For small solar electric systems, the most common array design uses flat-plate photovoltaic (PV) modules or panels. These panels can either be fixed in place or allowed to track the movement of the sun.

 

The simplest PV array consists of flat-plate PV modules in a fixed position. These are some advantages of fixed arrays:

 

No moving parts

No need for extra equipment

A lightweight structure

 

These features make them suitable for many locations, including most residential roofs. Because the panels are fixed in place, their orientation to the sun is usually at an angle that is less than optimal. Therefore, less energy per unit area of array is collected compared with that from a tracking array. This drawback, however, must be balanced against the higher cost of the tracking system.

 

Energy performance

Solar arrays are designed to provide specified amounts of electricity under certain conditions. The following factors are usually considered when determining array energy performance:

 

Characterization of solar cell electrical performance

Determination of degradation factors related to array design and assembly

Conversion of environmental considerations into solar cell operating temperatures

Calculation of array power output capability

 

The amount of electricity required may be defined by any one or a combination of the following performance criteria:

 

Power output – power (watts) available at the power regulator, specified either as peak power or average power produced during one day.

Energy output – the amount of energy (watt-hour or Wh) produced during a certain period of time. The parameters are output per unit of array area (Wh/m²), output per unit of array mass (Wh/kg), and output per unit of array cost (Wh/$).

Conversion efficiency – defined as ("energy output from array" / "energy input from sun") × 100%.

 

This last parameter is often given as a power efficiency, equal to ("power output from array" / "power input from sun") × 100%. Power is typically given in units of watts (W), and energy is typically in units of watt-hours (Wh), or the power in watts supplied during an hour.

 

To ensure the consistency and quality of photovoltaic systems and increase consumer confidence in system performance, various groups – such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) – are working on standards and performance criteria for PV systems.