Interconnection wiring considerations in evaluating the value of large photovoltaic system designs

Interconnection wiring influences performance in large-scale photovoltaic systems. Wiring can also constitute a significant portion of total construction costs especially if metal prices and labor rates continue to rise. This paper analyzes the influences that layout and wiring selection have on the cost-to-performance ratio, i.e., $/W metric, used to evaluate system designs. Results suggest that keeping array areas as square as possible and using minimum sized wires would result in the best $/W values. This paper also proposes an adjustment to the $/W metric to facilitate an understanding of a design´s response to performance changing events such as cloud cover.