System overview
Virtually maintenance free, this kind of system is used in places where secondary source of power other than grid supply is needed. Power generated by solar is converted into AC current to power household load. Inverter balances the two sources of power so that any excess energy needed by the load is taken from the grid. On the other hand, any extra power from the solar is fed back into the grid thereby turning the energy meter backwards.
Functions of different components
Solar panels: Converts sun light into electric current. Rated in terms of peak watts produced. Apex stocks panels from 10Wp to 185Wp (70WHr to 1,295WHr @ 7 Hr Irradiance). For higher requirement, multiple panels are used which are connected in combination of parallel and series connections.
Inverter: Power from the solar panel is both maximized and converted into AC using Grid connected inverter. This inverter is also connected to the mains supply in order to balance the supply to the load as well as back to the grid. Apex deals in highly efficient grid connected ‘pure sine wave’ inverters that use Maximum Power Point Technology (MPPT) for converting DC in AC current.
Reliability: Solar (PV) panels have a typical life of 30 years. The inverter is highly reliable type as well and usually comes with 5 years limited warranty. Notice that his system does not use batteries, which makes grid connected system less expensive in terms of installed cost as against SHS systems. Also, as this system requires no replacement of batteries, it becomes virtually maintenance free.
Viability: These kinds of system usually take up USD 7.00 per installed watt. Meaning, if a solar grid connected system is 1000Wp then the system would cost about USD 7000. Various factors come into play in considering the breakeven point. Some of the standard factors include the output drop in PV system over years of operation, system efficiency, average price increase in unit cost of electricity, average interest rate on risk free debt instrument and so on. All these factors considered, the break even point is USD 0.25. Please check here for more details.
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