Setting up a PV system

The layout of a PV system is carried out in 4 steps:

1. Electrical energy consumption

To determine energy consumption the power of each consumer (in Watts - W) has to be multiplied with its time of use during a day (in hours - h), then the energy onsumptions are added up to achieve total energy comsumption.

2. Storage requirements

The consumers that have to operate independently from sunshine have to be supplied via a rechargeable battery. Its size is given be the energy consumption plus losses (charge/discharge, electronics) plus the number of max. days without sunhsine (autonomy) plus the consideration of the max. discharge level of the battery (determines lifetime of the battery).

3. Local iradiance

Local irradiance is determined via measurements on-site (best mehtod) or via data from close-by meterological stations (if available) or vial maps, tables or smuilation programms. Relevant for the layout (4.) of the system is the typical irradiance during the perriod (e.g., a month) with the lowest irradiance during the year.

4. Layout of the PV generator

The layout for the size of the PV generator has to take into account the following requirments: to cover all electrical energy requirements during the worst period of the year, cover all energy losses within the system (inverter, storage), consider the local irradiance, incl. its variability during severl days.

Rio Solar is capable to provide a proper system layout that enables a reliable and cost-effective operation. It prooved its capabilty a t several projects in Rio de Janeiro, Penedo, Duque de Caxias, Ilha Grande, and in Ceará.

Installation of a 400 W PV-power supply with a 24 V 300 Ah storage by Rio Solar in Penedo, a mountainous region in the state of Rio de Janeiro.

Rio Solar is offering the full range of services necessary for implementation: layout, planning, installation, and operation.