Photovoltaic (PV) System Types

Photovoltaic (PV) systems utilise the sun to generate electricity during the daylight hours. Solar is considered a technology and not a fuel, therefore there are no ongoing costs post installation as is the case with gas as a reference fuel type. Investment in solar technology has proven to generate higher return on investments (ROI) versus many investment vehicles in the market.

 

Implementing energy efficiency measures prior to designing a PV system will reduce your electricity consumption and enable the need for a smaller and less expensive system. This critical step will be addressed for you by Elevation REH Africa prior to the design of a PV system.

A solar PV system type, typically comes in 3 configurations, each with its own advantages:

System 1 Grid-Tied Solar Power

No batteries. Grid connected. This system supplements your grid energy usage and is a good option for reducing your electricity usage from the grid. A grid-connection will allow you to save more money with solar panels through better efficiency rates, net metering, plus lower equipment and installation costs.

Advantage:

  • Cost savings are achieved.This is a highly practical solution to dramatically reduce your electricity bill by producing all your daytime energy requirements free from the sun.
  • Battery costs are avoided.
  • A Grid tie system has a much shorter payback period.

Disadvantage:

  • In the event of a blackout or power outage, your solar system is forced to shut down.

System 2 Off-Grid Solar Power

Only batteries. No grid connection. This system is useful for areas where no electricity grid exists, such as some remote areas. Also consider off-grid systems if extensive load shedding or unreliable source of utility is experienced.The energy produced will charge up the batteries which should allow for three days’ worth of energy needs and these batteries will feed the power requirements of the property or facility.

Advantage:

  • Can operate independent from the grid.
  • Provides power where there is no grid supply.
  • Off-grid solar systems can be cheaper than extending power lines in certain remote areas.
  • Living off the grid and being self-sufficient feels good. For some people, this feeling is worth more than saving money.

Disadvantage:

  • To ensure consistent access to electricity, off-grid solar systems require large capacity battery storage and a backup generator to offer security.
  • Batteries can only store a certain amount of energy, and during cloudy times, being connected to the grid is actually where the security is.
  • Reliable power supply is achieved when used in conjunction with generators.
  • The additional battery capacity requirements increase the initial capital costs.

System 3 Hybrid Solar Power

Batteries and a grid connection. Commonly referred to as a hybrid system and with the correct installation will act as a UPS (uninterrupted power supply) in the event of a power outage. The PV system will charge up the batteries first and then the excess production will supplement your household/ business energy needs. Hybrid solar systems combines the best from grid-tied and off-grid solar systems. These systems can either be described as off-grid solar with utility backup power, or grid-tied solar with extra battery storage.

Advantage:

  • Can operate independent from the grid.
  • Less expensive than off-grid solar systems.
  • Smart Solar solutions offers intelligence to optimise electricity tariffs to reduce costs by consuming power during off-peak hours (or from the solar panels)

Disadvantage:

  • Battery life-span is less than PV Modules