Gorkon Industries is an engineering consulting firm specialized in solar photovoltaics located in Ontario. They provide comprehensive solar PV design, engineering, project management, and training services. Their goal is to maximize energy production through careful engineering design including optimizing panel output, air circulation, cleaning schedules, efficient inverters, and balancing all system components. They aim to minimize energy losses and increase client revenues through their engineering expertise and diligence.

1. Introduction to
SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAICS DESIGN AND ENGINEERING
Copyright © 2015 Gorkon Industries

2. Where We Are
Gorkon Industries is ideally
located to serve the
Ontario solar PV Industry.
We are within a one hour
drive of the following
metropolitan areas, and
much of the provinces
farming operations
Toronto
London
Kitchener
Waterloo
Cambridge
Guelph
Hamilton
Niagara
Woodstock
Mississauga
Oakville
Burlington
Brampton
Brantford
Milton

3. What we do
Gorkon Industries is an Engineering Consulting Firm specialized in solar
photovolatics.
In-house engineering and design
Based in Ontario and have done international projects
Work cooperatively with “sustainability consultants”
Research & development: Work with government, Industry and
universities to stay current with the latest technology
comprehensive training & support
Project quality assurance program
Own and operate solar PV installations
Provide financing support
through cash-flow analysis

4. Who are We?
Erik Coverdale, P.Eng
Founder of Gorkon Industries
Experience in solar pre-dating the FIT program
Over 15MW of interdisciplinary engineering in EPC environment
Strong references from happy project owners

5. What we can deliver
Gorkon Industries takes a different
approach to designing solar
Photovoltaic installations. At
Gorkon Industries, we invest
unprecedented engineering due
diligence to minimize losses. This
translates into significant energy
production gains which often yields
dividends to project owners so
great that it more than pays for the
entire engineering cost, not just the
extra!

6. How do we do it?
Gorkon Industries is a preferred
solar engineering provider because
we consistently design better PV
facilities; earning our clients higher
revenues.
Important points for PV optimization
6 points:
1. Panel: Module output tolerance: + 2%
2. Panel: Optimal air circulation: + 1.5%
3. Panel: Periodic module cleaning + 4%
4. Inverter: Efficient DC/AC inverter: + 3%
5. Inverter: Balancing module & inverter power: + 2.5%
6. Wire: Proper wire dimensions & installing: +0.5%

7. How do we do it?
1-module output tolerance
Design and purchase plus sorted panels only
Evaluate panel performance with PTC ratings
Consider panel reviews from photon magazine
Reject panel deliveries without flash testing!
Use thermal camera and seaward string tester

8. How do we do it?
2-Optimal Air Circulation
Panel output is inversely proportional to temperature
Spacing between panels helps them stay cool
Design Panels to slope higher than roof slope
Balance structural engineering issues to achieve
maximum slope

9. How do we do it?
3-Panel Cleaning
Design array to offer optimal cleaning access
Create maintenance schedule for panel cleaning
Place water taps near panels to facilitate cleaning
Specify tools for panel cleaning, consider safety

10. How do we do it?
4-Efficient Inverter
Select inverter with the best CEC efficiency available
Consider external transformer losses if applicable
Distributed or central architecture
Warranty, reputation

11. How do we do it?
5-Balance of system
Detail matters, routing plans, wire gages
Balance cost and performance
Carefully consider effect of AC/DC ratio
Calculate needs exactly, minimize waste for savings
No mistakes

12. THANK YOU
SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAICS DESIGN AND ENGINEERING
Copyright © 2015 Gorkon Industries