Solar electricity handbook: a simple, practical guide to solar energy - how to design and install photovoltaic solar electric systems (2012 edition) PDF
Preview Solar electricity handbook: a simple, practical guide to solar energy - how to design and install photovoltaic solar electric systems (2012 edition)
Solar Electricity Handbook A simple, practical guide to solar energy: how to design and install photovoltaic solar electric systems 2012 Edition Michael Boxwell www.GreenstreamPublishing.com Greenstream Publishing 12 Poplar Grove, Ryton on Dunsmore, Warwickshire, CV8 3QE. United Kingdom Copyright © Michael Boxwell 2009–2012 Published by Greenstream Publishing 2012 Smashwords Edition: ISBN 978-1-907670-23-7 Kindle Edition: ISBN 978-1-907670-22-0 First Edition – published April 2009 Second Edition – published November 2009 Third Edition – published March 2010 Fourth Edition – published January 2011 Fifth Edition – published October 2011 Sixth Edition – published February 2012 Editor: Sheila Glasbey Michael Boxwell asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work. A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy of the contents in this book, the author or publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions found therein. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers. Table of Contents Table of Contents Introducing Solar Energy Who this book is aimed at The rapidly changing world of solar energy Solar electricity and solar heating The source of solar power The principles of solar electricity Understanding the terminology Setting expectations for solar electricity Why choose a solar electric system? Cost-justifying solar Solar power and wind power Fuel cells Grid-tied solar electric systems Solar electricity and the environment Environmental efficiency: comparing supply and demand In conclusion A Brief Introduction to Electricity Don’t panic A brief introduction to electricity How to measure electricity The relationship between volts, amps, ohms, watts and watt-hours Volts Power Energy A word for non-electricians In conclusion The Four Configurations for Solar Power Stand-alone/off-grid Examples of simple stand-alone systems Grid-tie An example of a grid-tie system Grid-tie with power backup (grid interactive) An example of a grid interactive system Grid fallback An example of a grid fallback system Grid failover How grid-tie systems differ from stand-alone In conclusion Components of a Solar Electric System Solar panels Batteries Controller Inverter Electrical devices Connecting everything together A stand-alone system A grid-tie system using a single central inverter A grid-tie system using multiple micro-inverters In conclusion The Design Process Short-cutting the design work Solar energy and emotions In conclusion Scoping the Project Designing grid-tie or grid fallback systems Comparing supply with demand Fleshing out the scope Producing a power analysis A word of warning When you are ready to proceed Calculating inefficiencies Adding the inefficiencies to our power analysis When do you need to use the solar system? Keeping it simple Improving the scope In conclusion Calculating Solar Energy What is solar energy? Why is this useful? Calculating solar irradiance Capturing more of the sun’s energy The impact of tilting solar panels on solar irradiance Calculating the optimum tilt for solar panels Getting the best from solar panels at different times of the year Positioning your solar panels Using solar irradiance to work out how much energy a solar panel will generate Using solar irradiance to give you an approximate guide for the required power capacity of your solar array Solar panels and shade Solar array power point efficiencies The effects of temperature on solar panels Temperature impact on solar performance in Austin, Texas during the summer months Working out an approximate cost What if the figures do not add up? Working out dimensions In conclusion Surveying Your Site What we want to achieve What you will need First impressions Drawing a rough sketch of the site Positioning the solar array Roof-mounting Ground-mounting Pole-mounting Splitting the solar array into several smaller arrays Identifying the path of the sun across the sky Shading Professional tools for obstacle analysis Cell phone applications Using paper and pencil Future proof your system What if there are shading obstructions? Positioning batteries, controllers and inverters Cabling Site survey for the holiday home In conclusion Understanding the Components How to use these chapters Common components for all systems Solar panels Amorphous solar panels Polycrystalline solar panels Monocrystalline solar panels Which solar panel technology is best? What to look for when choosing a solar panel Buying cheap solar panels Second-hand solar PV panels Fresnel lenses and mirrors Solar panel mountings Solar trackers Solar array cables Fuses and isolation switches Ground fault protection Components for Grid-Tie systems High voltage in-series Low voltage systems Micro-inverter systems Grid-tie solar panels Grid-tie inverters Input voltage Power rating Power tracking Multiple strings Diagnostics and reporting information Built-in safety Installation options and operating environment Buying from eBay Components for Stand-Alone Systems Calculate your optimum voltage Voltages and currents What voltages can I run at? How to work out what voltage you should be running at How to calculate your current Calculating cable thicknesses Converting wire sizes: Mixing and matching solar panels Batteries Types of batteries Battery configurations Battery lifespan Holdover Calculating how long a set of batteries will last Second-hand batteries Building your battery bank Battery safety Solar controller Balancing the batteries Allow for expansion Maximum power point tracking Ground fault protection Backup power Using multiple controllers Inverters Battery bank voltage Power rating Waveform Installation options and operating environment Ground fault protection Cables Battery cables Appliance cabling Plugs and sockets Appliances Lighting Refrigeration Microwave ovens Televisions, DVDs, computer games consoles and music Music systems Dishwashers, washing machines and tumble dryers Air conditioning systems Reputable brand names Solar panel manufacturers and brands Solar controller and inverter manufacturers and brands Battery manufacturers and brands Shopping list for the holiday home In conclusion Planning, regulations and approvals National and international standards for solar components Installation regulations Getting your electricity supplier involved Solar grants and selling your power General information about grants, tax credits and feed-in tariffs In conclusion Detailed Design Safety is designed in What is the worst that can happen with a solar installation? Grounding your electrics DC Electrics AC electrics High temperatures Think safety Solar array design Solar array design – stand-alone systems Solar array design – grid-tie systems with micro-inverters Solar array design – grid-tie systems with a single inverter Batteries Controller Inverter Devices Specifics for a grid fallback system Circuit protection Earthing (grounding) DC circuit protection AC circuit protection Cable sizing and selection Sizing your cables Protecting cable runs Designing your system to keep your cables runs as short as possible
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