Photovoltaics Design And Installation Manual

by Solar Energy International

• ISBN13: 9780865715202
• ISBN10: 0865715203
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-08-15
• Publisher: Ingram Publisher Services, Inc.

Summary

Producing electricity from the sun using photovoltaic (PV) systems has become a major industry worldwide. But designing, installing and maintaining such systems requires knowledge and training, and there have been few easily accessible, comprehensive guides to the subject. Now, with Photovoltaics: Design and Installation Manual, a world-class solar energy training and education provider-Solar Energy International (SEI)-has made available the critical information to successfully design, install and maintain PV systems. The book contains an overview of photovoltaic electricity and a detailed description of PV system components, including PV modules, batteries, controllers and inverters. It also includes chapters on sizing photovoltaic systems, analyzing sites and installing PV systems, as well as detailed appendices on PV system maintenance, troubleshooting and solar insolation data for over 300 sites around the world. Used worldwide as the textbook in SEI's PV Design & Installation workshops, topics covered include: The basics of solar electricity PV applications and system components Solar site analysis and mounting Stand-alone and PV/generator hybrid system sizing Utility-interactive PV systems Component specification, system costs and economics Case studies and safety issues Photovoltaics guarantees that those wanting to learn the skills of tapping the sun's energy can do so with confidence. Solar Energy International (SEI) has the nonprofit mission to respond to the need for renewable energy education. Based in Carbondale, Colorado, and active around the world, SEI is a link between people and renewable energy resources, providing information, education and training to people who want to shape a sustainable future. SEI is recognized by the National Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) as dedicated independent provider of PV training programs that may be used toward attaining PV certification. Also, SEI is recognized as an Accredited Institution to offer PV training by the Institute for Sustainable Power (ISP).

Table of Contents

List of Figures	xiii
List of Tables and Worksheets	xv
Acknowledgments and Disclaimer	xvi
Preface	xviii
An Overview of Photovoltaics
The Development of Photovoltaics	2	(1)
Current and Emerging Opportunities	2	(1)
Advantages of Photovoltaic Technology	3	(1)
Disadvantages of Photovoltaic Technology	3	(1)
Environmental, Health, and Safety Issues	3	(1)
Photovoltaic System Components	4	(1)
Photovoltaic System Types	4	(6)
Photovoltaic Electric Principles
Terminology	10	(1)
Matching Appliances to the System	11	(1)
Electrical Circuits	11	(1)
Series and Parallel Circuits in Power Sources	12	(2)
Series and Parallel Circuits in Electric Loads	14	(14)
Series and Parallel Wiring Exercises	15	(6)
Solutions to Wiring Exercises	21	(7)
The Solar Resource
Solar Radiation Fundamentals	28	(4)
Gathering Site Data	32	(1)
Completing the Solar Site Analysis	33	(7)
Electric Load Analysis
Using Energy Efficiently	40	(1)
Electrical Load Requirements	40	(1)
Calculating Load Estimates	41	(3)
Considerations for Calculating Load Estimates	44	(4)
Photovoltaic Modules
Photovoltaic Principles	48	(1)
Module Types	49	(1)
Module Performance	49	(1)
Factors of Module Performance	50	(3)
Photovoltaic Arrays	53	(1)
Mounting Photovoltaic Modules	54	(2)
Diodes	56	(4)
Batteries
Battery Types and Operation	60	(2)
Battery Specifications	62	(5)
Battery Safety	67	(1)
Battery Sizing Exercise	68	(2)
Battery Wiring Configuration	70	(4)
PV Controls
Controller Types	74	(1)
Controller Features	75	(1)
Specifying a Controller	76	(1)
Controller Sizing Exercise	77	(3)
Inverters
Inverter Operating Principles	80	(1)
Inverter Features	80	(1)
Inverter Types	81	(1)
Specifying an Inverter	82	(4)
Photovoltaic System Wiring
Introduction	86	(2)
Wire Size	88	(16)
Overcurrent Protection	104	(2)
Disconnects	106	(1)
Grounding	106	(6)
Sizing Photovoltaic Systems
Introduction to Sizing PV Systems	112	(1)
Design Penalties	112	(1)
Sizing Worksheet	113	(2)
Sample System Exercise	115	(7)
Utility-Interactive Systems
Introduction	122	(1)
Utility-Interactive Systems	122	(4)
System Sizing and Economics	126	(1)
Net Metering	127	(1)
Obtaining an Interconnection Agreement	128	(6)
Integrating Photovoltaics into Buildings
Introduction	134	(1)
Retrofitted PV Systems	134	(1)
BIPV Options	134	(3)
Costs/Benefits	137	(3)
Photovoltaic System Applications
Tools and Appliances	140	(1)
Lighting	141	(4)
Water Pumping	145	(4)
Refrigeration	149	(1)
Hybrid Systems with Generators	150	(4)
Photovoltaic Installation
Preparing for the Installation	154	(1)
Tools and Materials	154	(3)
Photovoltaic Array Installation	157	(2)
Battery Installation	159	(1)
Controller & Inverter Installation	160	(1)
Photovoltaic System Wiring	161	(2)
PV System Installations Final Checklist	163	(5)
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Materials and Tools List	168	(1)
Maintaining PV Components	168	(1)
Maintaining Appliances	169	(1)
Troubleshooting Common System Faults	170	(1)
Troubleshooting Wiring Problems Using a Multimeter	171	(3)
Troubleshooting Specific Problems	174	(6)
Safety and PV Installation
Introduction	180	(1)
Basic Safety	180	(2)
Hazards	182	(1)
Safety Equipment	183	(1)
Site Safety	184	(1)
First Aid	185	(4)
Appendix A: Glossary	189	(10)
Appendix B: Solar Data	199	(74)
Appendix C: Sun Charts	273	(22)
Appendix D: System Sizing Worksheets	295	(4)
Resource Guide	299	(14)
Index	313