Solar PV System |
A solar array is only one of the main parts of a solar PV system. A complete solar PV system will also consist of these essential components:
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Solar inverter, to convert DC electricity to AC electricity.
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Mounting structure, which holds solar panels to the roof of a building
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Electrical cables, switches, surge protection devices, fuses and an electric meter.
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Type of Solar PV System
Solar PV system can be divided into 2 main categories based on how the solar electricity is being distributed and used:
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On-grid/ Grid-connected solar PV system
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Off-grid solar PV system
Grid-connected System
As its name implies, grid-connected system is connected to the electric grid (Tenaga Nasional Berhad’s grid in Malaysia). The electricity generated by the solar PV system is being channeled into the grid and used by the electric consumers on the grid.
Grid-connected solar PV system mainly consists of the following components:
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Solar PV array
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Solar on-grid inverter
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Mounting structure
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Electrical Cables, switches, surge protection devices, fuses
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Electrical meter
Off-grid Solar PV System
On the other hand, off-grid system is not connected to the electric grid. All the electricity generated by off-grid solar PV system is used by the owner of the system. Off-grid solar PV system is normally installed in remote locations where the electric grid is out of reach. In an off-grid system, the excess electricity generated by the solar array during daylight is channeled and stored in special batteries. This stored electricity can then continues to power up the building at night time when there is no sunlight.
Off-grid solar PV system mainly consists of the following components:
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Solar PV array
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Solar on-grid inverter
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Mounting structure
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Electrical cables, switches, surge protection devices, fuses.
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Charge Controller
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Storage Batteries