Rising energy prices and growing environmental concerns are making solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems more attractive to home-owners and businesses. In Antigua & Barbuda the price of electricity has increased by almost 60% over the past 3 years. And while it is impossible to predict what it will be in the future, there can be no doubt that it will be higher than it is today. Installing a Solar PV system in your home or business has a number of benefits, including:
Most solar electric systems last 30 years and pay for themselves in 5 to 7 years. Additionally, indigenous solar energy reduces Antigua & Barbuda’s dependence on imported petroleum products, making the country more energy secure while reducing pollution and greenhouse gases.
- Saving a significant amount on your electric bill.
- Enjoying reliable, clean, free power for 25 to 30 years
- Helping the environment
Most solar electric systems last 30 years and pay for themselves in 5 to 7 years. Additionally, indigenous solar energy reduces Antigua & Barbuda’s dependence on imported petroleum products, making the country more energy secure while reducing pollution and greenhouse gases.
Guide to Owning a solar Photovoltaic System
Types of Solar Photovoltaic Systems
A Solar PV system is typically made up of solar panels, inverter(s), wiring and supporting structure. The three most common types of Solar PV systems are grid-connected, grid-connected with battery backup and off-grid (stand-alone). Each has distinct applications and components.
Grid Connected
In this system, the solar panels are connected to the APUA electric grid to complement your normal power supply. It is important to note that a grid tied system must be connected to the grid to produce electricity. It will not provide you with backup power during a power failure.
Grid-Connected with Battery Backup
Very similar to the grid-connected system, this system adds a “battery bank” to collect the power generated from the solar panels. Power stored in the batteries can be used during power outages. The battery bank collects power produced by the solar panels, sends it to the breaker box, and then into the house power system.
Off-Grid or Stand-Alone
Off-grid systems are not tied to any utility power lines. In off-grid systems, the solar electric system represents the home’s main source of power. Batteries store unused solar energy for use at night.
Power Produced by a Solar Electric System
Solar panels are assigned a rating in watts based on the maximum power they can produce under ideal sun and temperature conditions. You can use this rated output to estimate the number of panels you’ll need to meet some or all of your electricity needs. However, the exact amount of energy produced by a solar electric system also depends on roof orientation and tilt, as well as other factors such as shading, dust, panel conversion, and wire losses.
In Antigua & Barbuda, an average 1-kilowatt system with optimal orientation and tilt will produce between 1,400 and 1,700 kilowatt hours per year. For the average Antigua & Barbuda household with a monthly electricity consumption of 300 kWh, a 2,000 Wp system will offset at least 80% of its monthly electricity bill. That number could be lower or higher depending on the amount of sunlight your home receives each year and the energy efficiency of your home.
Shading
Shading a panel reduces its performance because it blocks sunlight. The most common items that shade solar panels are trees, nearby buildings, and electrical cables. Also check shading from pipes, skylights, and vents. To determine possible shading problems, consult a solar professional who uses a software program that can estimate site shading. Some people will examine a proposed location throughout the day and year to see how the area shading changes. For example, shading in an area can change from summer to winter because the sun’s path changes.
How to Choose a System
When purchasing a solar electric system, the right choice will depend on how much sunlight your roof receives, your budget, how much of your electricity bill you want to offset with solar power, how much room you have on your roof or in your yard, and where the solar panels will be mounted.
Installation and Maintenance
Before purchasing a solar electric system, home-owners need to be aware of issues that affect system installation and maintenance.
Installation
Using a professional, APUA certified contractor to install your solar electric system can prevent problems with the system caused by improper installation and maintenance.
Questions to ask any solar energy dealer and installer include:
What experience and certification do you have?
A Solar PV system is typically made up of solar panels, inverter(s), wiring and supporting structure. The three most common types of Solar PV systems are grid-connected, grid-connected with battery backup and off-grid (stand-alone). Each has distinct applications and components.
Grid Connected
In this system, the solar panels are connected to the APUA electric grid to complement your normal power supply. It is important to note that a grid tied system must be connected to the grid to produce electricity. It will not provide you with backup power during a power failure.
Grid-Connected with Battery Backup
Very similar to the grid-connected system, this system adds a “battery bank” to collect the power generated from the solar panels. Power stored in the batteries can be used during power outages. The battery bank collects power produced by the solar panels, sends it to the breaker box, and then into the house power system.
Off-Grid or Stand-Alone
Off-grid systems are not tied to any utility power lines. In off-grid systems, the solar electric system represents the home’s main source of power. Batteries store unused solar energy for use at night.
Power Produced by a Solar Electric System
Solar panels are assigned a rating in watts based on the maximum power they can produce under ideal sun and temperature conditions. You can use this rated output to estimate the number of panels you’ll need to meet some or all of your electricity needs. However, the exact amount of energy produced by a solar electric system also depends on roof orientation and tilt, as well as other factors such as shading, dust, panel conversion, and wire losses.
In Antigua & Barbuda, an average 1-kilowatt system with optimal orientation and tilt will produce between 1,400 and 1,700 kilowatt hours per year. For the average Antigua & Barbuda household with a monthly electricity consumption of 300 kWh, a 2,000 Wp system will offset at least 80% of its monthly electricity bill. That number could be lower or higher depending on the amount of sunlight your home receives each year and the energy efficiency of your home.
Shading
Shading a panel reduces its performance because it blocks sunlight. The most common items that shade solar panels are trees, nearby buildings, and electrical cables. Also check shading from pipes, skylights, and vents. To determine possible shading problems, consult a solar professional who uses a software program that can estimate site shading. Some people will examine a proposed location throughout the day and year to see how the area shading changes. For example, shading in an area can change from summer to winter because the sun’s path changes.
How to Choose a System
When purchasing a solar electric system, the right choice will depend on how much sunlight your roof receives, your budget, how much of your electricity bill you want to offset with solar power, how much room you have on your roof or in your yard, and where the solar panels will be mounted.
Installation and Maintenance
Before purchasing a solar electric system, home-owners need to be aware of issues that affect system installation and maintenance.
Installation
Using a professional, APUA certified contractor to install your solar electric system can prevent problems with the system caused by improper installation and maintenance.
Questions to ask any solar energy dealer and installer include:
What experience and certification do you have?
- How long have you been in business?
- What do you know about electrical requirements, and codes?
- Are your installers APUA certified?
- Do you offer maintenance service?
- What warranties do you offer?
