PV modules can be placed on mountings that move the PV modules to allow them to follow

(track) the movement of the sun in the sky. In this way we will increase the quantity of sunlight
arriving at the PV modules. This movement can be made in several different ways. Here we give
three options:
 Vertical axis: The modules are mounted on a moving structure with a vertical rotating
axis, at an angle. The structure rotates around the axis during the day such that the angle
to the sun is always as small as possible (this means that it will not rotate at constant
speed during the day). The angle of the modules relative to the ground can be given, or
you can ask to calculate the optimal angle for your location.
 Inclined axis: The modules are mounted on a structure rotating around an axis that forms
an angle with the ground and points in the north-south direction. The plane of the
modules is assumed to be parallel to the axis of rotation. It is assumed that the axis rotates
during the day such that the angle to the sun is always as small as possible (this means
that it will not rotate at constant speed during the day). The angle of the axis relative to
the ground can be given, or you can ask to calculate the optimal angle for your location.
 Two-axis tracker: The modules are mounted on a system that can move the modules in
the east-west direction and also tilt them at an angle from the ground, so that the modules
always point at the sun. Note that the calculation still assumes that the modules don't
concentrate the sunshine directly from the sun, but can use all the sunshine falling on the
modules, both that coming directly from the sun which coming from the remainder of the
sky.

This is the facility that the manufacturer declares that the PV array can produce under standard
test conditions a total of 1000W (1kW) of solar irradiation per square meter in the plane of an
array at a temperature of 25°C. The peak power should be entered in kilowatt-peak (kWp) which
is commonly used in a household environment. If you do not know the declared peak power of
your modules but instead know the area of the modules and the declared conversion efficiency
(in percent), you can calculate the peak power as

Power = (Area * Efficiency) / 100

Equation 1: Power of PV

In a household environment, a 5kW solar system is considered as traditional and implementable

in tropical region of Australia in general; whereas, our discussion is based upon Qatar region
which has been covered here in a greater detail.
In order to calculate the PV module power efficiency either it can be found in the user guide, or
at the back of PV module. Following details are necessary to have in hands in order to calculate
the efficiency of PV module:
1. Maximum Power of module ( Pmax )
2. Module physical dimensions ( Length x Width ) at the back of specification sheets
3. Power (P) per unit area (A) of solar module
When we have dimensions (Length x Width) of PV panels then we can have power per unit area
which can be achieved by dividing maximum power (Pmax) with the area which will be termed
as Watt per square meter.
4. Idea of Solar Irradiance at standard conditions
Irradiance power measured in watts (W) beamed on the surface in square meter (m 2) at the
surface of module at the standard conditions stated over here in a brief manner.
i. Temperature of Solar Cell at 25°C
ii. Solar Irradiance pattern at 1000 watts per unit area (1k W/m2 )
iii. Have an air mass of 1.5

5. The efficiency of solar module can be calculated as ratio of power per unit area of the
solar module (Watts/m2) by the solar irradiance at 1000 Watts /m2.
Figure 1: Characteristic of PV module in terms of IV curves
PV Solar cell module manufacturers’ conducts various tests based upon IV characteristic in
order to find the required details or behavior as per the designed specifications. Solar panel
efficiency can be affected by secondary variables as stated below in a brief manner:
 Shadow of nearby buildings and trees
 Cloudy weather
 Cells having less reflective property can collect more sunlight than bouncing it back to
space
 Pollution, dirt, and dust also effect the output
 Snow layer in any tropical region
 Rooftop solar panel systems can affect the efficiency of PV system with reference to area
of panels
 Placement of Solar panels with reference to their directions

Solar Panel output can be measured with the relation detailed below:

Daily Watt hour generation=Solar panel power x average timeof sunlight x 75 %

Equation 2: Solar Panel output measurement

From Equation 2, we can infer an example which will show the daily watt hour generation of 250
watt solar panel for 5 hours catering remaining total of 75 % of environmental variables.

Daily Watt hour generation=250 x 5 x 0.75=937.5Wh

In order to have calculations of electricity bill, we should have these values in kilo-watt-hour
(kWh).

937.5Wh
Daily kilo Watt hour generation= =0.9375 kWh
1000

So,
We have gotten 0.934 kWh per solar panel in a single day as per the detailed data.
 SOLAR PANEL MODEL OF SOLAR PANEL EFFICIENCY

MANUFACTURE OF PANEL

R
SolarWorld Sunmodule Pro-Series SW250 Poly 14.91
Hansol HS-250-NB-AN3 14.97
Hanwha SolarOne HSL60P6-PC-1-250 15
S-Energy SM-250-PC8 15.03
ReneSola JC250M-24/Bgs 15.2
Trina Solar Energy TSM-250PEG5.07 15.2
CentroSolar DP60 250 15.3
Hyundai HiS-M250RG 15.3
Renogy Solar RNG-250D 15.3
S-Energy SN250P-10 15.3

Table 1: Efficiency of Solar PV Panels

In Table 1, we have seen the power conversion factors of various models of Solar PV systems.

System Size Average KWh Number of 250W solar

(KW) production panels
1 kW 1410 4
2kW 2820 8
4kW 5640 16
8kW 11280 32

Table 2: Average kWh production through efficiency of 1.41

Size of solar panel varies from 5 feet in length to 3 feet in width as per manufactures
specifications with an approximate weight of 40 pounds in general.
From the given observations, we can say that 250W solar panels are on average has the
dimensions (Length x Width) of 16.5 ft2 (5.5’ by 3’).

System Size Estimated Space needed (Sq. Number of 250W solar

(KW) ft) panels
1 kW 66 4
2kW 132 8
4kW 264 16
8kW 528 32

Table 3: Estimated Space needed ( Sq.ft ) in 250W

In Table 3, we have seen the implementation of 250W solar panels as an excellent standard when
we have to deal with its efficiency in terms of space requirements on a roof of a single-family
home which will expressively offset electricity costs, but if somehow you have a less space on
roof then consider to cover the roof with panels having ground-mounted solar systems.

FEATURE COMMERCIAL PANELS RESIDENTIAL PANELS

Number of Solar Cells 72 60
Average of Length 78 65
Average of Width 39 39
Average of Depth 1.5 - 2 1.5 - 2

Table 4: Solar panel sizes in inches

It can be seen that total number of solar cells in one panel is directly proportional to its length. In
commercial solar panels we have 72-cells in comparison to 60-cells in any residential solar
panel.
 Figure 2: Size comparison of commercial and residential panels

For instance, we are dealing with 4 kilowatts (kW) system with 16 average-sized panels;
whereas, size of one 250 W solar panel upon average is 16.5 ft2 (5.5’ by 3’) which will result into
265 ft2 (88’ by 48’) in total which can be assumed that these panels are fitted altogether with no
obstruction on your roof–in reality in a household environment with unique placement, and
orientation of panels at your roof.

SOLAR PANEL SOLAR PANEL WEIGHT (60-CELL RESIDENTIAL

MANUFACTURER PANELS)
SolarWorld 40 - 47 lbs
LG 38 lbs
Canadian Solar 40 - 51 lbs
Hyundai 38 - 41 lbs
Hanwha SolarOne 40 - 42 lbs
Hanwha Q CELLS 41 lbs
Trina 41 - 50 lbs

Figure 3: Solar panel weight by manufacturer

Through the implementation of the knowledge of solar panel size and solar panel weight, we can
design whole solar panel based system which can help us to decide that either that total weight
will be bearded by the new roof or not based upon the calculations.
In a household environment, when we design a 4 kilowatt solar panel 250W based system then
total weight (16 panels x 40 lbs.) in pounds comes out to be 640 lbs.; whereas, from above
calculations total area results into 265 ft2 (88’ by 48’) which upon further calculations results into
a weight of 2.415 pounds per square foot (640 pounds ÷ 265 ft2). Furthermore, upon mounting
hardware including various equipment then the total weight will be closer to 3 - 4 pounds per
square foot. From studies, it can be concluded that newer homes can bear more than 3 pounds
per square foot of weight which may be decreased with the passage of time.
Yearly Profile of Qatar

Figure 4: Irradiation Data of Qatar for 2016

Figure 5: Irradiation Data trend of Qatar for 2016

Monthly Irradiance profile - June 2016

We may track the Solar PV generation based upon the irradiance profile of Qatar region which
can be accessed through satellite of European Union (EU) as per reference for general use and
implementation.
 Figure 6: Monthly Irradiance profile - June 2016

Figure 7: Monthly Irradiance data profile on fixed plane

Daily average irradiance of June 2016 on fixed plane with slope 35° and azimuth 0°

Time and Date Gb(i) Gd(i) Gr(i) H_sun T2m WS10 Int
m
20160601:0049 0 0 0 0 27.01 6.04 0
20160601:0149 0 0 0 0 27.3 6.22 0
20160601:0249 21.69 74.96 1.11 12.52 27.59 6.4 0
 20160601:0349 144.75 145.12 2.8 25.55 29.72 7.15 0
20160601:0449 274.81 216.67 4.37 38.85 31.84 7.91 0
20160601:0549 464.74 233.9 6.01 52.33 33.97 8.66 0
20160601:0649 672.46 206.02 7.44 65.88 35.16 8.97 0
20160601:0749 757.39 211.97 8.14 79.3 36.35 9.27 0
20160601:0849 788.79 202.97 8.34 85.21 37.54 9.57 0
20160601:0949 721.34 208.56 7.89 72.44 37.63 9.42 0
20160601:1049 604.62 199.17 6.97 58.9 37.71 9.26 0
20160601:1149 492.82 145.15 5.79 45.37 37.8 9.1 0
20160601:1249 281.91 130.58 4.05 31.98 36.63 7.99 0
20160601:1349 80.35 104.66 2.11 18.8 35.47 6.88 0
20160601:1449 0 40.16 0.34 5.97 34.3 5.77 0
20160601:1549 0 0 0 0 32.74 5.2 0
20160601:1649 0 0 0 0 31.19 4.64 0
20160601:1749 0 0 0 0 29.63 4.08 0
20160601:1849 0 0 0 0 28.61 3.76 0
20160601:1949 0 0 0 0 27.58 3.44 0
20160601:2049 0 0 0 0 26.56 3.12 0
20160601:2149 0 0 0 0 25.9 3.46 0
20160601:2249 0 0 0 0 25.23 3.8 0
20160601:2349 0 0 0 0 24.56 4.14 0

Table 5: Data of daily average irradiance of June 2016 on fixed plane

G(i): Global irradiance on a fixed plane [W/m2].

Gb(i): Direct irradiance on a fixed plane [W/m2].
Gd(i): Diffuse irradiance on a fixed plane [W/m2].
P=ηPV x S x A
Equation 3: Power of PV

From the above Equation 3, we can calculate power of PV based system based upon their sizes,
efficiency, and upon their irradiance profile.

Performance of grid-connected PV systems in Qatar

The performance of 1kW grid connected PV based system in visualization form is being shared
with reference to Qatar region.
 Figure 8: Performance of PV 1kW grid based systems

Figure 9: Monthly performance of PV 1kW grid based systems upon fixed angle

Performance of tracking PV systems in Qatar

The performance of 1kW tracking PV based system in visualization form is being shared with
reference to Qatar region.
 Figure 10: Performance of tracking PV of 1kW system

Figure 11: Monthly energy output from tracking PV system

Battery Bank
Sizing of batteries in Solar PV based power generation systems is of great importance in a grid
based or non-grid based connected systems. Amount of energy needed for the consumption with
the passage of time is rated in KWh.
For instance,
2,000 watts x 5 hours per day = 10 kWh per day

Lead Acid Sizing

Depth of discharge = DOD = 50%

Inefficiency factor = 1.2

Sizing of Battery=P x Battery Discharge x Inefficiency factor

¿ 10 kWh x 2 x 1.2=24 kWh

Battery Capacity will be judged in kilowatt hours (kWh), or amp hour (Ah). Example of battery
banks for Lead acid based upon off grid home using 10Wh per day wired with 12V, 24 V, and
48V depends upon the size of systems.
For Lead Acid, 24kWh is equal to:

 2,000 amp hours at 12 volts

 1,000 amp hours at 24 volts
 500 amp hours at 48 volts
Lithium Sizing
Depth of discharge = DOD = 80%

Inefficiency factor = 1.05

Sizing of Battery=P x Battery Discharge x Inefficiency factor

¿ 10 kWh x 1.2 x 1.05=12.6 kWh

Example of battery banks for Lead acid based upon off grid home using 10Wh per day wired
with 12V, 24 V, and 48V depends upon the size of systems.
For Lithium, 12.6 kWh is equal to:

 1,050 amp hours at 12 volts

 525 amp hours at 24 volts
 262.5 amp hours at 48 volts

Factors normally effect the sizing of batteries are:

 Ambient Temperature
 Seasonal Factors
 Budget

How To Calculate Solar Battery Bank Size

Our solar array bank calculator helps you identify the perfect battery bank size, watts per solar
array, and therefore the suitable solar charge controller. If you select to create an off-grid system,
it is vital to size your system supported the month with the smallest amount of sunlight. That
way, you'll have access to a sufficient amount of energy in the least times. There are several
steps to follow when calculating your solar array bank. Let's review them below:
Step 1: Determine Your Daily Energy Usage
Electricity bill is calculated in kilowatt-hour (kWh) as per convention. To calculate your daily
kilowatt-hour output, you'll got to divide that number by 30, then multiply by 1000 to convert the
amount into watt-hours. Which translates to at least one watt of power sustained for one hour.
This is the primary step in determining your solar array bank size.
Step 2: Estimate what percentage Days your system are going to be Without Sun
Irradiance data of Solar PV power generation was extracted from European Union (EU) web
server of Qatar region was also extracted for the year of 2016. This step is crucial in ensuring
you will have access to your solar power year-round. A large solar array bank size are going to
be best utilized in areas with more cloudy days, while a smaller solar array bank should be
sufficient in areas with prevalent sunlight. However, it is often recommended to take stock
instead of down.
Step 3: Estimate rock bottom Temperature Your Battery Bank Will Experience
The lowest temperature data of Qatar region can also be extracted from the same European
Union (EU) web server of Qatar region for the year of 2016 as per reference which will be
helpful in predicting the satisfactory capacity of your battery bank based systems.

Figure 12: Battery Bank Calculations for 60kWh systems per month

How to Calculate Amp Hours

Calculating the quantity of energy stored during a battery will use a special formula than a solar
array bank calculator. For one, you will need information about the electrical charge within the
battery, also referred to as amp-hours. Following consideration are needed to be kept in mind
when to calculate Amp Hours (AH) of a battery bank:
Step 1: Check the Voltage
We'll use V to represent this unit. V stands for voltage of the battery. For example, a standard
battery voltage is 12V.
Step 2: Determine the quantity of Energy Stored within the Battery
Let's use E to represent this unit which is used to store energy in batteries and mainly expressed
in watt-hours (WH).
Step 3: Input Numbers Into A battery Amp Hour Calculator or the Formula Below
The calculator will use this formula to work out the amp hours. You can always prefer to do the
maths yourself.
E=V*Q
Q (amp hours) = E / V
Whereas,
Q signifies the battery capacity sedated in amp-hours (AH).

Each system has several battery options and everything is sized proportionally, therefore the
solar panels, inverter and battery all work together in an optimal manner.Initial investment
for Tesla and LG Lithium batteries is greater than older lead acid batteries. In our project, we are
using lead-acid batteries having depth of discharge (DOD) is 50%.

Figure 13:
Difference of rating between Lithium, Lead Acid batteries

The higher your battery’s capacity, the more solar power it can store. In order to use batteries as
a part of your solar installation, you would like solar panels, a charge controller, and an inverter.
When we are using battery banks then excess energy produced can be stored instead of sending
back to the grid. Electricity are going to be sent to the grid if your batteries are fully charged and
your panels are still producing energy.
 Figure 14: Typical sizing curve for Diesel based generator system

It has a net charging efficiency 86% while a net discharging efficiency 86% having a Depth of
discharge 50% are few of the properties detailed over here in order to define the typical diesel
based generator system.

Figure 15: Optimum

configuration of design space
Optimal configurations are located inside the design space in a sizing curve in diesel generators
based systems as can be referred from the figure detailed above.

Your solar panels will first got to be connected to a charge controller which can help monitor
what proportion energy is stored within the batteries to stop overcharging. Charge controllers
also will pack up a system if the batteries become too depleted. Before powering your
appliances, your batteries will got to be connected to an inverter to convert the DC energy
collected from solar panels and converted to AC energy.

Figure 16: Generic sizing curve of PV based systems

For instance, if we have a 200AH battery whereas only 50% of that is usable due to depletion
limitations then we can have 100 amp-hours of energy to draw on. If you learn that you typically
can last two days with energy from that battery that means you can consume 50 amp-hours a day.
Yes! Different batteries can have an enormous impact on how your solar installation
operates. There are three main sorts of deep cycle batteries utilized in solar systems: flooded
lead acid, sealed lead acid, and lithium iron phosphate batteries. Each of those batteries vary
in price, battery capacity, voltage, and cycle life. For example, battery capacity is vital
because it measures the quantity of energy you'll store which is used to drive bigger load as
per specifications details or requirements.
Capacity is measured in total amp hours. Look at cycle life to find out about the amount of
discharge and charge cycles A battery can provide before the capacity drops below the rated
capacity. This varies sharply from technology to technology and is measured during a
number of cycles.