PV Inverters module strings (Last Call) [RE-wrenches]

[Joel Davidson]

Sure, water doesn't always boil at 212 degrees F. and site specific factors
affect PV system design. But designers can and should "make broad statements"
or rules of thumb so they can do quick calculations for power, energy and cost
estimates. Otherwise designers will spend a lot of time designing systems that
never get sold.

I'll try one last time to get the collaborative juices flowing.

If you have never collaborated, picture this. For several years, some of us did
quick calculations almost daily based on 14-module series strings for Omnion
inverter systems using 36-cell single crystal and polycrystalline modules.
About once a year, we (a few specialists from c-box, inverter, module
manufacturers and installers) would get together to discuss using less than 28
modules on Omnion bi-polar series strings and other cost-saving ideas. We would
discuss the systems that we designed and sold and other people's systems that
we saw. The meetings were always interesting, very worthwhile and resulted in
module, j-box, c-box and inverter design changes and system cost reductions.
While internet exchanges are not as much fun as meeting face to face with a
calculator in one hand and a brew in the other hand, they are interesting and
worthwhile - and I am sure manufacturers and others listening in are getting an
earful and an education.

So if anyone has additions, exceptions, etc. to the following list, write on.

24 modules
Siemens SR100
Siemens SP75
BP Solar BP-585UL
Kyocera KC120-1
Astropower APX-75
Astropower AP-120

12 modules
BP Solar BP2150
Photowatt PW1000-95

? modules
ASE Americas ASE-300

Do not use
Energy Photovoltaics EPV-40
Solarex MST-43
Solarex MSX-120
United Solar SSR-128
United Solar US-64


Bill Brooks wrote:

> Joel,
>
> Where do you want to install the system? As pointed out in the long
> discourse several weeks ago, you cannot make a broad statement on this
> subject. It is specific to the region and climate. This is one of the
> reasons Trace does not provide anything but operating parameters of their
> equipment. The numbers below are generally true of California installations
> where it does not get below 14F. The high Sierras and many other climates
> throughout the world cannot abide by these numbers.
>
> Contour maps could be developed, but that requires a lot of research.
> Ultimately, it comes down to who is competent to design a high voltage PV
> system. Most wrenches do not have the experience to design the system, but
> they may have the competence to install.
>
> How many wrenches regularly use gloves on an installation--not many because
> they normally work with lower voltages. High voltage systems are a new
> ballgame. If you are not trained to work on these systems, you have no
> business doing the work. Don't forget that electricity is lethal, and we
> certainly don't want people getting hurt or worse because they assumed they
> could work on a system because they know "solar".
>
> Bill.
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Joel Davidson [mailto:joeldavidson at earthlink.net]
> > Sent: Saturday, May 05, 2001 3:22 PM
> > To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
> > Subject: PV Inverters module strings (Last Call) [RE-wrenches]
> >
> >
> > Last call for your input on Trace Technologies inverter rough (first
> > pass) design series string count. Any changes, additions or corrections?
> >
> > 24 modules
> > Siemens SR100
> > Siemens SP75
> > BP Solar BP-585UL
> > Kyocera KC120-1
> > Astropower APX-75
> > Astropower AP-120
> >
> > 12 modules
> > BP Solar BP2150
> > Photowatt PW1000-95
> >
> > ? modules
> > ASE Americas ASE-300
> >
> > Do not use
> > Energy Photovoltaics EPV-40
> > Solarex MST-43
> > Solarex MSX-120
> > United Solar SSR-128
> > United Solar US-64
> >
> > - - - -
> > To send a message: RE-wrenches at topica.com
> >
> > Archive of previous messages: http://www.topica.com/lists/RE-wrenches/
> >
> > List rules & etiquette: http://www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/etiquete.htm
> >
> > Check out participant bios: www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/index.html
> >
> > Hosted by Home Power magazine
> >
> > Moderator: michael.welch at homepower.com
> >
> >
>
> - - - -
> To send a message: RE-wrenches at topica.com
>
> Archive of previous messages: http://www.topica.com/lists/RE-wrenches/
>
> List rules & etiquette: http://www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/etiquete.htm
>
> Check out participant bios: www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/index.html
>
> Hosted by Home Power magazine
>
> Moderator: michael.welch at homepower.com
>

- - - -
To send a message: RE-wrenches at topica.com

Archive of previous messages: http://www.topica.com/lists/RE-wrenches/

List rules & etiquette: http://www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/etiquete.htm

Check out participant bios: www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/index.html

Hosted by Home Power magazine

Moderator: michael.welch at homepower.com

==^================================================================
EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?bz8Qcs.bz9JC9
Or send an email To: RE-wrenches-unsubscribe at topica.com
This email was sent to: michael.welch at homepower.com

T O P I C A  -- Learn More. Surf Less.
Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Topics You Choose.
http://www.topica.com/partner/tag01
==^================================================================