SOLAR PV TECHNICIAN’S

TRAINING

Module 5: Solar PV Module

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PV Module
 Features of PV module
 Types of PV module
 I-V Curve
– Voc, Isc, Vmp, Imp, Wp
Always obtain data sheet.
 Output Power No datasheet, Poor quality
 Protection Diodes
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Features of PV Module
 PV module converts solar energy into electricity
 Most durable component in solar PV system (lasts over 20
years)
 PV module consists of solar cells, front glass, frame, terminal
box etc.
- Power generation part in PV module is Solar cell.
Structural
diagram 5. Frame
1. Solar cell
2. Front glass 6. Seal
material

3. Encapsulation sheet 4. Back 7. Terminal

*EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate) sheet box
*Resistance to water and UV *Electrical insulation
light *Moisture resistance
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PV Cell
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PV Module

+ “bypass” diodes
- + “bypass” diodes
-
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Photovoltaic Principle
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IV Curve
 Output current depends on voltage used
 Output power depends on voltage used
 Max. output power (Pm), rated in Watt-peak (Wp), is available only at Vmp
point under 1kW/m2 at 25ºC (Standard Testing Condition)
1.0kW/m2, 25ºC, AM 1.5
7.0

Isc
6.0
6.34 A
Imp
5.0 Pm ( Maximum Power Point)
5.79 A
= Vmp x Imp
Pm : Maximum power
=100.2 W Imp : Current at Pm
4.0
Vmp : Voltage at
Pm
Current (A)

3.0
Isc : Short circuit
current
2.0
Voc: Open circuit
voltage
1.0

0.0
0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0

Voltage (V) Vmp 17.3 V Voc 21.7 V

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Effect of Temperature (1)

 When temperature of PV module is increased;
– Output Voltage is reduced – 0.4% to – 0.5% /
ºC
– Output Current is slightly increased + 0.04% to + 0.07% /
ºC
When the module temperature is increased....
1.0kW/m2
 Rated output (Wp) does not mean actual output power at the site
7.0

6.0
Current is slightly increased.
5.0 25ºC
Current (A)

4.0 65ºC

3.0

Voltage is decreased.
2.0

1.0

0.0
0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0
Voltage (V)
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Effect of Temperature (2)

I-V curve changes depending on temperature
Range of Battery Voltage
( LVD: 11.5V, Float: 13.8V, Boost: 14.4V) 1.0kW/m2
7.0
6.49 80 W 85 W 90W 95 W 100 W
6.34
6.0
25ºC

5.0 35ºC

45ºC
4.0
Current (A)

55ºC
3.0
65ºC

2.0

1.0

0.0
0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0
Voltage (V) 18.2 19.1 20.0 20.8 21.7
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Effect of Irradiance (1)

 When irradiance is decreased;
– Output Voltage is slightly reduced
– Output Current is decreased proportionally
When the irradiance is decreased....
25ºC
7.0
1.0kW/m2

6.0

5.0
Current (A)

4.0

3.0 0.4kW/m2

2.0 Current is decreased.

1.0
Voltage is slightly decreased.
0.0
0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0
Voltage (V)
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Effect of Irradiance (2)

I-V curve changes depending on irradiance
Isc(stc) : Short circuit current at STC [1.0kW/m2] , Isc(irr ): Short circuit current at given irradiance [kW/m2]
Range of Battery Voltage
( LVD: 11.5V, Float: 13.8V, Boost: 14.4V) 25ºC
7.0
6.3 A 1.0 kW/m2
6.2 A
100 W
6.0

5.1 A 0.8 kW/m2 5.0 A

5.0 80W

4.0 3.8 A 0.6 kW/m2

3.7 A 59 W
Current (A)

3.0
2.5 A 0.4kW/m2
39 W
2.4 A
2.0
1.3 A 0.2 kW/m2 18 W
1.2 A
1.0

0.0
0.0 5.0 10.0 13.0 15.0 20.0 25.0

Voltage (V)
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Bypass Diodes
- +

PV module has built-in bypass diode.

– One per 18 cells
– Built-in diode serves as bypass diode and not as
blocking diode.
Bypass diodes have no function at normal operation (under
clean surface, no shading)
In case cells have less current due to shading and bird
droppings, current will pass through to the bypass diode.
Incorrect connection (reverse polarity) of battery, like in
BCS, bypass diode/s will be burned.
– When diode/s are burned, these will be shorted or
opened.
– Remove the diode if shorted, PV module will work.
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Blocking Diode

It is recommended
to use a blocking
diode to prevent the
battery discharging
through the
modules at night
and during periods
of very bad weather
(applicable for
system with no
charge controller).
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Effect of Shading
 Cells are connected in series.
 Shading even on one cell reduces total current.
 If there is a bypass diode, excess current can flow through the bypass
diode.
Bypass diode Bypass diode 7.0
6.0
5.0

Current (A)
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
Shaded cell
0.0
0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0 11.0 12.0 13.0 14.0 15.0 16.0 17.0 18.0

Voltage (V)

Equivalent
Integrated I-V curve

Bypass diode Bypass diode

7.0 7.0

6.0 6.0

5.0 5.0

4.0 4.0

Current (A)
Current (A)

3.0 3.0

2.0 2.0

1.0 1.0
Shaded cell 0.0 0.0
0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0

Voltage (V) Voltage (V)

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Bypass & Blocking Diodes

1.0 kW/m2 , 50ºC
5 series connected modules 8

PV module 14.2V 14.2 14.2V 7

built-in bypass diode 0A

6

Blocking diode 5

Current (A)
4
71.0V
3

7.3A 7.3A 2

17.9V 17.9V 17.9V -0.6V 1

0
4.0A 0 5 10 15 20
Voltage (V)

71.0V

4.0A 0A

0.0V 19.5V (Voc) 19.5V (Voc) 0.0V

58.5V

0.0A 0.0A X
Two Damaged (open)
END OF MODULE 5:
Solar PV Module