What is the importance of sizing a solar PV system?

Appropriate system design and component sizing is fundamental requirement for reliable operation, better performance, safety and longevity of solar PV system. The sizing principles for grid connected and stand-alone PV systems are based on different design and functional requirements. Provide supplemental power to facility loads.

Do I need to meter a photovoltaic system?

It is assumed that aluminum framed photovoltaic (PV) panels mounted on a “post” and rail mounting system, the most common in the industry today, will be installed by the homeowner. While metering the system is encouraged, the specification does not address system wiring elements for associated system sensors or monitoring equipment.

Should a PV system be integrated to a building?

PV system should be applied seamlessly, and it should be naturally integrated to the building. Natural integration refers to the way that the PV system forms a logical part of the building and how, without a PV system, something will appear to be missing. Generally, the PV modules can be purchased and mounted with a frame or as unframed laminates.

How is a PV array sized for a stand-alone system?

The PV array for stand-alone systems is sized to meet the average daily load during the critical design month. System losses, soiling and higher operating temperatures are factored in estimating array output. The system voltage determines the number of series-connected modules required per source circuit.

What is the minimum array area requirement for a solar PV inverter?

Although the RERH specification does not set a minimum array area requirement, builders should minimally specify an area of 50 square feet in order to operate the smallest grid-tied solar PV inverters on the market.

What is the maximum power voltage for a PV module?

Selected PV module max power voltage at STC x 0.85. Maximum power voltage is obtained from the manufacturer’s specifications for the selected photovoltaic module, and this quantity is multiplied by 0.85 to establish a design operating voltage for each module (not the array). Selected PV module guaranteed power output (in watts) at STC.