2.

4 Unit 3: Components: PV panel generators

Unit 3 begins the series of four units which explains real devices used for PV generation. In this case
PV panels. This unit contains theory, DIY, a state of the art inphographics and a final test.

2.4.1 A pill of theory

Once we know how basic principles of photovoltaic generation works on cells, we can identify the
main components of a real PV installation.

Photovoltaic Panels, are the generators of the PV system

They consist in rows of PV cells connected in series or parallel in a design that fits a fixed target voltage/ten-
sion and current configuration.

Figure 23: Serial and parallels cells

Serial connections of PV cells adds their voltage while keeping constant intensity.

Figure 24: intensity and voltage of Serial cells

Serial connections of PV cells adds their intensity while keeping constant voltage.

Figure 25: intensity and voltage of parrallel cells

Electric parameters that characterize a PV panel are similar to those on PV cells, already seen. Those
parameters allow us to to design a proper PV system, to find its optimal operation point and to compare
different models or brands of PV panels.
PV panels behave as cells in terms of its intensity-voltage curve. And so about its Maximum Power Point,
that should be tracked:

Figure 19: Maximum power point

As in the cell, most important parameters of PV panels are:

• short circuit current (Isc).

Figure 18: short circuit current

The maximum possible value of current I happens when there si no resistance between(+) and (-).
 • Open circuit Voltage Voc.
When the maximum possible value of voltage V, happens when no load is attached to de circuit:
(No resistance between (+) and (-)).

Figure 17: open circuit voltage

• PMax : maximum power:
Maximum power point PMP: corresponds to the point in which maximum I and maximum V is
reached simultaneously. Power is calculated from V and I, just multiplying:
Pmax =V max · I max
PM I M·V M 2
• efficiency η: η= = ≃15−25 % ; where G=1000 W / m
Area·G P ph

The silicon PV cell produces a voltage V=0,5 V; but hardly any application can work at such low
voltages. So PV cells are linked in series to achieve a target Voltage V , commonly 6, 12, 24 V. Solar gener-
ator voltage needs to be fitted with the defined system voltage and should also be at least high enough to
allow the battery to be fully charged. We may find rows of 12, 24, 48 cells in series. 12 V systems are the
most commonly used; higher system voltages should be used in cases where appliance power consumption
is relatively high.
As an example, of commercial uses of PV panels, solar modules with 36 cells operating at voltages
from 15 V to 20 V and Power output from 50 W to 200 W are also very widely used. These panels are suit-
able to charge 12 V batteries. A 30-cell panel (15 V) can be used to charge an acid-lead (not a lithium-ion!)
battery without a controller, but it may be not enough to charge the battery completely.
A 36-cell panel (18 V) will do better, but it needs a controller to prevent over-charging.
The current depends on the size of each cell, and the solar radiation intensity. Most cells produce a current
of 2 A to 3 A in bright sunlight. The current is the same in every cell because these cells are connected in
series .
Finally several of this rows are connected in parallel to fit a precise current intensity I and power P
For achieving even a stronger current, a series of modules or strings is wired in parallel.
Finally, as in the case of PV cells, we may calculate the rated power of the panel by as: Pmax =V max · I max
 The life spam of such modules is strongly dependent of how good they are protected against the
environment. So, once the desired values of V,I,P are achieved by linking cells, they are encapsulated and
vacuum sealed under several layers of different materials as a sandwich, such packing isolated them against
physical or electrical damage from environment, other electric devices or hazards.
A box containing a set of connection and contacts is then placed at the back of the panel, together with
some extra protections as diodes or even control devices, as we will see.
Solar generators produce no voltage at night. In order to prevent the battery from discharging back
into the PV panels, a blocking diode is used that allows current to flow from the PV generator to the battery
but not the other way around.
Finally the panel is packed into a metal frame (aluminum) that adds extra physical protection and provides
a handy way of installation. Modules with thin-film silicon solar cells have plastic frames instead. For them
some manufacturers rate a 30-year life spam.

Types of panels depending of the technology of construction

Figure 26: technologies of PV panels

• monocristaline panels, are the most efficient (17% to 22%) and expensive. Silicon bars are slice in a
single direction showing an homogeneous and continuous layer. It is easy to spot monocrystaline
panels thanks to its black or dark blue color and its homogeneous look. Since is build from a single
crystal, It does not show different reflection angles for light inside the silicon cell.
 • policrystaline panels, being slightly less efficient (15% to 17% ) than monocrystaline, are cheaper
too. Instead of use a single crystal of silicon, many fragments are melted together. Policrystaline PV
panels show a blue color and multiples layers are visible from their reflection to light.
Both monocrystaline and poly crystalline are made of highly pure silicon.

• Thin-film panels, are cheapest and less efficient (10-13%) among PV panels. Thin film are con-
structed by covering a solid/flexible surface with a slim layer of PV silicon. As main advantage, thin
layers shows flexibility and low weight so they can be installed directly on roofs or walls. Thin film
degrades faster and shorter live span is expected.

Behavior under real environmental conditions

The general behavior of all PV generators under real weather and environmental conditions are:
• electric intensity increases with sun light direct radiation. Then power generated grows from sunrise
to noon, moment when reaches its maximum, and then decreases again until sunset. Bad weather
conditions, as clouds, fogs, smoke... and shadows from close by buildings trees or other modules
have an strong influence and should be avoided.
• electric intensity decreases with temperature in all PV generators. Which means as the temperature
of a solar panel increases, the panel produces less electricity.
• Maximum Power Point changes with solar irradiation. P max has not a constant value. As light irradi-
ance changes during the day, so will do the P max. To ensure maximum performance of the panels
along the whole day a Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT) is is introduced as the next compo-
nent in the chain of the PV system. Controller continuously "find" the pair of values V max and Imax
that ensures maximum power generation.
• Panels should normally be mounted facing south, and should be tilted at least 21 º to allow rain to
drain off. Since the power output of solar cells is reduced by high temperatures, there should be at
least 10 cm separation under the panels for ventilation. There must be no shading of the panels by
obstructions, and the panels should be kept clean.