balance of system (BOS)

The balance of system (BOS) encompasses all components of a photovoltaic system other than the photovoltaic panels.[1] This includes wiring, switches, a mounting system, one or many solar inverters, a battery bank andbattery charger.

balance of system (BOS)

balance of system (BOS)

The Balance of System components of a photovoltaic system, can be understood as balancing the DC power-generating subsystem of the solar array (left side) with the power-using side of the AC–household appliances and the utility grid (right side).

Other optional components include, renewable energy credit revenue-grade meter, maximum power point tracker (MPPT), GPS solar tracker, Energy management software, solar concentrators, solar irradiance sensors,anemometer, or task-specific accessories designed to meet specialized requirements for a system owner. In addition, CPV systems require optical lenses or mirrors and sometimes a cooling system.

In addition, ground-mounted, large photovoltaic power station require equipment and facilities, such as grid connections, office facilities, and concrete.[2] Land is sometimes included as part of the BOS as well.

A Solar PV Balance-of-System or BOS refers to the components and equipment that move DC energy produced by solar panels through the conversion system which in turn produces AC electricity.

Most often, BOS refers to all components of a PV system other than the modules. In addition to inverters and racking, this includes the cables/wires, switches, enclosures, fuses, ground fault detectors, and more… BOS applies to all types of solar applications (i.e. commercial, residential, agricultural, public facilities, and solar parks)

References[edit]

  1. Jump up^ “Balance of System”. Solar Energy Technologies Program. U.S. Department of Energy. 5 January 2006. Archived from the original on 4 May 2008. Retrieved 7 May 2008.
  2. Jump up^ “Life Cycle Inventories and Life Cycle Assessments of Photovoltaic Systems”. IEA-PVPS (published 13 March 2015). January 2015. p. 18. Archived from the original on 22 March 2015.