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6.2. PV Modules
6.2. PV Modules
Version Control
Version : 1.2
Created/ Revised on : 10 August 2016
Author :
Topic: PV Modules
What is Photovoltaics?
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Topic: PV Modules
Physical Mechanisms:
1. Absorption
2. Transport
3. Collection Current
External Current!
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Topic: PV Modules
Strength of a PV Module
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Topic: PV Modules
Label
Solar Cell
EVA
Glass
Cable
Connector
Back Sheet
Busbar
Tab
SHOW & TELL: Identify the components in different (mono and poly) crystalline silicon
photovoltaic modules.
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Topic: PV Modules
Front side.
Frame
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Topic: PV Modules
Material: Aluminium
Aluminium is a very good conductor of heat and electricity.
However, surface of the aluminium frame is anodized.
Anodized aluminium is insulating, and hence, surface of the
frame does not conduct electricity.
Uses of the frame:
Protects edges of PV module from air, moisture, water, etc.
Holes provided in the frame can be used for bolting the PV
module to a module mounting structure; the frame can also
be tightly clamped to a mounting structure.
Provides additional mechanical strength to the PV module.
Additional holes provided in the frame are for earthing the PV
module.
IMPORTANT: Mounting and earthing instructions are always
provided in the manual of the PV module.
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Topic: PV Modules
Back side.
Junction Box
Top Cover.
Bypass Diode
Conducting Strips
(which are internally
connected to the module)
Cable Gland
Inside the Junction Box. (for external cable)
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Topic: PV Modules
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Topic: PV Modules
INFORMATION:
What is IP Rating?
The IP Rating (“International Protection” Solid Object Moisture
Rating, sometimes also interpreted as Protected against solid Protected against
“Ingress Protection” Rating) classifies the 1 objects greater than
50 mm. 1 vertically dripping
water.
degree of protection against both solids and
Protected against solid Protected against
liquids in electrical enclosures.
IP ratings are defined in the international
2 objects greater than
12.5 mm. 2 dripping water when
tilted up to 15°.
Protected against solid Protected against
standard IEC 60529.
The standard aims to provide users more
3 objects greater than
2.5 mm. 3 spraying water at up
to 60° from vertical.
Protected against solid Protected against
detailed information than vague marketing
terms such as ‘dust-proof’ and ‘waterproof’. 4 objects greater than
1 mm. 4 water splashed from
all directions.
Dust protected. Protected against jets
Note that if one drills a hole in an IP-rated
enclosure, then its IP rating may be 5 Limited ingress of
dust permitted. 5 of water.
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Topic: PV Modules
Component: Label
Back side.
Label
Front side.
Solar Cell
A solar cell.
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Topic: PV Modules
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Topic: PV Modules
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Topic: PV Modules
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Topic: PV Modules
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Topic: PV Modules
Component: Glass
Front side.
The glass on the front-side
provides mechanical strength to
the PV modules and protects
the brittle solar cells inside.
Typical solar glass is:
3 mm to 4 mm thick,
Tempered, which makes it 4
Glass times stronger compared to
regular glass,
Low in iron impurities so that it
can transmit more light.
The glass is strenuously (vigorously) tested
for weight loading and impact resistance.
Glass surface is usually smooth, because
textured surface could enhance dust
accumulation on the surface.
Glass is the majority contributor to the
weight of the PV module.
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Topic: PV Modules
Component: Cable
Cables of a PV module have to follow the same Back side.
standard as all the other DC cables of the PV system.
The cable should be a ‘PV Cable’, typically with the
following characteristics:
Single-core multi-stranded flexible tinned
copper cable
Double-insulated UV-resistant PVC or
cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE).
Resistant to UV, flame, weather,
ozone, acids, ammonia; Cable
and should be halogen-free.
Conductor cross section area
of at least 4 mm2.
Working DC Voltage
Maximum permitted DC voltage of 1.8 kV.
Working temperature: -40°C to +90 °C.
Component: Connector
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Topic: PV Modules
Front side.
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Topic: PV Modules
Busbar
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Topic: PV Modules
Tabs
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Topic: PV Modules
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Topic: PV Modules
N N N
Solar Cell Solar Cell Solar Cell
P P P
SHOW & TELL: Look at an actual crystalline silicon PV module and verify how the solar
cells are connected in series all the way up to the junction box.
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Topic: PV Modules
Glass
EVA
Tedlar
QUICK EXERCISE:
Achieving desired current and voltage (1/2)
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Topic: PV Modules
PV Module Parameters
Parameter Significance
Open-circuit Voltage (VOC) • Maximum output voltage of a PV module,
given when no current is flowing.
• Should be considered when complying
with maximum voltage limitations of
other equipment e.g. inverters, switches.
Short-circuit Current (ISC) • Maximum output current of a PV module,
given when the module is shorted.
• Should be considered when sizing
elements like fuses, switches, etc.
Maximum Power (PMAX) • Maximum power that can be extracted
out of a PV module at Standard Testing
Condition (STC).
Voltage at Maximum Power Point (VMP) • Voltage of the PV module when it is giving
maximum power at STC.
Current at Maximum Power Point (IMP) • Current of the PV module when it is
giving maximum power at STC.
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Topic: PV Modules
I(A)
Isc
2 x Isc
Isc
Current increases
when PV modules
are connected in
parallel. V (V)
Voc
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Topic: PV Modules
Efficiency of a PV Module
Efficiency
= PV Module Area:
Electricity
Output:
Output 1m x 2m
Input
Incident Power:
=1kW/m2 x 2m2
= 2kW
Input: Light
Vmp: 35VDC
Imp: 8A
Pmax: 280W
PV Module Efficiency:
η = 280 / 2000
= 14%
Solar Simulator with I-V Tester
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Topic: PV Modules
+
_
Performance: 0%
50%
100%
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Topic: PV Modules
Quick Exercise
Efficiency of a PV Module (3 minutes)
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Topic: PV Modules
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Topic: PV Modules
Vseries = VA + VB
Pos (+) Iseries = IA < IB Neg (-)
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Topic: PV Modules
A
Vparallel = (VA + VB) / 2
Iparallel = IA + IB
Neg (-) Pos (+)
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Topic: PV Modules
Degradation of a PV Module
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Topic: PV Modules
PV Module Warranty
Performance
90% for the first 10 years
80% for the next 15 years
Workmanship
5 years
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Topic: PV Modules
Certifications in a PV Module
Power J-Box / IEC 62208 Empty Enclosures for Low-Voltage Switchgear and
Enclosures IP65 / IP12 Control gear Assemblies: General requirements.
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Topic: PV Modules
Buying a PV Module
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Topic: PV Modules
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