Hands On Training Report

HANDS 0N TRAINING: SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION
INTRODUCTION
Renewable Energy is energy that is collected from renewable resources, which are
naturally replenished on a human timescale, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves and
geothermal heat.
Solar energy is one form or another is the source of nearly all energy on the earth.
Humans, like all other animals and plants, rely on the sun for warmth and food. However, people
also harness the sun’s energy in many other different ways. For example, fossil fuels, plant
matter from a past geological age, is used for transportation and electricity generation and is
essentially just stored solar energy from millions of years ago. Similarly, biomass converts the
sun’s energy into fuels, which then be used for heat, transport or electricity. Wind energy, used
for hundreds of years to provide mechanical or for transportation, uses air currents that are
created by solar heated air and the rotation of the earth. Today wind turbines convert wind power
into electrical as well as its traditional uses. Even hydroelectricity is derived from the sun.
Hydropower depends on the evaporation of water by the sun, and its subsequent return to the
Earth as rain to provide water in dams. Photovoltaic (often abbreviated as PV) is a simple and
elegant method of harnessing the sun’s energy. PV devices (solar cells) are unique in that they
directly convert the incident solar radiation into electricity, with no noise, pollution or moving
parts and materials behind the communications and computer revolutions, and this CDROM
covers the operation, use and applications of photovoltaic devices and systems.
Solar energy is quite simply the energy produced directly by the sun and collected
elsewhere, normally the Earth. The sun creates its energy through a thermonuclear process that
converts about 650,000,0001 tons of hydrogen to helium every second. The process creates heat
and electromagnetic radiation. The heat remains in the sun and is instrumental in maintaining the
thermonuclear reaction. The electromagnetic radiation (including visible light, infra-red light,
and ultra-violet radiation) streams out into space in all directions.
Only a very small fraction of the total radiation produced reaches the Earth. The
radiation that does reach the Earth is the indirect source of nearly every type of energy used
today. The expectations are geothermal energy, and nuclear fission and fusion. Even fossil fuels
owe their origins to the sun; they were once living plants and animals whose life was dependent
upon the sun.
Much of the world’s required energy can be supplied directly by solar power. More
still can be provided indirectly. The practicality of doing so will be examined, as well as the
benefits and drawbacks. In addition, the uses solar energy is currently applied to will be noted.
Due to the nature of solar energy, two components are a collector and a storage unit. The
DEPARTMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 1

collector simply collects the radiation that falls on it and converts a fraction it to other forms of
energy (either electricity and heat or heat alone). The storage unit is required because of the non-
constant nature of solar energy; at certain times only a very small amount of radiation will be
received. At night or during heavy cloud covers, for example, the amount of energy produced by
the collector will be quite small. The storage unit can hold the excess energy produced during the
periods of maximum productivity, and release it when the productivity drops. In practice, a
backup power supply is usually added, too, for the situations when the amount of energy
required is greater than both what’s being produced and what is stored in the container.
Methods of collecting and storing solar energy vary depending on the uses planned
for the solar generator. In general, there are three types of collectors and many forms of storage
units. The three types of collectors are flat plate collectors, focusing collectors, and passive
collectors.
Flat plate collectors are the more commonly used type of collector today. They are
arrays of solar panels arranged in a simple plane. They can be nearly any size, and have an
output that is directly related to a few variables including size, facing, and cleanliness. These
variables all affect the amount of radiation that falls on the collector. Often these collector panels
have automated machinery that keeps them facing sun. The additional energy they take in due to
correction of facing more than compensates for the energy needed to drive the extra machinery.
Focusing collectors are essentially flat plane collectors with optical devices
arranged to maximize the radiation falling on the focus of the collector. These are currently used
only in a few scattered areas. Solar furnaces are examples of this type of collector. Although they
can produce far greater amounts of energy at a single point than the flat plane collectors can, they
lose some of the radiation that the flat plane panels do not. Radiation reflected off the ground
will be used by flat plane panels but usually will be ignored by focusing collectors (in snow
covered regions, this reflected radiations can be significant). One other problem with focusing
collector in general is due to temperature.
The fragile silicon components that absorb the incoming radiation lose efficiency at
high temperatures, and if they get too hot they can even be permanently damaged. The focusing
collectors by their very nature create much higher temperatures and need more safeguards to
protect their silicon components.
Passive collectors are completely different from the other two types of
collectors. The passive collector absorbs radiation and converts it to heat naturally, without being
designed and build to do so. All objects have this property to some extent, but only some objects
(like walls) will be able to produce enough heat to make it worthwhile. Often they are naturally,
without being designed and build to do so. All objects have this property to some extent, but only

some objects (like walls) will be able to produce will be able to produce enough heat to make it
worthwhile. Often their natural ability to convert radiation to heat is enhanced in some way or
another (by being painted black, for example) and system for transferring the heat is enhanced in
some way or another (by being painted black, for example) and a system for transferring the heat
to a different location is generally added. During training, we studied about solar panel, solar
water heater and solar lamps.

About sunglo
SUNGLO energy solutions is a company based in Thrissur, Kerala, providing

sustainable and cost effective energy solutions to commercial and residential establishments.
They are committed towards providing clean and affordable sources of energy. Their solar
installations generate power also when the grid goes down and keeps you charged day and night
helping you to cut down on your electricity bills and add to your savings for years to come. Their
high engineering and maintenance standards ensure maximum power at minimum cost. Sunglo is
an Authorized Dealer for SU-KAM POWER SYSTEMS LTD. SU-KAM POWER SYSTEMS
LTD is India's largest power solutions company, Manufacturer, Exporter and Supplier of Power
Back up Systems and Renewable Energy Solutions to over 90 countries.
Fig 1
Their professional network of experienced solar installers and engineers allow us

to combine affordable solar power solutions with highest standards of customer service &
excellence.

CHAPTER 2
SOLAR PANEL
Solar panel refers to a panel designed to absorb the sun’s rays as a source of energy for
generating electricity or heating.
Fig 2
A photovoltaic (in short PV) module is a packaged, connected assembly of

typically 6×10 solar cells. Solar Photovoltaic panels constitute the solar arrays of a photovoltaic
system that generates and supplies solar electricity in commercial and residential applications.
Each module is rated by its DC output power under standard test conditions, and typically ranges
from 100 to 365 watts. The efficiency of a modules determine the area of a module given the

same rated output-an 8% efficient 230 watt module will have twice area of a 16% efficient 230
watt module. There are a few solar panels available that are exceeding 19% efficiency. A single
solar module can produce only limited amount of power; most installations contain multiple
modules. A photovoltaic system typically includes a panel or an array of solar modules, a solar
inverter and sometimes a battery and/or solar tracker and interconnection wiring.
Solar modules use light energy (photons) from the sun to generate
electricity through the photovoltaic effect. The majority of modules use wafer based crystalline
silicon cells or thin film cells based on cadmium telluride or silicon. The structural (load
carrying) member of a module can either be the top layer or the black layer. Cells must also be
protected from mechanical damage and moisture. Most solar modules are rigid, but semi-flexible
ones are available, based on thin film cells.
Fig 3
Electrical connections are made in series to achieve a desired output voltage and
or in parallel to provide a desired current capability. The conducting wires that take the current
off the modules can contain silver, copper or other non-magnetic conductive (transition metals).
The cells must be connected electrically to one another and to the rest of the system. Externally,
popular terrestrial usage photovoltaic modules use MC3 (older) or MC4 connectors to facilitate
easy weatherproof connections to the rest of the system.
Bypass diode may be incorporated or used externally, in case of partial module

shading, to maximize the output of module sections still illuminated. Some recent solar module
designs include concentrators in which light is focused by lenses or mirrors onto an array of
smaller cells. This enables the use of solar cells with a high cost per unit area (such as gallium
arsenide) in a cost-effective way.

2.1. Steps For Installing Solar Panel:
The following steps to Installing Solar Panels can be used to guide both commercial
and residential customers through the solar panel shopping and installation process, and help
make it as smooth and easy as possible.
1) Make you home more energy efficient
Before you begin the solar installation process you first need to examine the energy
efficiency of your home. Adding solar panels to a home with poor energy efficiency is not going
to provide the results you expected. In some states to be applicable for the tax credit your home
needs to have an energy audit performed before the solar panel system is installed, making your
home’s energy efficiency paramount. Here are some tips to make your home more energy
efficient:
 Upgrade or replace windows

 Well insulated walls and attic.
 Replace inefficient hot water heaters and/or furnaces.
 Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.
2) Evaluate the solar site or roof

Ask yourself a few questions: Is the roof strong enough to support the panels? Is
the available space large enough to hold the panels? Does the roof offer southern exposure? And
most important, does your roof receive enough sunlight? Solar panels are recommended to
receive full sun exposure between 9am and 3pm in order for them to be the most effective.

3) Get competitive bids
Solar panels are a big investment, but done correctly they can provide a significant
return and increase the value of a building or home. Shop around a little and find the best price.
But be aware; don’t just look for the cheapest price. Find a well-established retailer and installer
with a strong track record. Educate yourself and ask the right questions, because sometimes a
higher costing solar system might be the better option, and in the long run provide a higher return
on your investment.
4) Research the cost
Solar panels vary in cost, which is usually determined by the size measured in watts,
the actual dimensions, the brand, the longevity, the warranty, and any certifications the solar
panel might have. As solar systems increase in size so does the price. Expect to pay
approximately double for a solar system of double the watts.
It is probably a good idea to receive multiple quotes, and if there are large
differences inquire why. And, as mentioned before, don’t choose your solar panels based solely
on price; make sure it will supply enough energy to fit your needs.
5) Determine the required size and Watts
To begin, study your electricity bill. It will provide you with a lot of useful
information to estimate your energy needs. Find out how many kilowatt hours (kWh) you use per
day, month and year. When sunlight is optimal, a 100 Watt panel will generate 100 Watts of
electricity per hour. Most homes electricity needs can be fulfilled with a solar system between 1
to 5 kilowatts or 1,000-5,000 Watts. And in general, 1 square foot of solar panel in bright
sunlight yields 10 Watts, but that can vary depending on the type. Ultimately, when determining
the required size of solar panels are sure that they will supply enough electricity to meet or
exceed your needs.

6) Choose the Solar Panel type
There are 3 main types of solar panels that are available to choose from and vary in efficiencies.
 Mono-crystalline panels are essentially one large solar cell. They are smaller than the
polycrystalline panels.
Fig 4
 Poly-crystalline panels are comprised of many small cells grouped together which
produce a little less efficiency than the mono-crystalline panels, and are potentially
available for a lesser cost.
Fig 5
 Amorphous (or thin-film) panels are larger in size and require more space than the other
panels. However, there are other significant benefits, such as a lower cost, versatility,
flexibility and great efficiencies in the Midwest.
It should be noted that efficiency only addresses the amount of light that is created
on bright sunny days. The thin film panels have the unique ability to produce watts in low light
and overcast conditions, therefore increasing its yield of watts over the same time for the other

panels in less than optimal climates like the Midwest. Side by side comparisons in the desert
reveal one thing, but side by side comparison in an area that only has 4.2 hours of sunlight on
average daily; the thin film provides a distinct advantage.
One must also consider that the framework required to mount the panel type vs. the
thin film can add cost and future maintenance.
As there are different types of solar panel roofing systems available, there are also
different types of installation methods, such as grid-tied system, which offers the ability to have
more solar panels added at a later date.
7) Review the quote and solar system specifications
Read the fine print and be clear on all aspects of the new solar panel system. Here are
specific points of review:
 Total cost- Labor, installation and equipment.

 Projected savings- how many years will it take to pay it off?
 Operational and maintenance costs.
 Required permit costs, if any
 Solar system make and model- is it a trustworthy brand?
 Taxes
 Tax credits- 30% federal tax credit with no cap.
 Utility rebates
 Warranty- how many years? Most reputable brands will offer a 25 year warranty. If less,
inquire how long it takes to pay itself off?
Solar Panels remain a great choice to lower your energy costs, as well as reduce your
carbon footprint on the environment. Innovative solar panel design and technology is rapidly
hitting the market, so the future is bright for the solar panel industry. Learn more about solar
panels and speak with a reputable solar panel installation company today.
2.2. Efficiencies:
Depending on construction, photovoltaic modules can produce electricity from a

range of frequencies of light, but usually cannot cover the entire solar range (specifically,

ultraviolet, infrared and low or diffused light). Hence, much of the incident sunlight energy is
wasted by solar modules, and they can give far higher efficiencies if illuminated with
monochromatic light. Therefore, another design concept is to split light into different wavelength
ranges and direct the beams onto different cells tuned to those ranges. This has been projected to
be capable of raising efficiency by 50%. Scientists from Spectral lab, a subsidiary of Boeing,
have reported development of multi junction solar cells with an efficiency of more than 40%, a
new world record for solar photovoltaic cells. The Spectral lab scientists also predict that
concentrator solar cells could achieve efficiencies of more than 45% or even 50% in the future,
with theoretical efficiencies being about 58% in cells with more than three junctions.
Currently the best achieved sunlight conversion rate (solar module efficiency) is
around 21.5% in new commercial products, typically lower than the efficiencies of their cells in
isolation. The most efficient mass-produced solar modules have power density values of up to
175 W/m2 (16.22 W/ft2). Research by Imperial College, London has shown that the efficiency of
a solar panel can be improved by studding the light-receiving semiconductor surface with
aluminum Nano cylinders similar to the ridges on Lego blocks. The scattered light then travels
along a longer path in the semiconductor which means that more photons can be absorbed and
converted into current. Although these Nano cylinders have been used previously (aluminum
was preceded by gold and silver), the light scattering occurred in the near infrared region and
visible light was absorbed strongly. Aluminum was found to have absorbed the ultraviolet part of
the spectrum, while the visible and near infrared parts of the spectrum was found to be scattered
by the aluminum surface. This, the research argued, could bring down the cost significantly and
improve the efficiency as aluminum is more abundant and less costly than gold and silver. The
research also noted that the increase in current makes thinner film solar panels technically
feasible without “compromising power conversion efficiencies, thus reducing material
consumption”.
 Efficiencies of solar panel can be calculated by MPP (Maximum power point) value of
solar panels
 Solar inverters convert the DC power to AC power by performing MPPT process: solar
inverter samples the output Power (I-V curve) from the solar cell and applies the proper
resistance (load) to solar cell to obtain maximum power.
 MPP (Maximum power point) of the solar panel consists of MPP voltage (Vmpp) and
MPP current (Impp): it is a capacity of the solar panel and the higher value can make
higher MPP.
Micro-inverted solar panels are wired in parallel which produces more

output than normal panels which are wired in series with the output of the series determined
by the lowest performing panel (this is known as the “Christmas light effect”). Micro-

inverters work independently so each panel contributes its maximum possible output given
the available sunlight.
2.3. Technology:
Most solar modules are currently produced from crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells
made of multi crystalline and mono crystalline silicon. In 2013, crystalline silicon accounted for
more than 90 percent of worldwide PV production, while the rest of the overall market is made
up of thin-film technologies using cadmium telluride, CIGS and amorphous silicon. Emerging,
third generation solar technologies use advanced thin-film cells. They produce a relatively high-
efficiency conversion for the low cost compared to other solar technologies. Also, high cost, high
efficiency, and close packed rectangular multi-junction (MJ) cells are preferably used in solar
panels on space craft, as they offer the highest ratio of generated power per kilogram lifted into
space. MJ cells are compound semiconductors and made of gallium arsenide (GaAs) and other
semiconductor materials. Another emerging PV technology using MJ-cells is concentrator
photovoltaics (CPV).
2.4. Performance and degradation:
Module performance is generally rated under standard test conditions (STC):

irradiance of 1,000 W/m2, solar spectrum of AM 1.5 and module temperature at 25 degree
Celsius.
Electrical characteristic include nominal power (Pmax, measured in W), open circuit
voltage (Voc), short circuit current (Isc, measured in amperes), maximum power voltage (VMPP),
maximum power current (IMPP), peak power, (watt-peak, Wp), and module efficiency (%).
Nominal voltage refers to the voltage of the battery that the module is best suited to charge; this
is a left over term from the days when solar modules were only used to charge batteries. The
actual voltage output of the module changes as lighting, temperature and load conditions change,
so there is never one specific voltage at which the module operates. Nominal voltage allows
users, at a glance, to make sure the module is compatible with a given system.

Open circuit voltage or Voc is the maximum voltage that the module can
produce when not connected to an electrical circuit or system. Voc can be measured with a meter
directly on an illuminated module’s terminals or on its disconnected cable.
The peak power rating, Wp, is the maximum output under standard test conditions (not
the maximum possible output). Typical modules, which could measure approximately 1×2
meters or 2×4 feet, will be rated from as low as 75 watts to as high as 350 watts, depending on
their efficiency. At the time of testing, the test module are binned according to their test results,
and a typical manufacturer might rate their modules in 5 watt increment, and either rate them at
±3%, ±5%, +3/-0% or +5/-0%.
Solar modules must withstand rain, hail, heavy snow load, and cycles of heat and cold
for many years. Many crystalline silicon module manufacturers offer a warranty that guarantees
electrical production for 10 years at 90% of rated power output and 25 years at 80%.
Potential induced degradation (also called PID) is potential induced

performance degradation in crystalline photovoltaic modules, caused by so-called stray currents.
This effect may cause power loss of up to 30 %.
The largest challenge of photovoltaic technology is the efficiencies

of such solar systems. While utilizing such systems draws a great interest due to the long term
returns of profit, the efficacy needs to come a long way before making it plausible to be
introduced in all consumers’ electricity.
The problem resided in the enormous activation energy that must be overcome for a
photon to excite an electron for harvesting purposes. Advancements in photovoltaic technologies
have brought about the process of “doping” the silicon substrate to lower the activation energy
thereby making the panel more efficient in converting photons to retrievable electrons.
Chemicals such as Boron (p-type) are applied into the semiconductor crystal in order
to create donor and acceptor energy levels substantially closer to the valence and conduction
bands. In doing so, the addition of Boron impurity allows the activation energy to decrease 20
fold from 1.12eV to 0.05ev. Since the potential differences (EB) are so low, the Boron is able to
thermally ionize at room temperatures. This allows for free energy carriers in the conduction and
valence bands thereby allowing greater conversion of photons to electrons.

Solar power allows for greater efficiency than heat, such as the generation of energy in
heat engines. The drawback with heat is that most of the heat created is lost to the surroundings.
2.5. Maintenance:
Solar panel conversion efficiency, typically in the 20% range, is reduced by dust,
grime, pollen, and other particulates that accumulate on the solar panel. “A dirty solar panel can
reduce its power capabilities by up to 30% in high dust/pollen or desert areas”, says Seamus
Curran, associative professor of physics at the University of Houston and director of the Institute
for Nano Energy, which specializes in the design, engineering, and assembly of nanostructures.
Paying to have solar panels cleaned is often not a good investment; researchers
found panels that hadn’t been cleaned, or rained on, for 145 days during a summer drought in
California, lost only 7.4 % of their efficiency. Overall, for a typical residential solar system of 5
kW, washing panels halfway through the summer would translate into a mere $20 gain in
electricity production until the summer drought ends-in about 21/2 months. For larger commercial
rooftop systems, the financial losses are bigger but still rarely enough to warrant the cost of
washing panels. On average, panels lost a little less than 0.05% of their overall efficiency per
day.
2.6. Production:
In 2010, 15.9 GW of solar PV system installations were completed, with solar

PV pricing survey and market research company PV insights reporting growth of 117.8% in
solar PV installation on a year-on-year basis.
With over 100% year-on-year growth in PV system installation, PV module

makers dramatically increased their shipments of solar modules in 2010. They actively expanded
their capacity and turned themselves into gigawatt GW players. According to PV insight, five of
the top ten PV module companies in 2010 are GW players. Suntech, First Solar, Sharp, Yingli
and Trina Solar are GW producers now, and most of them doubled their shipments in 2010.

The basis of producing solar panels revolves around the use of silicon cells.
These silicon cells are not efficient enough in their current state and can only convert solar
energy into usable power at a rate of roughly 10-20%.
In order for solar panels to become more efficient and therefore more useful in
the future, researchers across the world have been trying to develop new technologies to make
solar panels more effective at turning sunlight into energy.
In 2014, the world’s top ten solar module producers in terms of shipped capacity during the
calendar year of 2014 were Trina Solar, Yingli, Sharp Solar and Canadian Solar.
2.7. Mounting and Tracking:
Ground mounted PV systems are usually large, utility-scale solar power plants. Their
solar modules are held in place by racks or frames that are attached to ground based mounting
supports. Ground based mounting supports include:
 Pole mounts, which are driven directly into the ground or embedded in concrete.
 Foundation mounts, such as concrete slabs or poured footings.
 Ballasted footing mounts, such as concrete or steel bases that use weight to secure the
solar module system in position and do not require ground penetration. This type of
mounting system is well suited for sites where excavation is not possible such as capped
landfills and simplifies decommissioning or relocation of solar module systems.
 Roof-mounted solar power systems consist of solar modules held in place by racks or
frames attached to roof-based mounting supports. Roof-based mounting supports include:
 Pole mounts, which are attached directly to the roof structure and may use additional
rails for attaching the module racking or frames.
 Ballasted footing mounts, such as concrete or steel bases that use weight to secure the
panel system in position and do not require through penetration. This mounting method
allows for decommissioning or relocation of solar panel systems with no adverse effect
on the roof structure.

 All wiring connecting adjacent solar modules to the energy harvesting equipment must
be installed according to local electrical codes and should be run in a conduit
appropriate for the climate conditions.
Solar trackers increase the amount of energy produced per module at a cost of
mechanical complexity and need for maintenance. They sense the direction of the Sun and tilt or
rotate the modules as needed for maximum exposure to the light. Alternatively, fixed racks hold
modules stationary as the sun moves across the sky. The fixed rack sets the angle at which the
module is held. Tilt angles equivalent to an installation’s latitude are common. Most of these
fixed racks are set on poles above ground.
2.8. Applications:
There are many practical applications for the use of solar panels or photovoltaics. It
can first be used in agriculture as a power source for irrigation. In health care, solar panels can be
used to refrigerate medical supplies. It can also be used for infrastructure. PV modules are used
in photovoltaic systems and include a large variety of electric devices:
 Photovoltaic power stations

 Rooftop solar PV systems
 Standalone PV systems
 Solar hybrid power systems
 Concentrated photovoltaics
 Solar planes
 Solar-pumped lasers
 Solar vehicles
 Solar panels on spacecraft’s and space station
2.9. Future:
Varun Sivaram, Samuel Stranks, and Henry Snaith in an article for Scientific
American about perovskite solar cells said that the solar panels of tomorrow will be transparent,
light weight, flexible, and ultra-efficient. We will be able to coat shingles or skylights or
windows with them-and it will all be as cheap as putting up wallpaper. In future there will be
solar panel roads. These roads will be able to support the force of any vehicle driving across it.

They will have lights on showing the different lanes instead of reflectors or paint. The lights will
be easier to see in the dark. The solar panel road will also have heat radiating from it so that there
will be no more problems with snow or ice. The company SolaRoad has installed a 70 meter
cycle path in Amsterdam. An American company, Solar Roadways is developing solar panels
meant for all types of roads and conditions

CHAPTER 3
COMPONENTS
Solar cells/Solar panels:
Solar panels are made out of crystals that are made out of covalent bonds between
electrons on the outer shell of silicon atoms. Silicon is a semiconductor which is neither metal
that conducts electricity but under certain circumstances they do in this example with exposition
to light.
Fig 6
A solar cell has two different layers of silicon. The lower layer has fewer
electrons and hence has a slight positive charge due to the negative charge nature of electrons. In
addition, the upper layer has more electrons and has slightly negative charge.

A barrier is created between these two layers however when the stream of light
particles called photons enter, they give up their energy to the atoms in the silicon. It promotes
one electron from a covalent bond to a next energy level from upper layer to the lower layer.
This promotion of an electron allows freer movement within the crystal which produces a
current. More light shines through, more electrons move around hence more current flows
between. This process is called photovoltaic and photoelectric effect. Photovoltaic systems
literally mean combination of light and voltage and they use photovoltaic cells to directly convert
sunlight into electricity.
Solar panels are made out of layers of different materials in order of glass,
encapsulate, crystalline cells, encapsulate, back sheet, junction box and lastly frame. The
encapsulate keeps out moisture and contaminants which could cause problems.
Battery:
A battery is usually housed within a metal or plastic case. Inside the case are
electrodes including cathodes and anodes where chemical reactions occur. A separator also exists
between cathode and anode which stops the electrodes reacting together at the same time as
allowing electrical charge to flow freely between the two. Lastly, the collector conducts a charge
from the battery to outside.
Fig 7

Charge Controller:
This section controls the entire working systems to protect battery charge. It ensures,
under any circumstances including extreme weather conditions with large temperature
difference, the battery does not over change or over discharge and damage the battery even
further.
This section also includes additional parts such as light controller, time controller,
sound, temperature compensation, lighting protection, reverse polarity protection and AC
transfer switches which ensure sensitive back-up loads work normally when outage occurs.
Inverter:
Solar energy is produced in DC therefore DC-AC inverter is required to enable people
to use AC power of either 220V AC or 110V AC.
Batteries inside solar lamps usually use gel electrolyte technology with high performance
in deep discharging, in order to enable use in extreme ranges of temperature. It may also use
lead-acid, nickel metal hydride, nickel cadmium, or lithium.
This part of the lamp saves up energy from the solar panel and provides power when needed
at night when there is no light energy available. In general, the efficiency of photovoltaic energy
conversion is limited for physical reasons. Around 24% of solar radiation of a long wavelength is
not absorbed. 33% is heat lost to surroundings, and further losses are of approximately 15-20%.
Only 23% is absorbed which means a battery is a crucial part of solar lamp.
Fig 8

Working Principle:
LED lights are used due to their high luminous efficiency and long life. Under
the control of a DC charge controller, non-contact control automatically turns on the light at dark
and switches off at daytime. It sometimes also combines with time controllers to set curtain time
for it to automatically switch light on and off.
Benefits:
Solar lamps can be easier for customers to install and maintain as they do not require
an electricity cable. Solar lamps can benefit owners with reduced maintenance cost and costs of
electricity bills. Solar lamps can also be used in areas where there is no electrical grid or remote
areas that lack a reliable electricity supply.
Solar energy output is limited by weather and can be less effective if it is cloudy, wet,
or winter. Households switching to solar lamps from kerosene lamps also gain from health risk
associated with kerosene emissions. Kerosene often has negative impact on human lungs.
The use of solar energy minimizes the creation pollution indoors, where kerosene has
been linked to cases of health issues. However, photovoltaic panels are made out of silicon and
other toxic metals including lead that can be difficult to dispose of.
OFF-GRID SYSTEM
Off-the-grid is a system and lifestyle designed to help people function without the
support of remote infrastructure, such as an electrical grid. In electricity, off-grid can be stand-
alone power system or mini-grids typically to provide a smaller community with electricity.
Off-grid electrification is an approach to access electricity used in countries and

areas with little access to electricity, due to scattered or distant population. The term off-the-grid

(OTG) can refer to living in a self-sufficient manner without reliance on one or more public
utilities. People who adopt this lifestyle are called off-gridders.
Off-the-grid homes are autonomous; they do not rely on municipal water supply,
sewer, natural gas, electrical power grid, or similar utility services. A true off-grid house is able
to operate completely independently of all traditional public utility services.
Fig 9
In popular culture
The idea has been recently popularized by certain celebrities including Ed Begley,
Jr. who stars in the Living with Ed television show on the Home & Garden Television (HGTV)
network. Actress Daryl Hannah promotes off-grid living and constructed her home in Colorado
according to those principles, as does survival expert and Dual Survival co-star Cody Lundin,
who lives in a self-designed, passive solar earth house in the high-desert wilderness of Northern
Arizona, collecting rainwater, composting waste, and paying nothing for utilities.

Electrical power
Electrical power can be generated on-site with renewable energy sources such
as solar (particularly with photovoltaics), wind, and micro hydro, geothermal; with a generator or
Micro combined heat and power with adequate fuel reserves. Such a system is called a stand-
alone power system or sometimes referred to as a Hybrid power system. In addition, it is possible
to simply eliminate electric power such as in Old Order Amish and Old Order Mennonite
communities.
Popularity
On 13 April 2006, USA Today reported that there were "some 180,000 families
living off-grid, a figure that has jumped 33% a year for a decade," and cited Richard Perez,
publisher of Home Power Magazine, as the source.
Assuming the same rate of growth, there would be a quarter million off-grid
households in the United States by late 2007. Because many Third World citizens have never had
the chance to go on the grid, current estimates are that 1.7 billion people live off-grid worldwide.
A wave of TV shows and articles came out after the publication of "Off the Grid, Inside the
Movement for More Space, Less Government and True Independence in Modern America" by
Nick Rosen in 2010.
Community
The concept of a sustainable off-grid community must take into consideration the
basic needs of all who live in the community. To become truly self-sufficient, the community
would need to provide all of its own electrical power, food, shelter and water. Using renewable
energy, an on-site water source, sustainable agriculture and vertical farming techniques is
paramount in taking a community off the grid. A recent concept design by Eric Wichman shows
a multi-family community, which combines all of these technologies into one self-sufficient
neighborhood. To grow the community you simply add neighborhoods using the same model as
the first. A self-sustained community reduces its impact on the environment by controlling its
waste and carbon footprint.

Environmental impact
The State of California is encouraging solar and wind power generation that is
connected to the electrical grid to avoid the use of toxic lead acid batteries for night time storage.
Grid-tie systems are generally less expensive than off-grid systems due to the lack of additional
equipment like charge controllers and the batteries. However, some systems may mitigate this
difference by using old car batteries that can no longer supply enough current to start a car.
It is often done to residential buildings only occasionally occupied, such as

vacation cabins, to avoid high initial costs of traditional utility connections. Other persons
choose to live in houses where the cost of outside utilities is prohibitive, or such a distance away
as to be impractical. In his book How to live off-grid Nick Rosen lists seven reasons for going
off-grid. The top two are saving money, and reducing the carbon footprint. Others include
survivalists, preparing for the collapse of the oil economy and bringing life back to the
countryside.
Economic consideration
In situations where grid parity has been reached, it becomes cheaper to
generate one's own electricity rather than purchasing it from the grid. This depends on equipment
costs, the availability of renewable energy sources (wind, sun), and the cost of a grid connection.
For example, in certain remote areas a grid connection would be prohibitively expensive,
resulting in grid parity being reached immediately.
Off-grid photovoltaic
The photovoltaic off-grid market has been researched by international
institutes, universities and market research companies. The cumulative installed PV capacity is
estimated in 2010 between 1 and 2 GW depending on the source. The market research company
Infinergia has gone further by mapping national cumulative installed off-grid PV capacity on 100
countries worldwide.

GRID-TIED SYSTEM
A grid-connected photovoltaic power system or grid-connected PV power system is

electricity generating solar PV power system that is connected to the utility grid. A grid-
connected PV system consists of solar panels, one or several inverters, a power conditioning unit
and grid connection equipment. They range from small residential and commercial rooftop
systems to large utility-scale solar power stations. Unlike stand-alone power systems, a grid-
connected system rarely includes an integrated battery solution, as they are still very expensive.
When conditions are right, the grid-connected PV system supplies the excess power, beyond
consumption by the connected load, to the utility grid.
Fig 10
Operation
Residential, grid-connected rooftop systems which have a capacity more than 10
kilowatts can meet the load of most of the consumers. They can feed excess power to the grid
where it is consumed by other users. The feedback is done through a meter to monitor power
transferred. Photovoltaic wattage may be less than average consumption, in which case the
consumer will continue to purchase grid energy, but a lesser amount than previously. If
photovoltaic wattage substantially exceeds average consumption, the energy produced by the

panels will be much in excess of the demand. In this case, the excess power can yield revenue by
selling it to the grid. Depending on their agreement with their local grid energy company, the
consumer only needs to pay the cost of electricity consumed less the value of electricity
generated. This will be a negative number if more electricity is generated than consumed.
Additionally, in some cases, cash incentives are paid from the grid operator to the consumer.
Connection of the photovoltaic power system can be done only through an

interconnection agreement between the consumer and the utility company. The agreement details
the various safety standards to be followed during the connection.
Features
Solar energy gathered by photovoltaic solar panels, intended for delivery to a power
grid, must be conditioned, or processed for use, by a grid-connected inverter. Fundamentally, an
inverter changes the DC input voltage from the PV to AC voltage for the grid. This inverter sits
between the solar array and the grid, draws energy from each, and may be a large stand-alone
unit or may be a collection of small inverters, each physically attached to individual solar panels.
See AC Module. The inverter must monitor grid voltage, waveform, and frequency. One reason
for monitoring is if the grid is dead or strays too far out of its nominal specifications, the inverter
must not pass along any solar energy. An inverter connected to a malfunctioning power line will
automatically disconnect in accordance with safety rules, for example UL1741, which vary by
jurisdiction. Another reason for the inverter monitoring the grid is because for normal operation
the inverter must synchronize with the grid waveform, and produce a voltage slightly higher than
the grid itself, in order for energy to smoothly flow outward from the solar array.
Anti-islanding
Islanding is the condition in which a distributed generator continues to power a

location even though power from the electric utility grid is no longer present. Islanding can be
dangerous to utility workers, who may not realize that a circuit is still powered, even though
there is no power from the electrical grid. For that reason, distributed generators must detect
islanding and immediately stop producing power; this is referred to as anti-islanding.

In the case of a utility blackout in a grid-connected PV system, the solar panels will
continue to deliver power as long as the sun is shining. In this case, the supply line becomes an
"island" with power surrounded by a "sea" of unpowered lines. For this reason, solar inverters
that are designed to supply power to the grid are generally required to have automatic anti-
islanding circuitry in them. In intentional islanding, the generator disconnects from the grid, and
forces the distributed generator to power the local circuit. This is often used as a power backup
system for buildings that normally sell their power to the grid.
There are two types of anti-islanding control techniques:
 Passive: The voltage and/or the frequency change during the grid failure are measured
and a positive feedback loop is employed to push the voltage and/or the frequency further
away from its nominal value. Frequency or voltage may not change if the load matches
very well with the inverter output or the load has a very high quality factor (reactive to
real power ratio). So there exists some Non Detection Zone (NDZ).
 Active: This method employs injecting some error in frequency or voltage. When grid
fails, the error accumulates and pushes the voltage and/or frequency beyond the
acceptable range.
Advantages
 Systems such as Net Metering and Feed-in Tariff which are offered by some system
operators can offset a customer’s electricity usage costs. In some locations though, grid
technologies cannot cope with distributed generation feeding into the grid, so the export
of surplus electricity is not possible and that surplus is earthed.
 Grid-connected PV systems are comparatively easier to install as they do not require a
battery system.
 Grid interconnection of photovoltaic (PV) power generation systems has the advantage of
effective utilization of generated power because there are no storage losses involved.
 A photovoltaic power system is carbon negative over its lifespan, as any energy produced
over and above that to build the panel initially offsets the need for burning fossil fuels.

Even though the sun doesn't always shine, any installation gives a reasonably predictable
average reduction in carbon consumption.
Disadvantages
 Grid-connected PV can cause issues with voltage regulation. The traditional grid operates
under the assumption of one-way, or radial, flow. But electricity injected into the grid
increases voltage, and can drive levels outside the acceptable bandwidth of ±5%.
 Grid-connected PV can compromise power quality. PV’s intermittent nature means rapid
changes in voltage. This not only wears out voltage regulators due to frequent adjusting,
but also can result in voltage flicker.
 Connecting to the grid poses many protection-related challenges. In addition to islanding,

as mentioned above, too high levels of grid-connected PV result in problems like relay
desensitization, nuisance tripping, interference with automatic recloses, and Ferro
resonance.
Steps for an ONGRID system installation:

 Feasibility scheme (needs inspectorate scheme approval for >10Kw projects)
 Registration
 Installation
 Testing(by KSEB)
 DC injection
 Total Harmonic Distortion
 Anti-islanding
 Bidirectional net meter is placed
 Power Purchase Agreement(PPA)
 Net meter installation and then switch on

CHAPTER 4
WORK REPORT
Fig 11: SIX 250W PANEL
Rated peak power-265W
Open circuit voltage-38.1V
Short circuit current-9.03A
Fill factor-77.0%
These Solar panels are made from a block of silicon, consisting of a large number of crystals.
They are highly efficient solar panels for solar power generation which come at best price with
IEC certification and 25 years warranty.

Fig 12: Panel Junction Box
A PV junction box is attached to the back of the solar panel with silicon adhesive. It wires the 4
connectors together and is the output more. The junction box is an enclosure on the module
where the PV strings are electrically connected

Fig 13: AC Distribution box and DC Distribution box
A distribution board (also known as panel board or breaker panel) is a component of an

electricity supply system which divides an electrical power feed into subsidiary circuits, while
providing a protective fuse or circuit breaker for each circuit.
The main purpose of ACDB (AC distribution box) is to eliminate the operation of the load at the
immediate PCU output end and also provide flexible operation of different loads like street light,
general home or office lights and optional loads that optionally operated (on/off).
The DC distribution box is used to provide flexibility for the operator of the solar power plant to
disconnect and connect both the inward solar supply and battery terminals. Here an MCCB and a
fuse of proper rating depending upon the capacity of the power plant and the battery bank are
used. In the DCDB we have two sections one is the solar section and the other is the battery
section.

Fig 14: An off grid system of 750W with three 250W panels
SINGLE LINE DIAGRAM OF THE ABOVE SYSTEM:
HOUSE
Panel Panel Panel
250W 250W 250W
1600/24V
150V 150V

Fig 15: An on-grid system of 3Kw with five 625W panels
An on grid system, also called tied to grid or grid tie system, is a semi-autonomous electrical
generation or grid energy storage system which links to the mains to feed excess capacity back to
the local mains electrical grid. When insufficient electricity is available, electricity drawn from
the mains grid can make up the shortfall. Conversely when excess electricity is available, it is
sent to the mains grid.

CONCLUSION
Solar energy is the energy which has a source that will last until human survive. We have
studied about system installations, on-grid, off-grid etc. during this training period. This will be
very helpful for our feature as theory studies is very different from practical.
We have also evaluated and compared their mechanism, structure, efficiency, along with
other technical details. We have also studied and compared their deployment, leveled cost and
expected growth. We are still unable to predict which technologies will gain the most market
share in the future; however, with the discussion in this report, we understand that each
technology has its own advantages and drawbacks. Rather than saying one is better than other,
what matters is which one is most suitable in a given situation solutions.

REFERENCES
1. Solar Electricity Handbook-2014 Edition: A Simple Practical Guide to Solar Energy-

Designing and Installing Photovoltaic Solar Electric Systems(paperback)
2. Designing with Solar Power- a sourcebook for building integrated photovoltaics
3. Internet
4. Non-conventional Energy Sources- G.D. Rai

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HANDS 0N TRAINING: SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION

DEPARTMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 1

DEPARTMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 2

DEPARTMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 3

SUNGLO energy solutions is a company based in Thrissur, Kerala, providing

Their professional network of experienced solar installers and engineers allow us

DEPARTMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 4

A photovoltaic (in short PV) module is a packaged, connected assembly of

DEPARTMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 5

Bypass diode may be incorporated or used externally, in case of partial module

DEPARTMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 6

2.1. Steps For Installing Solar Panel:

1) Make you home more energy efficient

 Upgrade or replace windows

2) Evaluate the solar site or roof

DEPARTMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 7

3) Get competitive bids

4) Research the cost

5) Determine the required size and Watts

DEPARTMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 8

6) Choose the Solar Panel type

DEPARTMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 9

7) Review the quote and solar system specifications

 Total cost- Labor, installation and equipment.

Depending on construction, photovoltaic modules can produce electricity from a

DEPARTMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 10

Micro-inverted solar panels are wired in parallel which produces more

DEPARTMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 11

2.4. Performance and degradation:

Module performance is generally rated under standard test conditions (STC):

DEPARTMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 12

Potential induced degradation (also called PID) is potential induced

The largest challenge of photovoltaic technology is the efficiencies

DEPARTMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 13

In 2010, 15.9 GW of solar PV system installations were completed, with solar

With over 100% year-on-year growth in PV system installation, PV module

DEPARTMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 14

2.7. Mounting and Tracking:

DEPARTMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 15

 Photovoltaic power stations

DEPARTMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 16

DEPARTMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 17

DEPARTMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 18

DEPARTMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 19

DEPARTMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 20

Off-grid electrification is an approach to access electricity used in countries and

DEPARTMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 21

DEPARTMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 22

DEPARTMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 23

It is often done to residential buildings only occasionally occupied, such as

DEPARTMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 24

A grid-connected photovoltaic power system or grid-connected PV power system is

DEPARTMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 25

Connection of the photovoltaic power system can be done only through an

Islanding is the condition in which a distributed generator continues to power a

DEPARTMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 26

There are two types of anti-islanding control techniques:

DEPARTMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 27

 Connecting to the grid poses many protection-related challenges. In addition to islanding,

Steps for an ONGRID system installation:

DEPARTMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY Page 28

Fig 11: SIX 250W PANEL

Rated peak power-265W