Solar Lattice

Concept

String sizing

ID
concept:string-sizing
IRI
https://solarlattice.org/kb/concept/string-sizing
Status
active
Also known as
string configuration, string length, modules per string, PV string sizing
Category
Design
Concept kind
electrical

String sizing means choosing how many PV modules to wire in series in each string, so the string voltage suits the inverter and the system voltage limit. String length is the most modules you can put in series without going over the system maximum voltage. In the US that limit is 600 V, and strings usually run from 8 to 20 modules. If you size strings by hand, apply the NEC 690.7 temperature multiplication factors or the module maker's temperature coefficient, so the string stays below 600 V dc at the minimum design temperature. The string should also operate inside the inverter's MPP voltage range. An inverter with a wide range, such as 200 V to 500 V, accepts many string combinations. Manufacturers tell installers to check the inverter specifications and use industry-standard sizing methods required by local code. Some vendors, such as Yaskawa Solectria, offer an online string sizing tool. Inputs on the same inverter may have different numbers of modules per string on purpose, so mismatched I-V curves between MPPT inputs are not always a fault. On trackers, fitting a whole number of strings on each tracker unit makes field wiring simpler. A half string needs a jumper to the next unit.

<!-- review notes

Claims

related_to

c1 drafted · lead MPPT voltage range

A wide MPP DC voltage range allows many string combinations to perform optimally.

c2 drafted · lead Temperature coefficient

Manual sizing uses NEC 690.7 temperature multiplication factors or the module maker's temperature coefficient so string voltage stays under the limit at minimum design temperature.

c3 drafted · lead System voltage class

String length is capped by the system maximum voltage, given as 600 V in the US.

c4 drafted · lead Voltage drop

The same manual advises keeping DC and AC wiring voltage losses to no more than 2 percent.

c5 drafted · lead Solectria String Sizing Tool proposed

c6 drafted · lead Single-axis tracker

Fitting a whole number of strings on each tracker unit makes field wiring much simpler.

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