Solar PV plus battery solutions: Prices poised to plummet

Solar PV plus battery solutions: Prices poised to plummet

By Jack Ward, CEO of Soltra Energy

I’m on record as saying that the Tesla Powerwall, the revolutionary wall-mounted lithium-ion battery-pack, will gain general marketplace acceptance faster than predicted.

The latest news from Tesla certainly supports this. At launch earlier this year, the Powerwall was cheaper than most industry watchers were prepared for, mainly because Elon Musk, the South African-born founder of Tesla, was determined to demonstrate the broad global acceptance of his brainchild.

Now, the prices for all variants of the Tesla Powerwall are falling faster than expected even before the first Powerwall has been shipped! For example, the average Tesla Powerwall battery price on launch was around US$ 547/kWh. Now it’s around $350/kWh and set to breach the $300/kWh price point soon. What will it be when worldwide distribution begins in 2016?

According to industry watchers, Tesla’s batteries are already seven years ahead of the market when it comes to pricing, giving tens of millions more customers the opportunity to cost-effectively install solar PV plus battery systems in their homes.

Consequently, when the customer-friendly, aesthetic, well-designed Tesla Powerwall makes its appearance in SA it will have a ready market waiting. Expect stocks to evaporate faster than water in a parched desert. Globally, reserve orders are mounting - around $800-million worth as we speak.

Why are prices falling so fast? It’s due to the battery’s application in the automotive market. In the US, electric vehicles are big business. Already more than 3 million electric-drive vehicles are on the roads. Tesla, BMW and now Mercedes-Benz are vying for the lion’s share of this burgeoning market.

Bringing down the cost of an electric drivetrain is therefore an important step in increasing the adoption of zero-emission vehicles. Vehicles sales are thus at the centre of this development.

Here, in electricity-starved SA, electric vehicles may not be a priority, but preparing for disruptive load-shedding and soaring electricity prices is. With Testla lighting the path ahead, cheap battery storage is set to boost the acceptance of rooftop solarPV plus battery solutions beyond all projections. It’s a technology whose time has finally arrived.

Find us:

www.soltra.co.za

  

How susceptible are rooftop solar panels to devastating storm damage?

How susceptible are rooftop solar panels to devastating storm damage?

By Jack Ward, CEO of Soltra Energy

How do solar PV panels stand up to the extremes of rain, wind and hail? What about their resistance to the fury of the typical Highveld thunder storm? It’s a good question, considering the expected lifespan of a solar PV installation is 25 years or more. It’s bound to see a good many storms in its lifetime.

Fortunately, the answer is certain panels – from reputable manufacturers - stand up very well to the rigours of harsh weather. The key is to select panel arrays capable of withstanding Mother Nature’s rage and ferocity at its worst.

Panels featuring tempered glass, for example, are particularly strong and long-lasting while amorphous panels, combining flexible plastic material, are highly resistant to hail damage and any harm that may occur (unlikely) will not substantially affect the array’s performance.

The strength of solar PV panels is measured and rated in a number of ways. The first rating is for static loading – usually applicable to snow loading - which shouldn’t interest us here in sunny South Africa.

What should interest us is the rating for wind loading. Wind is a much more dynamic force and can fluctuate in intensity rather rapidly. This is referred to as mechanical load.

Solar PV installation by Soltra Energy

While static and mechanical loading are tested in different ways, the combined force a panel can withstand is measured in Pascals (Pa). The normal test threshold is 2400 Pa, but it’s best to choose a panel capable of passing a mechanical load test of 5400 Pa – particularly if it’s going to be part of an array sited in extremely windy areas, such those found along the eastern Cape coastline.

By far the most impressive test of a solar PV panel is for its hailstone resistance. The Class 4 hailstone test (devised by the Renewable Energy Test Centre in California) subjects solar PV panels to multiple impacts from 50mm diameter hailstones – bigger than golf balls – frozen at minus 17degrees, at terminal velocities of 76 metres per second or a staggering 400-plus km/h. Panels that pass this test represent the very best available.

So, if you are in the market for a rooftop solar PV installation, take out good insurance in the form of a quality solar panel array from a reputable supplier and breathe easy for 25 years or more.

  

Find us:

www.soltra.co.za

  

Power storage for all with Tesla’s new Powerwall

Power storage for all with Tesla’s new Powerwall

By Jack Ward, CEO of Soltra Energy

One of the most exciting announcements in the renewable energy arena has come from Elon Musk, CEO and chief product architect of Tesla Motors, and chairman of SolarCity. 

His Tesla Powerwall battery system represents a game-changer in this industry sector. It is a development stemming from Tesla’s pioneering work in bringing affordable lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries to market for the company’s successful electric vehicles - the Tesla Model X and Model S.

The Tesla Gigafactory - currently being built in Nevada in the US - will mass- produce these batteries, bringing a-step change in terms of reducing Li-ion battery costs to market.

How will this be achieved? Tesla will use its considerable automotive experience to package Li-ion batteries into attractive, space-saving wall-mounted units. The Powerwall’s design will allow batteries to be mass produced and installed safely in homes and businesses - by the tens of thousands.

Powerwall is a boon for the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry because it brings to market an electrical storage unit that’s three to four times cheaper than conventional lead acid-based batteries.

Technically, lead-acid batteries have not really improved since their introduction some 150 years ago.  Now, thanks to Tesla, every solar PV installation - grid-tied or not – should be configured around electrical storage with a view to significantly improving the availability of supply and the overall return on investment (ROI) of the solution.

Unlike lead-acid batteries that degrade drastically if discharged by more that 30-40%, depth of discharge (DoD) is no longer an issue with the Tesla Powerwall. 

Li-ion holds great promise, as the battery can be fully discharged in every cycle. What’s more, the Tesla Powerwall will last as long as 20 years and comes standard with a 10-year guarantee.

Good news is that in South Africa there is currently no import duty on Li-ion batteries (unlike automotive lead-acid batteries) bringing solar PV systems ever closer to economic viability and parity in terms of costs with increasingly expensive Eskom power.

Find us:

www.soltra.co.za

  

Electricity consumers search for new solutions

Electricity consumers search for new solutions

By Bevan Jones, Soltra Energy MD

In the face of Eskom’s supply uncertainty and price hikes, consumers are on the lookout for new, innovative alternatives. This was evident at the recent Power & Electricity World Africa 2015 show in Johannesburg where Soltra Energy took the opportunity to launch its new high capacity Soltra GTB 10 000.

This is a 10 kVA capacity, utility grid-connected, hybrid solar photovoltaic (PV) power system suitable for small-to-medium-size enterprise and domestic markets. Ideal for roof-top installation, it offers a greater degree of backup battery autonomy and is thus geared for load-shedding.

Our belief, that the Soltra GTB 10 000 is a good fit for consumers’ current mind-set, was borne out at the show by the many interested visitors who took time to call at our stand.

They confirmed what we already believed: There is burgeoning interest in rooftop solar PV power solutions for domestic, commercial and industrial applications. It is gaining momentum on an almost daily basis as our parastatal power provider lurches from one crisis to another.

Without doubt, consumers from all sectors of the economy are keen to reduce their reliance on Eskom. Concern over power reliability, price hikes and the lack of leadership at the highest levels was reaffirmed by almost all our visitors.

It became crystal clear that the current trend is away from generators – which are often seen as too noisy for domestic use. Solar power - nature’s free alternative - is gaining ground as it is becoming an attractive, cost-effective solution, particularly when Eskom’s new pricing structures are taken into account..

In this light, our new Soltra GTB 10 000 functions as a back-up rather than a complementary power source in the event of a power outage. This sets it apart from conventional solar PV power systems.

For the technically minded, the 10 kVA capacity unit is a hybrid solar PV power system that can be operated in three modes: linked to the electricity grid (grid-tied); as grid-tied unit with battery backup (in a hybrid configuration); or as a stand-alone hybrid unit. In line with uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and other conventional solutions, switchover time from mains to batteries is a rapid 15 milliseconds. 

Find us:

www.soltra.co.za

  

Ground-breaking solar PV solution on show at Power & Electricity World Africa 2015 - Sandton Convention Centre, 24/25 March.

Coping with load-shedding?

Ground-breaking solar PV solution on show at Power & Electricity World Africa 2015 - Sandton Convention Centre, 24/25 March. 

By Bevan Jones, Soltra Energy MD

Eskom’s “crazy deal” in which it will pay well over the odds for high quality coal that its power stations cannot use unless it is blended down in a costly process is yet another indication that South Africa’s power utility is out of step with reality.

Five million tons of expensive, export-quality coal from Glencore mine will cost Eskom R3.76-billion a year – money it does not have.

Where will Eskom get the cash? The answer, most likely, is “from electricity users”. That’s out of your pocket….

For businesses and households, the future could be bleak….. unless there is an uptake of solar power, nature’s free alternative.

At the upcoming Power & Electricity World Africa 2015 show (at the Sandton Convention Centre on 24 - 25 March) a new, ground-breaking solar PV solution will be under the spotlight on the Soltra Energy stand.

Dubbed the Soltra GTB 10 000, the device functions as a back-up rather than a complementary power source in the event of a power outage. This sets it apart from conventional solar PV power systems.

For the technically minded, the 10 kVA capacity unit is a hybrid solar PV power system that can be operated in three modes: linked to the electricity grid (grid-tied); as grid-tied unit with battery backup (in a hybrid configuration); or as a stand-alone hybrid unit.

Aimed at larger-sized installations and ideal for roof-top installation, it offers a greater degree of backup battery autonomy and is thus geared for load-shedding.

In line with uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and other conventional solutions, switchover time from mains to batteries is a rapid 15 milliseconds, suitable for protecting sensitive computer and other delicate equipment from the frequent power ‘brownouts’ and ‘spikes’ so common today.

Take time to visit the Soltra Energy stand at Power & Electricity World Africa 2015 where you find today’s solutions for tomorrow’s power problems – and knowledgeable people with whom to discuss your requirements.

Find us:

www.soltra.co.za

Solar PV panels: The quality conundrum

Solar PV panels: The quality conundrum

By Bevan Jones, Soltra Energy MD

Increasingly, South Africans are becoming aware of the benefits of solar energy as a renewable power resource. As a result, more solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are entering the local marketplace. Some are high quality units, while others fall short of reaching even the most basic of performance benchmarks.

Unfortunately, instances of lower-grade solar PV modules being sold as premium quality offerings have come to light, emphasising the need for buyers to be wary of making costly investments without first ensuring the legitimacy and authenticity of the products on offer.

Mirroring these challenges are the vagaries of the terms and conditions of the warranties and guarantees available from the solar PV industry. Limited understanding of ‘small print’ subtleties has resulted in buyer confusion.

As a buyer, you need to be armed with the knowledge of how solar PV vendors back their products before signing up for an often costly solar PV installation. Ideally you should shop around first to find the best solution with the most promising warranty conditions.

Although all solar panels sold in South Africa carry common law warranties against latent defects, it’s important to carefully consider the types and durations of the factory and in-service warranties offered by solar system vendors and installers.

There are several different types of solar PV system warranties available, covering the PV panels and other parts of a complete installation.

As solar panels contain no moving parts, they are usually very reliable and will have a long life. However, if something does go wrong they are usually backed by a materials or product warranty. It can be valid for between one and 10 years. It usually covers components such as the panels’ glass, laminate backing and possibly the silicon cells/wafers contained within.

Importantly, check whether the warranty is underwritten by the panel manufacturer or the system installer. If it is the manufacturer, will the panels have to be sent overseas to be repaired (at whose cost?) or will they simply be replaced (swopped out) by the installer?

It’s also vital to understand the terms and conditions of any regular maintenance contract which, if not followed correctly, could void the factory or installer’s warranty.

What about the solar PV panels’ ability to meet advertised performance benchmarks for the duration of their life – which could exceed 20 years?

Performance output warranties are not as common as materials warranties and you should check to see if they are included - or omitted - before a purchase is made.

As all solar PV panels degrade over time, performance warranties should cover repairs to the silicon cells/wafers and/or panel replacement in the event that their electricity production falls below a predetermined percentage of the panels’ rated capacity during its lifetime (usually 25 years). This performance drop should be due to a defect in the cells themselves (not due to a fault of the rest of the system).

One of the best industry warranties on the market is linked to a performance curve which allows for a maximum of 3% degradation of the solar PV panel modules in the first year and a 0.7% per annum degradation for the remaining 24 years. Thus, by the end of a 25-year period, power output is warranted to be no less than 80% of the modules’ labelled power output at purchase.

But what happens if the vendor (or the installer) goes out or business at any point in time during the 25-year warranty period? Who will resolve the issues? In this event, it’s vital that the warranty be underwritten by one of more third party guarantors, ideally reputable, independent finance institutions or insurance underwriters.

This is key if the installation is associated with a potential developer or investors in an industrial-scale solar installation. They are looking for bankable technology in order to reduce risk and support the long term economics of their projects, many of which are geared to provide an annuity return.

A long-term, non-cancellable warranty – meaning it remains in force even if the principals are no longer in the solar power business - is central to the bankability of solar farms and similar solar installations.

Other warranties which should be addressed include those for the inverter – the device that changes direct current to alternating current - which typically last for five to 10 years – and the batteries, if a stand-alone or hybrid system is involved. Batteries can be the most maintenance-intensive parts of a stand-alone power system, so warranty fine-print should be studied carefully.

Finally, a balance-of-system (non-panel components) warranty should be available from the installer or added to an existing building insurance contract to cover the wiring and other miscellaneous components.