DETAILED PROJECT REPORT OF 10KWP SYSTEM

A Project Report submitted in

Partial fulfilment for the award of the degree of

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY
in
ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

By
G. KALYANI (208X1A0213)

S. LAVANYA (208X1A0233) L. NAGA YASWANTH (218X5A0205)

K SAI KUMAR (218X5A0211)

Under the Esteemed Guidance of

Mr. V. RAJESH MTech

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

(Accredited by NBA)
KALLAM HARANADHAREDDY INISTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
(Approved By AICTE, Permanently Affiliated to JNTUK-KAKINADA)
ACCREDITED BY NAAC WITH ‘A’ GRADE & ACCREDITED
BYNBA NH-16, CHOWDAVARAM, GUNTUR-522019.
(2020-2024)
 KALLAM HARANADHAREDDY INISTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
(Approved By AICTE, Permanently Affiliated to JNTUK-KAKINADA)
ACCREDITED BY NAAC WITH ‘A’ GRADE & ACCREDITED BY NBA
NH-16, CHOWDAVARAM, GUNTUR-522019.
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING
(Accredited by NBA)

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the project report entitled “ROOFTOP 10 KWP SYSTEM” is
submitted by G. KALYANI (208X1A0213) S. LAVANYA (208X1A0233) L. NAGA
YASWANTH (218X1A0205) K. SAI KUMAR (218X5A0211) to the Kallam HaranadhaReddy
Institute of Technology, Chowdavaram. Affiliated to Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University
Kakinada, Kakinada in partial fulfillment for the award of Degree of Bachelor of Technology in
Electrical and Electronics Engineering is a Bonafede record of the project work carried outby them
my supervision during the year 2020-2024

Project guide Head Of the department

Project Coordinator External Examiner

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We profoundly express our gratitude and respect towards our honorable chairman SRI
KALLAM HARANADHAREDDY, Chairman, KHIT for his precious support in the college.

We express our deepest gratitude to Dynamic Director of our institute

Dr. M. UMASHANKAR REDDY, Director, KHIT for his valuable guidance and
blessings.

We would like to thank Dr. B. S. B. REDDY Principal, Kallam HaranadhaReddy Institute

of Technology, Chowdavaram, Guntur for providing required sources to complete this project
work.

We express our sincere thanks to Dr. K. HARI KRISHNA, Head of the Electrical and
Electronics Engineering Department, KHIT for his encouragement and valuable guidance in
bringing shape to this project.

We express our thanks to Mr. VENU BABU, Project coordinator of our section,
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department, KHIT for her support
in developing the project.

We are indebted to our guide Mr. V. RAJESH, Department of Electrical and Electronics
Engineering, KHIT for his guidance and help throughout the development of this Project work by
providing us with required information. Without his guidance, cooperation and encouragement,
we couldn’t have learnt many new things during our project tenure.

We also express our sincere thanks to faculty of Electrical and Electronics

Engineering department for providing assistance throughout our project.

Finally, we would like to thank our parents and friends for being supportive all the time,
and we are very much obliged to them.
G. KALYANI 208X1A0213
S. LAVANYA 208X1A0233
L. NAGA YASWANTH 218X5A0205
K. SAI KUMAR 218X5A0211
 DECLARATION

I hereby declare that the entire project work embodied in this dissertation entitled “ROOFTOP 10
KWP SYSTEM” had been independently carried out by us. As per my knowledge, no part of this
work has submitted for any degree in any institution, university and organization previously. I
hereby boldly state that to the best of my knowledge my work is free from plagiarism

PROJECT ASSOCIATES

G. KALYANI (208X1A0213)
S. LAVANYA (208X1A0233)
L. NAGA YASWANTH (218X5A0205)
K. SAI KUMAR (218X5A0211)
 ABSTRACT

The dropping market prices of power generated from solar photovoltaics is making it an
attractive option for decentralized power in the form of rooftop and ground mounted systems. In
the present scenario, the presence of solar photo- voltaic in the energy mix is continuously
increasing. Thus, it is important to monitor the performance of these systems to identify deviations
from expected performance and to maintain higher system efficiency. This paper presents the
details of performance analysis study conducted on a 10 kWp rooftop solar PV system located in
the Northern India monitored over a 1 year period. The actual measured values of system
performance parameters are compared to results obtained from simulating the systems using the
PVsyst software. The values estimated using PVsyst for performance ratio and yearly average of
system efficiency are 82% and 13.67%. The yearly average value of CUF estimated is 16.14%.The
results of this study can aid in providing a glimpse into the operation of solar PV systems operating
in the North Indian climate and can help in carrying out future comparative studies. The results
obtained in the current study are also compared with the performance parameters of other plants
operating in India

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CONTENTS PAGE NO
FROM TO
Chapter 1
1.1 Introduction 8 8
1.2 Block Diagram 9 9
1.3 Block Diagram Description 9 10
1.4 Circuit Diagram 11 11
1.5 Circuit Description 11 13
Chapter 2
2.1 Electrical Units 14 14
2.2 Voltage 15 15
2.3 Current 15 15
2.4 Resistance 16 16
2.5 Power 16 16
2.6 Electrical Energy 16 17
17 17
2.7 Amp-Hour
Chapter 3
3.1 Digital meter 18 19
3.2 Ammeter or Clamp Meter 19 20
3.3 Basic Formulas 21 23
3.4 AC and DC in the System 23 24

Chapter 4
4.1 Wiring 25 26
4.2 Wire Lugs 26 28
4.3 Crimp Connectors 28 30
4.4 Bus Bar 31 31
Chapter 5
5.1 Site Assessment 32 34
5.2 Load Assessment 34 36
5.3 System Sizing 36 38
5.4 System Design 38 41
5.5 Off grid Consideration 41 42
5.6 System Optimization and Performance 42 42

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5.7 Onsite Results 43 44
5.8 Advantages 44 45
5.9 Disadvantages 45 45

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FIGURES PAGE NO
Fig Block diagram 9
Fig Circuit Diagram 11
Fig Block Diagram of Digital Meter 19
Fig Outline of AC and DC 24
Fig Wiring 25
Fig Wire Lugs 27
Fig Crimp Connectors 29
Fig Software 39
Fig 10kwp Solar Design 43

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 CHAPTER 1

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Solar photovoltaic systems have evolved to become a significant market presence in

the renewable energy trajectory of the world. The utility scale auction prices for power
generation from solar PV systems has shown a drooping trend all over the world . It
has aided in providing a reliable source of power for many places without grid access
in developing countries and in the decarbonization of energy systems. Targets set by
countries like India to add about 14 GW of solar energy every year for the next five
years are indicators that the penetration of solar PV in the power system will only
grow. As of 2016 solar PV constitutes about two-third of the net installed capacity of
the world with 165 GW added online. A significant share of capacity addition in the
solar PV has happened in the form of grid-connected rooftop systems. Thus, the
performance of these systems has a significant effect on the reliable operation of the
grid. Proper operation and maintenance of these systems are often neglected leading to
deterioration in performance over years of operation. India has set a target for a
capacity addition of 40 GW in rooftop PV systems by 2022. It has been found that the
average Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF) for PV systems currently in operation in
India is very low in the range of 18 to 20%

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1.2 BLOCK DIAGRAM:

Fig: Block Diagram

1.3 BLOCK DIAGRAM DESCRIPTION:
An off-grid PV system diagram showcases the interconnected components essential
for generating, storing, and distributing solar energy independently of the grid. At its
core are solar panels arranged in an array configuration to capture sunlight and convert
it into electricity. This power flows through a charge controller, regulating voltage and
current to safeguard the battery bank from overcharging or over-discharging. The
battery bank, comprised of deep-cycle batteries, serves as the energy reservoir, storing
excess electricity for use during periods of low sunlight or at night. An inverter then
transforms the stored direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) for household
appliances, which are connected through a distribution panel. Optionally, a backup
generator can supplement power generation during prolonged low-sunlight periods,
seamlessly integrated into the system through a transfer switch. Monitoring systems
may also be incorporated to track performance and ensure optimal functioning.
Overall, the diagram illustrates the efficient flow of solar energy from capture to

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consumption, enabling self-sufficient power generation for off-grid living.

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 1.4 CIRCUIT DIAGRAM:

1.5 CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION:

A 10 kWp (kilowatt peak) circuit diagram outlines the configuration of a

photovoltaic (PV) system capable of producing a peak power output of 10 kilowatts. The
system comprises multiple solar panels, typically connected in series and parallel
arrangements to achieve the desired power capacity. These panels feed their DC electricity
outputs into a string combiner box, where the strings are combined and protected by fuses or
circuit breakers. A disconnect switch is positioned between the combiner box and the
inverter to isolate the DC side of the system when maintenance is required or in case of

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emergencies. The inverter, crucial for converting the DC electricity into AC, is chosen to
accommodate the system's power output. An AC disconnect switch is incorporated post-
inverter for safety purposes. The AC electricity produced is directed to a load center or
breaker panel, distributing power to the building's electrical loads. Optionally, a connection
to the utility grid can be established using a bi-directional meter for grid-tied systems,
enabling surplus electricity to be exported and imported as needed. Additional features like
monitoring systems for performance tracking and fault diagnosis may also be included.
Adherence to local electrical codes and standards is paramount to ensure the safety and
reliability of the system.

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 CHAPTER 2

2.1: ELECTRICAL UNITS

 Energy can be described in many ways, but basically, energy is referred to as the capacity
of developing a specific work.

 Energy is presented in many ways in nature, and one of them is electricity, which can be
described as the capacity to establish electrical work.

 To understand how electricity works, some important concepts must be addressed.

 First, you must understand that an electrical circuit can be described as the
interconnection of electrical components where at least three basic elements will exist:

 Power source

 Conductor

 Load.

 The power source is referred to as the element that produces or stores electricity (a
battery, a generator, or a solar panel).
 The conductor is simply the element through which electricity flows.
 The load is the element that receives electricity from performing some sort of work (a
lamp generates light, a motor provides motion, and an electrical resistor generates heat).
 Now, in order to understand the concepts that will be explained throughout this book, we
need to describe some electrical terms first.

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 2.2: Voltage

 Electricity is generated by the movement of electrical charges (electrons).

 In order to move an electron from one point to the other, it is necessary to perform
electrical work.

 This work is performed by an electromotive force (EMF) or voltage, which is generated by

the power source.

 Voltage can be understood as the pressure required to move the electrons from one point
(A) to a second point (B) within an electrical circuit.

 The greater the voltage, the greater the flow of electrons through an electrical conductor.

 This movement is generated from the highest electrical potential point (A) to the lower
electrical potential point (B), and voltage is referred to as the electrical potential
difference between these two points.

 Voltage is measured in Volts (V)

2.3: Current

 The second important concept is the electrical current.

 The electrical current can simply be understood as the intensity of the flow of
electrons per second through a conductor.

 This element is measured in Amps (A).

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 2.4: Resistance

 The resistance is referred to the opposition of a specific material to the flow of

electrical current.

 In other words, the resistance provides a reference of how easy or hard it is for
the electrons to flow through any material (steel, aluminum, copper, etc.).

 Every electrical load or conductor has an internal resistance, which is typically

measured in ohms(Ω).

 For example, wood has a higher electrical resistance than copper.

2.5: Power

 Power is one of the most important variables in electricity as it represents the

combination of voltage and current in an electrical circuit.

 In order for an electrical load to perform any type of work (illumination, motion,
heat), this element demands an instantaneous equivalent work source, which is
provided by power.

 Power acts as a reference to the rate at which electricity is delivered (power

source) or consumed (load) and is the product between voltage and current.

 The unit of power is Watt (W).

2.6: Electrical Energy

 As we mentioned before, power is referred to as the instantaneous rate at which

electricity is provided or consumed.

 When we refer to energy, we are evaluating how electricity is being delivered or

consumed over time.
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 In other words, electrical energy can be described as the power generated or
consumed over time.

 As a general convention, electrical energy is typically expressed in watt-hour

(Wh), which represents the consumption of a specific number of watts in a single
hour.

 This unit will generally be used to account for energy consumption of electrical
loads in an off-grid solar power system.

 Also, when consumption is bigger, it is generally expressed in kilowatt-hours

(kWh), which is referred to as the consumption of 1,000 watts of power in a
single hour.

 This unit will generally be used to account for electricity generation or

consumption of an entire solar power system.

 You will be already familiar with the term Kilo Watt-hours, as it is listed on your
electricity bill.

2.7: Amp-hour

 Energy can also be expressed as consumption of the amount of current in a single

hour and is referred to as amp-hour (Ah).

 Amp-hours is used to describe the amount of energy a battery can store. The
battery of a typical smartphone has a capacity of 3 Amp-hours or 3,000milli
Amp-hours.

 Ah is mainly used in off-grid solar power systems to indicate the amount of

energy.

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 CHAPTER 3

3.1: Digital Meter

 The digital meter (regularly known as a digital multimeter) is a test tool that is used to
measure at least three variables:
 Voltage (AC and DC)
 Electrical current (DC)
 Resistance
 A digital meter combines the capabilities of three tools into one: an analog voltmeter
(measures volts), an analog ammeter (measures amps), and an analog ohmmeter
(measures resistance).
 Every digital meter should have: A display to show measured values.
 Button(s) to switch available mode options.
 A rotary switch to select the variable that will be measured.
 Input jacks for test leads.
 The meter will have a range of unit scale measurements from millivolts (mV) to volts
(V), from milliamps (mA) to Amps (A), and from milliohms(mΩ) to mega-ohms (MΩ).
 You will need to know the range of the unit that you will be testing in order to select the
right scale and obtain an accurate result.
 Generally, for solar power applications, we will use the voltage, ohm scale, and
sometimes amps.
 Keep in mind that you will have test leads with insulated wires, which will be used to test
electrical circuits.
 There will be a test lead for positive terminals (red), and a test lead for negative terminals
(black).
 When measuring DC circuits, the colors (polarity) of the wires matter.
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 It does not matter in AC because it is alternating. More on this later.
 When you test voltage, you need to put the black lead in the ‘COM’ input and the red
lead in the ‘V’ input. Then you need to select the ‘V’ variable on the rotary switch and
place the positive and negative leads accordingly to obtain an accurate measurement.
 Otherwise, you will obtain a negative value.

3.2: Ammeter or Clamp Meter

 The digital ammeter or clamp meter is a device that combines the advantages of a digital
multimeter with an additional feature.
 Similar to the digital multimeter, the ammeter is able to measure voltage (DC and AC),
resistance, continuity, AC current, and other variables as frequency, temperature, or
capacitance.
 The main difference with the multimeter is that the ammeter includes a clamp that allows
you to measure the RMS (root mean square) value of the electrical current.

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 You simply need to open the clamps and close it around a conductor through which an
electrical current is flowing.
 You cannot measure a cable that has a positive and negative wire inside of it.
 It can only measure one wire at a time because they will cancel each other out.
 An ammeter is only able to measure AC current, which is not very useful for solar
systems.
 This is possible because the current creates an electromagnetic field that the clamp is able
to sense and transform into an electrical current value.
 This instrument becomes really useful to measure current in the wiring system located
after the inverter.

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 3.3: Basic Formulas

To perform calculations related to sizing an off-grid PV system, you will need to use
some basic formulas.

Ohms Law
V=IXR
Where,
V = Voltage (Volts)
I = Electrical Current (Amps)
R = Resistance (Ohms)

Power
P=VXI
Where,
P = Power (Watts)
V= Voltage (Voltage)
I = Electrical Current (Amps)

Energy or Watt-hours
E=PXT
Where,
E = Energy (Watt-hours)
P = Power (Watts)
t = Time (hours)
This unit is used by your electrical company to bill your energy consumption. Watt-hour is a

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large number. Therefore, a kilowatt-hour is used. This means that 1,000 Watt-hours is equal
to 1-kilowatt-hour or simply 1 kWh.
Running a heater with a power rating of 1,000 Watts for one hour will consume 1,000 Watt-
hours of energy or 1 kWh.
E = 1000watts X 1hour = 1kWp
Let’s explore why voltage is an important factor when calculating Watt-hours.
Let’s take two batteries for a better explanation.
Battery one has a capacity of 2 Amp-hours at 12 Volts.
Battery two has a capacity of 2 Amp-hours at 1.2 Volts.
It seems that these batteries have the same amount of stored energy because the amp-hours
are the same.
However, this is not true because the voltage is different.
Let’s calculate the number of watt-hours that is stored in each of these batteries
2AMP HOURS X 1.2 VOLTS = 2.4 WATT HOURS
2AMP HOURS X 12 VOLTS = 24 WATT HOURS
From the calculation, we can clearly see that the stored energy in battery two is greater. That
is why watt-hours must always be seen in context with the voltage of a battery.
Energy Cost
ENERGY COST = Energy in kWh X Rate in cents per kWh
Every state or country has different rates for electricity. To know how much you need to pay
your electricity provider, you need to know your local electricity rate. The national average
in the U.S. is $0.12 per kilowatt-hour. Note that the unit is per kilowatt-hour and not per
watt-hour. If you run a light that has a power rating of 20 Watts and run it for 8 hours each
day for 30 days, this is how much you will need to pay your electrical provider:
Amp-hours
One Amp-hour is equivalent to one amp expended for one hour. Amp-hours is not commonly
used in standard electrical practice but is used for calculating the capacity of a battery bank.
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For example, a simple AA battery has a capacity of 2,000mAh (milliamp hours) or 2Ah.
This means the battery can supply a load of two amps for the duration of one hour. It could
also deliver one amp for two hours, and so on. If you have a bigger battery that has 100Ah of
capacity, you can draw 100 Amps for one hour or 10 Amps for 10 hours. This is only in
theory because different batteries have different depth of discharge (DOD) limits. For
example a lead-acid battery can only use half of the battery capacity to keep it healthy.

3.4: AC and DC in the System

In a solar power system, you will most likely have both AC and DC signals. The solar
panels, the batteries, and the charge controller will always work in DC. The inverter will
transform the DC signal coming from the battery into an AC signal to power specific loads.
Therefore, when you test voltage or current in any part of the electrical circuit located before
the inverter, you will have to measure in DC, while if you test any variable in a section
located after the inverter, you will measure in AC.

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 CHAPTER 4

Equipment:
Among some of the topics that you must be aware of to install an effective off-grid solar
power system is the basic equipment that is required. Here you can see a list of items you
would need when building a solar system.

4.1: Wiring
There are many types of wiring you can use. I highly recommend getting stranded wire,
which
consists of multiple wires in one. This has the advantage of being very flexible, while solid
cables are very hard to work with.

If you are going to buy wires in the store, you will have two options. Buying copper wire
or aluminum wire. Copper wire is a better conductor than aluminum, but it is also more
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expensive. Since copper is a better conductor of electricity than aluminum, you need to
increase the diameter of your aluminum wires to account for this. More information about
this in the wiring chapter. The diameter of the wire depends on the amount of current the
wire needs to transport. The higher the current, the thicker the wire needs to be. If the wire is
too thin, it will heat up, which will reduce its efficiency, or in the worst case, catch fire.
Using fuses to protect the wires is essential. We will talk about choosing the right fuses later.

4.2: Wire Lugs

The wire lugs are metal-based components that are required to make a solid connection
between the connections to the batteries. Wire lugs are used for the parts in your system
where the highest amount of current will be. You will find multiple options available from
different manufacturers and materials. Basically, you can use any of them as long as you
consider that the size of the battery terminal lug fits the wire gauge and that the terminal lug
is also suitable in diameter for the battery posts. You will need a special tool to crimp the
wire lugs on to the wire, which we will discuss in the tools chapter. You can buy battery
interconnection cables that already have the terminal lugs included. This way, you don’t need
special tools to fit these bigger wire lugs. Remember that the thickness of the wire depends
on the current that has to flow through the wire.

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Apart from the AWG size, you have two options when buying wire lugs. One is copper, and
the other is tin-plated copper. Copper tends to corrode over time, while the tin-plated copper
is not. Wire lugs are used for big cables only. For smaller cables, crimp connectors are used.
4.3: Crimp Connectors
Hopefully, you are convinced to use stranded wire for your solar system. The only downside
to using stranded wire is that you need crimp connectors at both ends to connect your
terminals to other devices. The reason for using crimp connectors is that it gives a better
point of contact to the device terminals, which reduces heat loss. It will eliminate the creation
of corrosion at the exposed sides of the stranded wire.
There are several types of crimp connectors:
 Blade
 Ring
 Spade
 Ferrules
 Bullet

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4.4: Busbar
In electrical power distribution, there is an element that is crucial to consider in any
installation: the busbar.
These are copper or aluminum strips that can typically be seen inside switchgear or panel
boards that carry all the currents in any electrical system. They act as the collection or
distribution of electrical currents through which there is a path from the generation source up
to the loads. They are also called a central wiring terminal.
There are several uses for busbars:
 Positive busbar
 Neutral busbar
 Ground busbar
There are smaller busbars mainly intended for small, off-grid PV applications with just a few
pins for interconnection between components (inverter, charge controller, and batteries). In
smaller systems, you do not need any busbars.

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 CHAPTER 5

5.1: Site Assessment:

Evaluate the location for solar potential: Ensure that the site has adequate sunlight
throughout the year.
Assess shading: Identify any obstructions such as buildings, trees, or other structures that
may shade the panels during the day.
Analyse the angle and orientation of the solar panels: Optimal tilt and orientation ensure
maximum sunlight exposure.
Site assessment is a critical first step in the design and implementation of a solar PV system.
It involves evaluating various factors to determine the suitability and potential of the site for
solar energy generation. Here's a breakdown of what's involved in a site assessment:
Solar Resource Evaluation:
Solar irradiance: Assess the solar insolation levels at the site, which indicate the amount of
sunlight available for energy generation. This can be done using historical solar irradiance
data or on-site measurements with solar monitoring equipment.
Sun path analysis: Understand the path of the sun throughout the day and across different
seasons to determine shading patterns and optimal panel orientation.
Shading Analysis:
Identify potential obstructions: Survey the site to identify any objects such as buildings,
trees, or other structures that could cast shadows on the solar panels during peak sunlight
hours.
Shade modelling: Use software tools or conduct on-site measurements to model and analyse
shading effects on different parts of the site throughout the day and year.
Roof Space Assessment:

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Evaluate available space: Determine the area and orientation available for installing solar
panels, whether on rooftops or ground-mounted systems.
Consider roof condition: Assess the structural integrity and condition of rooftops to ensure
they can support the weight of solar panels and mounting equipment.
Electrical Infrastructure Review:
Evaluate electrical systems: Assess the existing electrical infrastructure to ensure
compatibility with the solar PV system, including available capacity, voltage levels, and
connection points.
Identify any upgrades needed: Determine if upgrades or modifications to the electrical
system are necessary to accommodate the solar PV installation.
Regulatory and Permitting Considerations:
Review local regulations: Understand zoning regulations, building codes, and permitting
requirements related to solar PV installations in the area.
Obtain necessary permits: Determine the permits required for installing a solar PV system
and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and guidelines.
Environmental and Site Conditions:
Consider environmental factors: Evaluate environmental conditions such as temperature
variations, wind speeds, and seismic activity that may affect the design and performance of
the solar PV system.
Soil analysis: Conduct soil tests for ground-mounted installations to assess soil composition,
drainage, and stability.
Site Accessibility and Logistics:
Assess site accessibility: Consider factors such as road access, terrain, and logistical
Challenges that may impact transportation of equipment and installation activities.

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Plan for construction logistics: Develop a construction plan that accounts for site access,
Staging areas, and any temporary facilities needed during installation.
Documentation and Reporting:
Document findings: Compile all site assessment data, including measurements, observations,
and analysis results, into a comprehensive report.
Provide recommendations: Offer recommendations based on the site assessment findings,
including design considerations, potential challenges, and mitigation strategies
5.2: Load Assessment
Electricity Demand Analysis:
Review historical electricity bills: Analyse past electricity consumption data, if available, to
understand seasonal variations and peak demand periods.
Estimate future demand: Consider factors such as projected growth, changes in occupancy,
or planned equipment upgrades that may affect future electricity demand.
Identify peak load times: Determine the times of day or year when electricity demand is
highest to properly size the solar PV system to meet peak requirements.
Load Profiling:
Profile energy consumption: Create a detailed breakdown of energy consumption by
different loads or appliances within the site, such as lighting, HVAC (heating, ventilation,
and air conditioning), appliances, and machinery.
Assess load characteristics: Consider factors such as load diversity, power factor, and duty
cycles to accurately represent the site's energy consumption profile.
Energy Efficiency Measures:
Evaluate energy efficiency opportunities: Identify potential energy efficiency measures, such
as lighting upgrades, HVAC optimization, or equipment replacements, to reduce overall
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energy consumption.
Incorporate efficiency improvements: Factor in the impact of energy efficiency measures on
the site's overall energy demand when sizing the solar PV system, potentially reducing the
system size required.
Seasonal Variations and Weather Considerations:
Account for seasonal variations: Recognize differences in energy demand throughout the
year due to factors like weather, daylight hours, and temperature fluctuations.
Weather normalization: Adjust historical energy consumption data to account for weather
variations, allowing for more accurate load assessment and system sizing.
Peak Demand Management:
Peak shaving strategies: Implement load management techniques to reduce peak demand
during times of high electricity prices or grid congestion.
Demand response programs: Explore participation in demand response programs offered by
utilities to incentivize load shifting or curtailment during peak periods.
Future Growth and Expansion:
Plan for future growth: Anticipate changes in energy demand due to factors like business
expansion, technological advancements, or shifts in operational practices.
Design flexibility: Incorporate scalability and modularity into the solar PV system design to
accommodate future load increases or system expansions.
Backup and Redundancy Considerations:
Assess backup power needs: Evaluate the site's requirements for backup power during grid
outages or emergencies, considering critical loads that must remain operational.
Integrate backup solutions: Determine whether backup generators, energy storage systems,
or other backup power sources are needed and how they integrate with the solar PV system.
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Data Collection and Analysis:
Gather comprehensive data: Collect detailed information on energy consumption patterns,
load profiles, and operational schedules to inform the load assessment process.
Analyse data trends: Use statistical analysis and modelling techniques to identify patterns,
trends, and anomalies in energy consumption data, helping to refine load assessments and
system designs.
5.3: System Sizing:
Calculate the required capacity: Based on the site's energy demand and available space,
determine the size of the solar PV system needed. For a 10 kWp system, the panels should
have a peak power output of 10 kW under standard test conditions.
Consider factors like system losses, temperature coefficients, and panel degradation to ensure
the system meets the site's energy needs reliably over its lifespan.
Sizing Methodology:
Choose an appropriate sizing methodology based on the site's characteristics, energy
requirements, and available solar resources.
Common sizing approaches include:
a. Rule-of-thumb: Using general guidelines or standard ratios based on the site's energy
consumption or available roof space.
b. Energy balance method: Matching the energy generated by the solar PV system to the
site's energy demand over a specified period, considering variations in solar insolation
and load profiles.
c. Component-based method: Sizing individual system components, such as solar panels,
inverters, and batteries (if applicable), based on their respective specifications and
performance characteristics.
Panel Sizing:
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Determine the number and size of solar panels required to meet the site's energy demand.
Consider factors such as panel efficiency, orientation, tilt angle, and available roof or ground
space when sizing the solar array. Calculate the total wattage (kWp) of the solar panels
needed based on the site's energy requirements and the expected solar insolation levels.
Inverter Sizing:
Select inverters that can accommodate the total DC (direct current) power output of the solar
array. Consider inverter efficiency, voltage compatibility, and maximum power point
tracking (MPPT) capabilities when sizing inverters for the system.
Battery Sizing (if applicable):
If the system includes energy storage capabilities, determine the size and capacity of the
battery bank needed to store excess solar energy for later use.
Consider factors such as energy consumption patterns, backup power requirements, and
autonomy (the desired duration of backup power) when sizing the battery bank.
System Scalability and Flexibility:
Design the solar PV system with scalability and flexibility in mind to accommodate future
expansions or changes in energy demand.
Incorporate modular components and system configurations that can easily be expanded or
upgraded as needed.
Financial Considerations:
Evaluate the cost-effectiveness and return on investment (ROI) of the designed solar PV
system, considering factors such as upfront capital costs, operational expenses, and potential
savings on electricity bills.
Compare different system sizing options and configurations to identify the most cost
effective solution for the site.

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Verification and Validation:
Validate the sizing calculations through simulation or modelling software to ensure that the
designed solar PV system can reliably meet the site's energy requirements under various
operating conditions.
Conduct sensitivity analysis to assess the impact of uncertainties or changes in input
parameters on the system's performance and sizing.
5.4: System Design:
Design the layout: Determine the arrangement and orientation of solar panels to optimize
sunlight capture and minimize shading.
Design the electrical system: Plan the wiring, connections, and protection devices such as
circuit breakers or fuses.
Ensure compliance with local regulations and codes: Confirm that the design meets all
relevant building codes, electrical standards, and permit requirements.

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 Fig: Designing software (sketch up).

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 Fig: Layout of the building by using software.

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 Fig: Structure of 10kWp Solar panels

5.5: Off-Grid Considerations (if applicable):

For off-grid systems, design autonomous power generation and storage solutions to meet the
site's energy demand independently of the utility grid.
Size the battery bank, charge controllers, and other off-grid components to provide reliable
power supply during periods of low solar irradiance or grid outages.

Electrical Design:
Design the electrical layout and wiring configurations for the solar PV system, ensuring
compliance with local electrical codes and regulations.
Determine the optimal DC and AC (alternating current) wiring sizes, cable lengths, and
voltage drop considerations to minimize power losses and ensure safety.

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Install appropriate protection devices such as circuit breakers, fuses, surge protectors, and
isolation switches to safeguard the system and personnel.
5.6: System Optimization and Performance Analysis:
Optimize the system design for maximum energy production, considering factors such as tilt
angles, azimuth orientation, and shading mitigation strategies.
Conduct performance simulations or modeling to evaluate the system's expected energy
yield, efficiency, and financial returns under different operating conditions.
Fine-tune the system design based on performance analysis results and feedback from site-
specific considerations to achieve optimal outcomes.
Safety and Compliance:
Ensure that the solar PV system design meets all relevant safety standards, building codes,
and industry best practices to protect personnel and property.
Obtain necessary permits, approvals, and inspections from local authorities and regulatory
agencies before installing and commissioning the system.
Monitoring and Maintenance:
Implement a monitoring and maintenance plan to track the system's performance, detect
anomalies, and identify opportunities for optimization.
Conduct regular inspections, cleaning, and preventive maintenance activities to ensure the
long-term reliability and efficiency of the solar PV system.
By following these steps and considerations, solar PV system designers can develop a
comprehensive and well-engineered design that meets the energy needs of the site while
ensuring reliability, safety, and performance over the system's lifetime.

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5.7: On site Rooftop 10kWp Solar System design:

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5.8: Advantages:
Energy Independence: Off-grid solar systems provide independence from the utility grid,
allowing users to generate their own electricity. This is particularly advantageous in remote
areas where grid connection may be unavailable or unreliable.
Remote Access: Off-grid systems can be deployed in remote locations where extending
utility grid infrastructure would be impractical or cost-prohibitive. This makes them suitable
for applications such as rural electrification, off-grid cabins, or telecommunications towers.
No Electricity Bills: With an off-grid system, users are not reliant on electricity from the
grid and thus avoid monthly electricity bills. Once the system is installed, the sunlight is free,

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providing long-term cost savings.
Environmental Benefits: Off-grid solar systems produce clean, renewable energy, reducing
reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. They contribute to
environmental sustainability and can help mitigate climate change.
Energy Storage: Off-grid systems typically include battery storage to store excess energy
generated during the day for use during periods of low sunlight or at night. This provides
reliable power supply even when sunlight is unavailable.

5.9: Disadvantages:
Higher Upfront Cost: Off-grid solar systems require additional components such as
batteries and charge controllers for energy storage, increasing the upfront cost compared to
grid-tied systems. The cost of batteries, in particular, can be significant.
Limited Power Output: Off-grid systems must be carefully sized to meet the site's energy
demand, which may result in limitations on the size and capacity of the system. This can
restrict the types of appliances or loads that can be powered by the system.
Maintenance Requirements: Off-grid systems require regular maintenance of batteries and
other components to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Battery maintenance, in
particular, involves periodic checks, watering, and replacement over time.
Battery Lifespan: The lifespan of batteries used in off-grid systems is typically limited,
ranging from 5 to 15 years depending on the type and quality of the batteries. Replacement
costs and the need for proper disposal or recycling should be considered.
System Complexity: Off-grid systems are more complex to design, install, and maintain
compared to grid-tied systems. They require careful sizing, integration of energy storage
components, and consideration of load management strategies.
Risk of System Failure: Off-grid systems rely solely on solar energy and battery storage,
making them vulnerable to system failures during prolonged periods of low sunlight or
battery degradation. Backup power sources or contingency plans may be needed to mitigate
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this risk.
Limited Load Capacity: Off-grid systems may not have the capacity to support high-
energy-consuming appliances or loads such as air conditioning or electric heating without
significantly increasing system size and cost.
Overall, while off-grid solar systems offer energy independence and environmental benefits,
they also come with higher upfront costs, maintenance requirements, and limitations on
power output and load capacity. Careful consideration of these advantages and disadvantages
is essential when deciding whether an off-grid solar system is suitable for a specific
application or location

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