Solar Panels Vs. Summer Scorcher

Issues had been fairly good right here in Adelaide on Tuesday. Learn how it impacts the efficiency of our solar energy system.

Our system consists of slightly below 10kW of photo voltaic panels (9.96kW), an 8.2kW inverter and an export restrict of 5kW. As it’s new, I at all times control what it’s doing. And since warmth is the enemy of photo voltaic panel effectivity, I am significantly all for what occurs on a extremely popular day.

I not too long ago wrote about how the system carried out on Christmas day once we had been graced by the presence of 19 company who wanted cooling in our growing older air-conditioner. That is what many contemplate a scorching day at 34 levels, however gentle in contrast to what’s to return within the subsequent few days.

Monday at a temperature of 37.4 °C

Round 2.20 pm on Monday, the temperature exterior reached 37.4°C. Utilizing my trusty ladder and an infrared thermometer, I learn the photo voltaic panels, which had been sitting at about 55.2°C. Because the panels are at all times 20°C above ambient, they’re just a little on the “chilly” aspect – maybe helped by a little bit of wind.

Photo voltaic panel wattage rankings are primarily based on a Commonplace Testing Situation (STC) of 25°C module temperature (not ambient). Greater than that they usually begin to lose effectivity¹. How a lot they lose varies from mannequin to mannequin, however that is greater than just a little.

At that time, the inverter is cranking out 8.185 kW; due to this fact only a smidge under its most capability of 8.2 kW.

Good!

Tuesday at 41°C

Tuesday will probably be hotter. At round 2 pm, the temperature reached 41°C. Again on the ladder and one other temperature studying: 62.1°C this time.

Now we have a Trina photo voltaic panel – the Vertex S+. Trina said that the Vertex S+ has a temperature coefficient Pmax of -0.30%/°C. This implies for each diploma above 25 ° C, the panels lose -0.30% of their rated capability. And the distinction on this case is 37.1 levels above 25°C.

So: 37.1 x .3 = 11.13% anticipated capability loss = ~8.85kW.

Contemplating I’ve an 8.2 kW inverter, which means that’s the most it might probably output, I’ve to take Trina at her phrase. As for the inverter’s efficiency, at that time it was peaking at round 8.12 kW output – once more, not a lot under its most capability.

Select An Inverter Set up Location

Now we have a Fronius inverter – a Primo 8.2-1.

Many inverters use passive (aka “pure” or convection) cooling. One of many good issues concerning the Fronius Primo inverter is that it has lively cooling – a fan; the velocity of that ramps up and down relying on the temperature. This characteristic helps keep efficiency in scorching circumstances.

One of many much less good issues concerning the Fronius Primo is that it has a fan, which might be noisy. The next video was taken after I took the panel temperature readings when the inverter was working laborious. I stood again about 3 meters from the inverter, however zoomed in.

Our inverter is put in within the storage (which appears to amplify the sound) and is about 90 cm away from a door. On the opposite aspect of that door and behind the brick wall the place the inverter hangs is our entrance lounge. Whereas I may hear the fan within the lounge, the sound stage wasn’t to the purpose of being distracting (or regretful) for my part. However it’s noticeable and it is a room we do not use a lot – not due to the inverter.

The Fronius Gen24 inverters even have a strong fan; however from what I learn they aren’t as robust as Primo.

By the way in which, putting in a photo voltaic inverter (any kind) from direct daylight is strongly beneficial. It might even be required underneath guarantee. Inverters are the workhorse of a solar energy system and have a tricky sufficient life with out having to battle the cruel Australian solar that beats down on them day in, day trip. If you do not have a shaded space, varied shade gadgets and inverter covers can be utilized.

Photo voltaic Energy In The Warmth – No Sweat

That is an attention-grabbing train and due to a “massive” system utilizing a very good high quality inverter, there’s a very small impact on the utmost output in comparison with ideally suited circumstances.

In case your solar energy system is correctly sized, has good parts and is correctly put in; don’t fret about scorching days. In a extra detailed article, SQ’s Ronald explains why you should not fear concerning the warmth impact of photo voltaic vitality output.

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