Abstract: This report describes the computer simulation code SOLSTOR. The code simulates energy systems in which electricity is generated by either a photovoltaic (PV) system or a wind turbine generator (WTG). Storage may or may not be present. Backup electricity, if needed, is provided either from a utility grid or from a fuel-burning generator. SOLSTOR minimizes the life cycle cost of providing energy by choosing the optimal solar or wind system component sizes. Rates for electricity purchased from the grid can include time-of-day (TOD) energy charges as well as time-of-day peak demand changes. Sell-back to the grid of excess collected energy is also considered.

From summary: The purpose of this analysis is to provide photovoltaic (P/V) system design and field engineers with an understanding of the primary factors which can cause individual P/V cells in a module or an array to be forced into reverse bias and eventual failure and to provide guidelines for the adequate protection of the cells.