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The purpose of this article is to describe a detailed procedure that can be carried out to calculate the
energy output obtained from a solar photovoltaic array, considering the following factors:
There are many possible photovoltaic system configurations. This procedure is valid for a system
with the following characteristics:
For more complex configurations, such as an array located at a angle to the north-south axis or a
tracking PV system, the analysis includes much more variables and requires specialized software.
This step is straightforward, it is only important to note that only the specific array area must be
taken into account. If the array is split into sections due to positioning issues, the individual areas of
each section must be added up, instead of considering the total area which includes the spaces in
between.
http://thegrid.rexel.com/topics/energy_efficiency/w/solar_renewable_and_energy_efficiency/70.nasa
-atmospheric-science-data-center-solar-power-potential-according-to-location
The same coordinates of the example found in the link will be considered:
Latitude: 15.5149204
Longitude: -87.9922684
The table displays average radiation on a monthly and yearly basis. Any can be used depending on
the required analysis.
If the production profile throughout the year is required, photovoltaic system output should be
calculated on a month-by-month basis and then added up.
If only the yearly production value is required, the annual average solar radiation in the last column
can be used.
This value varies by type of solar panel, so the value used should be the one provided by your PV
module provider. Module efficiency may range from below 10% to about 20% depending on the
provider and technology. Thin-film modules tend to provide the lowest output per square meter,
poly-crystalline silicon modules are intermediate, and mono-crystalline silicon modules offer the top
efficiency. It is important to note that efficiency is correlated with price.
For this example, an efficiency of 16% will be considered, which is typical of poly-crystalline
modules. The installed capacity of the project in direct-current kilowatts would be:
For AC capacity, this value must be multiplied by the inverter efficiency, which is typically above
95%.
For example, if a 150-watt module has a temperature coefficient of -0.40% / C, operation at 40C
would result in an output reduction of:
Notice the negative sign of the coefficient - this means that for temperatures below 25C the output is
actually increased above the rate value. Consider, for instance, 17C (8C difference).
To determine how conversion efficiency is affected, the same approach can be used. For instance, if
this solar panel has a conversion efficiency of 15% under standard conditions (25C), it would be
13.65% at 40C and 15.72% at 17C.
Area = 20 m2
Conversion efficiency = 16%
Solar radiation according to NASA table
This process can be simplified by setting up a spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel.
The project will yield a yearly production of 6,034 kWh (DC), with higher production in the summer
months due to the increased solar radiation available. If inverter efficiency is considered, AC output
is 5,732.30 kWh.
Since the analysis is monthly, it is possible to set up a bar graph for a visual representation of output
throughout the year:
This system will allow a building with an average monthly energy consumption of 500 kWh or
below to become a net-zero energy building, since it is possible to meet 100% of energy needs with
the PV array. It is important to note that a net-zero energy building is not necessarily "off the grid" -
it simply means that energy exported to the electric utility grid is equivalent to energy drawn.
With the steps above, the technical analysis can be carried out. The following wiki pages provide
some guidance on financial analysis:
PAYBACK PERIOD
http://thegrid.rexel.com/topics/energy_efficiency/w/solar_renewable_and_energy_efficiency/69.esti
mating-payback-period-of-a-solar-pv-system-a-simplified-method
PV SYSTEM WITH A LOAN
http://thegrid.rexel.com/topics/energy_efficiency/w/solar_renewable_and_energy_efficiency/73.micr
osoft-excel-analysis-can-my-pv-system-pay-a-loan-with-its-savings
https://thegrid.rexel.com/en-us/energy_efficiency/w/solar_renewable_and_energy_efficiency/70/nasa-
atmospheric-science-data-center-solar-power-potential-according-to-location