Solar PV energy systems
What is Solar “PV”?
*Photovoltaic, or PV as it is commonly referred to, is a marriage of two words: ‘photo’, meaning light, and ‘voltaic’, meaning electricity. Solar PV systems are used to collect clean, free energy from the sun and distribute it into homes, businesses and other facilities.
Having a basic understanding of the components that make up a Solar PV system for your home or business is an essential first step when deciding which design is the most relevant option for your specific needs.
What is Solar “PV”?
*Photovoltaic, or PV as it is commonly referred to, is a marriage of two words: ‘photo’, meaning light, and ‘voltaic’, meaning electricity. Solar PV systems are used to collect clean, free energy from the sun and distribute it into homes, businesses and other facilities.
Having a basic understanding of the components that make up a Solar PV system for your home or business is an essential first step when deciding which design is the most relevant option for your specific needs.
Photovoltaic modules (panels)
Photovoltaic modules (panels) form an essential part of a solar PV system, generating energy from sunlight. Important to note that is the light from the sunshine that creates the energy and not the heat.
Photovoltaic modules (panels)
Photovoltaic modules (panels) form an essential part of a solar PV system, generating energy from sunlight. Important to note that is the light from the sunshine that creates the energy and not the heat.
The Grid
The Grid refers to the infrastructure which generates, transmits and distributes electricity to consumers. At the moment Eskom supplies 94% of the electricity in South Africa.
The Grid
The Grid refers to the infrastructure which generates, transmits and distributes electricity to consumers. At the moment Eskom supplies 94% of the electricity in South Africa.
Inverters
Inverters regulate the voltage and current received from solar panels. Direct current (DC) from solar panels is converted into alternating current (AC), which is the type of current that can be safely utilized by the majority of electrical appliances.
Inverters
Inverters regulate the voltage and current received from solar panels. Direct current (DC) from solar panels is converted into alternating current (AC), which is the type of current that can be safely utilized by the majority of electrical appliances.
Batteries
Batteries store energy collected during sunlight hours from the PV panels to be used at night time or during load shedding when there is no energy available from either the PV panels or the Grid. Lithium Ion batteries are the most widely used today and have 10 year warranties and a 6000 cycle lifespan.
Batteries
Batteries store energy collected during sunlight hours from the PV panels to be used at night time or during load shedding when there is no energy available from either the PV panels or the Grid. Lithium Ion batteries are the most widely used today and have 10 year warranties and a 6000 cycle lifespan.
Generators
Generators are used as a simple, compact and efficient alternative source of alternating current to be used when there is no power available from the grid, PV panels or batteries in an off grid application. These are needed in of grid installations.
Generators
Generators are used as a simple, compact and efficient alternative source of alternating current to be used when there is no power available from the grid, PV panels or batteries in an off grid application. These are needed in of grid installations.
Solar PV Monitoring Systems
Solar PV Monitoring Systems monitoring systems are important to ensure the reliable functioning and performance of the solar energy system. Most inverters come with sophisticated mobile monitoring so that you can monitor system performance from your smart phone anywhere, anytime.
Solar PV Monitoring Systems
Solar PV Monitoring Systems monitoring systems are important to ensure the reliable functioning and performance of the solar energy system. Most inverters come with sophisticated mobile monitoring so that you can monitor system performance from your smart phone anywhere, anytime.
Types of Systems and Applications
Off-Grid
Application: Used when there is no grid available or desirable such as in remote areas and where the grid is unreliable.
Components: PV Array, Inverter, Battery Inverter, Batteries, Generator.
Operating totally off the grid requires a significant investment in PV panels, inverters, batteries and a generator. An off-grid system is well suited to rural areas with little or no grid connection.
Grid-Tied
Application: The low cost of a small grid tie PV system is viable way to reduce electricity costs during the day.
Components: PV Array, Inverter, Grid
A pure grid-tied system with no storage is sized to generate sufficient power for the base load during the day, i.e. the fridge, freezer, pool pump and other permanently running devices essentially to save electricity generated by the grid.
Grid-Backup
Application: To be used for generation and storage of electricity, reducing costs and ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply during load shedding.
Components: PV Array, Inverter, Inverter Charger or Hybrid Inverter, Batteries, Grid.
Adding a battery inverter or a hybrid inverter with a battery makes it possible to combine the energy from the PV system with the energy stored in the battery to power at least the essential loads in the property through night time usage and during load shedding.