Faced with increasingly serious global warming, the use of renewable energy sources such as solar power is considered a global trend. The diversity in the installation of solar power systems helps to suit the diverse needs of many users, making this type of energy more widely used. Let's join GREEN IN Find out about the commonly used solar power systems today through the article below!
1. Rooftop solar power system
This is a solar power system installed on the roof of a house, industrial park, or civil construction with a capacity requirement not exceeding 01 MWp and will be directly/indirectly connected to the national grid.
It can be seen that the most important thing for this solar power system is that the solar panels will be installed on the roof of a house, civil or industrial construction. In which, civil and industrial constructions are defined in the Construction Law as construction works to serve the needs of housing, living and economic, cultural and social activities of people. These works include houses, schools, hospitals, commercial centers, hotels, stadiums, theaters, museums, and similar works.
2. Grid-connected solar power system
Grid-connected solar power is a solar power system that operates on the principle of converting the sun's radiation into electricity and connecting directly to the national grid. This model is divided into two main types: power systems with storage and power systems without storage. This is a solar power system commonly used in households, office buildings, schools, hospitals, industrial parks, commercial centers, etc. and is often installed on rooftops.
2.1. Advantages of grid-connected solar power system
- Simple system design significantly reduces initial investment costs and is easy to maintain and inspect.
- The system has a lifespan of up to more than 30 years without the need to replace the main equipment.
- Stable power supply even when there is no sun, at night, on rainy days, or cloudy weather.
- The payback period is short, only about 4-5 years. After that, users enjoy free electricity and earn additional income from selling excess electricity.
- Reduce pressure on the national power system during the dry season and peak hours during the day, while providing a stable power source, helping to limit the risk of power shortages.
- Use clean and sustainable renewable energy, thereby contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the planet from the greenhouse effect.
2.2. Disadvantages of grid-connected solar power systems
- The cost of installing a grid-connected solar power system is relatively high.
- Grid-connected solar power cannot be used if the national grid is down.
3. Floating solar power system
Floating solar power (FPV floating photovoltaic) is a solar power system installed floating on the water surface. The difference from other solar power models is that the solar panel system is arranged with a floating structure to keep them on the surface. Normally, floating solar power systems are often installed in natural lakes and reservoirs because they are calmer than the ocean.
3.1. Advantages of floating solar power systems
- Save land area by utilizing water areas such as reservoirs, wastewater treatment ponds or hydroelectric lakes.
- Water cools the panels, helping them operate more efficiently, especially in hot climates.
- Environmental protection.
- Reduce evaporation in lakes and ponds, reducing the risk of water shortage.
- Limits algae growth, protects water quality and ecosystems.
- Is a clean renewable energy source, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
3.2. Disadvantages of floating solar power systems
- Requires specialized equipment and higher installation techniques, increasing investment costs compared to rooftop or ground systems.
- Mainly suitable for large projects, difficult to deploy for households or small scale due to the requirement of large water surface space.
4. Independent solar power system
Off-grid solar power is an energy system that is not connected to the grid, meaning that the electricity is completely removed from the grid. This system uses renewable energy produced through solar panels, independent inverters, charge controllers and battery banks. This power system operates completely autonomously, storing energy from sunlight in batteries to provide electricity to the house. In this system, the battery acts as a backup source, instead of depending on the grid as in a grid-connected solar power system - where the grid plays a supporting role when needed.
4.1. Advantages of independent solar power system
- The system is not connected to the grid, allowing users to not be bound by the terms and policies of the power company.
- In the event of a power outage, the independent solar power system still ensures a stable power supply, especially suitable for hospitals that require continuous operation of medical equipment.
- Once you switch to off-grid solar, you won't have to pay any electricity bills.
- The solar energy system not only enhances the green orientation but also creates an impression of modernity for the building.
- Use clean energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to environmental protection.
- Control your power source, not affected by power outages from the grid.
4.2. Disadvantages of independent solar power systems
- The system requires a large investment, including battery storage and/or backup generators to ensure operation when there is no sunlight.
- Storage batteries have limited capacity, and on cloudy or rainy days, the stored power may not be sufficient.
- Users need to use electricity economically and efficiently to ensure sufficient energy sources to meet their needs, and carefully consider when choosing the right investment solution.
5. Hybrid solar power system
Hybrid solar power system is a combination of grid-tied solar power model and off-grid solar power model. Hybrid system provides flexible solution when combining the use of energy from the national grid and stored energy sources, while integrating the ability to generate electricity from solar energy, helping to optimize energy savings.
5.1. Advantages of hybrid solar power system
- Hybrid system reduces electricity bills by utilizing solar energy, especially during peak hours.
- Provides stable power during power outages or lack of sunlight.
- Sell excess electricity, thereby earning extra income and reducing the load on the national grid.
- Reduce emissions and dependence on non-renewable energy.
- Easy to scale, long life and stable long-term operation.
- Install on roof or unused area, saving land.
5.2. Disadvantages of hybrid solar power systems
- Hybrid systems require a large budget due to the use of both storage batteries and control equipment.
- Complex maintenance process, requiring regular maintenance, especially for storage batteries.
- Electricity generation capacity is reduced in low sunlight conditions.
- Solar panels have limited capacity and cannot meet high demand for long periods of time.
6. Conclusion
The above article has helped you learn about popular solar power systems today. Hopefully our information will be of some help to you. Don't forget to follow the next articles at GREEN IN for more updated information!