Practical design criteria for photovoltaic systems

In 1975 the Commission of the European Communities (CEC) began a programme on 'Non-nuclear non-fossil' fuels and part of this involved research into PV. In 1979 a programme was started which involved building 15 large PV systems ranging in size from 30 to 300 kWp. The aim of this programme was to gain practical design and operational experience with systems at European latitudes and with European climates. The authors review the design and operation of one of these PV systems and highlight some of the practical design criteria associated with PV systems.<>