Solar Energy

A key consideration in the overall performance of any PV system is how the installed system can use the sun’s energy most effectively. For the array to perform at its best, you need to install it so that it has access to as much energy as possible. Because sunlight is the “fuel” for any PV array, […]

One of, if not the, most exciting portions of the overall system installation process is the site survey. Why? Because you get to work with a blank slate (after all, the client shouldn’t have another PV system anywhere on his building or property) and create a PV system from the ground (or roof) up. As the person who performs the site survey, you need to be able to identify any potential trouble

Sizing a Battery-Based PV System In addition to grid-direct PV systems, which I show you how to size in privious article, the other major PV system type you’ll likely have the opportunity to design and install is a battery-based system. You can install one of these systems on the grid (utility-interactive) or off the grid (stand-alone).

Sizing a Grid-Direct PV System When you set off on the task of sizing a grid-direct PV system you need to account for many variables. As you find out in this article, the overall process results in a PV system that’s based on the client’s budget, the available area, the annual energy production and consumption

PV Arry Charge Controllers  Charge controllers are used to control the current coming from a power source.  The charge controllers that are commercially available come in a variety of sizes and have an assortment of features. Small charge controllers can be used in very small systems with one or two PV modules charging a small battery bank. Larger

Standard Test Conditions for PV Modules  PV modules have to undergo some very stringent tests and certifications before they ever reach the consumer (or the installer, for that matter). An Underwriters Laboratory (UL) test protocol, UL1703, covers PV modules and requires testing of both the electrical and mechanical portions of each and every PV module.

Electrical Specifications of PV Modules  PV modules have the ability to produce power, and each module has its own specific current and voltage characteristics. You can find all of these specifications listed on the backside of every module you buy as well as on every specification (spec) sheet from the manufacturers. The power value is important because

3D Solar Cell Systems 3D solar cell systems are based on the treatment of the reflection of sunlight on the surface of the solar cell where the reflection of sunlight on the surface of a silicon cell is over 30 % (view graph). This percentage represents a loss in efficiency even anti-reflection coating of light

Here, I will present my humble idea about 3D solar cells and include four design 3D. As we have already mentioned, the three-dimensional shape of the solar cells or the solar module, it is in order to catch the reflected light on the surface of the cell or the module, if we want to introduce

In Concentrating Photovoltaics (CPV), a large area of sunlight is focused onto the solar cell with the help of an optical device. By concentrating sunlight onto a small area, this technology has three competitive advantages: Requires less photovoltaic material to capture the same sunlight as non-concentrating pv. It makes the use of high-efficiency but expensive multi-junction cells economically viable due