Two technologies for photovoltaic array installation: roof installation system/ground installation system
Different technologies for photovoltaic array installation:
① The roof support system is often used for small-scale system installation in cities and towns, and contains four different technologies.
② There are two different technologies for ground support systems. Ground support systems are generally used for installation of large systems, but they can also be used for installation of small systems with sufficient space, such as farms.
It is important for the installer to be familiar with the mounting system and the local requirements for installing the photovoltaic array. Some areas require approval procedures to be approved before installation. It is also important to follow the manufacturer’s installation guidelines so that product warranty will not be discounted and structural certification remains valid. Generally, it is necessary to make sure that the mounting system is compatible with the photovoltaic modules to be installed.
①Roof installation system
For residential or commercial buildings where grid-connected photovoltaic arrays are installed, the most commonly used installation method is a rooftop installation system. It is extremely important to securely and reliably fix the photovoltaic array on the roof. In addition to safety, there are three other factors to consider when choosing a rooftop installation system: the orientation of the photovoltaic modules and the amount of solar radiation received, the ventilation and heat dissipation of the modules, and the overall aesthetics of the photovoltaic system.
The amount of solar radiation received by the photovoltaic module will directly affect its output power. Therefore, the installation system must be optimized to ensure the optimal orientation and inclination of the photovoltaic array on the site. If the photovoltaic modules cannot be installed in accordance with the roof inclination and orientation, the installer should consider using an installation system to make the modules face the best inclination and orientation to increase the output power of the photovoltaic modules.
Ideally, the installation system should leave enough space above the roof as much as possible to increase the airflow around the photovoltaic modules. This kind of ventilation measures achieves the function of convection cooling, which can reduce the temperature of photovoltaic modules during the day. As discussed in Chapter 3, module performance is better at lower temperatures. Ventilation can improve the performance of the photovoltaic array. On the contrary, if there is no ventilation behind the module, it will reduce the output power of the module.
For home users, the aesthetics of the photovoltaic system generally has a higher priority. In addition to being integrated with the building, rooftop photovoltaic systems usually have to consider better aesthetics. Along with this visual demand comes the increase in cost, especially when it affects ventilation. When photovoltaic modules are installed close to the roof, the possibility of heat dissipation from below the photovoltaic array is less than the inclined installation method of the modules. Therefore, the installation location close to the roof allows the photovoltaic modules to work at a higher temperature, and the result is a reduction in output power. In addition, the photovoltaic system installed near the house will be installed according to the roof inclination and orientation. If this is not the optimal installation angle, it will also have a negative impact on the output power of the photovoltaic array.
It is very complicated to make a compromise between these factors. The installer should provide users with various compromise schemes and related information about system performance under various installation methods, so that users can fully understand the conditions of various information. Make a decision. There are several common and different types of roof mounting systems. These installation systems are all fixed, that is, non-movable. Each method has its own unique advantages: inclined roof installation method/bracket installation method/direct installation method/building integrated system.
② Ground installation system
There are two main application scenarios for ground-mounted photovoltaic systems: usually in residential or commercial parks where rooftop installation is not feasible and there is a lot of ground space, or in super-large photovoltaic systems. Ground-mounted systems have many advantages: First, the installation inclination and orientation are not restricted by the shape and direction of the roof or building surface, so the photovoltaic array can be installed according to the optimal inclination and azimuth; the installer can install the photovoltaic system on the ground plane, thereby Avoid working at heights. Ladder and elevator are no longer used during the installation process, which also saves time for some system installation projects, but the ground installation system may also require civil construction, trenching, and wind and snow protection. The material, labor, and engineering costs associated with installing photovoltaic arrays on the ground will increase, which may not be economical for many small and medium-sized grid-connected north-volt systems.
The installation of this type of system should comply with local building laws and planning regulations, and may also need to submit a planning application for the local government. A certain distance should be maintained between the system installation location and the boundary. This requires a surveyor. It is also important to avoid damage to groundwater facilities and electrical and telecommunications cables. By contacting the local water authority and the power company, mastering a map showing potential hazards, so as to identify these risks. Many places already have services such as “call before excavation”, which are dedicated to this purpose and the construction industry.
According to local regulations, it may be necessary to install a fence to prevent authorized personnel from entering the photovoltaic array area. For ground-mounted photovoltaic arrays that are easy to see, it is usually recommended to install fences to prevent theft and looting. Large-scale photovoltaic systems may even include security cameras, motion sensors, and advanced monitoring devices to reduce spying.
The specific details will be explained on the next blog, please keep paying attention.