The designers will refer to the Manufacturer’s Data of Monocrystalline and

Polycrystalline solar panel for the specific design calculations.

For a 50 MW rated capacity of solar photovoltaic power plant:

𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 (𝑘𝑊)

𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝐶𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 (𝑀𝑊) = 𝑥 𝑁𝑜. 𝑜𝑓 𝑃𝑉 𝑀𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑠
𝑀𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑒

𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝐶𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 (𝑀𝑊)

𝑁𝑜. 𝑜𝑓 𝑃𝑉 𝑀𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑠 =
𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 (𝑘𝑊) 1 𝑀𝑊
𝑥
𝑀𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑒 1000 𝑘𝑊

For the number of modules:

There are two (2) cells in a module.

1 𝑀𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑒
𝑁𝑜. 𝑜𝑓 𝑃𝑉 𝑀𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑠 = 𝑁𝑜. 𝑜𝑓 𝑃𝑉 𝐶𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑠 𝑥
2 𝐶𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑠

For the number of rows of the Solar PV Array:

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑠

𝑁𝑜. 𝑜𝑓 𝑅𝑜𝑤 =
𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑒 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑟𝑜𝑤

For the minimum required land area:

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑀𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑒 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 (𝑚2 ) = 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑒 (𝑚2 ) 𝑥 𝑁𝑜. 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑠

Where:
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑒 (𝑚2 ) = 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑥 𝑊𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ

The amount of solar energy that can be harnessed is dependent on the area of the Solar
Power Plant. However, the cell dimension in each module should be considered which in
fact the only components generating electricity from solar energy.
For the solar energy effective area:

𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝐸𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 (𝑚2 )

= 𝑁𝑜. 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑠 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑚𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑒 𝑥 𝐶𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑥 𝑁𝑜. 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑠

Where:
𝐶𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 (𝑚2 ) = 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑥 𝑊𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ

For the total solar energy available:

Referring to the table provided by Global Solar Atlas.

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦

𝑘𝑊ℎ
= 𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝐸𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 (𝑚2 ) 𝑥 𝐷𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑁𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙 𝐼𝑟𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 ( 2 )
𝑚

Considering the module efficiency

𝑄𝑜𝑢𝑡
𝑒𝑚 = 𝑥 100%
𝑄𝑖𝑛
Thus:
𝐻𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦
𝑀𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑒 𝐸𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 (𝑒𝑚 ) = 𝑥 100%
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐴𝑣𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦
Therefore:
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐴𝑣𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑥 𝑀𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑒 𝐸𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦
𝐻𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 =
100%

For considering the temperature characteristics of the module:

Referring to the manufacturer’s data, the Temperature Coefficient of Max Power for
−% −%
Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline are ( °𝐾 ) and ( °𝐾 ) respectively. According to a table
of world weather online, the maximum average temperature in the Paoay, Ilocos Norte as
of October 2021 is 31°C. Also, based on the manufacturer’s data the temperature at
Standard Testing Condition (STC) of the module of Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline
are 25°C and °C respectively.

Figure #. Average Temperature in Paoay, Ilocos Norte

(Source: worldweatheronline.com)

So,
𝑄𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝
= 𝐻𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑆𝑜𝑎𝑙𝑟 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑥 (𝑇𝑎𝑚𝑏𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 – 𝑇𝑆𝑇𝐶 ) 𝑥 𝑇𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝐶𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑎𝑥 𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟

Where:
Tambient = Maximum Average Temperature in the site
TSTC = Temperature of module at Standard Testing Conditions

Also, the losses upon DC to AC inversion

Referring to the Manufacturer’s data of the inverter, the inverter efficiency for
Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline are % and % respectively.

So,
𝑄𝑖𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 𝐻𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑆𝑜𝑎𝑙𝑟 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑥 (1 − 𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑟 )
For actual energy generated:

𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝐺𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 = 𝐻𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 − 𝑄𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠

𝑄𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠 = 𝑄𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 + 𝑄𝑖𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑟

Thus,
𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝐺𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 = 𝐻𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 − (𝑄𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 + 𝑄𝑖𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑟 )

For average load of the power plant:

The period of Solar Power Plant Daily Operation is 24 hours.

𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝐺𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 = 𝐿𝑜𝑎𝑑𝑎𝑣𝑔 𝑥 𝑂𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐻𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠

𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝐺𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑

𝐿𝑜𝑎𝑑𝑎𝑣𝑔 =
𝑂𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐻𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠
𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝐺𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑
𝐿𝑜𝑎𝑑𝑎𝑣𝑔. 𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 =
𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝐷𝑎𝑦𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝐻𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠
𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝐺𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑
𝐿𝑜𝑎𝑑𝑚𝑎𝑥 =
𝑆𝑢𝑛 𝑃𝑒𝑎𝑘 𝐻𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠
Figure #. Average Sun Hours in Paoay, Ilocos Norte
(Source: worldweatheronline.com)

Figure #. Sun Peak Hours in Paoay, Ilocos Norte

(Source: cebusolar.com)
For the optimal angular inclination of solar photovoltaic panels:
From the proposed plant area,

Location Latitude Longitude

Brgy. Oaig‑Upay‑Abulao,
18.0766° 120.5047°
Paoay, Ilocos Norte

𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝐼𝑛𝑐𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 𝐿𝑜𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛′ 𝑠 𝐿𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒 𝑥 0.812

For the vertical clearance of solar photovoltaic panels from the ground:

𝐻𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 (𝑧) = 𝑊𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑝𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑙 𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝛼
Where,
α = Angular Inclination

Figure #. Orientation of the Sun at Minimum Solar Angle

(Source: e-education.psu.edu)
For the height difference of the tilted module:

𝐻𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑒

sin 𝛼 =
𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑒
So,
𝐻𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑒 (𝐻) = 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑒 (𝐿) sin 𝛼
Where,
α = Angular Inclination

For the inter-row spacing:

The designers chose 10:00 am to 4:00 pm as the 6-hour window for the electricity
generation referring to the Sun Peak Hours in Ilocos Norte, Philippines. Thus, the lowest
solar elevation for the given timespan is 30° with the corresponding azimuth angle 𝜑 =
135ᵒ in the morning and 𝜑 = 225 in the afternoon

Figure #. Azimuth Angle

(Source: pveducation.org)
 Figure #. Horizon and Sun path
(Source: globalsolaratlas.info)

For the calculation of shadow distance (D’):

Figure #. Top View of Tilted Array Showing Solar Altitude Angle

(Source: rolandvere.weebly.com)
 Figure #. Side View of Tilted Array Showing Solar Altitude Angle
(Source: rolandvere.weebly.com)

ℎ
𝑆ℎ𝑎𝑑𝑜𝑤 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 (𝐷′ ) =
tan 𝛼
Where:
D’ = Lowest solar altitude angle
h = Height of obstruction
α = Solar altitude angle
x = Tilted module length
θ = Tilt angle

For the calculation of azimuthal angle correction:

For the morning period,
𝐷 = 𝐷′ cos (180° − 𝜑)

For the afternoon period,

𝐷 = 𝐷′ cos (𝜑 − 180°)
For the installation of land area:

𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑜𝑤 = 𝑊𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑒 𝑥 𝑁𝑜. 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑟𝑜𝑤

Considering the inter-row spacing,

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑜𝑤 = (𝑁𝑜. 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑜𝑤𝑠) ( 𝑅𝑜𝑤 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ + 𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟 − 𝑟𝑜𝑤 𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑛𝑔)

But,
𝑅𝑜𝑤 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ
cos 𝜃 =
𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑒

Hence,
𝐼𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐿𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 = 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑜𝑤 𝑥 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑜𝑤