Electricity Generation from Solar Photovoltaic Power for Commercial and Industrial Applications

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by Abhishek Gupta

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Business is all about smart decisions. As a manager, you are constantly bombarded with questions like What?, Where?, By how much?, Instead of what? What if?, etc. Your ability to figure out the right answers is what differentiates your business from your competitor’s and paves the way for establishing a sustainable competitive edge.

In such times where the cost of almost every input is rising, a strategically important decision facing business leaders is finding ways to mitigate the cost of power. Most commercial and industrial users try to “absorb” the power costs or pass them on to the consumers because they find themselves helpless against these ‘external’ factors. Yes, it is expensive, it is indispensable, and it is unpredictable. Luckily, it is not irreplaceable.

In the near future, ‘CaptiveSolar Power Generation’ for commercial and industrial applications is a certain game-changer. Let us visit some of the frequently discussed aspects regarding the process of electricity generation and implementation using photovoltaic systems (solar cells).

Introduction to CaptiveSolar Electricity Generation

CaptiveSolar Photovoltaic Power

By definition, ‘a captive unit’ means a facility established for one’s own use. Primary benefits of having such a unit are operational efficiencies and cost reduction. Similarly, ‘CaptiveSolar Electricity Generation’ means a solar-based power plant, set up by an entity, for its own use.

A Photovoltaic Power Electricity Generation System

Converting photovoltaic power into electricity generation through Solar Cells

Based on your specific electricity generation requirements and the nature of your applications, fixed infrastructure, etc. a customized photovoltaic power system can be developed.

The building blocks of such a system are explained below:

1. Solar energy incident on the earth’s surface is collected by using solar cells. These silicon-based photovoltaic power cells convert the light energy into electricity.
2. Several such solar cells are arranged in parallel and series to form a mesh called a solar module.
3. Several such solar modules are then connected in a series to form a string, which in turn is connected to the solar inverter.
4. Multiple such strings can be connected in parallel to form an array, which can be designed to achieve a desired peak DC voltage and loading current capacity as per your electricity generation requirements.

Maximizing electricity generation potential – All Year Long

For a given set of environmental conditions (varying sunlight, wind, rain, etc.), the immediate photovoltaic power output of a module can vary. In order to regulate this output and to maximize the electricity generation from an array, a MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) system is introduced into the system.

It continuously checks the output being received from the module and applies a proper algorithm to maximize yield. Hence, a CaptiveSolar photovoltaic power plant provides electricity generation potential at utmost efficiency, all year round, in the given weather and environment.

Nature of the Electricity Generation Output

Basic CaptiveSolar Electricity Generation System

Photovoltaic power generated from strings and arrays is DC, while most commercial and industrial applications require AC power. Hence, solar inverters are used to convert the DC power to AC which is used by most electrical equipment.

Feeding the Load

This AC output from the solar inverters is now available to power up your internal AC loads.

Ease of Expansion

Based on your requirements and applications, multiple solar inverters can be connected in parallel. Hence, a CaptiveSolar photovoltaic power electricity generation system can be scaled up as per your requirements.

Highly cost-effective and far more reliable, a CaptiveSolar photovoltaic power facility scores over commercial power and DG sets in every department and transform a ‘Business Threat into a Business Strength’. Commercial institutions and industries are beginning to realize the immense competitive head start they are likely to accrue, when they switch over to CaptiveSolar photovoltaic power electricity generation systems. Are you one of them?

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