A Solar Home System (SHS) is a stand-alone kit powered by one or more PV panels that, thanks to a battery storage application, can provide electricity in remote areas where the grid is not present.
This Solar Home System is able to meet households and rural communities basic needs, supplying power for lighting and appliances.
Solar Home Systems contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of rural communities by:
- Reducing indoor air pollution and therefore improving health by replacing kerosene lamps
- Providing new jobs and business opportunities
- Providing lighting at night
- Facilitating the access to information and communication (radio, TV, mobile phone charging).
In a Solar Home System we can find many components that are assembled and connected together.
The PV panels are mounted on a pole that is fixed on the ground through appropriate foundations. The tilt and the orientation of the PV modules must be chosen accurately to maximise the energy production during the day. The PV modules must be usually oriented south/south-east (in northern hemisphere), north/north-west (in southern hemisphere) with a tilt between 10 and 30° depending on the latitude. For Plug & Play Solar Home Systems there is no need of foundations, because the PV panels can be placed and mounted easily in many places, facing the sun.
The power of the PV panels is calculated on the daily energy needs and the battery capacity.
The solar PV panels are connected through a solar cable to a component called “Charge Regulator”. The charge regulator has the function of checking and regulating the voltage and the incoming electrical current, keeping them at the correct value for the solar battery, to avoid its overcharging and overvoltage. It may also prevent completely draining (“deep discharging”) a battery, or perform controlled discharges, depending on the battery technology, to extend battery life.
Solar Power Batteries are the core of the Solar Home System and have the function of accumulating electricity that can also be used at night or in presence of clouds. They are made of Lithium (LiFePo4) or high performance silicate depending on the environment and the kind of application. Lithium batteries have an high energy density, fast recharge and reliable life expectations. Silicate batteries are cheaper, with a longer life-time compared to standard lead-acid and they can operate in a wide temperature regime.
Depending on their dimensions, Solar Home Systems can operate at a rated voltage of 12-24-48 V direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC), providing electricity for DC/AC appliances such as lights, fans, radios, small TVs and fridges. They can be useful not only for households, but also for businesses and utilities such as shops, schools and health centers.
Plug the Sun’s Solar Home Systems are the perfect solution for rural electrification. Discover more>
