How we installed a solar station and electricity storage in a country house

And it solved a lot of the homeowner’s problems.

By VOLTS: https://voltsbattery.ru/

The original article is here.

Published with the permission of the author.

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“The electricity has run out”

In some regions of Russia, the wear and tear of electrical equipment is so high that power outages occur several times a day (and sometimes even take on a mass scale). The result for the consumer is burnt household appliances, disrupted plans, and if you work remotely, a loss of access to the necessary ‘here and now’ materials.

Homeowners have a logical request for an environmentally friendly and ergonomic way to protect themselves from such problems. One of the possible solutions is an energy storage system. We installed the VOLTS energy storage system in a two-story country house in the Leningrad region. Let’s go through it all step by step.

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Compact energy storage

Say goodbye to the generator

The customer approached us with a request to permanently forget about power outages and ensure the autonomy of their home. Previously, they used a fuel generator: a rather noisy, fire hazard, and carbon monoxide-emitting device. That experience ended sadly: the exhaust pipe tore, and the room was filled with smoke. Cosmetic repairs had to be made, and simultaneously, a solution to the power issue was sought.

After discussing the optimal solution, we installed seven solar panels and a VOLTS energy storage system for the customer. The total capacity of the solar station is 2100 watts. The 8 kWh energy storage system was installed in the house’s hallway – in terms of size, it can be compared to a classic wall painting. VOLTS is essentially a construction kit that can be customized as desired – for example, the customer currently needs two more modules of 2 kWh each to avoid paying the daytime electricity rate from 21:00 to 23:00, as the nighttime rate is twice as cheap.

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Operating experience

The client’s household members wanted to avoid the need to manually turn the entire system on or off during his absence and monitor parameters to prevent malfunctions. A mobile application came in handy for this purpose, through which the family remotely manages everything – updates the settings of the solar panels, monitors electricity consumption statistics, and tracks the amount of money saved.

During the summer, from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM, our client uses solar energy, and accordingly, the energy storage system is charged only from the solar panels. Although the level of generation decreases about threefold in the fall and winter, the customer continues to use microgeneration for household needs, just not to its full capacity.

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The solar panels were installed at a 60-degree angle in front of the house’s façade. Our calculations showed that this angle would achieve maximum solar efficiency. The daily electricity generation of the house is approximately 11-13 kWh. When the homeowners are away, and the system continues to generate power, there is unused energy left. The primary factor affecting this is the power of the devices connected to the grid. Without active electricity consumption within a day, there is a surplus of 1-2 kWh.

There is an opportunity to save: even though the homeowner continues to purchase electricity from the grid, they mainly do so at the nighttime rate, accumulating electricity with the energy storage system and consuming it in the first half of the day.

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Energy exchange (or additional capabilities)

Currently, in Russia, using an energy storage system, you can sell surplus electricity back to the grid. However, there isn’t much sense in doing so, as the tariffs are meager. Nevertheless, energy exchange is becoming a global trend. The concept of “microgrids” is gradually gaining traction – the exchange of solar or wind energy with neighbors in conditions where there is no grid infrastructure. To do this, a separate electrical connection needs to be established between houses, which will account for how much energy each participant in the system has contributed and received.

Microgrids are currently one of the potential futures, and everything is moving towards a hybrid format. For example, solar stations are already being integrated into traditional grids, providing autonomy for consumers who simultaneously exchange electricity with their neighbors. It’s possible that in the future, microgrids¹ will be applied in remote regions of the country, such as the north, where extending power grids is not cost-effective. We’ll live and see.

By VOLTS: https://voltsbattery.ru/

The original article is here.

Published with the permission of the author.

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1. (Generated by ChatGPT) A microgrid is a small-scale, localized energy system that can operate independently or in conjunction with the traditional, larger electrical grid. Microgrids are designed to provide electricity to a specific area, such as a community, neighborhood, industrial complex, university campus, or military base. Here are some key points to understand about microgrids:
   
   Localized Energy Generation: Microgrids typically incorporate various sources of local energy generation, which can include solar panels, wind turbines, combined heat and power (CHP) systems, and energy storage like batteries. This diverse mix of energy sources can increase resilience and reliability.
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   Energy Management: Microgrids have sophisticated control systems that manage the distribution of electricity within the local network. They can balance energy supply and demand, ensuring a stable and consistent power supply.
   Grid Independence: One of the primary benefits of microgrids is their ability to operate independently from the main grid, known as islanding. During power outages or emergencies, microgrids can continue to provide electricity to the local area, improving resilience.
   Integration with the Main Grid: Microgrids can also be designed to operate in coordination with the main electrical grid. They can supply surplus electricity back to the grid or draw power from it when necessary.
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   Efficiency and Environmental Benefits: Microgrids often emphasize energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower energy costs for the local community.
   
   Use Cases: Microgrids are deployed in various settings, including urban areas, rural communities, industrial complexes, and military installations. They are particularly valuable in remote regions where extending the main grid infrastructure is costly.
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   Grid Resilience: Microgrids enhance the resilience of the local energy supply. They can be essential during natural disasters, extreme weather events, or when the main grid experiences disruptions.
   
   Smart Grid Technology: Many microgrids use smart grid technology and digital control systems to optimize energy use, monitor performance, and respond to changing conditions.
   
   Overall, microgrids offer a flexible and sustainable approach to energy supply and distribution. They are adaptable to local needs, promote clean energy use, and can help ensure a more reliable and resilient power supply, making them an increasingly important part of modern energy infrastructure. ↩︎