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APPLICATIONS OFPHOTOVOLTAICS

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Contents

Review basics ofPhotovoltaic (PV) systems

Solar-load correlation

Photovoltaic project considerations

Applications of photovoltaics

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Components of PV Systems

Modules

Storage: batteries, tank

Power conditioner Inverter

Charge controller

Rectifier

DC-DC converter

Pump

Source: Photovoltaics in Cold Climates, Ross & Royer, eds.

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TYPES OF PV SYSTEMS

On-Grid Systems

Off-Grid Systems

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On-Grid Systems

PV Integration

Distributed

Centralised

Grid-Type

Central

Isolated

Source: Photovoltaics in Cold Climates, Ross & Royer, eds.

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Off-Grid Systems

Configuration

Stand-alone

Hybrid

Often very cost-effective

Small loads best (< 10 kWp)

Lower capital costs than

grid extension

Lower O&M costs than gensets and

primary batteries

Source: Photovoltaics in Cold Climates,

Ross & Royer, eds.

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Solar-Load Correlation

Seasonal correlation

Irrigation

Cottage systems

Diurnal correlationPositive, zero & negative

Source: Photovoltaic in ColdClimates, Ross & Royer,eds.

Photo Credit: Sandia Nat. Lab.(NREL PIX)

Photo Credit: BP Solarex (NREL PIX)

NegativePositive

Zero

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Photovoltaic Project Considerations

Distance to grid

Cost of site visits

O&M costs

Reliability vs. cost

Managing expectations

Social aspects

Value of intangibles Image

Environmental benefits

Reduced noise and visualpollution

Modularity & simplicity

Photo Credit: Vadim Belotserkovsky

NorthwesTel Mountaintop Repeater Station, Northern British Columbia, Canada

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What do PV systems provide?

Electricity (AC/DC)

Pumped Water

but also

Reliability

Simplicity

Silence

Solar Home Lighting System,West Bengal, India

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Solar Light and Home PV Systems

Small loads

Maintained locally Simple

Reliable Photo Credit: Simon Tsuo (NREL PIX)

Photo Credit: Vadim Belotserkovsky

Photo Credit: Frank Van Der Vleuten(Renewable Energy World)

Photo Credit: Energy Research Center

of the Netherlands

Photo Credit:

Energy

ResearchCenter of the

Netherlands

Batik for Educational Purposes Solar Home System

Solar Home SystemMedical Clinic Staff Housing

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Remote Cottages and Homes

Modular

Simple

Reduced noise

No power lines

Cottage:

seasonal load correlation

Photo Credit: Fortum NAPS (Photovoltaics in Cold Climates) Photo Credit: Vadim Belotserkovsky

Photo Credit: Vadim Belotserkovsky

Cottage Home

Hybrid System

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Hybrid Village Power Systems

Cost of diesel fuel and gen set maintenance high

Human Aspects Expectations

Managing demand

Social impacts

Photo Credit: Roger Taylor (NREL PIX)Photo Credit: BP Solarex (NREL PIX)

Village

Rural College

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On-Grid Buildings with PV

Not usuallycost-effective

without subsidies

Justified by:- Environmental benefits

Market stimulus

Long-term commitments bymanufacturers, governments and

utilities have reduced costs

Photo Credit: Atlantis Solar Systeme AG

PV Integrated in Office Glazing

Photo Credit : Solar Design Associates

(IEA PVPS)

Solar Roofing System

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Water Pumping Systems

Special class of off-grid system

Often cost-effective

Livestock watering

Village water supply

Domestic water supply

Source: Photovoltaics in Cold Climates,

Ross & Royer, eds.

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Water Pumping PV Systems

Cost-effective when off-grid

Load correlation Storage in water tank

Seasonal load correlation

Convenient

Reliable

Simple

Photo Credit: Harin Ullal, Central Electronics Ltd. (NREL PIX)Photo Credit: Jerry Anderson,Northwest Rural Public Power District (NREL PIX)

Domestic Water

Cattle Watering System

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Industrial System: Telecom & Monitoring

Very remote sites

Cost of O&M

Simple

No power lines

Decentralised

Photo Credit: Soltek Solar Energy

Photo Credit: Northern Power Systems (NREL PIX)

Seismic Monitoring System

Gas Well-head Monitoring System

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Conclusions

PV for on-grid & off-grid electricity, water pumping

The solar resource is good around the world PV systems installed in all climates

Capital costs high

Cost-effective off-grid

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