Basics of SPV Technology

and Components
S. K. SANGAL
Former Executive Director, CEL
15 December 2021
 Topics Covered
•Fundamentals and Working Principle of:
Solar Radiation.

Solar Cells.
Solar Module.
Solar PV Systems.

•Overview of Solar PV Applications :

Off-Grid Solar PV Applications.
Grid Connected Solar PV Applications.
 Solar Energy

Solar Thermal Solar Photovoltaic

Utilizes thermal component of Converts solar radiation to electricity
sunlight (i.e. heat)

Example:
For water heating,
cooking, drying, etc.

Off-Grid Grid Connected

Basics of Solar Radiation
 IRRADIANCE
• The power produced by solar cells is
proportional to the intensity of Solar
Radiation.
- Therefore, it is necessary to understand Solar
radiation.
• The amount of solar power available per unit
area is knows as Irradiance.
• Unit is : KW/sqm or watts/sqm.
• Peak Value : 1KWp/sqm.
• Measuring Device : Pyranometer.
 Insolation
• Solar Insolation is ‘Incident Solar Radiation’.
- It is the incident radiant energy per unit area per day.
- Unit : kWh/m2 /day.

• Difference between Irradiance and Insolation:

- Irradiance is the solar radiation available at any instant.
- Insolation is the cumulative solar radiation available in a day.
- Irradiance is Power (KW) and Insolation is Energy (KWh).

• Average daily solar radiation data for each of the 12 Months,

provide long-term average daily ‘Solar Radiation Data’.
– Data is useful in predicting long-term performance and in
analysing the economics of a Solar System.
 Standard Test Condition (S.T.C.)

Standard Test Condition is defined as:

• The Solar Irradiation of

:1 KW per sq.m.
• Solar Cell Temperature of

:25 degrees Celsius.

 Tilt Angle
• It is the angle, between array and horizontal surface,
- Tilt angle is optimized for maximum solar irradiation
• Solar panels should always face true south in the northern
hemisphere, or true north in the southern hemisphere.
• Array Tilt should be equal to the Latitude of the Site.
 Fixed Tilt / Tracking
• Fixed Tilt: Solar Panel is fixed at the angle of ‘Latitude’.
(Most of the Solar PV Systems are with Fixed Tilt)
• Tracking allows PV Array to face the SUN directly and
produce more energy output from same Solar Panel.
- With Tracking , INSOLATION (on the surface of Panel)
increases by 20-40%.
(depending on location and type of tracking used)
• Single Axis Tracking: North-South (Seasonal Tracking )
: East to West (Daily Tracking)
• Two Axes Tracking: Daily Tracking & Seasonal Tracking
• .
Insolation Gain for a Tracked Vs. Non- Tracked PV Array
Solar Photovoltaic Technology Basics
Working of a Solar Cell
Working of a Solar Cell (Contd.)
 Solar Cell Characteristics

No power is delivered when the circuit is open (a) or shorted (b).

When the load is connected (c), same current flows through the load and cell.
 Module Power characteristics

The power generated by a solar Module is different at different voltages.

The Power is maximum at a particular voltage and is lower on both sides
This is known as the maximum power point (MPP)
Power at this point is called PMAX.
The performance of a solar module is best indicated by its current-voltage (I-V)
characteristics.
Cell Power characteristics(Contd.)
Fill Factor (F.F.)
 Effect of Solar Radiation

Power output increases as the radiation increases;

Current increases proportionately;
Voltage Change is little
 Effect of Temperature

As cell operating temperature increases

Open Circuit Voltage decreases and
Short Circuit Current increases marginally
 Solar Photovoltaic Module
Number of solar cells
combined together
in series / parallel and
‘Laminated’
to make ‘PV MODULE’.
PV Module Structure
 Module I-V characteristics
The performance of a solar module is best indicated by its current-voltage (I-V)
characteristics.
Rated Under Standard Test Condition (STC)
The performance of a solar module is best indicated by its current-voltage (I-V)
characteristics.
he
Effect of Solar Radiation

Power output increases as irradiance increases;

Current increases proportionately;
Voltage increase is little
 Effect of Temperature

As cell operating temperature increases Open

Circuit Voltage decreases and short circuit current
increases marginally
Maximum Power Point and Pm
 Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT)

It manipulates the load (or output) voltage of an array to maintain

operation at or near the ‘Maximum Power Point’ under
changing temperature and irradiance conditions

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Basics of PV SYSTEMS
 Classification of Solar PV Systems
• Solar PV systems are classified according to:
 Functional and operational requirements,
 Connection to other power sources.

• Two major classifications are :

 Stand-Alone or Off-Grid PV systems
 Grid-Connected or Grid Tied or Grid Export PV
systems

• PV-Hybrid systems :
 The system may use D.G. set or Grid, as an auxiliary power source in
addition to Solar PV.
OFF-GRID /STAND-ALONE
PV SYSTEMS
 Off-Grid /Stand-Alone PV Systems
• Designed to operate in stand Alone mode, i.e.
independent of the ‘Electric Grid’.
• Generally have Battery Storage:
 Supply power to desired DC and/or AC
electrical loads.

• In Direct-coupled system: ‘No Battery Storage’.

 Output of the PV array is directly connected to
load (e.g. Solar Pumps).
 Solar PV Power Generator

A.C.
Inverter Loads

M.P.P.T.
& D.C.
Solar
Charge Loads
PV Array
Controller

Battery
 Major Components of Stand Alone PV Systems

• Solar PV Module/ Panel/ Array :

 Converts sunlight into electricity.
• Battery:
 Stores Energy.
• MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracker):
 For extracting maximum power from PV panel.
• Charge Controller:
 Regulates the voltage and current from PV panel to battery.
 Prevents battery over charge/ deep discharge .
• Inverter:
 Converts DC into AC for AC appliances.
• Load :
 Electrical appliances connected to Solar PV system
OFF Grid SPV Solutions

SOLAR STUDY LAMPS

SOLAR LANTERNS
SOLAR HOME LIGHTING
SOLAR STREET LIGHTING 
WATER PUMPING SYSTEMS 
POWER PACKS / HOME SYSTEMS
VACCINE REFRIGERATION
VILLAGE ELECTRIFICATION
MICRO / MINI GRID 
Solar Home Lighting System
 Solar Home Lighting system
• 6-40 Wp PV Module, battery and control electronics.
• Provides a comfortable level of illumination in house.
• Several SHS models featuring one, two, or four Lamps
based on W-LED
• A small DC fan or a 12-V DC television could also be used
along with Lamps
• 5 hrs./ day Average duty cycle
• Facility for Mobile Phones Charging
• 3 days Autonomy
• Minimum Five Years Warrantee
Solar PV Water Pumping Systems

One of the largest Off-Grid Solar PV application

 Components of Solar PV Pumping System

• A Solar PV Pumping System consist of:

 Solar Panel
 Sun Tracker
 The Controller (MPPT) and an Inverter in
case of A. C. Motor-pump set
 Motor- Pump set
• The size of the Water Pumping System is
directly dependent on the total Head at site
and the amount of water required per day
GRID CONNECTED / GRID TIED
PV SYSTEMS / POWER PLANTS
 Grid Connected PV Power Plants

33 KV
11 KV FEEDER
GRID

Solar
Array POWER CONDITIONING UNIT (P.C.U.) LOCAL GRID
 Grid Connected (OR GRID TIED) Systems

• Solar PV Power System is connected to the Utility

Grid.
• Designed to operate in parallel with the ‘Electric
Grid’, and called GRID TIED.
• The primary component is the “Power
Conditioning Unit” (PCU).
 PCU converts the DC power produced by the
PV Array into AC power:
- Compatible with the voltage and power
quality requirements of the ‘Grid’, and
- Exports power to the Grid.
Typical Grid Tied PV System
 Components of a Grid Tied Solar PV System
1. PV Panel- The Generator
Convert solar radiation into electricity
2. Combiner box
In large scale installations, multiple strings of modules are connected through
combiner box, providing surge protection, current and voltage protection and
monitoring
3. DC switch
Allows for separation between the solar generator and balance of system
components for maintenance or repair work
4. “Power Conditioning Unit” (PCU).
 It has an in-built M.P.P.T.
 It converts the DC power into AC power and :
- Makes it compatible with the voltage and power quality requirements
of the ‘Grid’,
- Exports power to the Grid.
5. Transformer
Used to step up the voltage to the high voltage required by the grid
6. AC Switch
Required to separate the grid from PV system during faults or maintenance
 GRID ISLANDING
• In the event of a power failure on the electric grid:

 Any independent power-producing inverters attached

to the grid should turn off in a short period of time.
 This prevents the P.C.U. against continuing to feed
power into the grid.
- Powered islands present a risk to workers who
may expect the area to be unpowered, and
- It would also damage P.C.U.
 Details of Components

Power Conditioning Unit (P.C.U):

• It has an in-built M.P.P.T.
• Changes the DC voltage from PV Array to AC voltage.
• Monitors grid voltage, waveform, and frequency.
• Synchronizes it with the grid waveform, and
export electricity to grid.
• If the grid fails, it trips and does not export any solar
electricity.
 As soon as Grid is restored, it again synchronizes
with the grid and starts exporting the power.
Grid- Connected Rooftop Power Plants
 Grid-Connected Solar Rooftop systems
Concept…

• These are installed on rooftops of residential,

commercial or industrial premises.
• Electricity generated is Used for self
consumption with net-metering:
 If PV generation is less than consumption,
electricity is drawn from Grid as needed.
 If PV generation exceeds consumption,
the excess power is exported to Grid.
• Consumer pays only for the ‘Net Energy’ drawn
from the Grid.
 Standards for Solar PV Modules
• The Solar PV modules must conform to the latest edition of any of the
following BIS / equivalent IEC Standards for PV module design
qualification and type approval:
Crystalline Silicon Terrestrial PV Modules : IS14286/ IEC 61215

 Thin Film Terrestrial PV Modules :IS 16077 / IEC 61646

(a-Si, CiGS and CdTe)

• In addition, PV Modules must conform to IS /IEC 61730 Part1-

requirements for construction & Part 2 -
requirements for testing, for safety qualification

• Solar PV modules to be used in a highly corrosive atmosphere (coastal

areas etc.) must qualify Salt Mist Corrosion Testing as per IS 61701/ IEC
61701 .
S. N. Product
 1. Crystalline Silicon Terrestrial
  Photovoltaic (PV) modules
(Si wafer based)
 2. Thin-Film Terrestrial
  Photovoltaic (PV) Modules
(a-Si, CiGs and CdTe)
 3. PV Module
  ( Si wafer and Thin film)
 4. Power converters for use in
  photovoltaic power system
 5.  Utility –Interconnected
Photovoltaic inverters
 6. Storage battery
 
Indian Standard Title of Indian Standard
Number
IS 14286 Crystalline Silicon Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV)
modules - Design Qualification And Type
Approval
IS 16077 Thin-Film Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Modules -
Design Qualification and Type Approval
IS/IEC 61730 Photovoltaic (PV) Module Safety Qualification
(Part 1) Part 1 Requirements for Construction
IS/IEC 61730 Photovoltaic (PV) Module Safety Qualification
(Part 2) Part 2 Requirements for Testing
IS 16221 Safety of Power Converters for use in
(Part 1) Photovoltaic Power Systems Part 1- General
IS 16221 Requirements
(Part 2) Safety of Power Converters for Use in
Photovoltaic Power Systems Part 2-Particular
Requirements for Inverters
IS 16169 Test Procedure of Islanding Prevention Measures
for Utility-Interconnected Photovoltaic Inverters
IS 16270 Secondary Cells and Batteries for Solar
Photovoltaic Application General-Requirements
and Methods of Test
 QUALITY AND WARRANTY
 

• All components and sub systems of the Plant should conform to

“MINIMAL TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS / STANDARDS”
specified by MNRE

• The PV Modules to be warranted for a minimum period of 25

years from the date of supply. (output wattage should not be
less than 90% at the end of 10 years and 80% at the end of 25
years).

• The mechanical structures, electrical works including

Inverters/Charge Controllers, Battery, Distribution Board/
Meters and overall workmanship of the Solar System must be
warranted for a minimum of 5 years.

• Necessary maintenance spares for five years trouble free

operation should be supplied with the system.
Floating Solar panels

51
5MWp Solar PV Plant at Khimsar(Rajasthan)
 150 MW in Neemuch, MP

Workshop on the India Energy Outlook • MNRE 13 April, 2015

26
 Gujarat Solar Park- Charanka

Workshop on the India Energy Outlook • MNRE 13 April, 2015

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Thank You

S.K.SANGAL
Former Executive Director, CEL

E mail : s_k_sangal@yahoo.com