Small Autonomous Photovoltaic - Energy Needs

The little autonomously photovoltaic systems, are ideal systems for lighting, radio, small devices capable of supporting the energy needs of small houses, caravans, boats and cottages. There is no economical solution for a house without PPC. This is because the kilowatt hour (kWh) of PPC is even much cheaper than the one resulting from the cost of autonomous photovoltaic systems and the necessary accessories that accompany them. Even if we come up with alternatives to meet the needs for hot water and for the kitchen (LPG), the needs for cooling and heating which are very energy consuming remain so the price for the required photovoltaic system is high. On the contrary, a house without electricity with the use of small photovoltaic systems is very feasible whether it is a small house, caravan or small cottage.

Small Autonomous Photovoltaics - Efficiencies

How can we create an ecological house with small photovoltaics? The most important steps are:

• First of all, we should start with the energy savings for the interior and exterior lighting with quality energy saving lamps.
• Also good insulation on walls and frames (eg with double glazing) can have very positive results.
• We use appliances (refrigerator, washing machine, TV) of energy class A, as low consumption as possible.
• Solar water heater for hot water and gas kitchen.
• The rational use of devices with the avoidance of waste and prolonged use of stand by (waiting).
• Only with the above actions we can ensure energy savings and savings in the PPC account over 50%.

Small Autonomous Photovoltaics - Applications - Cost

Now the electrification with autonomous photovoltaics due to the great variety and technology in combination with the high standards of good operation and safety that accompany them are not only an economical but also a very reliable solution. Today's little ones Autonomous photovoltaic They are far from the autonomous systems of the last decade. The power supply from today's small autonomous systems is uninterrupted and capable of powering any small device load.

The little Autonomous photovoltaic They can reliably, economically and safely supply small houses (permanent or holiday), caravans, boats, small warehouses and spaces that are far from the electricity network or that are not connected to the PPC network. The prices of the autonomous systems and the accessories that accompany them have dropped dramatically and make them an excellent choice.

Small Autonomous - Energy Needs

An average Greek house that uses energy saving lamps for indoor and outdoor lighting, electric stove, air condition, oil burner and TV (with solar water heater) consumes about 350-450 KWh per month. Without electric stove and air condition it consumes about 100 KWh less. To produce 250 KWh per month of photovoltaics requires 12 photovoltaic panels of 180 watts each with batteries (deep discharge) and accessories.

Batteries for Small Autonomous Photovoltaics

A very important element of an autonomous photovoltaic system is the batteries that support it. Depending on the type of battery, the quality and the way they are used, their life time is determined and therefore the functionality of the system as a whole. Battery life is determined by the number of charge-discharge cycles (the deeper a battery is discharged, the less battery life it has) depending on their recommended operating temperature.

Usually small autonomous photovoltaic systems up to 1kW use closed type AGM-VRLA batteries with 400-800 charge-discharge cycles at 50% depth of discharge. Medium 1-2kW systems recommend open type batteries with about 1500 cycles at 50% discharge depth while larger autonomous systems recommend 2V OpzS-OpzV type batteries with over 2.500 cycles at 50% discharge depth.

It is also very important to mention that the batteries of an autonomous photovoltaic should be placed in a place with an average temperature of 20-25 degrees Celsius but also have the right size so that they are not discharged several times a year at great depth and are properly maintained ( adding fluids to those who require it).