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Understand everything about the devices that make up the photovoltaic system

Alex Csiki image by Pixabay

Have you ever thought of a more sustainable way to get energy? One of the alternative and renewable sources that is growing and gaining more space among Brazilians is solar. Brazil is an excellent market for the energy sector, as the average solar radiation that falls on the country's surface is up to 2300 kilowatt-hours per square meter (kWh/m²), according to Cepel's Solarimetric Atlas.

Despite some incentives for the use of this type of renewable energy (important as it allows for a reduction in concerns regarding the reservoirs of hydroelectric plants, which in recent years have suffered from the lack of rain and excessive sunshine), they can still be observed some doubts among consumers and those interested in applying this system in their homes or in their businesses. How does it work? What is the cost of its installation? Is the financial return beneficial? Where to buy? The questions are many. Well, let's get to the answers!

A photovoltaic solar energy system (also called a "solar energy system" or even "photovoltaic system") is a model in which the components of your solar energy kit work to capture solar energy and convert it into electricity. The energy produced can then be used to supply the electricity grid on a large scale, as happens in solar plants (commercial energy sector), but it can also be generated on smaller, residential scales (solar energy for domestic use). In addition to the solar system for generating electricity, there is also one for thermal energy, which has, as its objective, the use of solar radiation to heat water.

The photovoltaic solar energy kit usually has some basic components, grouped in three different blocks: the generator block, the power conditioning block and the storage block. Each group is made up of components with specific functions.

• Generator block: solar panels; cables; support structure.
• Power conditioning block: inverters; charge controllers.
• Storage block: batteries.

generator block

Solar panels

They are considered the heart of the photovoltaic system, and are responsible for converting solar energy into electricity. The panels work in a simple way: a solar panel is formed by a set of photovoltaic cells that have electrons (negatively charged particles that rotate around the nuclei of atoms) and these, in turn, when hit by solar radiation, move itself generating an electrical current. Thus, the panels require minimal maintenance, depending mainly on a good cleaning to ensure their functioning at their full potential. Usually the rains are enough to remove leaves, dust and other debris, but it is good to maintain a routine of checking. It is important to remember to wear rubber gloves and to check for loose or rusty wires to avoid accidents. In addition, a damp cloth and neutral detergent will clean this component.

The sizes and number of panels needed will depend on the available area, installation location and the energy demand of the residence. For home systems, the most suitable place is the roof (rooftop), as this is where the sun shines most and there is less risk of interfering shadows. Solar panels, which have an average of 25 years of useful life, can be of three different models: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film. Each of them has a different price, composition and efficiency. To learn more about it, go to the article "Solar photovoltaic panels: converters of sunlight into electrical energy".

Support Structures

Support structures are those materials designed to literally support and support solar panels. The choice of the type of support structure must take into account the type of solar panel to be installed, the necessary inclination for it, the installation location and the material from which it is formed.

Thus, just as in panels, these structures have different models, which are applicable to different locations and situations and which have different prices, sizes and efficiencies. Some of these models are those with a metallic structure with a fixed inclination; fixed frame with adjustable tilt angle, and trackers (Followers, in free translation from English). Remember that the most expensive is not always the best for you. It is advisable to check the functions and requirements of each one to better choose the model for your home or business. To learn more about it, click here.

cables

The wiring is what connects the other components of the system and promotes the flow of energy between them. Again, the types of cables to be used will depend on the type of panel chosen for the system, and on the distance between components (there being a maximum distance allowed between two points to be connected).

Some cable models to be used in the photovoltaic system are modules or rows, which guarantee protection against failures and short circuits; the main DC cables, which connect the generator and the inverter, and the AC branch cables, which connect the inverter to the receiving network.

All conductors must be made of copper, with thermoplastic insulation. See more here.

Power conditioning block

Inverters

Considered the "brain" of the photovoltaic system, inverters can charge batteries if they are associated with a generator, but their main function is to transform direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC), adjusting the current voltage as needed. . But what is the importance of this transformation?

Solar panels supply energy to the system in the form of direct current, in which way the batteries also receive and supply it. Despite this, most electronic devices use energy in the form of alternating current, and for this reason, it is necessary to use inverters.

If you want to know a little more about what DC and alternating currents are and how an inverter works inside the photovoltaic system, click here.

charge controllers

The charge controller is the component responsible for protecting the batteries. It is he who controls the process of loading and unloading them, thus prolonging their useful life and ensuring greater efficiency in the storage of the energy produced.

It works in such a way that, by measuring the battery's voltage (to see how full or how empty it is), it controls the amount of current flowing into it. Thus, as the battery approaches its maximum charge, the controller reduces the current intensity. In addition to allowing the battery to be fully charged, the controller also prevents it from being discharged to unsafe levels, which could harm its integrity.

Some main features of charge controllers are:

• Reverse current protection;
• Discharge control;
• System monitoring;
• Overcurrent protection;
• Mounting Options;
• Temperature compensation.

Learn more about it by clicking here.

storage block

Batteries

Finally, the batteries, which are considered the lungs of the photovoltaic system, work by ensuring the supply of energy to the system when there is little or no solar energy (such as on cloudy days or at night).

Not all photovoltaic systems need batteries. Of course, anyone will need an alternate power source for times without sunlight, but batteries aren't the only option. They will be used as an alternative source for systems that are not connected to the network (off-grid), but for those who are connected to the electricity network (on-grid), it will supply demand on cloudy days.

There are several types of batteries and not all of them can be used in the photovoltaic system (such as car batteries). Among those allowed, there are different precautions and applications for each one, in addition to different prices and lifetime between them.

• Read more about photovoltaic system batteries.
• learn more about installing the photovoltaic system in your home.

In addition to photovoltaic energy being considered clean as it does not generate waste beyond the plates and does not harm the environment, it is one of the most promising renewable resources in Brazil and in the world, as it causes minimal environmental impacts and reduces the carbon footprint of consumers - will be minimizing their emissions by opting for a way of obtaining energy with low harmful potential.

The return on investment time in the photovoltaic system is variable, and depends on the amount of energy the property requires. Despite this, the advantage of the home system is the economy: once this payback time is reached, the energy bill no longer needs to be paid. Energy from the sun that turns into “free” electricity! You will save, and a good deal of money may end up in savings instead of being spent without much benefit.

Remember to ensure that the components used are certified by the National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (Inmetro), which implemented Ordinance No. 357 in 2014, with the objective of establishing rules for the generation equipment. Photovoltaics.

Unfortunately, there are still few incentives and financing lines for this type of energy in Brazil, which are still difficult to access and have little applicability. It is expected that, with the increase in the consumption of photovoltaic energy systems, new incentives, more applicable and accessible to common housing, will emerge.