Solar power systems work on the same basic principles, although several different solar energy systems now exist. Photovoltaic (PV) cells convert sunlight into direct current (DC) power which can then be stored in batteries and converted by inverters into alternating current (AC), which we use in our homes. If a surplus of solar energy is available, it can be fed back into the grid for credits or stored in battery storage racks suited to the purpose. There are many variations of PV solar panels out there nowadays, and you might have to do some investigating before deciding exactly what you need. Still, at least you're making informed choices!
Off-grid Solar Power Plant
In an off-grid system, the PV array charges up the battery while simultaneously inverting AC electricity whenever sufficient solar energy is collected. Then the battery feeds the inverter, which feeds the entire house's AC load. Hence, an off-grid solar system can power a facility night and day, provided adequate backup energy is contained in the battery. But, of course, to make your facilities off-grid, it's necessary to have both enough solar energy capacity as well as large enough batteries (or other forms of storage) to keep you running uninterrupted even after sunset - so the ability to store a large quantity of electricity is essential when it comes to achieving actual off-grid status!
A variant of an off-grid system is widespread in India called Solar Power Conditioning Unit (SPCU) with backup. SPCUs typically charge batteries using both solar and grid power, based on the battery's state of charge. This reduces dependence on any one source or power supply and ensures that power is always available when needed. Moreover, it allows one to have more flexibility in powering the different components of your business or household since you know you'll have at least one form of electricity available for you.
Hybrid Solar Power Plant
A hybrid solar PV system is when more than one source of power can complement solar power. A hybrid source may use a diesel generator, a wind turbine, a biogas plant, heat engine, fuel cell, or what we call the local microgrid. The last two are very close to the concept of microgrids and could be viewed as microgrids in their own right. They are mini-centralized energy systems that rely on some form of renewable energy and do not need a connection to the utility grid and can even revert entirely or partially back to localized locally generated power for temporary loss of grid access, for example, during earthquake aftershocks which usually result in infrastructure damage.
A large-scale energy storage system (ESS) is costlier than a hybrid power plant facility. Therefore, a proposed solution is to research less cost-prohibitive ESS technology, especially for off-the-shelf options such as lithium batteries, to address the potential concerns of customers who want reliable and smooth services as they start transitioning away from net metering.
Wind Solar Hybrids are now in use. Unfortunately, many utilities do not support net metering for hybrid solar systems. If you have a hybrid system, check with your utility provider to confirm whether they will support your system's net metering.
At AHLEC, we focus on delivering off grid solar system and solar panels sunshine coast to our customers and partners. Please leave a comment if you have any queries on this blog.
Source URL: https://ahlecsolar.com.au/
