Solar energy has continued to become cheaper at an incredible rate. PV technology will soon be cheaper than grid power in most countries. Thermal solar energy (hot water) is already cheaper than grid power in most countries. Africa and some other equatorial and tropical zones have around double the power available per PV panel (2000W/m_sq) than PV panels are rated at (1000W/m_sq) which allows for some technical improvement. Many countries cannot afford expensive smart grid infrastrucure so grid tied home or office solutions are heavily penalised by tariff structures
We have designed and developed a prototype PV solution which is much more affordable and closer to grid power cost. The added benefit is available power during grid outages. The system does not require expensive maintenance as no batteries are required. For a small office using electricity at a (higher band) stepped tariff, this solution may well reduce power enough to fall into a lower tariff band.
High power availability coincides with hot conditions and therefore use of air-conditioning. The system is more cost effective in homes and offices using air-conditioning. The system is also very cost effective for equipment used during the daytime like laptop computers, printers telephones, cell chargers and POS tills.
- Provides electricity at almost half the cost of offline (battery) systems.
- Saves electricity at around double the tariff price of online (grid-tied) systems.
( In countries like SA and African countries without European type subsidies)
- Automatic backup for grid fail/blackout on 90% of days.
MPPT unit rated for 300W PV panel at 2000W per square meter of sunlight.
The main power unit is in a PC case and is available with 3 different power ratings.
- 600VA
- 1200VA
- 3000VA