Cost-effective renewable energy source in industries – rooftop solar system.
Increasing operational expenses and decreasing natural resources are common reasons factory electrical design consultants seek renewable energy sources. Moreover, this system is an excellent source of cost-effective energy. The rooftop solar system is a group of solar panels placed on the rooftop of a building to convert sunlight into electricity.
Types of rooftop solar system
The rooftop solar system is of two types:
1. Rooftop solar with storage facility: Batteries store the electricity converted from sunlight. This electricity is utilised based on requirement. and,
2. Grid-connected rooftop solar system: the DC power generated by the rooftop solar system is converted to AC power and fed to the national grid. Each state has a different framework for regulating the system.
Benefits of rooftop solar system for industries
- It brings down energy costs by generating clean, renewable energy.
- The rooftop solar system provides a reliable source of energy.
- This system helps reduce pollution.
- This system improves bending and shows a commitment to sustainability.
- The government offers incentives to increase the adoption of renewable energy.
Lifespan of solar panels
The solar panel lasts for about 25-30 years. The panel’s lifespan may increase depending on the panel type, manufacturer, installation and maintenance. However, the energy output after the lifespan may drop significantly. Factory electrical design consultants plan the system accordingly.
The power output from the panels varies based on the solar energy. This variation may damage the equipment. However, an inverter helps to avoid this damage by connecting with an alternative power source.
Components of a rooftop
A rooftop solar system has many components, including:
- Solar / Photovoltaic (PV) Panels: These panels convert solar energy into DC electricity. They are of two types: thin film and crystalline.
- Inverter: Converts the DC electricity from the panels into AC electricity. Inverters are either grid-tied, off-grid, grid-interactive or hybrid type.
- Electrical panel: Distributes the energy to the point of usage.
- Electric meter: Measures the flow of electricity in and out of your home.
- Net meter: Measures how much power is used and the excess energy sent to the grid.
- Mounting structure: This ensures the placement of solar panels on the roof. These structures are designed to withstand the panel weight and wind loads. The structure is at an angle to ensure maximum rooftop solar system output. So, the use of trackers improves the output of the system. However, it has a cost impact.
- Batteries: This ensures sufficient backup of power even in the absence of solar energy. Additionally, batteries ensure adequate power in cases of decreased output from the plant. However, batteries need regular maintenance. Moreover, another disadvantage is the loss of energy while charging and discharging batteries.
- Charge controller: This controls the charging of the batteries by optimising the charging and preventing overcharging.
- Monitoring system: Keeps track of the system’s performance.
The rooftop solar system also has cables, switchgear and fuses.
Factors while designing rooftop solar projects
- Suitability: The MEP consultants must consider the building orientation, tilt, and shading to optimise the design.
- Sizing: The size of the rooftop solar system must be calculated based on space availability, consumption requirements, and patterns.
- Models: The market has multiple models based on the type of financing – leasing, loan, power purchase, etc.
- Maintenance: The MEP consultants must ensure that the client is educated on the maintenance for optimal system performance.
To conclude, a rooftop solar system is essential for any industrial facility for sustainability and to reduce operational costs.
