PVGIS is an open source SOLAR assistance tool based on geographical Location, azimuth and elevation of your solar panels to determine the size of the inverter and quantity of solar panels required for the energy yields of a home or plant.
Tools Required:
Access to a computer or internet browser
Step 1:
Open your browser (GOOGLE, Firefox). Type in PVGIS online tool in the search bar or click on the link below.
https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/pvgis-online-tool_en
Select- Access PVGIS here!
Step 2:
Locate your on PV site on google maps. Hover your mouse over the selected point. You will then be able to see the coordinates under Cursor (-33.905, 18.410)
Insert the coordinates (-33.905, 18.410) at the Lat/Lon: section below the map and press Go!
Make sure at least 1 PV panel is listed and that you have indicated the direction of your panel under Azumuth. Select 'Visualize Results" to view all the data. You can edit and change the direction of the panel to optimize the best result for your set up.
Visualized Result: Note- Change your Azimuth (Panel Direction) to find the best result.
Azimuth Directions: North = 180, East = -90, West= +90, South= 0
How to obtain the Daily Usage for your calculations :
Click on the Daily Data Tab. Make sure your Irradiance and Clear-sky Irradiance boxes are selected. Choose the relevant month and again select Visualize Results.
The graph will indicate the usage per day which is 18kWh in this case. You can now use this information to calculate your energy requirements.
Calculation 1 – Day only Energy Requirements:
Day time energy usage: 18 kWh p/day x 365 = 6570 kWp p/annum
Required Size = Annual Consumption (6570) kWp
PVGIS Energy Yield (1697) kWp
Required Size = 3,871 kWp
Therefore use a 5kW Inverter
Required Size = 3,871 kWp
Solar Panel Choice (380 W) JA panel
Number of Solar Panels = 3871 kWp = 10.18 3
Use 11 x 380w - Solar Panels
Calculation 2 – Day and Night Energy Requirements.
Day time energy usage: 18 kWh p/day
Night time energy usage: 9 kWh p/day
= 27kWh p/day x 365 = 9855 kWp p/annum
Required Size = Annual Consumption (9855) kWp
PVGIS Energy Yield (1697) kWp
Required Size = 5,807 kWp
Therefore use a 7.2 kW Inverter
Required Size = 5,807 kWp
Solar Panel Choice (380 W) JA panel
Number of Solar Panels = 5807 kWp = 15.281
Use 16 x 380w - Solar Panels-