Solar Electric Systems Design
A well-designed solar electric power system focuses on energy generated (kWh per year) in the field, not on capacity installed (kWatts-Peak) or power cost (Dollar per kWatt). Our systems are designed to provide customers with a reliable and low-cost power solution: low Dollar per kWh of energy generated.
We practice a simple and proven photovoltaic systems design and integration process:
- Site survey
- Detailed solar irradiation study
- Systems integration – Make price/performance trade-offs of components.
- Systems design and specifications – Site plan, electrical diagram, detailed load profile
- Application development – for system and equipment control
- Codes, permits – Municipal, electrical
- Arrange local trades for installation as necessary
Off-Grid Solar Electric System
A typical (0.5-10 kW) off-grid photovoltaic system comprises the following main components:
- Photovoltaic modules arranged in arrays.
- Mounting system for the arrays: Ground-mounted on racks or poles, or roof-mounted on racks.
- Battery bank: Batteries to store the electricity for use when the sun is not shining, such as when cloudy or night.
- Charge controller: Manages the battery charge and DC load control to prevent battery over-charge or over-discharge. Optional monitor to report system and battery status.
- Balance of system components: Electrical enclosures, combiners, wiring, breakers, lightning arrestors, etc.
- Inverter (optional) to convert the direct current (DC) power generated by the system into alternating current (AC) power for use on premises by AC equipment.
Grid-Tied Solar Electric System
A typical (10-250 kW) grid-tied photovoltaic system comprises the following main components:
- Photovoltaic modules arranged in arrays.
- Mounting system for the arrays: Ground-mounted on racks or trackers, or roof-mounted on racks.
- Inverter to convert the direct current (DC) power generated by the system into alternating current (AC) power for compatibility with the electricity grid.
- Balance of system components: Electrical enclosures, combiners, wiring, breakers, lightning arrestors, etc.
- Monitoring system: To collect data and report electricity generation and system status to owner/operator.
- Electrical connection to electricity grid: To deliver and meter the solar electricity to the local electricity transmission and distribution grid.
Call us for more information about our solar electric systems design services.
Advantages of Solar Power
There are many advantages to using solar electric power in remote, inaccessible or standalone applications:
Affordable
Off-grid solar electric systems are now price competitive with alternative energy sources, such as operating diesel generators or installing utility electricity, as measured by Dollars per kWh of energy generated.
Reliable
Unlike gas or diesel generators, or wind turbines, photovoltaic power systems have no moving parts and require little maintenance.
Flexible
Solar power systems can be designed in modules to meet specific requirements now. Add more capacity later with no equipment replacement as loads increase.