GRID CONNECTED PV PLANT:

A grid tie solar photovoltaic system consists of

1. SPV array
2. Module Mounting Structures
3. Power conditioning units consisting of:
 MPPT
 Inverter
 Controls and Protection
 Interconnecting cables
 Swiches

Components and parts used in the SPV power plants including the PV modules,metallic
structures,cables,junction box,switches,PCUs,etc and these should conform to the BIS or IEC or
Indian standards.
There are five conditions which should be met before the synchronization takes place.The
source must have equal line voltage,frequency,phase angle and waveform to that of the system
to which it is being synchronized.

Sr Permits Responsible Agency

no

1. Signing of PPA (Power purchase agreement) SECI (solar energy

corporation of India)

2. Registration & Purchase of land with clear title Buyer

3. No objective certificate from district collector/local District collector office

body

4. Approval for connectivity

Diagram,load flow studies allocation of bay
(NOC from DISCOM)
5. Transmission Line approach route Local electricity authority

6. Town & country planning (if required) DTCP (Directorate of town

and country planning)

7. Borewell digging permission (if required,statutory PWD(Public work

fee,refundable deposits to be paid by the buyer) department)
 8. Health Dept. clearance for plant drawings (pollution Dist health office
control board)
(if required,statutory fee,refundable deposits to be
paid by the buyer)
9. NA certificate for land District collector office

10. CT PT testing & inspection certificates Local concerned authority

11. Metering scheme approval Local authority

12. District fire service permission for fire service license District fire service officer
(part of CEIG Approval)

13. Consent to establish PCB

14. Construction of transmission lines Local authority

15. Chief electrical officer visit for approval of the plant CEI

16. Testing & installation of export meters at 33kv switchyard CEI,local authority
end
17. Approval for synchronization (p&c) Local authority
18. Local forest dept. clearance District forest dept.
19. Certificate of commissioning SECI
20. Customs &excise duty exemption MNRE
21. Consent to operate PCB
22. Factories inspector
23. Road permits Concerned authority
24. Labour license Local authority

APPROVAL FOR THE TRANSMISSION LINE :

1. Power and telecommunication co ordination committee (PTTC):

A copy of he final line route is prepared in which the points where resistivity has been measured are
indicated along with the values of the earth resistivity at such points.The line shall not be charged
until PTTC clearance is obtained

2. Aviation authorities:
 If the proposed route lies in the vicinity of civil or defence aerodomes/ airports,an application is
to be made to the authorities for issuing their approval with regard to sufficient distance from
the airport or aerodome.
IT IS MANDATORY TO OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM AIRPORT AUTHORITIES FOR TOWERS OF
HEIGHT ABOVE 45 METERS.
3. Railway authorities :
If there is a railway track crossing then a drawing showing the details is prepared as per requirements of
“regulations for power line crossings of railway tracks” issued by the railway road.

4. Electrical inspector:
The approval of chief inspector of the state govt is required to be obtained as per rule 63 of the Indian
electricity rules,1956 before energizing the lines.

AVALIBILITY OF RESOURCE DATA:

Data sets provide information pertaining to solar irradiation, wind and Temperature,etc.

Actual ground data is not always available but derived data is available at
NASA,METEONORM,Geomodel and IMD

NASA’S surface meterology and solar energy data set: surface meterological and solar energy program
hold satellite monthly data covering the whole world for 22 years

The meteonorm global climatological data base and synthetic weather generator: This contains a
database of ground station measurements of irradiation,temperature,etc

Geomodel: geomodel solar openes high resolution meterological database-SOLARGIS

IMD-india meterological department: To get meterological data required for agriculture,water resource
management ,industries, etc and to warn against severe weather phenomena like floods,hurricanes,etc

COMPONENTS IN GRID CONNECTED SPV PLANT:

1. Module
2. String monitoring system
3. Cabling
4. Inverter
5. AC switch gear
6. Transformers
7. Power evacuation arrangements
 8. Metering scheme
9. Data monitoring and auxiliary equipment
MODULE:
Normal operating cell temperature(NOCT),NOCT is that value of
cell temperature which is reached when the incident solar
radiation is 800 W/m2, ambient temperature is 20 ֯ c and wind
velocity is 1 meter/ second.
Module Mono Poly Thin Thin film Micro
parameters Crystalline crystalline film amorpho Morph
Cd-Te us Silicon
Silicon
Efficiency 15-20 13-16 7-13 5-6 6-7
Tolerance 3% 3% 5% 5% 5%
Degradation 0.3 0.5 0.7 0.7-1.4
rate
Temp co -0.41% -0.46% -0.30% -0.18% -0.25%
efficient
Exposure 8 9 10 7-12
years
Module 0.05% 1%
replacement

Module mounting structure:

Fixed rack: fixed rack sets the angle at which the module is
held.
Solartracker: solar trackers increase the amount of energy
produced per module at a cost of mechanical complexity and
need for maintenance. They sense the direction of the sun and
tilt as needed for maximum exposure to the light.
The two types of mounting are:
1. GROUND MOUNTED: ground mounted solar power
systems consist of solar modules held in place by racks or
frames that are attached to ground based mounting
supports.
Ground based mounting supports include:
 Pole mounts: which are driven directly into the ground or
embedded in concrete.
 Foundation mounts, such as concrete slabs or poured
footings.
 Ballasted footing mounts,such as concrete slabs or poured
footings.
 Ballasted footing mounts ,such as concrete or steel bases
that use weight to secure the solar module system in
position and don’t require ground penetration.

2.ROOF MOUNTING:
Roof mounted solar power systems consist of solar
modules held in place by racks or frames attached to roof
based mounting supports.
 Roof-based mounting supports include:
 Pole mounts,which are attached directly to the roof
structure and may use additional rails for attaching the
module racking or frames.
 Ballasted footing mounts, such as concrete or steel bases
that use weight to secure the panel system in position and
do not require through penetration. This mounting
method allows for decommissioning or relocation of solar
panel systems with no adverse effect on the roof
structure.Mounting structures will typically be fabricated
from steel or aluminium.
The mounting structure is designed for holding designed
number of modules in series.
Array structures are made of structured steel sections. The
composition of steel shall conform to IS 2062,suitable for
welding purposes. The structural sections shall conform to IS-
808-1985 for their chemical and mechanical properties. All
fasteners shall be of stainless steel grade SS-304.
STRING MONITORING UNIT:
SMU incorporate the feature of paralleling and
monitoring the string. The current, voltage are
monitored by SCADA system at daily basis and this
monitoring is very useful for maintenance as alarm
systems are available for short circuit or cable break
conditions.
SMU will also have suitable surge protection.
CABLING:
DC cabling consists of module,string and main cables.
Cable selection and sizing:
Three criteria must be observed when sizing cables:
 The cable voltage rating.Calculations of maximum Voc
voltage of the modules,adjusted for the site minimum
design temperature ,are used for this calculation.
 The current carrying capacity of the cable.The cable must
be sized in accordance with the maximum current.
 The minimization of cable losses.The cable voltage drop
and the associated power losses must be as low as
possible.
The cables used to have to be robust and resist high mechanical
load and tension.High temperature resistance and weather
proofing characteristics provide long life.
International quality certification:
Cables shall be complaint to most recent standards.
APPLICABLE STANDARDS:
IEC 60228 Tinned fine copper strands
UL4703 Photovoltaic wires
IEC 60332-1 Fire performance
IEC 61034 Smoke emission
IEC 60287 Conductor temperature
IEC 60216 Temperature index and
service life of over 30 years
IEC 60754-1 Halogen free
IEC 60811 Resistant too chemicals and
oils

CABLING:
Cables should be rated for the operating voltage.They
should also have conductors and screens sized for
operating currents and short circuit currents.
1. The cable must be rated for maximum expected
voltage.
2. The cable should be sized such that most economic
balance is maintained between capital cost and
operational cost ie losses.
3. The conductors should be chosen(either single or
multi-core).
4. Earthing and bonding should be suitably designed
for the project application.
5. Cables should comply with relevant IEC standards or
Indian standards:
IS 1554 PVC insulated heavy duty
cables for working voltages
up to and including 1100
volts.
IS 694 PVC insulated cables for
working voltages upto and
including 1100 volts.

IS 3961 Recommended current

ratings for cables
IS 3975 Mild steel wires,strips and
tapes for armoring cables
IS-7098 PART 1 XLPE Cables up to 1100V
IS-7098 PART 2 XLPE Cables up to 3.3Kv to
33Kv

INVERTER:
Inverter sizing: project specifics such as the solar resource and
module tilt angle play a very important role when choosing a
design.
Most plants will have an inverter sizing range within the limits
defined by;
Power ratio = P inverter DC rated / P pv peak
 The maximum Voc in the coldest daytime temperature
must be less than the inverter maximum DC input voltage
 The inverter must be able to safely withstand the
maximum array current.
 The minimum Voc in the hottest daytime temperature
must be greater than the inverter DC turn-off voltage
 The maximum inverter DC current must be greater than
the PV array current
 The inverter MPP range must include PV array MPP points
at different temperatures.
 Grid code requirements:for eg- reactive power injection
 Inverters with reactive power control are recommended.
 It should be borne in mind that the inverter efficiency is
dependent on voltage.Specification sheets and voltage
dependency graphs are required for efficient voltage
matching.

AC SWITCHGEAR:
Switchgear and protection systems should be throughout
the electrical system to provide
disconnection,isolation,earthing,and protection for the
various components of the plant.On the output side of
inverters,provision of a switch disconnector is
recommended as a means to isolate the PV array.
Switch gear type will largely be dependent on the voltage
of operation. Switchgear up to 33kv is likely to be internal
metal clad cubicle type.
 For higher voltages, the preferred choice will most likely
be air-insulated outdoor switchgear or,if space is an issue,
gas-insulated indoor switchgear.
All switchgear should be:
 Have option to be secured by locks in off/earth position
 Relevant IEC and national standards
 Clearly show the on off positions with appropriate labels
 In the case of HV switchgear, have remote switching
capability
 Earthing
It should be noted that HV switching is a hazardous procedure
and safety measures to minimize risk should be adopted as
good practice.
TRANSFORMERS :
The purpose of transformers in a solar power plant is to provide
suitable voltage levels for transmission across the site and for
export to the grid.
The inverters supply power at L.V but for a commercial solar
power plant ,grid connection is typically made at upwards of 11
Kv. A transformer is used between the inverter and the grid
connection point.
SELECTION AND SPECIFICATION:
Size of transformer,which will depend on the projected
maximum power exported from the solar array,should be
specified in MVA/KVA.
Power would generally be expected to flow from the solar
arrays to the grid.To prepare for the reverse case( power supply
back to power plant),this should be specified or an auxiallary
transformer used.The position of the transformer in the
electrical system will define the required voltage levels on the
primary and secondary sides of the transformer. Tertiary
supplies for substation auxiliary services and/or harmonic
mitigation should also be considered.
The requirements for power transformers are defined in IEC
60076.
Other issues to consider while designing a transformer are:
 Tap setting requirements
 Cooling medium
 Earthing
 Winding connections
 Number of windings
 Losses
 Bushings for connection of cabling and overhead lines
 Transformer trip and warning alarms
Losses: transformers can lose energy through magnetizing
current in the core,known as iron losses and copper losses in
the windings
Test requirements: transformers should be tested set out in IEC
60076
POWER EVACUATION ARRANGEMENTS :
a) Generating station arrangement
b) Step up voltage and high switching arrangements
c) Interconnection with the grid
Step up voltage: economic generation voltage is generally
limited to following values(CBI & P Manual)
 Upto 750 kVA -415 Volts
 750 Kva -415 Volts
 751kVA -2500 kVA -3.3 Volts
 2501kVA -5000 kVA -6.6Volts
 Above 5000 kVA – 11kV or higher
CIRCUIT BREAKER:
A circuit breaker is an automatically operated switch designed
to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by overload
or short circuit.Its basic function is to detect a fault condition
and interrupt current flow. Unlike a fuse, which operates once
and then must be replaced, a circuit breaker can be reset(either
manually or automatically) to resume normal operation.
 LOW-VOLTAGE CIRCUIT BREAKERS:
Low voltage(less than 1000 VAC) are common in
domestic,commercial and industrial application)
MCB- miniature circuit breaker is rated current not more than
100 A
There are 3 types of MCBs:
1. Type B -trips between 3 and 5 times in full load current
2. Type C -trips between 5 and 10 times in full load current
3. Type D- trips between 10 and 20 times in full load current
MCCB- molded case circuit breaker is rated upto 2500 A
The characteristics of low voltage circuit breakers are given by
international standards such as IEC-947.Large low voltage
molded case and power circuit breakers may have electric
motor operators so they can open and close under remote
control. These may form part of an automatic transfer switch
system for standby power.
 MEDIUM-VOLTAGE CIRCUIT BREAKER:
Medium-voltage circuit breaker rated between 1 and 72 kV
may be assembled into metal-enclosed switchgear line ups for
indoor use, or may be indivisual components installed outdoors
in a substation. The characteristics of MV breakers are given by
international standards such as IEC 62271.
They are of 3 types:
1. Vaccum circuit breakers- with rated current upto 6300 A
and higher for generator circuit breakers.These are
generally applied for voltages up to about 40,500 V,which
corresponds roughly to the medium-voltage range of
power systems. They have longer life than betn overhaul
than air circuit breakers.
 2. Air circuit breakers- Rated current upto 6300 A and higher
for generator circuit breakers.Usually electronically
controlled, though some models are microprocessor
controlled via an integral electronic trip unit. Often used
for main power distribution in large industrial plant, where
the breakers are arranged in draw-out enclosures for ease
of maintanence.
3. SF6 circuit breakers- medium voltage circuit breakers in
switch gear line ups are often built with draw out
construction,allowing breaker removal without disturbing
power circuit connections, using motor operated or hand
cranked mechanism to separate the breaker from its
enclosure.
 HIGH VOLTAGE CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Electrical power transmission networks are protected and
controlled by high voltage breakers. Work is usually thought to
be 72.5kV or higher.
Higher voltage breakers are broadly classified by the medium
used to extinguish the arc:
 Bulk oil
 Mineral oil
 Air blast
 Vacuum
 Sf6
 Co2
SUBSTATION:
The substation houses the primary and secondary equipment
for the central operation of the solar plant and connection to
the local electricity grid. Equipment such as the LV/MV
transformers, MV switchgear, SCADA (supervisory control and
data acquisiution) systems, protection and metering systems
can be placed within the substation.
The substation may be wholly internal or may consist of
internal and external components such as transformers, HV
switchgear and backup generators. Separation between MV
switch rooms, converter rooms, control rooms, store rooms
and offices is a key requirement, besides providing safe
access,lighting and welfare facilities.
Where systems are present, an earth mat may need to be
provided to obtain safe step/touch potentials and earth system
faults.Earth mats should be installed prior to setting the
foundation.Lightning protection should be considered to
alleviate the effect of lightning strikes on equipment and
buildings.
A trench is often required as a means for easing the routing of
power and data cables to the substation. To accommodation
the grid company’s equipment (which might be in a separate
area of building).
EARTHING AND SURGE PROTECTION:
Earthing has the following risks parameters,namely:
 The electric shock risk to people on site
 The risk of fire during a fault
 The transmission of surges induced by lighting
 The severity of EMI
The earthing of a solar pv plant encompasses the following:
 Array frame earthing
 System earthing (DC conductor earthing)
 Inverter earthing
 Lighting and surge protection
The air terminal will be capable of handling multiple strikes of
lightning current and should be maintenance after installation
The earthing arrangements on each site will vary,depending on
a number of factors:
 National electricity requirement
 Installation guidelines for module manufacturers
 Mounting system requirements
 Inverter requirements
 Lighting risk

The most appropriate earthing arrangement for the solar pv

plant,one can follow the general guidelines given below:
 Ground rods should be placed close to junction boxes.
Ground electrodes should be connected between the
ground rod and ground lug in the junction box.
  A continuous earth path is to be maintained throughout
the array
 Cable runs should be kept as short as possible.
 Surge suppressions devices can be installed at the inverter
end of the DC cable and at the array junction boxes.
 Both sides of an inverter should be properly isolated
before carrying out any work, and appropriate safety signs
should be installed as a reminder
 Many inverter models include internal surge arrestors.
Besides, separate additional surge protection devices may
be required. National codes and regulations, and the
specific characterisitics of each project must be taken into
account.
ISOLATOR:
A mechanical switching device which provides, in the open
position, an isolating distance is accordance with specific
arrangements. A disconnector is capable of opening and closing
a circuit when either negligible current is broken or made, or
when no significant change in the voltage across the terminals
of each of the poles of disconnector occurs.

Earthing switch is a mechanical switching device for earthing

parts of circuit capable of withstanding for a specified time
currents under abnormal conditions such as those of short-
circuit , but not required to carry current under normal
conditions of the circuit. Earthing switch may be combined with
disconnectors.
METERING SCHEME :
Metering will be required to measure the export of power. This
may be provided at the substation or at the point of connection
to the grid. Current transformers and voltage transformers will
be connected to ABT meter by screened cable.

ABT METER :
Metering is required to adhere to state utility and CERC norms.
The meter should have web communication facility should be
visible at the state load dispatch centre (SLDC).
DATA MONITORING AND AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT:
Data montoring/SCADA – SCADA systems provide control and
status indication for the items included in the substation and
across the plant. The key requirement may be situated in the
substation in control and protection rooms. Air conditioning
should be considered due to the heat generated by the
electronic equipment in the modules.
Auxiliary Equipment- The design of substance should take into
account the need of auxiliary systems required for a functioning
substation / control room. All auxiliary equipment should be
designed to relevant standards and may include:
  LV power supplies
 Back up power supplies
 Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) batteries
 Diesel generators
 Auxiliary transformers and grid connections
 Telephone and internet connections
 Lighting
 Heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)
 Water supplies
 Drainage
 Fire and intruder alarms.
SITE INVESTIGATION:
A site visit is required for the better analysis
1. Co-ordinates of location:
a) Latitude
b) Longitude
c) Altitude
The average solar of proposed site could be known with the
help of NASA data, meternorm.PVSYST report can generate to
know the appropriate energy generation of proposed plant.
2. Land/ Roof area:
The boundaries of the proposed site shall be known. In case of
unavailability of site map, proposed site area can be calculated
with help of site boundary points and GPS device. Measuring
tape can be used for small site area.
3. Slope and land undulation:
The land should be in uniform level, or should have slope in
such a way that the shadow of one PV array should not fall
marginally on other.
It is better if the land is of minimum undulation.
4. Shadow causing objects:
Dimensions and the location of the objects shall be noted down
which can cause shadow on the proposed site. Shadow analysis
shall be carried out and the largely shadow effected area can
left for array installation.
If there is any future construction which can cause shadow on
the proposed site.
5. Water logging:
The site should not have problem of water logging during rainy
season. Provisons of drain or slopping of land shall be made to
overcome water logging.
The larger land area contour survey shall be carried out for the
better understanding of land level.
6. Polluting environment:
The performance of the SPV plant will be reduced if any
polluting factory or other polluting elements are present
nearby the proposed site.
7. Type of plant:
The type of plant like on grid or off grid, stand alone or hybrid
system can be analyised.
8.Power evacuation:
In case of MW level plant, the SPV plant output shall be fed
utility grid through utility substation. The utility substation shall
not be very far from the proposed plant and the utility
substation shall be able to consume the power generated by
the spv plant.
For small SPV plants, output of SPV plant shall be connected to
local distribution points.