A PV system consists of several components. These not only ensure its function, but also the protection of the individual components. In this article, we explain the structure of a PV system in an easy-to-understand manner.
First things first
- Solar modules convert sunlight into direct electrical current.
- The inverter converts the generated direct current into alternating current.
- PV cables connect the components of the PV system and transmit the electricity.
- The substructure securely attaches the solar modules to the roof.
- The electricity meter measures the amount of electricity generated and consumed.
- The smart meter monitors and optimizes electricity consumption.
- The energy management system (optional) controls the energy flow and increases the efficiency of the system.
- The power storage unit (optional) stores excess power for use at a later time.
- The wallbox (optional) enables electric vehicles to be charged with solar power.
How is a PV system constructed?
A PV system consists of solar modules, a substructure, an inverter, PV cables and various meters. Solar modules convert sunlight into direct current. The inverter turns this into usable alternating current. PV cables connect the components, while the substructure securely fastens the modules. Meters monitor the energy flow of the solar system.
| component | function | need |
| solar modules | convert sunlight into direct current | necessary |
| substructure | attaches solar modules to the roof | necessary |
| PV cable | connect the modules and transmit the current | necessary |
| inverter | converts direct current into alternating current | necessary |
| counter | measures generated and consumed electricity | necessary |
| Smart Meter | monitors and optimizes power consumption | optional |
| energy management | controls the energy flow and increases efficiency | optional |
| electricity storage | stores excess electricity | optional |
| wallbox | charging station for electric vehicles | optional |
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solar modules
solar modules convert sunlight into electrical energy. They consist of several solar cells. These are connected in series and parallel so that they achieve the desired voltage and power. The efficiency of a solar module depends on the cell type - monocrystalline solar cells achieve the highest efficiency with up to 25%.
The solar module is held in an aluminum frame. The front is protected by a glass cover. The back is made of either foil or glass. Glass-glass modules are more expensive, but they are more robust and durable.
From Module to String
The individual PV modules are connected to each other and form a string. Series or parallel connection is possible here.
- series connection: increases the voltage because the voltages of the individual modules are added together. The maximum current corresponds to the lowest current of a module in the string. If there is shading, the entire string fails.
- parallel connection: increases the current because the currents of the individual modules are added together. The voltage remains constant. This is particularly useful for optimizing performance in shading conditions.
substructure
The substructure securely fastens the solar modules to the roof and ensures their stability. There are different installation methods depending on the type of roof. On pitched roofs, roof-mounted installation is usually used. Here, the modules are mounted on aluminum rails. For flat roofs, weighted frames are often used.
- roof-mounted installation: PV modules are mounted on aluminum rails that are anchored in roof beams. This method is particularly popular for pitched roofs.
- in-roof installation: Solar modules are integrated into the roof skin and replace parts of the roof covering, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
- flat roof installation: Modules are mounted on supports and weighted to ensure stability against wind.
PV cable
The cables connect the solar modules to the inverter and the other system components and transmit the electricity generated. PV cables are specially designed for outdoor use and can withstand the effects of the weather. They are routed through cable ducts and must not rest directly on the roof.
inverter
The inverter converts the direct current generated by the solar modules into alternating current. This makes it usable in the home and suitable for feeding into the public power grid. For the efficiency of the photovoltaic system, it is important that the inverter is dimensioned to match the total output.
Modern inverters contain MPP trackerThey maximize the performance of the solar modules by continuously monitoring the optimal operating voltage and current. They also have protection mechanisms. These prevent overload, short circuits and other malfunctions of the photovoltaic system. They also generate heat and therefore need to be well ventilated.
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counter
PV meters measure the amount of electricity generated and consumed and help with billing and monitoring electricity consumption. PV systems use various meters such as solar power meters, feed-in meters and consumption meters. Modern systems often use bidirectional meters that record both feed-in and consumption.
- solar power meter: measures the electricity generated by the PV system
- feed-in meter: measures the electricity fed into the public grid
- consumption meter: measures the electricity consumed in the household
- bidirectional meter: records both feed-in and consumption, which is often the case with modern solar systems
As part of the energy transition, intelligent measuring systems (so-called smart meters) are becoming increasingly important. These intelligent meters are crucial for the efficient use of renewable energies and the integration of decentralized energy sources into the power grid.
Smart Meter
A smart meter is an intelligent electricity meter that monitors electricity consumption in real time and transmits this data to the grid operator and the energy management system. Conventional meters only measure total consumption. Smart meters, on the other hand, can provide detailed information about energy consumption and help to efficiently manage electricity consumption.
Smart meters offer several Advantages compared to conventional meters:
- real-time monitoring: They enable accurate monitoring of energy consumption in real time, leading to better control and optimization of electricity consumption.
- efficiency improvement: Through detailed consumption analysis, users can make their energy consumption more efficient and thus save costs.
- support for the energy transition: Smart meters are essential for the integration of renewable energies because they monitor and control the flow of energy from decentralized sources such as PV systems.
- Automated data transfer: The automatic transmission of consumption data to the grid operator facilitates billing and administration of the electricity grid.
energy management (optional)
The energy management system controls and optimizes the energy flow within the PV system. This maximizes the efficiency of the solar system and increases the self-consumption of self-generated solar power. It includes hardware and software for monitoring and controlling energy flows and is networked with other intelligent devices in the household.
It has the following Tasks:
- monitoring energy production and consumption
- Optimizing the use of self-generated electricity
- Control of feed-in to the grid and the use of electricity storage
power storage (optional)
Power storage units store excess solar power for later use. This makes it possible to increase self-consumption and independence from the public power grid. It is usually installed between the solar modules and the inverter.
A typical power storage device consists of one or more battery cells, usually based on lithium-ion technology. These cells are housed in a housing that also has a battery management system (BMS). The BMS monitors and controls the charging and discharging process to maximize the service life and efficiency of the storage device.
Wallbox (optional)
A wallbox is a charging station for electric vehicles. It enables electric cars to be charged quickly and safely at home. They are a convenient solution for increasing the self-consumption of the PV system.
A typical wallbox consists of a robust housing, a charging cable and various electronic components for controlling and monitoring the charging process. Some models also have functions for integration into the home's energy management system and offer intelligent charging options.
