Power supply is not what is used to be! With solar costs now competitive and sometimes cheaper than fossil fuels, green power helps to maximise your ROI on your eco resort investment.
Designing and sizing a solar and battery storage power supply system for an eco resort development involves considering various components and factors. Here are the key components and considerations in detail.
- Solar Panels (Photovoltaic Modules)
Solar panels are the primary component of a solar power system. They convert sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic cells. When designing the system, factors such as the resort’s energy demand, available roof or ground space for installation, and solar irradiance in the region need to be taken into account to determine the required number and capacity of solar panels. - Mounting Structures
Mounting structures are used to securely install solar panels on the rooftop or ground. The type of structure depends on the installation location, whether it’s a pitched roof, flat roof, or open ground. The structures should be designed to withstand wind loads and provide optimal tilt and orientation for maximum solar energy capture. - Inverters
Inverters convert the direct current (DC) electricity generated by the solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is compatible with the resort’s electrical system. The type and capacity of inverters depend on the total capacity of the solar panels and the resort’s energy demand. - Battery Storage System
Battery storage is crucial for an eco resort to store excess solar energy generated during the day for use during the night or periods of low solar irradiance. Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used due to their high energy density, long lifespan, and efficiency. The size and capacity of the battery storage system depend on the resort’s energy consumption patterns, desired backup capacity, and the amount of renewable energy generated. - Charge Controllers
Charge controllers regulate the flow of electricity between the solar panels and the battery storage system. They protect the batteries from overcharging or discharging and optimize charging efficiency. Different types of charge controllers are available, such as PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) and MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking), with MPPT controllers being more efficient and recommended for larger systems. - Power Conditioning Equipment
Power conditioning equipment includes transformers, surge protectors, and voltage regulators. They ensure that the electricity supplied by the solar panels and battery system is of a consistent voltage and quality, suitable for use in the resort’s electrical infrastructure. - Monitoring and Control Systems
A monitoring and control system is essential for tracking the performance of the solar and battery storage system. It provides real-time data on energy generation, storage levels, consumption patterns, and system efficiency. This data helps in identifying potential issues, optimizing system performance, and making informed decisions for system management and maintenance. - Backup Generator (Optional)
In some cases, a backup generator may be included in the system design to provide additional power during extended periods of low solar energy generation or high energy demand. This ensures uninterrupted power supply, especially in critical situations or during emergencies.
Now you know the key components of a solar / battery power system, here’s a summary on how to design and size the solar and battery storage system for an eco resort development. - Assess Energy Demand
Conduct an energy audit to determine the resort’s energy consumption patterns, including peak demand and daily energy requirements. This analysis will help estimate the system capacity needed to meet the resort’s energy needs. - Evaluate Solar Resource
Analyse solar irradiance data for the region to estimate the solar energy potential. This information, along with available space for solar panel installation, helps determine the number and capacity of solar panels required. - Battery Sizing
Determine the desired level of energy autonomy (number of days the system should be able to operate without sunlight) and calculate the battery capacity accordingly. Consider the resort’s energy demand, solar generation profile, and storage system efficiency.
Please note the above is a summary of the components and sizing process, but is useful to determine high level budgets and general sizing, enough to help in finalising a suitable land size to accommodate the requirements. For detailed assessment of power requirements and solar/battery array sizing, please contact us directly.
