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Solar PV Installation Assessment Guide

The document is an assessment paper for a Level 6 Electrical Engineering course focused on installing solar systems, issued by the TVET CDACC. It consists of two sections, with Section A containing questions on photovoltaic cells, safety measures, and solar module applications, and Section B requiring detailed responses on grid-tied solar PV systems. The assessment aims to evaluate the candidates' knowledge and practical skills in solar energy systems.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
43 views5 pages

Solar PV Installation Assessment Guide

The document is an assessment paper for a Level 6 Electrical Engineering course focused on installing solar systems, issued by the TVET CDACC. It consists of two sections, with Section A containing questions on photovoltaic cells, safety measures, and solar module applications, and Section B requiring detailed responses on grid-tied solar PV systems. The assessment aims to evaluate the candidates' knowledge and practical skills in solar energy systems.

Uploaded by

offlinejunior34
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

© 2024 TVET CDACC

071306T4EEN
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING (POWER OPTION) LEVEL 6
ENG/OS/PO/CR/06/6
INSTALL SOLAR SYSTEM
July/August 2024
Time: 3 Hours

TVET CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT, ASSESSMENT AND CERTIFICATION


COUNCIL (TVET CDACC)
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WRITTEN ASSESSMENT
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3 HOURS
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INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATE:
1. This paper consists of TWO sections: A and B.
2. Answer ALL questions in sections A and any THREE in section B in the answer booklet
provided.
3. Marks for each question are indicated in the brackets.
4. Do not write on the question paper
5. Answer all questions in English.

This paper consists FIVE (5) printed pages.


Candidate should check the question paper to ascertain that all pages are printed as indicated
and that no questions are missing.

Page 1 of 5
© 2024 TVET CDACC

SECTION A: (40 Marks)


Answer all Questions in this section
1. Photo voltaic cells in a domestic PV module are stringed and one cell shaded as shown in figure 1,
sketch the expected I-V curve for the module. (4 marks)
PV MODULE

Bypass diode Bypass diode

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Shaded cell
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Figure 1

2. Solar energy has a diverse range of applications across various sectors. Mention FOUR applications of
solar energy. (4 marks)
3. Atieno went to buy a solar PV module in one of the leading supermarket in Kisumu, the manufactures
manual of the module had an I-V curve shown in figure 2. Indicate the short circuit current ( Isc),
voltage at maximum power (Vmp) and maximum power (Pmax)for the module under standard test
conditions. (4 marks)

Page 2 of 5
© 2024 TVET CDACC

© CDACC 2024

Figure 2
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4. When installing a grid-tied solar PV system, safety measures are crucial to protect both the technicians
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and the equipment. List two safety measures to be observed when installing a grid tied solar PV system
(2 marks)
5. A solar PV technician was tasked to perform some tests on a complete grid tied solar PV system.
Outline three tests he carried out. (3 marks)
6. Final circuits are grouped as per the current rating and the type of load, list three final circuits installed
in a grid tied solar PV system? (4 marks)
7. A hotel wanted to purchase polycrystalline solar modules for a power backup system. Outline three
advantages of polycrystalline solar module that made the school make this choice. (3 marks)
8. Choosing the right site for mounting solar modules in a grid-tied PV system is crucial for maximizing
energy production and system efficiency. Mention four factors to consider when choosing solar module
mounting site for a grid tied solar PV system. (4 marks)

Page 3 of 5
© 2024 TVET CDACC

9. Creating a comprehensive site safety plan is essential for ensuring the safety of personnel and
minimizing risks during the installation of grid-tied solar PV systems. State five components of a site
safety plan for grid tied solar PV installation. (5 marks)
10. Lead acid batteries are best used in grid tied solar PV system for their durability. Outline the
composition of Electrolyte as used in lead acid batteries. (2 marks)
11. Amorphous silicon (a-Si) solar cells are thin-film photovoltaic devices that are manufactured using a
different process compared to traditional crystalline silicon solar cells. Briefly explain how amorphous
silicon solar cells are made. (2 marks)
12. When industries dispose off batteries containing lead, they must take precautions to prevent
environmental contamination. List two dangers associated with lead disposal to the environment.
(2 marks)

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Page 4 of 5
© 2024 TVET CDACC

SECTION B: (60 Marks)


Attempt Only THREE questions
13. It is your first week in a solar PV installation firm and your supervisor has asked you to prepare a
simple sketch of grid-tied solar PV system.
a) Draw a wiring diagram of a simple single-phase AC grid-tied solar PV system.
(10 marks)
b) List ten component of the system in wiring diagram a) above. (10 marks)
14. a) By following start up procedures you can ensure the successful installation and
integration of a grid tied solar system. Describe the start-up procedures during grid tied
solar PV installation? (16 marks)
b) Give any four benefits of licensing a solar PV installer. (4 marks)
15. a) (i) If a charge controller is not used in a solar home system, several potential issues may arise. Outline
this potential issues. (4 marks)
(ii) What is the effect of temperature on the output of a solar PV module? (2 marks)
b) Describe the procedure used to verify current and voltage on grid tied solar PV installation
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components. (10 marks)


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c) What is the difference between string and array with reference to solar system design? (4 marks)
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16. a) Balance of System (BOS) refers to all the components of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system other than
the solar panels themselves. While solar panels are the most visible part of a solar PV installation, the
BOS components are essential for the proper functioning and integration of the system. Name five
(BOS) components. (5 marks)
b) With the aid of a single line diagram, describe the arrangement of a Grid Tie Hybrid system which
includes (i)solar PV (ii) wind power (10 marks)
c) Commissioning solar PV systems verifies that the installation has been adequately and safely
completed according to plans. Outline the key steps of a commissioning procedure. (5 marks)

THIS IS THE LAST PRINTED PAGE.

Page 5 of 5

Common questions

Powered by AI

Shading of a single cell in a photovoltaic module causes a significant reduction in the module's current output, which is reflected as a distinct drop in the I-V curve compared to unshaded conditions. The bypass diodes help mitigate this effect, allowing the current to flow around the shaded cell, but efficiency is still reduced .

Essential safety measures include ensuring all systems are turned off before installation begins to prevent electrical shock and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment to safeguard against potential electrical hazards and injuries .

Solar energy has diverse applications such as in residential heating and electricity generation, powering remote telecommunications, desalination processes, and in agriculture for powering irrigation and crop drying systems .

The commissioning procedure involves verifying system installation and safety compliance, performing operational tests including electrical and mechanical checks, reviewing system settings and configurations, documenting performance parameters, and training the relevant personnel in system operations and maintenance .

Factors to consider include the site's solar exposure throughout the year to maximize energy capture, the angle and orientation of the mounting surface, potential shading from nearby structures or trees, and accessibility for maintenance .

Polycrystalline solar modules are often chosen for their cost-effectiveness, reliable performance in varying environmental conditions, and ease of installation as compared to monocrystalline modules. The output efficiency may be slightly lower, but their affordability and reliability make them suitable for backup systems .

Without a charge controller, overcharging of the battery could occur, leading to reduced battery life or damage. There is also a risk of reverse current flow and possible system inefficiencies or failures due to improper voltage regulation .

Temperature affects solar PV module output by decreasing the efficiency of electricity generation as temperatures rise. Higher temperatures increase the internal resistance of the cells, which reduces the voltage output and overall power efficiency .

A comprehensive site safety plan includes hazard communication and training for personnel, usage of proper personal protective equipment, clear emergency procedures, site security measures, and regular safety audits and inspections .

A photovoltaic string consists of multiple solar panels connected in series, while an array is a collection of strings connected either in series or parallel to achieve desired voltage and current characteristics for the system. Strings handle the voltage, while arrays deal with power capacity .

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