Professional Documents
Culture Documents
SOLAR PV SYSTEMS
NO BATTERY STORAGE
January 2013
(Effective 1 February 2013)
CONTENTS
1
GENERAL
DEFINITIONS
LICENSING
4.1
4.2
DOCUMENTATION
SITE-SPECIFIC INFORMATION
ENERGY YIELD
8.1
8.2
10
8.3
Performance ratio
10
INVERTER SELECTION
11
9.1
Multiple inverters
11
9.2
Inverter sizing
11
9.3
11
9.4
12
9.5
13
9.6
14
9.7
15
9.8
17
9.9
18
9.10
Effects of shadows
18
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1 GENERAL
The objectives of these guidelines are to:
improve the safety, performance and reliability of solar photovoltaic power systems installed
in the field
encourage industry best practice for all design and installation work involving solar
photovoltaic power systems
provide a network of competent solar photovoltaic power systems designers and installers
to increase the uptake of solar photovoltaic power systems , by giving customers increased
confidence in the design and installation work.
The performance of a reliable installation that fulfils customer expectations requires both
careful design and correct installation practice. Compliance with relevant state health and
safety regulations is also necessary.
NOTE: These guidelines alone do not constitute a fully definitive set of rules and
are to be read in conjunction with all relevant Australian standards. Where
these guidelines have additional requirements above that stated in the
Australian standards then these guidelines should be followed.
2 DEFINITIONS
This document uses the same terminology as outlined in AS/NZS 5033. Two important definitions are:
2.1.1
Where the word shall is used, this indicates that a statement is mandatory.
2.1.2
Where the word should is used, this indicates that a statement is a recommendation.
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AS/NZS 3000
Wiring Rules
AS 4777.1
AS/NZS5033
Installation of Photovoltaic
(PV) Arrays
AS/NZS 1768
Lightning Protection
AS/NZS 4509.2
AS/NZS 3008
Selection of cables
AS 1170.2
Wind Loads
3.1.1
The grid-interactive inverter shall be tested in accordance with the AS 4777 (parts 2 and 3)
and listed on the Clean Energy Councils approved inverter list.
3.1.2
The system shall comply with the relevant electrical service and installation rules for the
state where the system is installed.
(NOTE: the local electricity distributor may have additional requirements.)
3.1.3
3.1.4
4 LICENSING
4.1
4.1.1
4.2
4.2.1
All low voltage work: >120V DC or >50V AC shall be performed by a licensed electrician.
4.2.2
A licensed electrician is required to be responsible for the safety of the system wiring prior
to connection of the system to the grid. If the system contains ELV wiring installed by
a non-licensed person, then a minimum level of inspection by the electrician prior to
closing the PV array isolators would include: an open circuit voltage test on each PV
string and on the total array. A visual inspection of an open PV junction box (randomly
selected) and the master array junction box is required to complete a job.
All extra low voltage wiring should be performed by a competent person, which is
defined by the Australian Standard AS/NZS 4509.1 stand-alone power systems as:
a person who has acquired through training, qualifications, experience or a combination
of these, knowledge and skill enabling that person to correctly perform the task required.
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5 DOCUMENTATION
The designer is required to provide the following documentation to the installer:
A basic connection diagram that includes the electrical ratings of the PV array, and the ratings of
6 RESPONSIBILITIES
OF SYSTEM DESIGNERS
System designers must comply with the following responsibilities.
Provide full specifications of the system including quantity, make and model number of the solar
modules and inverter.
Provide a site specific full system design including all shading issues, orientation and tilt, along with
the systems site-specific energy yield, including average daily performance estimate in kWh for
each month of solar generation.
When designing a grid connect battery backup system the design shall be performed by a person(s)
with CEC grid connected design accreditation and CEC stand-alone design accreditation.
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7 SITE-SPECIFIC INFORMATION
To design a system the following site-specific information is required as a minimum:
occupational safety risks of the site (scaffolding, fall protect, elevated work platform required)
whether any shading will occur and its estimated effect on performance
location of AC switchboards
8 ENERGY YIELD
Australian systems are typically sold based on price or the size that will fit onto the available roof space.
Once the size, in kWp , is selected then the designer shall determine the systems energy output over one year
(known as the energy yield).
There are many commercial tools available to assist in calculating energy yield,
for example PV-GC, SunEye, PVSyst, Solar Pathfinder, etc. Some of these make an
allowance for shading.
It is recommended to use one of these tools on the site visit to provide accurate
estimates of energy yield.
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8 ENERGY YIELD
8.1
where:
Esys
Parray_STC
man
=
=
=
dirt
temp
Htilt
=
=
=
pv_inv
inv
inv_sb
=
=
rated output power of the array under standard test conditions, in watts
de-rating factor for manufacturing tolerance, dimensionless
(refer to section 4.2.1)
temperature de-rating factor, dimensionless (refer to section 4.2.3)
Yearly (monthly) irradiation value (kWh/m2) for the selected site
(allowing for tilt, orientation)
efficiency of the subsystem (cables) between the PV array
and the inverter
efficiency of the inverter dimensionless
efficiency of the subsystem (cables) between the inverter
and the switchboard.
NOTE: The above formula for energy yield could be rearranged to determine
the size of the array, if the system is to be designed to provide a
predetermined amount of energy per year, for example when a
customer wants a system that meets their total annual energy usage.
8.1.1
8.1.2
The output of a PV module can be reduced as a result of a build-up of dirt on the surface
of the module. The actual value of this de-rating will be dependent on the actual location
but in some city locations this could be high due to the amount of pollution in the air. If in
doubt, an acceptable de-rating would be 5%.
Example:
The de-rated module of 155.2W would be de-rated by a further 5% due to dirt:
155.2W x 0.95 = 147.4W.
Example:
A 160W module has a manufacturers tolerance of 3%. The worst case adjusted
output of the PV module is therefore 160W x 0.97 = 155.2W.
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8 ENERGY YIELD
8.1.3
As a minimum, in accordance with AS4059.2, the average temperature of the cell within
the PV module can be estimated by the following formula:
where:
Ta.day = daytime average ambient temperature (for the month of interest), in degrees C.
Array frames in stand-alone power systems are typically tilted at higher angles and
the modules have good airflow. With rooftop grid-connected systems, higher temperatures
have been observed.
Tcell.eff = Ta.day + Tr
where:
Tr
Ta.day
It is recommended that the following temperature rise (Tr ) applies for different
array frames:
parallel to roof (<150mm standoff): +35C
rack-type mount (>150mm standoff): +30C
top-of-pole mount, free standing frame and frame on roof with tilt angle
of about + 20 degrees to slope of roof: +25C.
Solar modules each have different temperature coefficients. These typically range from
+0.2%/C to -0.5%/C dependant on module technology. (Refer to the manufacturers
datasheet for exact values).
The de-rating of the array due to temperature will be dependent on the type of module
installed and the average ambient maximum temperature for the location.
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8 ENERGY YIELD
temp
Tcell.eff
Tstc
where:
= temperature de-rating factor, dimensionless
= value of power temperature coefficient per degrees C (see above)
= average daily cell temperature, in degrees C
= cell temperature at standard test conditions, in degrees C.
Example continued:
25 C (Tstc)
8.1.4
Solar irradiation data is available from various sources, such as the Australian Solar
Radiation Data Handbook or the Meteorological Bureau. The units used are often
MJ/m/day. To convert to kWh/m/day (PSH) divide by 3.6.
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8 ENERGY YIELD
8.1.5
When the roof is not orientated true north and/or not at the optimum inclination,
the output from the array will be less than the maximum possible.
average daily total irradiation for various orientations and inclination angles for
each month of the year, represented as a percentage of the total daily irradiation
falling on a horizontal surface.
The tables provide the designer with information on the expected average daily total
irradiation for various orientations and inclination angles for each month of the year as
a percentage of the total daily irradiation falling on a horizontal surface (when the array
is located flat on a horizontal surface). The tables also provide the designer with
information to calculate the energy yield of the average daily performance estimate
in kWh for each month of solar generation.
Hobart
Brisbane
Darwin
Melbourne
Cairns
Perth
Canberra
Adelaide
Sydney
Alice Springs
8.1.6
DC cable loss
It is recommended that the maximum voltage drop between the PV array and the inverter
is no greater than 3%.
Example continued:
The de-rated module of 121.6W would be de-rated by a further 3% due to DC cable loss:
121.6W x 0.97 = 118W.
8.1.7
Inverter efficiency
This is obtained from the inverter specifications.
8.1.8
AC Cable loss
It is recommended that the voltage drop between the inverter and the main switch board
not greater than 1%
Example continued:
The de-rated module of 106.2W would be de-rated by a further 1% due to AC cable loss:
106.2W x 0.99 = 105.1W.
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8 ENERGY YIELD
8.2
The specific energy yield is expressed in kWh per kWp and is calculated as follows:
Esys
SY =
Parray_STC
To compare the performance of systems in different regions, shading loss must be eliminated
from the calculation of energy yield for the sites being compared.
8.3
PERFORMANCE RATIO
The performance ratio (PR) is used to assess the installation quality. The performance ratio
is calculated as follows:
Esys
PR =
Eideal
where:
Esys
Eideal
= actual
= the
The PV arrays ideal energy yield Eideal can determined two ways.
Method 1:
where:
Htilt
= yearly average daily irradiation, in kWh/m2 for the specified tilt angle
Parray_ STC = rated output power of the array under standard test conditions, in watts
Method 2:
Eideal = H pv x pv
where:
H pv
pv
and
H pv = Htilt x Apv
where:
Htilt
Apv
= actual
= efficiency
of the PV modules
= yearly average daily irradiation, in kWh/m2 for the specified tilt angle
= total area of the PV array.
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9 INVERTER SELECTION
The selection of the inverter for the installation will depend on:
the energy output of the array
the matching of the allowable inverter string configurations with the size of the array in kW
and the size of the individual modules within that array
whether the system will have one central inverter or multiple (smaller) inverters.
9.1
MULTIPLE INVERTERS
9.1.1
If the array is spread over a number of rooves that have different orientations and/or tilt
angles then the maximum power points and output currents will vary. If economic, installing
a separate inverter for each section of the array which has the same orientation and angle
will maximise the output the total array.
This could also be achieved by using an inverter with multiple maximum power point
trackers (MPPTs).
9.1.2
9.1.3
Multiple inverters allow the system to be modular, so that increasing the system involves
adding a predetermined number of modules with one inverter.
9.1.4
Multiple inverters better balance phases in accordance with local utility requirements.
The potential disadvantage of multiple inverters is that in general, the cost of a number of inverters
with lower power ratings is generally more expensive.
9.2
INVERTER SIZING
maximum DC input power i.e. the size of the array in peak watts
maximum DC input current
maximum specified output power i.e. the AC power they can provide to the grid.
9.3
The peak power of the array is calculated using the following formula:
Array Peak Power = Number of modules in the array x the rated maximum power (Pmp)
of the selected module at STC.
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9 INVERTER SELECTION
9.4
In order to facilitate the efficient design of PV systems the inverter nominal AC power output
cannot be less than 75% of the array peak power and it shall not be outside the inverter
manufacturers maximum allowable array size specifications.
SYSTEM 4
2000
2000
2000
2000
1500
1500
1500
1500
2100
1900
2100
1900
1700
1700
1200
1200
YES
NO
YES
NO
YES
YES
NO
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
Worked example:
Using the design guidelines it has been determined that an array of 6080W peak (32 X 190W panels)
will meet the customers needs (offset energy usage, fit on available roof space, meets
customers budget).
This means the inverter for this array cannot have a nominal AC power output of less than
4560W and the manufacturer allows an array of 6080W peak to be connected to it.
Where the maximum allowable array size specification is not specified by the inverter manufacturer
the designer shall match the array to the inverter allowing for the de-rating of the array
(see section 8.1.1 to 8.1.4).
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9 INVERTER SELECTION
9.5
In the section on de-rating module performance, the typical PV array output in watts is de-rated
due to:
9.5.1
As a result of this type of de-rating being experienced in the field, the inverter can
be rated 76% of the peak power of the array.
9.5.2
The temperature effect on thin film modules is less than that on crystalline modules.
Assuming the temperature coefficient is only 0.1% then the temperature de-rating at
ambient temperature of 35C is 0.965.
As a result of this type of de-rating being experienced in the field, the inverter can easily
be rated 89% of the peak power of the array.
Example:
Assume the array comprises 16 of the 160Wp crystalline modules then the array peak
power = 16 x 160 = 2.56kW. The inverter should have a maximum DC input rating of at
least of 2.56kW and a nominal AC power output rating of 1.92kW (2.56kW X 75%).
If the manufacturer does not provide DC input specifications then following the
above guidelines.
If thin film modules are used then the inverter could have an output rating of:
0.889 x 2.56kW = 2.27kW
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9 INVERTER SELECTION
9.6
where:
The maximum power point voltage and open circuit voltage are affected by temperature and the
temperature co-efficient as a % is typically very similar to the power coefficient.
The - maximum - effective cell temperature C
Tcell_eff = Tave_amb + Tr
where:
The formula on page 13 can also be applied as the de-rating factor for open circuit voltage and
maximum power point voltage. With the odd exception, grid-interactive inverters include maximum
power point trackers (MPPTs).
Many of the inverters available will have a voltage operating window. If the solar array voltage
is outside this window then either the inverter will not operate or the output power of the system will
be greatly reduced. Minimum and maximum input voltages will be specified by the manufacturer.
The maximum voltage is the voltage where above this the inverter could be damaged. Some
inverters will nominate a voltage window where they will operate and then a maximum voltage,
higher than the maximum operating voltage of the window, which is the voltage where the inverter
could be damaged.
For the best performance of the system the output voltage of the solar array should be matched to
the operating voltages of the inverter. To minimise the risk of damage to the inverter, the maximum
voltage of the inverter shall never be reached.
As stated earlier, the output voltage of a module is effected by cell temperature changes in a similar
way as the output power .
To design systems where the output voltages of the array do not fall outside the range of the
inverters DC operating voltages and maximum voltage (if different), the minimum and maximum
daytime temperatures for that specific site are required.
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9 INVERTER SELECTION
9.7
The temperature de-rating factor can be adapted to determine the maximum power point voltage
at a specified temperature.
Where:
Vmp_cell.eff
Vmp-STC
v
Tcell_eff
TSTC
To maximise the performance of the array, the minimum array voltage should never fall below the
minimum voltage operating window of the inverter. The number of modules in the string should be
selected so that the maximum power voltage of the array for the highest temperature expected is
above the minimum voltage operating window of the inverter.
Since the daytime ambient temperature in some areas of Australia can reach or exceed 35C it is
recommended that maximum effective cell temperature of 70C is used.
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9 INVERTER SELECTION
9.7
Using equation for Vmp_cell.eff above, the minimum MPP voltage at a maximum effective cell
temperature of 70C, the temperature de-rating is:
If we assume a maximum voltage drop in the cables of 3% then the voltage at the inverter for each
module would be
This is the effective minimum MPP voltage input at the inverter for each module in the array,
Vmin_mpp_inv
The minimum number of modules in the string can be determined by the following equation:
Vinv_min (V)
Nmin_per_string =
Vmin_mpp_inv (V)
where:
Vinv_min
Vmin_mpp_inv
NOTE: The exact variation is dependent on the quality of the solar cell so it
is recommended that a safety margin of 10% is used
In the worked example above, a minimum inverter voltage of 1.1 x 140V = 154V should be used.
The minimum number of modules in a string is:
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9 INVERTER SELECTION
9.8
NOTE: Some inverters provide a maximum voltage for operation and a higher
voltage as the maximum allowed voltage. In this situation, the MPP voltage
is used for the operation window and the open circuit voltage for the
maximum allowed voltage.
In early morning, at first light, the cell temperature will be very close to the ambient temperature
because the sun has not had time to heat up the module. Therefore, the lowest daytime temperature
for the area where the system is installed shall be used to determine the maximum Voc.
where:
Vmax_oc
Voc _ STC
v
Tmin
TSTC
In many areas of Australia, the minimum daytime ambient temperature can be less than 0C while
there are areas where it never falls below 20C.
NOTE: It is recommended that the designer use the minimum temperature for
the area where the system will be installed.
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9 INVERTER SELECTION
9.8
and the maximum open circuit voltage - at minimum effective temperature is:
For our example, assuming the maximum voltage allowed by the inverter is 400V (Vinv_max)
Vinv_max (V)
Nmax_per_string =
Voc_max (V)
In the example presented, the PV string must consist of between 6 - 8 modules only.
In the worked example, for sizing the inverter 16 modules were required.
9.9
Ensure that the total short circuit current of the array does not exceed the max DC input current
specification of the inverter.
9.10
EFFECTS OF SHADOWS
In towns and cities where grid-connected PV systems will be dominant, the roof of the house or
building will not always be free of shadows during parts of the day. Care should be taken when
selecting the number of modules in a string because shading could result in the maximum power
point voltage at high temperatures being below the minimum operating voltage of the inverter.
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