Day: 2 October 2020

Solar Battery Power and Solar Panels

For individuals and businesses that are not too sure how Solar Power function. Please read below how using Solar Panels and Solar Batteries together can be of benefit.

Solar Panels, together with inverters produce power in proportion to the Solar Energy from the sun. This energy is then converted into electricity. When appliances utilise power the Solar System subsidises this demand. If the Solar System has excess then the surplus is exported to the utility grid.

Adding Solar Batteries to the equation means that you now have a place in which to store the surplus solar energy.

This excess energy is usually stored until it is need which is usually at night or on cloudy days when there is little solar input.

The inverter manages the flow of the power to ensure that you maximise the use of this free solar energy. The inverter also ensures not to waste any surplus electricity.

So in other words, a solar battery is in effect a storage unit where all the excess energy which is generated during sunshiny days is stored.

As far as Solar Batteries are concerned, there is never a one-size-fits-all scenario. The best way moving forward is to ensure that your solar batteries are of a high quality.

Different solar batteries are used for varying purposes to ensure that the right product for the right application is used.

Lead Acid Batteries

• Because Lead Acid batteries contain large amounts of electrical energy, they are capable of discharging very quickly if any form of conductor is placed across their terminals.
• Lead Acid batteries contain sulphuric acid which is corrosive.
• Lead Acid batteries give off hydrogen when they are charged which when mixed with air, can become explosive and can even be ignited by a tiny spark, therefore handling these with caution is advisable.
• Lead Acid cells have a minimal voltage of about 2 V – this is all depending on the state of charge.
• A battery usually consists of several cells that are connected together in a series to produce sufficient Voltage – this is usually 12, 24 or 48 Volts.

Deep cycle cells

A Deep Cycle Cells refers to a battery being charged with energy during sunny days.

Solar Batteries, as we have deduced, are therefore vital for the optimal function of Solar Systems.

What is Solar regulators?

Solar regulators is a small box that consists of solid state circuitry which is strategically placed between solar panels and the solar batteries. Solar regulators are also referred to as a change controller.

The function of the solar regulator is to be utilised in conjunction with stand-alone systems. These can be off the grid or a grid-connected solar system that combines a backup battery bank.

A solar regulator is not required for a grid connected solar power system without batteries. Today’s technologically-advanced solar regulators are extremely efficient and will be able to out-strip any three-stage mains power battery chargers.

The function of a solar regulator include:

• The primary function of the solar regulator is to regulate the incoming charge from the panel that flows into the deep cycle battery bank.
• This is to prevent the batteries from becoming overcharged.
• Regulators can also offer direct connectivity to appliances while recharging batteries.
• This will bypass the battery bank although the batteries will be charged simultaneously.

How to choose your solar regulator

• First and foremost – it is important to check the amp ratings of your solar panels.
• Once you have tallied up the figures, this should give you an idea of the minimum size charge controller required.
• If you think your solar system will be added onto sometime in the future, it might be best to plan ahead for future growth.
• This will save you money in the long term when adding more solar panels onto your system down the line.

Explaining low voltage disconnect

Once the voltage drops below a certain point and they continue to draw power, this will cause untold battery damage.
Solar regulators should be equipped with LVD – Low Voltage Disconnect features to avoid damage.
LVD will monitor battery levels and will automatically disconnect the load that is connected to the battery if the voltage levels drop.
You need never maintain your solar regulator – although it might be a good idea to check the wire connections from time to time to ensure they are taut and free of corrosion.
It is also advisable to mount your solar regulator away from direct sunlight and heat where there is good air flow.
For safety purposes always ensure there is a suitable fuse between the solar panel and the solar regulator.
It is important to acquire a professional’s opinion before ordering any equipment.

It is no secret that South Africa faces an enormous challenge when it comes to housing its poor and supplying electricity to the many homes and businesses that are currently using power and those that are being built. Providing solar panels in low cost housing areas is something that VSP can assist with.

Although there are numerous initiatives under way, there is still a backlog of 2.3 million homes.

An integral part to the construction of newly-built homes – particularly RDP and low-cost housing, is the provision of basic services. Solar technology plays an essential role, as this is a cost-effective solution in providing energy to South Africa. Solar power assists the supply of electricity which is a vital part of supplying hot water and electricity to homes from right across the board.

About Solar Panels in South Africa

Solar panels in South Africa and solar power remain the most popular type of renewable energy at present. That is because of the abundant amount of sunshine South Africa enjoys. Solar panels are both reliable and cost-effective, too, which makes this a popular alternative to power off the grid. Solar Panels produce electricity from photons which can be found in light radiation.

This translates into power even on days that are cloudy although the most electricity is produced on bright and sunny days. The initial cost of solar panels might seem high at first. But over the long haul the benefits are numerous and soon will make up for the initial installation fees. Solar systems reduce CO2 levels which makes it an eco-friendly alternative.

Because solar technology is a type of renewable energy it means that it is sustainable and green; in other words, it boasts being one of the most widely held forms of renewable energy in this country.

Did you know that most areas in South Africa enjoy in excess of 2 500 hours of sunshine annually?

The average solar levels range between 4.5 and 6.5 kWh/m2 daily. These statistics is according to the DoE (the South African Department of Energy). This is compared to 150 W/m2 in certain parts of the USA. And the lowest yield of 100 W/m2 in Europe and the United Kingdom.

The influences that usually affect the choice of solar equipment include how much power is required. What needs to be determined is to what will be running off the solar system and how much the budget is. Provisioning a solution can be done for solar panels in low cost housing areas, just contact us for a quote.