Site Surveys for Off-grid PV Systems

Site surveys for off-grid systems

§ For most large systems, over a few hundred Wp, a site survey is usually
required.
§ However, off-grid sites tend to be in remote areas, making a site survey
expensive and time-consuming. It is a good idea to do a desk-top survey
first – which essentially requires the potential customer to fill out a form,
answer questions, provide photographs etc. It is then possible for the
designer/installer to give a rough cost estimate for the system. If this is
acceptable then an actual site visit, can be carried out.
§ The use of site survey forms is recommended. These are sometimes
provided by suppliers of equipment, but ideally every designer/installer
should have their own form.

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A comprehensive site survey form can include ....

§ Customer details, location

§ Details of any existing electrical system ( generator, grid, batteries,
electrical wiring already installed)
§ Possible location for PV modules; possible shade from trees or any other
structures, roof details if modules are to be roof mounted
§ Possible location for batteries/battery room
§ Possible location for fuel generator if one is required
§ Locations requiring lights, number of lights needed, hours light on per day
needed, any lights already purchased/installed
§ Appliances required, hours on per day needed, any appliances already
purchased/installed
§ Water supply details – a solar pump may be a possibility
§ Any water heating requirements, solar thermal system may be a possibility
§ Building use (home, school, office?), times of the year when building is in
use
§ Site map including all buildings requiring electricity, their dimensions and
the distances between them, trees and other structures, and building north-
south orientation
§ Sketch of the building/buildings, including dimensions of each room
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Site surveys for off-grid PV systems

Equipment needed
§ Pencils, paper, clipboards
§ Long tape measure (to measure building
dimensions, cable runs)
§ Compass
§ Angle measurer (to measure roof angles)
§ Camera if you have one
Plug-in watt-meter
§ A plug-in watt-meter if appliance power
consumption measurements need to be taken
§ Site Survey Form
§ Solar Pathfinder if shade analysis is also to be
carried out

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Site surveys for off-grid PV systems

Safety

§ Follow all safety instructions

§ Do not climb onto roofs
§ Flat roofs with walls are usually an exception to this but ask instructor first

§ If there is any electrical system at the site do not dissemble

components, attempt repairs, or take any measurements that
require components to be disassembled/ boxes opened etc.
§ If is necessary to enter into a small space such as a battery room,
this is to be done in small groups

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Site surveys for off-grid PV systems

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Site surveys for off-grid PV systems

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Site surveys for off-grid PV systems

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Site surveys for off-grid PV systems

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Site surveys for off-grid PV systems

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Additions

§ Add additional screenshots of the exercise form as required …

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Thank you!