Solar Energy

A preliminary web page collecting information about research, educational, and outreach activities related to solar energy at Portland State University.

Cramer Hall Photovoltaic Test Facility (in progress)

initial funding from the U.S. Department of Energy

Photos of the site: (click on thumbnail for full-size image)

aerial views (with mock-up of sample arrays)

roof views from the southeast corner

roof views from the northwest corner

roof view from the northeast corner

roof membrane and rock ballast

mechanical penthouse

electrical box

Existing 1 kW array (polycrystalline silicon)

12 panels in 3 assemblies of 4 each (see photo below)
Photowatt International PW 1000 12-24V (purchased July 2001)
(currently wired for 12V, can be rewired to 24V)
each panel is 26.5” x 52.5”, so each assembly is 52.5” x 107”

typical panel output is up to 17.3 V, up to 6.1 A (nominal 105 W per panel)
4 panels in series deliver about 4 x 17 V = 68 V per assembly
3 assemblies in parallel deliver 68 V, up to 18.3 A

Manufacturer's specs:

Maximum system operating voltage 600 V
Minimum bypass diode 6A
Copper field wiring, AWG 11 – 16
Insulated for minimum 75 degrees C
UL 97 EM listed photovoltaic module
Fire rating class C

Specs below are at 1000 W/square meter, AM 1.5, 25 degrees C

	Configuration
	12 V	24 V
V oc	21.6 V	43.2 V
V peak	17.3 V	34.6 V
I peak	6.1 A	3.05 A
I sc	6.3 A	3.15 A
minimum series fuse rate	10 A	5 A

additional data for typical power outputs are also available

SCI 322 - Solar Energy Technology Education

Summer 2003 Home Page

Summer 2002 Home Page / / Student Projects

Summer 2001 Home Page / / Student Projects

NASA NOVA grant for Solar Energy Technology Education (Jan - Dec 2001)

NOVA Program

NOVA Presentation (Washington DC, January 2001)

Dr. Wamser's Research Program