Best Solar Systems in Pakistan
What is Solar System?
A solar power system works by converting the energy from the sun into electricity that can be used to power homes, businesses, and other buildings. Solar plates are installed on the roofs of houses, buildings etc. which capture the sunlight and convert it into electricity.
In Pakistan, people’s interest in solar technology is increasing; thus, you have to know about the best solar systems in Pakistan.
Main Parts/Components of Solar System
A solar power system consists of several key components:
- Solar panels (also known as PV modules)
- Inverter
- Charge controller (if the system includes a battery bank)
- Battery bank (if the system is off-grid)
- Mounting hardware (for attaching the panels to a rooftop or other structure)
- Electrical wiring and cables
- Grounding equipment
- Monitoring equipment (optional)
Best Solar Panels Companies in Pakistan
The top 7 solar systems companies are the following
Manufactures | Models |
SunPower Solar | Maxeon 6 |
LG Solar | Neon R |
Canadian Solar | CS6R-MS |
Panasonic Solar | EverVolt H |
REC Solar | Alpha Pure |
JA Solar | JAM 72S10/MR |
Jinko | Tiger NEO |
It’s always recommended to research and get multiple quotes from different suppliers before purchasing to ensure you get the best product and price.
Types of Solar Systems
There are three types of the solar system with their advantages and disadvantages
- Off-Grid Solar System
- On-Grid Solar System
- Hybrid Solar System
Off-Grid Solar System
In an off-grid system, the solar plates on the roof capture the sunlight and convert it into electricity which is received Solar Inverter and then stored in the batteries for usage.
If the electricity generated from the off-grid system is insufficient, then the system will take the extra units from WAPDA for load balancing, and you will be charged for it in the bill.
Advantages
- In case of load shedding, there will be battery backup for you, and electricity will not cut off.
Disadvantages
- As no net metering is available for Off-grid systems thus, extra electricity can’t be sold back to WAPDA, and extra units will be wasted.
- As Off-grid System requires batteries, thus increases the cost of the system.
On-Grid System
There is no requirement for batteries in this system. In On-Grid System, the solar plates will generate electricity by capturing the sunlight that will go to the inverter and ultimately to the home for usage.
Advantages
- As no batteries are involved in the system, it ultimately lowers the cost of the system.
- There is an option for net metering; thus, extra electricity will be sold back to WAPDA.
Disadvantages
- The major disadvantage of the On-Grid system is the no electricity production during load shedding. As this system require the WAPDA connection for load balancing (no batteries for load balancing) thus, in case of load shedding, there will be total cut-off electricity.
- No battery backup is available at night or on a gloomy day; the only solution is the WAPDA, thus increasing the electricity bills.
Note: This system is a complete failure in the areas where Load Shedding is.
Hybrid Solar System
The Hybrid Solar system is a mixture of both off-grid and on-grid systems. In this system, battery backup is available for load shedding, and at night, extra units can be sold back to the WAPDA.
In a Hybrid system, the electricity generated by the solar plates through sunlight is received by the Inverted, which provides it to the home for usage and stores it in the batteries. Extra units will be sold to WAPDA through net metering.
Advantages
- Battery backup is available during the night and load shedding.
- Extra units can be sold to WAPDA, thus lowering the electricity bills to a minimum and sometimes to minus.
Disadvantages
- As batteries are one of the main components of a Hybrid system, this increases its cost from both off-grid and on-grid solar systems.
- Another issue the consumer will face is that a complete set-up for a hybrid system is not available; thus have to buy the components separately.
Which system should you go for?
As all three systems have their advantages and drawbacks, thus it depends upon your requirement which system you should go for. If there is no problem with load shedding in your area, you can choose the on-grid system to lower your electricity bill.
And in case of load shedding, you can go for an off-grid system as battery backup is available, but you can’t sell your extra units back to WAPDA. The Hybrid Solar System is available but costs more for that purpose. Thus, it completely depends upon your area and usability.
Installation of Solar System
Installing a solar power system at home typically involves the following steps:
- Site assessment: A professional will assess your property to determine the best location for the solar panels and evaluate factors such as shading, roof angle, and orientation.
- System design: A solar designer will create a custom design for your solar power system based on the site assessment. This design will consider the system’s size, the number of solar panels, and the best inverter.
- Permits and approvals: Before the installation can begin, you’ll need to obtain any necessary licenses and permissions from local authorities.
- Installation: The solar panels and other equipment will be installed on your property. It typically includes mounting the solar panels on the roof or a ground-mounted rack, running electrical wiring from the panels to the inverter, and connecting the inverter to your electrical system.
- Inspection and commissioning: Once the installation is complete, it will be inspected by a professional to ensure that it meets all safety and performance standards.
- Monitoring and maintenance: After the solar power system is installed and commissioned, keeping it well-maintained and monitoring its performance is essential. It will help to ensure that it continues to function efficiently and effectively.
It’s important to note that the specific procedure may vary depending on the location and the local regulations, so it’s always recommended to consult a professional solar installer before starting the process.
Working of Solar System
A solar power system works by converting the energy from the sun into electricity that can be used to power homes, businesses, and other buildings. The essential components of a solar power system include solar panels, an inverter, and a charge controller (if the system consists of a battery bank).
- Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) modules, are made up of photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into electricity. When sunlight strikes the PV cells, it causes electrons to flow, creating an electrical current.
- The electricity generated by solar panels is direct current (DC), which must be converted to alternating current (AC) because most household appliances use alternate current to work. It is done by an inverter, which converts the DC power from the solar panels into AC power that the home or business can use.
- Suppose the solar system includes a battery bank. In that case, the charge controller regulates the flow of electricity from the solar panels to the battery bank, ensuring that the batteries are not overcharged or damaged.
- The electricity generated by the solar panels is used to power the building’s electrical systems, including lights, appliances, and equipment. Any excess electricity is returned to the grid or stored in a battery bank for later use.
- If the system includes monitoring equipment, it can be used to track the performance of the solar panels and other components and to monitor the amount of electricity generated, stored, and used.
Overall, solar systems convert sunlight into electricity through the PV cells and then manage and distribute the electricity produced to power the building’s electrical systems. They are a clean and sustainable source of energy that can help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and improve energy security.
Maintenance and Cleaning of Solar Panels
Cleaning solar panels is an integral part of maintaining their performance and efficiency. The steps for cleaning solar panels include the following:
- Safety first: Always use caution when working on a roof, and use proper safety equipment such as a harness, goggles, and slip-resistant shoes.
- Determine the type of cleaning solution: You can clean solar panels with water and mild detergent or specialized solar panel cleaning solutions. Never use abrasive or acidic cleaning solutions, as they can damage the surface of the panels.
- Clean the panels: Use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub away dirt and debris from the surface of the panels. Be sure to work in a circular motion to avoid scratching the surface.
- Rinse the panels: Use a hose or a pressure washer set to a low-pressure setting to rinse away any remaining dirt and cleaning solution from the panels.
- Clean the frames and racking: Be sure to clean the edges and racking that hold the solar panels in place. It will help to ensure that the panels are securely mounted and can move freely in response to changes in temperature and sunlight.
- Monitor the weather: Clean solar panels on a clear, sunny day. Avoid cleaning them when it’s windy or when there is a risk of thunderstorms, as these conditions can make it difficult to clean the panels effectively and safely.
It is important to note that not all solar panels require regular cleaning, and it’s always recommended to check with the manufacturer’s recommendations and consult a professional before cleaning the panels.
Conclusion
This article includes all the information about the Best solar systems in Pakistan, and it’s types with their advantages and disadvantages. Once you review the whole article, you can decide which solar panel you should buy.