Design parameter overview

The design process requires the person performing the design to select values for various different design coefficients that will be used through the rest of the design process. Some of desiggn coefficients have values that are recommended based upon industry practices, but there are others that will require the designer to make a determination that strikes the right balance between the available weather and solar resource, load and usage estimates, and budget vary for each off-grid PV project. Different values for critical coefficients like Depth of Discharge, Days of Autonomy, and System voltage should be tested during the design process to find the optimal design for the system.

• DC system voltage: Parameter for the nominal voltage for the direct current (DC) system.
• Irradiance safety parameter: Parameter to ensure that system components can handle periods of high irradiance.
• Continuous duty safety parameter: Parameter to ensure that system components can handle periods of sustained current.
• Low voltage disconnect parameter: Parameter that determines when the system will shut off due to low voltage/insufficient stored energy.