Solar Power - PV | greenergy-solutions

Solar Power - PV

Photo Voltaic (PV) Power or Electricity generated from the Sun

What is PV POWER?

PV power is when electricity is generated using photo voltaic panels to convert the sunlight into electricity.
This electricity can be used directly, stored in a battery bank or fed back into the grid (Eskom) if allowed by Eskom or your Metro.
Electricity generated by the sun is reliable and clean electricity that can be utilised for residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural applications.
There are many systems and ways of installation, but the starting point is whether it is cost effective and affordable.
PV systems are cost effective depending on the way they are installed and what the ultimate goal is.

C: Interactive or Hybrid systems

Used in combination with available grid (ESKOM) power.

Basically an inter-active combination of a grid-tie and an island system.
Systems are more costly than pure grid tie.
Batteries only cycle in power cuts so less expensive stand-by batteries can be used.
Smaller battery banks can be used as they only power essential devices.
Surplus power may be fed back into the grid and not dissipated (only with certain inverters).

The different PV Systems and their features:

A: Grid Tie Systems

Grid (ESKOM) connected PV systems

are used for energy cost reduction and self-consumption of green power or energy.

The most cost effective PV system. No storage losses are incurred.
Easy to monitor.
Very high conversion efficiencies.
Simple installation.
Grid may be used as a 100% efficient storage facility (battery).
Grid utility provides for any power shortfall.
No batteries are required.
Only disadvantage no back-up for grid.

B: Island systems or Off-grid

No electricity (ESKOM) is available.

Total grid independence.
Systems are expandable into parallel or three phase systems.
A reliable power supply when used with generator back-up
Batteries cycle daily so specialized batteries required.
Lower system efficiency than grid tie as systems charge and discharge losses.
Once battery capacity is reached PV power is dissipated.
Battery capacity must ensure three days autonomy.
Batteries are costly and significantly increase system cost.
Battery lifespan is far less than panel and inverter lifespan.

To become completely independent (Island system or Off-grid) from Eskom is very expensive and at this stage only cost effective in exceptional cases, due to the cost of the battery bank to store the electricity for usage during the evenings

or cloudy days (when the PV panels are not working or not 100% effective).

Affordability is a different issue and it depends on the need and budget.

Affordability will differ from house to house and person to person.

Greenergy Solutions can reduce your electricity consumption by installing a solar geyser, heat pump, gas stove and/or LED lights, which will mean a smaller PV system which is a more cost effective way.

The different components of a PV system:

Components should be selected according to

the system type, site location and applications.

PV Panels: Converts sunlight into DC electricity;
Charge Controller: Regulates the voltage and current coming from the PV panels going to the batteries, preventing overcharging and prolongs battery life;
Inverter: Converts DC electricity output of PV panels into clean AC electricity for AC appliances or to be fed back into the grid;
Batteries: Stores energy (electricity) for when there is a demand.

Greenergy Solutions only uses top quality suppliers for all components.

Factors in designing or sizing the correct PV system:

Power Consumption Demands;
Size and number of PV panels;
The Correct Inverter;
Type, size and number of Batteries;
Sizing of charge controller.

The design and sizing of the PV system should done with the necessary care and knowledge.

Make an appointment to learn more