Solar PV System Applications ,Design &

Optimizing Benefits
 Presentation Outline
• PV system applications

• Components of a PV

• system Overview of PV

• module types Introduction to inverters

System Design

• Installation

• Commissioning

Monitoring
 Existing Solar Technologies

Solar Photovoltaic Solar Hot Concentrated

(PV) Water Solar Power
Solar system types

Stand Alone – Off grid

Modules, charge controller, batteries, and may or may not have an inverter which converts DC power to A/c
power

Grid Tie – Grid connected

Modules, and inverter connected to the power grid

Hybrid – Grid connected with batteries

Modules, grid-tie inverter, and batteries for storage when the grid is unavailable

Systems can be installed on roofs, ground racks, pole mounts, or on racks which track the sun.
Grid tied systems

• Advantages
• Easy to install (less components)
• Cost effective
• High versatility
• Grid can supply power

• Disadvantages
• No power if grid goes down
• No or less power input to the grid during night time and rainy weather
How it works…

Solar Panels convert

sunlight to DC Current

Exports extra
electricity to grid

Imports extra electricity

from grid when required

Takes electricity from

the solar system for
your facility
requirements

Inverter converts electricity

from DC to AC
Components of a Grid Tied Solar PV System
Solar module types

• Monocrystalline Solar Panels (Mono-SI)

• Monocrystalline panels have a high power output, occupy less
space, and last the longest.

• Polycrystalline Solar Panels (Poly-SI)

• Takes more space and priced slightly lower than
monocrystalline

• Thin-Film Solar Cells (TFSC)

• Takes more space and less expensive
Solar PV Inverter
• Inverters convert DC power generated by Solar modules to AC power

• Inverters extract the maximum possible power from Solar

modules/strings

• Inverter synchronizes with the utility grid to inject the power produced
by the solar PV system

• Inverter disconnects the system from the grid when the grid is down or
when abnormalities are present beyond accepted levels
 Central inverter

• Multiple strings are connected to

normally single MPPTs Grid

• Power: 100kW – 2MW

• Input: 300-1500V DC
• Output: 400V AC
• 3-phase
• Lower per W cost in comparison to
string inverter
 String inverter

• Single or multiple strings

connected to a single /
multiple MPPT inverter Grid

• Power: 1kW – 100kW

• Input: 80-1000V DC
• Output: 230V-400V AC
String Inverter
• 1- phase or 3-phase
• Higher cost in comparison to
central inverter
 Micro inverter

• Each module connected to one micro

inverter Grid

• Connected in parallel
• Power: 100W – 350W
• Input: 20-40V DC
• Output: 230V AC
• Single phase
• Higher cost in comparison to string MicroInverters

inverter
DC Optimizers

• A power optimizer is a DC to DC
converter technology developed to
maximize the energy harvest from
solar photovoltaic systems

• They individually tune the

performance of the panel through
maximum power point tracking

• A defective panel will not affect the

performance of the other panels in
the same string
System Design
Preliminary study
▪ Site analysis
Preliminary study

▪ Analyze electricity consumption of the house/building

Determining Capacity
• Single phase 30A – 7kW (In CEB areas limited to 5kw)
• Three phase 30A – 21kW
• Three phase 60A – 42kW

• Bulk consumers – equal to the contract demand

• Approx 70sqft of roof area required to install a kW of Solar PV

• Around 55sqf for panels and 15sqft for walking paths, cable trays, gutters etc

• A house having a building footprint of 2/3 in a 10 Perch land with unobstructed

roof would typically accommodate up to 20kW of solar capacity

• Each kW installed would generate approx 115kWh to 120kWh per

month
• Varies based on location, roof angle, orientation, etc

• Any system needs prior approval from electricity service provider

before commencing the project
Preliminary study
▪ Determine whether the roof is suitable for mounting the array
• How old is the roof
• Condition of roofing
• sheets Strength of rafters
• Roof angle

Measure the roof

• Determine the roof type (Tile, Asbestos, Metal sheet, etc)

• Do a sketch of the roof mentioning orientation and tilt angle

• Make note of the height of different roof planes and any objects that
could impose a shadow

• If available use the solmetric shading tool to take photos at

different locations of the roof

• Make note of skylights, ventilation fans, hot water systems etc for
which space needs to be allocated
Preliminary study

▪ Determine impact of shading

Preliminary study

▪ Determine the orientation and tilt angle of the roof

Solar module arrangement
Choosing the right solar module

• Evaluate available area

• Workout maximum
possible PV modules (60
cell / 72 cell)

• Calculate the desired

power output of the
module to achieve
required capacity
Features of an effective solar panel

Product Quality Certifications

IEC 61215
IEC 61730

Long Warranty
25/30 year performance warranty

Reliable Manufacturer
Experience and long existence in the industry
Certified process quality

High Efficiency
Takes less space on roof
Choosing the right solar module

Do you have plenty of roof space?

How about using polycrystalline?

Is the roof space barely sufficient?

Lets try to save some pace with monocrystalline
Choosing the right solar module
Features of an effective Inverter

High System Efficiency

Fast finding and holding of the Maximum Power Point (MPP)

High efficiency also during partial load operation

Easy Functional Control

Detailed plant monitoring

Easy fault diagnosis

Minimum Harmonics
Choosing the right inverter

Description Quantity
Maximum panels per string 11
Minimum panels per string 5
Minimum panels to be within 6
MPPT range
Choosing the right inverter

Description Quantity
Maximum panels per string
Minimum panels per string
Minimum panels to be within
MPPT range
DC cables

▪ UV Rated

▪ Tested and certified for temperatures up to 90C

▪ Rated voltage up to 1500V

▪ Conductor class 05
DC cable sizing

Voltage drop has to be less than 1%

DC combiner box
DC isolator

▪ Maximum string current (approx. 10A).

▪ Standard size 20A

▪ Maximum operating voltage 600V/1000V

▪ Recommended to have an isolator for each

string
Calculating DC isolator specifications

▪ Voltage = Ns × Voc × 1.15

▪ Current = Np × Isc × 1.25

▪ Ns - Number of panels connected in series

▪ Np - Number of strings connected in parallel

▪ Voc - Open-Circuit Voltage (from module manufacturer’s data)

▪ Isc - Short-Circuit Current (from module manufacturer’s data)

AC isolator

▪ Low voltage network 230V/400V

▪ Calculate maximum inverter output current

▪ Multiply by a safety factor of 1.25

▪ Calculate the nominal current rating

DC/AC isolator topologies
DC SPDs

▪ surge protectors are necessary, sometimes

mandatory, on the continuous network in
between the modules and the PV inverter.

▪ Maximum operating voltage 600V/1000V

▪ Nominal discharge current 20kA

▪ Maximum discharge current 40kA

▪ SPD for each string

AC SPDs

▪ Low voltage network 230V/400V

▪ Maximum operating voltage 260V?

▪ Nominal discharge current 20kA

▪ Maximum discharge current 40kA

▪ Type 2/ Type 1+2 surge protectors to

be used
AC Miniature Circuit Breaker
• Low voltage network 230V/400V

Example: 3kW single phase inverter

A maximum output current of 12A multiplied

by a 125 percent safety factor equals 15A.

MCB rating: 16A 2P

Example: 5kW three phase inverter

Current (amps) = power (watts) ÷ voltage
(volts) ÷ square root of 3 (1.732)

A maximum output current of 7.2A multiplied

by a 125 percent safety factor equals 9A.

MCB rating: 10A 3P

AC cable sizing
AC cable sizing
Monthly Generation
Installation & Commissioning
Electrical safety
• Using power tools and electric cords

• Visually inspect electrical equipment prior to every use for possible electrical
hazards

• Remove from service and apply a warning tag to any tools that are damaged.

• Power cords with ground prongs missing should never be used.

• Working with existing and new wiring.

• Always de-energize circuits before beginning work on them.

• Use a meter or circuit test device such as a current clamp to ensure the circuit is
dead prior to working on it.

• Tag out all circuits at points where that equipment or circuit can be energized.
Electrical safety
• Working with solar electric PV panels, batteries, and equipment

• cover the array with an opaque cover that blocks sunlight to prevent a solar
panel from generating electricity

• Treat the wiring coming from the solar PV array with the same caution you treat
the utility power line.
• Always follow manufacturer’s directions and check the equipment for specific
operation and safety requirements as applicable.

• Working closer to power lines.

• Ensure minimum specified distance is maintained before commencing work.

• Use ladders made of non conductive material

• Ensure safety when cutting trees or lifting long objects

Solar PV system installation
Solar panel installation

▪ Avoid inclination angles less than 5 degrees

▪ Leave sufficient ventilation space underneath (At least 70mm)

▪ Minimum distance between panels should be not less than 10mm to

allow for thermal expansions

▪ Ensure that back of the panel does not come to contact with foreign
objects

▪ Clamping must be done symmetrically and at 4 points

▪ Solar panel structure should be grounded

Solar panel installation
Solar panel installation – Efficient use of cables
DC cable installation

• Maximum allowed voltage drop approximately 2%

• Should be drawn through PVC conduits of type 600 or

higher.

• Live and neutral cables to be taken through separate

conduits
Inverter installation
 System earthing
• Earthing is required for exposed
conductive parts PV module
frames, array structures, power,
communication and protective
equipment and enclosures for
protection.

• Earthing systems of AC side and DC

side shall be connected at the
earth electrode.
Electrical switchgear

▪ PV array Isolator near inverter

▪ AC Isolator near inverter

▪ RCD at the inverter

▪ Labeling equipment and Shutdown procedure

▪ Protection against lightning and overvoltage

▪ Isolator at the utility meter point

Cabling general rules

▪ Weather resistant cable trunking

▪ DC cables properly fixed to the rail

▪ Use of high quality MC 4 connectors

▪ Proper selection of cable lugs

▪ Labeling cables
System labeling

Name the components

Mention about multiple

power sources

Have the shutdown

procedure

Provide maximum voltage

and current ratings

Warn about high voltage

Emergency shutdown

• Locate the switch marked, AC isolator and flick the switch to the off
position. This will be located next to the inverter.

• Locate the switches marked DC Isolator. Flick these switches to the off
position

• The inverter has a switch marked Inverter Isolator. Flick this switch to
the off position.

• To re-start your system, follow this guide in reverse. Simply, flick all
switches back on in the reverse order
System testing and commissioning

What you should know

• Wattage of Solar Modules

• Voltage of solar modules
• Number of Modules
• Number of Strings
• Panels per String
• String map
• Inverter capacity
• Minimum DC input
• MPPT voltage range
• Maximum DC input
System testing and commissioning

What you should check

• Surge Protection System

• Earth Terminal
• AC/DC cable connections
• Inverter grid settings
• Network Input Cable
System testing and commissioning

What you should test

• AC Output Voltage
• DC Input Voltage Open Circuit
• DC Input Voltage Close Circuit
• DC current
• Earthing System (Resistance)
• AC/DC isolator operation
 PV Analyzer

• PV Array Performance Verification and health of PV

modules

• Current – Voltage (I-V) and Power – Voltage (P-V)

curve measurements and key parameter value

• Array performance models, comparing the

measured results to the expected performance,
taking into account of the irradiance and module
cell temperature
System handover
Solar module description
Solar Panel manufacturer
Wattage of Solar Module
Number of Modules
Panels per Strings
Total wattage

Inverter description
Inverter manufacturer
Inverter capacity
Number of inverters

AC/DC cabling and switchgear

AC Cable Manufacturer
DC cable manufacturer/ cross section mm2
DC Isolators and rating
DC Surge protection and rating

Other system parameters Status

Wiring management
System Labeling
Surge Protection System
Earthing System
Operator training
System documents
▪ System Data
▪ Basic system information
▪ System designer information
▪ System installer information
▪ Wiring diagram
▪ Array
▪ general specifications
▪ PV string information
▪ Array electrical details
▪ Earthing and overvoltage protection
▪ AC system •
System documents

▪ Datasheets
▪ PV Module
▪ Inverter
▪ Mechanical design information
▪ Operation and maintenance information • Test results and
commissioning data
User training

• Basic explanation of how the solar system works

• Limitations of the solar PV system
• Description of the main components of a solar PV System
• Solar module
• Inverter
• Isolators
• Surge protector
• Meter
• Maintenance
• Cleaning the panels (if necessary)
• Troubleshooting
 Solar system monitoring

• Live system status data

• Information about current energy flow

• Monitors communication to the portal

• Monitors inverter performance

• Weather information for location

Daily generation – Sunny day
Monthly generation
Display parameters
Common faults

• Grid fault
• Low/High grid voltage
• Voltage in the neutral conductor
• Insulation failure
• DC over voltage
• Waiting for DC start conditions
• Over temperature
• Unstable operation
Thank you…!!