Which of the following is considered the worst design error in solar PV installation?

The worst design error in solar PV installation is having different tilt angles in a PV source circuit. This scenario can lead to significant inefficiencies in energy production due to shading effects and the mismatch in performance between the individual panels. When panels are installed at varying angles, they may not receive the same amount of sunlight throughout the day, leading to unequal output and potential hot spot issues. This can strain the system and create long-term operational problems.

Uniform tilt angles ensure that all modules receive optimal sunlight exposure, are effectively matched in their production capabilities, and contribute to a higher overall efficiency of the solar array. The design of PV systems focuses on maximizing energy harvest, and discrepancies in angles undermine those goals significantly.

In contrast, while other options may present challenges—such as shading from fast-growing trees, which can impact efficiency, or using BIPV products that may not perform as well as traditional panels—these issues do not have the same direct impact on energy mismatch.

Similarly, a tilt of 5 degrees at 40 degrees latitude may not be optimal but does not represent a systemic design flaw that could lead to inefficiencies as significant as those resulting from diverse tilt angles within the same circuit. Therefore, having inconsistent tilt angles among panels within a source circuit is