Complete Example

The question goes through the following calculations:

 Minimum modules in a string  Maximum number of strings

 Maximum modules in a string  Maximum modules in the array
The question:
How many Suntech Pluto205-Ade solar modules could you connect to a Fronius IG60 inverter?
How would these modules be configured (i.e. determine the number of modules in each string
and the number of strings)?
The maximum effective cell temperature recorded at the site is 75°C, while the minimum
temperature is 0°C. Assume a voltage drop at VMP of 1%.
The following tables contain the data for both the PV module and inverter.
Module Data Rating
Open Circuit Voltage (VOC) 45.8V
Optimum Operating Voltage (VMP) 38.1V
Short Circuit Current (ISC) 5.73A
Optimum Operating Current (IMP) 5.38A
Max Power at STC (PMAX) 205W
Operating Temperature -40°C to +85°C
Maximum System Voltage 1000V DC
Maximum Series Fuse Rating 15A
Module Efficiency 16.10%
Power Tolerance 0/+5W
Nominal Operating Cell Temperature 45.2°C
Temperature Co-efficient of PMAX -0.38%/°C
Temperature Co-efficient of VOC -0.29%/°C
Temperature Co-efficient of ISC 0.046%/°C

Inverter Input Data Rating

MPP Voltage Range 150 – 400V DC
2
Max Input Voltage (at 1000W/m , - 500V
10°C)
Recommended Max PV Output 6700W P
Max Input Current 35.8A

Inverter Output Data Rating

Nominal Output 4600W
Max Power Output 5000W
Max Efficiency 94.3%

Global Sustainable Energy Solutions Pty. Ltd. Copyright © 2011

Step One: Minimum number of modules in a string

Looking at the data sheet for the Pluto module there is no temperature coefficient for VMP, so use
the temperature coefficient for PMAX. This is because IMP remains fairly constant as the
temperature changes, so that change in PMAX is due to the change in VMP.

Using the steps explained in Minimum Number of Modules in a String, the minimum number of
modules that can be connected is calculated as shown in the following table:

Calculation Steps Calculation

1 Calculate the difference between the cell temperature and STC 75°C – 25°C = 50°C

2. Convert the PMAX coefficient into V/°C 0.38%/°C x 38.1V = 0.145V/°C

3. Multiply the temperature difference by the PMAX temperature

50°C x 0.145V/°C = 7.25V
coefficient (in V/°C)

4. Take this away from the rated VMP (temperature is above 25°C) 38.1V – 7.25V = 30.85V

5. Multiply this by 0.99 to account for the 1% voltage drop 30.85 x 0.99 = 30.5V

6. Multiply the inverter minimum voltage by 1.1

150 x 1.1 = 165V
(10% safety margin)
7. Divide the inverter minimum voltage with the safety margin by
165 ÷ 30.5 = 5.4
the minimum module voltage (including voltage drop)

8. Round this number UP 6 modules minimum

Using the formulae originally given in Calculating the PV Module Voltage for a Particular
Temperature, the minimum voltage of a single module will be:

VMP cell eff = VMP-STC [γV x (Tcell eff – TSTC)] = 38.1 – [0.145 x (75 – 25)] = 30.85V

Allowing for a 1% voltage drop, the effective minimum voltage the inverter will receive from the
PV module is:

0.99 x 30.85V = 30.5V

The minimum MPPT voltage of the inverter is 150V. Allowing for a 10% safety margin, the
minimum voltage that the array should produce is:

150 x 1.1V = 165V

Therefore minimum number of modules required in a string is:

165V ÷ 30.5V = 5.4, round up to 6 modules

Global Sustainable Energy Solutions Pty. Ltd. Copyright © 2011

Step Two: Maximum number of modules in a string

Using the steps explained in What Happens if the VMP of the Array Falls Below the Inverter’s
Minimum Voltage?, the minimum number of modules that can be connected is calculated as
shown in the following table:

Calculation Steps Calculation

1 Calculate the difference between the cell temperature and STC 0°C – 25°C = (-)25°C

2. Convert the VOC coefficient into V/°C 0.29%/°C x 45.8V = 0.133V/°C

2. Multiply the difference in temperature by the VOC temperature

25°C x 0.133V/°C = 3.32V
coefficient (in V/°C)

3. Add this to the rated VOC (temperature is below 25°C) 45.8V + 3.32V = 49.12V

4. Do not include a voltage drop, as the circuit is open, and hence

no current flows
5. Multiply the inverter maximum voltage by 0.95
500 x 0.95 = 475V
(5% safety margin)
6. Divide the inverter maximum voltage with the safety margin by
475 ÷ 49.12 = 9.67
the maximum module voltage

7. Round this number DOWN 9 modules maximum

Using the formulae given, the maximum VOC of the module is:

VOC cell eff = VOC-STC [γVOC x (Tcell eff – TSTC)] = 45.8 – [0.133 x (0 – 25)] = 49.12V

As we are looking at the open circuit voltage, there will be no voltage drop across the cables.

Now the maximum power point tracker voltage of the inverter is 400V and maximum allowable
voltage is 500V. Allowing for 5% safety margin, the maximum DC inverter voltage is:

500V x 0.95 = 475V

Therefore maximum number of modules based on open circuit voltage is:

475V ÷ 49.12V = 9.67 round down to 9 modules

Calculations can also be done for the maximum number of modules using the VMP and MPPT
range of the inverter. This calculation is for performance only. Using the formulae given, the
maximum VMP of the module is:

VMP cell eff = VMP-STC [γV x (Tcell eff – TSTC)] = 38.1 – [0.145 x (0 – 25)] = 41.72V

Allowing for 5% safety margin, the maximum MPPT voltage is:

400V x 0.95 = 380V

Therefore maximum number of modules based on VMP is:

380V ÷ 41.72V = 9.1 round down to 9 modules

Global Sustainable Energy Solutions Pty. Ltd. Copyright © 2011

Step Three: Maximum number of strings

The operating current for the inverter is 0 - 35.84A DC.

The Pluto 205-Ade module has short circuit current of 5.73A. Based on short circuit current the
maximum number of strings in parallel is:

35.84A ÷ 5.73A = 6.25 round down to 6 strings

Step Four: Total maximum number of modules (power rating)

From the calculations above the maximum PV array comprises: 6 parallel strings, with 9 modules
in series in each string. This is 54 PV modules; capable of producing:

54 x 205 = 17,070W

This exceeds the recommended maximum PV array output of 6700W P. Using our maximum
number of PV modules in total is:

6700 ÷ 205 = 32.7 round down to 32

The following table gives examples of array configurations that would suit this inverter:

Possible array configurations for a Fronius IG60 inverter

No. of Strings Modules per String Total Modules Array Power (W P)

4 8 32 6560
5 6 30 6150
4 7 28 5740
3 9 27 5535
4 6 24 4920

Global Sustainable Energy Solutions Pty. Ltd. Copyright © 2011