Even the most experienced professionals make mistakes, and PV systems present many opportunities for errors. In this paper we list some of the more common issues we’ve seen or heard about often enough to be worth mentioning.
PV
The hows and whys of higher voltages in solar
Why did the industry move from 600-V to 1000-V solar arrays? The answer is simple: to reduce system costs. The value of increased system voltages is realized in infrastructure savings, reduced installation costs and end-to-end efficiency improvements. That is the same reason the industry is now moving from 1000 volt systems to 1500 volt systems. Learn more about challenges to the step-up, efficiency and cost considerations and why the move to higher voltages is so important to the industry overall.
How much granularity is enough?
In the age of data, solar contractors, maintenance crews and system owners can see more system performance details than ever. But collecting and analyzing too much data can be a waste of resources. So what is the ideal granularity for a PV installation? In this whitepaper, HiQ Solar examines a number of monitoring, O&M and safety aspects — Find the right balance…
Saving Install Cost by Using Connectors as Means of Disconnect
Additional AC and DC disconnects add cost and complexity to PV systems and introduce several points of potential failure, thus reducing reliability. In the US disconnecting means are mandated by the governing electrical code. Several cents/Watt can often be saved in installation cost if separate disconnect boxes can be avoided in favor of integrated disconnects used by inverter manufacturers such as HiQ and Enphase. But is this code compliant? This paper addresses the regulatory requirements governing disconnecting means required for the replacement and servicing of PV inverter equipment. Specifically, the use of connecters as the required means of disconnect is detailed. It then shows that HiQ Solar TrueString™ inverters have been tested as part of their certification to allow this.
Taking the Nuisance Tripping out of AFCI – Useful Changes to Testing of PV Inverters
The ability of a PV inverter to detect and interrupt series arcs is a useful safety feature. In the US the National Electrical Code requires PV systems to be capable of detecting high voltage DC arcs. However, this has been a controversial topic. We’ll take a brief look at the issues with arc detection, and the progress being made in changing test methods to improve the situation.
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Clancy Moving Systems Rooftop Installation
The grid-tie 469 kW-DC/392 kW-AC solar PV system on the roof of Clancy Moving Systems represents a unique advance in system design and string inverter installation. To satisfy code requirements, keep costs low, and speed installation, EnterSolar® and Pure Power Engineering devised an innovative method that takes advantage of the AE 3TL string inverter’s horizontal-mount capability.  |
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A Guide for PV System Technicians and Engineers
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are being installed in ever increasing numbers throughout the world, and are expected to safely and reliably produce electrical energy over several decades of operation. However, many systems are not satisfactorily evaluated prior to being placed into service, and many have had little, if any, scheduled maintenance or testing over their lifetime. Unfortunately, this often leads to unsafe and underperforming systems with reduced value to their owners.
Download to learn more:
• Electrical Codes & Standards
• PV System Fundamentals
• System Documentation
• Commissioning PV Systems
• System Testing & Measurements
• System Performance Testing
• System Maintenance
Complete the form below to download your copy of this guide.