monocrystalline silicon solar panels

• The most effective of the solar PV cells with 15% efficiency.

• Monocrystalline silicon is therefore the most expansive option. They require less space

than other cells simply because they produce more energy and can yield up to four times

more power than thin film solar panels.

• They also last longer than other panels and perform better at low light.

• The main disadvantage is the cost which often means that it's not the first choice for

home owners. It can also be affected by dirt or shade, which can break the circuit.

Polycrystalline or multi crystalline solar panels

• With an efficiency pf 13 percentage, polycrystalline solar panels are often seen as a better

economic choose, particular for home owners.

• They are made from a number of smaller silicon crystals that are melted together and

then recrystallized.

• The main disadvantage for polycrystalline solar panels is that you need more of them

because of the lower energy conversion efficiency.

Amorphous or thin film solar panels

• At 7 %, thin film solar panels are among the least efficient on the market but they are the

cheapest option.

• They work well in low light, even moon light, and made from non-crystalline silicon that

can be transferred in a thin film onto another material such as glass.

• The main advantage is that it can be mass produced at a much cheaper cost but is more

suitable for situations where space is not a big issue.

• The main disadvantage for thin film solar panels are generally used for residential

purposes and will degrade quicker than crystalline cells.

Hybrid silicon solar panels

• With an efficiency of 18%, hybrid solar panels are made from a mix of amorphous and

monocrystalline cells to generate maximum efficiency.

• There are variety of types of hybrid cells and they are still very much at the research and

development stage which is why they are currently a more expansive option.

• Development stages.

Summary

monocrystalline silicon typical efficiency 18%, one of the most effective PV cells currently

available on the market.

Mounting of solar PV system

Roof mount

• Simple and cheap to install.

• No flexibility in orientation of PV system.

• Only support small PV system.

Integrated: they use thin film, give good look but have very low efficiency.

Tracking:

By using solar tracker.

Solar tracker. Device used for orienting the PV cell towards the sun by using light sensor

connected with motor.

Increase efficiency by 15 % in winter and 30% in summer.

Cost will increase.

1. Single axis tracker: can be either vertical or horizontal.2. Dual axis tracker: have both

vertical and horizontal axes.

series parallel connection of PV cells

effect of isolation and temperature on VI curve

Shading and tilt angle in solar energy
• When a shadow in cast on a panel, whether by a tree or another building, it will decrease the

amount of electricity produced by the panel.

• Shading of just one cell in a module (which typically consists of around 60 cells) can reduce

power

output by

as much

as 33%.

Tilt angle

The tilt angle of photovoltaic (PV) array is the key to an optimum energy yield.

• Solar panels or PV arrays are most efficient, when they are perpendicular to the sun's rays.

• Self-shading occurs due to PV panels so we have to move it to prevent self-shading.

• So, distance should be at least =3w (where d is the distance between rows and w is the

width of a module)

Optimum angle for fixed solar panels depending on installation position.

Ex India 13 to 20 degree, Nepal 26 to37 degree etc.

To give you point of reference a 0-degree tilt angle would mean that the panel. Is lying flat down

on its back facing directly upwards.

As the inclination increase the panel would be adjusted to face more and more to the front.
Accurate method for tilt method

1. go to links and to find latitude of your place.

2. For a latitude up to 25 degree take your latitude and multiply it's by 0.87.

For a latitude over 50degree the most ideal angle will end up being approximately 45 degree

3. Thanks to curve website

4. Easier method calculation websites

Angle is here between vertical not as before between horizontal and panel.

Determine PV array maximum system voltage

• Equipment used for residential and commercial PV systems in the united states is rated

up to 600 vdc, so it is important to make sure a PV array is configured so that this 600-

volt rating is not exceeded.

• In cold, sunny condition, array voltage will increase, you will need to account for this

when designing your system so the voltage stays below the limit and knowing the lowest

expected ambient temperature at your sites.

• PV module manufacturer provides a temperature coefficient of open circuit

voltage(tkVoc), it must be used in the calculation

• This coefficient tells us how much a module's voltage will increase per °C below the

standard test condition (STC) of 25°C.

• The temperature coefficient will be listed in volts per °C; millivolt (mV) per °C; or as a

percentage per° C

Example

• If a module has a tkVoc of -0.120 volt per °C this means that, for each °C below 25°C,

the module voltage will increase by 0.120 volts.

• If you have a module with a tkVoc given in % per °C, multiply this tkVoc by the

module's open circuit voltages (Voc).

• A module with a Voc of 36.9 volts and tkVoc of -0.36%per°C will have a 1.333 voltage

increase for each degree below 25°C.

• 0.0036*36 9V= 0.133V.

• Once we have this calculation, we must determine the lowest expected ambient

temperature.

Problem

• Let's assume our array uses modules with a Voc= 36.9 volts and a tkVoc = -0.36%

per °C, and is located in Jhapa, Nepal the extreme minimum temperature for this

location is listed as-23°C.

• This is 48°C lower that the STC temperature.

• -23-25=-48°C

• 48*0.133V =6.38V

• That means our maximum module Voc is now 43.28V

• 36 .9+6.38volt

• If our array consists of 12 of these modules in series, the resulting maximum system

voltages is 519.4 volts, when is under the 600-volt limit.

• However, if we had 14 of these modules in series, the 600-volt limit could be

exceeded (43.28V*14=605.9V) given this location and these modules.

Link lowest temperature in world wide

Types of dc to dc converter

Several techniques used for MPPT

1. Constant voltage method .

2. Open circuit vvoltages method

3. Feedback voltages(current) method

4. Disturbation and observation method

5. Incremental conductabce (IC) method

6. Fuzzy logic method

7. Neural network method

Method 1 disturb and observation techniques

• Increase the voltages by ∆v

• Calculate power p= vi
• Continue until power starts to decrease.

• Then decrease the voltage by ∆v and calculate power and so on till reaching P-max .

• The disadvantage of this method, that we don't operate exactly at p max, but we operate

around this point.

Chapter 2

Grid tied solar system

Grid tied, on grid, utility interactive, grid intertie and grid back feeding are all to the utility

power grid .
Advantage of grid tied systems

• Save more money with net metering through better efficiency rates, net metering, plus

lower equipment and installation.

• Batteries and standalone equipment are required for a fully functional off grid solar

system and add to costs as well as maintenance. Grid tied solar systems are therefore

generally cheaper and simpler to install.

• With net metering homeowners can put this excess electricity onto the utility grid instead

of storing it themselves with batteries.

• Many utility companies are committed to buying electricity from homeowners at the

same rate as they sell it themselves.

• The utility grid is a virtual battery, more electricity and more money go to waste with

conventional battery systems.

Equipment for grid tied solar system

1. Grid tie inverter (GTI)

They regulate the voltage and current received from your solar panels direct current from your

solar panels is converted into alternating current (AC). which is the type of current that is

utilized by the majority of electrical appliance.

In addition to this, grid tie inverter synchronizes the phase and frequency of the current to fit the

utility grid (normally 60hz).

2. Micro inverter
Micro inverter goes on the back of each solar panel, as opposed to one central inverter that

typically takes on entire solar array.

• There has recently been a lot of debate on Weather is micro inverter are batter that

Central (string) inverter.

• Micro inverter is certainly more expansive but, in many cases, yield higher efficiency

rates.

3. 3phase meter

Most homeowners will need to replace their current power meter with one that is compatible

with net metering. This device often called a net meter or two-way meter, is capable of

measuring power going in both directions. From the grid to your house and vice versa.

Off-grid solar system

Ab off grid solar system or standalone is the alternative to one that is grid tied. For homeowner

that access to the grid, to ensure access to electricity at all times, off grid solar systems require

battery storage and a backup generator (if you live off the grid). On top of this, a battery bank

typically needs to be replaced after 10 years, batteries are complicated, expansive and decrease

overall system efficiency.

 Advant

age of

off grid

solar

system

1. No access to the grid utility grid.

Off grid solar systems can cheaper than extending power lines in certain remote area.

2. Become energy self sufficient

Living off the grid and being self-sufficient feels good. Power failures on the utility grid do not

affect off grid solar systems.

On the flip side, batteries can only store a certain amount of energy, you should install a backup

generator to be prepared for these kinds of situations.

Equipment for off grid solar system

1. Solar charge controller

Charge regulators or battery regulators limit the range of current being delivered to the battery

bank and protect the batteries from overcharging.

Good charge controllers are crucial for keeping the batteries heathy, which ensures the lifetime

of a battery bank is maximized.

2. Battery bank

A battery bank is essentially a group of batteries wired together to store electrical energy before

sunset.

3. Dc disconnect switch

Ac and dc safety disconnect are required for all solar systems. For off-grid solar systems.one

additional dc disconnect is installed between the battery bank and the off-grid inverter. It is used

to switch off the current flowing between these components. This is important for maintenance,

troubleshooting and protection against electrical fires.

4. Off grid inverter

To convert dc to ac for all other electrical appliance.

Off grid inverters don't have to match phase with the utility sine waves as opposed to grid tie

inverter. Electrical current flows from the solar panels through the solar charge controller and the

bank battery before it is finally converted into ax by the off-grid inverter.

5. Backup generator

It takes a lot of money and big batteries to prepare for several consecutive days without the sun

shining or access to the grid. This is where backup generators come in.

In most cases, installing a backup generator that runs on diesel is a batter choose than investing

in an oversized battery bank that seldom gets to operate at its full potential. Generator can run on

propane petroleum gasoline and many other fuel types.

Backup generators typically outputs ac, which can be send through the inverter for direct use or

it can be converted into dc for battery storage

Hybrid solar system

Hybrid solar systems combines the best from grid tied and off grid solar systems. These systems

can either be described as off grid solar with utility backup power, or grid solar with extra battery

storage.

Advantages of hybrid solar system

1. Less expensive than off grid solar systems

Hybrid solar system are less expansive then off grid solar system. You don't really a backup

generator, and the capacity of your battery bank can be downsized. Off peak electricity from the

utility company is cheaper than diesel.

2. Smart solar holds a lot of promise.

Homeowners take advantage of changes in the utility electricity rates throughout the day.

Solar panels happen to outputs the most electrical power at noon not long before the price of

electricity peaks. Your home and electrical vehicle can be programmed to consume power during

off peak hours (or from your solar panel.)

Consequently, you can temporarily store whatever excess electricity your solar panels in

batteries, and put it on the utility grid when you are paid the most for every kwh

Smart solar holds a lot promise, the concept will become increasingly important as ww transition

towards the smart grid in the coming years.

Equipment for hybrid solar panels

1. Charge controller

2. Battery bank

3. Dc disconnect (additional)

4. Battery based grid tie inverter

5. Power meter

6. Battery based grid tie inverter

Hybrid solar system utilize battery-based grid tie inverters. These devices combine can draw

electrical power to and from battery banks, as well as synchronize with the utility grid.

Important of charge controller

• Control current in n and out of battery.

• Protects battery from overcharging.

• Regulate the voltage entering the battery.

• Protects battery from over discharging according to DOD.

• Contains sensors to protect battery from high temperature so increase life time of battery.
Junction box

• The junction box is an enclosure on the module where the PV strings are electrically connected

• Its attached to the back of the solar panel (TPT which is a layer firm)

• It wires the (usually) 4 connectors together and is the output interface of the solar panel.

• When purchasing solar modules, always have a look at the is of junction box. A completely water

tight junction box carries IP67.6 for dust rating 6 is maximum value and 7 for water tight and

maximum value.

• Most photovoltaic junction boxes have diodes.

The function of the diode is to keep the power flow going in one direction. And prevent power from

feeding back into the panels when there is no sunshine

Wiring of junction box

When wiring module strings together, which happens in series (e.g. positive to negative) voltage is

increasing while current stay constant.

When wiring multiple module string together in parallel (example positive to positive and negative to

negative) current in increasing while voltages stays constant

 Channel A

and channel

B have two

strings each

that are

wired in

parallel on

the dc combiner inputs at the inverter. The total number of modules on each channel is different, but the

number of modules on each string within channel a and b are the same (eight on channel A and five on

chann

el B).
 junction box

Example

Radio repeater station works

on PV continuously 24hrs

/day it operates on 24volt

and avg current 2A

The isolation continues for

6hrspee day as ab

average.>The available PV

units have a voltage 12volt

and a current 2A>Take a factor of 1.25>Design the PV units and draw a circuit diagram

Chapter: three

Battery

Construction and types of batteries used

Second generation batteries

• Lead acid batteries the world's most recycled product.

• Automobile and traction application.

• Standby or backup or emergency power for electrical installations.

 • Submarines

• Ups (uninterrupted power supplies)

• Lighting high current drain

applications.

• Sealed battery types

available for use in portable

equipment.

Types of batteries

1. Gelled battery:

Gel batteries are best used in very

deep cycle application and may last a bit longer in hot weather applications.

Wheel chair and medical mobility batteries

2. AGM (absorber glass mat) battery:

Board batteries and motorcycle batteries

3. Hybrid battery: used in case of car using electric and mechanical motors.
4. Alkaline battery:

They are most commonly rechargeable household batteries.

Construction of battery.

*Plate positive and negative plates.

*Rubber case

*Filler cap

Provide access for adding electrolyte holes allow gases to be vented to the atmosphere.

*Electrical links

Connect cells to withstand heavy current.

Electrolyte formed of Sulphur acid with water, nearly up to 40%sulphuric acid, rest is regular water.
• Each cell or plate gives 2 volts.

• For 24 volts, we will need 12 plates.

• All +ve connected together and -ve are also connected together.

• We will finally have one +ve and one -ve terminal.

Charging of lead acid battery

State of charge Open circuit voltages (OCV)

(SOC) 2V 6V 8V 12V

100% 2.14 6.42 8.56 12.83

90 2.12 6.36 8.48 12.72

80 2.10 6.30 8.40 12.60

70 2.08 6.24 8.32 12.47

60 2.06 6.17 8.23 12.34

50 2.03 6.10 8.14 12.20

40 2.01 6.03 7.04 12.06

30 1.99 5.96 7.94 11 .91

20 1.96 5.88 7.84 11.76

10 1.94 5.81 7.74 11.61

Specific charge in hydrometer

Specific gravity State of charge (%)

1.255-1.275 100

1.215-1.235 75

1.180-1.200 50

1.155-1.165 25

1.110-1.130 0
 • After filling with Sulphuric acid, we charge them.

• Remove filler cap to allow gases to go out to atmosphere.

• +ve terminal with +ve of charger, -ve is with -ve of charger.

• Charge battery with voltage higher than battery voltage but not too high

• Example 14.5v for 12-volt battery.

• Use hydrometer to know how much battery is charged.

• Leave battery to cold.

• Wash and clean the battery.

• Get back cover again

Hydrometer

• Red: must be fill H2SO4 in battery

• Green: good condition

• White: critical condition

Maintenance of battery

• Check rubber case from any damage to prevent any leaking of electrolyte.

• Check electrolyte by using hydrometer.

• After putting electrolyte, leave battery 4 hrs. before charging.

• After charging, check the density by hydrometer.

• Uses a sponge with some soup and putting it on the battery, if there any bubbles then

there is leaking.

Method of charging

Constant dc current: low charging from 16 to 24 hours very slow but very safe method.

Constant dc volt: fast charging, not safe and decreases lifetime.

Cycle of battery
 • Number of

times we

can charge

and

discharge

the batteries.

Discharging from 💯%to 20% then back again to 100%.

• DOD or depth of discharge: means how much we will discharge the batteries.

• Example 80% means we can discharge up to 80 percentage of battery or up to 20% of

battery capacity.

• DOD available 10 20, 50,100%

• Suggested DOD is 50%.

• Aa DOD increases, battery lifetime decreases.

 Chapter: four

Designing off grid solar energy system

1. Section of panel

Number of modules depends on length and width of both of area and panel.

Space between modules between 6 and 10mm.2

PV types Efficiency (%) Space for

1kWh(m2)

Monocrystalline 11-16 6-9

silicon

Polycrystalline 10-15 7-10

silicon

Thin film 6-11 9-17

Hybrid silicon 16-18 5-6

Micro 7-12 8.5-15

amorphous

Amorphous 4-7 15-26

Datasheet of panel

Section of inverter

Types Power in kw Efficiency Uses

String inverter 1-10 96-98 Single/three

phase
Mini Central 10-30 >97 Three phases

inverter

Central inverter 30-1200 >97 Three phase upto

30kv

• To select inverter, sum all of the loads in kw and choose higher value for inverter.

• Total load is multiplying by 1.25or 1.3 and choose higher than this value

• If total load=3.9kw, then we choose inverter of4 kw.

Steps for solar system sizing

1. Determine power consumption demands.

2. Size the PV modules.

3. Inverter sizing.

4. Battery sizing.

5. Solar charge controller sizing.

1. Determine power consumption demands

Find out the total power and energy consumption of all loads that need to be supplied by the

solar PV system as follows:

1.1 Calculate total watt hours per day for each appliance used

Add the watt hours needed for all appliances together to get the total watt hours per day which

must be delivered to the appliances.

1.2 calculate total watts hours per day needed from the PV modules.

Multiply the total appliances watt hours per day times 1.3 (the energy lost in the system) to get

total watt hours per day which must be provided by panels.

 Example

A house has the following electrical appliance usage.

• One 18-watt fluorescent lamp with electronic ballast used 4hours per day

• One 60-watt fan used for 2 hours per day.

• One 75 watts refrigerator that runs 24 hrs. per day with compressor run 12 hrs. and off 12

hrs.

• The system will be powered bt 12 Vdc, 110Wp PV module

Solution

Total appliances use: 18w* 4+60*2+75*24*0.5

=1092 wh/day

Total PV panels energy=1092*1.3=1419.6wh/day

2. Size the PV modules

• Different size of PV modules will produce different amount of power.

• To find out the sizing of PV module, the total peak watt produced needs.

• The peak watts (wp) produced depends on size of the PV module and climate of site

location.

• Panel generation factor which is different on size the PV module and climate of site

location.

• Example for Thailand the panel generation factor is 3.43

• To determine the sizing of PV modules, calculate as follows.

2 1 calculate the total watt peak rating needed for PV modules

Divide the total watt hrs. per day needed from the PV modules (from step1) by 3.43 to get the

total watt peak rating needs for the PV panels needed to operate the appliances.
2.2 calculate the number of PV panels for system

• Divide the ans. obtained in item 2.1 by the rated output watt peak of the PV modules

available to you.

• Increase any fraction part of result to the next highest full number and that will be the

number of PV modules required.

• Result of the calculation is the minimum number of PV panels

• If more PV modules are installed, the system will perform better and battery life will be

improved

• If fewer PV modules are used, the system may not work at all during cloudy periods and

Battery life will be shortened.

2.1 Total wp of PV panel capacity= 1419.6/3.4=413.9wp needed.

2.2 no of PV panels needed= 413.9/110=3.76modukes.

Actual requirements=4 modules so this system should be powered by at least 4 modules of110

wp PV module.

3. Inverter size it

• An inverter is used in the system where ac power output is needed.

• The input rating of the inverter should never be lower than the total watt of appliances.

• The inverter must have the same nominal voltage as your battery.

• For standalone system, the inverter must be lager enough to handle the total amount of

watts you will be using at one time

• The inverter size should be 25 to 30% bigger than total watts of appliances.
 • In case of appliances type is motor or compressor then inverter size should be minimum 3

times the capacity of those appliances and must be added to the inverter capacity to

handle surge current during starting.

• For grid tie systems or grid connected systems, the input rating of the inverter should be

sane as PV array rating to allow for safe and efficient operation.

Example

Total watt of all appliances=18+60+75=153

For safety the inverter should be considered 25-30%bigger size.

The inverter size should be about 190W or greater.

4. Battery 🔋 sizing

The battery types recommended for using in solar PV system is deep cycle battery.

Deep cycle battery is specifically designed for to be discharged to low energy level and rapid

recharged or cycle charged and discharged day after year.

The battery should be large enough to store sufficient energy to operate the appliances at night

and cloudy days.

*To find out the size of battery, calculate as follows

4.1 calculate total watt hours per day used by appliances.

4.2 divide the total watt hours per day used by0.85 for battery loss

4.3 divide the answer obtained in term 4.2 by .6 for depth of discharge.

4.4 divide the answer obtained in term 4.3 by the nominal battery voltages

4.5 multiply the answer obtained in term 4.4 with days of autonomy (the number of days that you

need the system to operate when there is no power produced by PV panels) to get the required.

Example
Ampere hours capacity of deep cycle battery.

Battery capacity (AH) = (total watt hours per day used by appliances*days of autonomy)/

divided by (0.85*0.6*nominal battery voltage)

Total appliances use = 18*4+60*2+75*11(WH)

Nominal battery voltage=12volt

Days of autonomy=3days

Battery capacity=apply formulae

And gets result is 535.29Ah

the battery should be rated 12 volts 600ah for 3 days autonomy

5. Solar charge controller sizing its function

Its function is to regulate the voltage and current. From the solar arrays to the battery in order to

prevent overcharging and also over discharging

The solar charger controller is typically rated against amperage and voltage.

Select the solar charge controller to match the voltage of PV array and batteries.

Make sure that solar charge controller has enough capacity to handle the current from PV array.

For the aeries charge controller type, the sizing of controller depends on the total PV inputs

current which is delivered to the controller and also depends on pc panel configuration (series or

parallel configuration).

According to stan day practice, the sizing of solar charge controller is to take the short circuit (isc)

of the PV array, and multiply it by 1.3.

Solar charge controller rating = total shirt circuit of PV array*1.3

Remarks: for MPPT, the situation is completely different.

Example
PV module specification

Pm =110wp

Vmax is 16.7vdc

Current max is 6.6 A

Voc=20.7 V

Isc=7.5A

Solar charger controller rating = (4 strings*7.5A)*1.3=39A

So, the solar charge controller should be rated 40A at 12 V or greater.

Notes: Parallel having only one short circuit current

How to choose MPPT charge controller

* SPT-XXYY (XX us nominal battery voltage, YY is maximum charge current)

* Find out what is nominal battery voltage that charge controller will charge and select XX

* find out what is WP of PV module and

• Select the suitable charge current (CC)=wp/xx.

• Find out yy by multiply cc by safety factor (NEC requirement) = cc*1.2

• Select SOlARCON SPT-series module that covers YY.

* Cheek thT vpmsystem is range that SPT-XXYY can handle (MPPT voltage range).

If PV modukes are in series, need to check that vpmsystem =vpmmodule*module in series.

If PV modulesare in parallel, need to check that vpmsystem =vpmmodule.

* Check that vocsystemis not more than SPT-XXYY range (maximum open circuit voltages).

If PV modukes are in series, need to check that vocsystem= vocmodule* module in series

If PV modules are in parallel, need to check that vocsystem=vocsystem.

Example

Example of choosing MPPT solar charge controller for a 128wp solar home system by using 2

modukes of 64 wp kaneka gpa PV module connected in parallel.

SPT-XXYY
* Find out what is nominal battery voltage that charge controller will charge and selecte xx is 12

* Find out what is wp or PV module and

Select the suitable charge current (cc)=128/12 = 10.67A.

Find out yy by multiply cc by safety factor (NEC requirement) = 10.67*1.2 = 12.8A

Select SOLARCON SPT-SERIES model that covers yy, SOlARCON SPT-1212

* Check that vpmsystemis in range that SPT-XXYY can handle (MPPT voltage range)

If PV modules are in parallel, need to check that vocsystem=vocmodule=68vdc

(MPPT voltage range is 26 to 75vdc)

*Check that vocsystem is not more than SPT-XXYY range (maximum open circuit)

If PV modules are in parallel, need to check that vocsystem=vocsystem=92vdc.

(Max open circuit voltage =96vdc)

Design for off grid solar system

Example

Load consisting of air conditioner 2500 watt for 8 hrs 5 lamps each of60 watt for 12 hrs.

refrigerator of 200 watt for 24 hrs.tv of 299 watts for 2 hrs.

Solution

1. Find total power and energy kwh

Total power= 2500+60*5+200+200=3.2kw.

Total energy =2500*8+5*60*12+200*24+200*2=28.8kwh

2. Inverter should be greater than by25 to 30%>

So minimum inverter =1.25*3.2=4 kw, its efficiency=97%

This inverter minimum input is 96 volts in market

3.
Efficiency of inverter

= Pout/Pin in inverter

input energy to inverter =Pout/efficiency

=28.8/.97=30kwh.

4 we have efficiency of battery with charge controller combine is 85 percentage.

So, input energy to charge and batteries= 30khw/0.85=35.29kwh.

5. Power needed per hour from panels at 5 hrs. of sun =35.29/5=7kw.

6 PV panel available

Pm= 250 watt, Voc=30v, isc=8.3A.

No if panels=7000/250=28panels.

7 batteries we need to find days of autonomy when sun is not available.

Assume 1 days of autonomy.

Battery AH required= (total kwh entering battery *days of autonomy)/(volt*DOD)

DOD of battery=80%, each battery 200AH

So, ah required =35.29*1/ (12*0.8) =3.67KWH.

No of series batteries=96/12=8 batteries.

No of parallel =3670/ (8*200) = 2.29=2strings of batteries.

Batteries which equals to 16 batteries.

For charge controller, each PV panel is 39 V and 8.3A.

We have 28 panels; we have in market 3.8kw charge controller with specification 96v and 40 A.

2 of them will give us 7.68kw.

First group: 4 series and4 parallel which is 16 panels.

Total current= 4*8.3=33.2A

Total voltage=4*30=120volt.

Sec

ond

gro

up:4

seri

es

and

para

llel

is 12 panels.

Total current=3*8.3=25A

Total voltage=4*30=120V.
Chapter 5

Design of on grid system

Primary goal of a grid tied PV system is to remove some or all of your electricity uses

So, we will design according to our kwh of our load.

1 determine monthly usage the. Calculate daily requirement.

2. Calculate array and size wattages.

3. Select area and size the inverter

4. Size protection devices.

Solution

Electricity bill throughout a year

Month Kwh. Month Kwh.

Jul 2193 Jan 1606

Aug 2173 Feb 1212

Sep 1967 Mar 1166

Oct 1115 Apr 1146

Nov 1791 May 1384

Dec 1179 Jun 1550

1. Determine annual daily average=summation of all months kwh per 365 days

=18485/366=50.6356kwh

2 measure the tilt angle according to the map which we discussed or accurate method

3 assume efficiency of system to be 77%

Due to losses in dc and ac wires panels mis match, diodes and connection, inverter etc..

4. Get the kw required from PV system.

=Kwh/peak sun hrs. =50.63/4.5=11.254kwh

Peak sun hours are from the map which we discussed before.

5. Considering system losses, p required=11.254/0.77=14.615kw.

So based on my own budget or space, i only need to cut 50% of bill so required power = 14

615*50%

=7.308kw

Available inverter should be equal or greater than PV power, so available is 6kw or 8 kw, so I

will choose 8kw.

This inverter has input dc from at 3oo to 480V.

We will choose 360V as average

Pm =300watts, Voc=27V, Isc=11.1A

No of panels=7308/300=24.36=25panels

No of series panels=360/27=13.3=13series

No of parallel =25/13=1.92=2 parallel

No of panels =26 panels (13*2)

Si power =26*300=7.8kw<inverter kw

How to find PV energy according to the area

E=A*r*H*PR

E=energy in kwh

A= total solar panel area in m^2

r=solar panel yield or efficiency (%)

H=annual average solar radiation on tilted panel (shading not included)

PR=performance ratio, coefficient for losses (range between 0.5to 0.9, default value=0.75)

Total area = area of one panel*no of panel

To find radiation go to

http://power larc.nasa.gov/data-access-viewer/

0.75 losses

From the efficiency of panel table, get efficiency of panels. Or go to this website with values for

many companies

http://news.energysage com/what-are-the-most-efficient-solar-panels-on-the-market/

Chapter 6

Design of an off grid solar energy system using PVsyst software

Chapter 7

Protection of solar energy system

String protection

Array protection

Inverter protection

And fuse protection devices etc.…

Cell module or panel string, array
 *. String protection

• PV systems that have three or. More strings are connected in parallel need to have

each string protected.

• System that have less than three string will not generate enough fault current to

damage the conductors, equipment or modules.

• Where there's or more strings are connected in parallel, a fuse link on each string will

protect the conductors and modules from over current faults.

• It will also isolate the faulted string so that the rest of the PV system can continue to

generate electricity.

How to select fuse links for string protection.

Whilst s full study of all the parameters is recommended, the following factors should be used 1.56 for

current and 1.2 for voltage when selecting the fuse link which covers most variation (module temperature

as well as the amount of sun it is exposed to, incline as well as shading effect from trees/buildings or
clouds. In operation, fuse links, as thermal devices, are influenced by ambient temperature.) Due to

installation.

If Np>=3

The fuse Link's ratings should be selected as follows:

Voltage rating>=1.20*Voc*Ns

Current rating>1.56*Isc

Current rating<=Imod_max_OCPRS

If Np<3 and the cable is rated at 1.56*Isc

For PV installations with only one or two parallel strings and string cables adequately sized,

fusing may be needed if local installation regulations or codes require them.

If Np<3and the cable is not rated at 1.56*Isc

Select fuse link to protect cable:

Fuse link current rating<=string cable rating

Voltages rating >=1.20*Voc*Ns especially if a battery is connected.

Manufacturer's PV installation set-

Up
module
specification

modules description • 18 panes in series per

string(N-s=18)
• cell types polycrystalline • maximum 60o ambient
silicon module
• cell type 125mm2(5'') • minimum -30oC ambient
• number of cells and module
connection:72 in series • maximum 45oC ambient fuse
• maximum system link
voltage:1000VDC • 4 strings in parallel (N-s=4)
electrical Data • conductor size:2.5mm2
• open circuit voltages (V-
oc):43.2V
• short circuit
current(I-sc):5.53A
• maximum fusing
 • conductor size
formula >1.56*I-sc=1.56*5.37=8.38A

• conductor size :2.5mm2=11.5A at 60oC

• I-o>=1.56*I-sc=8.38A min fuse rating
• maximum system voltage=120%*V-oc*N-s
• 120%*43.1*18=931V
calculation
• the fuse link required needs to be 1000VDC
and 10A

2. array protection
protection of solar inverter

• Overload Protection: Inverter Must have overload Protection Circuit which works

Automatically, to trip the whole circuit against power overloading.

• when incoming power reaches beyond the Set Value, Overload Protection Circuit should give

automatic trip to the DC Circuit as well as Breaker on the AC Side.

• Over Temperature Protection: It is termed as thermal Protection System. When power

reaches beyond set value, then internal components of the Inverter gets heated and it starts to

melt.

• To Prevent this problem, Proper Heat Sensing Device should present in the Inverter.

• Ground Fault Protection: Earthing is mandatory for all Electrical Equipment's. Inverter acts

as a Main source for the solar PV plant.

• It should be Earthed with Two Distinctive Earth Pits with proper cable size.

• Short Circuit Protection: This problem will happen either DC side or AC side. Inverter will

Cut-off the Circuit Automatically when Inverter detects Short Circuit happens either DC or AC.

• Output Over Voltage & Under Voltage: Most of the Three Phase Grid Inverter having AC

Output voltage Range as 350V - 415V.

• Inverter should Automatically shut down the Internal Circuit, if Inverter experiences Either

Over Voltage or Under Voltage problem at the Output end with the Grid.

• Inverter should incorporate with Proper Alarm Signal, specifically for Under Voltage and Over

Voltage problem.

• Anti-Islanding: Inverter should Automatically Cut - off the Circuit, If the Grid Connection is

Cut-off. • Inverter Should not feed the power, if Grid is not available. • Inverter, with an anti-

Islanding function, which senses when a power outage occurs and shuts itself off.