Page 134 - Alternative Energy Systems in Building Design

110 SOLAR POWER SYSTEM PHYSICS AND TECHNOLOGIES

PV System Design Guidelines

When designing solar power-generation systems, the designer must pay specific
attention to the selection of PV modules and inverters and installation material and
labor expenses, as well as the financial costs of the overall project. The designer also
must assume responsibility to assist the end user with the rebate-procurement docu-
mentation. The following are major highlights that must be taken into consideration:

PV MODULE DESIGN PARAMETERS

1 Panel rated power (185, 175, 750 W, and so on)
2 Unit voltage (6, 12, 24, 48 V, and so forth)
3 Rated amps
4 Rated voltage
5 Short-circuit amperes
6 Short-circuit current
7 Open-circuit volts
8 Panel width, length, and thickness
9 Panel weight
10 Ease of cell interconnection and wiring
11 Unit protection for polarity reversal
12 Years of warrant by the manufacturer
13 Reliability of technology
14 Efficiency of the cell per unit surface
15 Degradation rate during the expected life span (warranty period) of operation
16 Longevity of the product
17 Number of installations
18 Project references and contacts
19 Product manufacturer’s financial viability

INVERTER AND AUTOMATIC TRANSFER SYSTEM

1 Unit conversion efficiency
2 Waveform harmonic distortion
3 Protective relaying features (as referenced earlier)
4 Input and output protection features
5 Service and maintenance availability and cost
6 Output waveform and percent harmonic content
7 Unit synchronization feature with utility power
8 Longevity of the product
9 Number of installations in similar types of applications
10 Project references and contacts
11 Product manufacturer’s financial viability