Industrial Systems
In many cases, electricity must be provided to a site that is not served
by utility power. In many of these cases, Photovoltaic systems can provide
the answer. The number of industrial remote power systems installed and
operating around the world is growing rapidly every year. Photovoltaic
power has been sucessfully employed to power a diverse array of government
and commercial aplications, including radio repeater sites, remote telemetry,
cellular phone sites, airport lighting systems, water pumping, camp power,
and just about any other aplication that requires reasonable amounts of
power with low maintainance and high reliability. When choosing a power
source for a remote site, the following parameters should be addressed:
- COST AVOIDED- The cost of utility line extension can easily pay for
small and medium sized systems at distances of a few tenths of a mile or
more.
- ACCESS TO THE SITE- A properly planned solar electric system will operate
unattended with very little. Remote installations operated with PV systems
will require very little attention, and considerable savings in labor and
travel can often be realized.
- FUEL - If using a generator, the difficulty of delivering fuel to the
site can actually cost much more than the fuel itself. solar panels do
not require periodic fueling, so a 100% savings can be realized in this
department.
- OPERATING COST- Solar electric generators require only minimal maintainance,
so much money can be saved in reduced parts replacement and labor costs.
These units very seldom fail even after years of unattended service, something
few if any generators can boast.
- LONGEVITY- Crystalline solar panels have very logn service lives. Power
output warraties of 20 yers or more are not uncommon.
- CLEAN-Solar panels create no noise, pollution,or harmful affects. They
are absolutely benign to the environment.
If you or your organization are considering a project, we can prepare
a quote for your needs. Technical assistance and on site installation and
service is available, just call!
From Sandia National Laboratories:
here are some reccomendations for constructing a reliable solar electric
system that can be used for several decades, compiled from experienced
field techs:
- Keep it simple - Complexity lowers reliability and increases the
need for technical support.
- Understand system availability - Achieving 99+ percent availability
with any one energy system is expensive.
- Be thorough but realistic when estimating the load - A 25% safety
factor will cost you a great deal of money.
- Know the installation site before designing the system - A Site
visit is recommended to determine component placement, wire runs, shading
and terrain peculiarities.
- Install the system carefully - Make each connection as if it had
to last 30 years-it does. Use the right tools and technique. The system
reliability is no higher than its weakest connection.
- Plan periodic maintenance - Photovoltaic systems have an enviable
record for unattended operation, but no system works forever without some
care.
- Calculate the life-cycle cost (LCC) to compare photovoltaic to alternatives
- LCC reflects the complete cost of owning and operating a system.
Some typical Industrial Applications:
- Outdoor Lighting
- Telecommunications
- Railroad Signaling
- Village Electrification
- Water Pumping
- Telemetry
- Warning Signals
- Rest Area Facilities
