Load Shedding

About Loadshedding

Whether a single office, residential, sectional title, or a large factory, PV Consult advise clients to make an informed decision on the type & size of system to meet their needs.

kWp / kWh Size Analysis
Off Grid Solar
Hybrid
Cycling
Extended Load Shedding
Upgrades to Solar

Download Our Latest Load Shedding Brochure

Load Shedding Brochure

Key Area

Stand-alone OFF GRID

HYBRID Inverter Size & Type

3 2 4 Battery Size in kWp / kWh

Integration with Solar

Stand-alone OFF GRID

Reticulation

UPS

Emergency lighting

How loadshedding works

and configuration.

Solutions come in different configurations according to each client’s requirements. Ranging from a basic stand – alone UPS, to a fully integrated battery or Gen Set solution.

About Loadshedding

Each item in a factory, or home has a CONSUMPTION PROFILE measured in kWh

It is critical to distinguish between “Emergency Items” suchas LED Lights / PC’s, Printers and heavy consumption items,such as Air Conditioners, Ovens, Geysers, Pool Pumps andHeavy Machinery.
The key is to reduce the load profile to essentials only.
Weconsulton your load profile and specify the emergencycircuits and how best to integrate a UPS / Load Shedderwithin the budget
In certain instances new wiring (reticulation) is advised

Off Grid / Hybrid Integrated system.

The Inverter being atthe heart of any system and must allow for:–

Upgrade ofkWP(Peak) / More Items
Upgrade kWh Battery/ Extended LoadShedding

Key Terminology

kWp (Kilowatt PeaK )

This being the measurement according to thespecific maximum consumption at any one time.

kWh (Kilowatt Hours

The length of time the battery is requiredto output its power to the items. Measured in time.

Centralised vs Decentralised

Whether the system is designed tobe basic and standalone (such as a UPS) and merely for aspecific number of items,ega TV and Wi–fi . OR Integrated intoa central DB

DB (Distribution Board

The mains board that has separatecircuits that we can attach the UPS or Inverter and identifiesemergency circuits.

Reticulation

This means wiring / distribution of electricity

UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)

A small standalone invertercombined in one box with basic lead acid battery for powering aTV/ PC and a few lights.

Inverter

An electronic device used to convert (DC) DirectCurrent (from the solar panels) to (AC) Alternating Current tothe distribution board.

Grid Tied (Inverter)

A commercial application to convert the DCfrom the solar panels to the DB. DOES NOT allow for batteries.

Off Grid ( Inverter)

Also known as a load shedder. Thisinverter usually linked with LITHIUM battery options. Warranty+/–10 years. DOES NOT offer the ability to add solar. MeasuredinkWpand kWh and often upgradeable

Hybrid (inverter)

An intelligent inverter that allows multipleinputs from Grid, Battery, Solar and Gen Sets Ideal home use andsmall factory.

Gen Set (Generator)

Means a diesel engine combined with an electric generator

LV / HV

Low voltage batteries for normal residential use, high Voltage batteries used for high peak items e.g a lift or motor.

Small (Home/Office)

Basic stand-alone UPS can be integrated with DB

Medium (Home/Office)

Single inverter battery box integrated to DB typically 5-10 kWp, 5-10 kWh

Large (Home/Office)

Duel inverter battery box integrated to DB, typically 10-20 kWp, 10-20kWh

Key benefits Hybrid vs Off Grid Configuration.

Hybrid Inverters

These are available as either single or 3 phase and are best suited when integrating with solar. Typically twice the cost of grid-tied

Cycling

When not using the battery for loadshedding the batteries can be cycled at specific times and the power is then input into the system, hence saving on purchase kWh from the municipality.

Gen Set

It is possible to integrate Gen Set with a Grid Tied system and this can assist with reducing the Gen Set speed and save fuel.

Extended Loadshedding

During day time load shedding, the solar panels, will power the batteries and inverters.

Commercial and Section Title – Considerations

A battery solution is unlikely to be effective

A GEN SET with integrated solar is the most widely chosen configuration.

A battery solution for the office and emergency lighting only is advised.

Office Blocks/Business Parks Options Include:

A central battery / Gen Set attached to the ENTIRE DB and all users have FULL access.

As above but a selected number of circuits are installed.

This could be OFF-GRID or HYBRID at extra cost

Recommended decentralised option include:

A decentralised approach with each user securing their own standalone (OFF-GRID / UPS ) system according to their needs.

Certain sections could be upgraded to HYBRID if roof available.

Key Inverter Options.

Battery and Inverter (Combined)

Battery and inverter size is considered a two fold decision.

The amount of output (Peak) that is required to operate the consumption profile at any one point in time from all the items that may be operational.

The total draw of all items combined over a period of time (measured in kWh) killowat hours, that you need the items to opertate. Typically, under stage 2-4 loadshedding then a 2-2,5 hour battery time has been considered sufficient.

Lithium-ion battery backup systems, these start at 1000Wh or 1kWh. Come with 10 year 6 000/10 000 Cycle warranty.

Unlike lead-acid and gel variants, lithium ion batteries have a significantly greater depth of discharge and logevity without risking a loss of battery capacity.

Reticulation (Wiring)

Reticulation to rewire only essential / emergency circuits to the loadshedder

To be confirmed after the technical site visit.

Clients should be aware that reticulation can be an extra charge, if required.

Typical Electricity Usage Per Appliance Per Hour

When using your battery it is advisable to determine which appliances are most required, to give you the maximum amount of power during load shedding. Appliances such as air – conditioners / heaters and pool pumps ideally should not be run during load shedding.

*All Proposed Labour / Installation Costs Are Estimated And Subject to a Final Site Visit*

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