110kVA 430kWh/day Grid-Tied solar power system with 100kWp solar array installation at Mungo Mills
The Specialized Solar Systems commercial solar installation team is currently busy with a grid-tied solar system. The system is 110 kVA with a 100 kWp solar array that will deliver an average solar yield of 430 kWh per day. The grid-tied solar system is being installed at Mungo Mills at Old Nick Village (Plettenberg Bay) in the Western Cape, South Africa.
Designed by Specialized Solar Systems, this commercial grid-tie solar system consisted of:
- 1 x 110kVA Solis inverter
- 250 x 400-watt PV solar panels (100kWp)
- Solis Inverter has 10 x built-in MPPT’s
This commercial grid-tie solar system is connected to the Bitou Municipality 300/5 CTs (current transformer). This allows the excess energy to supply Old Nick Village with power.
This installation should take the commercial solar installation team five weeks to complete.
Images below of the installation:
Feeding-in to the Municipal Grid
Many municipalities across the Western Cape already have the rules and tariffs in place for feeding into the grid when installing a PV system.
A grid-tied solar-powered electrical system is also known as tied to the grid, or grid-tie system and is a semi-autonomous electrical generation or grid energy storage system.
Background: Specialized Solar Systems Grid-Tie solar-powered system
How does a grid-tie solar power system work?
A grid-connected inverter converts the DC electricity produced by the solar panels into AC electricity, which can then be utilized by the property or household. If a grid-connected system produces more power than is being consumed, the surplus is fed into the main power grid (if allowed by your municipality). Alternatively, when there is no solar panel generation or if it’s insufficient, the inverter allows grid power to compensate.
Advantages of Grid-Tie Systems
- A grid connection will allow you to save more money with solar panels through better efficiency rates and lower equipment and installation costs. Batteries and other stand-alone equipment are required for a fully functional off-grid solar system. This adds to costs as well as maintenance. Grid-tied solar systems are generally much cheaper and simpler to install.
- Excess electricity can be put back onto the utility grid instead of being stored. This is done with special meters (if allowed in your area).
The utility grid is a virtual battery
Electricity should be used as it is generated. However, it can be temporarily stored as other forms of energy (e.g. chemical energy in batteries). Energy storage typically comes with significant costs.
The electric power grid is in many ways also a battery, without the need for maintenance or replacements and with much better efficiency rates. In other words, more electricity (and more money) goes to waste with conventional battery systems.
Additional perks of being grid-tied include access to backup power from the utility grid in case extra power is required or if your solar system stops generating electricity for any reason. At the same time, you also help to mitigate the utility’s peak load.
At Specialized Solar Systems, we are dedicated to offering our clients highly efficient and reliable hybrid energy solutions that save money and reduce environmental impact. Our solar systems are designed to maximize your energy savings and return on investment, ensuring seamless integration with grid power and backup solutions.
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