Optimized low-cost-array field designs for photovoltaic systems

Conference · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1982

OSTI ID:5357654

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

As manager of the US Department of Energy Photovoltaic Systems Definition Project, Sandia National Laboratories is engaged in a comprehensive program to define and develop array field subsystems which can achieve the lowest possible lifecycle costs. The major activity of this program is described, namely, the design and development of optimized, modular array fields for photovoltaic (PV) systems. As part of this activity, design criteria and performance requirements for specific array subsystems including support structures, foundations, intermodule connections, field wiring, lightning protection, system grounding, site preparation, and monitoring and control have been defined and evaluated. Similarly, fully integrated flat-panel array field designs, optimized for lowest lifecycle costs, have been developed for system sizes ranging from 20 to 500 kW/sub p/. Key features, subsystem requirements, and projected costs for these array field designs 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: 5357654
• Report Number(s): SAND-81-2380C; CONF-820629-7; ON: DE82013640
• 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 GROUNDS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
FOUNDATIONS
LIFE-CYCLE COST
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
OPTIMIZATION
PERFORMANCE
POWER RANGE 10-100 KW
POWER RANGE 100-1000 KW
SITE PREPARATION
SOLAR CELL ARRAYS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SUPPORTS