Sizing:

Energy constraint

Number of modules needed to be installed depends on how much energy that is required to be supplied by the PV system
- Determine the amount of energy (kWh per annum) to be supplied by PV.
- Determine the minimum power of PV array (PV array capacity) required.
- Determine the minimum number of PV modules needed.

Budget Constraint: how much money willing to invest in PV system

- Set a ceiling for the budget of the project to be invesed
- Establish the total PV array power affordable
- Determine the maximum number of PV modules affordable.

Once number of PV modules determined, match the PV array specifications with that of prospective inverter’s.

The range of suitable nominal inverter power specifications suitable with the PV array can be determined.
Value of derating factors (depend on type of PV cell material, module and array assembly, mounting style, ventilation rate)
in equatorial climate region vary from 0.9 to 1.0.
Summarized outcome: minimum and maximum nominal inverter capacity required (kW)

Nominal inverter capacity (power rating) -> number of PV modules that can be connected to it.
- Range of number of PV modules that matches the nominal power rating of an inverter.

Input Voltage for the inverter

- Come in range of values with an absolute maximum, absolute minimum and MPPT window, within
which the operation of the inverter if the optimum.
- Input voltage limits ensure the safety and functionality of the inverter and optimum operation.
- Dictate the voltage outputs of the PV modules, PV string that are fed into the inverter input

Voltages generated by PV string that will be fed into the inverter must comply with the input window of the inverter
- To ensure input voltage are within safe and optimum limits of the inverter

Maximum number of PV modules connected in a series string to match the maximum allowed input voltage of inverter.

Summary:
Maximum number of modules at open circuit voltage
Maximum number of modules at MPPT voltage
Minimum number of modules at MPPT voltage
Range of number of modules at MPPT voltage

Parallel Strings: inverter can take a certain number of parallel PV strings. (determine maximum number of parallel strings)
- To ensure maximum input current is not exceeded.
- Number of PV strings connected in parallel can be calculated

Array configuration:
- matching number of PV modules in a series string to the inverter has been determined.
- matching number of PV string to the inverter has been determined
- then matching total number of PV modules to be connected to the inverter can be determined in
appropriate array configuration.

Current Carrying Capacity

- any conductor will have a safe limit when current passes through it
- refers to as the maximum current carrying capability of the conductor
- affected by:
▪ cross sectional area (mm2) of the conductor
▪ type of insulation around the wire
▪ environment in which the cable is installed