PV*SOL Expert 6.0 - Manual - Valentin Software

Definitions
External Temperature
The external temperature is a specification taken from the climate data files. It is required
to define the module temperature, as the module efficiency is dependent on the
temperature (see PV Module).
Generated Solar Energy (Alternating Current Side)
The generated solar energy (AC side) is the energy after conversion of the PV direct current
into alternating current, which can either be fed into the grid or used to cover the load
requirement. The energy used by the inverter itself is not taken into account.
Generated Solar Energy (Direct Current Side)
When designing a PV system, the energy that is produced by the PV modules is also of
interest, ie the energy flow before entry into inverter.
Grid, Electricity From
If all the energy produced by the PV system is fed into the grid, the total load requirement
and the inverter’s own consumption will have to be covered by electricity drawn from the
grid. If the ”Own Use” concept is selected, the energy drawn from the grid is reduced by
the proportion of PV generated energy that is used to cover the load requirement.
Grid, Electricity To
If the ”Full Supply” to grid concept is selected (see Tariffs), all solar energy generated is
fed into the grid and this dimension is not given. If the ”Own Use” concept is selected,
only the proportion of energy that is not used by the appliances is exported to the grid.
Inverter Efficiency
The inverter efficiency is the energy generated on the alternating current side in relation to
the energy fed into the direct current side.
The efficiency is made up of the Inverter Characteristic Curve, the MPP adjustment
efficiencies (see Inverter Database) and the inverter’s own consumption.
A very poor inverter efficiency (in comparison to maximum efficiency) is above all possible
if the inverter is oversized or because its maximum nominal output limits the PV power
output.
Irradiation onto Tilted Array Surface
The irradiation onto the tilted Array surface is the energy (after subtraction of shade) on
the PV surface that is available for conversion. A proportion of this energy is lost through
reflection on the module’s surface.
Module Temperature
There are two different Temperature Models in the programme. Module temperature
definition is dependent on the climate data, module specific parameters and the type of
mount. The module temperature for each array is given on each array worksheet.
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