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This is the third part of a four-part series
The technology and ability to generate power from the sun is well proven and available on a commercial basis. The technology is tried and tested and due to the huge expansion in this field the costs are now stable and sustainable.
Power generation from solar can range from very small to residential to commercial “Solar Farms”, where the small system starts at charging cellphones all the way up to generating power to feed into any power grid.

Solar-generated power can be used by households or sold by Independent Power Producers and individuals to any national power company or large users of electricity like mines, industrial complexes, etc.

Solar panels or photovoltaic panels/arrays are the principle component in generating power. The power produced is in the form of Direct Current and is normally utilised in two ways.

1. Storage: Fed into batteries and stored for use at a later time or when there is no sunshine. The main use of stored power is for; consumers with no access to power; night use and during power outages.

2. Direct: Fed directly into a power grid and transmission system for immediate use, while the sun is shining. During this time of high solar power supply the grid have the options of; slowing generation of hydro- power (closing turbines); thermal power slowing the burning of fossil fuels, etc, thus saving these valuable resources for later use during peak demand, at night or on overcast days.

Batteries are used to store the DC power that is generated and releases power as it is required by the producer or end user. The technology in batteries is advancing and can now store power for longer periods of time, can be maintenance free and deep cycle with extended warranties from one year up to five years and more.

Inverters are used to convert the DC power as is stored in the batteries or the DC power that is generated directly by the solar panels before delivery to the end user or grid. The DC power is converted via transformers, etc into Alternating Current for operation of most electrical appliances and equipment.

Solar Charge Controllers monitor and control the complete solar system’s working conditions, it protects the battery from over-charge and discharge; protects the solar panels from feedback from the batteries; monitors the state and levels of battery charge, solar panel charging, temperature and appliance status.

Design of any solar system (whether small, large or commercial) is dependent on various factors: Use and number of appliances; hours per day required; back-up or full use; location, whether on or off grid.

A correctly designed solar power system will give many years of use at a greatly reduced cost over the years and give peace of mind as well as being environmentally and eco-friendly.

For more information please contact [email protected] or visit www.vondexsolar.com