5 kW solar PV array 340 kW solar PV array

21 solar PV modules 1700 solar PV modules

Lac Ste Anne California

Solar Photovoltaic Electricity

…clarifying some important terms
The correct use of terms is critical in effective communication and supply contracts.

6,000 kW solar PV array 11,000 kW solar PV array

30,000 solar PV modules 55,000 solar PV modules
Germany Gordon Howell, P.Eng. Germany

Edmonton
©1995-2017
Solar heating and
solar electricity
are NOT the same…

ƒ Solar heating ƒ Solar electricity

– A dark surface located in
the sunshine
– Water or air runs past the
solar-heated surface
carrying heat to the building.
– A semiconductor device like a computer chip
– Employs the “photovoltaic” effect
– Photons bump electrons out of their orbit
– Wires carry away the charge from the electrons2
Solar Cells Absorb
the Energy in
Photons

ƒ The technology is called "photovoltaics", but we only call it "PV".

ƒ The energy in the photons knocks electrons out of their orbital shell
– 1 electron for 1 photon.
ƒ The electric field generated in the semi-conductor turns the charge from the
electrons into an electric current. Wires carry the current away. 3
 Solar Electricity
The technology is called "photovoltaics",
but we only call it “PV” for short.

Solar PV Module
Solar PV Cell
PV can generate any amount of electricity.
More electrical capacity
requires more PV modules.
Solar PV Array
5,000 modules 170,000 modules (200 W ea.)
34,000 kW PV array
1000 kW

PV Terms
4
30,000 modules, 6000 kW
How PV terms relate to each other

As per the
International Electrotechnical Commission’s standard IEC TS 61836
“Solar Photovoltaic Energy Systems – Terms, Definitions and Symbols” 5
 How PV terms relate to each other
array – the complete on-site assembly of
solar PV modules and racking

solar PV panel
solar PV module solar PV cell
(it is an on-site assembly
(it is a product (the only PV device
of PV modules
assembled at a that generates
fastened together on one rack)
factory) electricity)
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ƒ Solar heating: The words…
– thermal collector (it produces heat) the differences…
ƒ Solar electricity:
– photovoltaic module (it generates electricity)
– as defined and agreed by the international solar PV
industry (and contained in the IEC TS 61836
standard) and used around the world
– as defined and used in the Canadian Electrical Code

ƒ Solar PV panel
– this is a term describing the PV array mounting
configuration and is used in PV system design and
array construction only (otherwise who cares about it?)
– it means “several solar PV modules attached onto a
mounting rack”. It is usually an on-site assembly.

ƒ Solar PV string
– this is a term describing the PV array electrical
configuration and is used in PV system design and
electrical installation only (otherwise who cares about it?)
– it means “several solar PV modules electrically
connected in series”. It is usually an on-site assembly.
7
1 Solar PV Panel, 6 Solar PV Modules

1995 May, Edmonton

ƒ This is a single solar PV panel.
ƒ This panel consists of 6 solar PV modules mounted on two rails.

8
 Part of a solar-electric
Howsystem
generating many What words
solar panels do you do
seewe use?
here?
Part of a solar
domestic water
heating system
32 modules, arranged
as 2 panels (in this installation)

Direct gain
passive solar
space heating and 2 collectors
illumination windows
(not panels)

1 collector

Part of a Solarwall ventilation air pre-heating system

9
 Solar PV System
ƒ The only thing that is functional and that you want is a
solar PV system.
system You do not specifically want any of its individual
components, because they don’t work unless they are part of a PV
system.
system

ƒ Individual solar PV components will not provide you with the energy
service you are wanting.

ƒ A solar PV system consists of:

– solar PV modules, mounting rack, DC wiring, AC wiring, conduit, fittings,
disconnect switch, inverter, meter
– development, planning, modelling, design, procurement, supply,
installation, inspection, commissioning, operation

ƒ A solar PV system provides:

– clean reliable local energy, utility bill savings, emission reductions
– fascination, hope, anticipation, enjoyment
– leadership, prosperity, energy democracy, energy resilience
10
Many other specialised PV system terms
ƒ PV cell string
ƒ PV sub-string As per the
International Electrotechnical
Commission’s standard IEC TS 61836
ƒ PV sub-array “Solar Photovoltaic Energy Systems –
Terms, Definitions and Symbols”
ƒ PV assembly
www.iec.ch
ƒ PV generator
ƒ PV generating station
ƒ PV energy system
ƒ PV power system
ƒ PV plant
ƒ PV field
ƒ PV farm
ƒ PV installation
11
How a PV System
Functions
in a Building

12
 Solar Photovoltaic Electricity
Simple – Clean – Reliable – Affordable
Local … Equitable ... Democratic … Now

Download this
presentation and
others from
www.hme.ca
/presentations

Gordon Howell, P.Eng.

Howell-Mayhew Engineering
Edmonton
We welcome any feedback, questions, suggestions, Phone: +1 780 484 0476
comments and challenges to anything we present. E-mail: ghowell@hme.ca
13
Photo credits: Gordon Howell and several others ©1995-2017