Energy Systems - Practical Tutorial

Solar/Photovoltaic

Solar/photovoltaic electrical production via the sun utilizing photo sensitive crystals arranged in panels to produce d.c. electricity in various power levels up to 100’s of volts and are usually rated in watts per panel at a specified voltage and Amperage output, the most common being 12 to 24 volts at 10 to 225 watts. When mounting solar photovoltaic panels, solar trackers provide a very good solution.  more

Remote Stand Alone

This type of system is where the facility is totally dependent on it for its electrical power and incorporates batteries for electrical storage.

Grid Tie

This type of system utilizes grid power and has a grid tie inverter to sell power back (in certain countries) to the power company to offset or eliminate power costs depending on the size of the solar system installed and customer energy usage.

Grid Tie (stand alone)

This type of system offers the same capability as the “grid tie” only system but incorporates battery storage and a different type inverter that provides electrical power if the grid goes down and fails to provide electrical power. This type system is more costly than the “grid tie only” system as it incorporates a more sophisticated inverter and requires storage batteries. This type of system often incorporates a back up generator to provide battery charging in the event of prolonged lack of solar gain.

Generator Plus

This type of system incorporates the same components as the “stand alone system” i.e. the batteries and inverter but lacks the solar panels and solar chargers. This type of system allows for 24 hour electricity with minimal generator run time for battery charging. This system also allows the owner to have electricity until such time as their economic situation allows the purchase of the solar panels and thus having an autonomous power system.

Wind Power

This is another potential type of energy production. Unfortunately for many people this can end up being a very expensive “fantasy” power endeavor, the main reason being that they did not do an accurate site survey for what wind energy potential was actually available.

Many people get caught in the mental trap of how the wind really blew a few days ago or how it w

as windy for a few hours yesterday. These type situations do not make reliable energy production. wind turbines require 10 M.P.H. before energy production starts and 15 to 20 M.P.H. for meaningful energy production that has to continue reliably for 8 to 10 hours per day minimum to provide electricity for a house hold. There are few areas in this country that this condition prevails where homes are built in mass. This condition predominately occurs in coastal and mountain areas as well as prairie food belt areas. It is relatively rare that wind power can be used as a primary energy source for a household. There are situations that wind power can be used as a symbiotic make up source of energy with a photo voltaic “solar” primary energy production.

Other Energy Production Alternatives:

• Hydro Electrical Production
• Battery Production