Basics of Solar PV System 1

Basics of Solar PV System

Features of Solar PV System

Components of system
Type of System
– SHS, BCS, Centralized PV
General output power
Basics of Solar PV System 2

Electricity from Solar Energy

PV Module converts Solar energy into Electricity(DC)

Less Solar Energy

Less Electricity
More Solar Energy
More Electricity

Power
generation
changes daily

DC
Solar Energy PV Module Electricity
Input Conversion Output
Basics of Solar PV System 3

Solar PV System

Solar PV System consists of 4 components

4a. DC Appliances DC System

DC (DC Lights, DC TV)
3. PV Module 2. Charge
(Power Generation) Controller DC
(Battery Protection)
4b. DC-AC
Inverter AC System
DC (Converts DC  AC)
Most Important
Key Device AC Appliances
in PV system AC (General Appliances)
1. Battery
(Storage of Electricity)
Basics of Solar PV System 4

Basic Components

PV Module
– PV Module converts Solar energy into Electricity
– Power generation is during daytime only
– Long life for 20 years
Battery
– Battery stores electricity
– Mainly used during night time
– Easily damaged if over discharged
Charge Controller
– Charge controller protects battery from over charge and over discharge
DC-AC Inverter
– Inverter converts DC to AC
– Not necessary for DC system
– AC system is more convenient for users, but less efficiency.
DC Light
– DC fluorescent light (built-in inverter) is used for DC system
Basics of Solar PV System 5

Site selection

No other potential sources

– No hydro potential, No wind potential
– Solar PV system is the last resort where no other energy sources are
available
Far away from Grid
– Difficult areas to supply fuels during rain season
Need open space
– No tall trees
– No shadows between 8am till 4pm
Target group is mid-rich income level group
– Make sure users can afford to replace battery every 2 – 3 years
– Not recommended for low income group. They can NOT maintain the
systems.
 Requires lots of subsidies to maintain systems.
 Systems are easily abandoned even a minor fault due to critical cash
flow.
– Not recommended to use electricity from PV system for livelihood
Basics of Solar PV System 6

Features of Solar PV system

Clean
– No exhaust gas
No mechanical moving parts
– Quiet
– Less maintenance work
Fuel supply is not necessary
– Very low running cost
Last resort to supply electricity
– Can be installed where no other energy sources are available
Expensive and limited power supply
– Small appliances use only
Battery problems
– Most users/operators fail to maintain batteries
– Most users abandon systems when the end of battery life
Basics of Solar PV System 7

SHS (Solar Home System)

SHS is Small, independent DC system
Most efficient and economical system
DC Fluorescent Lights are not easily available in local market

PV Panel
(50W)

Controller
(10A)
Fluorescent light
(12V DC 20W)
Compact Fluorescent light
(12V DC 11W)
Switch

Battery
(100Ah)

B/W TV Radio/Cassette player

(12V DC 15W) (12V DC 5W)
Basics of Solar PV System 8

SHS (AC)
AC system is convenient for users because of easy availability of appliances
Less efficient and higher cost than DC system

PV Panel
(100W) Inverter
( 12V DC  220V AC, 150W)

Controller
(10A)
Fluorescent light
(220V AC 20W)
Compact Fluorescent light
(220V AC 11W)
Switch

Battery
(100Ah)

B/W TV Radio/Cassette player

(220V AC 30W) (220V AC 5W)
Basics of Solar PV System 9

BCS (Battery Charging Station)

Users share PV modules

One station can charge one battery in a day.
Users have to carry heavy batteries to the BCS.
– Heavy labor for women and children
Available power per day is smaller than SHS
Short battery life compare to SHS
– Batteries are easily over discharged at user’s houses
– Long term cost is higher than SHS

PV Array (300Wp)

Battery (70Ah)
Basics of Solar PV System 10

Charging schedule

Max. Number of Users are limited by Charging Interval + Spare day

Ex. Charging once / 7 days + 2 spare day = 5 users
Ex. Charging once / 10 days + 1 spare day = 9 users
Available power / day becomes less if charging interval is increased
Charged power = 64 Ah (300Wp BCS, (300Wp x 0.8 x 4h / 12V ) x 0.8 = 64Ah)
Available power/day = 64 Ah / 7 days = 9.1 Ah ( 2 light for 6.0 hour per day)
Available power/day = 64 Ah / 10 days = 6.4 Ah ( 2 light for 4.5 hour per day)

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Charging schedule

A B Spare C D E Spare

Cloudy day Cloudy day

Schedule shift to
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
spare days
A B B C D E D
Basics of Solar PV System 11

Cost and Power of BCS

No. of users Cost per user Power per user Cost per Power
No. of (Peak hours=4)
PV

SHS

(Charging interval : 7
days)

(Charging interval : 7
days)
BCS

(Charging interval : 7
days)

(Charging interval : 10
days)
Basics of Solar PV System 12

Mini Centralized System (~ 5kW)

Solar Energy Control of Charging

(Charge Controller) Converting DC to AC
(DC-AC Inverter)
Power Generation Load
(PV Array) (Lights, Radio, TV, etc.)
48V DC~ 96V DC

220V AC

Inexpensive system
Limited power
Storage of Electricity consumption
(Battery)
Basics of Solar PV System 13

Centralized System (10kW ~)

Control of Charging Converting DC to AC

(Charge Controller) (DC-AC Inverter)
Solar Energy

Power Generation Load

(PV Array) (Lights, Radio, TV, etc.)

120V DC
~ 300V DC

220V AC

Storage of Electricity
(Battery)
Expensive system
High quality electricity
Basics of Solar PV System 14

Available Power
for Quick calculation only
Inverter efficiency
4kWh/m2 per day
( 4 peak sun hours ) 90%
Power demand per Household
270Wh ~ 380Wh/day
10kWp

80%

Line efficiency
Output 90%
efficiency
10kWp x 4h = 40.0kWh Charging efficiency
20kWh / 270Wh = 74HH
PV : x 80% = 32.0kWh 20kWh / 380Wh = 52HH
Battery : x 80% = 25.6kWh 80%
Inverter: x 90% = 23.0kWh
Lines : x 90% = 20.7kWh 10kWp PV system can produce 20kWh
10kWp PV system can supply 52HH ~
10kWp x 4h x 50% = 74HH
20kWh
= 10kWp x 2h =
Basics of Solar PV System 15

Peak Load and Daily Power Consumption

Peak Load is a maximum load power (W) Peak Load does not mean
Power Consumption
 Limited by Inverter Capacity
Daily Power Consumption is a total energy that is consumed in one
day (Wh)
 Limited by PV array capacity (Daily Power Generation)
Power Generation > Power Consumption

Daily Power Consumption = 79 kWh

Peak load = 10 kW
Basics of Solar PV System 16

Available Power

Installed Capacity does NOT mean available power

Available no. of households are limited by
Peak Load for Non-battery system (Diesel and Micro-Hydro)
Available no. of households are limited by
both Peak Load and Daily Consumption for Battery-based system
(Solar PV and Wind)
Safety 17

Safety

Risk Assessment
- There is a scorpion under every stone.
- It is recommended that a risk assessment is conducted
before starting any on-site work.
Hazard
- Physical Hazard
- Electrical Hazard
- Chemical Hazard
Safety Management
- On the basis of risk assessment, it is recommended that
safety measures are devised.
Safety 18

Risk Assessment

Risk assessment process [Example]

In the cable replacement

1. Identification of all possible risks *Electrical shock *Cuts

*Falling from ladder *Insects

<Electrical shock>
1) Check voltage before work
2. Study on the measures to remove the 2) Wear gloves

risk or 3) Use insulated tools

4) Don’t work with wet hands

to minimize the risk if it can not be 5) Work without power source

removed
3. Assessment of the risk exposure To keep items 1), 3), 4) and 5) can
reduce the risks.

Preparation of insulated tools

4. Reflection to on-site work Inform workers about precautions
Safety 19

Risk Assessment

What risks are there in on-site work?

1. 6. On-site work
PV- Electrical shock - Electrical shock
- Fire - Falling from roof & ladder
- Fall of PV module - Cuts and Bumps
- Destruction of PV array - Fire
- Cut and bump - Chemical burns
- Insects, Snakes etc.
2. C/C, Inverter
- Electrical shock
- Fire
3. Battery 4. Cables 5. Appliances
- Electrical shock - Electrical shock - Electrical shock
- Fire - Fire - Fall
- Chemical burns - Cut - Burns
- Explosion
Safety 20

Hazard
(Physical Hazard)

Exposure
– Sun damage  Wear a hat and long-sleeved clothes
– Symptom of dehydration  Drink plenty of fluids, never alcohol
– Heat stroke  Take regular breaks in the shade
Injury
– Falling from roof or ladder
 Wear comfortable shoes,
 Have a partner to hold the ladder and assist with handling equipment
– Cut finger with sharp edge of metal and metal slivers  Wear gloves
– Bump head on the low beams and PV frame  Wear a safety helmet
– Back strain by lifting and carrying heavy equipment
– Burn caused by contacting hot metal.
Insects, Snakes
– Spiders and insects often move in and inhabit junction boxes and other
enclosures.
Safety 21

Hazard
(Electrical Hazard)

Electrical shock
– The human body acts like a resistor and allows current to pass.
– The value of resistance varies with condition. (Wet: 1,000 Ω - Dry: 100,000 Ω )
– The amount of current that will flow is determined by Voltage and Resistance in the
current pass.
– Current greater than 20mA may give a serious damage to the body.
 Always check the voltage between any conductor and any other wires,
and to ground.
 Do not touch conductive part by wet hand

Current Physiological Effect Voltage required to produce the

[1s current
contact]
100,000 Ω 1,000 Ω
1 mA Threshold of feeling, 100V 1V
tingling sensation (No
pain)
5 mA Accepted as maximum 500V 5V
harmless current
10 – 20 Beginning of sustained 1000V 10V
mA muscular contraction
100-300 Ventricular fibrillation, 10000V 100V
mA fatal if continued.
Safety 22

Hazard
(Electrical Hazard)

Electrical sparks and burns

– Electric sparks are caused by short circuit, and it can lead to fire.
　 Especially, short circuit of battery is extremely hazard.
　　 It may give a serious damage to person and PV system.
 Use insulated tools (spanners etc).
Battery
 Put covers over the battery terminals.
 Install fuse.
– Loose connection increases resistance at the connecting part.
The connecting part becomes the heating element and can cause a fire.
 Check contact and voltage drop at the connecting part.
Cable
 Tighten up screw and clean up contact. Insulation
failure
– Insulation failure can cause electric leak and short circuit. Heating
Loose
 Check cable and terminal block periodically. connection

Switch
Safety 23

Hazard
(Chemical Hazard)

Chemical burns by acid

– The lead-acid type battery uses sulfuric acid as the electrolyte.
– Sulfuric acid is extremely hazardous. Chemical burns will occur if the
acid makes contact with an unprotected part of the body.
 Wear non-absorbent gloves and protective glasses.
 Wash out with plenty of water in case of contact.
Gas explosion
– Most battery releases hydrogen gas as a result of the charging process.
– Hydrogen is flammable gas and has an explosion hazard.
 The battery should be installed in a well-ventilated area.
 All flames and equipment that could create a spark should be kept
away from the battery.
Safety 24

Safety Management

Clothes
– Wear proper clothes for on-site work and ambient environment.
(Long-sleeved clothes, Hat, Shoes etc.)
Safety Equipment
– Prepare safety equipment.
(Gloves, Protective glasses, Safety helmet, Appropriate ladder,
insulated tools, Proper measuring equipment etc.)
Work plan
– Check specification and diagram of PV system
– Make work plan which reflect results of the risk assessment.
– Inform the workers about work plan in advance.
Work at site
– Confirm risks and safety measures before starting work.
– Conduct work complying with work plan.
Basics of Electricity
25

Basics of Electricity

Basic elements of electricity

– Voltage, Current, Resistance, Power, AC and DC
– Parallel and Series connection
Calculation
– Ohm’s Law
– Power Law
Wattage and Watt hour
Daily power consumption and Peak load
Basics of Electricity 26

Voltage

Voltage is the degree of strengths of electricity.

AC mains uses 220V and SHS uses 12V.
The symbol is V. The unit is V (volt).
Series connection sums voltage, Parallel connection averages voltage.

Sum

Average
2V

1V 1V 1V

Series Parallel
Connection Connection
Basics of Electricity 27

Current

Current is the quantity of electricity flowing inside wires.

The symbol is I. The unit is A (ampere)

4A 1A
Basics of Electricity 28

Resistance
Resistance is the degree of difficulty of current flow in a wire.
The symbol is R. The unit is Ω (ohm).
Series connection sums resistance, Parallel connection reduces resistance
Sum
1Ω 5Ω
1Ω 4Ω
Series
Connection

4Ω
0.5 Ω

1Ω
Parallel Reduce
Connection
1Ω
Basics of Electricity 29

Resistance

Series Connection

RT = R1 + R2
R1
=10 Ω = 10 Ω + 15 Ω
RT R2 = 25 Ω
=15 Ω
Basics of Electricity 30

Resistance

Parallel Connection 1 1 1
RT R1 R2

1 1 1

RT
R1 R2 RT 3Ω 3Ω
=3Ω =3Ω
1 2
RT 3Ω

RT = 1.5 Ω
Basics of Electricity 31

Power

Power is derived from voltage multiplied by current.

The symbol is P. The unit is W (watt).

P=VxI 1V x 4A = 4W 2V x 2A = 4W
Basics of Electricity 32

AC and DC

Alternative Current
Polarity changes
(No Polarity)

Direct Current
Fixed Polarity
Basics of Electricity 33

Ohm’s Law

V (V)
2.0 A x 0.1 Ω = 0.2 V
V=IxR
I (A) R (Ω) 20.0 A x 0.1 Ω = 2.0 V

V (V)
I=V/R 12.0 V / 2.0 Ω = 6.0 A
I (A) R (Ω)

V (V)
R=V/I 12.0 V / 1.0 A = 12.0 Ω
I (A) R (Ω)
Basics of Electricity 34

Power Law

P (W)
P=IxV 5.0 A x 12.0 V = 60.0 W
I (A) V (V)

P (W) 240.0 W / 12.0 V = 20.0 A

I=P/V
I (A) V (V) 240.0 W / 120.0 V = 2.0 A

P (W)
V=P/I 110.0 W / 0.5 A = 220.0 V
I (A) V (V)

Exercise
Basics of Electricity 35

Kirchhoff’s Law 1 (Current Law)

The algebraic sum of all the currents i0

meeting at a point is zero.
A
i0 – ( i1 + i2 ) =0 Point A R1 R2
incoming outgoing i1 i2

( i1 + i2 ) – ( i3 + i4 + i5 ) = 0 Point B V0
incoming outgoing B

i3
In other words, i4 i5
The sum of incoming currents
is equal to R3 R4 R5
the sum of outgoing currents.

i0 = i1 + i2 = i3 + i4 + i5
Basics of Electricity 36

Kirchhoff’s Law 2 (Voltage Law)

The algebraic sum of voltage drops in any closed path in a circuit and
the electromotive force in that path is equal to zero.

( V0) – ( V1 + V2 ) = 0 R1 R2
Source Voltage drops
V1

In other words,
V0
The sum of voltage drops
is equal to
the voltage source
V2
V0 = V1 + V2 R3 R4 R5
Basics of Electricity 37

Use of Kirchhoff’s Law

Equations:
A i1+ i2 = i3 + i4 + i5 (Current Law)
V1 + V2 = V0 (Voltage Law)
R1 R2
i0 Known parameters:
i1 i2 V1
R1,R2….R5 = 1 Ω , V0 = 10 V
V0 i1R1 = i2R2 = V1  i1 = i2
B
i3R3 = i4R4 = i5R5 = V2  i3 = i4 = i5
i3
i4 i5
V2 i1 + i1 = i3 + i3 + i3  i3 = 2/3 i1

R3 R4 R5 V1 + V2 = i1R1 + i3R3 = i1R1 + 2/3i1R1 = 10

5/3i1 = 10, i1 = 30/5 = 6

C
i1, i2 = 6A, i3, i4, i5 = 4A
Exercise
V = 6V, V = 4V
Basics of Electricity 38

Power and Energy

W (Watt) is a power that indicates ability (strength) of energy.

Wh (Watt hour) is an energy that is consumed in one hour (power
consumption).
Small letter : k , h
When a 1 kW appliance is used for one hour, Capital letter : W, A
the energy used is 1 kWh. Do NOT mix.
W and Wh are different unit. Don’t mix their usage.
Kw, wH, WH, wh, AH 
In DC (battery) system, Ah is used. Wrong!
1 kW power 1 kW power x 1 hour usage 2 kW power x 0.5 hour usage
(Without time factor)
= 1 kWh power consumption = 1 kWh power consumption

1 kWh

2kW
1 kWh

1kW 1kW 1kW

0 Time 0 1 hour 0 0.5 hour

Basics of Electricity 39

Peak load and Daily Power consumption

Peak load is a maximum load power (W)

Daily Power consumption is a total energy that is consumed in one day (Wh)
System design must consider both
Peak load (W) and Daily Power consumption (Wh)
Capacity of Generator must be greater than Peak load (Micro hydro/Genset)
Capacity of DC/AC Inverter must be greater than Peak load (Battery based system)

Daily Power Consumption = 79 kWh

Peak load = 10 kW
Basics of Electricity 40

Voltage Drop

Voltage Drop = Current x Cable Resistant

Voltage Drop is a power loss in cable
Current=10A, Vdrop=1V ---- 10W loss
Current=20A, Vdrop=2V ---- 40W loss P(W) = I(A) x E(V) = I2(A) x R(Ω )
Cable Resistance is determined by Size and Length
Current is determined by
[PV capacity or Load] / [System Voltage]
1kW / 12V = 83.3A, 1kW / 120V = 8.3A
To reduce voltage drop
– Use of thicker cable
– Minimize the cable length
– Use of higher system voltage to reduce current
Voltage Drop is critical in low voltage system, especially 12V system
Basics of Electricity 41

Voltage Drop depends on Current

V0
SW1:OFF, SW2:OFF
Vc = V2 = V3 Ic = 0

V2 SW1:ON, SW2:OFF
I1 I2 Vc > V0 > V1 Ic = I1
Vc Vc > V0 = V2

SW1:OFF, SW2:ON
Vc > V0 = V1 Ic = I2

Ic Vc > V0 > V2

SW1:ON, SW2:ON
Vc >> V0 > V1 Ic = I1+I2
SW2
Vc >> V0 > V2

V1 SW1
Basics of Electricity 42

Calculation of Voltage Drop

Resistance of wire : 0.02 Ω / m Current consumption : 0.5 A / light

Voltage drop of L1

20m

12. 0V
L1
11. 6V
0. 5A

Voltage drop of L1 = I (A) x R (Ω )

= 0.5 A x ( 20 m x 0.02 )
= 0.2 V per wire
= 0.2 V x 2
Total = 0.4 V
Basics of Electricity 43

Calculation of Voltage Drop

Vdrop1 Vdrop2

10m 10m

12. 0V L1

0 .5A 11. 4V
1.0A
(0.5 A +0.5 A)
Vdrop3
20 m
L2
11. 2V
0.5A

Vdrop1 = 1.0 A x ( 10 m x 0.02 Ω ) x 2 = 0.4 V Voltage drop of L1 = Vdrop1 + Vdrop2

= 0.4 V + 0.2 V
Vdrop2 = 0.5 A x ( 10 m x 0.02 Ω ) x 2 = 0.2 V = 0.6 V
Vdrop3 = 0.5 A x ( 20 m x 0.02 Ω ) x 2 = 0.4 V
Voltage drop of L2 = Vdrop1 + Vdrop3
= 0.4 V + 0.4 V
= 0.8 V
Basics of Electricity 44

Specification of Voltage Drop

Voltage Drop between Battery and C/C is critical

Limitation value should be stated by V instead of % for SHS
5% is 0.56V at 11.1V, 0.60V at 12V, 0.72V at 14.4V
 These are critical for 12V system

Example of 12V System

Section Max Vdrop (V) Remarks
Larger voltage drop may cause not
PV – C/C 0.5 enough PV output voltage to charge
battery
Battery – C/ C/C controls battery voltage
0.1
C precisely
To ensure appliances works till LVD
Load – C/C 0.5 - 1
Ex: LVD=11.5V, Vdrop=1V, Load=10.5V at LVD
Solar Energy 45

Solar Energy

Irradiance and Insolation

Peak Sun hours
Insolation pattern
Actual insolation data
No-Shade time
Solar Energy 46

Insolation

Irradiance :Intensity of Solar energy kW/m2

Insolation : Quantity of Solar energy kWh/m2
(Irradiation)
1.2
Max. Irradiance per day
1.0 ( 1.09 kW/m2)
Irradiance (kW/m2)

0.8 Irradiance at 9:30 am

( 0.8 kW/m2)
0.6
Insolation per day
0.4 ( 7.7 kWh/m2)
0.2

Sun Rise Sun Set

Solar Energy 47

Peak Sun Hours

Peak Sun Hours is used to calculate power generation of PV modules

Insolation Peak Sun Hours
( kWh/m2 per day ) ( hours per day at 1kW/m2 )

7.7 kWh/m2 7.7 h

Same Value 7.7 h

1.
2
Irradiance (kW/m2)

1. 1 kW/m2
0 Peak Sun
0.
8
(Irradiance)
0.
6 7.7 kWh/m2
0.
4
0.
2

Sun Rise Sun Set No particular clock time

Not a sunshine hours
Solar Energy 48

Daily Insolation

Solar Energy changes daily

Power Generation changes daily
Insolation
7.7 kWh/m2 5.4 kWh/m2 5.7 kWh/m2 3.3 kWh/m2 0.6 kWh/m2
Peak sun
7.7 h 5.4 h 5.7 h 3.3 h 0.6 h
hours
Available power*
(@100Wp)
492 Wh 345 Wh 364 Wh 211 Wh 38 Wh
1.
2
Irradiance (kW/m2)

1.
0
0.
8
0.
6
0.
4
0.
2

Sunny Sunny Cloudy Cloudy Rain

*: at 100Wp SHS (PV efficiency
80%,
Solar Energy 49

Daily Insolation (Actual data)

Insolation (kWh/m2/day)
Laoag, 2002
Daily Monthly
Daily
Monthly
Expected Solar Energy if no cloud/rain

Max. 6.0
Insolation (kWh/m2)

Max. 4.9
Ave. 4.2
Min. 3.3

Min. 0.1
Solar Energy 50

Daily Insolation (Actual data)

Insolation (kWh/m2/day)
Pueruto Princesa, 2003
Daily Monthly
Daily
Monthly
Max. 6.9
Max. 6.2
Insolation (kWh/m2)

Ave. 4.9
Min. 4.1

Min. 1.0
Solar Energy 51

Daily Insolation (Actual data)

Insolation (kWh/m2/day)
Zamboanga, 1997
Daily Monthly
Daily
Monthly
Insolation (kWh/m2)

Max. 4.7
Max. 4.0
Ave. 3.3
Min. 3.0

Min. 1.0
Not economical area for
PV
Solar Energy 52

Tilt Angle

–The purpose of tilt angle Minimum is 10º - 15º

Optimize power generation throughout a year
to avoid dust
How to optimize? accumulation
– Increase power generation at low insolation month
– Decrease power generation at high insolation month

Dec. Jun. Dec. Jun.

(Low Insolation) (High Insolation) (Low Insolation) (High Insolation)

Loss Loss

South Horizontal South Tilted

Low insolation High insolation Low insolation High insolation

 Lower  Higher  Higher  Lower

Not Optimized Optimized

Solar Energy 53

Example of effect by various tilt angle

Recommended tilt angle is 10º - 15º facing to equator

in Philippines.
Too much tilt angle reduces the energy.

Example at Cebu
54

No-Shade Time

7.7 kWh/m2 6.9 kWh/m2 5.7 kWh/m2

Insolation

Sun rise Sun set 8 am 4 pm 9 am 3 pm

7.7 h 6.9 h 5.7 h Sol

Peak sun hours

100% 90% 74%
2)
PV Module 55

PV Module

Always obtain data

Role of PV module sheet.
Type of PV module No datasheet, No quality

I-V Curve
– Voc, Isc, Vmp, Imp, Wp
Output Power
Protection Diodes