Design of Grid Connect PV systems
Palau Workshop th-12th April 8
INTRODUCTION
GRID-CONNECTED POWER SYSTEMS SYSTEM DESIGN GUIDELINES
• The document provides the minimum knowledge required when designing a PV Grid connect system. • The actual design criteria could include: specifying a specific size (in kWp) for an array; available budget; available roof space; wanting to zero their annual electrical usage or a number of other specific customer related criteria.
DESIGNING A SYSTEM SUMMARY
GRID-CONNECTED POWER SYSTEMS SYSTEM DESIGN GUIDELINES
Whatever the final design criteria a designer shall be capable of: • Determining the energy yield, specific yield and performance ratio of the grid connect PV system. • Determining the inverter size bad on the size of the array. • Matching the array configuration to the lected inverter maximum voltage and voltage operating windows.
SITE VISIT
GRID-CONNECTED POWER SYSTEMS SYSTEM DESIGN GUIDELINES
Prior to designing any Grid Connected PV system a designer shall either visit the site or arrange for a work colleague to visit the site and undertake/determine/obtain the following: • Discuss energy efficient initiatives that could be implemented by the site owner. The could include: • replacing inefficient electrical appliances with new energy efficient electrical appliances • replacing tank type electric hot water heaters with a solar water heater either gas or electric boosted.(If applicable) • replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents and/or efficient LED lights • Asss the occupational safety and health risks when working on that particular site.
SITE VISIT 2
GRID-CONNECTED POWER SYSTEMS SYSTEM DESIGN GUIDELINES
• Determine the solar access for the site. • Determine whether any shading will occur and estimate its effect on the system. • Determine the orientation and tilt angle of the roof if the solar array is to be roof mounted. • Determine the available area for the solar array. • Determine whether the roof is suit
able for mounting the array. • Determine how the modules will be mounted on the roof. • Determine where the inverter will be located. • Determine the cabling route and therefore estimate the lengths of the cable runs. • Determine whether monitoring panels or screens are required and determine a suitable location with the owner
