Minimum PV source size

The size of the PV source, which is determined based upon the load evaluation and weather and solar resource evaluation will determine the necessary size of the charge controller. The charge controller must be selected at the same time as the PV source as the charge controller type - PWM or MPPT - will also determine the possible configurations of PV modules.

In this phase of the design process, more than in any other phase, it is necessary to explore different designs using PV module, series and parallel wiring configurations, and charge controllers in order to achieve the highest performing system at the lowest cost possible.