Solar energy is surging around the globe and has seen massive growth since the beginning of the 21st century. According to a report from Statista, Global solar photovoltaic capacity has grown from around five gigawatts (GW) in 2005 to about 1.18 terawatts in 2022, with China reaching an impressive 415 gigawatts alone.
Here in the US, the energy produced by photovoltaic cells has reached nearly 210 gigawatts of solar capacity nationwide, or roughly enough to power 36 million homes, and the tech continues to grow.
More homeowners are turning to solar panels to produce energy in an effort to cut down on fossil fuel use and reduce their carbon footprints. Some may be turned off of that widely available renewable energy source as they feel it may be too difficult to integrate the technology into their homes, much less maintain those systems. However, anything could be further from the truth, and William White, Solar Application Specialist at Fluke, will be hosting a webinar on Element 14 that will outline what tools and techniques are required for commissioning and maintaining photovoltaic (PV) systems.
The webinar aims to provide insight into the tests required for each step in the process of building, testing and maintaining a PV solar array in industrial, residential and other contexts in this session, which is applicable to all experience levels. The installation phase, for example, details mounting the solar modules, which can be done on rooftops and ground stations using different racking platforms, as well as the electrical wiring needed for connecting the solar modules in series or parallel to produce the desired voltage and current characteristics. The same is true for installing the inverters to produce direct current (DC) electricity, which needs to be converted into alternating current (AC) for use in homes and businesses.
Testing is another critical step in PV integration, which ensures peak efficiency and maintains the system's optimal functionality. Initial tests are done even before the system is installed and are conducted to check the electrical connections and the mechanical installation, including testing existing electrical wiring. Performance testing is also carried out to evaluate the efficiency and output of the solar modules and the inverter.
Grid installation is also necessary when installing solar panels and arrays, which is done with local utility companies and requires detailed specifications of the PV system, such as capacity, type of inverter used, and the configuration of the solar array. Grid-tied PV systems also require a bidirectional meter that monitors electricity flow in both directions for net metering arrangements, where homeowners can receive credits for feeding excess electricity into the grid.
Of course, maintenance is also a crucial factor when using PV panels, which will require cleaning as dust and debris acquired over time can reduce efficiency. Regular systems inspections, such as checking wires and connections, can also help ensure peak performance. The same is true for electrical connections and components, as damaged hardware can drop or even prevent the PV systems from functioning.
The installation of PV arrays isn't just about adopting and integrating solar technology into homes and businesses but rather making long-term commitments to sustainable energy practices. Each step of the installation and maintenance process plays a vital role in maintaining system efficiency and peak performance over decades. To that end, William White will walk viewers through the process of integrating and maintaining PV systems from start to finish and will review the tests and tools necessary to get those systems running at peak efficiency and performance. Those interested can tune in on 13 Nov 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London, and 13 Nov 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM Coordinated Universal Time.
To register for this November 13th webinar, click here.