Introduction to

SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAICS DESIGN AND ENGINEERING

Copyright © 2015 Gorkon Industries

Where We Are Gorkon Industries is ideally located to serve the Ontario solar PV Industry. We are within a one hour drive of the following metropolitan areas, and much of the provinces farming operations

Toronto LondonKitchenerWaterlooCambridgeGuelphHamiltonNiagaraWoodstockMississauga

OakvilleBurlingtonBramptonBrantfordMilton

What we do� Gorkon Industries is an Engineering Consulting Firm specialized in solar

photovolatics.

� In-house engineering and design

� Based in Ontario and have done international projects

� Work cooperatively with “sustainability consultants”

� Research & development: Work with government, Industry and universities to stay current with the latest technology

� comprehensive training & support

� Project quality assurance program

� Own and operate solar PV installations

� Provide financing support through cash-flow analysis

Who are We?

� Erik Coverdale, P.Eng

� Founder of Gorkon Industries

� Experience in solar pre-dating the FIT program

� Over 15MW of interdisciplinary engineering in EPC environment

� Strong references from happy project owners

What we can deliver

Gorkon Industries takes a different approach to designing solar Photovoltaic installations. At Gorkon Industries, we invest unprecedented engineering due diligence to minimize losses. This translates into significant energy production gains which often yields dividends to project owners so great that it more than pays for the entire engineering cost, not just the extra!

How do we do it?

Gorkon Industries is a preferred solar engineering provider because we consistently design better PV facilities; earning our clients higher revenues.

Important points for PV optimization6 points:1. Panel: Module output tolerance: + 2%2. Panel: Optimal air circulation: + 1.5%3. Panel: Periodic module cleaning + 4%4. Inverter: Efficient DC/AC inverter: + 3%5. Inverter: Balancing module & inverter power: + 2.5%6. Wire: Proper wire dimensions & installing: +0.5%

How do we do it?1-module output tolerance

� Design and purchase plus sorted panels only

� Evaluate panel performance with PTC ratings

� Consider panel reviews from photon magazine

� Reject panel deliveries without flash testing!

� Use thermal camera and seaward string tester

How do we do it?2-Optimal Air Circulation

� Panel output is inversely proportional to temperature

� Spacing between panels helps them stay cool

� Design Panels to slope higher than roof slope

� Balance structural engineering issues to achieve maximum slope

How do we do it?3-Panel Cleaning

� Design array to offer optimal cleaning access

� Create maintenance schedule for panel cleaning

� Place water taps near panels to facilitate cleaning

� Specify tools for panel cleaning, consider safety

How do we do it?4-Efficient Inverter

� Select inverter with the best CEC efficiency available

� Consider external transformer losses if applicable

� Distributed or central architecture

� Warranty, reputation

How do we do it?5-Balance of system

� Detail matters, routing plans, wire gages

� Balance cost and performance

� Carefully consider effect of AC/DC ratio

� Calculate needs exactly, minimize waste for savings

� No mistakes

THANK YOU

SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAICS DESIGN AND ENGINEERING

Copyright © 2015 Gorkon Industries