®ayfield Renewables. HOME (/) SERVICES DESIGN [/ DESIGN] FEASIBILITY STUDIES (/FEASIBILITY-STUDIES) COMMISSIONING - O&M (/COMMISSION-OM) CONSULTING (/ CONSULTING) TRAINING EVENTS (/TRAINING) PROJECTS GALLERY (/PROJECTS} ABOUT ‘OUR TEAM (/OUR-TEAM) MISSION [/ MISSION} CONTACT (/CONTACT) BLOG (/BLOG) DESIGN TOOL (/DESIGN-TOOL-REQUEST) Get uote (/GET-auore) design /log/cotegory/design, basis Vbog/category/beses) How to Calculate PV String Size (/blog/py-string-size} Jennifer Alfsen (/blog? author-Se"Stb2ebc03506428676802) October 10, 2018 (/blog/av- string-size}When designing a solar PV aystem it's critical to know the minimum and maximum number of PV madulas that ean be connected in seria, referral to as a string. PY madulae produce more voltage in low temperatures and lees vokage in high temperatures. I too many modules are on ‘the same string than the maximum input voltage of the inverter may be exceeded and the clectrical equipment connected te that string could be damaged, or worse, start a fire. If to0 few modules are on the same string, tren the inverter might shutoff when the outsi¢e temperature is high and the system will underperferm during the summer months STRING SIZE How to Calculate PV String Size Moytield Use the Mayfield Design Tool ‘Tha easiest and ‘astect way to ealeulate PV string size and valtage drop is to use the Mayfil Design Tool. Our web-basaci calculator has data ‘or hundreds of PV modules, inverters, and locations so you don't have to lock up datasheets nor do manual calculations. You can access‘the May‘ield Dasign Tool for free on our website here. (/design-tool-raquest) Manual String Size Calculations How to Calculate Minimum String Size ‘The minimum string size is the minimum number of PY modules, connected in series, requ Koop the inverter running during hot summer months, The National Electrical Code (NEC} {ateps://ormw nfpa.o1g/NEC) doesn't addvess the effects of high temperatures on module volkages because that is considered a performance ‘ssue, not a safety issue, However, our ‘customers care whether the system we design is operating during the summertime when their return on investment is highest In order to calculate the minimum string size we first have to calculate the minimum output velkaga, Medule Vmp_min, that each module will produce for the specific installation site Then take the inverter minimum voltage and divide by the calculaced module minimum voltage to gat ‘the minimum number of madules ‘The module minimum voltage is calculated using the high temperature for the installation ste when the modules would procluce the lowest expected voltage. This is because as a PY module gets hotter itis less efficient and produces less voltage.Module Vmp,, Vinp x [1+ ((To.+ Tosa ~ Tsrc) % (Tkyp/100))] where, Module Vmp_min = misimum module voltage expected at site high temperature [VJ Ve ‘ated module max power voltage [\] Found on the madule data cheet ‘Tmax ~ the ambient high temperature for the installation site [°C] The industry standard for site temperature data is provided by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineors (ASHRAE [htips://www ashrae.org/techn cakresources /bookstore/ashrae-climate-data- center) Find ASHRAE site temperature date for free on Solar ABCs {http://www solarabes.org/about/publications/reports/expedited- permit/map/ingex htm There are three different options for Tmax, all are acceptable for design best practices: 2% ASHRAE high temperature (most commonly used) + 0.4% ASHRAE high temperature (required for ETO incentives {het9s //insider energytrust org/programs/solar/incentives/), slightly more conservative) highest temperature ever recorded (most conservative) Tadd - tempereture adjustment for installation method [°C]. The temperature is adjusted to take into account the installation method. In general, roof mounted systems get hotter than ground mounted systems because ‘there is typically less airflow and the roof surface radiates heatRoof mounted, parallel to roof (<6 in. standoff): +35°C ted, rack-type mount (26 in. standoff}: +30°C Ground or pole mounted: +25°C T_STC = temperature at standard test conditions, 25°C Tk_Vmp = module temperature cosificient of Vinp [%/"C), always expressed as 2 negotive value, Found on the module dava sheet. This is not the same as the temperature coafficient for Voo Most often the temperature coefficient of Vp isn't an the module data sheet You can use the power temperature coefficient instead since this will be almost the same Inverter V_. Module Vmp,,,, Min String Size = rounded up tothe nesrect whole number where, Module Vmp_min = minimum module voltage expected at site high temperature [V] previous ealevlation above, Inverter Vin = the inver minimum MPPT vokege [YUsing the inverter minimum operating voltage will ensure that the inverse will keep. running, however, the Max Power Point Tracking (MPPT) function of the invartar may stop working. This is the function that ensures the inverter is producing the maximum possible power output at any given time Using the inverter minimum MPT voltage will ensure that the inverter is running and the MPPT furetion is working properly, giving the highes: possible performance The calculated minimum number of medules in @ string must always be rounded up to the next whole number so that the minimum inverter voltage is baing met EXAMPLE Let's assume mare designing a PV system in Corvallis, OR that is “oof mounted, parallel so the roof (chin. standoff) using SunPower P17 350W (SPR-P17-350-COM-1000¥) (/s/ds-sunpower- p17-385-commercial-solar-panels nf) modules and CPS 6OKW, TOOOY string inverters (/s/CPS- SCASO-6OKT.-DO-US-480-Datasheet-August-21-2018 pdf). [rom the module datashest Ying = 43.1 Th Nenp = 0.37 %/°C Tst¢ = 25° From the inverter datasheet Inverter Vimin (MP2T) s40V From SclarABCs website and based an the site locationTmax (2% ASHREA) = 33 °C Based on the mounting type, Tade ~ 35°C First, we will coleulate Module Ynp_min Module Virp_mis = Vnp x [1+ (Tmax + Tadd - TSTC) x (Tk_Vnp/100))] BV x [le (33°C + 38°C - 25°C) x (-0.37%/"C / 100))] = 43.1V x [14 (43°C) x (-0.0037/%C))] = 4B.1V x [14 (-0.1591)] ~43.1V x (0.8409), = 3624) This calculation shows you that the minimum module voltage expected at this ste high temperature is about 64% of the rated module Vmp. Next, we will ealoulate the minimum string size Min String Sze = Vmin_inverter / Meeule ¥mp_min = 540v/36. 24 489 Lasth, we will round uo to the nearest whole number Min String Size = 15 modulesHow to Calculate Maximum String Size ‘The maximum string size isthe maximum number of PV modules that ean be cannected in {series and maintain a maximum PY voltage below the maximum allowee input voltage of the inverter. This is considered a safety concern and is addressed by NEC 690.7(A) Photovoltaic Source and Output Circuits. The 2017 NEC ollows the following three methods for this caleulation, 4. Using she module open-circuit voltage temperature cosfficient and the lowest expected ambient temperature to correct the PV medule rated open-circuit voltage, (The method used in ths article) 2, For exystalline ane mutierystalline modules, using the correction fectors n NEC Table 690,710) and the lowest expected ambient temperature, This is the most conservative method 3. For PV systems 100kWac or graater, using an industry standard mathod provided oy 2 licensed professional elect | engineer Using the first method allowed by the NEC, the Module Voe_mox is ealeulated Using the site lowest exsected ambient temperature when the modules would produce the highest expected voltage Module Voc, ,.= Voc x [1+ (T,;,- Tsrc) x (Tk,,./100)]Module Voe,max - maximum module voltage corrected far te site lawast expected perature [V] Vor ~ mocule rated open current voltage [V]. Found on module data sheet Tmin = lowast expected ambient tomperature for The key word here is “expected! For many designers, using the data provided by ASHRAE for the Extreme Annual Mean Minimum Design Dry Bull Temperature is the answer in this scenaria and is recommended by the NEC. You ean alse consid using the lowest recorded temperature, this is the mare conservative approach Either temperature value can be justified and will easult in proper system design. Find site temperature data on Solar ARCS (htip://wivw solarabes org/sbout/publications/reports/expedited- permit/map/ingex htm TLSTC - temperature at standard test conditions, 25 Tk_Voe ~ module open current voltage temperature coefficient [%/°C], always oxpressed as a negative value, Found on module data sheat Inverter V__. Module Voc max Max String Size = where,Module Voc, ma aximum modula voltage corrected for the site lo ant perature [V] from praviaus calculation above Inverter Vmax ~ the inverter “aximum allowable voltage [V] Faund on inverter data cheat The coleulated maximum number of medules in a string must always be rounded down to the next whole number so that the maximum inverter voltage is not ‘exceeded, EXAMPLE Let's ascume were designing a PV zystem in Corvallis, OR that i -aof mounted, parallel :o the roof (cbin. standoff) using SunPower P17 350W (SPR-P17-350-COM-1000¥) (/s/ds-sunpower- p17-355-commercial-sola-panels.sdf) modules and CPS 6OKW, 1000V string inverters (/s/CPS- SCASO-BOKT_-DO-US-480-Datasheet-August-21-2018 pdf). Fron the module datashoot_ Voc = 517 Th oe = -0.34 %/°C Note: The datasheet shows Tk_Vac = 175.8 mV/*C. You can convert this toa percentage -0.1758 V/ 517 V = -0.0034 = -0.34% Tse - 25°C com the invertor datashestInverter Vmax 1000 v From SclarABCs website and based an the site location Tmin =-8°C First, we will caleulate the Modvle Voe_max Module Voc_max = Voe x [1+ (Tmin - TSTC) x (Tk_Voc/100} 1 7V x [14 (BC - 25°C) x 0.34 H/°C /100)] = 517V x [1+ (33°C) x -0.0034/"C)} = 517V «(1+ 40.1922) = 51 « [14122] = 57509 This calculation shows you that the maximum module voltage exnected at this sita low: temperature is about 11% higher than the rated module Vac Next, we will calculate the maximum string size Mox String Size = Inverter Virax / Module Voe_max = 1000 V/ 5750 739 Lasth, we will round gown ta the nearest whole number: Max String Size = 17 modulesMAX VOLTAGE FOR PV SYSTEMS 100KW(AC) OR GREATER ‘The 2017 NEC added a third method for caleulating maximum voltage and allows using an “industry standard methos” provided by a licensed professional electrical engineer This method requires a more indepth analysis of the site-specific weather data such as irradiance: and the temperatures during sunlight hours when the PV system is actually operating. The amount of work required to do this analys's may not be worth the additional cost for smaller systems but may be very valuable ‘or large PV systems See Resources & References below for the links to the Sandia report referenced in the NEC az an industry standard method and the article Simulating NFC Voltage and Current Values which ‘explains this method and gives & detailed example. Mutiple Allowable String Sizes For the example above, the allowable string size is between 15 to 17 modules. That means that we have the flexibility of choosing 15, 16 or 17 modules connected in series on one string Depending on the oveilable installation space and system layout we might need to use a mix of string sizes, When using multiple string sizes we want to make sure that all the strings going into one MPT have the same number of modules, Having multiple sting sizes connected to. ‘the same MPPT is one cause of mismatch, the variation of input power from one string to another Mismatch affects the MPPT's ability xo function properly and will suk in decreased inverter performance,For exemple, the CPS GOkW string inverter has 18 inputs and 3 MPPTE allowing for 5 strings to bbe connected ich MPT. Let's assume weve using 5 strings of 18 madulas, 5 ssrings of 16 modules, and 5 stringe of 17 modules all connected to the same invartar All the strings with 15 modules chould be connectad to MPPT 1, all the etrings with 16 modules chould be connected ‘to MPPT 2, and all the strings with 17 modules zhould be connected to MPPT 3, Every inverter manufacturer has a team of applications engineers who can help you determine proper system design with their praduets.If you're ever unsure of what string sizes to use with » partieulor inverter you ean contact the technieal support team for the inverter manufacturer Resources & References FREE STRING SIZING TOOLS COMING SOON! The Mayfield Design Tool for string size and voltage drop calculations PVselect com (http://Awww puselect com/index php) a free solar design tool provided by Blue ‘Oak Energy and Sela-?r0 magazine Most inverter manufacturers have their own string sizing tool for their products that can be found on thair website, USEFUL RESOURCES