40kVA Grid-Tied Solar Energy System with 40kWp solar panel array installation, Stellenbosch
Specialized Solar Systems Commercial solar installation team are currently busy with a 40kVA – 40kWp grid tie solar system installation in Stellenbosch
Designed by Specialized Solar Systems, this commercial grid-tie solar system consisted of:
- 1 x 40kVA Solis inverter
- 102 x 400-watt PV solar panels (40.8kWp)
The installation should take the commercial solar installation team 15 days to complete.
Image 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. To view more information please view this link
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 DC electricity produced by the solar panels into AC electricity, which can then be used by the property/household. If a grid connect system is producing more power than is being consumed, the surplus is fed into the mains power grid (if your municipality allows). Alternatively, when there is no solar panel generation or if inadequate, the inverter will allow grid-power to compensation.
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 also simpler to install.
- Homeowners can also put excess electricity back onto the utility grid instead of storing it themselves with batteries. 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.
Customers should please contact Specialized Solar Systems for more information on purchasing a Grid-Tied solar system and for expert advice when choosing the right solar power system solution for your electrical energy needs.
To view a more detailed overview of our residential grid-interactive hybrid solar systems section in our catalog available over here.
To view a more detailed overview of our residential off-grid solar systems section in our catalog available over here.
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