Design a PV system to demonstrate the function of its components.
Design should include
- a site analysis
- calculation of system output
- percent of electrical use offset
- type of solar panel chosen
- number and type of inverters selected
- mounting system
- disconnect switches
- other safety or monitoring materials, batteries, and charge controllers, if required.
Process/Skill Questions:
- How many kilowatts of electricity does the average home in the local community consume, on average, per month?
- What is the conversion calculation from kilowatt hours consumed and kilowatts produced?
- What size solar array would be needed to power a building in the local community?
- What are the three most common racking systems for solar PV?
- What size inverter would be needed to handle a PV array that could power a building in the local community?
- What is wind loading?
- How does heat affect PV panel output?
- What is a passive tracking system?
- What is an active tracking system?