Solution
Which of the Following
Would You Like to Get❓❓
😟 Don't Worry 😟
✅ If your need is the first one, you should install an Ongrid solar system.
✅ But if your need is the second number, then you have to install an off-grid solar system.
✅ The first is your friend forever . 🙂 🙂
✅ The second one 😒 😒 is your four-year-old friend only, and the first one allows you to run all electrical or electronic items of home, office & factory as much as you want. 😍
✅ But you can’t run all items with the second one. In short, you cannot operate any heavy electrical objects. Such as pumps, air conditioners, induction ovens etc. 🥸
✅ Watch the video below for details, you will understand.
These Videos are Simple Explanation of Different Solar system
- We have been dealing with solar systems for the past 17 years with 9 branches and 53 service partners.
- No one can give you the solar system in India at the right price and right means than us.
- Compare it by yourself and give us your honest feedback if u get a better deal than us ..
- Reliable Renewable Energy with innovation
How is a On Grid System Working?
Solar panels absorb photons from sunlight and the process of generating electricity begins. As these photons get absorbed by the panels it leads to the free flow of electrons. This aggressive vibration of electrons generates electric Direct Current (DC). This generated current travels through wires passes through charge controllers and enters the inverter. Here, it gets converted into Alternating Current (AC) which is usable by appliances. Direct Current (DC) cannot be used by appliances; therefore, conversion is necessary. Once the requirements of all appliances are fulfilled, the remaining energy is transferred to the utility grid. In an on-grid solar system, the utility grid acts as a battery where all excess energy is fed. This is termed as banking of energy. Another interesting fact to learn about what is on grid solar system.At night, in the absence of solar energy, loads import the banked energy from the grid. Similarly, in case of less power generation on a cloudy day, the grid will supply the required energy to the loads. Toward the end of the month, a bidirectional meter calculates the bill considering the export and import of energy.
What Are On Grid Solar System Advantages?
With the utility grid serving as a storage battery not being to only benefit of this solar system, take a look at the grid solar system advantages.
With the cost of batteries being eliminated the overall cost of an on-grid solar system reduces considerably. Also, this solar system generates the highest amount of power in comparison to other solar system types. Again, with a reduced monthly bill and minimal maintenance charges, you get around 25%-35% Return on Investment (ROI). As per this, the customer earns a good sum of money on the amount they invested in installing solar panel systems.
With no batteries involved maintenance of an on-grid solar system becomes easier. Also, the cost of replacing and repairing batteries is also eliminated. Plus, there is hardly any maintenance cost or special effort required to maintain. Get to know about what is on grid solar system advantages for better understanding before deciding.
With a bidirectional meter and a net meter, you need to pay only for the units consumed after stored solar energy is exhausted. With very little consumption of electricity from utility providers, your electricity bill will be gradually lesser than usual. Several consumers mentioned having reduced about 90% of their bills.
In case of grid power is unavailable, you can connect a diesel generator to serve the purpose. This on-grid solar system can be synchronized with various power sources.
An on-grid solar system increases the resale value of your house or business. With more and more people shifting to solar panels for electricity generation, look out for houses with pre-installed solar systems. It saves up their time and effort which you get to benefit from it.
What Are On Grid Solar System Limitations?
After learning the advantages, you should also consider looking at the on grid solar system disadvantages.
With an on-grid solar system, there will be no electricity in times of power outages. Though such situations are quite uncommon in urban areas, there are exceptions leading to such situations as human error on the grid, storms, or other weather conditions.
Your solar panel system needs to generate enough power to meet the requirements and for this solar panels need a sunny location with little shading. Now, every roof type does not support solar panel systems, and installing the panels at irrelevant places leads to reduced productivity.
From installation to equipment, the initial upfront cost is high for an on-grid solar system. Try looking out for financing options available in your region to reduce this cost. So, the answer to what is on grid solar system is the solar system connected to the utility grid of your house or office. This system is beneficial in many ways plus it is not as complicated as the hybrid solar system. I guess you understood what is on the grid system working. Why not share this information with a newbie with green energy resolution to help him or her in deciding which solar system is better for them?
Working of an On-grid Solar system
- The working of an On-Grid PV system isn’t super complex. We’ve simplified it for you. Have a look.
What is an Off-Grid Solar system?
An off-grid solar system is a solar panel system that generates electricity, stores that power in solar batteries, and runs independently from the power grid. These systems encourage off-the-grid living, a lifestyle centered around energy independence and self-sustainability.
Living “off the grid” has become more popular recently because of the rising cost of energy, fuel, food, and other necessities. Electricity costs have increased in the last decade, leading many consumers to look for alternative forms of power for their homes. Solar energy is a sustainable form of green energy that can power your home independently from the electrical grid. However, off-grid solar systems require different components compared to grid-tied (sometimes called on-grid) systems.
Explore how off-grid systems differ from traditional grid-connected solar systems, how much they cost, and the factors to consider before installing an off-grid solar system.
Advantages of an off-grid solar system
With an off-grid system, you will not receive an energy bill from your utility.
You will produce 100% of the electricity you use.
Your off-grid system will work even if the power grid experiences an outage.
The power grid does not connect to some remote or rural locations. An off-grid system provides electricity in these cases.
Disadvantages of an Off-Grid Solar system
Off-grid systems have different requirements and can end up with a higher pricetag than grid-tied systems.
In some areas, it is illegal to disconnect from the grid. Be sure to check whether you live in one of these regions before purchasing an off-grid solar system.
If the weather in your area is rainy or cloudy for several days, you could run out of stored electricity and not have power.
With an off-grid system, you cannot receive credits from net metering programs or use electricity from the grid if your battery storage runs out. For most consumers, this means off-grid solar is very risky.
What is the drawback of Off-Grid solar system?
The Disadvantages of an Off Grid Solar System :
As an off grid solar system requires larger storage, more solar panels, a larger inverter and in some cases even a generator, they are often double the price of a grid-tied system.
Working on an Off Grid Solar system
- The working of an On-Grid PV system isn’t super complex. We’ve simplified it for you. Have a look.
Off-Grid vs. Grid-tied Solar system
If you are interested in buying a solar system for your home, one of the first decisions you will need to make is whether to connect it to the power grid or not. The majority of solar panel owners remain connected to the grid because it allows them to draw electricity from the grid when their panels are not producing enough energy and provides access to net metering programs.
However, there are some consumers who are interested in solar specifically because it could help them live separately from the power grid. Here are some of the ways that off-grid systems differ from solar systems that are connected to the grid.
Hybrid Solar systems
An alternative to off-grid solar systems is a hybrid system, which remains tied to the grid but includes a solar battery bank to store excess energy. Hybrid systems can be a happy medium between off-grid systems and grid-tied systems that don’t have solar storage options.
With a hybrid solar system, you can increase your home’s energy independence by using electricity that you store during times of high production. Meanwhile, if inclement weather impacts your system’s energy production or you run out of stored power, you can pull power from the grid.
Whether you choose an off-grid, grid-tied, or hybrid solar system, make sure you consider all of your home’s energy needs beforehand. Cost, energy production, storage, and reliability are all important factors that should all come into play. Biggoz can help you make the most informed decision on all things solar.
What Is an Energy Audit?
An energy audit is conducted at a residential or commercial building to determine its energy efficiency. Simply put, energy efficiency means using less energy to do the same job. The audit will provide you with a complete electricity consumption and energy efficiency assessment.
You can obtain important information regarding your energy usage and Energy Star rating from the audit report. With this information, you can identify and correct any energy usage issues to cut electricity costs. It’s advisable to always undertake an energy audit before implementing a renewable energy system.
Why Is An Energy Audit Important?
Conducting a routine energy audit ensures you’re reducing your carbon footprint and continuing to be energy efficient by continuously employing new energy conservation improvements. Here’s a quick list of why an energy audit is important:
- An energy audit will identify energy-saving opportunities.
- It will help you understand your energy usage and ways to use energy better.
- An energy audit can identify safety concerns with electrical systems, wiring, and ventilation, thus making your home or business safer.
- It will increase a home’s resale value.
- An energy audit will help you identify how to reduce carbon monoxide production in the home or business.
The reason for doing an energy audit is to identify energy efficiency problems and energy-saving opportunities in a home or business. Essentially, with a detailed energy audit report, you can see what is using more electricity than it should. This will help you determine where you can make improvements that will not only help you save money on electricity costs but will also help you better fight climate change.
Yes, energy audits are worth doing. They assess how energy-efficient your home or building is so you know where to make changes. You can save from 5–30% on your energy bills by implementing your auditor’s suggestions. Plus, by making such changes, you can positively impact the environment and reduce your carbon emissions.
The time it takes to complete an energy audit depends on the size of your property and the number of appliances and electronics you have. It will also depend on how many windows and doors you have and the type of audit you have chosen. On average, a home energy audit takes between three to four hours to complete.
Professional energy auditors and those who choose to audit their own homes will use an energy audit checklist. This checklist is a printed report detailing the various aspects of a home or business that need to be audited.
On your energy audit checklist, you will likely find the following categories:
- Lighting
- Electric motors
- Air leakage
- Insulation
- Water heating
- Household or business heating systems
- Cooling systems
- Electronics
- Doors and windows
- Habits
Solar Pumping System
India has been known as a country of cultivation for thousand years. Country farmers and land owners have relied on natural water supply that is monsoon, rivers and canals sprawling across the country for supporting their farming activity but many times their effort fell short to support this activity, under such situation only irrigation process by way of adapting different pumping types and process could be the savior. These pumps are run on either diesel or electricity or both. Rising cost of electricity and diesel are hammering their cost of farming activity, reduction of profit margin and increasing overall price off their product which is again bringing bad luck in absence of non availability off desired margin & price. Adoption of renewable energy based farming pumping systems can we a good savior to a large extent which will not only give them free of mind but also reduce their stress about availability of water when needed for farming and cultivation.
These pumps can be monoblock submersible type or surface mounting type and can run on electricity as well as solar or wind or both. Solar pump has become great boon which increases their crop yield by ensuring reliable and perennial supply of water to their fields,
We offer both DC and AC range of Solar Water Pumps in both Surface and Submersible categories. These pumps help reduce farmers’ dependency on expensive fuels and their maintenance costs as opposed to conventional irrigation systems. Till Date we have installed more than 800+ solar pumping systems across the 8 states in east and North East region of India
PM-KUSUM Scheme
Taking the flagship Government program to farmers in the country PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) Scheme, has been launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) for setting up subsidized solar pumps and distributed solar power plants across the country. It is one of the biggest initiatives in the world to provide clean energy to more than 3.5 million farmers across India.
- The scheme aims to add solar capacity of 30,800 MW by 2022 with total central financial support of Rs. 34,422 Crore including service charges to the implementing agencies.
- The Scheme consists of three components:
- Component A: 10,000 MW of solar capacity through installation of small Solar Power Plants of individual plants of capacity upto 2 MW.
- Component B: Installation of 20 lakh standalone Solar Powered Agriculture Pumps.
- Component C: Solarisation of 15 Lakh Grid-connected Agriculture Pumps.
- Till 31.03.2026
Component A
- Solar energy-based power plants (SEPP) of capacity 500 kW to 2 MW will be setup by individual farmers/ group of farmers/ cooperatives/ panchayats/ Farmer Producer Organisations (FPO)/Water User associations (WUA) hereinafter called Solar Power Generator (SPG). In the above specified entities are not able to arrange equity required for setting up the SEPP, they can opt for developing the SEPP through developer(s) or even through local DISCOM, which will be considered as SPG in this case.
- DISCOMs will notify sub-station wise surplus capacity which can be fed from such SEPP to the Grid and shall invite applications from interested beneficiaries for setting up the solar energy plants.
- The solar power generated will be purchased by DISCOMs at a feed-in-tariff (FiT) determined by respective State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC).
- DISCOM would be eligible to get PBI @ Rs. 0.40 per unit purchased or Rs. 6.6 lakh per MW of capacity installed, whichever is less, for a period of five years from the Commercial Operation Date (COD).
- Individual farmers will be supported to install standalone solar Agriculture pumps of capacity up to 7.5 HP in off-grid areas, where grid supply is not available.
- CFA of 30% of the benchmark cost or the tender cost, whichever is lower, of the stand-alone solar Agriculture pump will be provided. The State Government will give at-least a subsidy of 30%; and the remaining at-most 40% will be provided by the farmer. Bank finance can be availed by farmer, so that farmer has to initially pay only 10% of the cost and remaining up to 30% of the cost as loan.
- In North Eastern States, Sikkim, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, Lakshadweep and A&N Islands, CFA of 50% of the benchmark cost or the tender cost, whichever is lower, of the stand-alone solar pump will be provided. The State Government will give at-least subsidy of 30%; and the remaining at-most 20% will be provided by the farmer.
- Individual farmers having grid connected agriculture pump will be supported to solarise pumps. Solar PV capacity up to two times of pump capacity in kW is allowed under the scheme.
- The farmer will be able to use the generated solar power to meet the irrigation needs and the excess solar power will be sold to DISCOMs.
- CFA of 30% of the benchmark cost or the tender cost, whichever is lower, of the solar PV component will be provided. The State Government will give at-least subsidy of 30%; and the remaining at-most 40% will be provided by the farmer. Bank finance can be availed by farmer, so that farmer has to initially pay only 10% of the cost and remaining up to 30% of the cost as loan.
- In North Eastern States, Sikkim, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, Lakshadweep and A&N Islands, CFA of 50% of the benchmark cost or the tender cost, whichever is lower, of the solar PV component will be provided. The State Government will give a subsidy of at-least 30%; and the remaining at-most 20% will be provided by the farmer.
- Instead of the individual solar pumps the states can solarize the agriculture feeders. Guidelines were issued on 04.12.2020.
- Where agriculture feeders are not separated, loan for feeder separation may be taken from NABARD or PFC/REC. Further, assistance for feeder separation may be availed from the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) of the Ministry of Power. However, mixed can also be solarised.
- Solar plants of capacity that can cater to the requirement of the agriculture load of the selected feeder can be installed through CAPEX/RESCO mode for a project period of 25 years.
- CFA of 30% on the cost of installation of solar power plant (up to Rs. 1.05 Cr/MW) will be provided. However, in the North Eastern States, Sikkim, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, Lakshadweep, and A&N Islands 50% subsidy is available.
- The farmers will get day-time reliable power for irrigation free of cost or at tariff fixed by their respective state.
Component A
- The Solar power generated will be purchased by DISCOMs at a feed-in-tariff (FiT) approved by the respective State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC).
- In case the farmers/ group of farmers/ cooperatives/ panchayats/ Farmer Producer Organisations (FPO)etc. are not able to arrange equity required for setting up the SEPP, they can opt for developing the SEPP through developer(s) or even through local DISCOM, which will be considered as RPG in this case. In such a case, the land owner will get the lease rent as mutually agreed between the parties.
- To avail of the PBI, the Implementing Agencies are requested to submit their claims for the projects which have been completed one year post their commissioning date, till 5 years from COD, along with the Signed Copy of the Joint Metering Report and Receipt of lease rent paid to the beneficiary/land-owner, wherever applicable.
- State-wise allocation for solar pumps and solarisation of existing grid-connected pumps will be issued by MNRE, after approval by a Screening Committee under the chairmanship of the Secretary, MNRE.
- On acceptance of the allocated quantity by the implementation agencies and submission of the detailed proposal as per MNRE format, within a given time, the final sanction will be issued by MNRE.
- Projects for solarisation or installation of pumping systems shall be completed within 24 months from the date of sanction by MNRE. Extension in project completion timelines, up to a maximum period of three months, will be considered at the level of Group Head in MNRE and up to 6 months at the level of Secretary in MNRE on submission of valid reasons by the implementing agency.
- Funds up to 40% of the applicable CFA for the sanctioned quantity would be released as advance to the implementing agency only after placement of letter of award(s) to the selected vendors.
- The balance eligible CFA along with applicable service charges would be released on acceptance of the Project Completion Report in the prescribed format, Utilization Certificates as per GFR, and other related documents by the Ministry.
- MNRE CFA and State Government’s subsidy will be adjusted in the system cost and the beneficiary will have to pay only the remaining balance.
- CFA applicable under the FLS can be released in the following manner wrt CAPEX/ RESCO mode of implementation of the FLS.
- CAPEX:- Advance CFA up to 40% of the total eligible CFA will be released to DISCOMs on completion of tendering process and signing of work agreement with EPC contractor selected for installation of solar power plant. Balance CFA will be released on successful commissioning of solar power plant and plant starts supplying power to agriculture feeder(s).
- RESCO:- No advance CFA. Further, the CFA up to 100% of the total eligible CFA will be released to the RESCO developer through DISCOM on successful commissioning and declaration of the Commercial Operation Date (COD) of the solar power plant.
You choose Biggoz for Solar Pumps that are ideal for Drinking water solutions, efficient and reliable, our selected pumps are built with high quality materials which provide a long and trouble free life. The pumps can be used to pump water from bore wells and underground sumps. This water can be stored in an overhead tanks and be distributed as required. The pumps can also be adapted to work in conjunction with hand pumps. With sufficient solar radiation, water is available with the flick of a switch. When solar radiation is insufficient, the hand pump and be used manually to draw water.
Biggoz has long tradition to provide quality product within reasonable price. We choose Solar Pumps that are ideal for a variety of irrigation applications like Flood irrigation, Drip irrigation, Sprinkler irrigation, livestock watering, green houses and many more. The pumps can be used to draw water from bore wells, open wells, rivers and canals and irrigate land and livestock. The head and discharge that these pumps generate make them ideal for sprinkler and drip irrigation systems. With no operating costs as compared to diesel operated pumps, these solar pumps are the best solution for farmers. We are associated with number of renowned and famous manufacturer who are MNRE approved and trusted brand in Indian subcontinent. You can avail bothe DC and AC pump as per your requirement with wide variety and functional choices.
Solar pool pumps are ideally suited for residential and commercial pools and spas for water circulation and filtration systems. Efficient, silent and requiring very little maintenance, these pumps help save operating costs and reduce carbon footprint. We have served as trusted partner for a lot of very renowned clubs and various housing societies who are maintaining and having pool for their members.
Solar Water Heating
Solar water heating systems collect the thermal energy of the sun and use it to heat water in homes and businesses. The systems can be installed in any climate to reduce utility bills and are composed of three main parts: the solar collector, insulated piping, and a hot water storage tank.
Both solar water heating systems and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems involve collector panels, however, they are different technologies. Solar water heating systems use radiation from the sun to generate heat for water, whereas PV systems produce electricity.
Solar water heating systems can either rely on electric pumps to circulate water (active) or rely on thermodynamics (passive). Active solar water heating systems are more common in residential and commercial use. Passive solar water heating systems are typically less expensive, but they are also less efficient.
Storage Tanks and Solar Collectors
Most solar water heaters require a well-insulated storage tank. Solar storage tanks have an additional outlet and inlet connected to and from the collector. In two-tank systems, the solar water heater preheats water before it enters the conventional water heater. In one-tank systems, the back-up heater is combined with the solar storage in one tank.
Three types of solar collectors are used for residential applications:
- Glazed flat-plate collectors are insulated, weatherproofed boxes that contain a dark absorber plate under one or more glass or plastic (polymer) covers. Unglazed flat-plate collectors — typically used for solar pool heating — have a dark absorber plate, made of metal or polymer, without a cover or enclosure.
- Also known as ICS or batch systems, they feature one or more black tanks or tubes in an insulated, glazed box. Cold water first passes through the solar collector, which preheats the water. The water then continues on to the conventional backup water heater, providing a reliable source of hot water. They should be installed only in mild-freeze climates because the outdoor pipes could freeze in severe, cold weather.
They feature parallel rows of transparent glass tubes. Each tube contains a glass outer tube and metal absorber tube attached to a fin. The fin’s coating absorbs solar energy but inhibits radiative heat loss. These collectors are used more frequently for U.S. commercial applications.
What Are Evacuated Tubes?
- Two Concentric Glass tubes sealed with vacuum in between
- Inner Tube coated black – special coating to absorb heat like a black body
- Presence of Vacuum prevents heat loss to environment
- Heat will be transferred to water inside the tubes to heat it up
Evacuated Tubes with Heat Pipes
- Copper Tube filled with a Thermic Fluid inserted into the Evacuated Tube
Under low pressure (due to vacuum) thermic fluid evaporates fast.
glazing). On the other hand, solar Evacuated Tube Collectors contain rows of tubes that are constructed by enclosing metal absorber tubes inside transparent glass tubes. And, the air in the space between the two tubes is removed to create a vacuum, which prevents convective, or conductive heat loss.
Have a look at the comparison between ETC (evacuated tube solar collector) and FPC for solar water heating!
| S.N. | Particular | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cost of solar system | Slowly heat water |
| 2 | The efficiency of the collector on higher temperature is high | The efficiency of the collector on higher temperature is low |
| 3 | Negligible heat loss in the tubes during the daytime (evacuated tube solar water heater) | Higher heat loss (due to convection) in the collector & tank during the day-time |
| 4 | Convection and Convecting losses are low | Convection and Convecting losses are high |
| 5 | Low emissivity | High emissivity |
| 6 | Satisfactory performance (-18 deg. C) even in extreme cold condition | Freezing of water will take place at high altitude can cause damage to the collector |
| 7 | Temperature range (heat water) from 60degrees to 120 degrees | Temperature range (heat water)from 60 degrees to 80 degrees |
| 8 | Easy to replace glass tube | Difficult as well as expensive to replace glass sheet |
| 9 | Negligible scaling of tubes which can be cleaned manually (inner tube dia. Is 37mm) hence, loss of efficiency consequently is minimal | Heavy scaling of the copper/aluminum tubes which cannot be cleaned manually as the bore dia. is 12.50 mm hence, giving rise to a substantial loss inefficiency of the system. |
| 10 | In locations with an average availability of solar energy over-sizing of the system glass tube collectors are not required | Higher system sizing is required to get the desired result and therefore added extra cost |
| 11 | Heat exchanger not required | Heat exchanger required |
| 12 | Advanced technology at competitive price | Old technology at higher prices |
| 13 | Provision of a hot water facility for 350 days a year | Provision of a hot water facility for 300 days in a year |
| 14 | System life above 5-11 years | System life over 25 years |
| 15 | Water quality does not affect the system | Water quality affects the heating system forming scale over a metal tube |
| 16 | Low maintenance | High maintenance |
| 17 | Grouting of Collectors not required | Grouting of collectors are required |
FLAT PLATE COLLECTER: Specification
| S.N. | PARTICULARS | SPECIFICATION |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Section | 1.2mm thick Aluminium |
| 2 | Back Sheet | 0.46 mm thick Aluminium |
| 3 | Insulation | Fiber Glass Wool |
| 4 | Foil | 0.05 mm thick Aluminium |
| 5 | Low emissivity | High emissivity |
| 6 | Header pipe | Copper 24 SWG |
| 7 | Glazing | 1000 * 2000 * 4 mm clear toughend glass |
| 8 | Glass beeding | E.P.D.M Rubber |
| 9 | Fasteners | High-Grade Steel |
| 10 | Grommets | E.P.D.M Rubber |
| 11 | Flanges | Brass |
| 12 | Finishing | Powder Coating |
Tank
| PARTICULARS | SPECIFICATION |
|---|---|
| Inner Tank | 1.2mm C.R.C.A sheet with co2 welding inside coated with prime guard coating /2.5mm for pressurized systems. |
| Connecting Pipes | SS. |
| Insulation | 50 mm thick PUF |
| Outer Cladding: | pre-coated laminated sheet(color:Half white)/ Mirror finish |
| pre-coated laminated sheet(color:Half white)/ Mirror finish | GI with PP coating. |
| Support Structure: | Mild steel with powder coating. |
Selecting a Solar Water Heater
Before you purchase and install a solar water heating system, you want to do the following:
- Estimate the cost and energy efficiency of a solar water heating system
- Evaluate your site’s solar resource
- Determine the correct system size
- Investigate local codes, covenants, and regulations.
Also understand the various components needed for solar water heating systems, including the following:
Installing and Maintaining the System
The proper installation of solar water heaters depends on many factors. These factors include solar resource, climate, local building code requirements, and safety issues; therefore, it’s best to have a qualified solar thermal systems contractor install your system.
After installation, properly maintaining your system will keep it running smoothly. Passive systems don’t require much maintenance. For active systems, discuss the maintenance requirements with your system provider, and consult the system’s owner’s manual. Plumbing and other conventional water heating components require the same maintenance as conventional systems. Glazing may need to be cleaned in dry climates where rainwater doesn’t provide a natural rinse.
Regular maintenance on simple systems can be as infrequent as every 3–5 years, preferably by a solar contractor. Systems with electrical components usually require a replacement part or two after 10 years. Learn more about solar water heating system maintenance and repair.
Improving Energy Efficiency
After your water heater is properly installed and maintained, try some additional energy-saving strategies to help lower your water heating bills, especially if you require a back-up system. Some energy-saving devices and systems are more cost-effective to install with the water heater.
Other Water Heater Options
If you have enough wind resource in your area and the situation is right, small wind electric systems are one of the most cost-effective home-based renewable energy systems — with zero emissions and pollution.
Small wind electric systems can:
- Lower your electricity bills by 50%–90%
- Help you avoid the high costs of having utility power lines extended to a remote location
- Help uninterruptible power supplies ride through extended utility outages.
Small wind electric systems can also be used for a variety of other applications, including water pumping on farms and ranches.
Small Wind Electric System Components
A wind electric system is made up of a wind turbine mounted on a tower to provide better access to stronger winds. In addition to the turbine and tower, small wind electric systems also require balance-of-system components.
Most small wind turbines manufactured today are horizontal-axis, upwind machines that have two or three blades. These blades are usually made of a composite material, such as fiberglass.
The turbine’s frame is the structure onto which the rotor, generator, and tail are attached. The amount of energy a turbine will produce is determined primarily by the diameter of its rotor. The diameter of the rotor defines its “swept area,” or the quantity of wind intercepted by the turbine. The tail keeps the turbine facing into the wind.
Because wind speeds increase with height, a small wind turbine is mounted on a tower. In general, the higher the tower, the more power the wind system can produce.
Most turbine manufacturers provide wind energy system packages that include towers. There are two basic types of towers: self-supporting (free-standing) and guyed (supported with wires). There are also tilt-down versions of each tower type.
While tilt-down towers are more expensive, they offer an easy way to perform maintenance. Tilt-down towers can also be lowered to the ground during hazardous weather such as hurricanes.
Balance of System Components
The balance-of-system parts you’ll need for a small wind electric system — those in addition to the wind turbine and the tower — will depend on your application. For example, the parts required for a water pumping system will be much different from what you need for a residential application.
The balance-of-system parts required will also depend on whether your system is grid-connected, stand-alone, or hybrid.
Manufacturers and installers can provide you with a system package that includes all the parts you need for your particular application. For a residential grid-connected application, the balance-of-system parts may include the following:
- A controller
- Storage batteries
- An inverter (power conditioning unit)
- Wiring
- Electrical disconnect switch
- Grounding system
Foundation for the tower
Micro-wind Turbine
Micro-wind turbines are used in micro-wind generation and are much smaller in scale than those used in conventional wind generation making them more suitable for residential energy production. Micro-wind generation is a method of micro generation that uses the flow of wind energy to produce electricity for a house or farm. Broadly speaking, there are two types of wind turbines that can be installed: vertical axis wind turbines and horizontal axis wind turbines.
Small wind electric systems can also be used for a variety of other applications, including water pumping on farms and ranches.
What is a Micro-wind System?
The installation of a micro-wind turbine usually consists of the turbine and an inverter. Wind causes the blades of the wind turbine to rotate, generating mechanical energy. The mechanical energy from the rotation is converted to direct current (DC) in the turbine and using the inverter, is converted to alternating current (AC). The inverter output is connected to a breaker panel where the electricity can be shared among the electrical equipment in the home. Excess electricity can be exported from the home to the electrical grid using a bidirectional meter and credits will be provided accordingly by the retailer based on the electric current tariff for electricity.
