What is a Solar Photovoltaic Array?

A Solar Photovoltaic Module is available in a range of 3 WP to 300 WP. But many

times, we need power in a range from kW to MW. To achieve such a large power,
we need to connect N-number of modules in series and parallel.
A String of PV Modules
When N-number of PV modules are connected in series. The entire string of
series-connected modules is known as the PV module string. The modules are
connected in series to increase the voltage in the system. The following figure
shows a schematic of series, parallel and series parallel connected PV modules.
PV Module Array
To increase the current N-number of PV modules are connected in parallel. Such
a connection of modules in a series and parallel combination is known as “Solar
Photovoltaic Array” or “PV Module Array”. A schematic of a solar PV module
array connected in series-parallel configuration is shown in figure below.
Solar Module Cell:
The solar cell is a two-terminal device. One is positive (anode) and the other is
negative (cathode). A solar cell arrangement is known as solar module or solar
panel where solar panel arrangement is known as photovoltaic array.
It is important to note that with the increase in series and parallel connection of
modules the power of the modules also gets added.
Series Connection of Modules
Sometimes the system voltage required for a power plant is much higher than
what a single PV module can produce. In such cases, N-number of PV modules
is connected in series to deliver the required voltage level. This series
connection of the PV modules is similar to that of the connections of N-number
of cells in a module to obtain the required voltage level. The following figure
shows PV panels connected in series configuration.
With this series connection, not only the voltage but also the power generated by
the module also increases. To achieve this the negative terminal of one module
is connected to the positive terminal of the other module.
If a module has an open circuit voltage VOC1 of 20 V and other connected in
series has VOC2 of 20 V, then the total open circuit of the string is the summation
of two voltages
VOC = VOC1 + VOC2
VOC = 20 V + 20 V = 40 V
It is important to note that the summation of voltages at the maximum power
point is also applicable in case of PV array.
Calculation of the Number of Modules Required in Series and their Total
Power
To calculate the number of PV modules to be connected in series, the required
voltage of the PV array should be given. We will also see the total power
generated by the PV array. Note that all the modules are identical having the
same module parameters.
 Step 1: Note the voltage requirement of the PV array
Since we have to connect N-number of modules in series we must know the required voltage
from the PV array
• PV array open-circuit voltage VOCA
• PV array voltage at maximum power point VMA
Step 2: Note the parameters of PV module that is to be connected in the series string
PV module parameters like current and voltage at maximum power point and other
parameters like VOC, ISC, and PM should also be noted.
Step 3: Calculate the number of modules to be connected in series
To calculate the number of modules “N” the total array voltage is divided by voltage of
individual module, Since the PV module is supposed to be working under STC the ratio of
array voltage at maximum power point VMA to module voltage at maximum power point VM is
taken.
A similar calculation for open-circuit voltage of PV can also be done i.e. ratio of array voltage
at open circuit VOCA to module voltage at open circuit VOC. Note that the value of “N” can be a
non-integer so we have to take next higher integer and so the value of VMA and VOCA will also
increase than what we desired.
Step 4: Calculating the total power of the PV array
The total power of the PV array is the summation of the maximum power of the
individual modules connected in series. If PM is the maximum power of a single
module and “N” is the number of modules connected in series, then the total
power of the PV array PMA is N × PM.
We can also calculate the array power by the product of PV array voltage and
current at maximum power point i.e.
VMA × IMA
 Example:
Now to understand these steps in a more mathematical way. Let’s take an example
of a power plant of 2 MW, in which a large number of PV modules are connected in
series. The 2 MW inverter can take input voltage from 600 V to 900 V.
Determine the number of modules be connected in series to obtain a maximum
power point voltage of 800 V. Also determine the power delivered by this PV array.
The parameters of the single PV module are as follows;
•Open circuit voltage VOC = 35 V
•Voltage at maximum power point VM = 29 V
•Short circuit current ISC = 7.2 A
•Current at maximum power point IM = 6.4 A
Step 1: Note the voltage requirement of the PV array
•PV array open-circuit voltage VOCA = Not given
•PV array voltage at maximum power point VMA = 800 V
Step 2: Note the parameters of PV module that is to be connected in the series
string
Open circuit voltage VOC = 35 V
Voltage at maximum power point VM = 29 V
Short circuit current ISC = 7.2 A
Current at maximum power point IM = 6.4 A
Maximum Power PM
PM = V M x I M
= 29 V x 6.4 A
PM = 185.6 W
Step 3: Calculate the number of modules to be connected in series
N = VMA / VM
N = 800 / 29
N = 27.58 (Higher integer value 28)
Take higher integer value 28 modules. Due to the higher integer value of N, the
value of VMA and VOCA will also increase.
VMA = VM × N
= 29 × 28
= 812 V
Step 4: Calculating the total power of the PV array
PMA = N × PM
= 28 × 185.6
= 5196.8 W
Thus, we need 28 PV modules to be connected in series having a total
power of 5196.8 W to obtain the desired maximum PV array voltage of 800
V.
Mismatch in Series-connected PV Modules
The maximum power in the PV module is the product of voltage and current at
maximum power. When the modules are not connected in series then the power
produced by an individual module is different. Take the example of table 1 given
below.
Modules VM in Volts IM in Ampere PM in Watt
Module A 16 4.1 65.6
Module B 15.5 4.1 63.55
Module C 15.3 4.1 62.73
Total In series = 46.8 In series = 4.1 191.88

If the three modules in table 1 are connected in series their voltage is added but
the current remains the same considering all the modules are identical having
the same value of IM = 4.1 A.
PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS (SERIES AND PARALLEL
ARRAYS)
As single solar cell has a working voltage and current of about 0.5 V and 50 mA, respectively, they are
usually connected together in series (positive to negative) to provide larger voltages.
Parallel connection of several strings of cells will give rise to higher current output when compared
with single series string of cells.
Photovoltaic panels (as shown in Fig. 4.9) are made in a wide range of sizes for different purposes.
They generally fall into one of three basic categories:
Low voltage or low power panels are made by connecting between 3 and 12 small segments of
amorphous silicon photovoltaic with a total area of a few square centimetres for voltages between 1.5 and
6 V and outputs of a few milliwatts. Although each of these panels is very small, the total production is
large. They are used mainly in watches, clocks and calculators, cameras, and devices for sensing light
and dark, such as night lights.
Small panels of 1–10 W and 3–12 V, with areas from 100 cm2 to 1,000 cm2 are made by either cutting
100 cm2 single or polycrystalline cells into pieces and joining them in series, or by using amorphous
silicon panels. The main uses are for radios, toys, small pumps, electric fences, and trickle charging of
batteries.
▪ Large panels, ranging from 10 to 60 W, and generally either 6 or 12 V, with areas of
1,000 cm2 to 5,000 cm2 are usually made by connecting from 10 to 36 full-sized cells in
series.
▪ They are used either separately for small pumps and caravan power (lights and
refrigeration) or in arrays to provide power for houses, communications, pumping, and
remote area power supplies (RAPS).
▪ If the load resistance is very low, the cell acts as if it is shortened at the output of light
falling on it. If the load resistance is very high, the cell acts as if it is open-circuited and
the voltage rises very rapidly to maximum voltage.
▪ The current at a voltage is limited by the amount of sunlight and load resistance. This
characteristic is ideal for charging battery.
For charging, a 12 V battery by a 2 cm ⋅ 2 cm (0.3 V battery charging voltage), silicon
cells
required = 12/0.3 = 40 cells in series string.
A number of optimal solar array designs are available. However, the arrangement of
series–parallel array has been most preferable, as it results in optimal performance
characteristic under many conditions including shading, cell failure, non-uniform
illumination, and unequal I–V characteristics.
A diode is placed in series with the positive terminal of battery as shown in Figure 4.10.
This will prevent reverse current flow (a small battery drain) when the cells are not
receiving sufficient
light to chary battery.