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Elements: Solar Efficiency E-mail
www.energyalternatives.ca/systemdesignSystem efficiency is arguably more significant than module efficiency. This really affects what counts — how much usable energy is returned to the battery bank. The most common mistakes that affect system efficiency include poor location for solar photovoltaic (PV) modules, such as in the shade; dirty PV modules that do not allow sunshine in; poor wire connections, junctions and splices; undersized wire; cheap charge controllers; and an old, undersized or wrong battery bank.

The best way to determine how efficient your panels are charging is by testing them. This will require a quality amp metre (clamp-type metres over $100 are best) and some electrical knowledge. You want to measure the short circuit current (amps) at the solar panel and then again on the input side of the charge controller. If there is a huge difference measured, it means you have a wiring issue. If you know what this means, try it; if you don’t, you should be safe and hire someone who does.

The most common installation error is using undersized wire. Wire may be expensive, but it is not a place to cut corners. You may save $100 of the wire, but you are throwing away 50 per cent of the output of a panel worth $1,200 and that doesn’t make sense. You can verify this by consulting wire-sizing tables at www.energyalternatives.ca/systemdesign.

If your site has a long transmission distance, it’s going to be worth your while to consult a solar professional. Modern high-voltage controllers will allow distances that were only dreamed of a few years ago. This is good, since the price of copper and aluminum has gone up drastically.

To read the full story, pick up the March/April issue of Cottage magazine at your local newsstand. To get more great articles like this one delivered conveniently to your doorstep, subscribe now.
 
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