ABSTRACT
This chapter is an introduction to the design and installation of standalone PV systems. These are autonomous PV systems not connected to the grid. They range in size from pocket calculators to tens of kilowatts The range of possible configurations is also considerable. Some standalone PV systems, known as PV-hybrid systems, also have another power source (a diesel-, gas- or biofuel generator or a wind or hydro-generator). Applications are varied - from airfield landing lights to telecommunication systems, not to mention satellites; and so are geographical locations - from the Sahara to the Arctic. The type of stand-alone PV system discussed here are mainly systems from about 40 Wp to about 1 kWp. The chapter will not deal with the design and manufacture of small integrated systems such as portable solar lanterns nor, at the other end of the scale, will it deal with the design and installation of very large systems (> 1 kWp) or hybrid systems. Readers wishing to design and install stand-alone PV systems will need more information than can be presented here - see 7.6 Sources of further information for suggested additional reading. National electrical codes also need to be referred to and installation manuals consulted The market for stand-alone systems and marketing them is discussed in 1.5.6 The market for stand-alone photovoitaics. The cost structure of stand-alone systems is different from that of grid-tied systems. The PV modules are typically between 30% to 50% of the cost of a system. Batteries usually have to be included in the cost estimate, but possibly also low energy and DC appliances. The fact that most systems are in remote locations also adds to the cost.
