Solar Energy & Applications

 

Electric generation systems through photovoltaic solar modules have been used globally, mainly due to the ease of their installation, versatility, durability and practically nonexistent maintenance. The generation guarantee with an efficiency greater than 80% in solar modules is over twenty-five years, but its duration exceeds that time.     The modularity of the photovoltaic generator is in its simplicity of increasing the quantity of modules or reducing them, adapting to the intended consumption. You can start with a module and increase as needed. When connecting or disconnecting parts of the system, there is a generator for small equipment to systems with Megawatt power (1 MW = 1 million Watts) to serve cities, for example.      Electricity generation occurs when the panel is exposed to light (direct or indirect). There are three "architectures" being provided commercially within the present technologies: a) The first is the "Off-Grid": an autonomous system, which operates independently from a generating source other than the Sun and uses batteries to accumulate and supply energy, even at night. It consists of the solar module (panel), battery, charge controller and inverter if you have to supply AC power.   b) The second is the "On-Grid": solar system connected to the public electricity grid. This system generates energy during the day and injects the surplus into the grid. At night, without panel generation, will start to consume directly from the grid, inverting and importing electricity. It consists of solar panels and the inverter.   c) The third is what we call "Grid-Tie", or Hybrid: It is a solar system with more than one source of energy generation, sharing the photovoltaic with another, which can be wind, PCH and also connected to the public grid . The system prioritizes one source of energy, charges batteries, as a back-up and can be bidirectional (importer and exporter, such as On-Grid or simply importer, starting to consume from the second source if it is at night and if the batteries are to run out. It consists of solar modules, batteries, charge controller and inverter.

CAN SOLAR ENERGY BE USED TO PROVIDE ELECTRICITY IN PLACES WHERE ELECTRICAL GRID ALREADY EXIST?       Yes. "On-Grid" and "Grid-Tie" systems are connected to the power grid, bidirectional (importer and exporter) in the first case or optionally unidirectional (importer) in the second. The Grid-Tie can be uni or bidirectional.    Photovoltaic generators (PV) can have the most varied applications, not only in the replacement of the energy source in public grid, but as a redundant source, back-up, avoiding stoppages of specific systems such as scientific equipment, security, surveillance, communication, etc ...     The supply of power to dedicated systems, within specific applications, is very useful and possibly less chance of failure than interconnected to a distributed grid.	WHAT TYPES OF APPLIANCES CAN BE POWERED DIRECTLY IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM?      Practically all, with the correct adequacy.    Because the photovoltaic system produces energy in direct current (DC), the first adjustment is the current. For AC installation, is necessary to add the Inverter, wich transforms the current from DC to AC (sinusoidal or alternating) current.    Likewise, the voltage must be compatible, from the voltage generated by the system to the consumption voltage.     Equipment manufactured in DC for automobiles, buses, trucks, boats, etc. can generally be connected directly to solar systems without inverter. On-Grid systems operate normally on alternating current and voltages from 110V up to 440 V.
HOW TO DO TO SUPPLY ELECTRIC HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES THAT WORK ON ALTERNATE CURRENT?                To power alternating current devices, as explained above, it is necessary to use an inverter, which will transform the voltage to 110V or 220V and the direct current (DC) in the solar system to alternate (AC).     It is important to note that in this transformation process there is always a loss of energy.	WHY SOMETIMES THE BATTERY DISCHARGES AND THE SYSTEM STOPS?       The power supply capacity of an Off-Grid solar system is defined in its project. The system must meet the planned consumption (Watts or kW "Kilo-Watts") and its autonomy with some safety margin.     If consumption is at night and exceeds the generation produced by the panels, the missing will be supplied by the batteries, and causing, obviously, their discharge.     For solar system to work efficiently and with maximum reliability, it is important to size it correctly, defining its consumption capacity, average generation hours and having surplus to store in accumulators (batteries). When comparing winter and summer heat, you will see that there are differences, without forgetting changes in the environment. The security reserve will take care of the missing energy and some unforeseen events.     The user must also know that in a battery system, the reserve is limited and must ensure that the energy consumption remains within the limits for which it was designed.     If consumption increases, more panels and batteries must be added.     When there are repeated failures to supply the battery, it is necessary to evaluate the dimensioning and its useful life, from an increase in the storage capacity (more batteries) or generation (more panels) to the replacement if they are used a lot.     Another option is to evaluate the use of hybrid systems such as the Grid-Tie case.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPLEMENTING A PV SOLAR  SYSTEM?       When evaluating the acquisition of a PV solar system, must be taken that it is an investment and not an expense. There is a return on your investment if you are reducing the expenditure on energy from the grid or from another no-renewable energy generator.     To make a good investment, raise your need, quantify the electrical consumption (after the best practices of rationalization of use) and dimension the PV solar generator to meet the needs, without excess.     Choose the best architecture that suits you. Most of the time, you can choose more than one type, because "On-Grid" is an excellent option for reducing expenses, but not as a security of supply.     Off-Grid anyway, is a solution for locations without a power grid or low stability supply, and still, do not require large infrastructure expenses.     The Grid-Tie is a great solution, however is the biggest investment as well. Without forgetting that the solar generator does not consist only of the panel and inverter, there are accessories, supports, junction boxes, protections, cables and connectors. Therefore, look for specialized professionals to assist you in the design and installation.     More rational the project, more faster should be the return of your investment.	WHAT ARE THE MOST USUAL APPLICATIONS OF SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM?      Many  solar systems and its technologies can be applied to help a lot off human activities. Examples: General electric supply: in residences, commerce and industry, especially in rural areas; Non stopping energy  (as nobreaks) for electronic equipment in general; Nautical, railway, aeronautical and landing signals; Telecommunications, satellites, towers and remote stations; Public street light, emergency light in buildings, homes, factories, hospitals, etc ... Ecomobility - electric automobiles, home engines and vessels; Security systems; Electric fences, water pumping for irrigation, micro sprinkling, dripping, hydroponics, wells. Environmental monitoring stations. Cathodic protection (against corrosion), oil and gas pipelines, transmission line towers, etc. On refrigerators, water, sewage and air treatment systems.    .
How to take care of the installation and maintenance of a solar energy system?       It is highly recommended, both in installation and maintenance, to hire a specialized professional.     On-Grid systems involve high voltage and require design and approval from the energy distributor in your region. Installations on roofs require special safety equipment and personnel trained to work at heights.        The DC connections must respect the polarities in the equipment that make up the system. Solar panels must be covered in the installation, avoiding the generation of energy while in installation. The use of isolated and dry tools is a necessary precaution, as well as protections (PPE).    Despite the low voltage and current of a solar panel, when interconnecting several of them, their power will be added and together they will have a great potential that should be considered.   Battery systems deserve extra care. Never short-circuit the poles of the same battery. Always place them in a ventilated and shaded environment, never exposed to high temperatures. Under normal conditions of use, the solar system does not require constant maintenance, but we recommend periodic inspections, cleaning of contacts, cables and battery poles. Cleaning the glass of a solar panel should be done regularly, using a cloth, water and mild soap (do not use abrasives).

Typical applications of photovoltaic panels
Model House - Solar garden pole	Residential - pole and indoor lighting	Installation for security	Industry installation
Facade, lighting and pumping	Industry installation	Installation in buildings	Solar Station - Power Station

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