Applications of Solar Panel for Your Occupancy

The use of alternative renewable energy such as sunlight, the more desirable. But not many people know how the application of solar panels for retail or residential consumption.

Solar panel consists from several types, including types of Monocrystal, Polycrystal, and Thin Film. Each type has the power of absorption of solar radiation that is different, depending on size of panel with unit of measure Watt Peak (Wp). Thus the explanation of Chaqoqo, Photovoltaic Product and LED Light Marketing, Department of Marketing from Sharp Electronics Indonesia. About the price of solar panels, said Chaqoqo, the average per Watt Peak consumers had to spend approximately USD 4.5 - USD 5.

"Each panel can produce a different electric current, according to the types of solar panels," said Chaqoqo. Example, type 60 Wp panels can produce power at 60 watts per hour at peak solar heating condition (peak), accounted for about 4-5 hours per day, between the hours of 9 AM to 2 PM.

So if the totalized per day of heating, using a panel 60 Wp can generate power: 60 watts x 5 hours = 300 Wh (Watt Hour). For other types of panel, said Chaqoqo, such as type 130 Wp or 185 Wp , shall be the same way.

On-Grid System and Off-Grid System

There are two kinds of Installation of solar panel that can be applied, each related to with supporting equipment used.

First, On Grid System Installation (Solar Panel Installation without using batteries).

The equipment used is On Grid Inverter that can be connected directly with power source from the State Electricity Company or other power source.

Second, Off Grid System Installation (Installation of Solar Panels using battery).

For Off Grid Installation with DC system, the equipment used is the solar panel, controller, and battery. To convert it into AC current, the inverter must be added.
For the installation of the equipment, you can do it yourself, said Chaqoqo, especially for solar panel with a small capacity (60 Wp). But for large scale and connected to many networks, it takes special skills for the installation process.

Some people asked after using solar panel, how about the installation of electricity from PLN that has been previously installed. In response, Chaqoqo said it depends on your need. If electricity from PLN is no longer required, then the network can be removed (using Stand Alone System). Conversely, if the electricity from PLN is still required, you can use a hybrid system.