What makes up a Solar PV System?
The first thing that came to my mind when I first heard of a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System – that is, besides the planetary solar system of Mars, Jupiter and the like – was solar panels. Solar panels are where the electricity is generated but is only one of four essential components of the system. The Solar PV System consists of solar panels (PV modules), mounting structures, inverters, and storage (battery). Other components of the system include: electrical control panel, DC & AC electrical cables, and a power meter.
Solar PV Panels and Solar Energy in Kenya
Solar PV Panels are increasing in popularity while at the same time decreasing in price. This is especially important to developing countries, like Kenya, where the national grid is yet to penetrate to all parts of the country. Large portions of our country receive strong reliable sunshine throughout the year, providing a tremendous opportunity for buildings to access electricity through solar PV panels. Educational institutions, health facilities, and even residential dwellings located in remote rural areas can gain access to electricity through solar energy.
Kenya stands to benefit greatly from wide-scale use of solar energy. The national grid suffers periodic power outages due to supply shortfalls, Solar PV can effectively fill the gap. As it is today, solar energy is mainly used for water heating, drying, and Photovoltaic (PV) Systems. However, numerous applications of Solar PV exists, such as telecommunication, street lighting, water pumping, and so on. The benefits are very obvious, and it begs the question, “Why is solar PV not as common?” The answer is; high initial capital cost. Even though in the long run electricity from solar PV is more cost-effective than that from the national grid, the high initial cost has proven to be the biggest barrier. The Government of Kenya has provided incentives to encourage the population to adopt Solar PV. They include: zero-rating import duty & Value Added Tax (VAT) on solar equipment and accessories, as well as zero-rating electrical energy-saving bulbs. Kenyans can be able to buy Solar Panels and other solar equipment at very competitive prices.
“All peoples everywhere should have free energy sources.”
– Nikola Tesla
Evaluating a Site for Solar PV Potential
- Mounting Location – Solar panels are usually mounted on roofs. They can also be mounted on walls, ground, or pole if the roof area is not available.
- Shading – Solar PV system needs clear and unobstructed access to the sun‘s rays. Shading will significantly reduce the panels’ power output.
- Orientation – In Kenya, the ideal orientation is east-west. However, roofs facing other directions are acceptable as solar panels produce as much as 95% of their full power even when within 20° of the sun’s direction.
- Tilt – The number of degrees that the panels are off the horizontal surface; for aesthetic reasons, it’s recommended to have the tilt at the same pitch as the sloping roof. Panels should be installed at an incline to the horizontal for maximum solar collection. However, for regions located close to the equator such as Kenya, the panels should be pointing straight up.
- Required Area – The dimensions and shape of the roof area can limit the number of panels that can be installed. Residential and small commercial systems can require little area. If the location limits the physical size of the system, you can install a system that uses more efficient PV modules.
- Roof Types – It’s possible to install PV modules on all roof types. However, if the roof needs replacing within 5 to 10 years, it should be replaced at the same time of installing the Solar PV system to save on cost.
Additional Information
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this is nice.thanks
Thanks, Joseph!