Solar Technology & Applications Overview Alexander Wolf Frankensolar Americas Mike Jeffrey Guillevin Greentech
Solar Technology & Applications Overview Modules Residential Commercial Utility Scale Inverters Micro Inverters String Inverters String Optimized Racking Storage Off Grid Lighting Portable Shelter Net Zero Construction
PV Modules Increased output 60 cell modules Companies LG Output increased to 365 watts New back contact (no metal on front) Electrodes on rear side Increased production in same space Decreased roof loading Increased efficiency
PV Modules Commercial & Utility Applications High Power Classes 72 cell Companies: LG, Available up to 400w Reduced number of strings Reduction in BOS
PV Modules Bifacial Modules Companies; LG, Trina Solar, Silfab Utilizes both sides of the module Increased performance in low light Up to 30% increase output
Racking Bifacial Modules Designed to maximize bifacial module production No obstructions to increase reflectivity
PV Modules Half Cell Modules Companies: Jinko, Trina Solar, REC, Canadian Solar, Hanwha lower resistive power loss increases the power output of a module Available in both 1000v and 1500v Low BOS cost with 1500v Increased string sizes (up to 50%)
PV Modules AC Modules Companies LG, Jinko
Micro-Inverters Companies: Enphase, APSsystems, ABB-Powerone Advantages: Design flexibility (systems starting with 1 panel only) Easy to understand system layout Panel level MPP-tracking and monitoring Low voltage DC No wall space needed to install components No single point of failure Disadvantages: Highest Cost Power Electronics exposed to the elements and large temperature swings Fairly low efficiency (η CEC 95.0% APS, η CEC 96.5% Enphase) Historically high failure rates Replacement always requires work on the roof Waiting for accumulated defective units before replacement One major manufacturer in ongoing financial trouble
String-Inverters Companies: SMA, Fronius, Kaco, Schneider, ABB, Huawei Advantages: High reliability Easy to install Lowest cost Medium to high efficiency No power electronics on the roof Shade mitigation MPP-tracking algorithms Future proof, low financial risk in case manufacturer left the market Disadvantages: DC string design required Less flexible, especially for small or scattered rooftop systems Wall space required to mount the inverter Only string level or MPPT level monitoring Rapid Shutdown requires a shutdown device on the roof
String-Optimized Companies: SolarEdge, SMA-Tigo, Huawei Advantages: Good reliability, less critical components on the roof Easy to install Medium to high efficiency Panel level MPP-tracking and monitoring Design flexibility (long strings, different orientations) Easy to understand system layout Rapid Shutdown compliant by design Disadvantages: High cost DC string design required, but easier than string inverters Wall space required to mount the inverter Risk in case of system manufacturer leaves the market (replacement difficult)
Energy Storage Integration AC Coupling GRID K1 LOAD ~ = ~ = BAT = =
Energy Storage Integration AC Coupling Companies: Sonnen, BYD, SMA-LGchem, Tesla Advantages: Design Flexibility PV vs. Solar PV and Storage can be physically separated Optimized components for each application Higher system reliability Same solar direct consumption efficiency as PV-only Disadvantages: Typically higher cost than a fully integrated system More wall space required to mount two inverters Marginally lower efficiency for stored energy
Energy Storage Technologies for Residential Installations Lead Acid Lead Acid Lead Acid Series OPzS, SOPzS, PzS, flat plate OPzV, SOPzV AGM Type wet, open cell, FLA gel, silicic acid absorbent glass mat Internal resistance low high low (lowest) Temp. range typical -60 40C (charged) -50 40C (charged) -50 40C (charged) Typical temp. range -25 25C -25 25C -25 25C Typical cycles (50% DOD) 600-3000 600-3000 400-1000 Advantages High power (low resistance) High energy (higher acid density) Very tolerant to overcharging Very stable Low price Best availability Maintenance free Spill proof Significantly reduced gassing Maintenance free High power (low resistance) Responsive to load Spill proof Cold weather performance Disadvantages Periodic maintenance required High gassing (H 2 and O 2 ) Low specific energy density High internal resistance Very sensitive to over charging Higher cost than AGM or FLA Low specific energy density Sensitive to over charging More expensive than FLA
Energy Storage Technologies for Residential Installations LiFePO4 (LFP) Li-Ion (NMC) Li-Ion (NMC) Series Sony - Fortelion, Sonnen LG Chem - Resu Tesla Powerwall Battery block 51.2V / 50A / 1.2-2.5kWh 51.8V/400V / 9.8kWh 50V / 14kWh Max discharge current 2C 0.5C or C2 0.5C or C2 Depth of Discharge max. 90% (100%) 90% 96% Temp. range storage -40 65C -30 55C -20 30C Temp. range discharging -20 60C -10 45C -20 50C Temp. range charging 0 45C -10 40C -20 50C Typical cycles (90% DOD) Pros Cons 7000 (10000 at 71% SOH) 4000 (6000 at 60% SOH) Very safe cell technology No thermal runaway Low and high voltage systems SMA BMS compatible Very high cost External system controller Every 1.2kWh separately packed Not usable in cold conditions Regular safety measures LV or HV systems SMA BMS compatible Relatively low price Fairly new in North America Only selected inverters compatible Not specified (est. 5000) Relatively low product cost Thermal management incl. Easy packaging and design Availability
Energy Storage Integration Safety All commercially available Li-Ion Battery systems are well designed and thoroughly tested! UL 1642 UL 1973 UL 2054 UN/DOT 38.3 Safety for Lithium Batteries electrical tests mechanical tests fire exposure test battery enclosure tests environmental tests Batteries for use in Light Electric Rail and Stationary Applications (ESS) 2 nd Edition Household and Commercial Batteries electrical tests mechanical tests battery enclosure tests fire exposure test environmental tests Transportation of Dangerous Goods
Off Grid Lighting Ideal for; Remote locations International roadways Schools & Universities Parks & Recreation Path-ways Corporate Complexes Multi-Site Retail Transportation & Airports Transit Solar LED Street Lighting afford many advantages over traditional street-lighting: 50% installation and cost savings over traditional grid-tied lighting. No future electrical costs to operate once installed Lighting is independent of the grid, even in an emergency or total black-out. Solar modules and LEDs maintain their efficient in low temperatures.
Portable Power Off Grid Provides shelter, power outlets, USB and phone charging
Shelter Off Grid
Net Zero Construction Solar Ready Home Construction Link to publication https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/s ites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files /canmetenergy/files/pubs /SolarReadyGuidelines_en. pdf
Net Zero Construction Design Features
Net Zero Construction Design Features
Master planned communities Net Zero Construction Sifton West 5 (London, ON) https://west5.ca/ Community gardens Solar Streetlights Solar Parkades Green Roof Solar Panels EV Charging
Net Zero Construction Jasper Master Planned Community (Arizona) Each Jasper home features a 10 kwh battery. The battery stores enough clean energy during the day to power your home throughout the night. It is also the foundation of the sonnencommunity. Today, there are 8,000 homes utilizing the sonnen energy model in Frankfurt, Germany. These homes are a sonnencommunity, powered by solar panels and interconnected sonnenbatteries, creating a cloud-based virtual power plant. 2900 home community launching 2018 Energy efficient home design requires 60% less solar panels than traditional models Generate enough power to satisfy the community usage Surplus energy managed and stored for 24 hour access https://youtu.be/kfac4cfuh5g
1. The sonnen energy manager optimizes the energy consumption within a home (PV, battery, consumption). In a smart home, the sonnen energy manager controls and optimizes the energy use with other appliances. This keeps the energy cost low. how it works 2. The sonnencommunity software manages energy flow within the community, and optimizes it for 1. energy manager everyone s benefit to keep the cost low. 3. The sonnencommunity VPP software dispatches aggregated resources, delivers services to utility. Revenue flows back to community.