Development of a standard modular design for low-cost flat-panel photovoltaic array fields
Array-field balance-of-system (BOS) and engineering costs must be reduced for PV power systems to be cost effective for grid-connected applications. Therefore, a study was conducted to develop an innovative and integrated structural and electrical array-field design optimized for minimum life-cycle energy cost, to identify a modular Building Block from this design to be used to construct various sizes of PV array fields at minimum cost, and to standardize the design and prepare complete construction specifications and engineering drawings for reduction of costs of site-specific engineering design and installation. The subsystem area investigated include the support structure, foundation, site preparation, PV module wiring, grounding, ligntning protection, and electromagnetic-interference (EMI) suppression. Maximum use of information from other PV system designs and installation methods were incorporated. Over 50 designs were prepared and evaluated for cost and the final array field selected, developed, and incorporated into a standard Building Block design. Results indicated that the new design greatly reduced BOS costs compared to those of previous installations, provided a high degree of reliability and minimum maintenance, required no major capital investment or long-lead time for an automated plant or equipment, and could be used immediately. The low cost of the array field BOS was determined to be realistic and economically viable.
- Research Organization:
- Battelle Columbus Labs., OH (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76DP00789
- OSTI ID:
- 6550999
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-81-7183; ON: DE83005118
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
140600* -- Solar Energy-- Photovoltaic Power Systems
COST
DESIGN
DIAGRAMS
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTRIC GROUNDS
ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS
ENGINEERING DRAWINGS
EQUIPMENT
FOUNDATIONS
INTERFERENCE
LIFE-CYCLE COST
LIGHTNING
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
OPTIMIZATION
SITE PREPARATION
SOLAR CELL ARRAYS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SPECIFICATIONS
SUPPORTS