Lecture 6: Sizing Off-Grid PV

systems

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1. Sizing of stand-alone PV system

Methodody to size a stand-alone PV system :

1.Set the maximum instantaneous power consumption

2. Set the battery or battery bank voltage
3. Estimate daily consumption (𝐸𝐶 )
4. Define the performance ratio of the installation
5. Define the total power to be installed 𝑃𝑝
6. How to choose the charge regulator?
7. How to choose the battery(ies)?
8. How to choose the inverter?
9. Case studies

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1.Set maximum instantaneous power consumption Pmax
To do this, you must list the equipment that will be powered by the installation.

The maximum instantaneous power will correspond to the maximum cumulative power of the
equipment that will be used at the same time.

2. Set the battery or battery bank voltage

Here are the rules of use:

If Pmax < 400 W => Battery voltage = 12V

If Pmax < 1,500 W => Battery voltage = 24V
If Pmax > 1,500 W => Battery voltage = 48V

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 3. Electrical need estimation (𝑬𝑪 )

Simply, list the number of hours of use per day for each piece of equipment, and multiply by the power of each
piece of equipment.

• First, we have to identify all the electrical devices that will be powered by the autonomous photovoltaic system.
For each of these devices, the rated operating power must be identified. So, we can rely on measurements
directly on site or the indications on the data sheets/signs of the devices.
• Then, we will estimate the daily use time.
• The electrical power product (in W) by the usage time (in h) will indicate the daily energy consumed (in Wh) of
the device.
• Finally, the sum of the calculated daily energies will give an overall assessment of the building electrical needs.

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 4. Define the performance ratio of the installation
The performance ratio (PR) makes possible the quantification of the intrinsic losses of the electrical installation.
The performance ratio is, therefore, a number ranging between 0 and 1 (or 0 and 100%).
The PR is specific to each installation. Nevertheless, it is possible to estimate the PR value [9]:
• The temperature coefficient of the power KT (P) is similar from one module to another (order of magnitude:
0.4%/°C).
• The voltage drop in the cables is limited to 3%.
• Regulator output is similar from one regulator to another (97% of order of magnitude).
• Battery performance is about 85%.
• The inverter efficiency is similar from one inverter to another (order of magnitude: 95%).
• Other miscellaneous losses are similar from one facility to another (2% order of magnitude).
The only really variable parameters are the integration mode and the presence or absence of a MPPT device.
Thus, we can draw up a general summary table of the RP value
If you want to be very precise, you must collect this information from the technical sheets of the devices you plan
to use. Usually, the overall efficiency coefficient of a photovoltaic solar installation for isolated site is between
0.55 and 0.75

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For investors and operators, there are two fundamental questions:

• How much electricity does the system generate?

• How well does the system perform?

The performance ratio is one of the most important variables for evaluating the efficiency of a PV plant. It is largely
independent of the orientation of a PV plant and the incident solar irradiation on the PV plant. For this reason, the
performance ratio can be used to compare PV plants supplying the grid at different locations all over the world.

What is the performance ratio?

The performance ratio (PR), often called quality factor, is stated as percent and describes the relationship between the actual
and theoretical energy outputs of the PV plant.
It thus shows the proportion of the energy that is actually available for export to the grid after deduction of all pre-
conversion losses (thermal losses, conduction losses, inverter losses ) and of energy consumption for operation.

The closer the PR value determined for a PV plant approaches 100 %, the more efficiently the respective PV plant is operating.
In real life, a value of 100 % cannot be achieved, as unavoidable losses always arise with the operation of the PV plant.
1.Pre-photovoltaic losses:
Attenuation of the incoming light
though shading, dirt, snow and
reflection before it hits the
photovoltaic material.

2. Module and thermal losses:

Reflecting the efficiency and
temperature dependence of the solar
module

3. System losses:
Reflecting losses in the electrical
components including wiring, inverters
and transformers.
What is the function of the performance ratio?
The performance ratio informs you as to how energy efficient and reliable your PV plant is. With the performance ratio you
can compare the energy output of your PV plant with that of other PV plants or monitor the status of your PV plant over a
prolonged period. Deviations in the PR value in the form of values below the normal range therefore indicate a possible fault
in your PV plant at an early stage.
How is the performance ratio calculated?
You need different variables to be able to calculate the performance ratio of your PV plant.
• The solar-irradiation values for the site of the PV plant. (A measuring gage like the Sunny SensorBox measures the incident
solar irradiation at your PV plant).
• The factor of the modular area of your PV plant and the relative efficiency of your PV modules. (The modular efficiency
of the data sheet for the PV module can be obtained in the data sheet.)

Analysis period
The optimum analysis period for calculating the performance ratio is 1 year. However, you can also select shorter time periods, a
minimum analysis period of 1 month
5. Define the total power of the solar panels to be installed 𝑷𝒑

To determine the total power of the solar panels to be installed, you must use the average daily sunshine
value of the site, Ei, in kWh/m².day. Ei depends on the orientation, inclination of the panels and possible
shading.

To define Ei, use the PVGIS software, “monthly data” tab which allows the inclination and the orientation to
be taken into account.

𝑬𝒄
𝑷𝒑𝒗 =
𝑬𝒊 × 𝑷𝑹

Number of solar modules:

𝑷𝒑𝒗
N=
𝑷𝑰

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 6. How to choose the charge regulator?
The solar regulator is a device that is positioned between the solar modules and the batteries, also known as a
charge controller. It is the guarantor of the energy level stored in the batteries.
Its main missions are:
• To convert the output voltage of the solar panel into voltage adapted to the charge of the batteries
• To protect the batteries by controlling their charge level. Once the batteries are full, the regulator will cut off the
park recharge. At the same time, it will stop the power consumption of connected devices if the battery charge
level falls below a certain safety threshold (deep discharge limit)
• To avoid reverse currents and thus protect the panel
PWM vs. MPPT charge regulators MPPT charge regulators, thanks to their microprocessor and more advanced
charging algorithms, are the most efficient regulators today. Victron Energy
PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) charge is one of the pioneers of this technology which makes it possible to obtain
regulators, whose sole role is to adapt the up to 30% additional efficiency compared to a PWM (especially during
panel voltage. They are therefore ideal for cloudy periods). They are equipped with the most advanced charging
small installations (less than 150W) due to algorithms and thus allow the best production to be achieved.
their low cost. Finally, MPPT regulators accept a higher input voltage (75V, 100V, 150V and
up to 250V) compared to PWM (23V or 55V max) and thus make it possible
to limit the loss by joule effect.

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The sizing of a charge regulator is done according to :

- The voltage of the battery bank (12, 24 or 48 V)

- The maximum charging intensity 𝐼𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝑟𝑒𝑔 accepted by the regulator must be compatible with the power of the
panels and the voltage of the battery bank according to the formula 𝐼𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝑟𝑒𝑔 = 𝑃𝑝𝑣 /𝑉𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠

Current compatibility Voltage compatibility Power compatibility

𝐼𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝑟𝑒𝑔 > 𝐼𝑠𝑐 𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝑟𝑒𝑔 > 𝑉𝑜𝑐 max 𝑃𝑉 𝑃𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝑟𝑒𝑔 > 𝑃PV
𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝐼𝑠𝑐 𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 1.25 × 𝐼𝑠𝑐

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Can we connect panels of different powers to the same regulator?
No because this will hamper the algorithm responsible for optimizing production.
This constraint on the algorithm can also create a malfunction of the regulator which will not be covered
under warranty by the manufacturer because it is not associated with a product defect.

Panels of different powers must be connected to different charge regulators connected in parallel to the
same battery bank.

Example of connection for a 12V battery:

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Is it possible to connect several regulators to the same battery bank?

It is in fact possible to connect several charge regulators to the same battery bank (see diagram above),
this is even compulsory in certain cases (large number of panels or panels of different power). Be careful,
however, to check that the intensity is not too high in relation to the battery bank.
It is recommended to limit the intensity to 20% of the total capacity of the park if it concerns acid, AGM
or Gel batteries. Lithium is not affected by this 20% restriction; you must consult the technical sheet to
check the maximum current.

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 7. How to choose the battery(ies)?
The battery capacity is expressed in Ah and is calculated as follows:

𝐸𝐶 × 𝑁
𝐶 𝐴ℎ =
𝑉𝑏𝑎𝑡 × 𝐷𝑂𝐷 × 𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑏𝑎𝑡
• Storage efficiency is data provided by the battery manufacturer.
• The depth of discharge rate DOD depends on the type of battery chosen.
• To size the batteries, you must define the number of days of autonomy you want, so that you can be powered in
very cloudy weather. It corresponds to the desired day’s number during which the batteries are able to supply,
without any additional contribution from the photovoltaic field, all the electrical needs. The choice of N
depends on the climatic conditions of the site and more particularly the number of consecutive days without
sunshine. Usually, in Tunisia, N is fixed on 3 days.

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When we size the capacity of the batteries, we can calculate the battery number Nb to be paralleled:

where 𝐶𝑇 is the batteries capacity, (ex: 1327Ah) ; and 𝐶𝑏 is the battery capacity ( = 230 Ah) . Then, the
battery number to be paralleled is equal to 𝑁𝑏 = 5.76 = 6

The batteries can be combined in series or in parallel, depending on the need to add the voltages (V) or
capacities (Ah). Indeed, according to the classic principles of electricity:

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 8. How to choose the inverter?

The off-grid inverter choice is based on three criteria:

• On the DC side, the inverter must be adapted to the system voltage imposed by the battery bank.
• On the AC side, the inverter will impose an output signal adapted to the devices it feeds (i.e. the frequency
voltage is equal to 50 Hz, and the effective voltage value is equal to 230 V).
• Rated power: The inverter rated power should cover the sum of all user powers. A sizing margin of 20–30% is
recommended to ensure that the inverter operates at an ambient temperature of 25°C.

For example, the user powers are equal to 2,12 kWp, so the inverter rated power should be greater by 30%, then
2.12 ×1.3 = 2.76 kW.

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 9. Dimensioning of the DC and AC cable

2 × 𝜌 × 𝐿 × 𝐼𝑚𝑝𝑝 at 20 °C
𝑆=
∆𝑢 × 𝑉𝑚𝑝𝑝

The AC cable section formula is as follows:

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Case study 1:

The solar irradiation varies between a minimum of 3.22 kWh/m2/day and a maximum of 6.4 kWh/m2/day, while
mean value remained as 5 kWh/m2/day. The PR of the installation is estimated to be 0.7.
The energy need of the customer is estimated on:

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Case study 2

Location = Lille

Occupancy = only from April to September Ei = 5.2 kWh/m².d

Maximum daily consumption = 1,700 Wh/day (=Ec)

Maximum instantaneous power = 800 W

Roof exposure = South-East (-45°)

Roof inclination = 30°

Desired autonomy = 2 days

PR= 0.65
Battery efficiency : 90 %

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2. Sizing of Solar pumping system

PV Panels
Solar dimmer
Drilling head

Reservoir

Discharge pipe

Distribution
Submersible electric pump

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 𝑃𝑃 (wp)
Y Reservoir

ƞ global = Performance ratio (0.36 - 0.4)

Ej: solar irradiation (kWh/m2/day) Well
HMT: pressure head (m) = X+ Y X
V: daily need of water (𝑚3 /𝑑𝑎𝑦)

Submersible pump

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Example:
Take number of operating hours = 6

pump Flow rate (l/s) HMT (m) Ej (KwH/m28/day) Ppv (Kwp)

3.5 hp 2.5 40 4.25 4.2
5.5 hp 3 60 4.25 7.4
7.5 hp 3.5 7080 4.25 10.36
10 hp 4 90 4.25 13.6
12.5 hp 4.5 100 4.25 15.6
15 hp 5 120 4.25 21.1
20 hp 5.5 125 4.25 27.9

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References:
*Dimensioning of an Autonomous Photovoltaic Installation: Case Study in Msaken, Sousse… DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.88771
*Principe de dimensionnementet étude de casPompage au fil du soleil (BE Alliance Soleil)
*https://www.myshop-solaire.com/quel-regulateur-solaire-choisir-pwm-ou-mppt--_r_80_a_183.html
*https://www.slideshare.net/ramzielidrissi/pfe-dimensionnement-dune-installation-photovoltaque-raccorde-au-rseau-252383964
*https://www.civisol.fr/info/17-dimensionner-une-installation-photovoltaique-pour-site-isole

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