Top tips for solar PV installations

When it comes to a photovoltaic (PV) system, thoughtful planning is the foundation of a successful project. Experience has shown that 80% of successful solar systems depend on the decisions that are made in the first 20% of the project planning phase. This article discusses critical factors for creating efficient and long-life PV systems.

The project management and execution of a PV system are significantly influenced by the initial planning phase and a variety of factors must be considered to ensure the system meets the budget when it’s installed.

In order for a solar project to be financially viable, it is crucial that the budget is correctly allocated towards the installation and ongoing service of the system to allow the maximum yield to be produced. A few of the crucial decisions that will determine the efficiency and sustainability of a solar power system are: the quality of the equipment, monitoring and installation; the location and size of the investment; and the Intelligent positioning of inverters and panels to efficiently manage the wiring process.

Working with a project specialist, like an inverter manufacturer, and using the right planning tools to determine the size of the system or the yield calculations in advance will assist system operators in selecting the right system components and product-specific characteristics to optimise the design of the system.

Quality from the start

A solar installation, on average, lasts for about 30-40 years and this has been made possible with advances in technology as well as the increasingly sophisticated planning and analytics tools which have improved the life span of these systems.

However, the longevity of a solar system depends on a variety of factors and external influences such as climatic conditions, the quality and choice of the components used, the ongoing monitoring and the frequency of maintenance. These factors are crucial to the life of the plant and must be planned for before construction commences.

Proper consultation with manufacturers and developing a professional project plan will not only benefit the plant owner, but the system provider as well. If risks are identified early, unnecessary claims can be avoided and service and maintenance can be completed quickly, and incidents - that could result in a loss of production of the plant - can be avoided.

It is also useful to keep in the mind the quality of support from the manufacturers. The Australian environment is unique and experience, along with local knowledge, is incredibly important to the success of the planning phase. Factoring in the capabilities and the quality of support you will receive from manufacturers should also be a key consideration in the planning phase.

Monitoring and communication

As we mentioned above, the longevity and efficiency of solar systems has come a long way in recent years and in terms of offering value and additional benefits for customers, the trend for systems to include a self-monitoring capability is one way that manufacturers have helped customers get the most out of their PV system.

When it comes to planning for the monitoring aspect of a PV system, it is again important to consult with the manufacturer and identify the right product. It is also important to plan for a system which communicates with the customer’s monitoring system in a way that makes sense for their specific needs.

Choosing the right location

The correct choice of location for a project is an important decision, not only for the solar system, but also for each individual component. In the case of the inverter, the location should be shielded from direct exposure to weather conditions as far as possible to mitigate against the risks inherent in exposure to the harsh Australian climate.

When planning for the optimum position of an inverter, it is important to factor in the proximity to other objects as well. We have found that adequate clearance from solid objects should be observed to prevent negative thermal impact.

After considering the quality and the location of the solar system, we must focus on one of the most underrated aspects of the planning phase - the design and wiring of the system.

The correct cable for the respective requirements

Gaining efficiency and receiving sustainable outputs from a solar PV system requires power to be converted and transferred properly. This is where the wiring of a system plays an important role. For installers there are a range of factors which should be considered when installing a PV system:

• The arrangement of an inverter and its positioning within the solar system is crucial for both the design of the DC and the AC wiring. Because AC voltage in a PV system is lower than the DC voltage, it is advisable to keep the AC lines from systems as short as possible, to minimise the loss due to voltage drops on the AC side.
• In addition to the length of the cable, installers must also consider the type of cabling. For PV systems, multi-core cables should be used to minimise the impact of inductivity on the AC cabling.
• By using single line cabling, all wires within the same circuit should be installed and laid in the same cable trunk or together in the tube.
• If large terminals are placed close together, it can lead in to a short circuit between numerous conductors. As always, it is advisable to use only the terminals specified by the manufacturer. Installers should use large cross-sections to protect against mechanical stress on the terminals.
• Finally, care should be taken with the use of aluminium wires by using the appropriate tools such as clamps or bimetallic clamping sleeves. The data on the cross-sections of the terminal are based on copper cables and information about these cross-sections should be regarded when aluminium cables are used.

Conclusion

In addition to geographic and climatic factors, the optimal sizing and placement of all system components affects the PV system significantly in terms of its longevity and profitability. Therefore, a careful analysis of the site and an early collaboration with component suppliers is recommended to detect risks early on and counteract them. Extensive planning will enable more accurate plant sizing and yield calculations, which will contribute to the efficiency of the system right from the beginning of the project.

It is recommended that consultations take place with project managers, installers and component manufacturers so they can provide the correct advice and planning tools to educate clients across all planning stages. This will ensure the installation of a solar system is optimised as it sets the foundation for its efficient operations and provide high yields in the long term. Taking these added precautions benefits the customer and all parties involved in building the system.

Sputnik Engineering AG, a Swiss company, is a manufacturer of grid-connected solar inverters. The company has been developing, producing and selling solar inverters and system monitoring solutions for more than 20 years under the SolarMax brand.