Pages above:
Through large surfaces to much electricity
The completed solar plant in Feldis (Switzerland) producing 45 kWp (kiloWattpeak) in Summer 2004
Enlarge ImageAs long as the solar potential on existing roofs is not used to full capacity, utilisation in open space rarely makes sense. Solar plants (also Photovoltaic plants or PV–installations) reach their optimal output if they are south-oriented and placed with an inclination of 30°. The cuts of output with a south-east or south-west orientation or an inclination between 20° and 60° comes up to about 5%. With an east- or west-orientation and an inclination of 30° the cut is at about 15%. Conclusion: Even not exactly south facing roofs can be used as producers for power. Roof shading should also be minimized.
Solar plants connected to the grid consist of modules (connected solar pannels) which produce direct current, a converter to change direct current into grid-compatible alternating current, a counter and grid connection. The produced electricity is saved temporarily in the grid, that’s why there’s no need of a battery. A diagram of the single components you find here.
In mountain regions or many other regions around the globe, where a grid connection is missing (a third of the world’s population lacks electricity), an off-grid system can supply electricity. A converter is only necessary when regular system running on alternating current are going to be connected. Most important devices (as light and refrigerators) also run on direct current.
The size of a net-connected photovoltaic (PV) plant depends on the area available and the resources especially money, because the entire production is being fed to the grid at any time. With the off-grid systems (for example garden lighting, waterpumps or mountainhuts) the power requirement determines the dimensioning. In alpine huts, where only light is needed, usually a few square meters and a car battery are enough.
Interesting data for the choice of the size: A surface of eight square meters of solar modules with a coefficient of about 12% produces an estimated output of 1 kiloWattpeak (kwp) and generates an output of electricity of 850-950 kiloWatthours (kWh) annually. This covers the consumption of an inefficient dishwasher and a fridge. Normally in one year a four person family consumes about 4000 kWh. To cover that demand, a 4.5 kWp system is sufficient, which adds up to a surface of about 36 m2, if the modules chosen have a coefficient of 12%.
Read More
Solar plants connected to the grid consist of modules (connected solar pannels) which produce direct current, a converter to change direct current into grid-compatible alternating current, a counter and grid connection. The produced electricity is saved temporarily in the grid, that’s why there’s no need of a battery. A diagram of the single components you find here.
In mountain regions or many other regions around the globe, where a grid connection is missing (a third of the world’s population lacks electricity), an off-grid system can supply electricity. A converter is only necessary when regular system running on alternating current are going to be connected. Most important devices (as light and refrigerators) also run on direct current.
How large should my installation be?
The size of a net-connected photovoltaic (PV) plant depends on the area available and the resources especially money, because the entire production is being fed to the grid at any time. With the off-grid systems (for example garden lighting, waterpumps or mountainhuts) the power requirement determines the dimensioning. In alpine huts, where only light is needed, usually a few square meters and a car battery are enough.
Interesting data for the choice of the size: A surface of eight square meters of solar modules with a coefficient of about 12% produces an estimated output of 1 kiloWattpeak (kwp) and generates an output of electricity of 850-950 kiloWatthours (kWh) annually. This covers the consumption of an inefficient dishwasher and a fridge. Normally in one year a four person family consumes about 4000 kWh. To cover that demand, a 4.5 kWp system is sufficient, which adds up to a surface of about 36 m2, if the modules chosen have a coefficient of 12%.
Read More