Solar
Energy Techonologies - Stand-alone SPV Power Plant
Introduction
A stand-alone SPV power plant is typically
designed for specific requirements. The capacity of
a stand-alone power plant varies from 1 kWp to 25 kWp,
and is some cases even higher. These systems are used
where conventional grid supply is not available, or
is erratic or irregular. A stand-alone power plant functions
like an uninterrupted power supply system (UPS) and
provides a constant, stable, and reliable supply to
the loads. These power plants can also be used in areas
where grid supply is available; in such places the power
plants operate like a hybrid power plant, working with
grid, as well as with SPV. The capacity of its battery
bank depends on user requirements. The most common use
for such plants is the electrification of remote villages.
Other uses include power for hospitals, hotels, communications
equipment, railway stations, border outposts, etc.,
Stand-alone SPV power plants comprise PV array, battery
bank, inverter, and charge controller. Depending on
the system voltage, SPV modules are arranged in series
and parallel combinations. The standard combinations
are 2,4,6,10,20 or more modules. The corresponding system
voltages are in the range of 24 to 240 V. The size of
the battery bank is determined by the system voltage
and ampere-hour requirements of the load. The inverter
is selected based on the system voltage and peak-load
capacities. Other components such as junction boxes,
distribution boxes, and cables are selected according
to the maximum amount of current to be handled by them.
Cost
The cost of a stand-alone power plant depends on the
PV array size, battery bank capacity, inverter, etc.
The approximate cost of stand-alone power plant is between
Rs 3.00 lakhs and Rs 3.50 lakhs per kW of PV capacity.
Distribution costs (such as in a village) may be extra.
Contact:
Ministry of Non-Conventonal Energy Sources,
Govt. of India
Block-14, CGO Complex, Lodi Road
New Delhi – 110 003
Tel: 91 11 2436 0707/ 2436 0404
Fax: 91 11 2436 1298
