Introduction

Today we can happily state that in Armenia there is a significant increase in the number of people interested in solar systems and those who have confidence in the solar products. At the same time, it must be stated that every good thing has its downsides. Unfortunately, among the installers there are those who are dissatisfied with the solar system.

The main reasons for dissatisfaction can be that users have entrusted their financial resources to low-quality service organizations without in-depth study and analysis. There is an increase in the number of individual installers who install satellite systems without or inaccurate calculations using technical data which latter leads to complaints about the efficiency of those systems by consumers.

That is why this material is written in plain language, without any complex calculations, schemes and terminology.

The main criterion for the efficiency of solar systems is the quality of the system components. The main quality criterion is conditioned by productivity indicators. Quality is measurable by numbers and the history of installed projects. Another important measure of efficiency is the technically competent construction of the system and its location

Below is a brief and accessible information about the installation of a solar PV system.

1. Errors in the installation of solar photovoltaic modules.

1.1 Before installing a solar system, the potential of the site should be determined on a 1 m ² horizontal surface, the unit of measurement of which is kW * h / 1 m ².

1.2 There are a number of requirements for installing photovoltaic modules. First of all, before installing solar modules on the roof, it is necessary to make sure that the building and the roof bearing structure can carry additional load.

1.3 It is necessary to direct the PV modules as far south as possible. Deviation of 1 degree from the south (azimuth) leads to a decrease in electricity production in accordance with the calculated coefficient.

1.4 The angle of inclination to the horizon is also very important. The most optimal angle is -5 ° from the latitude. Deviations from this number are permissible, but it should be noted that a deviation of one degree of angle leads to a decrease in the productivity of photovoltaic modules by up to 0.2%.

1.5 It is desirable to provide adequate natural ventilation of photovoltaic modules. There should be enough space between the roof and photovoltaic module for free air movement and ventilation. When heated, the productivity of photovoltaic modules decreases (temperature coefficient is indicated in the characteristics of photovoltaic modules: on average, -0.35-0.45% for one degree)).

1.6 Insufficient strength of the metal construction and connections sometimes creates emergency situations. In some cases, the wind damaged the solar photovoltaic modules, breaking the roof at the same time and / or damaging the facade of the building. And this, unfortunately, is not a rare occurrence.

1.7 Defects related with grounding, surge and lightning protection can led to serious problems. For detailed information you can read also our articles about grounding and surge protection:

2. Unreasonable expectations from solar on-grid systems

If you have decided to use a green energy and want to be independent from the grid and think that a solar system will solve all your problems, unfortunately we are going to disappoint you: There will be times when you will sell the surplus electricity produced by your station to the grid within the framework of electricity exchange, and in case of insufficient production, you will replenish it from the grid.

3. Incomplete calculation of energy consumption of electrical devices

Too often, consumers miscalculate their consumption and then wonder why they are not getting enough energy from their solar system. To estimate your energy consumption, you can calculate it on our website: 

 Pay special attention to powerful appliances - air conditioners, refrigerators, electric heaters, water heaters, electric stoves, etc., as they "determine" the main energy consumption.

Thus, due to a few mistakes, you can get not only the guaranteed 100% energy, but only a part of the expected energy, which will lead to disappointment. Only by maintaining all possible norms can you get the maximum productivity in any weather.

The article was published in 17.04.2018.

Last updated in 14.05.2020.