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Grid-connected Solar Electric Systems
Solar electricity - or photovoltaics (PV) - is the world's fastest growing energy technology. It can be used on a wide variety of scales, from single dwellings to utility-scale solar farms providing power for whole communities. It can be integrated into existing electricity grids with relative simplicity, meaning that in times of low solar energy users can continue to draw power from the grid, while power can be fed or sold back into the grid at a profit when their electricity generation exceeds the amount they are using. The falling price of the equipment combined with various incentive schemes around the world have made PV into a lucrative low carbon investment, and as such demand has never been higher for the technology, and for people with the expertise to design and install systems.
This Expert handbook provides a clear introduction to solar radiation, before proceeding to cover:
electrical basics and PV cells and modules
inverters
design of grid-connected PV systems
system installation and commissioning
maintenance and trouble shooting
health and safety
economics and marketing.
Highly illustrated in full colour throughout, this is the ideal guide for electricians, builders and architects, housing and property developers, home owners and DIY enthusiasts, and anyone who needs a clear introduction to grid-connected solar electric technology.
eBook
3 PV Industry and Technology
Solar cells, also known as photovoltaic (PV) cells, are devices that produce electricity when exposed to sunlight. In 1921 Albert Einstein won the Nobel Prize in Physics for his discovery of the photoelectric effect that is the scientific basis for solar cells. Solar cells were first developed in the 1950s for use in space exploration. They are ideal for this application because they are reliable, need little maintenance (having no moving parts) and require only sunlight, which for this use is in almost limitless supply. In the 21st century solar cells are an increasingly attractive energy source considering the problems posed by greenhouse gas emissions and dwindling fossil fuel energy reserves. They are also popular because they are very versatile and can be used on a small scale, i.e. on homes or to power a single device such as a remote telecommunications repeater station, as well as for large-scale power use.
Book Chapter
16 Glossary
Alternating current. An electric current in which the direction of current flow alternates at frequent intervals. Mains/grid electricity is AC; in Europe the direction of mains current alternates 100 times per second (at a frequency of 50Hz), while in Australia and the US it alternates 120 times per second (at a frequency of 60Hz).
Book Chapter
2 Solar Resource and Radiation
Throughout history humankind has held a strong relationship with the sun. Many prehistoric cultures worshipped the sun as a deity and modern scientific thinking confirms that the sun and its energy are essential to life on Earth. Solar power has often been a topic of science fiction and fantasy: Isaac Asimov's short story 'The Last Question' (1956) envisaged all the Earth's power being supplied by a small one-mile wide solar collector orbiting the Earth, launched in 2061, while other stories have explored the use of solar power for long-range space travel. Advances in modern solar technology are bringing such fantasies closer to reality and future technology may only be limited by imagination.
Book Chapter
10 Installing Grid-connected PV Systems
Guidelines for the installation of PV systems vary by country, as there are different standards and regulations to apply in various regions. The specific permits, requirements, metering policies, interconnection standards, installer authorizations and other country-specific codes and regulations will determine the procedures undertaken when installing a PV system. The manufacturer's instructions should also be carefully followed during the installation. The main issues discussed below include installation of system components and requirements for connecting a PV system to the utility grid.
Book Chapter
12 PV System Operation and Maintenance
This chapter outlines the maintenance required for a grid-connected PV system. This information is of a general nature, and it is important to follow the system owner's manual and the manufacturer's recommendations for maintenance of the equipment. Some simple maintenance tasks may be undertaken by the owner, but most should be performed by a qualified PV technician. Many regions require testing of electrical installations (such as a PV system) every few years and the installer should be familiar with local regulations.
Book Chapter
7 Site Assessment
Conducting a site assessment or site survey is an important step in the design and installation of a system. During the site assessment the installer should collect all the necessary information required to optimize system design and plan for a time-efficient and safe installation. A site assessment aims to determine the location of the PV array, the roof specifications, the amount of shading, the available area and other considerations.
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