DC Field

Add a DC field by clicking Add a DC Field (+) which enables the DC field tab.

A DC field is defined by:

  1. Choosing an available module from the list view.
  2. Providing the electrical characteristics (planned module nameplate, modules in series, etc.)
  3. Defining losses (module quality, mismatch, LIDs and ohmic losses)
  4. Defining mounting structure details (mounting type, azimuth, module orientation, table size, etc.)

Advance settings and/or losses can be viewed by clicking their respective dropdowns. Any additional DC Fields, with different attributes, can be added by clicking Add Another (+).

If details of a particular DC field need to be reviewed or changed, clicking the tree-view displays a list of all DC fields associated with the respective inverter providing convenient navigation between DC fields.

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Key Terms

DCEdit Change preassigned DC Field number from 1-100
ModuleRating

Used when selected module file wattage is lower or higher than planned installation module wattage. The Planned fields will reflect the installation design counts based on Planned Module Rating rather than using the selected Module File. These fields are informational only and not used in the prediction engine.
Modules in Series The Suggested Range for Modules in Series is derived using the Voc and Vmp rating in the selected Module File and the Plant Design temperatures selected in the Environmental Conditions.
Module Quality Meant to account for deviations in module power from nameplate rating. Also sometimes used to account for DC Field losses not included elsewhere (i.e., DC Health or MPPT).
Mismatch Loss due to combining many modules in parallel and series that have slightly different maximum power points.
LID Light Induced Degradation – used to account for initial degradation in p-type silicon modules.
DC Wiring Accounts for ohmic losses in the DC cables and connectors of the DC Field. Defined at Standard Test Conditions.
Azimuth Solar azimuth angle is measured from north (N=0°, E=90°, S=180°, W=270°). For both Fixed Tilt and Tracker, due south is 180.
Row Spacing Post-to-post separation distance.
Modules High The number of module ranks in a table.
Collector Band Width The overall width of the modules in a table.
Ground Coverage Ratio Ground Coverage Ratio – the ratio of Collector Band Width to Row Spacing.