14/11/2016
Solar Solutions for homes
Running your home on solar energy power
In reality our ESKOM supplied electricity , compared to the cost of solar solution sources such as photovoltaic Solar energy system or gas are still very cheap.
For this reason it is still difficult to justify a high cost of a solar solution in order to create the same power facilities as those offered by ESKOM. ( Although very cheap product come into the Market which create a false sense of reality)
We need to also include other realities such as:
Power Failures
Load Shedding
Increasing cost of Electricity
Reducing price of Solar Solutions
and fairly low current Interest Rates
One should use basic logic in order to consider converting to a photovoltaic solar solution:
Yes, its possible to start with a small solar solution , and build up an up to a complete big independent solar solution/system, without making any part of the system redundant while expanding, but this do need careful planning and correct product purchasing as first prize.
eskom-load-shedding
The procedure to follow to get the right Solar solution for your hous are as follows:
First: Investigate your monthly electricity bill for the kW.h Usage(Kilowatt Hour Usage).
This is the meter reading on your bill, it specifies:
Meter Start
Meter End
Or it will reflect as Units
The Price will typically be 0.63 R/kW.h up to R1.50 per kW.h. This is the part we need.
Example: If this displays as 900 units (or 900 kW.h) then that is you monthly consumption.
Note, this may vary between months in summer and winter
Water and Electricity bill , use this to establish your current Monthly Power usage in order to design a Solar Solution
Now convert the quantity to you daily consumption. e.g.:900kW.h / 30 = 30 kWh per day
With the daily usage in hand, we need to find out how it is made up , by making a list of all the accessories that your house or office needs.
List all e.g.:
TV 70 cm
Microwave
Stove
Geyser
Vacuumcleaner
22 Lights
Etc.…
You can also refer to our SOLAR Calculation sheet to help
The reason we do this is to see where you use your power, and how can we reduce it.
If we can reduce usage by using some logic, let say a saving of 20%, not only do we save you electricity and money but also make saving on your initial Solar System purchase of 20%, which can be a huge saving. (See energy saving appliances )
For instance, you can reduce electricity consumption in one or more of the following ways:
Different or better fridge
Swimming pool timer
Replace the light with cfl or led lights
Reduce under floor heating
Convert to gas stove
More energy efficient TV
Induction heater stove
etc.
Now we can re look your energy demands and design an photovoltaic Solar solution to your budget, your requirement or both.
photovoltaic-solar-solution-house-office
Please note: Hot water geysers are seen as a separate entity, as they make use of the heat of the sun to warm water circulating through specially designed heating panels.
Below is an example of a complete solar solutions(Demo Only)
You can also use our solar calculator
SCENARIO 1
To provide lighting and use of common household appliances:
20x11W globes average daily use of 5 hrs
Vacuum cleaner average daily use of 30 mins
Hairdryer for 20 mins
Toaster for 30 mins
Tv 54cm colour for 5 hrs per day
Handrill for 20 mins per day
Food processor for 40 mins per day
Microwave for 10 mins per day
COMPONENTS OF PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR SOLUTION
4x250W Solar Panels
6x102A 12V SOLAR batteries
1x60A MPPT SOLAR regulator
1 x Sine wave solar power inverter
Cables and connectors
Bracket mountings
Fuses
Circuit breakers
Battery Box
If we add fridge and freezer to the equation, which must run 24/7 will add cost in the form of at least 4 more 250W panels and 4 more 180A.h batteries.
Geysers can be converted to solar heating.
Stoves need to be gas, and can be supplemented with a solar cooker.
You also get independent solar security lights with motion sensors built in battery which is great outside security, never having to worry about power failures.
SCENARIO 2
Starting/planning a solar system solution for your home can be done in stages:
Let us say that we start with a solar system that will provide power for a TV, DVD, DSTV, a radio and cell chargers and say 10 x 15W lights:
In this first stage we will include a power inverter that will accommodate future needs as well.
Stage 1:
2 x 250W solar panels
1 x 45A solar regulators
4 x 180A.h solar calcium batteries
1 x 2000W 24V true sine power inverter
4 x panel roof mounts
Cables, connectors and flex
Installation
Stage 2:
The following components would all be added to those already installed in Stage 1
2 x 250W solar panels
2 x panel roof mounts
Cables, flex and connectors
Installation
2 x 180A solar batteries
Stage 2, would allow the addition of a single door fridge.
Stage 3 could be a duplication of Stage 2, thus allowing the addition of a small chest or single door freezer as well.
Stage 4: Hot water can be generated through the installation of a 200l solar geyser system.
A hot water solar geyser system comprises typically of:
A thermally insulated hot water tank/geyser
Solar heating panels or tubes (Heat collectors)
In some cases a small electric pump for circulating the water
A small PV solar panel to drive the pump.
Please note that we chose 250W panels for this exercise.
This should give you a good idea of the limitations and approach to design and costing your system.
