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    Solar PV String Guide-1

    Uploaded by

    ankit
    The document provides an overview of photovoltaic (PV) system design basics. It discusses typical design considerations like string sizing to account for voltage limits and temperature coefficients, selecting an appropriate inverter, safety factors, and system components. The presentation includes examples of calculating maximum and minimum string voltages using module specifications and temperature data to ensure the voltages stay within operating limits. It also covers determining the necessary system size based on a customer's energy usage and using tools like PVWatts to size the solar array.

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    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    Solar PV String Guide-1

    Uploaded by

    ankit
    267 views26 pages
    The document provides an overview of photovoltaic (PV) system design basics. It discusses typical design considerations like string sizing to account for voltage limits and temperature coefficients, selecting an appropriate inverter, safety factors, and system components. The presentation includes examples of calculating maximum and minimum string voltages using module specifications and temperature data to ensure the voltages stay within operating limits. It also covers determining the necessary system size based on a customer's energy usage and using tools like PVWatts to size the solar array.

    Original Description:

    Solar PV String guide.

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    © © All Rights Reserved

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    PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

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    The document provides an overview of photovoltaic (PV) system design basics. It discusses typical design considerations like string sizing to account for voltage limits and temperature coefficients, selecting an appropriate inverter, safety factors, and system components. The presentation includes examples of calculating maximum and minimum string voltages using module specifications and temperature data to ensure the voltages stay within operating limits. It also covers determining the necessary system size based on a customer's energy usage and using tools like PVWatts to size the solar array.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    267 views26 pages

    Solar PV String Guide-1

    Uploaded by

    ankit
    The document provides an overview of photovoltaic (PV) system design basics. It discusses typical design considerations like string sizing to account for voltage limits and temperature coefficients, selecting an appropriate inverter, safety factors, and system components. The presentation includes examples of calculating maximum and minimum string voltages using module specifications and temperature data to ensure the voltages stay within operating limits. It also covers determining the necessary system size based on a customer's energy usage and using tools like PVWatts to size the solar array.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 26
    At a glance
    Powered by AI
    The key takeaways are that proper solar system design involves considering factors like household energy usage, roof space constraints, module selection and string configuration to meet voltage requirements, inverter selection, and safety guidelines.

    The typical steps in designing a grid-tied solar system include analyzing the household energy usage, assessing the roof for suitable space and structure, using a tool like PVWatts to size the system, designing the module configuration and strings, selecting an appropriate inverter, and planning the interconnection to the utility grid.

    It is important to properly size and design a solar system to avoid exceeding 100% yearly energy offset, have the system fit within the available roof space while following safety guidelines, compensate for any customer requests or needs, and ensure the design complies with relevant electrical and building codes.

    PV Design Basics

    Aaron Liggett
    Applications Engineer

    Jan. 27, 2017


    San Diego, CA
    PV Design Basics

    The fundamentals of PV design; session will provide a basic


    understanding of photovoltaic (PV) design.

    What’s to come:

    • Common practices
    • String sizing
    • Design considerations
    • Safety
    Typical Grid Tied Solar System

    Top Down Process

    • Modules
    • DC cabling
    • Racking
    • Inverter
    • Monitoring
    • Interconnection

    Note: When grid power is lost the PV system will disconnect.


    Why Sizing and
    Design is Important

    • Do not want to exceed 100%


    yearly offset
    • Visually appealing
    • Compensate for customers
    needs/requests
    • Comply with NEC and HOA
    requirements
    • Safety
    System Design Process

    Customers usage:

    • Yearly energy usage can be found


    on utility bill.

    Things to Consider:

    • Inefficiencies in home
    ‒ Old appliances
    ‒ Lack of insulation
    System Design Process

    • Total usage for the year is 10,298kWh


    • Project address:
    ‒ 123 Main St.
    Anytown, CA 95661
    • Information needed for analysis:
    ‒ Azimuth
    ‒ Tilt angle
    ‒ Shade
    ‒ Customer requests
    ‒ System size that will fit on roof
    • Remember FSB!!
    • Ground mount
    PVWatts

    • Now that we know the household usage


    proceed to PVWatts

    • Input site information


    ‒ Module type
    ‒ Array type
    ‒ System losses
    ‒ Tilt
    ‒ Azimuth
    • http://tools.solmetric.com/Tools/RoofAzimuthTool
    PVWatts

    • 1kW of solar will produce roughly 1,260kWh per year


    • Take this value and divide it by the total household usage
    10,298kWh/1,260kWh≈8kW solar array needed

    But what can actually fit on the roof?..


    Roof Sizing

    • ALWAYS account for Fire Setbacks (FSB)


    ‒ Roof Access—Residential with Single Ridge
    ‒ (IFC 605.11.3.2.2)
    Single ridge needs two 3’ pathways on
    array faces along edge of load bearing
    exterior wall.

    • After FSBs we can


    only fit 18 modules

    Note: FSB vary depending on structure;


    please reference the IFC and consult your
    local AHJ.
    Verifying Structure

    • Lag screw length required


    ‒ Plywood decking, skip
    sheathing
    • Life of roof
    • Snow load
    • No fire damage or
    broken/damaged rafters
    • Confirm structure is adequate
    ‒ Can reference span tables
    ‒ Typ. Array will add 3-5 psf to
    roof
    ‒ www.solarabcs.org/permitting
    Racking Selection

    • UL 2703 for Bonding


    ‒ NEC Article 250 and 690 Part V
    • Follow Panel manufacture spec. for
    mounting
    • Type of roofing
    ‒ Comp, Tile, Standing seam etc.,

    Design tools
    • actcouncil.org Source for wind and
    snow loads
    • SnapNrack Configurator

    Don’t forget to add extra


    attachments for conduit routing!
    Characteristics of Solar Modules

    Temperature Effects

    • PV module voltage has an


    inverse relationship with
    temperature, which means
    that at lower temperatures,
    PV modules’ voltage raises
    and at higher temperatures,
    PV modules’ voltage falls from
    its nameplate rating.
    String Sizing Max. Voltage

    Required Information Formula

    REC280TP 𝑉𝑜𝑐 + 𝑅𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑤 − 25 ∗ 𝑇𝑒𝑚𝑝 𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓 ∗ 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔ℎ𝑡

    • Module Voc 39.2V


    • Temp Coef. Voc -0.31%
    o All found on module data
    sheet
    • Lowest record temp. -3°C
    o SolarABC interactive map

    Note: Residential system are not to exceed 600


    VDC per NEC 690.7 (c)
    String Sizing Max. Voltage

    Calculations

    𝑉𝑜𝑐 + 𝑅𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑤 − 25 ∗ 𝑇𝑒𝑚𝑝 𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓 ∗ 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ

    • Convert temp coefficient from %/°C to V/°C

    39.2*-0.31%= -0.122 V/°C

    • Input all information

    39.2 + −3 − 25 ∗ −0.122 ∗ 9
    39.2 + −28 ∗ −0.122 ∗ 9
    39.2 + 3.416 ∗ 9
    42.62 ∗ 9
    = 383.6𝑉 < 600V
    String Sizing Min. Voltage

    Required Information Formula

    REC280TP 𝑉𝑚𝑝 + (𝑀𝑎𝑥 𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝 + 𝐴𝐷𝐷𝐸𝑅) − 25 ∗ 𝑇𝑒𝑚𝑝 𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓


    ∗ 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔ℎ𝑡

    • Module Vmp 31.9V


    • Temp Coef. Vmp -0.39%
    o All found on module data
    sheet
    • Location high temp. 28°C
    o SolarABC
    o Use rise adder for cell temp

    Note: Be sure that Min string voltage is above


    inverter Min operating voltage.
    String Sizing Min. Voltage

    More Calculations
    𝑉𝑚𝑝 + (𝑀𝑎𝑥 𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝 + 𝐴𝐷𝐷𝐸𝑅) − 25 ∗ 𝑇𝑒𝑚𝑝 𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓 ∗ 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ

    • Max temp 28°C+25°C= 53°C


    o Use Vmp coefficient -0.39%/°C or -0.124

    • Input all information

    31.9 + 53 − 25 ∗ −0.124 ∗ 9
    31.9 + 28 ∗ −0.124 ∗ 9
    31.9 − 3.472 ∗ 9
    28.43 ∗ 9
    = 255.8𝑉 > inverter startup voltage
    Selecting an Inverter

    Inverter Data

    DC input information
    • 5.04kW DC
    • 383.6V Max
    • 255.8V Min
    • ≈1:1 DC/AC ratio

    AC information is provided
    • 30A OCP for 240V
    • NEC 690.8(B)(1)
    BOS placement

    Considerations

    • Don’t place inverters in direct


    sunlight w/o shade covers
    • Confirm with AHJ and utility
    for special requirements
    • Verify if Rapid Shutdown is
    required NEC 690.12
    • Working spaces NEC Table
    110.26(A)(1)
    Interconnection

    Interconnection Methods

    • Breaker tie-in
    o 120% rule
    • NEC 2014 705.12(D)(2)
    • Install breaker opposite to
    main breaker.
    o 100% rule
    • Supply side connection
    o Requires service-rated disco
    • Min. 60 amp rating
    o Equipment must have AIC
    rating sufficient for the max.
    available fault current
    o IPC, double-lugged panels
    System Conclusion

    Final Design

    • (2) strings of (9) REC280TP


    modules
    o Min 255.8 VDC Max 383.6 VDC
    o PV STC DC size 5.04kW
    • (1) Fronius Primo 5.0-1
    o DC/AC ratio ≈1:1
    o OCP- 30A breaker

    • Offset
    o 5.04kW*1260kWh=6,350kWh/yr
    o ≈61.7%
    Module Level Electronics

    Microinverters SolarEdge String


    Cost $$$ $$ $
    Rapid Shutdown   o
    Shade mitigation   -
    Module level monitoring   -
    Variable string lengths   oo
    Max DC Voltage 60 350 600
    Strings with varing tilt and azimuth   -
    o Requires more equipment
    oo Variable string lengths possible with multiple MPPTs
    Safety

    Green Job Hazards

    • Always comply with OSHA


    regulations
    • Only a qualified person should
    perform electrical work
    • Green Job Hazards
    o Fall
    o Electrical shock
    o Heat/cold stress
    • Always wear proper PPE
    • Hazardous materials on site
    o Asbestos
    • Vermiculite
    • Siding

    https://www.osha.gov/dep/greenjobs/solar.html
    Resources and References

    Learn More References

    • NABCEP • National Electric Code (NEC)


    o Reference Guide o CEC
    • Imagine Solar • IFC
    • Solar Living Institute • IBC
    • USGBC • AEE Catalog
    • UL
    Questions?

    Aaron Liggett
    Office: (916) 559-8823
    Mobile: (916) 806-4896

    Aaron.Liggett@aeesolar.com
    Lumber Grade Stamp
    String Sizing Max. Voltage Using
    NEC Table 690.7

    • Module Voc: 39.2


    • Max low temp: -3°C

    39.2*1.12=43.9VDC/module

    43.9*9(string length)= 395VDC

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