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Solar Panels

Different Solar Systems

There are three basic types of solar power systems:

grid-tie, off-grid, and backup power systems.

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Grid Tied Systems

On-Grid systems

Your solar system is tied to your local utility's GRID
Once solar generation starts, the generated energy is first consumed by the loads.  Once the load requirement is satisfied, the remaining energy will be exported to the grid.  Grid by itself acts as a virtual battery taking in all the excess energy that has been exported.  
This is what most residential homes will use because you are covered if your solar system under or over-produces in regard to you varying energy needs
.

These systems are battery-less and therefore not able to function or generate electricity during a blackout, due to safety reasons.

On-grid system

Stand-alone or Off-Grid systems

Off-grid system

The main use of off-grid systems in the agricultural sector is where DC power generated from your solar panels is fed directly into the clients VSD's.  AC power can also be integrated into the VSD's.  More than 80% of our clients in this sector uses the above mentioned off-grid system.

These systems often referred to as Stand-alone Power Systems (SAPS) - work by generating electricity from solar panels and using it to charge a solar battery via a charger controller.  That electricity is then converted using an inverter so that it can power your home or business appliances.

Off-grid systems are installed in situations where mains power is not available, or the client wishes to become completely independent of the grid.  All power is generated by the solar panels, a battery bank stores excess power for use at night or when the sun is not shining,

These systems are with a inverter with/without a generator backup.

What is the difference between solar system and hybrid solar systems?

The only difference is that hybrid PV system is not entirely dependent on the grid for its functioning - unlike on-grid solar system.  It starts using energy from the grid instead of solar batteries during the evening and night times - thus acts just like the regular UPS.

Hybrid solar systems

Hybrid solar system

A solar Hybrid System is a renewable energy system that uses solar photovoltaic (PV) panels to generate clean energy to power your home/business/farm.

A hybrid solar system intelligently switches between using solar power, battery storage and grid power.

  These systems is grid-tied with battery storage.  They come with a special 'smart' inverter that can transmit direct current (DC) power to and from your batteries, and channel alternating current (AC) power between the grid and your home/business/farm when necessary.

Lots of space might be necessary for the required parts.  With grid access, you're likely not in an isolated rural area - even so, you'll need space for hybrid solar equipment, including the battery bank and inverters

What is better hybrid or on-grid solar system?

Hybrid systems are better in terms of reliability while on-grid solar systems are a plus for people on a budget.

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What is the lifespan of a hybrid solar system?

10-15 years, but proper care can extend its life up to 20 years.

Let’s get together

Unit 9, Mc hardy Ave., Brandwagpark

Brandwag, Bloemfontein F.S 9324

Contact Nelis: +27 82 807 7227

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