Introduction
Persons have asked a few times about solar, and with the ever-evolving technical landscape it’s hard to always keep up. Here’s some quick information to get you on the right track.
Solar installers - please don’t crucify me for using a lot of layman terms. The purpose of this thread is to give persons a basic understanding of what’s needed.
What You Need
For any solar setup you’ll need 3 basic things.
- Generation
- Storage
- Conversion
Let me try and break that down a bit.
Generation
For generating power you’ll need something related to renewable energy. As we’re focusing on solar, you’ll need panels. If you had the facilities for wind or water those could be used as well.
Storage
For solar specifically, you don’t have the sun shining at night time. Technically you do - but moonlight (the reflection from the sun) will not power your panels. Again, if you had other types of generation then you could get power when the sun isn’t out. Batteries would be your storage.
Conversion
Due to the generation and storage in DC power, you need to convert it to AC power for usage in your home. This is done through your inverter.
Summary of What You Need
So, to break it down again after giving you the details above - what you need would be:
- Panels.
- Mounts (rails).
- Batteries.
- Inverter.
- Charge Controller.
I’ve included the charge controller in the event that someone will be using an older system. Especially in Jamaica, not everyone can afford to buy the new items from the start. Some persons may purchase an older system from someone that’s upgrading. It gives a starting point and the ability to grow if the system supports it, or save towards a newer system. Theoretically.
The basic items aside, you’ll need the relevant cables, connectors and protection. These would include (not limited to:
- Secondary AC breaker panel.
- DC breakers.
- Fuses (if applicable).
- AC wires - from inverter to secondary AC breaker panel.
- DC wires.
- From solar panels to charge controller/inverter.
- From controller/inverter to batteries.
- From battery to inverter.
- Lightning arrestors.
- AC & DC.
- Terminals and connectors.
- Changeover switch (if applicable).
That’s about the basics that I can think of, and it can all add up. Older systems would use a separate charge controller while newer systems are including the charge controller inside the inverter.
Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of the items above
Secondary AC Breaker Panel
This is needed to isolate some items. It’s not always needed, so the solar installer would have to review with you and determine if it’s required. If everything will either be on JPS or solar, you may only need your existing panel.
DC Breakers
You will need these to be able to cut power from the devices for servicing purposes. These also provide protection for your (expensive) solar setup.
Fuses (If Applicable)
These may be used instead of (or together with) breakers - again for protection of the equipment.
AC Wires
The inverter will need to be run to your primary or secondary AC breaker panel depending on your setup.
DC Wires
You will need to connect all of the DC equipment together - panels, batteries and charge controllers (if applicable).
Lightning Arrestors
Aside from lightning hitting the equipment, there are two other things that could take place. If you’re still on grid, there could be lighting that causes surges along the main lines. This could feed back into your solar setup and cause damage if there is inadequate protection. Aside from directly hitting your panels or roof, there are times when lightning may flash very brightly and cause a sudden surge along the regular input lines. Having the DC lightning arrestor will reduce the risk of damage from both bright flashes and direct hits. Note that I say reduce and not prevent. There’s very little that can be done against lightning. Some very expensive equipment exists, but actual lightning storms may still bypass some setups.
Terminals & Connectors
This is somewhat self-explanatory. You need various connectors to go to the different equipment. Depending on how the system is configured, different connections of varying types and quantities may be required.
Changeover Switch
Lastly is the switch. There are automatic and manual versions available. The automatic one will switch between JPS and solar with little to no disruption in your supply. The manual one requires you to physically switch between the two supplies. If you’re fully off-grid then this does not apply as a switch wouldn’t be needed.
Hybrid
If you happen to get a hybrid inverter, you could run a daytime only system. Hybrid inverters do not need storage (batteries) and can go directly from sunlight (generation) to AC power in your home or business. This is dependent on the available sunlight however, but it should reduce your overall bills as most power is used (typically) during the daytime.
Cost
The cost will vary and depend on the brand or features. On the cheaper side, typically the big items would be about…
- Inverter - JMD$250,000.
- Batteries (flooded/regular) - JMD$60,000 each.
- Batteries (lithium) - JMD$250,000 each.
- Panels - JMD$40,000 each.
The wires, connectors and other things will depend on your site assessment. The number of panels and batteries will depend on your assessment as well, but the installer can typically give an idea with your last 3-4 electricity bills.
Given the information above - you’d need about…
- Panels x4 - JMD$160,000
- Hybrid Inverter x1 - JMD$250,000
- Battery (1x lithium or 8x flooded) - JMD$250,000
That takes you to almost JMD$700,000 and none of the other items are considered yet. You also don’t have the service/install fees included.
The minimum budget for any solar install should be about JMD$1,500,000 to cover all items, and this does not guarantee that you’ll be able to run off-grid fully. It’s a good start, and you can at least have backup power in the event of an outage. You’ll also be able to add/upgrade as you’re able to.
Financing
NHT has solar loans available.
https://www.nht.gov.jm/smart-energy-loan
Theirs may be the cheapest option for getting things going.
Feasibility
If your light bill isn’t around or over JMD$20,000 per month, going solar (or any renewable source) may not be for you.
If there’s no JPS in your area then slowly building out may be the best option.
Once your bill can be reduced or eliminated, and the total (or balance) that you’d normally pay to JPS can be paid towards the loan - I suggest you move ahead with that.
Considering the recent issues with Hurricane Beryl, persons should see many reasons why having their own source is a good idea.
Installers
Websites for known installers below. Contacts will be added for others as they become available.
Gamma Technologies
876-826-1006
WhatsApp Link
https://gammatechnologiesja.com/
Certified solar installers. Very good but very busy. Located in Mandeville but available islandwide with scheduling.
Mr. H. Spencer
876-772-3850
WhatsApp Link
Certified solar installer. Used by JPS for their renewable energy setups. Extremely busy but very good. If you do get through you’ll have to make an appointment.
Machine & Things
876-382-4184
WhatsApp Link
Certified solar installer. Located in the MoBay area but available islandwide with scheduling.