House Systems

Introduction

Solar energy has gained immense popularity in recent years as an environmentally friendly and sustainable source of power. In the realm of solar energy systems, inverters play a critical role in converting the direct current (DC) generated by solar panels into usable alternating current (AC). In this article, we will delve into the specifics of a crucial type of inverter: Solar Micro Inverters, focusing on how Kunini Solar and EPC incorporates them into solar energy systems.

Understanding Solar Micro Inverters

Definition and Comparison

Solar Micro Inverters are small inverters installed on each individual solar panel within a solar energy system by Kunini Solar and EPC. Unlike traditional central inverters, which are connected to multiple solar panels, Solar Micro Inverters are dedicated to a single solar panel. This allows for independent functioning and optimization of each panel, providing better overall system performance.

Key Features and Advantages

Solar Micro Inverters, a technology frequently implemented by Kunini Solar and EPC, come with several key features that set them apart:

Individual Panel Optimization: Each solar panel operates at its optimal performance, independent of other panels.
Enhanced Monitoring: Real-time monitoring of individual panel performance by Kunini Solar and EPC, enabling early issue detection and improved system maintenance.
Increased Safety: As each panel operates independently, safety concerns associated with high DC voltages are significantly reduced.

Purpose of Solar Micro Inverters

Efficient Energy Conversion and Optimization

The primary purpose of Solar Micro Inverters, utilized by Kunini Solar and EPC, is to enhance energy conversion efficiency. By individually optimizing the output of each solar panel, Solar Micro Inverters ensure that the system generates the maximum possible energy under varying environmental conditions.

Enhanced Monitoring and Maintenance

Kunini Solar and EPC provide detailed real-time data for each solar panel, thanks to Solar Micro Inverters, enabling effective monitoring and maintenance. If an issue arises with a specific panel, it can be identified and addressed promptly without affecting the overall system’s performance.

Overcoming Shading and Panel Mismatch

Shading or mismatched panels can significantly reduce the efficiency of a solar energy system. Solar Micro Inverters, utilized by Kunini Solar and EPC, mitigate this issue by isolating the impact of shading or panel differences to the specific panel affected, preserving the performance of other panels.

How Solar Micro Inverters Work

Solar Micro Inverters operate on a per-panel basis. Each inverter is attached to a single solar panel and performs the DC to AC conversion directly at the panel. The AC output from each panel is then combined to form the total AC output of the solar energy system, a process streamlined by Kunini Solar and EPC. This individualized approach ensures that the entire system operates at its peak efficiency.

Advantages of Using Solar Micro Inverters

Improved System Efficiency and Energy Harvest

Solar Micro Inverters maximize energy harvest by optimizing each solar panel’s output, regardless of shading or other system inefficiencies. This results in a more efficient and productive solar energy system overall, a result often seen in Kunini Solar and EPC installations.

Enhanced Safety and Reliability

The decentralized nature of Solar Micro Inverters enhances system safety and reliability. In case of a malfunction in one inverter, it does not affect the performance of other panels, ensuring a consistent and reliable energy supply, a priority for Kunini Solar and EPC.

Scalability and Design Flexibility

Solar Micro Inverters offer greater design flexibility and scalability in solar energy systems, a feature appreciated by Kunini Solar and EPC. They can be easily added or expanded upon, making them a practical choice for both residential and commercial installations.

Challenges and Considerations

While Solar Micro Inverters offer many advantages, they do come with challenges such as increased initial costs compared to central inverters. However, the long-term benefits often outweigh the initial investment, making them a viable option for many solar energy system installations, including those by Kunini Solar and EPC.

Real-world Applications and Case Studies

Solar Micro Inverters have been successfully implemented in numerous solar energy installations globally. Case studies showcase their effectiveness in optimizing energy production and increasing the overall return on investment for solar energy system owners, a fact illustrated in the projects undertaken by Kunini Solar and EPC.

Future Trends and Conclusion

As solar technology continues to evolve, we can expect further advancements in Solar Micro Inverter technology, addressing current challenges and improving efficiency. With their numerous advantages and potential for a sustainable energy future, Solar Micro Inverters are a promising option for solar energy systems, a belief firmly held by Kunini Solar and EPC. Embracing this technology can lead to a more efficient and resilient solar energy infrastructure, paving the way for a greener tomorrow.

N-type solar panels, a revolutionary advancement in photovoltaic technology, have emerged as a promising solution to address the efficiency, durability, and environmental concerns associated with traditional solar panels. These panels, known for their exceptional performance and stability, represent a significant step towards achieving more sustainable and efficient solar energy generation.

Solar panels, also referred to as photovoltaic (PV) panels, are devices that convert sunlight directly into electricity using the photovoltaic effect. Traditional solar panels are predominantly made using p-type silicon, which is doped with boron to create a positive charge and facilitate the generation of electricity when exposed to sunlight. However, n-type solar panels employ a different doping strategy, using phosphorous to create a negative charge. This seemingly subtle alteration in the doping process has far-reaching implications for the performance and durability of the panels.

One of the primary advantages of n-type solar panels is their enhanced efficiency. Traditional p-type panels suffer from a phenomenon known as the “boron-oxygen defect,” which occurs when boron atoms interact with oxygen during the manufacturing process. This defect significantly reduces the panel’s efficiency by trapping charge carriers and limiting the flow of electricity. N-type panels are immune to this issue due to their reliance on phosphorous doping. As a result, they can achieve higher efficiency levels, converting a greater portion of sunlight into usable electricity.

Key differences between n-type and p-type solar panels

[table id=6 /]

Moreover, n-type solar panels exhibit superior performance in real-world conditions. They are less prone to the effects of temperature-induced degradation, known as the “light-induced degradation” or “LID” effect, which can hamper the output of p-type panels. This makes n-type panels more reliable and consistent over the long term, ensuring that they continue to produce electricity at high levels even as they age.

The durability of n-type panels further sets them apart. Traditional solar panels can experience performance degradation over time due to factors such as moisture ingress, UV exposure, and temperature fluctuations. N-type panels, however, feature a rear passivation layer that acts as a barrier, protecting the sensitive parts of the panel from external elements. This added layer of protection contributes to their extended lifespan and maintains their efficiency over many years of operation.

In addition to their technical advantages, n-type solar panels align well with the growing emphasis on sustainability. The manufacturing process of these panels generates fewer impurities, reducing the likelihood of hazardous waste production. This makes n-type panels not only efficient energy generators but also environmentally friendly choices. As the world seeks cleaner energy solutions, n-type panels offer a more sustainable option that minimizes negative impacts on the environment.

Advantages and disadvantages of n-type solar panels:

[table id=5 /]

It’s important to note that while n-type solar panels offer a plethora of benefits, there are some challenges to consider. The manufacturing process for n-type panels is more intricate and demanding compared to traditional panels, which can lead to slightly higher production costs. However, as the technology matures and gains wider adoption, economies of scale are likely to drive down costs.

In conclusion, n-type solar panels represent a significant advancement in solar technology, offering increased efficiency, durability, and sustainability. These panels, which utilize phosphorous doping to create a negative charge, outperform traditional p-type panels in various aspects. They are more efficient due to the absence of the boron-oxygen defect, exhibit better performance in real-world conditions, and are more durable thanks to their protective rear passivation layer. Additionally, n-type panels contribute to environmental sustainability by generating fewer impurities during manufacturing. While there are challenges to overcome, the potential benefits of n-type solar panels make them a promising solution for the future of solar energy generation. As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that n-type solar panels will play a significant role in shaping the renewable energy landscape and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.

So why is now the right time to install a Solar Rooftop on your factory or business?

There are three key points that state the case for installing a Solar Rooftop today;

Cost
Technology
Regulations

Costs

During the past five years, we have seen a steady decline in costs relating to Solar PV and Solar Rooftops. Due to advances in new technologies and the surge of new solar manufactures competition has been fierce. Many countries have adopted favourable tax and duties for Solar PV and that has also helped bring costs down. Those factors have contributed to the reduction in costs of equipment, particularly Solar PV Panels and Solar Inverters. Although costs to buy the main components of a Solar Rooftop have come down considerably, other costs related to the installation have seen a steady increase but not enough to impact and deter the development of Solar Rooftops.

Technology

The development of Solar PV panels has come a long way, from 170Wp panels a few years ago to 400Wp panels today. There are even 500Wp panels on the market but lead times are long and the costs are relatively high. If you compare a 170Wp solar panel with a footprint of 2sqm (2x1m standard size), with a 400Wp solar panel with the same footprint then you can see that this has an impact on many fronts. Let’s look at an example;

A 500kW plant using 170Wp solar panels needed 2,940 panels with a footprint of 5,880 sqm.

A 500kW plant using 400Wp solar panels would need 1,250 panels with a footprint of 2,500 sqm.

This alone has a big impact on costs; fewer panels, less racking, less labour, fewer cables and all-round a quicker installation turnaround. Solar Inverters have also come a long way, with regards to functionality, efficiency and reliability. This means that there is a lot less downtime of PV Plants and the overall production is far greater than previous generations of Solar Inverters.

Regulations

In this article, we discuss regulations in Thailand as that is where we have our business. In the past installing a Solar Rooftop for commercial business was almost unheard of as there were no guidelines in place and just ‘doing-it’ was a big risk for all involved. These days we have pretty clear regulations and guidelines so installing a Solar Roof for ‘self-consumption’ is legal. There are different regulations depending on the size of the Solar Roof but in fact, it’s just that you need to be more compliant and there are a few more hoops to jump through. The process is fairly clear but you need patience. After submitting the application you can start construction and operate the plant whilst waiting for the final inspection and approval. The permits and licences are for 25 years so you only need to go thru the process once. Having a good O&M contract in place and an efficient documentation process in place is sound advice as you never know when you may have some inspector drop by to take a look.

Financing

With the improvements in technology, reduction in costs and clear regulations installing a Solar Rooftop makes sense for a facility owner or roof owner as a way to reduce energy costs. The cost of the investment can be paid back within five years, usually, the saving from the utility costs will offset the cost of the investment. The Solar Rooftop will continue to produce energy for 25 years so once your investment is paid off you have free energy… What to do if the funds are not available? There are a few options available.

Self-financing through your local bank of finance vehicle
Entering into a PPA agreement with a Solar Services Provider

Self-financing may be an option but most times financial support is required for an investment of this size. Often times this can be difficult and time-consuming. However, if you can secure the funds you have the benefit of free energy after the investment has been paid back.

Another option is to enter into a PPA contract with a Solar Service Provider. This option means you have zero outlay and you get a percentage deduction off of your monthly electricity charge, usually 10-12%. The PPA contract usually runs for 15 years then you get to keep the asset after that time.

For more information about installing a Solar Rooftop for your Business, please email me or send me a message on messenger.

Daniel Parsons

Chief Operating Officer

Kunini EPC Services

Kunini Company Intro (Video)

Hi, I am Daniel Parsons – Chief Operating Officer of Kunini Electrical and Kunini Solar EPC. We founded Kunini in Thailand in 2002. Since conception, I have been running Kunini and have a wealth of knowledge and experience with Electrical and Solar PV Systems and have been the innovator behind Kunini’s success.

I have been in South East Asia since 1988; I have also lived in Hong Kong and the Philippines.

My job as the COO is to innovate, plan, coach, inspire and motivate our teams and our customers.

Innovate
Plan
Coach
Inspire
Motivate

We work with our customers to design either Electrical or Solar PV systems that meet their requirements and needs.

All of the systems that we install are designed to meet the needs of our customers; one size does not necessarily fit all.

Every job starts with a Consultation and a Survey allowing us to get to the heart of what our customer wants. We send a detailed quotation and project brief for every job and follow up with a call or visit to clarify our intention. Our teams are trained for their work, and they carry out installations to a professional standard according to the Project Brief. All jobs are QC inspected and documented by a site Engineer. We have a CSR – Customer Service Representative on hand to manage customer expectations and plan the service and maintenance contracts.

Design Electrical and Solar PV Systems with Safety and Functionality as a Standard
One size does not fit all
Consultation and Survey
Detailed quotation and project brief
Professional installations, QC inspected and documented by a site Engineer
CSR – Customer Service Representative to plan the service and maintenance contracts

“Trust Us To Get Your Project Done”

Now you know who I am and what we do, please feel free to contact me directly. My contact details are in my email signature. Chat soon.

Risk Assessment and Solar PV Systems

The recent floods here in Thailand got me thinking about Solar PV installations in low lying areas and whether a risk assessment should be included with all solar surveys. We are quite fortunate here in Thailand that we don’t get much bad weather like typhoons, strong winds, hale storms etc. Not like our close neighbour’s from the Philippines or Hong Kong! But we do get plenty of flooding! Seeing news pictures showing houses underwater or half-submerged got me thinking. What would be the consequence of this in regards to electrical safety?

Obviously, any submerged equipment would be written off in terms of damage, but what about electrical safety?

If a grid-tied system was installed and the utility switched off the power, the inverter and AC side would be shut down, but what about the DC side? Even if the Solar Inverter and DC isolators have been turned off, the Solar Array will still be live (during daylight hours). This is a major concern as you could face serious injury from electric shock. What about Solar Hybrid systems? Well, these could be more problematic as they would stay online, as they are supposed to do, during a power outage. This means that the connected loads and the Solar PV array would still be live and a potential source of electric shock.

“solar panels continue producing electricity even if your utility has cut off power to your property.”

What to do, what solutions are available?

Knowing what we know now, we can assess the property and area to see if it’s prone to flooding, then design the Solar PV Systems equipment location accordingly. Options could include installing the Solar PV System higher up, like on the second floor of a house or mounting the systems high up, which would mean servicing access would need a ladder. Consider installing a second DC isolation switch on the roof (or as close to the array as possible); that way, you can isolate the PV array entirely from the system. If you have a Solar Hybrid system and it looks like you may get flooded, shut down the system completely, even the backup power supply.

What to do after a flood?

If your Solar PV System gets wet or submerged after a flood, do not turn it back on. Call your local Solar PV System installer to come out and assess your system to see if it’s safe, can be repaired or will need to be replaced.

Owning a Solar Rooftop for your business makes sense.

Kunini Solar EPC has launched its Solar Rooftop Installment Program for SMEs and small businesses. These businesses may lack the capital to invest in a Solar Rooftop or wish to keep their money and enter the Solar instalment program. This article will show you how you can get started with a bit of upfront outlay and start saving on your utility costs right away. The Solar Rooftop will be paid in instalments from the savings you make, and you get to keep some of the savings.

When the Solar Rooftop is paid up, around 6-7 years, you get to save 100% of the savings; it’s a win-win scenario.

The Concept

Any business with an electricity bill of around Bt. 15,000 per month or more and uses a lot of electricity during the daytime can benefit from this program. What type of businesses falls into this category? Office building, shop, café, small factory, shopping mall, garage, restaurant, gym/sauna, home office etc.

Large factories can enter this program too, but terms and conditions may vary.

Uncertain that it works or won’t deliver as expected?

When Kunini started installing Solar Rooftops almost ten years ago, there were two main issues;

1. Does it work? 100% it is a proven energy supply that is clean and green. Just look all around you, Renewable energy is everywhere, Solar, Wind, Hydro. If the future and you can be part of it.

2. Long ROI (return on investment). Long ROI? not anymore! We can say that as of 2020, we have seen returns of as quick as four years, but the general return is between 4-6 years. We don’t expect better returns yet, but systems are becoming more reliable, and yields are increasing with advancements in technology.

Fast forward to today, and we can answer and address these issues efficiently and with confidence.

Be your own power provider, own a Solar Rooftop today. Easy finance options, quick returns and professional service make ownership a breeze.

But for those who are still doubtful about the benefits of Solar PV or the returns and benefits, please look at our blogs on our website www.kunini.com or our Facebook page.

What about maintenance and servicing of the system? With this program, Kunini Solar EPC offers a 5-year O&M package with every finance deal and can provide further maintenance packages after this expires.

Let’s Discuss Performance & Maintenance

Solar O&M (operations and maintenance) is vital to the long life of the Solar PV system. Kunini has installed many Solar Rooftop projects and sends a team to each site every six months to carry out an O&M program. This consists of solar panel cleaning and a full inspection of the system. In addition, all plants are monitored to ensure that the system is always 100% operational. Depending on the site/location, additional service visits may be required; sites near main highways or in industrial estates or close to cement factories may need to have their solar panels cleaned more frequently.

The Kunini Solar EPC team has installed solar PV systems for more than ten years without significant incidents. Typical items like; inverter issue (replacement claim), cracked panel due to external influences, some broken string fuses and the odd MC4 connector replacement. We believe that if the PV plant is under an excellent reliable O&M contract, downtime will be minimal.

Kunini has a Customer Service Manager to take care of customers and schedule maintenance events making sure your PV plant stays in tip-top condition.

How Does Solar Financing Work?

Kunini works with the financier to provide the finance for the project. The program is like leasing a car whereby you pay a small down payment, typically 5-10%. After that, the Solar PV system is installed, and you make monthly instalment payments until the system is paid off. This usually is 6-7 years. So, in summary, the down payment is paid to Kunini Solar EPC (the installer). The balance is paid through instalments to the financier with an interest payment of around 5-6.5% per annum.

Case Example

Let’s use this case example to explain the process. Kunini Solar EPC has surveyed and designed a Solar Rooftop for ABC Hotel, with an installed capacity of 65 kWp. Mee Capital Company Limited (the financier) is a hire purchase service provider; they have agreed to finance the project.

Kunini Solar EPC (Kunini Co., Ltd) enters into an agreement (MOU) with Mee Capital Co., Ltd. They ally to provide financing for Solar Rooftops under agreed conditions; the Solar PV system must be designed to maximise daytime power consumption for the site. The installation must be installed according to the rules and regulations of the ERC, MEA and PEA. We are emphasising safety, yield, and performance guidelines.

Kunini Solar EPC enters into a contract with ABC Hotel to install a Solar Rooftop on their hotel roof.

ABC Hotel pays a down payment of 10% of the project value, to Kunini Solar EPC.

ABC Hotel enters a contract for hire-purchase of the Solar Rooftop with Mee Capital Co., Ltd., whereby the hire-purchase amount is 90% of the project value.

Kunini Solar EPC installs the Solar Rooftop and claims the installation fee (cost of the project) according to the progress of the work with Me Capital Co. Kunini Solar EPC establishes the Solar Rooftop, including final testing commissioning, and then claims the 85% balance from the financier.

For the final 5%, Mee Capital Company will pay Kunini Solar EPC when the licensees from government agencies are released.

The information presented here is an overview to understand how the program works. The data is non-binding until all parties enter into a contract. For your project, contact us for more information and to set up a free survey and consultation.

info@kunini.com

Tags battery, energy, technology