Many of you tend to be more interested in solar rooftops, which is a clean energy option that helps save the world even more. What’s important is about the value we gain after the installation, whether reduced monthly electricity or surplus energy that can be sold back to the grid. As a result, solar rooftops are a cost-effective and attractive clean energy solution for modern factories.
Solar Rooftop, A Clean Energy Solution for the Modern Industrial Sector
Many operators, especially those in the modern industrial sector, probably shift their intention to using clean energy. They prefer having solar rooftops so as to generate electricity for domestic use using the panels installed on the roof. This is another way to help reduce cost of electricity in the factories and to develop into a green, environmentally-sound industry, because this renewable energy reduces the combustion of fuel that causes pollution.
Get to Know More About ‘Solar Rooftop’
Solar rooftop is a power generation system that can be installed on houses, offices, and factory buildings. The system will generate electricity for use with the electricity distribution system. So, it is an effective way to reduce monthly electricity bills. Solar Rooftop will convert the direct current electricity obtained from the solar cells into alternating current using an inverter, which will then be fed to the power distribution system of the Electricity Authority. Advantages of installing solar rooftops, besides reducing electricity cost, are that we can sell electricity back to the grid, specifically to the Metropolitan Electricity Authority or the Provincial Electricity Authority.
Ban Bueng Distribution Center
SYS distribution center is a great example of energy saving and efficient sites. There are solar panels installed at the office area, parking space, and scales to produce 240 KW of electricity for the use of machines such as cranes, cutting machines, resulting in reduced electricity consumption by up to 800-1,000 kWh, or around 3,000 baht per day. Reducing electricity consumption is indeed a way to lessen the amount of carbon emitted by the electricity generation process; and SYS has achieved a reduction of 138,000 kg.CO2/year, or equivalent to using 15,000 trees to absorb this amount of Carbon.
That is to say, on top of energy efficiency and cost saving, it’s also environmentally sound and helps reduce GHG emissions thanks to the solar power, another clean energy.
Choose the Right Solar System
Solar rooftops are divided into 3 types:
1. On-Grid System: A system that connects power transmission lines where the solar panels will be connected to the Grid-Tie Inverter. DC power will be converted into AC for further use in the building. This system will be connected to the electricity distribution system of the Electricity Authority. It’s popular among consumers as it allows users to sell surplus electricity back to the grid. In this regard, installation of this system requires approval from the relevant authorities.
2. Hybrid: It’s a system that comes with a “battery” for power backup and further use when there is no sunlight. So, this system is useful for buildings with frequent power outages, because it can draw electricity in the battery during an emergency.
3. Off-Grid System: The operation is similar to ‘on-grid’ and ‘hybrid’, that is, it will collect power in the inverter and convert DC to AC power for use in the building, as well as storing energy in the battery. However, this system is not connected to the electricity distribution system, thus does not require permission to install and is suitable for homes where electricity has not yet been available by official authorities.
Solar rooftop is very suitable for factories that are liable for electricity charges of 50,000 baht or more, where the consumption load during the day is high. So, if you invest in it, you will have a chance of getting paid back within 6-7 years. Or, you may rent (Leasing) one instead of investing in the entire system.
Structure Steel for Solar Rooftop
Whether it’s a metal sheet roof or roof slab, it can support the installation of solar panels. The solar panel equipment installed on the roof will weigh 10-12 kg/sqm. In installing one, you must take into consideration the roof structure material and lifetime use. It is thus necessary to consult a structural engineer to check whether the original roof structure can support the load or not. For the installation of solar rooftops in large factories where a large number of solar panels and loads need to be put on, the supporting roof structure requires extra attention to strength. Therefore, H-BEAM steel structure is suitable for roof design for factories that want to put solar panels on the roof as it can offer better strength.
Today, for plant owners who want to save energy through using renewable energy that reduces carbon emissions in the atmosphere, the installation of Solar Rooftop is one of the interesting alternative green energy systems as it is convenient to install, cost-effective and environmentally friendly.