Solar PV System Basics and Introduction to

PVsyst

Engr. Melissa P. Libres, MS

Graduate Research Assistant, Center for Research in Energy Systems and Technologies, USC
Alumni, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, USC
Scholar, DOST-ERDT
 What is a Solar PV System?

Solar Irradiance Solar PV System is a type of

renewable energy system that
converts irradiance from the sun
to useable electrical energy.
Solar PV System

Electrical Energy for Consumers

Solar PV System works by pushing electrons…
PV Cell
PV Array Components

PV cells - Electricity is generated by

PV cells, the smallest unit of a PV
system

Modules - PV cells are wired

together to form modules which
are usually a sealed, or
encapsulated, unit of convenient
size for handling.

Arrays – Groups of panels or

modules make up an array.
PV System Components
 PV System Components

Solar Irradiance

PV Array Charge Controller DC LOAD

 PV System Components
BATTERY STORAGE

Solar Irradiance

PV Array Charge Controller DC LOAD

 PV System Components
BATTERY STORAGE

Solar Irradiance

INVERTER AC LOAD

PV Array Charge Controller DC LOAD

Why do you need a Solar PV System?

Anticipate and combat unexpected power outage in your area

Reduce your monthly bill

Ideal for remote area with no grid

power

Lessen your carbon footprint and dependence on dirty power sources

In the Islands…

Small islands in general rely

on expensive fossil-based
power generation [1]

Service Hours in SPUG Areas

24 hours: 40 out of 239 areas (14.04 %)

LESS than 24 hours: 245 or
85.96 %
Source:
Service Hours in SPUG Areas
https://www.spug.ph/index.php/transparency/about-us#service-hours
Renewable Energy Integration
The combination of solar energy, diesel generator, and energy storage systems is
found to be the most effective approach in eradicating intermittent energy
source and increasing price of diesel for small off-grid systems [2]

K. Kusakana, J. L. Munda, and A. A. Jimoh, “Feasibility study of a hybrid PV-Micro Hydro,” no. September, pp. 7–11, 2009.
Why Solar Energy?

Technology is mature

Solar PV system components are getting cheaper

Widely abundant in the islands

Strong public awareness and acceptance

 SOLAR FARMS TAKE UP A LOT OF SPACE

• Space that can be used for agricultural purposes

• Can trigger land ownership issues

SMALL ISLANDS GENERALLY LACK

ABUNDANT LAND SPACE
Rooftop PV Potential Assessment

Utilization of available resources are happening rather slowly due to

limited research on determining its potential on different islands [3]

Know WHERE to best put the Quantify the

Assessment
PV technology POTENTIAL
Software Tool Overview
What is PVsyst?

PVsyst is a software for sizing and analysis of complete PV

systems to facilitate studies on stand-alone, grid-
connected and even pumping DC-grid PV systems [4].
 System Design Board

The system design is based on a quick and simple procedure:

•Specify the desired power or available area
•Choose the PV module from the internal database
•Choose the inverter/charge controller from the internal
database
The software embeds a color-coded warning / errors
messaging system. If there’s a mismatch, issue, warning with
your design, you will be warned within the proper frame.

From PVsyst website: https://www.pvsyst.com/features/

3D Shading Scene
•Layout close to standards
•User Friendly object manipulations and creating
•Easy import from external tools such as
Sketchup and PV plane conversation
•Orientation identification and Scene validation
tools
•Sun Point of View Simulation
•Multithread shading calculation / simulation
•External Shading Scene import from Autocad
and SketchUp

From PVsyst website: https://www.pvsyst.com/features/

 Simulation and results report
The simulation calculates the distribution of energies
throughout the year.
Main results:
1.The total energy production [MWh/y] is essential for
the evaluation of the PV system’s profitability.
2.The Performance Ratio (PR [%]) describes the quality
of the system itself.
3.The specific energy [kWh/kWp] is an indicator of
production based on the available irradiation (location
and orientation).
From PVsyst website: https://www.pvsyst.com/features/
 Meteonorm included – 7.2

•Direct search for a location using

OpenLayers and GeoNames

•Full Meteonorm v7.2 interpolation

program for any location on earth

From PVsyst website: https://www.pvsyst.com/features/

Project Design-Stand Alone
Walk Through
Pvsyst Results
Pvsyst Results
Quick Overview and PVsyst Integration
SketchUp for Easier Near Shading Scenes
SketchUp’s working principle is
utilizing boxes.
 Actual
measurements
and orientation
of rooftops can
be replicated in
SketchUp

GILUTONGAN ISLAND Quick Facts [5] :

Located in Cordova, Cebu
• 11.25 ha
• 342 Households
Part of Olango Group of Islands • 194-kVA Diesel Generator
• 6 PM-10:30 PM operation
• Charges PHP 8 per outlet, PHP 7 per bulb
How cool would it be to be able to
install your own solar PV system?
 Model Validation
Model Validation
1.8
Energy Production in kWh

1.6
1.4
1.2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0

Dates Observed

Measured kWh Simulated kWh

 In PVsyst we can…

• Determine system sizing according to user’s needs

• Assure compatibility of each components from PV to battery side

• Simulate annual rooftop-PV potential energy generation on a

desired project location

 End of Presentation

Engr. Melissa P. Libres, MS

[email protected]
Graduate Research Assistant, Center for Research in Energy Systems and Technologies, USC
Alumni, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, USC
Scholar, DOST-ERDT
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