
Activity | Details |
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Assignment |
Scenario 1Assume you are designing a system with the same module counts on the rooftop as shown in the video shown below. The Module used is Trina Solar Allmax 60 cell multicrystaline. You have a rail that is 120” long from Unirac (a racking manufacturer). You have standard 12” spaced rafters for a residential roof. Video: How Solar Works SSI (0:58)How Solar Works SSI
Click for text description of How Solar Works
As shown in the video, a solar array can be installed on a rooftop for residential application. After all mechanical holding structures are installed on the roof, the solar panels can be fastened to it . When the sun shines on PV panels, photons are converted into electrons that form electrical current when it moves towards the circuit terminals . The electrical DC current then travels through conduits down towards a power conditioning unit (AKA inverter) . The current is converted to AC electrical current and travels through an AC disconnect box . When the AC current exits the disconnect box, it goes through a PV production meter to count energy generated . After that, the current is back fed to the lower side of the Main distribution panel (MDP), where all load circuits are connected, through a protection breaker . When the PV array is generating power, the load circuits draw power from the PV array instead of the grid . While the PV array is generating power, the monitoring device is transmitting the data to an online portfolio, where clients can see their instantaneous PV array performance online . Finally, the excess energy generated from the PV array is returned to the utility grid . Credit: Sam Fortune
Scenario 2Assuming the roof is flat, the installation to flat roof with ballasted system from Unirac, taking the average cement weight of 32 lb. and considering the following:
DeliverablePrepare a report that includes your findings for each of the scenarios. The report should be no more than one double-spaced page in a 12 point font. |
Submission Instructions and Grading | Please visit the Lesson Activity page for submission instructions and grading information. |