Positive Tolerance of PV modules

[Syed Waqar Ali]

Hi Everyone!!

Hoping that you all would be fine, i have a little query to share with you..

" Why PV modules (Solar panels) always available with Positive tolerance instead of +/- tolerance "

 

[Harald Kapp]

Tolerance with respect to which parameter?

 

[Syed Waqar Ali]

Tolerance with respect to which parameter?

Power Wattage ratting i.e a PV module of 265 watts rating

 

[hevans1944]

I think it must have something to do with marketing. You wouldn't sell a can of beer as being 32 ounces plus or minus one ounce. No, you would make sure that can contained at least 32 ounces. Same-o same-o with solar panel modules. If you advertise your module as producing 300 watts under optimum lighting, it better have a positive tolerance such that any panel sold will produce at least 300 watts under optimum conditions.

 

[Syed Waqar Ali]

I think it must have something to do with marketing. You wouldn't sell a can of beer as being 32 ounces plus or minus one ounce. No, you would make sure that can contained at least 32 ounces. Same-o same-o with solar panel modules. If you advertise your module as producing 300 watts under optimum lighting, it better have a positive tolerance such that any panel sold will produce at least 300 watts under optimum conditions.

Yes... it seems like that
Thank you very much for your support

 

[(*steve*)]

Typically a good solar panel will have a guaranteed output. To ensure this, the output power will typically be higher.

For example, a 300W panel may be nominally 330W, with a range of outputs between 300 and 360W. So rather than calling it 330+/- 10%, they will guarantee 300W and specify that the panel may be up to +20%.

It's actually more complex than this because the guaranteed output will also be over time and the output will fall over time, so these things must be taken into account to allow for (say) a guaranteed output of 80% of the retreat output after 15 years.