PV solar panel installation guide
This solar panel installation guide is intended to give you the knowledge to install a stand-alone solar power system anywhere in South Africa and the rest of the world. It covers the principles of photovoltaic power generation and energy conversion and goes on to outline the necessary design and installation procedures. The resources required are included where necessary and there are illustrations as appropriate. It is recommended that you read the entire solar panel installation guide before attempting any of the procedures within. Below is the index to the entire solar panel installation guide. Please use this index to navigate your way through the manual.
Index
1. Basic Principles
1.1 Volts, Amps and Watts
1.2 The Photovoltaic Effect
1.3 Solar Panels
1.4 Energy Storage
1.5 Control and Conversion
1.6 Operation
2. Suitability
2.1 Energy Requirment
2.2 Other Power Sources
2.3 Solar Resource
3. System Components
3.1 Solar Panels
3.2 Batteries
3.3 Solar Charge Controllers
3.4 Inverters
4. Design
4.1 Solar Design Process
4.2 Initial Estimates
4.3 Site Survey
4.4 System Sizing
4.5 Component Selection
4.6 Wiring
5. Installation and Commissioning
5.1 Safety
5.2 Array
5.3 Battery
5.4 Control Equipment
5.5 System Commissioning
7. Appendices
7.1 Appendix 1 - Insolation Maps
7.2 Appendix 2 - Battery Voltages
7.3 Appendix 3 - Cable Data
7.4 Appendix 4 - Example Wiring Diagrams
7.5 Appendix 5 - Power Ratings of Common Appliances