Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Frequently asked questions about Solar PV System

Let's get back to basic.

The followings are some of the most commonly asked questions about Solar PV System. People's awareness have slightly increased since the implementation of the FiT mechanism in 2011.

Grid-connected Solar Photovoltaic system. Image source: ehomecomfort.com


Q: What is a Solar Photovoltaic System (PV system) about?

A: Photovoltaic systems (PV system) use PV module to convert sunlight into electricity. A PV system is made up of different components other than PV modules. These include an inverter for a utility-grid-connected system and when alternating current (AC) rather than direct current (DC) is required; wiring; and mounting structure.

Q: Benefits of Renewable Energy

A: Renewable energy sources are clean and inexhaustible. And as the name tells us it is renewable and does not use resources that can never be replaced. Hence, Renewable Energy has a much lower environmental impact than conventional sources of energy.

Q: How long do photovoltaic (PV) systems last?

A: Basically, PV systems are designed, installed, and maintained to operate for more than 20 years. The basic PV module (interconnected, enclosed panel of PV cells) has no moving parts and typically has lifespan of 25 years above.

Q:How do I know if I have enough sunlight for PV?

A: A photovoltaic (PV) system needs unobstructed access to the sun's rays for most of the daytime. Shading on the system can significantly reduce energy output. Hence, visual assessment on the building is needed to determine if the location is suitable for installation.

Q: What is Feed in tariff and when was it implemented?

A: Malaysia's Renewable Energy Act 2010 came into effect on 1st December 2011.

Feed-in-Tariff (FiT) is a policy mechanism designed to accelerate investment in technologies by allowing eligible Renewable Electricity Generator selling back the generated electricity they produced to the TNB/SESB at higher tariff rate.

Q: How Feed in tariff (FiT) can benefit citizens of Malaysia?

A: Its implementation allows individuals to earn income by selling electricity generated from renewable resources at home. Under the RE Act, the public will be able to sell electricity generated from RE to utility companies such as TNB at higher tariff rate (from RM1.20/kWh and above) for a contract period of 21 years with TNB.

Q: What is the payback of the system?

A: A system producing 5kWp of electricity at home will generate electricity of more than 15 units (15 kWh) per day converted to earning more than RM600 a month through selling back of generated electricity to TNB. Payback for the total system cost and maintenance will be less than 10 years (quoting Green Innotech S/B).

Q: What are the application of PV system?

A:PV system is best suited on most of landed residence. It can be installed on roof top of landed residence, commercial building such as shop lots and office, factory, and petrol station etc.

Q: How big a solar energy system do I need?

A: The size of solar system needed depends on several factors such as
  • how much electricity you use, 
  • the size of your roof, and
  • how much you're willing to invest. 
Also, do you want the system to supply your complete energy usage or to supplant a portion of your higher cost energy usage? Check out SEDA Malaysia website for more information.


3 comments:

tehr said...

maklumat yang sangat berguna
senang aku nak terangkan kepada anak gadis aku
terima kasih banyak, bro

yuliana said...

saya slalu suka kata demi kata dan bagaimana caranya pak admin ini menguraikannya dalam bentuk postingan.
salam sukses berkarya

de engineur said...

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