MEGA SCIENCE 2.0 Electrical & Electronics Sector
Figure 7.38 Monthly average daily solar irradiations of Malaysia for the month of December
Solar radiation in the tropics is unique because it is characterised by the diffused nature of the solar radiation, due to the presence of cloudy conditions in the equatorial region. Therefore, the use of concentrating technologies is not practical in this area because such technologies utilise the direct component of solar radiation.
‘kWp’, where ‘kW’ is kilowatt and ‘p’ is ‘peak’. The ‘p’, however does not indicate peak performance, but rather the maximum output according under Standard Testing Conditions. Solar panels must withstand heat, cold, rain and hail for many years. Many crystalline silicon module manufacturers offer warranties that guarantee electrical production for 10 years at 90% of rated power output and 25 years at 80%.
7.5.6.2 STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT
The standards for solar thermal collectors are of ISO 9806 which comprise of: Test methods for solar collectors; EN 12975: Thermal solar systems and components - Solar collectors; EN 12976: Thermal solar systems and components — Factory made systems; and EN 12977: Thermal solar systems and components — Custom made systems (ISO 9806-2:1995. Test methods for solar collectors Part 2: Qualification test procedures. International Organisation for Standardisation, Geneva, Switzerland).
Standards generally applied for PV panels are the IEC 61215 (crystalline silicon performance), 61646 (thinfilm performance) and 61730 (all modules, safety), ISO 9488, UL 1703, CE mark, and Electrical Safety Tester (EST) Series (EST-460, EST-22V, EST-22H, EST110). No local testing and standardisation facilities are available in Malaysia. Certification can be conducted at recognised standardisation centres in Germany, United States and Taiwan.
7.5.6.3 STANDALONE PV SYSTEM APPLICATIONS IN MALAYSIA
Module performance is generally rated under Standard Test Conditions (STC): irradiance of 1,000 W/m², solar spectrum of AM 1.5 and module temperature at 25°C. Electrical characteristics include nominal power (PMAX, measured in W), open circuit voltage (VOC), short circuit current (ISC, measured in amperes), maximum power voltage (VMPP), maximum power current (IMPP), and module efficiency (%). Solar modules are also rated in
In Malaysia, stand alone PV systems find useful applications in rural electrification. Table 7.7 lists the locations and capacity of standalone PV systems in the rural areas of Malaysian States. The total installed capacity for rural electrification is 1589.65 kWp, with 167