| Manufacturer | SunPower |
|---|---|
| Array Rating | 5.805kW |
| PV Technology | mono-Si |
| Array Structure | Fixed: Ground Mount |
| Installed | 2009 |
View on Map Graphs Download Data
Current Output
Back-contact monocrystalline silicon array, fixed ground-mount.
SunPower back-contact monocrystalline panels incorporate design improvements that lead to high efficiency performance. Because they convert sunlight with a greater efficiency, fewer panels are needed for a given output.
High efficiency cells are often used where space is limited, or where there are high costs associated with installing large arrays.
One feature that increases the efficiency of these panels is their reverse junction design. Metal contacts have been moved to the back of the silicon layer, leaving more of the photovoltaic material exposed to sunlight.
Other developments that have led to high efficiencies in a generalist panel are shaping the cells so they can be tiled closely, increasing the number of cells in a panel so that an array will have less frames, and using anti-reflective glass over the cells.
SunPower is a global corporation that designs and manufactures high-efficiency solar panels for general applications, and implements large and small scale installations.
| Array Rating | 5.805kW |
|---|---|
| Panel Rating | 215W |
| Number Of Panels | 27 |
| Panel Type | SunPower SPR-215-WHT-I |
| Array Area | 33.6 m² |
| Type Of Tracker | N/A |
| Inverter Size / Type | 6 kW, SMA SMC 6000A |
| Installation Completed | Thu, 26 Nov 2009 |
| Array Tilt/Azimuth | Tilt = 20, Azi = 0 (Solar North) |
Notes on the Data
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Inverters replaced
Original SMA inverters that where experiencing intermittent issues (no output) have been replaced with new Fronius units.
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Intermittent Inverter Issues
Ongoing intermittent inverter issues with site 10 and 12 causing periotic loss of AC outputs, generally during the middle of the day. Procurement activities for sourcing replacements are ongoing.
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System Disconnection for Cabling Works
All arrays at the Solar Centre were disconnected from approximately 2.00pm to 3.00pm on Monday, 9 July 2018 in preparation for the cable between the main switchboard and distribution board being upgraded. Array sites #23-38 remained disconnected while the main feeder cable to these sites was replaced in subsequent days, but all systems were re-connected by early afternoon on Thursday, 12 July 2018.
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Monitoring Interruption for UPS Battery Replacement
The disconnection and re-connection of the solar arrays and weather station equipment while a new site connection was being established prompted the already flattening UPS batteries which power the site’s energy meters to fail and require immediate replacement. Data recording was affected from approximately 2.30pm ACST, Monday 10 July to 4.00pm, Wednesday 12 July.
Affects weather data for DKASC, Alice Springs
> Answer to Spotlight Question
Onsite at the DKA Solar Centre in Alice Springs are a series of quiz-like Spotlight Questions at each array. Visit the centre and scan the QR code at each sign to test your knowledge – and check your answer here!
Q: What is the purpose of the metallic lines seen on the front of most crystalline modules?
A: The metallic lines running across the front of most crystalline modules are electrical contacts that allow electrons to be collected from the individual solar cells and then carried, as an electrical current, to be the output of the PV module. By contrast, thin film (non-crystalline) modules have their electrical contacts etched into their cells using a laser, and this is often not visible from the front surface of the module. The SunPower modules of this array, although crystalline, also have their electrical contacts on the reverse surface resulting in a visually clearer face compared to other crystalline modules. This makes these PV modules more efficient than other modules but also more expensive to manufacture.