Lab Name: Installation process of PV Solar system and It’s components.

Course title: Power Plants (Lab) Total Marks: 20

Practical No. 4 Date of experiment performed:
Course teacher/Lab Instructor: Engr. Syed M Kashif Shah Date of marking:
Student Name:
Registration no.

Evaluation Sheet

Knowledge components Domain Taxonomy Contribution Max. Obtained

level mark marks
s
1. Student is aware
with requirement Set (P2) 3
and use of apparatus
involved in
Experiment. Psychomotor
2. Student has conducted the
experiment by practicing 70%
the hands-on skills as per
Instructions. Guided Response 11
3. Student has achieved required (P3)
accuracy in performance.

4. Student is aware of discipline

& safety rules and followed Receiving (A1) 2
Affective
the rules during experiment.
20%

5. Student has responded well

Respond (A2) 2
and contributed affectively in
Respective lab activity.
6. Student familiar with Comprehension
Installation process of PV Cognitive 10% 2
Solar system and its (C2)
components

Total 20

Signed by Course teacher/ Lab Instructor

 EXPERIMENT NO 4
Installation Process of Solar PV System and its components.
Objective
 To install a solar PV system for your own house and do all the calculations

Equipment
 Solar Panels (Monocrystalline, Poly Crystalline)
 Charge Controller
 Deep Cycle Batteries
 Inverter

Specifications
1. Mono crystalline panels (100W x 10) , Poly crystalline panels (100W x06)
 VDC = 48V
 Vamp = 17.79 V
 Imp = 5.63 A
 Vic = 21.56 V
 Is = 6.09 A
2. Charge Controller
 (50 A, 48 V) x 02
 Inverter
 (48 V, 1000 Watt) x 02
3. Battery Bank
 (12V, 100AH) x 16

Introduction
A photovoltaic system, also solar PV power system, or PV system, is a power system designed to
supply usable solar power by means of photovoltaics. It consists of an arrangement of several
components.

Components
 Solar array
 Mounting
 Cabling
 Tracker
 Inverter
 Battery
 Monitoring and metering

Although a PV array produces power when exposed to sunlight, a number of other components
are required to properly conduct, control, convert, distribute, and store the energy produced by
the array.
Depending on the functional and operational requirements of the system, the specific
components required may include major components such as a DC-AC power inverter, battery
bank, system and battery controller, auxiliary energy sources and sometimes the specified
electrical load (appliances). In addition, an assortment of balance of system (BOS) hardware,
including wiring, overcurrent, surge protection and disconnect devices, and other power
processing equipment. Figure 3 show a basic diagram of a photovoltaic system and the
relationship of individual components.

SOLAR ENERGY APPLCATIONS VIABLE IN PAKISTAN:

Seeing Solar Energy Potential in Pakistan, it is envisaged that most of the solar energy
applications that are being used around the world are very much practical in the country.

PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV):
Studies conducted by the World Bank and some national agencies in Pakistan suggest that PV
power systems become competitive with conventional energy sources for small power
applications such as for telecommunication in remote areas. If installed, about 20 MW PV
installations will generate an average 32.195 million kWh of energy annually on a 35% annual
plant factor. Since the cost of implementing the option is much higher than the benefits available,
the implementation of PV option has not met any considerable success over the years. The
manufacturing and assembling of plants and equipment would improve the employment level in
the country and reduce solar costs.

Fig: Photovoltaic Cell

COMMERICAL LIGHTING (BILL BOARD LIGHTING, SEARCH LIGHTING,

GARDEN LIGHTING):

Commercial lighting load is increasing as the life style of the people is changing. The provincial
and city governments are planning to shift all this much load to solar energy. This renders a
potential of around 5 MW for solar PV modules in coming days.
SOLAR WATER PUMPING:
The irrigation system in most of the Arid Agricultural Areas is either dependent upon rain or
water pumps. This load accounts for more than 1,000 MW Currently, these pumps are either
operated through grid or through diesel generators. The federal and provincial governments are
planning to shift this load to solar energy. Efficient solar energy water pumps are available in the

Fig: SOLAR WATER PUMP

market. The companies that are supplying pumps can be contacted for supply of PV modules.
RURAL ELECTRIFICATION:
Under Roshan Pakistan Program and Parliamentarian Schemes for Rural Electrification, more
than 8,000 villages are going to be electrified through renewable energy technologies. A big
share out of which would be done through solar home systems powered through solar PV
modules. If 80% out of these are electrified through Solar PV module of 80 W capacity, than this
accounts for a total load of around 25 MW in coming days.

Fig: Solar Program in PAKISTAN

Survey
The next step involves survey and inspection of the site to see if the installation is feasible or not.
Following factors should be considered.
 Location
 Roof Condition
 Irradiance
 Orientation and Tilt
 Financial aspects

LOCATION:
The spot where I intend to install photovoltaic solar array should have:
A clear and unobstructed access to the sun throughout the day (between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.)
and throughout the year. This means lack of any obstacles between the sun’s rays and the solar
array’s surface – trees, chimneys, lamp-posts, neighbor buildings, etc. It should be noted that a
spot may be un-shaded during one part of the day and shaded during another part of the day.
Furthermore, a site un-shaded in summer might be shaded in winter, as the low position of the
sun in winter casts longer shadows.
Preferably a South-facing roof. True South orientation is not mandatory. A somehow Southeast
or Southwest facing roof is also acceptable. It has been proven that deviation within 20-30
degrees of the True South results in less than 10% degradation of PV array’s performance, which
is acceptable. Pure Eastern or pure Western orientation not recommended, since as a rule, solar
photovoltaic panels should be exposed to direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. You should
mind that installing a solar PV system on a roof facing East or West might result in 20%
degradation of system performance, which is a serious compromise. The roof can be either
inclined or flat. Flat roofs allow easier to implement the desired tilt angle of the PV array, but a
sloped roof will do as well.
Enough space for placing solar panels. The area I need for PV system depends mainly on power
requirement and type of cells used.
YOUR ROOF CONDITION, MATERIAL, AND LAYOUT:
One of the great things about solar panels is their durability. Most systems can last thirty years or
more. However, as asphalt roofs usually last around twenty years,1 this means your roof needs to
be in excellent condition before installing panels. It can be challenging and costly to remove and
reinstall panels to make way for roof work, so repair any damage—or replace the roof altogether,
if needed— before installing your array.
Along with your roof condition, consider its layout, materials, and direction. Some companies
may charge an additional fee to install on flat, concrete, or ceramic Spanish tile roofs, due to the
more involved installation
Solar irradiance in Pakistan:
Sunlight that reaches the surface of the earth cannot be completely used for producing electricity.
Many are scattered, some are reflected and some are absorbed by the earth’s atmosphere. All of
these components of sunlight have been given names of their own. Sunlight that reaches the
earth’s surface without scattering is called direct or beam radiation. Scattered sunlight is called
diffuse radiation. Sunlight that is reflected from the ground is called ALBEDO RADIATION
and the sum of all three components of sunlight is called GLOBAL RADIATION. The amount
of sunlight absorbed and scattered depends on the length of distance travelled by the light wave
through the atmosphere.
SOLAR PANEL AZIMUTH AND ZENITH ORIENTATION:

Solar PV modules and panels work best when their absorbing surface is perpendicular to the suns
incoming rays. The position of the sun in the sky can be plotted using two angles, azimuth and
zenith and the angle of the solar panel orientation relies upon these two values.

AZIMUTH ANGLE:
This is the compass angle of the sun as it moves through the sky from East to West over the
course of the day. Generally, azimuth is calculated as an angle from true south. At solar noon
which is defined as an azimuth angle of zero degrees, therefore Azimuth = 0o, the sun will be
directly south in the northern hemisphere and directly north in the southern hemisphere.
Solar azimuth angles to the east of due south are negative in nature, with due east having an
azimuth angle of -90o. Solar azimuth angles to the west of due south are positive in nature, with
due west having an azimuth angle of +90o. In general, however, the azimuth angle required for
the correct solar panel orientation varies with the latitude and time of year.
ZENITH ANGLE:
This is the angle of the sun looking up from ground level or the horizon. The zenith angle of the
sun varies throughout the day in the form of an arc with the sun reaching its maximum elevation
(also called solar altitude) around midday. The suns elevation is defined as 0o at sunrise and
sunset, and 90o at midday when the sun is directly overhead.
However, the elevation of the sun at midday is different between the summer solstice and the
winter solstice representing the longest and shortest days of the year as the suns path forms an
arc across the sky representing either spring or autumn.
YOUR FINANCING OPTIONS:

The actual cost of installing a solar array depends on multiple factors, including the type of
panels, the size of the system, and the company you use, but it generally ranges between 5 to 10
lacs. Paying upfront is generally the simplest payment method, but if you don't have several that
much sum on hand, solar loans are another good option. As with most other loans, you typically
pay a small down payment initially and cover the remainder of the loan through monthly fees.
LOAD CALCULATIONS AND COST ANALYSIS
In order to calculate your total house load. Check the power rating of the electrical appliances
and multiply it by their numbers.

Appliance Quantity Power (Watts)

L.E.D bulbs (30 watts) 8 240

Energy Saver (26 watts) 4 104

Submersible Pump (750 watts) 1 750

Washing Machine (490 watts) 1 490

 TV (150 watts) 1 150

Fan ( 70 watts) 6 420

Refrigerator (300 watts) 1 300

Total Load: 2454 watt

Considering a factor of safety of about 1.5.

So, we multiply Total Load with safety factor so that we get the SAFE LOAD.

SAFE LOAD= TOTAL LOAD *1.5 SAFE LOAD= 2454 * 1.5

SAFE LOAD = 3681 Watt.

QUOTATIONS:

INVEREX CUSTOMER CARE CENTER RAWALPINDI:

COST ANALYSIS:
INVEREX CUSTOMER CARE CENTER RAWALPINDI:
Per watt cost of panels = 16500/330 =50/- rupee per watt
Number of panels = 12 (Given in Quotation)
Installation and commissioning charges = 16,000 Rs

ATS ENGINEERING SALES AND SERVICES ISLAMABAD:

Per watt cost of panels= 16350/325 = 50/-rupee per watt.
Number of panels = 4500/325 = 13.8 ~12 panels
Installation charges = 40,000 Rs

INSTALLATION OF SOLAR STEPS

Step – 1. Which direction should be the solar panel face?

The mounting structure provides the base for the entire solar system so make sure it is sturdy and
properly fastened to the rooftops of your house or commercial establishment. A typical mounting
structure is made up of Aluminum. The performance of the solar panels depends upon the
direction in which these panels are placed. The best direction to face solar panels is south, since
here they receive the maximum sunlight.

Step 2. In Which angle should you install solar panels?

The Solar panel tilt angle (the angle between the horizontal ground and the solar module) should
be decided according to the latitude of your location anywhere in the world. It is generally
believed that the modules placed at a tilt angle equivalent to the latitude of the place, would
generate the maximum energy output. You can also use a solar tracker to increase the conversion
efficiency.

Step-3: Electrical Wiring

MC4 connectors are used to connect solar panels. These are universal connectors and can be
connected with any type of solar panels. The solar array wiring becomes simpler and faster using
MC4 connectors. Few modern solar modules come with wire leads that have MC4 connectors on
the ends, else they have a built-in junction box at the back with wires jotting out. In a series
connection you will have to connect the positive wire from one module to the negative wire of
another module. In a parallel connection, you connect the positive to positive and negative to

negative leads. A parallel connection maintains the voltage of each panel while a series
connection increases the voltage in order to match it with the battery bank.
Step-4: Connection between Solar Panel and Solar Inverter
In the picture given below, the backside of an inverter is shown where solar panel wire is
connected. Connect the positive wire from the solar panel with the positive inverter terminal and
the negative wire with negative terminal of the inverter. There are other connections too like
battery wire connection and output wire connection with the inverter.

Step-5: Connection between Solar Inverter and Solar Battery

In an off grid solar system, Battery is mandatory where it is used to store power backup. This
battery is connected with solar inverter to recharge it with solar panel and grid. The positive
terminal of the battery is connected with the positive of the inverter and vice versa.

Step-6: Connection between Solar Inverter and Grid

In order to connect the inverter to the grid simply plug it in in the main power switch board, so
that it gets power from the grid. The output wire is also connected with board that is supplying
electricity in home. In order to calculate the excess energy generated from the solar system we
need to install a metering device. We need to connect the positive wire from the metering device
with the line terminal and the negative wire to the neutral terminal of the inverter.

Working Principle
The solar panels are only a part of a complete PV solar system. Solar modules are the heart of the
system and are usually called the power generators. One must have also mounting structures to
which PV modules are fixed and directed towards the sun. For PV systems that have to operate at
night or during the period of bad weather the storage of energy is required, the batteries for
electricity storage are needed. The output of a PV module depends on sunlight intensity and cell
temperature; therefore, components that condition the DC (direct current) output and deliver it to
batteries, grid, and/or load are required for a smooth operation of the PV system. These
components are referred to as charge regulators. For applications requiring AC (alternating
current) the DC/AC inverters are implemented in PV systems. These additional components
form that part of a PV system that is called balance of system (BOS). Finally, the household
appliances, such as radio or TV set, lights and equipment being powered by the PV solar system
are called electrical load. The elements of a PV system are schematically presented in Figure
Simply put, PV systems are like any other electrical power generating systems, just the
equipment used is different than that used for conventional electromechanical generating
systems. However, the principles of operation and interfacing with other electrical systems
remain the same, and are guided by a well-established body of electrical codes and standards.

SUGGESTIONS
 Do proper market research before buying any particular equipment.
 Always keep in mind your requirements and limitations.
 Don’t compromise on quality.
 Take proper care and make sure to arrange periodic maintenances of the equipment.
 Always be sure about what you want.
 Survey is the most important part.
 Use adjustable mountings to obtain maximum efficiency.
 Never connect an old battery with a new one.
 Use proper safety equipment and breakers.
 Keep the inverter in an airy place.

Observations
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 LAB REPORT

Prepare the Lab Report as below:

TITLE:

OBJECTIVE:

APPARATUS:

PROCEDURE:
(Note: Use all steps you studied in LAB SESSION in this lab to write procedure and to
complete the experiment)

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DISCUSSION:

Q1.: How you can select the inverter for PV system installation for your house?

Q2.: What are the safety measures must do for easy installation?

Conclusion /Summary

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