IEEE - The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers@ Inc.
Scope
This guide provides information to assist in sizing the array and battery of a stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) system. Systems considered in this guide consist of PV as the only power source and a battery for energy storage. These systems also commonly employ controls to protect the battery from being over- or undercharged@ and may employ a power conversion subsystem (inverter or converter). This guide is applicable to all stand-alone PV systems where PV is the only charging source. This guide does not include PV hybrid systems nor grid-connected systems. This guide covers lead-acid batteries only; nickel-cadmium and other battery types are not included. This guide does not include the sizing of the system controller@ inverter@ wiring@ or other system components. Purpose The purpose of this guide is to provide procedures to size the PV array and battery according to accepted methods@ to improve the performance@ cost-effectiveness@ and lifetimes of stand-alone PV systems. The issues of array utilization@ battery-charge efficiency@ and system losses are also considered in terms of their effect on system sizing. These procedures are intended to assist designers@ manufacturers@ system integrators@ users@ and laboratories with information necessary for sizing@ modeling@ and evaluating the performance of stand-alone PV systems.