How do I design a photovoltaic and solar hot water system?

Provide an architectural drawing and riser diagram for the homeowner showing the planned location for future photovoltaic and solar hot water system components. Space requirements and layout for photovoltaic and solar water heating system components should be taken into account early in the design process.

What is building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV)?

Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) is an application where solar PV modules are integrated into the building structures.

What is the power output of a photovoltaic solar cell?

You have learnt previously that the power output of a photovoltaic solar cell is given in watts and is equal to the product of voltage times the current (V x I). The optimum operating voltage of a PV cell under load is about 0.46 volts at the normal operating temperatures, generating a current in full sunlight of about 3 amperes.

How do you calculate the number of photovoltaic modules?

Multiplying the number of modules required per string (C10) by the number of strings in parallel (C11) determines the number of modules to be purchased. The rated module output in watts as stated by the manufacturer. Photovoltaic modules are usually priced in terms of the rated module output ($/watt).

How do you calculate the energy output of a photovoltaic array?

The amount of energy produced by the array per day during the worst month is determined by multiplying the selected photovoltaic power output at STC (C5) by the peak sun hours at design tilt. Multiplying the de-rating factor (DF) by the energy output module (C7) establishes an average energy output from one module.

What is a photovoltaic I-V curve?

Photovoltaic I-V Characteristics Curves Manufacturers of the photovoltaic solar cells produce current-voltage (I-V) curves, which gives the current and voltage at which the photovoltaic cell generates the maximum power output and are based on the cell being under standard conditions of sunlight and temperature with no shading.