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Power Electrical Systems |
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While I have never used solar power for
electricity, I believe that the more
solar power that we can use, the better
it is for mankind. The days of using
diesel, gasoline, coal, and other fossil
fuels for power are rapidly coming to a
close. Environmental concerns aside,
even the best generators create some
sort of background noise, and many
people build their recreational retreats
to escape that sort of noise, which they
may hear every day in the city. |
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I’m a firm believer in doing away with
generators whenever possible, and using
solar power with the sun’s natural
energy wherever we can.
Overview of Photovoltaic Systems
While solar power has been around since
the beginning of time, only recently
have we begun to use it for electrical
purposes |
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Photovoltaic (PV) systems convert sunlight
directly to electricity through the interaction
of sunlight and semiconductor materials in the
PV cells. Multiple PV cells are connected to
form a PV module, which range in power output
from 10 watts to 300 watts. These modules are
then connected to a converter, which allows your
electrical appliances to run off the electricity
provided.
There are three types of PV power systems.
Autonomous systems rely solely on solar
energy to meet your electricity needs, and will
often include solar power batteries which
accumulate power during the day for use at
night. Hybrid systems are very similar,
except there is a fuel-run generator to back up
the PV system. If you are closer to a highway or
a town, grid connected systems are hooked
into your local utilities system, allowing you
to use less of your local utility power. In most
parts of Canada, you must have permission from
your local utility provider to do this, and
current low electricity rates really make PV
systems less cost-effective. If you are
considering the cost of bringing in Hydro to
your property, PV systems may be more
affordable.
Advantages and Drawbacks
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When considering solar power, note that PV
only works when the sun is shining. Most PV
systems will include a battery backup which
accumulates power during the day for use at
night. PV systems are also not recommended
for water heating or heat-related
appliances, as solar heaters are more
effective. Also, the current cost of PV
solutions is still fairly high. Your basic
cost for a 50 system, which might operate
several lights, a small TV and a water pump,
could cost about $700. A more powerful PV
system which might run more lights, a TV,
stereo, microwave oven, and water pump would
cost in the range of $8,000. Finally, note
the temperature around your cabin. On very
hot days, where the temperature is over 25
degrees Celsius, there will be a minor power
reduction.
While there are some drawbacks to a PV
system, there are many advantages. |
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For remote properties, the costs of installing
Hydro poles to bring power to a rural area for
one cabin may be extremely cost-prohibitive.
Diesel or gasoline generators can be noisy, a
cause of pollution, and costly to maintain and
upkeep. PV systems, on the other hand, are low
maintenance, and, once installed, have few, if
any, costs associated with their upkeep. As a
green solution to your power needs, many are
choosing PV systems to provide their electricity
as they would choose an electric or hybrid car
to drive.
What to consider when choosing a PV solution
The first thing to ask yourself, when selecting
a PV system is “How much power do I need?” The
best way to do this is to list the electrical
equipment which will be used over the short term
and the long term. Then determine how much power
each of these pieces of equipment use. Next,
determine how often the energy will be used.
Once you have identified your energy needs, you
can contact a local PV supplier, and obtain
several quotes. |
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When you are setting up your system,
remember that it needs clear and
unobstructive access to sunlight for
most of the day, every day of the year.
The best location for a PV system is a
south-facing roof, as, in North America,
the sun will always be in the southern
half of the sky.
Flat roofs are also good for solar
systems, as the modules can be mounted
on frames which are tilted for the best
angle. They can also be directly
attached to the roof as “PV Shingles”.
If you can’t use your rooftop, PV
modules can be placed on the ground on a
mount that tracks the sun throughout the
day, or create other structures, which
can double as covered parking or shaded
areas for plants. I’ve even seen solar
panels attached to poles facing south
collecting power for nearby batteries.
Try to keep the PV system as close to
the battery bank or home as possible, as
this will lower wiring distances and the
resulting power loss. |
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One thing to keep in mind when purchasing a PV
system in Canada is that twice as much sunlight
is available during the summer than it is during
the winter. If you are looking for a solution
which will provide you with year round power,
you may need a fairly large PV array and battery
system. If you are going to explore a PV system
in Canada, you may want to look at the
efficiency of the PV modules, as well as your
appliances, or go with a hybrid system.
Solar power may be expensive, but in some cases,
it is more feasible and cost-effective than
bringing Hydro all the way out to your property.
Plus the environmental aspects are worth the
outlay. Take advantage of the beautiful BC
weather and explore the exciting possibilities
of solar power for your cabin. |
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