This is a project for 10 sets of 5kW solar systems for 10 resorts, with a total of 50kW of power, and we also designed a lightning protection system. Why do we design it this way?
Design reason
As a reliable manufacturer of solar energy storage systems, we understand the importance of providing our customers with solutions to solve all their energy-related problems.
In 2019, we received an inquiry from Guinea. Mr. Bxxx (name hidden, to protect user privacy) is from Germany but lives in Guinea all year round.
He invested in 10 resorts, sought a solar energy storage system, and demanded lightning protection.
Through in-depth communication, we learned that Mr. Bxxx had installed a 5kW solar system in his home, but due to the recent thunderstorm, his solar system was severely damaged.
When he contacted the original solar supplier, they were told that this was not a quality problem. They could not compensate or refused to provide any solution.
This made Mr. Bxxx very disappointed. It was only possible for him to purchase a gasoline generator locally as a temporary backup power supply.
Our company’s Lucy sales manager, after learning the actual situation of Mr. Bxxx, provided a complete solution within 3 hours.
The solution is so that Mr.Bxxx can make full use of the existing resources (gasoline generator, solar panel) and lightning protection measures.
Lightning protection system ( LPS )
The solar system before Mr. Bxxx did not have a PV combiner. This is also one of the reasons that directly caused serious damage to the inverter.
The PV combiner has a built-in surge protector. When a lightning strike occurs, the fuse in the PV combiner will be the first to be damaged, protecting other components.
You only replace the burned fuse, then the full solar system still works.
Considering the lightning protection problem of 10 resorts, we designed a set of lightning protection devices for solar energy systems.
LPS includes:
1- 2 meter long lightning arresters will be installed on the four ends of the solar panel roof. Respectively to strengthen the lightning guiding effect.
2- Grounding system, which is a network of conductors buried in the ground, forming a safe path, to guide lightning to the earth.
3-Surge protection device, because our PV combiner already comes with it, but just in case, we will strengthen the surge tube.
The figure below is the specific size chart of this lightning protection device
How to make a generator, utility, and solar system work together?
Generally, if the solar system is to be connected to a generator, the generator has to be at least 2 times as powerful.
For example, if a 5kW solar inverter needs to be connected to a generator, the generator needs to have a rated power of at least 10kW, otherwise, the solar inverter will burn out.
Mr. Bxxx has been hit by lightning before. We hope he can purchase suitable products at a lower cost. So we recommend a dual-power automatic switch.
What is a dual-power automatic switch (ATS)?
It is an artifact that connects 2 independent power supplies to your home or electrical equipment.
We can see from the picture that the ATS has 3 or even 4 sets of positive and negative connection ports.
The main power part will be connected to the solar system, and the backup power part will be connected to your generator.
The inverter in the solar energy storage system we designed has 3 working modes:
1- Main power priority, as the name implies, uses main power as the main power source. In case the mains power is unstable and stops supplying power, solar energy will replace it as the main power source.
2-Battery priority, contrary to the mains mode, solar energy will first charge the battery before supplying power to the load, and the actual battery has used the power before.
3- Solar energy priority. The electricity generated by solar energy is first supplied to the household load, and then the excess electricity fills the battery.
Usually, we recommend customers choose the solar energy priority mode, and if necessary, they can adjust it on the inverter themselves.
In case of rainy days or when battery capacity is low, the solar system will 0s auto-switch to the power grid that uses public utilities first.
If there is no public utility grid, your generator will be started through ATS for a seamless power supply to ensure power supply. Timeliness of supply.
If you don’t want to use the utility grid, you can manually disconnect the solar inverter from the city grid, so the generator starts itself.
Mr. Bxxx is very satisfied with the solution we provided.
To form a state of independent power, we recommended that each resort install a 5kw solar lithium battery system.
Finally, for passengers’ safety, we suggest that Mr. Bxxx install these 10 sets of lithium battery systems in one room. This will form a main circuit and a main switch.
The following is the pictures of Mr.Bxxx. Having installed 5 sets of 5kW solar lithium battery system.
Conclusion
Our expert team will provide the client with a comprehensive solution, that meets all his needs and resolves his concerns.
We proudly provide a high-quality, reliable solution that helps our customers continue to enjoy the benefits of solar energy, while safeguarding their property.
