The Best Solar Panels Available In Zimbabwe
They are various Solar Panels available in Zimbabwe and the average solar consumer can have a difficult time choosing from the various Solar Panels. At Aurora Energy we have taken our time at looking various outlets and the variety of Solar panels they have to offer. These ranges from what Bloomberg NEF classify as Tier 1 panels through to Tier3 and many unclassified panel manufacturers.
So how do you differentiate Panel Manufacturers?
BloombergNEF developed a tiering system for PV Module makers based on bankability to create a transparent differentiation between the hundreds of solar panel manufacturers on the market. The important distinction though is this listing rank of manufacturers not the panels themselves, although it is a good indicator of quality and reliability.
So how do I choose a Panel?
Solar Panel efficiency is a good starting point as this is the measure of irradiation (sunlight ) which falls on the surface of a panel and is converted into electricity. It is determined by 2 main factors the PV Cell efficiency and the total panel efficiency, based on cell layout, configuration.
Cell efficiency is determined by the cell structure and base silicon material used which is generally either N type or P type. CE is calculated by the fill factor which is the maximum conversion efficiency of a PV Cell at the optimum voltage and current.
Panel Efficiency is measured under STC standard test conditions based on a cell temperature of 25deg, solar irradiance of 1000w/m2 and air mass of 1.5, and is given by max power rating (W) at STC divided by the total panel area in meters. Overall panel Efficiency is influenced by these factors: temperature, irradiance level, cell type, and interconnection of the cells.
Why Efficiency Matters?
Faster payback, as panel efficiency increased the payback period has reduced
Efficiency does play a huge part in the amount of BOS used
The area required to mount the solar panels also decreases the more efficient the panles
Panel Efficiency being a good starting point the most efficient Solar Panel Manufacturers are from premium solar manufacturers which are generally
SunPower,
LG,
Panasonic,
QCells,
REC,
Solaria
However these are very expensive and are rarely available in Zimbabwe. Value Solar Manufacturers and their products are more available locally and most of these manufacturers are rated Tier 1 manufacturers.
Jinko
Trina Solar
Canadian Solar
Longi Solar
JA Solar
Risen Solar
Afro Energy
Solarcom
BYD
Are your best bet for reliable, service and warranty support. For purchasing decision a lot of information on manufacturer and the particular panel have to be researched but to get the best from your buck shop wisely.
7 Things to Consider Before Installing Rooftop Solar Panels
Going green not only reduces our positive impact on the environment but also allows for energy savings to add up in terms of dollar value which is the ultimate point of alternative power sources.
It is paramount for home and business owners who want to invest in solar energy to have full knowledge of their systems. Solar energy is quite an investment, hence the need to enjoy your value for money. It is necessary to take note of the following: –
Ensure solar energy modules are properly installed.
It is very important to make sure that your solar modules are correctly mounted. This decision also comes with other considerations that are:-
1. Does your roof need repairs?
The state of your roof is a big consideration as repairing it will be costly and besides it might be dangerous. Solar modules must be mounted on a roof that is in good state to avoid any accidents in the future.
2. Do you have a north facing roof?
In Zimbabwe, it is important to ensure your roof is north-facing for solar modules to generate the most power.
3. Did you look around for installers?
A certified solar installer is always recommended. Finding the right installer means getting as many quotations to compare and view jobs done prior. This is done to ensure that you get the best from the investment.
4. What about warranties?
What sort of warrant does the installer offer on the workmanship? Ensure that you work with an installer who will provide warranty for the modules offered and work done. This will protect both you and the installer in case of future issues relating to the system.
5. Are you connecting to the grid?
Are you net metering or it is for your use only? This affects the number of panels as ZETDC has a specific number of wattage for you to be allowed to take part in net metering.
6. Orientation, elevation and shading.
Will the panels be partially shaded at any point of the day?
7. What about costs?
Are you aware of the costs that come with the module installations? Balance of system costs generally comes down when you make use of high wattage panels
Before the installation is done, do check the above mentioned issues and make your worthwhile investment!
The future of Solar Energy in Zimbabwe.
Energy Sector
Zimbabwe faces persistent power shortages emanating from a mismatch between the Electricity generated from the power plants of approximately 1400MW given peak demand of 2200MW. This deficit is still there considering the installed capacity of 1940MW. The country imports electricity from South Africa , Mozambique and the DRC to plug in the gap and also load sheds when the need arises .
Access to Electricity
There are still a huge number of households, bothin urban and rural areasthat are still not on the grid, thus approximately 300,000 urban and 1,200,000 rural households. This access is through a transmission grid of approximately 120,000km of distribution lines. The electricity tariffs follow a steeped Usage Rate which means the more you use the more you get charged for the next marginal unit.
Why Solar In Zimbabwe
Solar stands as the next best alternative power source for an economy in which the reliability of state controlled Utility power is not guaranteed. Distributed power is more ideal as it cuts transmission costs and offers a more reliable and stable power source which has a positive impact on the environment.
Most of the world’s generated electricity is forecasted to come from renewables and Zimbabwe has to be a leader in installed capacity. Drastically lower production costs, growing concerns around climate change, a greater appreciation in Solar Power Production is set to increase awareness and the role that Solar Energy has to play in Zimbabwe.
Household utilization has already surged and given interest from mining firms, listed companies and IPP’s spurred on by the Renewable Energy Policy Solar will take its rightful place at the head of the renewable energy table