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| − | {{SPIS Banner}} | + | {{Get Informed}} |
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| | + | | {{Back to SPIS Toolbox 2}} |
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| | + | | {{Back to Get Informed}} |
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| | + | | {{Next Chapter}}[[SPIS_Toolbox_-_Controller_and_Inverter|►Go to the Next Chapter]]</span></span></span> |
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| | + | == '''<span style="color:#879637">3. Mounting Structure</span>'''<br/> == |
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| − | | + | In addition to the irradiance and cell temperature, the output of a solar panel is also dependent on the orientation and tilt angle of the panel surface. To maximize the output, a site-specific optimal orientation has to be found. |
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| − | == '''<span style="color:#879637">Mounting Structure</span>'''<br/> ==
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| − | In addition to the irradiance and cell temperature, the output of a solar panel is also dependent on the orientation and tilt angle of the panel surface. To maximize the output, a site-specific optimal orientation has to befound. | + | |
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| | '''Mounting options:''' | | '''Mounting options:''' |
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| − | There are basically twoalternatives to mount solar panels on a metalstructure: | + | There are basically two alternatives to mount solar panels on a metal structure: |
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| − | *installation with a fixed tiltangle; | + | *installation with a fixed tilt angle; |
| | *installation on a solar tracker with varying orientation. | | *installation on a solar tracker with varying orientation. |
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| − | '''The fixed installation'''of solar panels on a rigid structure is the cheapest, most reliable and most common method. Metal supports that are pile-driven into the ground are generally recommended for larger systems. They make the utilization of concrete foundations redundant and save laborand material cost. However, in developing countries, simple concrete foundations are often used for smaller installations and represent an appropriate solution, provided that static requirements are met. The installation is typically oriented north or south to have a relatively good distribution of the output over thecourse of the day. | + | '''The fixed installation''' of solar panels on a rigid structure is the cheapest, most reliable and most common method. Metal supports that are pile-driven into the ground are generally recommended for larger systems. They make the utilization of concrete foundations redundant and save labor and material cost. However, in developing countries, simple concrete foundations are often used for smaller installations and represent an appropriate solution, provided that static requirements are met. The installation is typically oriented north or south to have a relatively good distribution of the output over the course of the day. |
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| − | '''Installations oriented in east and west directions''' are relatively new. However, it requires more panels to get a stable output over the day. But with falling panel prices, this might be an interesting alternative for remote areas.
| + | When the orientation of the mounting structure is variable over one or two axes,this is referred to as a '''solar tracker''' (see figure below). |
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| − | When the orientation of the mounting structure is variable over one or two axes,this is referred to as a solar tracker (see figure on the next page). | + | |
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| | Solar tracking has two advantages: | | Solar tracking has two advantages: |
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| − | *gain in additional solar radiation – the amount of solar radiation received by the solar panels increases between 25–35% (annual mean value), depending on solar tracker type and installation site. | + | *gain in additional solar radiation – the amount of solar radiation received by the solar panels increases between 25 and 35 % (annual mean value), depending on solar tracker type and installation site. |
| | *even distribution of solar irradiance throughout the day – the generated electricity and thus the pump’s water flow is almost constant over the day. This is important in an SPIS configuration where the water is pumped directly to the field without passing through a reservoir. | | *even distribution of solar irradiance throughout the day – the generated electricity and thus the pump’s water flow is almost constant over the day. This is important in an SPIS configuration where the water is pumped directly to the field without passing through a reservoir. |
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| | This has to be kept in mind in particular for installations that are planned for remote areas or areas with limited technical services. | | This has to be kept in mind in particular for installations that are planned for remote areas or areas with limited technical services. |
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| | + | An interesting alternative to solar tracking can be '''installations oriented in east and west directions''', which are relatively new. However, it requires more panels to get a stable output over the day. But with falling panel prices, this might be an interesting alternative for remote areas and smaller systems, as they are cheaper and require much less maintenance (as solar tracking solutions). |
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| | For both mounting options it is important to avoid galvanic corrosion when connecting metal structures. This can be done by selecting materials with similar corrosion potentials or by breaking the electrical connection by insulating the two metals from each other. | | For both mounting options it is important to avoid galvanic corrosion when connecting metal structures. This can be done by selecting materials with similar corrosion potentials or by breaking the electrical connection by insulating the two metals from each other. |
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| | *placing the mounting structure out of easy reach by using elevated structures, fences or floating PV systems. | | *placing the mounting structure out of easy reach by using elevated structures, fences or floating PV systems. |
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| | + | '''<span style="color:#879637">Solar systems (Source: Reinhold Schmidt, 2015):</span>''' |
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| − | '''<span style="color:#879637">Solar systems:</span>'''
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| − | [[File:PanelS1.jpg|thumb|1.Fixed installation]]
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| − | [[File:PanelS23.jpg|thumb|2.One axis tracker, azimuth - 3.Two axis tracker azimuth and inclination]]
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| − | [[File:PanelS45.jpg|thumb|4.Horizontal one axis tracker - 5.One axis tracker, south + north axis incline.]]
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| | #fixed installation | | #fixed installation |
| | #one axis tracker, azimuth | | #one axis tracker, azimuth |
| | #two axis tracker azimuth and inclination | | #two axis tracker azimuth and inclination |
| − | #horizontal one axis tracker,<br/>south/northaxis | + | #one axis tracker, south + north axis incline |
| − | #one axis tracker, south + north axis incline.
| + | #horizontal one axis tracker, south/north axis. |
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| | + | {| style="width:100%;" |
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| | + | | [[File:PanelS1.jpg|thumb|center|150px|1.Fixed installation]] |
| | + | | [[File:PanelS23.jpg|thumb|center|250px|2.One axis tracker, azimuth - 3.Two axis tracker azimuth and inclination]] |
| | + | | [[File:PanelS45.jpg|thumb|center|250px|4.Horizontal one axis tracker - 5.One axis tracker, south + north axis incline.]] |
| | + | |} |
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| | + | {| cellpadding="1" |
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| | + | | {{Back to SPIS Toolbox 2}} |
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| | + | | {{Back to Get Informed}} |
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| | + | | {{Next Chapter}}[[SPIS_Toolbox_-_Controller_and_Inverter|►Go to the Next Chapter]]</span></span></span> |
| | + | |} |
| | + | {{SPIS Reference}} |
In addition to the irradiance and cell temperature, the output of a solar panel is also dependent on the orientation and tilt angle of the panel surface. To maximize the output, a site-specific optimal orientation has to be found.
There are basically two alternatives to mount solar panels on a metal structure:
When the orientation of the mounting structure is variable over one or two axes,this is referred to as a solar tracker (see figure below).
This has to be kept in mind in particular for installations that are planned for remote areas or areas with limited technical services.
For both mounting options it is important to avoid galvanic corrosion when connecting metal structures. This can be done by selecting materials with similar corrosion potentials or by breaking the electrical connection by insulating the two metals from each other.
The type and the quality of the mounting structure are also a determining factor with regard to the risk of theft of the PV panels. With the increased application of photovoltaic installations for electricity generation the risk of theft is increasing. Common theft-prevention measures include:
