BPB 44304 Renewable Energy S2 2015 1

I. INTRODUCTION

Proposal Report (PBL)

Designation of Grid-Connected Solar Power System
Abstract This report discuss about the grid Today's solar electric cells are a practical and
Mohd Azri Bin Ahmad Mas Dali, 51210113539
Mohd Hafizi Bin Mustafa Kamal, 51210113803
Abdul Musowwir Bin Mohamad, 51210113920
Hazwan Zulfadhli Bin Mohd Sobri, 51210113751
Muhammad Haziq Bin Zulkeple, 51210113590
Shahfizan Nasriq Bin Ali, 51210113794
Muhammad Sufiyan Bin Abd Rashid, 51210113797
Muhamad Shahrin Azizi Bin Abdul Mutallib, 51210113814
Muhammad Danial Bin Kosnin, 51210113765
connected solar power system. The steps that environmentally friendly way of producing
needs to be taken to design the system are also electricity for everyday use. By adding a solar
discussed with the theory and calculations. The electric system to your home or office, you will
solutions to the problem occurred are proved reduce the intake of electric power from your
with some research and design have been made power company. This will reduce your monthly
for the solar panel mounting. This report will utility bill. Depending upon the local rate
show how big the system will be used and are structure and the size of the system, the
the system worth to be used either in short term reduction will vary from 10% to 50% or more.
and long term including the organization that More importantly, you will make an important
are involved to buy and sell the power generated contribution to the environment. Solar electricity
and the organizations that set the fit tariff rates is valuable to our future in many different ways.
for buy back system.
The modularity and flexibility of solar electricity
allows users to have a system tailored to their
specific needs and preferences. In addition to
full or partial power for a home or business,
solar electricity may serve as a power source for
a specific job. This could be electricity for a well
pump, patio or street lighting, or for a home
security system or even a backyard waterfall.
Typically, such systems consist of one or more
modules and a charge controller accompanied by
a battery or batteries.

Solar power systems may be categorized into

three primary types: standalone, battery backup,
and utility (grid) connected. Any of these types
of systems may be designed to meet all or part
of the user's electrical requirements.

BPB 44304 Renewable Energy S2 2015 2

Photovoltaic (PV) systems are composed of CALCULATION

several individual components including arrays
(multiple connected modules), inverters,
controls, safety disconnects, and batteries. By a) Suitable number of module to be installed
assembling differing sizes of components
together, systems can be built with varied power i) Length wise across
outputs to meet the demands of various loads.

Grid connected solar power system is the type of

solar power system but in this system battery
are not used and the power that generated with
this solar power system can be sold. This solar
power system are connected to the grid to
enable the grid system to provide the power to
the household and otherwise the power that
generated by the solar power system is being
sold to the TNB that is measured by the specific
meter.

II. METHODOLOGY

To design the Grid connected solar power 20000

system, there are several step that needs to be n up= =19.80 19 module
990+20
taken to know how big the system is. Those
steps are:-

126850
Determine the actual available area on the n across= =75.41 75 module
roof. 1662+20
Record the actual dimensions of the workable
space.
Determine the possible number of solar array n total=19 75 1425 module * suitable
that can be installed. module
Design based on the energy requirement
Design based on available budget. ii) Length wise up

Determine the range of total possible number

of PV modules that matches a specific inverter.
Determine the extreme limits of voltage
produced by the PV modules.
Determine the number of modules in series per
string
Determine the number of strings in parallel.
Determine the optimum array configuration.

There are others steps that need to be taken

before implementing the system. That is:-

Access Occupational Safety and Health on the

site.
Determine how the module is going to be
mounted. 20000
Determine the location of the inverter, meters, n up= =11.89 11 module
1662+20
junction box and monitoring system.
Determine length of the cable.
126850
n across= =125.59 125 module
990+20
BPB 44304 Renewable Energy S2 2015 3

*max number of parallel string

n total=11 125=1375 module Npmax_string = (13.5/1.25x3.93) = 1.21

1 string
Selection = 1425 module
*maximum system voltage (optimum)

Vmax_of_string = 39.64 x 14 = 554.96V

b) Optimum PV array configuration Vmax_of_string 1000V, then the design
is safe.

(Pnomine_inv/0.82) Parray_stc
(Pnomine_inv/0.77) c) Estimated take energy generated for the
(5000/0.82) Parray_stc (5000/0.77) whole year

A = power_stc = 1 x 14 x 265 = 3710Wp

B = PSH = 1626.35h
*Est, take number of module C = ftemp_au = 1 + (-0.45/100) x (1
cell_au_25)
(6097.56/265) Nmodule
(6493.51/265) Tcell_ave = Temp_arc_max + 25 = 32+25 =
(23) Parray (24.50) 57c
= 24 module = 1 + (0.45/120) x (57.25) = 0.856

*minimum number of PV module per D = fmm = 0.97 E = finv = 0.97 F =

string at 75c fpv_inv = 0.95
Fdirt = 0.97
Vmin_mp = 31 x [ 1 + (-0.45/100) x (75-
25)] =24.025V Esys = 3710 x 1626.35 x 0.85 x 0.97 x
Vmp_min_inv_allow = 1.1 x 230 =253V 0.97 x 0.95
Vmin_mp_eff = 0.95 x 24.025 = 22.824V x 0.97
Nmin_per_string = (253/22.824) = 11.08V = 4478.17 kWh per anmum
12 module
After 20 years
Esys = 4478.17 x 0.8 = 3582.5 kWh

*maximum number of PV module per d) Specific yield and performance ratio after
string at 20c one year

Yf = (Esys/Pavg_stc) =
Vmax_mp = 31 x [ 1 + (-0.45/100) x (20-
4478.17/1x14x(2651000)
25)] = 31.70V = 1207.08 kWh/kWp
Vmax_min_inv_allow = 0.95 x 480 = 456V
Nsmax_Vmax_mp = 456/31.70 = 14.38 Dr = Esys/Erdc = Esys/(Pavg_stc x PSH)
14 module = 4478.17/1x14x(2651000) x
1626.35
= 0.742
*max number of PV module between
Vmax_sc at 20c
Solar cell efficiency
Vmax_dc = 38.3 x [ 1 + (-0.33/100) x (20-
25)] = 38.9V
Vmax_min_inv_allow = 0.98 x 600 = 570V Solar cell efficiency is the ratio of the electrical
NSmax_Vmax_sc = 570/38.9 = 14.65 14 output of a solar cell to the incident energy in
module the form of sunlight. The energy conversion
efficiency () of a solar cell is the percentage of
BPB 44304 Renewable Energy S2 2015 4

the solar energy to which the cell is exposed that Pmax=Prate Area Pmax=265 2345
is converted into electrical energy. This is
calculated by dividing a cell's power output (in Pmax=621.425 kW/m 2

watts) at its maximum power point (Pm) by the Power generated with efficiency,
irradiance (input light), G, in W/m2 and the P=Pmax P=621.425 16 P=99.428
surface area of the solar cell (Ac in m2). kW/m2
Power generated in 6 hours of operation,
P=99.428 6 P=596.57 kWh
Pm
=
G Ac Power generated in 1 month,
P=596.57 k 30 P=17.1 Mwh
By convention, solar cell efficiencies are According to TNB, the tariff rate for commercial
measured under standard test conditions (STC) building are
unless stated otherwise. STC specifies a
temperature of 25 C and an irradiance (G) of
1000 W/m2 with an air mass 1.5 (AM1.5)
spectrum. The efficiency of the solar cells used in
a photovoltaic system, in combination with
latitude and climate, determines the annual
energy output of the system.
Several factors affect a cell's conversion
efficiency value, including its reflectance
efficiency, thermodynamic efficiency, charge
carrier separation efficiency, and conduction
efficiency values. Because these parameters can
be difficult to measure directly, other parameters
are measured instead, including quantum
efficiency, VOC ratio, and fill factor. Reflectance So the cost of saving if using solar PV are as
losses are accounted for by the quantum below, using tariff C1
efficiency value, as they affect "external
quantum efficiency." Recombination losses are
Price=17100 36.5 Price=RM 624 k
accounted for by the quantum efficiency, VOC
ratio, and fill factor values. Resistive losses are
predominantly accounted for by the fill factor
value, but also contribute to the quantum III. RESULT
efficiency and VOC ratio values.
As for the KU265-6MCA solar module, the
efficiency can be calculated as below: In this result it will show the schematics
( Pmp Amod ) diagram of a grid connected PV system for single
= 100 phase and three phase based on the MS IEC1837.
1000 Next is calculation process on how to calculate
265 1.645 the output produce from the module of solar PV.
= 100 =16
1000 The suitable model of the photovoltaic used in
So, the solar module that are chosen have Malaysia is Kyocera KU265-6MCA High Efficiency
efficiency of 16%. In the design, 1425 solar Multicrystal photovoltaic. The available area of
module will be used to be placed at the UniKL the rooftop UniKL BMI also need to be measure
BMI rooftop. The amount of the power produced to know who many module need to be installed
by the solar module can be calculated as shown on top of the rofftop. Below, is the process on
below: how calculate the area of rooftop and the
Area of solar module, number of module can be installed on top of the
Area=no of module module rooftop based on the formula given from
MS1837:2010.
Area=1425 1.645 Area=2344.125 m2

2345 m2 A. Schematics diagram

Power generated by the solar module,
BPB 44304 Renewable Energy S2 2015 5

INROMATION

1) Site: UniKL BMI, 3.12 N, 101.55

E
2) Mounting type: Roof top Building
integrated
3) Roof Dimension: Length=126.85m,
width=20m
4) Ambient temp: 32
5) Max cell effective temp: 75
6) Min cell effective temp: 20
7) Dirt factor: 3%
8) Cosh loss from PV array to inverter
9) Gap between module =20mm
10) PSH=1626.75h

Figure : schematics diagram of Three phase grid

connected PV.

Figure : Available area to install PV on the UniKL

BMI main building rooftop.

Figure : Kyocera KU265-6MCA Specification

Figure : Location and station Identification of

UniKL BMI.
BPB 44304 Renewable Energy S2 2015 6

IV. ANALYSIS & DISCUSSION

Figure: Graph income allocation

Figure: Result of installation information

Following to the information given above,

the data is collected based on calculation
methodology and result section. This PV Solar
system has their limit lifetime which is 20 years
useful life. The annual yield per kWp is
specification from performance ratio after one
year. In term of degradation, 0.97%/year slightly
decreases year by year. This is happened
because of effect to the PV Solar system. It can
be say that effect of weather, error of system,
and else. So, the energy produce year by year
will be decrease and cant get as actual the first
installation.
The price of per kWh is depended on Tenaga
Nasional Berhad. In 2015, the FiT-Tariffs is 0.365
(36.5 cents) per kWh. This price would be change
depend on the government and Tenaga Nasional
Berhad. Due to economy nowadays, the tariffs
will be increase because of inflation.
Table: Cash Flows for the PV Solar system
Following to the table above, the energy
produced by the system year by year slightly
decrease from 4478 to 3653 kWh. This happened
because of as mentioned above. The running
cost is 0.5% from the income for the insurance
and maintenance year by year. The income for 20
years investment is RM28, 880 before tax. The
net return of the investment for 20 years is
RM27, 187 after tax. In other word, 6% represent
for the tax deduction year by year. Total tax
payable for 20 years investment is RM1, 732.8 .

Installation of PV Solar system using a lot of

cost because the cost of this system quick high,
but the return in term on investment will get
back what has been invest. An amount has been
loaned by using simple loan type. Interest rate
for this loan 3.21%/year. This rate followed to
the bank institution. 10% deposit has been pay
for the loan term. Contract of the loaned is 20
years due to followed by the useful life of the PV
Solar system. Total of income has been showed
on the graph below. Table: Graph net income
BPB 44304 Renewable Energy
Table: Graph breakdown of gross income
Table: Return matrix
The matrix shows the return (IRR in %) as
a function of the annual yield and price/kWp.
Following to the table above, the horizontal axis
(x-axis) represent for price in RM/kWp. While the
vertical axis (y-axis) represent annual yield
kWh/kWp.
Table: Inflation rate table
In economics, inflation is a sustained
increase in the general price level of goods and
services in an economy over a period of time. By
referring to the graph above, it shows the real
S2 2015 7
return as a function of the inflation rate. The real
return is the difference between the nominal
return and the inflation rate. Each curve show
the real inflation rate for a level own capital the
grey curve corresponds to the level of own
capital chosen in the input form.
Overall inflation rate for the system is 3%
as shown in PV Installation information above.
The 3% representing for 1% due to drop of
currency, 1% due to the material price increasing
and 1% due to the taxes from the governments.
This inflation affects in negative way for this
investment.
V. CONCLUSION
At the end of this proposal, we had done the
entire requirement needed for installation solar
panel in University Kuala Lumpur British
Malaysian Institute. We also have studied about
the solar panel technology and the advantage it
when using such as renewable energy source.
PV influences the electricity spot prices during
periods of peak demand. The spot price for
electricity is the highest during such periods.
Electricity network operators typically run
special power plants during peaks to meet
demand. Investing in and operating these highly
flexible plants is an expensive practice. As in
many countries most of the PV electricity is
generated during the periods of high demand,
PV electricity generation helps shave the peak-
load, thus reducing spot prices. The high
correlation between PV generation and prices of
electricity on the spot market39 is a reality, as
seen with the German electricity market. There
are over 400 kWp of solar installation in
Malaysia. The potential of Solar in the
residential, commercial and industrial sector is
estimated to be 11,000 MWp or 11 GWp which
could provide more than 12 TWh solar energy
covering 20% of the national energy demand. In
other words, PV lowers the generation cost of
electricity. PV technology has all the potential to
satisfy a double digit percentage of the
electricity supply needs in all major regions of
the world. Going forward, a share of over 20% of
the world electricity demand in 2020 appears
feasible, and opens a bright, clean and sunny
future to the institute. The overall capacity
(technical, policy, planning, institutional,
financial) has done both in government and the
private sector, to develop, design and make use
of the energy potential of Solar. Solar panel has
huge potential, offering several advantages.
When integrated into the fabric of a building, it
BPB 44304 Renewable Energy S2 2015 8

can displace other material and replacing power is 400W and the temperature for
conventionally building material, thus saving Malaysian whether is around 30C the type of
some costs. A variety of solar tiles and sheet cable that suitable for this routes and length is
materials are also on the market, and there are 3/0(000)-AWG Stranded Copper Wire.
purpose-designed mounting and integration
systems to improve appearance and weather
proofing as well as making the installation
process easier.

REFERENCES

[1] TNB Better. Brighter., (2015). TNB Better.

Brighter.. [online] Available at:
https://www.tnb.com.my/commercial- Figure P: Automatic calculation for cable type
industrial/pricing-tariffs1/ [Accessed 25 Dec.
2015].

[2] pvcalc.org. 2009. The Return (ROI) for PV

solar energy investments, [ONLINE] Available
at http://pvcalc.org/pvcalc [Accessed 24
December 2015].

[3] Wire Sizing Charts .,[2012] affordable-

solar.. [online] Available at:
http://www.affordable-solar.com/Learning-
Center/Solar-Tools/wire-sizing [Accessed 25
Dec. 2015].

[4] 1. homepower.com. 2013. PV Array Sizing

Figure Q: Cable type chart
for kWh. [ONLINE] Available
at:http://www.homepower.com/articles/solar-
The figure P show the automatic calculation for
electricity/design-installation/pv-array-
choosing the suitable cable size for the desired
sizing-kwh. [Accessed 26 December 15].
range and output. After the calculation has been
made, the result need to refer to the cable type
[5] 2. Endecon Engineering, Regional
chart to recognize the type of cable base on the
Economic Research, Inc., 2001. Photovoltaic
calculation result. And the suitable cable base on
(pv) system design and installation. A GUIDE
the result is AWG gauge 3/0(000) type cable.
TO PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEM DESIGN AND
INSTALLATION, 25, 4-10.
3/0-AWG Stranded Black Copper Cable

VI. APPENDICES

The 3/0-AWG Stranded Copper cable description

CABLING ROUTES AND LENGTH
The length from the solar panel to the TNB meter
is about 200meter. The cable route will use
overhead wiring which use 2 poles for
connecting to the meter. By setting the output
voltage as 24V, then the expected working peak
is:
Primarily used in conduit and cable trays
for services, feeders, and branch circuits
in commercial or industrial applications
as specified in the NEC
Conductors are annealed (soft) copper
BPB 44304 Renewable Energy S2 2015 9

Insulated with tough, heat- and moisture- from the utility for its net outflow of power. So
resistant PVC for example, if during a given month a power
system feeds 500 kilowatt-hours into the grid
Jacket is abrasion-, moisture-, gasoline- and uses 100 kilowatt-hours from the grid, it
and oil-resistant nylon would receive compensation for 400 kilowatt-
hours. Another policy is a feed-in tariff, where
For use as THWN-2 in wet or dry locations
the producer is paid for every kilowatt hour
at temperatures not to exceed 194 delivered to the grid by a special tariff based on
Fahrenheit (90 Celsius) or not to exceed a contract with Distribution Company or other
167 Fahrenheit (75 Celsius) when power authority.
exposed to oil or coolant
Operation
Inverters take DC power and invert it to AC
The specification of the cable is as show at table power so it can be fed into the electric utility
below: company grid. The grid tie inverter (GTI) must
synchronize its frequency with that of the grid
(e.g. 50 or 60 Hz) using a local oscillator and
limit the voltage to no higher than the grid
voltage. A high-quality modern GTI has a fixed
Wire Type Stranded unity power factor, which means its output
THHN Wire Gauge 3/0 AWG voltage and current are perfectly lined up, and
Max Amps (Amps) 165 its phase angle is within 1 degree of the AC
power grid. The inverter has an on-board
Volt Rating (Volts) 600
computer which senses the current AC grid
Each Order Quantity waveform, and output a voltage to correspond
1 ft
Equals with the grid. However, supplying reactive power
Roll Length (Feet) 500 to the grid might be necessary to keep the
UL Safety Listing Yes voltage in the local grid inside allowed
limitations. Otherwise, in a grid segment with
CSA Safety Listing Yes considerable power from renewable sources,
ETL Safety Listing No voltage levels might rise too much at times of
Jacket Material Polyvinyl chloride high production, around noon.
Grid-tie inverters are also designed to quickly
Conductor Material Copper
disconnect from the grid if the utility grid goes
PVC (polyvinyl down. This is an NEC requirement that ensures
Insulation Material
chloride) that in the event of a blackout, the grid tie
inverter will shut down to prevent the energy it
transfers from harming any line workers who are
INVERTER SOLAR PV sent to fix the power grid.

Grid-tie inverter
A grid-tie inverter is a power inverter that
converts direct current (DC) electricity into
alternating current (AC) with an ability to
synchronize to interface with a utility line. Its
applications are converting DC sources such as
solar panels or small wind turbines into AC for
tying with the grid.

Residences and businesses that have a grid-tied

electrical system are permitted in many Technology
countries to sell their energy to the utility grid. Technologies available to grid-tie inverters
Electricity delivered to the grid can be include newer high-frequency transformers,
compensated in several ways. "Net metering" is conventional low-frequency transformers, or
where the entity that owns the renewable they may operate without transformers
energy power source receives compensation altogether. Instead of converting direct current
BPB 44304 Renewable Energy
directly to 120 or 240 volts AC, high-frequency
transformers employ a computerized multi-step
process that involves converting the power to
high-frequency AC and then back to DC and then
to the final AC output voltage. The concept of
sinusoidal PWM (pulse width modulation) was
introduced in an attempt to reduce the harmonic
contents at the output voltage. Level shifted
modulation technique gives better result
compared with the phase shifting technique.
Level shifting is done to reduce the harmonics at
the output voltage. Most grid-tie inverters on
the input side that enables the inverter to
extract a maximum amount of power from its
intended power source. Since MPPT algorithms
differ for solar panels and wind turbines,
specially made inverters for each of these power
sources are available.
Characteristics
Rated output power
This value is provided in watts or kilowatts. For
some inverters, they may provide an output
rating for different output voltages. For
instance, if the inverter can be configured for
either 240 VAC or 208 VAC output, the rated
power output may be different for each of those
configurations.
Output voltage(s)
This value indicates to which utility voltages the
inverter can connect. For smaller inverters that
are designed for residential use, the output
voltage is usually 240 VAC. Inverters that target
commercial applications are rated for 208, 240,
277, 400, or 480 VAC and may also produce three
phase power.
Peak efficiency
The peak efficiency represents the highest
efficiency that the inverter can achieve. Most
grid-tie inverters have peak efficiencies of over
94%, some as high as 96%. The energy lost
during inversion is for the most part converted
into heat. Consequently, in order for an inverter
to output its rated power it will require a power
input that exceeds its output. For example, a
5000 W inverter operating at full power at 95%
efficiency will require an input of 5,263 W (rated
power divided by efficiency). Inverters that are
capable of producing power at different AC
voltages may have different efficiencies
associated with each voltage.
Maximum input current
This is the maximum amount of direct current
that the inverter can use. If a system, solar cells
for example, produces a current in excess of the
maximum input current, that current is not used
by the inverter.
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Maximum output current
The maximum output current is the maximum
continuous alternating current that the inverter
will supply. This value is typically used to
determine the minimum current rating of the
over-current protection devices and disconnects
required for the output circuit. Inverters that are
capable of producing power at different AC
voltages will have different maximum outputs for
each voltage.
Peak power tracking voltage
This represents the DC voltage range in which
the inverter's maximum point power tracker will
operate. The system designer must configure the
strings optimally so that during the majority of
the year, the voltage of the strings will be within
this range. This can be a difficult task since
voltage will fluctuate with changes in
temperature.
Start voltage
The value indicates the minimum DC voltage that
is required in order for the inverter to turn on
and begin operation. This is especially important
for solar applications, because the system
designer must be sure that there is a sufficient
number of solar modules wired in series in each
string to produce this voltage. If this value is not
provided by the manufacturer, system designers
typically use the lower band of the peak power
tracking voltage range as the inverter's
minimum voltage.
Grid protection
The main function of the grid interactive inverter
is to provide power to the local distribution grid
so there must be protection device that will
disconnect power to the grid when the supply
from grid is disrupted, the grid goes outside
preset parameter and preventing islanding.
MONITORING ANALYSIS
According to the standards MS1837:2005, it
stated that a simple kWh meter must be
installed in the solar power system so that it can
monitor on the electricity produced by the solar
panel. Monitoring and control of photovoltaic
systems is essential for reliable functioning and
maximum yield of any solar electric system. The
simplest monitoring of an inverter can be
performed by reading values on display which
usually LCD is part of almost each grid-
connected inverter. Most important inverter and
grid related parameters are available on LCD
screen in such case.
BPB 44304 Renewable Energy S2 2015 11

Values like PV array power, AC grid power, PV Standardized Modbus interface for use with
array current are usually available. For superior communication devices
sophisticated monitoring and control purposes Versatile
environmental data - like module temperature, Compliance with national and international
ambient temperature, solar radiation, wind grid integration requirements
speed can also be data logged, stored and Integrated analog and digital sensor
analyzed later. interfaces, Direct marketing active and reactive
power set points
The suitable PV monitor system for this project Professional
is SMA CLUSTER CONTROLLER which is a multi- Optimized for industrial use thanks to its
purpose monitor and controlling that have robust enclosure and high-quality components
variety of analog and digital input and outputs.
The monitor will be placed after the inverter of Safe
the system. Immediate e-mail notification in the event of a
failure
Remote monitoring and maintenance via the
integrated user interface and Sunny Portal

SMA CLUSTER CONTROLLER

SOLAR MOUNT DESIGN

Description
The central communication unit for system
monitoring.
Suppression of PV power feed in self
consumption systems.
Closed loop control of inverter AC output in
reference to energy flow at grid connection
point.
Settling time 3-10 sec.
Range of power limitation: 99%...0%.

Advantages
Easy to Use
Central monitoring and control of string
inverters
BPB 44304 Renewable Energy S2 2015 12