PV system 750 kWp and more – open-air system / open-space system / solar park

Published on: March 6, 2021 / Update from: August 4, 2021 - Author: Konrad Wolfenstein

I am often asked what “approximately” the performance of a 750 kWp photovoltaic (PV) system or solar system is and how many households it can supply.

PV system 750 kWp – open-air system/open-space system – Image: Kletr|Shutterstock.com

There are many factors that play a role in being able to make a final, reliable statement.

Above all, the location for solar radiation, the size of an open-space photovoltaic system and the performance of the solar modules used play an important role. In general, the solar modules should also be oriented southwest to southeast and with an inclination of 20 to 40 degrees. It is also important that shading from the surrounding area is avoided. Brightness and temperature influence the performance of solar installations.

Outdoor system planning and advice – Image: Mark Agnor|Shutterstock.com

The examples given here are only a guideline and should help you get a better idea.

I therefore always recommend that you contact me directly so that you can provide a detailed analysis and more detailed information. I would also be happy to help private individuals whom I can help with Xpert.Solar, either via the area search on the website or through a direct recommendation from me. I can also support companies from trade and industry with my consulting services and the right partners, from manufacturers to electrical companies and solar installers.

Suitable for:

• Build an outdoor facility
• Planning an outdoor photovoltaic system

How do kWp and kW differ?

Watt peak is a term for the electrical output (unit: watt) of solar cells that is common in the field of photovoltaics but does not conform to standards. Multiples such as kilowatt peak, megawatt peak and gigawatt peak are also common. Wp, kWp, MWp or GWp are used as abbreviations. The unit is used to compare different solar cells and solar modules under standardized test conditions.

Phrases such as “The photovoltaic system has an output of 10 kWp” or “This is a 1.2 MWp ground-mounted solar system” are colloquial. Formally correct it should be “The photovoltaic system has a nominal output according to standard test conditions of 10 kW” or “This is a 1.2 MW ground-mounted solar system (nominal output according to standard test conditions)”.

Kilowatt peak is therefore used exclusively for measuring and comparing photovoltaic systems and photovoltaic modules. A solar module delivers different outputs under changing conditions, such as different outside temperatures.

The statement “An area of ​​approximately 6 to 10 m² is required per 1 kWp” means that an area of ​​approximately 6 to 10 m² is required for a desired system output of 1 kW under standard test conditions.

Accordingly, the notation “1 kW” is preferable to the notation “1 kWp” for photovoltaic systems, as adding additions to unit symbols is not standard-compliant.

In short: 1 kWp ≙ 1 kW ≙ 1,000 Wp ≙ 1,000 W

And what is the connection between kWh and kWp?

Kilowatt hours (kWh) indicate the actual amount of electricity (generated/consumed) per hour, kilowatt peak indicates the possible output under standard test conditions.

What can 1 kWh do or what can you do with 1 kWh?

With 1 kWh you can e.g. B. Watch TV for 7 hours, wash 1 full washing machine at 60° or cook food for 4 people. 1 hour of vacuuming or 2,500 men can shave electrically.

Or: Drive around 6.7 kilometers in an electric car (with an average energy requirement of 15 kWh per 100 km).

According to electricity mirror statistics, a one-person household consumes an average of 2,300 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year.

A 2-person household is 3,200 kWh, a 3-person household is 3,900 kWh and a 4-person household is 4,500 to 5,000 kWh. The values ​​can vary depending on your living circumstances.

How many modules are required for 1 kWp or 1 kW?

As a standard starting value, I currently still use the length and width of a solar module with a module output of 185 Wp and measuring 1580 x 808 cm. That's around 1.28 m² per module.

185 Wp is of course calculated very conservatively. Polycrystalline models achieve a nominal output of up to 330 Wp. Monocrystalline modules, on the other hand, now come with up to 400 Wp or even more.

For a 750 kWp PV solar field system, 4,054 solar modules with a nominal output of 185 Wp are required. Exactly half less if solar modules with a nominal output of 370 Wp are used. This only requires half the area. Here, too, you can see what you have to take into account and proper advance planning is only recommended.

But let's go back to our example for simplicity:

1,000 Wp / 185 Wp ≙ rounded up 6 (5.4054…) modules.

6 modules give an area of ​​7.68 m².

For 1 kW or kWp we need the power of 6 modules on an area of ​​7.68 m², for example to be able to cook food for 4 people.

On average, 1 kWp delivers 1,000 to 1,200 kWh per year.

How many modules does a 4-person household need throughout the year?

With an annual requirement of 5,000 kWh, that would be a daily requirement of 13.7 kWh per day (calculated 365 days a year). That would be 0.57 kWh per hour. But that's not enough to cook food, use the television and all the other electricity needed for everyday things at the same time.

Therefore, a size of 6-7 kWp is recommended for a 4-person household: With 6 modules (each with 185 Wp nominal power) for 1 kW, that would be 36-42 modules. With 3 modules (each with 370 Wp nominal power) that would be 18-21 modules.

Much of what has been listed here are only guidelines and usually do not correspond to the actual individual reality of the individual. There are simply too many aspects that need to be taken into account to be able to provide precise information and planning. It's just meant to help you understand the numbers better and get a feel for them.

How many households can be supplied with a 750 kWp ground-mounted PV system?

A 750 kWp solar park can produce up to 900,000 kWh of electricity per year (1 kWp up to 1200 kWh per year * 750). You have to know that a 1 kWp photovoltaic system located in Germany can generate an average of around 1,200 kWh annually.

Taking into account the different households of 1 to 4 people, up to 230 households can be supplied.

Mathematically, 180 4-person households (900,000 kWh / 5000 kWh) are possible, 280 2-person households or 230 3-person households.

As already mentioned above, more households are possible when using modules with a higher nominal power than 185 Wp! With a nominal output of 370 Wp per module, for example, that would be twice as many households. But then it is no longer a 750 kWp ground-mounted photovoltaic system , but a 1.4 MWp ground-mounted system.

With Xpert.Solar we offer consulting services for companies planning a photovoltaic system.

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That's why Xpert.Solar for PV outdoor systems / open space systems / solar parks Advice and planning of 750 kWp and more

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Konrad Wolfenstein

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