SOLAR PANEL, 330Wp, 37.8V, polycrystalline
Valid Article
OC subscriptions: included in supply or field order tools (e.g. UniField)
|
|
SC subscriptions: included in supply or field tools
|
|
OC validations: approved for procurement and use by an OC for international or local orders specifying context and activity in Medical Standard Lists (MSL)
|
|
SOLAR PANEL
Definition
Solar panels capture sunlight as a source of radiant energy, which is converted into electric energy in the form of direct current (DC) electricity.
A neatly organised collection of solar panels is called a photovoltaic system or solar array. Arrays of a photovoltaic system can be used to generate solar electricity that supplies electrical equipment directly or feeds power back into an alternate current (AC) grid via an inverter system.
Synonym
Solar module, solar cell panel, solar energy panel, photovoltaci (PV) panel or module.
Specifications
The industry standard against which all PV modules are rated and can be compared is called Standard Test Conditions (STC). STC is a defined set of laboratory test conditions that approximate conditions under which solar panels, or PV modules, might be used. STC conditions are an irradiance of 1000 Watts/m2, an air mass (“thickness” and clarity of the air through which the sunlight passes to reach the modules) of 1.5 AM and a cell temperature of 25 ºC.
The main electrical characteristics of a PV cell or module are summarized in the relationship between the current and voltage produced on a typical solar cell I-V characteristics curve. The intensity of the solar radiation (insolation) that hits the cell controls the current (I), while the increase in the temperature of the solar cell reduces its voltage (V).
Solar cells produce direct current (DC) electricity and current times voltage equals power, so we can create solar cell I-V curves representing the current versus the voltage for a photovoltaic device.
Solar cell I-V characteristics curves are a graphical representation of the operation of a solar panel summarising the relationship between the current and voltage at the existing irradiance and temperature conditions. I-V curves provide the information required to configure a solar system to operate as close to its optimal peak power point (MPP) as possible.
Voc = open-circuit voltage – This is the maximum voltage that the panel provides when the terminals are not connected to any load (an open circuit condition). It is measured in volt (V).
Isc = short-circuit current – The maximum current the PV panel provides when the output connectors are shorted together (a short circuit condition). It is measured in amperes (A).
Mpp or Pmax = maximum power point – This relates to the point where the power supplied by the panel connected to the load (batteries, inverters) is at its maximum value at the STC, where MPP = Imp x Vmp. The maximum power point of a solar panel is measured in peak Watts (Wp).
Imp = Current at Maximum Power Point - It represents the current the solar panel produces when operating at the Maximum Power Point. Its value is always less than the short circuit current (Isc). It is measured in ampere (A).
Vmp or Vpp = Voltage at Maximum Power Point - It represents the voltage the solar panel produces when operating at the Maximum Power Point. The value is always less than the open-circuit voltage (Voc). It is measured in volts (V).
Efficiency - PV conversion efficiency is the percentage of incident solar energy converted to electricity. Most commercial panels have efficiencies from 15% to 20%. It is measured in %.
Bypass diodes are connected in the connector box of the solar panel in reverse parallel with a PV cell to provide an alternative electrical path for the generated current to flow as it cannot flow through the cell when shaded. This helps preserve the performance of the series string by restricting the reverse bias voltage generated across any partially shaded cell and hence reduces the electrical power which can be dissipated by the cell. A solar panel must have at least 2 or 3 by-pass diodes according to the nominal power and number of cellsare connected in the connector box of the solar panel in reverse parallel with a PV cell to provide an alternative electrical path for the generated current to flow as it cannot flow through the cell when shaded. This helps preserve the performance of the series string by restricting the reverse bias voltage generated across any partially shaded cell and hence reduces the electrical power which can be dissipated by the cell. A solar panel must have at least 2 or 3 by-pass diodes according to the nominal power and number of cells.
Temperature effects on solar panels. Solar cells are sensitive to the temperature they are operating in because of the semiconductor materials they are made up of. In solar panels the most-affected parameter by an increase in temperature is the Voc. There is a significant decrease in the Voc with an increase in temperature. There is also an increase in the Isc however, this is minor. These effects combined decrease the total power of the solar panels when the temperature increases. The thermal effect is measured with a specific coefficient for the effects on Voc (β), Isc (α) and Maximum Power or Pmax (δ). These coefficients are usually measured in %/°C, meaning the % change with each celsius degree above of the STC (25 °C).
Norms
Certification testing IEC 61215 for solar modules.
This standard indicates the requirements for the design approval and qualification process and types approval of terrestrial solar panels suitable for long-term operation in general open-air climates.
Certification IEC 61730 for solar panels.
It specifies and describes the fundamental construction requirements for solar modules in order to provide safe electrical and mechanical operation. Specific topics are provided to assess the prevention of electrical shock, fire hazards, and personal injury due to mechanical and environmental stresses
Material
There are several types of solar panels. Due to the context and type of installations found in MSF 2 types are the most common:
Monocrystalline solar panels (Mono-SI):
This type of solar panel (monocrystalline silicon) is the purest. They are easily recognizable from the uniform dark look and the rounded edges. The silicon's high purity causes this type of solar panel to have one of the highest efficiency rates, with the newest reaching above 20%.
Monocrystalline panels have a high power output, occupy less space and last the longest. Of course that also means they are the most expensive. Another advantage is that they tend to be slightly less affected by high temperatures than polycrystalline panels.
Polycrystalline solarpanels (Poly-SI):
Easy to identify because this type of solar panel has squares, its angles are not cut and it has a blue, speckled look. They are made by melting raw silicon, wich is a faster and cheaper process than the one used for monocrystalline panels.
This leads to a lower final price, but also lower efficiency (around 15%), lower space efficiency and a shorter lifespan because they are affected by hot temperatures to a greater degree.
However, the differences between mono- and polycrystalline types of solar panels are not so significant and the choice will strongly depend on the specific situation. The monocrystalline option offers a slightly higher space efficiency at a slightly higher price, but power outputs are very similar.