Can a PV system be installed on an inefficient building?

A PV system installed on an inefficient building is expensive and may pose a number of substantial risks. The PV system will need to be larger to cover the wasted and inefficient use, which will significantly increase the size and cost or the system, lengthen the payback period, and could potentially prevent the system from being profitable.

What is a photovoltaic system?

photovoltaic system (or PV system) is a system which uses one or more solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity. It consists of multiple components, includ-ing the photovoltaic modules, mechanical and electrical connections and mountings and means of regulating and/or modifying the electrical output.

What should a builder do if a building has solar PV?

Ensure the building plans, electrical infrastructure, and mechanical equipment placements (vents, stacks, etc.) adequately provide for solar PV installation. Highlight structural impacts for review by others to ensure solar PV can be accommodated. The builder may have a specific solar PV energy production target.

Can a PV system be installed on a roof?

Nevertheless, it is possible to install PV modules on all roof types. If the roof will need replacing within 5 to 10 years, it should be replaced at the time the PV system is installed to avoid the cost of removing and reinstalling the PV system.

How do I design a PV Grid connect system?

The document provides the minimum knowledge required when designing a PV Grid connect system. The actual design criteria could include: specifying a specific size (in kWp) for an array; available budget; available roof space; wanting to zero their annual electrical usage or a number of other specific customer related criteria.

How does a photovoltaic system work?

The heart of a photovoltaic system is the solar module. Many photovoltaic cells are wired together by the manufacturer to produce a solar module. When installed at a site, solar modules are wired together in series to form strings. Strings of modules are connected in parallel to form an array.