Modules with different azimuth in series
Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2021 8:03 am
Good morning
I have been asked to do a solar inspection, first time I have come across a string in series with multiple azimuths/angles. Each module has a optimizer under the panel, to which my understanding modify the current from a lower producing panel in order to prevent impedance on higher producing modules. Generally they are used for shading however I have found some information in regards to different orientations https//:support.tigoenergy.com/hc/en-us/articles/209345667-Different-Orientations
The issue I have is that in 5033:2012 2.1.5
Modules that are electrically in the same string shall be all in the same orientation within +/- 5 degrees.
The electrician has referred to 5033:2014 2.16 which states both the above statement and:
Where each person module (or small groups of PV modules) is connected to individual MPPT devices and the outputs of those devices are then connected to an inverter or other PCE, each of those PV modules or groups may be oriented differently provided the overall design is within the manufacturers recommended design parameters.
My question is, does 2014 make an exemption for their use or is it clarifying 2012 being such a broad statement that could be interpreted in a few different ways. Possibly the electrician got there measurements wrong and trying to hold face in regards to selling a certain size system, there will be performance issues with this design however I do not believe it is electrically unsafe.
Thanks for your time
I have been asked to do a solar inspection, first time I have come across a string in series with multiple azimuths/angles. Each module has a optimizer under the panel, to which my understanding modify the current from a lower producing panel in order to prevent impedance on higher producing modules. Generally they are used for shading however I have found some information in regards to different orientations https//:support.tigoenergy.com/hc/en-us/articles/209345667-Different-Orientations
The issue I have is that in 5033:2012 2.1.5
Modules that are electrically in the same string shall be all in the same orientation within +/- 5 degrees.
The electrician has referred to 5033:2014 2.16 which states both the above statement and:
Where each person module (or small groups of PV modules) is connected to individual MPPT devices and the outputs of those devices are then connected to an inverter or other PCE, each of those PV modules or groups may be oriented differently provided the overall design is within the manufacturers recommended design parameters.
My question is, does 2014 make an exemption for their use or is it clarifying 2012 being such a broad statement that could be interpreted in a few different ways. Possibly the electrician got there measurements wrong and trying to hold face in regards to selling a certain size system, there will be performance issues with this design however I do not believe it is electrically unsafe.
Thanks for your time