Module Mismatching When PV modules are connected in series, there is something known as “the Christmas light effect”. If one module has less current, then it eventually limits the amount of current to flow through the whole series-connected PV source circuit (string). Before there were bypass diodes in PV modules Read more…
I = Current and V= Voltage Voc = OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE We can see the point called Voc (open circuit voltage). This is the point at which there is an open circuit. This means that the PV system is turned off. As we can see, the voltage is as high Read more…
Blocking Diodes A blocking diode allows the flow of current from a solar panel to the battery but prevents/blocks the flow of current from the battery to solar panel thereby preventing the battery from discharging. Current streams from high to low voltage, so on a bright day, the voltage of Read more…
When PV is made and sold it is rated at STC (Standard Test Conditions) STC: 1000W/m2 (brightness of light about like noon), 25 ̊C (77 ̊F), 1.5AM (Atmosphere Mass spectrum of light) However, in the real world, PV modules operate under different conditions. The best energy production can be observed Read more…
The nameplate on the individual PV modules shall carry the following minimum information: • Name and logo of the original manufacturer or supplier • Type designation and serial number • Maximum system voltage • Rated nominal power (Pmax) at STC (1000 W/m², 25°C cell temperature, and air mass [AM] 1.5 Read more…
Urban Heat Island Effect An urban heat island occurs when a city experiences much warmer temperatures than in nearby rural areas. The difference in temperature between urban and less-developed rural areas has to do with how well the surfaces in each environment absorb and hold heat. Design strategies to reduce Read more…
Researchers at the Multimedia University of Kenya have claimed the Earth’s magnetic field affects solar panel performance in the same manner fields from power lines, transformers and other electrical equipment can. The Kenyan group analyzed the performance of a multi-crystalline solar panel influenced by a static magnetic field they calculated Read more…
U-value Thermal transmittance (U value) is the heat transmission in unit time through unit area of a material or construction and the boundary air films, induced by unit temperature difference between the environments on either side.Unit of U value is W/m2.K. U value for the wall/roof/glazing indicates its ability to Read more…
Understanding the Efficiency of Solar Modules Solar panels are usually able to process 15% to 22% of solar energy into usable energy, depending on factors like placement, orientation, weather conditions, and similar. The amount of sunlight that solar panel systems are able to convert into actual electricity is called performance, and the outcome determines the solar panel Read more…
For all climatic zones, vertical fenestration compliance requirements for all three incremental energy efficiency levels, i.e. ECBC, ECBC+, and SuperECBC, shall comply with the following: (a) Maximum allowable Window Wall Ratio (WWR) is 40% (applicable to buildings showing compliance using the Prescriptive Method, including Building Envelope Trade-off Method) (b) Minimum Read more…