PHOTOVOLTAICS: All you need to know
1. PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS
What is a photovoltaic system?
A photovoltaic system converts the sun’s rays to electricity. A photovoltaic installation, irrespective of its size, is an ecological unit that produces electrical power.
How does such a system work?
Photovoltaic modules absorb the sun’s rays, converting them to electrical energy. This is then fed to an inverter and from that to the electricity grid.
Which are main types of photovoltaic systems?
There are two main types – mono-crystalline and multi-crystalline. As Cyprus has a high average of sunshine hours, SunPower primarily imports multi-crystalline systems from one of Europe’s biggest manufacturers of wafers, cells and modules – Photowatt.
What is the ‘life expectancy’ of a photovoltaic system?
Photowatt, which is represented in Cyprus by SunPower, gives an optimum performance warranty of 25 years. It guarantees that in 25 years it will be producing, at least 80 per cent of the energy it produces today. But the ‘productive life’ of a photovoltaic could exceed 40 years. For example, there are photovoltaic systems in space which have been operating for almost half a century.
How do we use the electrical power that is produced?
a) When the photovoltaic system is installed close to the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) grid, all the power produced is diverted to the grid and the supplier is paid a subsidised rate by EAC.
b) When the installation is in a remote area then it will operate as an autonomous system. In such a case, the electrical power produced is diverted to batteries which provide a house with power if and when it is required. At present, SunPower has suspended the installation of all autonomous systems.
What do producers mean by 1kWp?
When a system is absorbing the sun’s rays at 1 kW per square metre, it has the capability to produce electrical power on 1 kW.
2. INSTALLATION OF PHOTOVOLTAIC systems
What does a photovoltaic installation consist of?
It consists of the modules, the stainless steel frame on which they are placed, an inverter which converts direct current to alternate current, a control system and an electricity meter.
Where is the photovoltaic system placed?
It is usually installed on the roof of a building, and can even constitute the roof itself. It can also be placed on the ground dependent on space and on condition that there is nothing blocking the sun’s rays.
How much space is required for the installation of a system?
For a 1 kW system, about 8 square metres are needed for a steep roof. For a flat roof 14 square metres are required for 1 kW.
Does a system affect the look of a building?
Modules usually blend in well with a building. Photowatt’s modules are aesthetically pleasing as they look like a mosaic made up of different shades of blue.
How much time is needed for a 5kW system to be installed?
The time needed is usually three days. Of course, the whole procedure, from application to official approval could take a few months.
3. STATE SUBSIDY
What is the level of the state’s subsidy?
The state subsidises 55% of the cost of the system (excl VAT is added) in the case of private individual and non-profit organisations. For companies, the subsidy is 40% as they are entitled to claim VAT back. On each electricity bill, there is a charge for “renewable energy sources” which is 0.13 cents/kWh consumed by each subscriber. As photovoltaic systems are a source of renewable energy, they are subsidized by EAC’s subscribers.
What is the maximum level of kW per installation that can be subsidised? The state subsidises small and larger installations up to 20kW.
Is there an average sized system for a house?
No, it is dependant on individual requirements. SunPower prepares specific studies to establish the total electricity requirements of the house taking into account various factors.
Is a 5kW system adequate for a house, connected to the EAC grid, or will it face a shortfall in its power supply?
The house remains connected to the EAC grid even after the installation of the system. The electricity produced by the photovoltaic system is diverted to the grid through a separate meter so that the homeowner can check the power being being sold to the EAC at the price of 12 cents/kWh.
Who undertakes the paper-work involved in securing the subsidy from the state?
SunPower prepares and submits all the necessary documentation required by the government on behalf of the client. The customer needs to supply various documents. More details can be seen under Documentation on the website.
Are any payment/loan facilities available?
SunPower arranges special loans with the main banks. Clients make a small down-payment whereafter they make monthly repayments which can be almost exclusively taken from the revenue received from the sale of electricity to the EAC.
4. SALE OF PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER
Is the EAC obliged to buy the electricity produced by renewable energy sources?
Yes. EAC signs a contract with the owner of the installation undertaking to buy the electricity produced by the photovoltaic system, for 15 years, at a fixed price of 12 cents/kWh (it should be noted that EAC is currently selling electricity at between 4.2 and 6.5 cents/kWh. After 15 years, EAC undertakes to buy the electricity at the price it is selling to households.
Will the householder be able to monitor production of the photovoltaic system?
Yes. The charge regulator records in detail, the output of the system giving the owner an accurate reading of electricity is produced.
How will the householder be paid for the electricity supplied to the grid?
EAC will send a cheque for the value of electricity supplied at regular intervals (every two months) for the first 15 years. After this period, the householder’s electricity bill will be credited with the value of electricity sold to EAC.
Are there maintenance costs for a photovoltaic system?
No. There are no maintenance costs or operational costs as the system only uses the sun’s rays which are free! As photovoltaic systems do not have moving parts, the modules require almost no maintenance apart from dusting them twice or three times annually to ensure optimum output.
5. SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT
Is there a risk of electrocuting oneself?
No, because the modules and the wiring are safely sealed to protect them from adverse weather conditions. Before connecting the system, EAC carries out an on-the-spot inspection of the installation to ensure all specifications and safety standards have been met. EAC’s approval is a requisite for the granting of the subsidy.
Are phtotovoltaics safe from extreme weather conditions?
Yes. They are built to withstand all types of weather conditions operating at optimum levels even in cloudy weather. The installation has been tested and found to withstand winds of up to 165kmh. Photowatt guarantees that its modules would not be harmed by hailstones the size of tennis balls.
Are photovoltaic systems environmentally friendly?
About 99% of a module is made up of silicon - a natural resource that is abundant. Photovoltaic energy is renewable energy which takes nothing from the environment which is why it has full approval from the European Union.
What are the main environmental advantages?
As they do not use traditional fuel or have moving parts, photovoltaic systems are clean and silent producers of energy.
What are the main benefits of photovoltaic systems for our society?
- The raw material silicon from which photovoltaics are made, is an abundant resource
- Long life systems with no maintenance costs
- Increase electricity supply in a clean and environmentally-friendly way.
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