Design and Sizing of Solar
Photovoltaic Systems
Course No: R08-002
Credit: 8 PDH
A. Bhatia
Continuing Education and Development, Inc.
P: (877) 322-5800
info@[Link]
[Link]
Design and Sizing of Solar Photovoltaic Systems – R08-002
DESIGN AND SIZING OF SOLAR PHOTOVOTAIC SYSTEMS
Photovoltaic (PV) systems (or PV systems) convert sunlight into electricity using semiconductor
materials. A photovoltaic system does not need bright sunlight in order to operate. It can also
generate electricity on cloudy and rainy days from reflected sunlight.
PV systems can be designed as Stand-alone or grid-connected systems.
A “stand-alone or off-grid” system means they are the sole source of power to your home, or
other applications such as remote cottages, telecom sites, water pumping, street lighting or
emergency call box on highways. Stand-alone systems can be designed to run with or without
battery backup. Battery backup system store energy generated during the day in a battery bank
for use at night. Stand-alone systems are often cost-effective when compared to alternatives
such as utility line extensions.
A “grid-connected “system work to supplement existing electric service from a utility company.
When the amount of energy generated by a grid- connected PV system exceeds the customer’s
loads, excess energy is exported to the utility, turning the customer’s electric meter backward.
Conversely, the customer can draw needed power from the utility when energy from the PV
system is insufficient to power the building’s loads. Under this arrangement, the customer’s
monthly electric utility bill reflects only the net amount of energy received from the electric
utility.
Benefits of PV Systems
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Design and Sizing of Solar Photovoltaic Systems – R08-002
a. Environmentally friendly - It has zero raw fuel costs, unlimited supply and no
environmental issues such as transport, storage, or pollution. Solar power systems
produce no air or water or greenhouse gases and produce no noise. Solar systems are
generally far safer than other distributed energy systems, such as diesel generators and
as such are the most suitable technology for urban on-site generation. PV is the only
commercially available renewable technology generation option for urban areas.
b. Reliability - With no fuel supply required and no moving parts, solar power systems are
among the most reliable electric power generators, capable of powering the most
sensitive applications, from space satellites to microwave stations in the mountains and
other remote harsh environments. Solar panels typically carry warranties of 20 years or
more.
c. Scalable and modular- Solar power products can be deployed in many sizes and
configurations and can be installed on a building roof or acres of field; providing wide
power-handling capabilities, from microwatts to megawatts. The installation is quick
and expanded to any capacity.
d. Universal Applications - Solar PV is the only renewable energy technology that can be
installed on a truly global scale because of its versatility and because it generates power
under virtually all conditions, i.e. even in overcast light conditions
e. Peak Shaving - Have a rapid response achieving full output instantly. The output of
solar systems typically correlates with periods of high electricity demand where air
conditioning systems create peak demands during hot sunny days. PV can shave peak-
load demand, when energy is most constrained and expensive and therefore can move
the load off the grid and alleviate the need to build new peak generating capacity.
f. Dual use - Solar panels are expected to increasingly serve as both a power generator
and the skin of the building. Like architectural glass, solar panels can be installed on the
roofs or facades of residential and commercial buildings.
g. Low Maintenance Cost - It is expensive to transport materials and personnel to remote
areas for equipment maintenance. Since photovoltaic systems require only periodic
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