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Design Considerations

This document provides design considerations for architects and builders planning to install photovoltaic (PV) solar systems. It outlines optimal solar array placement with recommendations for roof space, orientation, and shading avoidance. It also details best practices for equipment location such as placing the main service panel and inverter close to the solar array and providing adequate space and wiring conduits. With proactive design that considers solar integration, the option can be left open for cost-effective system installation later.

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holtfamilyhq
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27 views2 pages

Design Considerations

This document provides design considerations for architects and builders planning to install photovoltaic (PV) solar systems. It outlines optimal solar array placement with recommendations for roof space, orientation, and shading avoidance. It also details best practices for equipment location such as placing the main service panel and inverter close to the solar array and providing adequate space and wiring conduits. With proactive design that considers solar integration, the option can be left open for cost-effective system installation later.

Uploaded by

holtfamilyhq
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Design Considerations for Architects and Builders

Planning on installing a photovoltaic (PV) system on your client’s new building? The following
information will help make the installation go smoothly, keep the cost to a minimum, and
optimize the performance. Though it may not be possible to meet all the criteria listed here,
everything that can be incorporated in the design will benefit your client when it comes time to
install the system. The following considerations apply to both new construction and post
construction additions. Thank you for including solar PV in your design.

Solar Array Placement and Orientation:

1. Area Needed
· Contiguous unobstructed roof space equal to 20 to 25% of total house square footage
should be available on a South Facing Roof (SFR)
· 100 square feet of space per kW of modules is needed.
· An unobstructed contiguous rectangular area is best. Square footage will need to be
increased if the roof design includes hip roofs, dormers, valleys, skylights, chimneys,
vents, DWV vents, or other obstacles to work around.
2. Roof Orientation.
· The ideal angle of inclination at this latitude is 30 degrees. There is a 3% loss of sun
exposure on angles ±15 degrees from 30 degrees. However, as any surface steeper
than 30 degrees becomes difficult to work on, we recommend angels between 15 to
30 degrees from level to optimize panel output and minimize installation costs. This
inclination will also favor the summer sun, optimizing year around performance.
· The most beneficial orientation for panels is to the southwest: From 15 degrees east
of south to 45 degrees west of south. This will favor the afternoon sun and allow for
peak performance under time-of-use rate plans. Other orientations can work but
yield fewer economic benefits.
3. Shading Problems.
· Shading significantly decreases performance and increases costs. Ideally, shading
should not be present on the panels between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.. A minimum of 6
hours of mid-day sun is best for economic performance.
· Avoid placing obstacles like chimneys and vents on the SFR. Design all roof
penetrations for the north-sloped roofs, when possible. If it is necessary to place
obstacles on the SFR, place them as close together, and as close to the roof ridge, as
possible.
· Shading from surrounding vegetation should be eliminated or minimized. Branches
that extend over the panels will also shed debris that will increase maintenance and
inhibit performance.
· Placing panels near walls, overhangs or other parts of the building can shade the
array and decrease performance.
Equipment Location: The work needed to integrate the panels to the rest of the electrical system
has the greatest impact on the cost of the solar installation.

1. Main Service Panel (MSP).


· Place the MSP as close to the array as possible
· Flush mounting the MSP makes it more difficult to access the service box and
therefore increases installation costs.
· Leave space in the service panel for at least 2 breakers reserved for the solar
system tie-in.
· It is possible to tie into a sub panel located somewhere else in the house, but
some additional cost will be incurred.
2. Inverter and Disconnects.
· In addition to the solar panels on the roof, the system includes an inverter, an AC
disconnect, and, sometimes, a DC disconnect and combiner box.
· Inverters function best when they are kept cool. Exterior mounting is preferred:
breezeway, north side of the house, or any site not exposed to direct sunlight or
direct heat. Mechanical rooms with heat producing equipment often lead to
overheating as do confined spaces. Large garages that do not get too hot are fine.
· An area approximately 3’ by 3’ is needed to mount the equipment.
· Equipment should be located as close to the MSP as possible.
· Avoid placing the inverter on a wall of a room normally occupied during the
middle of the day. On hot days some inverters run a small fan to keep cool.
Though normally not too noticeable, it can be disturbing to sensitive ears.
3. Wiring Considerations:
· A conduit path must be run from the panel mounting area to the equipment
mounting location. This is often where added cost can be avoided if designs are
done with the solar needs in mind.
· Keep wire runs as short as possible to minimize wiring materials and installation
time. This will also allow for smaller wire sizes to be used and, ultimately, a
lower price tag for the owner.
· If no attic space is designed under the panel mounting location, conduit will
need to be installed prior to closing in the roof.
· High voltage DC wires are run from the solar panels to the DC disconnect box
located at the inverter. Pre-installing the conduits in the walls can significantly
improve the aesthetics of the system.
· Ultimately, the wiring will terminate at the MSP or a sub panel. The relative
location of the equipment determines the effort needed to do the solar
installation.

A Final Note: Often it is not known at the time of design if a solar system will ultimately be part
of the plan. By considering the needs of a system at the design stage, the option can be left open
for the owner to later add solar in the most cost-effective way possible. We hope that this
information will help designers and builders make the best choices for their clients who have
expressed an interest in including solar in their home design. Please contact us at 707-829-8282 if
you have any questions regarding this information.

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