Low cost modular designs for photovoltaic array fields

Technical Report · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1982

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5251341· OSTI ID:5251341

Post, H. N.; Carmichael, D. C.; Castle, J. A.

Described are the design and development of optimized, modular array fields for photovoltaic (PV) systems. Design criteria and performance requirements have been defined and evaluated for specific array subsystems. These subsystems include support structures, foundations, intermodule connection, field wiring, lightning protection, system grounding, site preparation, and monitoring and control. Fully integrated flat-panel array-field designs, optimized for lowest life-cycle costs, have been developed for systems ranging in size from 20 to 500 kW/sub p/. These designs are applicable for near-term implementation (1982 to 1983) and reduce the array-field balance-of-system (BOS) costs to a fraction of previous costs. Key features, subsystem requirements, and projected costs are presented and discussed.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA); Battelle Columbus Labs., OH (USA); Hughes Aircraft Co., Los Angeles, CA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• OSTI ID: 5251341
• Report Number(s): SAND-81-2379C; CONF-820555-2; ON: DE82015255
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140501* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
CONDUCTOR DEVICES
CONNECTORS
CONTROL
COST
DESIGN
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTRIC GROUNDS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
FOUNDATIONS
LIFE-CYCLE COST
LIGHTNING
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
OPTIMIZATION
PERFORMANCE
POWER RANGE 10-100 KW
POWER RANGE 100-1000 KW
SITE PREPARATION
SOLAR CELL ARRAYS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SUPPORTS