Solar Applications:Stand-alone, Hybrid, and Grid connected |
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Stand-alone Photovoltaic Systems (SPS)
Stand-alone photovoltaic systems (SPS) are used when no electricity grid is available. A battery is needed to ensure the availability of electricity at night or at periods with little bright sunlight. Stand-alone systems are often used to cover the electricity needs of a household. Small systems cover the most basic needs (lighting and sometimes TV or radio), larger systems can also power a water pump, wireless phone, refrigerator, electric tools (drill, sewing machine, etc) and a VCR. The system consists of a solar panel, a control unit, battery storage, cables, the electric load and a support structure.
1. solar panels
2. controller
3. battery
4. appliances
Hybrid Photovoltaic Systems (HPS)
Solar electricity back-up systems are used when electricity from the grid is available but unreliable. The solar electric back-up system can be used to provide electric power during periods when there is no electricity from the grid (blackouts). A small solar electric back up system can provide electric power to cover the most important needs such as lighting, computer and telecommunication (phone, radio, fax, etc) equipment. A larger system can be sized to power the fridge during a black out. The more power the appliances take and the longer the black outs normally last, the larger the solar electric system needs to be. Although a handy person can do much of the work, all electric connections must be made by a trained professional.
1. solar panels
2. inverter
3. battery
4. grid
5. appliances
Grid-connected Photovoltaic Systems (GPS)
When the electricity grid is available but electricity from a clean source (solar) is desired, solar panels can be connected to the grid. Provided that sufficient panels are placed, the appliances in the house/building will then run on solar electricity. A grid-connected solar electricity system basically consists of one or more solar panels, an inverter, cables, the electric load and a support structure to mount the solar panels.
1. solar panels
2. inverter
3. grid
4. appliances
An inverter is used to connect the panels to the grid. Some panels (so-called AC modules) come with an inverter for grid connection built in. The solar panels can be mounted on the roof under the optimum tilt angle (see tilt angle and orientation) with a support structure or aluminium frame. Simple systems with AC modules and prefab support structures are increasingly commercially available for do-it-yourself purposes. Although a handy person can do much of the work, all electric connections must be made by a trained professional.