System Design & Installation

  • 3 Key Issues for a DIY Solar Project

    Being able to rebuild your kitchen, paint your home, or tile your bathroom brings with it a great sense of pride. But should a very complex solar panel installation project be on your DIY list?

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    • Impact of Tilt Angle on Solar Energy System Economics for Area-Constrained Commercial Rooftops

    Learn about the relationship between tilt angle and customer return on investment for constrained rooftops

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    Impact of Tilt Angle on Solar Energy System Economics for Area-Constrained Commercial Rooftops

    --by Matthew Culligan and Jonathan Botkin

    Traditional practice in Europe has focused on maximizing output at the module level, which dictates tilting at or close to 30 degrees depending on latitude. To optimize cost and customer return, economics need to be evaluated at a system level. With the goal of minimum energy cost and maximum social benefit, SunPower (by PowerLight) has pursued the development of lightweight PV systems for large-scale flat rooftop installations. This paper explores the relationship between tilt angle, system GCR, system size, system cost and customer return on investment within constrained area rooftop systems.

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    The Unitary Ideal in Commercial Photovoltaic System Product Design

    The ideal solar product for commercial rooftops combines all necessary parts into one “unitary” package

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    The Unitary Ideal in Commercial Photovoltaic System Product Design

    --by Jonathan Botkin and Matthew Culligan

    From the perspective of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system integrator who performs sales, design, engineering, construction and maintenance services, an ideal product for a commercial PV system would be one in which all the necessary parts are combined into one “unitary” package. Independent of site conditions, array shape, or system size, a single all-in-one product would minimize the complexities of array design, supply logistics, installation, and maintenance, leading to lower cost of energy. However, there are also trade-offs that must be made in pursuing this unitary ideal. Without careful consideration, there is the potential that system design restrictions, lower shipping density, higher material cost, or other factors could offset the benefits of this approach. In developing a new commercial PV product, SunPower has balanced the various aspects of a unitary design approach to create a revolutionary new product. This paper will discuss the economic analysis, design process, and lessons learned during the development of this new product.

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    Photovoltaic Systems: Low Levels of Glare and Reflectance vs. Surrounding Environment

    Solar energy systems are less reflective than their general populous surroundings

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    Photovoltaic Systems: Low Levels of Glare and Reflectance vs. Surrounding Environment

    --by Mark Shields

    During the recent surge in residential and commercial photovoltaic opportunities, many PV suppliers and installers have fielded questions concerning glare and reflectance levels for solar photovoltaic systems. These questions range from the possible glare and reflectance effect on neighbors, to the glare and reflectance effect on air traffic. This document explains why solar PV systems are less reflective than their general populous surroundings.

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    Montalto, Italy - Solar Power Plant Development and Installation

    Time-lapse installation video of the largest solar development in Europe

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    Montalto, Italy - Solar Power Plant Development and Installation

    Time-lapse installation video of the solar power plant in Montalto di Castro, Italy: The Largest Photovoltaic Power Plant in Italy and the Largest Photovoltaic Development in Europe.

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    Nellis Air Force Base - Solar Power Plant Installation

    Installation video of the SunPower solar power plant at Nellis Air Force Base

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    Nellis Air Force Base - Solar Power Plant Installation

    Time-lapse installation video of the 15MW Solar Power Plant at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada

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    SunPower® T5 Solar Roof Tile Installation

    The SunPower T5 Solar Roof Tile offers the best solar solution for area- or weight-constrained flat rooftops

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    SunPower® T5 Solar Roof Tile Installation

    The SunPower T5 Solar Roof Tile is the most powerful solution for area- or weight-constrained flat rooftops. It is the first photovoltaic roof product to combine solar panel, frame, and mounting system into a single pre-engineered unit.  Benefits:  Highest efficiency solar panels are tilted at five-degrees; they are easy to install, with no roof penetration needed, and no grounding required; they're durable, lightweight and aerodynamic.

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    SunPower® T10 Solar Roof Tile Installation

    The SunPower T10 Solar Roof Tile tilts at 10-degrees to enhance energy capture

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    SunPower® T10 Solar Roof Tile Installation

    The SunPower T10 Solar Roof Tile is pre-engineered to tilt at a 10-degree angle and enhance energy capture. These non-penetrating roof tiles interlock for secure, rapid installation. Made of durable, lightweight materials, the patented design resists high winds and corrosion and is uniquely flexible to adapt to the size and requirements of virtually any flat rooftop and select ground sites.

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    SunPower® T0 Solar Tracker Installation

    The T0 Solar Tracker produces the most energy per acre of any ground system available today

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    SunPower® T0 Solar Tracker Installation

    The SunPower T0 Solar Tracker delivers up to 25% more energy than fixed-tilt systems, wth fewer parts and motors than conventional solar tracking systems. A single-axis design follows the path of the sun throughout the day. The T0 Tracker has a history of proven reliability and low opearating and maintenance costs.

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    SunPower® T20 Solar Tracker Installation

    The T20 Solar Tracker generates up to 30% more energy than fixed tilt ground systems

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    SunPower® T20 Solar Tracker Installation

    The SunPower T20 Solar Tracker is built on the same proven, reliable design of the original SunPower T0 Tracker. High-efficiency solar panels are tilted at 20-degrees to deliver higher energy output. The T20 Tracker delivers 30% more energy than fixed-tilt systems and more energy output per unit area than competing systems. It ships ready for fast, simple installation without ground penetrations, rapidly deploys on-site and scales easily from small to large multi-megawatt installations.

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