PV*SOL Expert 6.0 - Manual - Valentin Software

Definitions
PV Array - Irradiation
The irradiation onto the tilted PV array surface is the solar energy that remains available
after subtraction of shade. A proportion of this energy is lost through module surface
reflection.
PV Array - Efficiency
The PV efficiency is the DC energy produced in relation to the total energy irradiated onto
the array surface. Here the inverter’s efficiency and the cabling losses are not taken into
account, as they are during the system efficiency calculation.
The array efficiency takes the following into account:
• the reflection losses at the module surface,
• the PV module’s efficiency, ie the characteristic curve for the PV module and the
temperature coefficient for PV output (see PV Module database), and
• the array’s Additional Losses.
PV Array - Radiation
The programme uses a radiation processor to convert horizontal radiation into radiation
onto the tilted surface using the following dimensions: the degree of latitude, the angle of
inclination, the azimuth and the albedo.
Radiation Minus Reflection
Part of the radiation onto the PV surface is lost due to reflection losses on the module
surface. The direct radiation is reduced by the module incident angle modifier (see also:
PV Module)
Radiation onto the Horizontal
The horizontal radiation is taken from the Climate Data Files.
Radiation Without Shade
If the array is shaded for a period, the radiation that would fall onto the tilted PV surface if
the surface was not shaded is identified.
Solar Coverage Proportion (Grid Connected)
The proportion of solar coverage is the generated energy (after subtraction of the
inverter’s own consumption) in relation to the load requirement. It is only of interest for
the ”Own Use” concept (see Tariffs) and is only given if an electrical appliance is defined.
The solar coverage proportion does not express how much of the generated energy can be
used in direct load coverage.
Solar Coverage Proportion (Stand-Alone)
The proportion of solar coverage is the relationship of the consumption covered by solar
energy and the energy requirement. The consumption covered by solar energy comes from
direct energy use and the solar portion of the battery charge.
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