A question always asked is,” What if I need to install a Solar PV System greater than 30 kW (inverter capacity)?
Many medium to large businesses do need a solar PV system greater than 30 kW (inverter capacity). There are protocols in place set by the DNSP (Distributed Network Service Provider – poles and wires company) the pre-requisites for such large systems.
These include Inverters with capacities greater than 30 kW and up to 100kW (PV systems in this range will qualify for the Small Technology Certificates).
You need to
- Seek a Pre-Approval from your DNSP prior to installation of the PV system
- There will be requirements for additional equipment and or testing such as
- Grid Protection unit
- Export control Unit (compatible with the inverter)
- Grid Injection Testing
- Power Quality Testing etc
Additional costs to be wary of…
- There is a processing fee for Preapproval and final approval (depending on the DNSP)
- Grid Protection Unit to match the Inverter(s) capacity
- Injection testing and other prescribed testing will add additional cost to the Solar PV system.
- Export Control will permit you to export a limited kW per hour of the rated capacity of the PV System – This is advised at the Pre-Approval Stage.
You need an experienced solar retailer to advise you and take you through these steps in order to install a solar PV system greater than 30 kW (inverter capacity)
Crystal Solar Energy has installed many solar PV systems in this category. We have experience in
- Pre-Approval with DNSP
- Grid Protection Unit selection / Installation
- Configuration of Export Control Unit in limiting export control (if required)
- Power Quality testing
- Grid Injection Testing.
We consider this added cost in designing your PV system and then provide you advise on
- Total Cost of the System
- Estimated yearly savings on electricity bills from installing large PV Systems
- Payback period
- Financing options
- Power Purchase Agreement (if this is advantageous to the customer)
- Lease Plans if the customer is leasing the premises.
Here again, the answer lies in studying in detail your electricity consumption over a period of time – Interval data gives you 2 years of consumption over 30 minutes duration. Crystal Solar Energy does a detailed analysis of the interval data using state of the art solar PV Software, will reveal the electricity consumed during 24-hour period and during the solar day.
You also need to consider the roof space available, orientation, roof slope etc. This is where Crystal Solar Energy can provide detailed insight into how best to lay the solar panels and provide you the maximum electricity generation to cater to your peak electricity needs during solar day. We provide you detailed analysis, layout, estimated generation through each month of the year and of course, the savings you would make in installing such a system.
A well-engineered solar PV of this size can provide up to 70% of your electricity consumption during the solar day averaged through the year. Crystal Solar Energy’s advice to our customers is,” use the electricity generated for self-consumption. Try to minimise export which does not pay much Feed in Tariff”.
Other key parameters to know in looking for a PV system of this size are
- If the roof has minimal slope, we advise the panels on tilt frame of 15 degrees. This will provide you optimal generation through the year.
- If solar panels are to be installed in tilt frames due to low roof slope, the area required could be twice as shown above. Here again, Crystal Solar Energy will do detailed layout taking into consideration all roof penetrations, Air Conditioning equipment etc. Provide nominated clearances for access and maintenance for this equipment.
- If the roof has a slope of 10 degrees, we recommend lay the panels at roof slope, the cost of installing solar panels on a tilt frame is more and is to be considered with the savings made through higher electricity generation. We consider all these parameters before we advise you the installation type.
- How soon will you be paying off the solar PV installation cost? Here again, we advise you the estimated payback period through analysis.
Crystal Solar Energy value proposition
- Advice – our advice is based on real data supplied to us. The multiple analyses we do to identify the best solution suited to you.
- Offer the best solar panels made by market leaders. This gives you total peace of mind, considering that solar panels should perform well for 25 years (as guaranteed by the manufacturers)
- Very reliable inverters made by reputable manufacturers. With our Engineering background, we analyse inverters and offer a choice of top-quality inverter to consider and choose from. Walk you through the steps of the pros and cons of each inverter e.g., Performance, price, warranty, efficiency etc.
- Installation – A good solar PV system will provide you best results only if the installation is as good. We ensure that the installation is in strict conformance to Australian Standards applicable. This includes DC cables, AC Cables, Isolators and AC breakers etc. Your Safety is never compromised.
- Provide you finance options: i.e., your solar PV system is fully financed, and you do not have to pay any money upfront. You will enjoy the monthly payments which will be lower than your electricity bills you were paying prior to solar PV installation. You will be Cash Positive!
- Provide you full documentation on Solar Panels, Inverters, Warranty Certificates.
- Assist you with monitoring portal for the inverters. Walk you through the steps how to interpret the readings on the portal. You will be able to see the savings you make every day of the year! This is the fun time………. see your investment rewarding you!
- After sales follow up and care.