Solar panel primer

Solar panels or Photovoltaic system is called that way as it uses the photovoltaic
effect is the creation of voltage or electric current in a material upon exposure
to light and is a physical and chemical phenomenon to generate electricity.
2 types of photovoltaic system

Grid-tie system
Output of PV systems is connected in parallel with the utility power grid.
Power supply drawn from the utility grid will be correspondingly reduced
by the amount of power that PV system generates. If there is little or no
output from the PV system due to cloudy weather or at night, the
electricity drawn from the utility grid will be correspondingly increased.
In this way, there is no need to have storage batteries.

Off-Grid system
Batteries for energy storage are required to provide electricity under
conditions when there is little or no output from the PV system. Off grid
system are usually power DC loads, such as telecoms systems, rural
lighting systems, parking sign lights, lightings in parks.

Where PVs can be installed in a building

Many ways to install PV systems in a building
Existing Buildings

Mount PV modules on a frame on the roof top

Parallel to the roof surface with a standoff of several centimetres
(recommended more than 10 cm) to reduce module temp through air
circulation.

North-south orientation to maximise the amount of solar energy

received. Singapores proximity to the Equator means the modules
compass orientation is not critical. Laying the modules flat will
maximise exposure to the sun.
As flat-mounted modules may get dirty from trapped rain water and
dust, it is better to mount the modules at an angle (10-15 for
framed modules, or as little as 3-5 for unframed modules) to allow
rain water to run off properly. The PV modules should be free of
shade. Shading of any cell of a module may reduce the output of
the entire module drastically. Therefore, shadows cast by tall trees
and neighbouring buildings (including those to be built in future)
should be avoided.

New Buildings

In a new development, besides mounting on the roof top, the PV

modules or panels could in a creative, aesthetically-pleasing
manner be integrated into the building facade (this form of PV is
commonly known as Building Integrated Photovoltaic or BIPV in
short). This could be on any part of the roof or external walls that is
well-exposed to sunlight e.g. skylights, claddings, windows, external
shading devices. It could also be integrated into external structures
such as canopies, car park shelters and railings.

No moving parts in PV installations, minimal maintenance are needed. Routine

maintencance is required to ensure that the system is performing properly.

Check for dirt build-up or shade encroachment

Usually designed and installed to be self-cleaning through rainwater.
Should be checked for corrosion
Preventive maintenance works should be carried out every 6
months.

Examples of solar panel

Used as a shade, prevent the glass-clad factory from overheating while
generate electricity
Generate electricity while acting as a part of the building cladding
Used in balconies (allow good visibility whilst protecting privacy)

Solar PV yield
Solar PV systems entail high capital cost.
Operating costs for Solar PV is negligible, annual maintenance cost beyond
warranty period may amount to 0.5% to 1% of the capital cost of installation.

Sale of extra electricity