Smart Photovoltaic Systems - a Study, Part a (plug and Play)

To build a PV system in a villa, I started with a 'plug-and-play' (or 'balcony') system for tests and measurements. From this first success, I am now moving on to more demanding systems.

The full project can be downloaded here https://github.com/msillano/DIY-photovoltaic-smart/raw/main/fotovoltaico-part-A-v2-en.pdf.

Why plug-and-play?

• low cost

Project A1 (200 Wp) Cost: 258 €

Project A2 (300 Wp, WiFi) Cost: 384 €

Cost per kWp: 1280 € (costs including taxes and transport).

• simplicity of installation and connection

Easily movable: railing, terrace, window, wall...

Connectable to any existing socket

- semi-flexible solar panels, 100 Wp, 1050x530x3 mm, 1.9 Kg

- mini-inverter:

project A1: GM300 (or TSOL 350)

project A2: Y&H SG-300W (with WiFi)

I have tested them both, my preference goes for the second one.

Simple construction: details can be found here https://github.com/msillano/DIY-photovoltaic-smart/raw/main/fotovoltaico-part-A-v2-en.pdf.

An online simulator can be used to evaluate the potential of photovoltaics. 

There are many, the most used is the European Union's PVGIS Photovoltaic Geographical Information System. I use it often, both in the design phase and in the test phase.

Instructions can be found here https://github.com/msillano/DIY-photovoltaic-smart/raw/main/fotovoltaico-part-A-v2-en.pdf.

A balcony solar panel is an easy do-it-yourself project.

The 200 Wp DIY plug-and-play solar panel has the production shown between 9:00 and 15:00 (solar) in July, with a total between 0.6 and 0.7 kWh/day.

There is therefore a self-consumption of 100% if between 9:00 and 15:00 the electricity consumed is equal to or greater than the production (70-120 W).

In this case, the entire annual production (estimated 220 kWh ) is used, with an annual saving (considering 0.40 €/kWh on the bill) of €90.2. and a very short period of amortization (about 4 years), against the 20 years of presumed life.

This is only a brief summary of the project: the complete article, with analyses and examples, is online: https://github.com/msillano/DIY-photovoltaic-smart.

I hope this project can stimulate someone's ideas.