Photovoltaic Systems
Amit Rosner, SolarEdge
Introduction
The energy yield generated by a PV plant depends on numerous factors, including the pattern of exposure of the plant’s modules to irradiance and temperature, and the similarity of the modules’ electric specifications. The more uniform the conditions and specifications, the higher the yield. Reducing the mismatch between the modules during design, construction and operation of the plant is therefore the goal of investors and integrators wishing to reduce power loss and increase their return on the solar investment. It is common practice to sort modules by their factory flash-test report, thus minimizing mismatch by ensuring only modules with similar electric specifications are used in a certain plant. However, recent studies show that module factory-sorting alone cannot prevent mismatch created by multiple factors before and after the installation, even under perfect site conditions. In this article we will review several papers that analyze mismatch caused by module transportation, temperature variance, soiling and uneven module degradation. Practical approaches for mitigating mismatch loss include on-site re-sorting of the modules, and module-level MPPT.
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Oliver Mayer, Principal Scientist for Solar Systems; Head of Quality at GE Global Research, Munich
A photovoltaic system is a conglomerate involving numerous components. Improving one doesn’t always mean the total system performs better; it can even get worse. Therefore, a global system view is important to be able to adjust all the components in the right way to achieve the final goal of increasing the total efficiency of a PV system. This is especially challenging when it is not possible to work on some of the components, as they are out of our realm of influence.
Fannon Lim, Solar Research Pte Ltd., Luna Road LLC
The words “solar energy” and “solar power” convey the thoughts of relatively medium- to large-scale projects and installations; however, through the use of creativity and innovation, we are now able to integrate the same concept of solar energy into smaller products that may have even bigger applications and impacts around the globe.
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Lior Handelsman, SolarEdge Technologies
The term “photovoltaic system” spans a wide variation. From off-grid to on-grid and from 1 W to 100 MW, the variety of systems and usage is incredible. The implementation of such a system has always included – other than the photovoltaic source – cabling and power electronics to harvest the sun’s energy and redirect it to the where it is needed: the load.
Lionel Yap, Solamas Sdn
With the advent of renewable energy and all things “going green,” it seems that every other person you meet today is some sort of expert on the topic. This is almost reminiscent of the dot-com era (complete with a bubble bursting in recent years) with one main difference: renewable energy systems. In this case, solar PV systems are real physical objects that take up space in the physical world.
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Oliver Mayer, GE Global Research, Munich
One size fits all versus the fully individual solution. Which is the right strategy? One is for mass production at low cost; the other for exclusivity at very high price. Both strategies have their value.
Oliver Mayer, GE Global Research
The compilation of PV modules and inverters to an optimal performing system is a challenging engineering task. Looking at the module market, everywhere you’ll find the “standard panel.” They have different specifications in mechanical sizing, requirements for fixing (frames, clamps for glass-glass modules) and electrical properties (open circuit voltage, short-cut current, MPP voltage and current ranges depending on the applied cell technology). The specific values cover a wide variation area. And inverters also have broad input parameters for input voltage and MPP voltage.
Pallab Chatterjee, Silicon Map
The U.S. marketplace for solar configurations has resulted in different pairing and selection criteria for inverters and panels based on their use in commercial or residential applications. These selections hold true even when connected to the same grid. This discrepancy has to do with regional, state and local regulation, inspections and anticipated use models, the basis of which are not well defined in facts, but in profit margin.
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