PV modules - Sizes and Technology
| Module sizes | should be defined in any case, as the module area it is the basis for the determination of the module efficiency. |
| Cells in series | should be defined in any case, as the one-diode model is established for one cell. The program should know the cell voltage from the module STC values. |
| Cells in parallel | is not used by the model, which considers the module currents as a whole. |
| Cell area | when defined, the program will be able to compute a "cell efficiency", normalized to the effective sensitive area, and characteristic of the module technology. |
| Module technology and specificities | is a free text for additional characteristics of the module, up to 5 lines. The fifth line can be used for the definition of an associated module in the Sandia database, or other functional specificities (AC modules, Maxim optimizer, etc) |
| Maximum array voltage | is used during the sizing of the system. May be specified according to the IEC standard (usually 1'000 V) and/or the UL standard for use in the US (600 V). The use of one or the other option (system situation) will be specîfied in the sizing parameters of the project. This should be compliant with the new standard of 1'500V if you want to implement high-voltage systems. |
| By-pass protection diodes | This number should be carefully defined. Each diode defines a sub-module (set of cells protected by one diode). The sub-module size is used during the calculation of the electric shading effects. NB: some manufacturers specify 6 diodes in their modules of 60 or 72 cells. This doesn't mean that there are 6 sub-modules, but that the diodes are doubled (mounted in parallel). In this case PVsyst expects 3 "operational"diodes, defining 3 sub-modules. |
| Submodule partition | Disposition of the sub-modules within the module (almost always in length: you have 3 groups of 2 x 10 or 2 x 12 cells). Used in the Module Layout for the calculation of the electric shading effects. |
| Tile module | When the module is integrated in a roof, sometimes there is a coverage of some parts of the module. This option allows to specify the visible (active) area when installed. |
| CPV (Concentrating) | These are special modules for high concentration. |
| Bifacial | Allows for specifying a module as bi-facial, and define the bifaciality factor. |