Domestic Photovoltaic Power System Options
There are four types of domestic photovoltaic systems:
DC Systems are the most basic form of energy in domestic applications. DC Appliances are generally more expensive but can supply the most basic needs of electricity.
Island System (Off-Grid System)
These systems consists of an inverter and batteries which will sypply normal AC appliances. Energy will be generated and charged into the batteries with photovoltaic panels and/or wind turbines. Backup is available in the form of generators that could be manually switched over to replace the island system in the case of long consecutive overcast days.
Mulyi-Hybrid systems consists of a combination of Grid-tie and Island systems. The advantages of a Multi Hybrid system is that no cycling would occur during Grid mode, and thus would extend battery life significantly. Back-up is all automatically controlled via the island inverter that would utilise battery power as primary source and generatoir as standby.
Power generated by photovoltaic modules are fed into the national utility grid by grid syncronised inverters. This would reduce the electricity required from main utility supplier.
Click on the image below to download an Excel document that will assist you with the energy needs calculation
