Stand_Alone_PV_System_Using_PVSyst
PVSyst TUTORIAL
STAND ALONE SOLAR PV SYSTEM
What is a stand alone solar system?
This is a type of system which is not connected to electric grid. We have a PV array to convert sunlight into electricity and then we store this energy in a battery as chemical energy.
This stored energy is then utilized when needed. This system is also known as off-grid system.
What are the components of stand alone system?
We will take a look at the processes involved. We have to convert sunlight into electricity so, we need a PV array. This electricity has to be stored, so we use a battery. We cannot directly feed electricity from PV module to battery. There is a component which keeps both PV module and battery happy, that is a charge controller. This ensures that our battery is not overcharged and at the same time operates our PV module at its maximum efficiency (not all charge controllers).
Are these the only components used? The answer is NO. We have a big task of powering all our appliances. We hardly have any DC powered appliance at home. All our appliances like
TV, Computers, and Microwave etc. are AC powered. So, we have to convert DC electricity from battery into AC by using an inverter.
Applications of stand alone systems:
Some commonly found systems are calculators, wristwatches, cell phone towers, road signals, street lights, road signs, water pumping system, ATM machines, portable systems to name a few.
Our objective is to learn how to design this system using PVSyst and I will stick to that while providing occasional references and examples. If you don’t have PVSyst installed in your computer, please use this link http://www.pvsyst.com/en/download and download a demo version.
1|Page
PVSyst TUTORIAL
Introduction:
Open PVSyst and in the main screen, you will find three options,
1. Preliminary design,
2. Project design, and
3. Tools
1. Preliminary design:
This helps you design a system with fewer options like type of system, location,
STAND ALONE SOLAR PV SYSTEM
What is a stand alone solar system?
This is a type of system which is not connected to electric grid. We have a PV array to convert sunlight into electricity and then we store this energy in a battery as chemical energy.
This stored energy is then utilized when needed. This system is also known as off-grid system.
What are the components of stand alone system?
We will take a look at the processes involved. We have to convert sunlight into electricity so, we need a PV array. This electricity has to be stored, so we use a battery. We cannot directly feed electricity from PV module to battery. There is a component which keeps both PV module and battery happy, that is a charge controller. This ensures that our battery is not overcharged and at the same time operates our PV module at its maximum efficiency (not all charge controllers).
Are these the only components used? The answer is NO. We have a big task of powering all our appliances. We hardly have any DC powered appliance at home. All our appliances like
TV, Computers, and Microwave etc. are AC powered. So, we have to convert DC electricity from battery into AC by using an inverter.
Applications of stand alone systems:
Some commonly found systems are calculators, wristwatches, cell phone towers, road signals, street lights, road signs, water pumping system, ATM machines, portable systems to name a few.
Our objective is to learn how to design this system using PVSyst and I will stick to that while providing occasional references and examples. If you don’t have PVSyst installed in your computer, please use this link http://www.pvsyst.com/en/download and download a demo version.
1|Page
PVSyst TUTORIAL
Introduction:
Open PVSyst and in the main screen, you will find three options,
1. Preliminary design,
2. Project design, and
3. Tools
1. Preliminary design:
This helps you design a system with fewer options like type of system, location,