PV installation
There are many ways to design and install a PV system. What type of system you need, depends on your requirements. On this page we explain the two common types and how to connect to the distribution grid of NMBM. Further information for connection requirements and options can be found in the Renewable Energy Guideline on the municipal website, as well as the application-form to connect a PV-system to the municipal grid. The registration with NMBM for a PV-systems that are connected to the municipal grid is mandatory.
- To reduce the production of greenhouse gases?
- To safe on electricity cost?
- To invest your money in a safe investment with high interest?
- To be electricity wise independent and load shedding free?
If you have a PV solar system doesn't mean that you are not affected from load shedding. During load shedding a normal inverter is not operating and the PV panels also not. But there are solutions like island/hybrid inverters which still operate during that time or the installation of a battery backup.
2.1 Grid tied PV systems
The size of the system depends basically on the amount of electricity consumed and if you just want to cut off the peak tariffs or to produce as much electricity as possible/required on your own. When you calculate your system keep in mind that there are requirements to connect such system to the distribution grid of NMBM as for example a single-phase domestic customer with an 80 Amper circuit braker is limited to 5 kW. Further details on the requirements can be found in the RE Guideline.
This type of a PV system is in constant communication with the distribution grid to synchronize the output voltage and frequency of the inverter with the grid. In cases of unavailability of the grid, the inverter shuts down and stops producing electricity until it can synchronize with the grid again.
2.2Island or Hybrid systems
Typically, these systems are more expensive solution because they involve battery backup to provide electricity when the sun doesn't shine, or the grid is not available.
This type of inverter can charge your batteries as well as supply your house with the required power or feed excess energy into the grid. In cases of a grid failure, it switches automatically to your battery backup like an UPS. A hybrid inverter operates also during load shedding, due to internal switches that avoid a feed into the municipal grid. That means if there is load shedding during the day your PV panels still produce electricity, which can be used in your household or to charge your battery backup. Since this type of system is also connected to the municipal distribution grid, the same rules and regulations apply as for grid tied system.
The PV world market grows steadily at high level. In 2016, PV made up 1/3 of newly installed power capacity (global, incl. fossil) - more than ever before. Consequently, the PV industry grows very fast, which on one site creates many new jobs in this industry but secondly also let prices drop dramatically the past years, so that electricity from PV is competitive to existing alternatives.
One disadvantage of this fast growth in this industry is that there are none or semi qualified people offering services and the customers can't verify their qualification. Therefore, the PV Green Card was developed, to promote safe and high-quality PV installations.
The PV Green Card is a report for the PV system owner and a checklist for the installer which qualified installers provide to their clients after completion of a project.
The PV Green Card contains details of the used equipment, as well a checklist of all necessary installation steps that were completed.
Companies who are registered on the PV Green Card programme had to pass a basic training about PV, regulations and installations. After an assessment test those companies are registered on the PV Green Card homepage.
Benefits for customers using Registered Installers:
- Access to a list of vetted and recommended installers
- Assurance that the installation is done by a suitably qualified and trained installer
- Assurance that installers are working according to prescribed standards and international best practice
- Ability to request an independent third-party check of the system in the event that your installation does not perform as planned
- Easier to access better insurance and finance / loans rates with associated institutions
- Access to an operative dispute resolution service facilitated by SAPVIA
- The PV Green Card provides comprehensive information regarding your installation
Please click hereto download a sample PV Green Card.